bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of interventions to manage international wildlife trade
Authors: Öckerman Siri L. A. , Cheng Samantha H. , Bicknell Jake E. , Robinson Janine E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA range of interventions have been established to manage international wildlife trade and protect traded species; however, there is little consensus as to whether, when, and how they are effective. Here, through a comprehensive, systematic review of >8000 articles, we appraise the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions on conservation, biological, and/or socio‐economic outcomes. Our systematic review examined four intervention types: “laws and regulations”, “detection and enforcement”, “efforts to reduce threats to species”, and “support local livelihoods”. We find that while laws and regulations were most well‐studied, with some reported positive outcomes, over half of articles reported unintended consequences including shifting exploitation and trade routes, increased illegal trade, and socio‐economic trade‐offs. Detection and enforcement efforts appeared effective in protecting target species but limited for high‐value species especially when combined with low reproductive rates. Efforts to reduce threats to species (particularly through area protection) had positive biological impacts, but some socio‐economic trade‐offs were reported. Evidence on community‐based approaches was limited but our review indicated positive synergies occurring between conservation and socio‐economic outcomes. Overall, socio‐economic outcomes were underrepresented, limiting understanding of potentially important socio‐ecological feedbacks. This review furthers understanding of relevant conditions, risks and enabling factors around effectiveness of wildlife trade interventions.
Monitoring change: A Behavior‐Centered Theory of Change for effective demand reduction interventions
Authors: Sánchez‐Mercado Ada , Moran Lisandro , Pineda María Daniela , Cardozo‐Urdaneta Arlene , Rodríguez Jon Paul 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBehavior change campaigns are crucial in combatting illegal wildlife trade (IWT) by reducing demand, but assessing their impact requires robust strategies. The Behavior‐Centered Theory of Change (BC‐ToC) integrates Theory of Change frameworks with decision‐making models to design and evaluate interventions using behavioral and progress indicators. We used BC‐ToC to design two behavioral change interventions aimed at reducing demand for two threatened Venezuelan bird species: the Yellow‐shouldered Amazon (YSA) and the Red Siskin (RS). We developed workshops to engage community organizations and conservationists to identify audience groups, evaluate alternative behaviors considering impact and benefits, and define behavior‐based indicators for monitoring change. For YSA, two audience groups with similar demand motivations emerged: “common folks” (women, 20–70 yo, low education) and “young professionals” (20–30 yo, educated). Enjoying parrots through outdoor activities emerged as an alternative. For RS, the main audience segments were the breeder groups “South American node” (Venezuelan and Brazilian) and “Iberian node” (Spaniels and Portuguese). Iberian with wider age range (30–60 yo) and greater education than South American. Adopting responsible sourcing practices surfaced as the alternative behavior. We described behavioral levers, intermediary outputs, and indicators reflecting changes in knowledge, attitudes, norms, and control. We discussed challenges for adoption, emphasizing systemic barriers and the role of regulations, and provided ground‐tailored strategies for effective behavioral interventions.
Evaluating the impact of differing completion rates of a face‐to‐face DIABETES self‐management education programme on Patient Reported Outcome measures (DIABETES PRO): A feasibility trial protocol
Authors: Lewis Gemma , Irving Greg , Wilding John , Hardy Kevin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionStructured diabetes self‐management education (DSME) is internationally recommended for people with type 2 diabetes to support self‐management and to prevent associated long‐term complications. ‘Attendance’ at DSME is currently benchmarked as having completed a registration form and at least one active engagement with programme content, and ‘completion’ measured against ≥60% completion, despite landmark trials reporting outcomes based on the full completion of a programme. Little is known about the effectiveness of DSME on the psychological and emotional health of people with diabetes who complete less than the full DSME programme. We report a protocol for a single‐centre randomised feasibility study to assess the impact of differing completion rates of a face‐to‐face DSME programme on patient reported outcomes of self‐care, diabetes distress and quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes.MethodsA randomised feasibility study in 120 people with type 2 diabetes due to attend a secondary care diabetes clinic in the North West UK for DSME. Participants will be randomised into one of the four groups: Group 1 full DSME programme, Group 2 60%, Group 3 10% and Group 4 0% (delayed education). Psychometric questionnaire scores will be evaluated at baseline and 3–4 months post‐intervention. Measures of feasibility (eligibility, recruitment and retention rates) will be reported.Ethics and DisseminationThe DIABETES‐PRO study was approved by the London–Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee (24/LO/0235). Results will be shared with study participants and published in peer‐reviewed journals.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT06419907.
Glycated haemoglobin variability and risk of renal function decline in type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Shihan , Song Shuoning , Gao Junxiang , Duo Yanbei , Gao Yuting , Fu Yong , Dong Yingyue , Yuan Tao , Zhao Weigang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) variability and risk of renal function decline in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Research Design and MethodsA comprehensive search was carried out in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library (until 12 March 2024). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines were followed for this meta‐analysis. HbA1c variability was presented as indices of the standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), HbA1c variability score (HVS) and haemoglobin glycation index (HGI). This meta‐analysis was performed using random‐effect models.ResultsEighteen studies met the objectives of this meta‐analysis. The analyses showed positive associations between HbA1c variability and kidney function decline, with hazard ratio (HR) 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.38) for high versus low SD groups, HR 1.47 (95% CI 1.30–1.65) for CV groups, HR 1.32 (95% CI 1.10–1.57) for HVS groups and HR 1.53 (95% CI 1.05–2.23) for HGI groups. In addition, each 1% increase in SD and CV was linked to kidney function decline, with HR 1.26 (95% CI 1.17–1.35), and 1.13 (95% CI 1.03–1.23), respectively. Also, each 1‐SD increase in SD of HbA1c was associated with deterioration in renal function, with HR 1.17 (95% CI 1.07–1.29).ConclusionsThe four HbA1c variability indicators were all positively associated with renal function decline progression; therefore, HbA1c variability might play an important and promising role in guiding glycaemic control targets and predicting kidney function decline progression in T2DM.
Non‐invasive metabolic biomarkers in initial cognitive impairment in patients with diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Meng‐Di , Deng Chao‐Fan , Chen Peng‐Fei , Li Ao , Wu Hua‐Ze , Ouyang Fan , Hu Xu‐Guang , Liu Jian‐Xin , Wang Shu‐Mei , Tang Dan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimDiabetic cognitive impairment (DCI), considered one of the most severe and commonly overlooked complications of diabetes, has shown inconsistent findings regarding the metabolic profiles in DCI patients. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to identify dysregulated metabolites as potential biomarkers for early DCI, providing valuable insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.Materials and MethodsA systematic search of four databases, namely PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane, was conducted up to March 2024. Subsequently, a qualitative review of clinical studies was performed followed by a meta‐analysis of metabolite markers. Finally, the sources of heterogeneity were explored through subgroup and sensitivity analyses.ResultsA total of 774 unique publications involving 4357 participants and the identification of multiple metabolites were retrieved. Of these, 13 clinical studies reported metabolite differences between the DCI and control groups. Meta‐analysis was conducted for six brain metabolites and two metabolite ratios. The results revealed a significant increase in myo‐inositol (MI) concentration and decreases in glutamate (Glu), Glx (glutamate and glutamine) and N‐acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr) ratios in DCI, which have been identified as the most sensitive metabolic biomarkers for evaluating DCI progression. Notably, brain metabolic changes associated with cognitive impairment are more pronounced in type 2 diabetes mellitus than in type 1 diabetes mellitus, and the hippocampus emerged as the most sensitive brain region regarding metabolic changes associated with DCI.ConclusionsOur results suggest that MI, Glu, and Glx concentrations and NAA/Cr ratios within the hippocampus may serve as metabolic biomarkers for patients with early‐stage DCI.
The influence of paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus soluble guanylate cyclase on autonomic and neuroendocrine responses to acute restraint stress in rats
Authors: Busnardo Cristiane , Crestani Carlos C. , Fassini Aline , Scarambone Bianca M. , Packard Benjamin A. , Resstel Leonardo B. M. , Herman James P. , Correa Fernando M. A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) regulates physiological and behavioural responses evoked by stressful stimuli, but the local neurochemical and signalling mechanisms involved are not completely understood. The soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) within the PVN is implicated in autonomic and cardiovascular control in rodents under resting conditions. However, the involvement of PVN sGC‐mediated signalling in stress responses is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of sGC within the PVN in cardiovascular, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and local neuronal responses to acute restraint stress in rats. Bilateral microinjection of the selective sGC inhibitor ODQ (1 nmol/100 nl) into the PVN reduced both the increased arterial pressure and the drop in cutaneous tail temperature evoked by restraint stress, while the tachycardia was enhanced. Intra‐PVN injection of ODQ did not alter the number of Fos‐immunoreactive neurons in either the dorsal cap parvocellular (PaDC), ventromedial (PaV), medial parvocellular (PaMP), or lateral magnocelllular (PaLM) portions of the PVN following acute restraint stress. Local microinjection of ODQ into the PVN did not affect the restraint‐induced increases in plasma corticosterone concentration. Taken together, these findings suggest that sGC‐mediated signalling in the PVN plays a key role in acute stress‐induced pressor responses and sympathetically mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction, whereas the tachycardiac response is inhibited. Absence of an effect of ODQ on corticosterone and PVN neuronal activation in and the PaV and PaMP suggests that PVN sGC is not involved in restraint‐evoked hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis activation and further indicates that autonomic and neuroendocrine responses are dissociable at the level of the PVN.
Risk of aspiration pneumonia and hospital mortality in Parkinson disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chua Wei Yu , Wang Jia Dong James , Chan Claire Kar Min , Chan Ling‐Ling , Tan Eng‐King 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeThis study was undertaken to conduct a meta‐analysis on the prevalence of aspiration pneumonia (AP) and hospital mortality in Parkinson disease (PD) as well as the risk of AP in PD patients compared to controls.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE and Embase from inception to 19 March 2024 to identify cross‐sectional, cohort, and case–control studies comparing the frequency of AP and hospital mortality in PD patients. We computed risk ratios (RRs) with accompanying 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each study and pooled the results using a random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsA total of 781 studies were initially screened, and 13 studies involving 541,785,587 patients were included. Patients with PD had >3 times higher risk of AP compared to controls (RR = 3.30, 95% CI = 1.82–6.00, p < 0.0001). This increased risk was similar in both cohort studies (RR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.10–8.24, p = 0.03) and case–control studies (RR = 3.86, 95% CI = 3.84–3.87, p < 0.00001). The prevalence of AP in 12 studies was 2.74% (95% CI = 1.69–4.41), and hospital mortality was 10% in six studies (10.0%, 95% CI = 5.32–18.0). Prevalence of AP was higher in studies with smaller sample size (5.26%, 95% CI = 3.08–8.83 vs. 2.06%, 95% CI = 1.19–3.55, p = 0.02).ConclusionsOur meta‐analysis showed that patients with PD had >3 times higher risk of AP, with an average 2.74% prevalence and 10.0% hospital mortality. Early recognition and treatment of AP in PD patients will help reduce morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary holistic approach is needed to address the multifactorial causes of AP.
Development and validation of an electronic Symbol‐Digit Modalities Test for remote monitoring of people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dini Michelangelo , Gamberini Giulia , Tacchini Marta , Boschetti Angela , Gradassi Alessandro , Chiveri Luca , Rodegher Mariaemma , Comi Giancarlo , Leocani Letizia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundComputerized cognitive tests may extend the reach of cognitive screening and monitoring to those with mobility issues or living in remote areas. Moreover, it could enable frequent and autonomous remote cognitive assessments in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) on account of its reduced economic and organizational costs. This may further improve our understanding of longitudinal trends and significantly improve the standard of care for pwMS living in remote areas or with mobility limitations. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of an electronic Symbol‐Digit Modalities Test (eSDMT) designed to allow pwMS to perform a rapid cognitive assessment independently from home using their own PC/laptop.MethodsSixty‐two participants underwent a neuropsychological evaluation, and then performed the eSDMT in the clinic. Forty‐two participants also repeated the eSDMT at home. We assessed concurrent validity (eSDMT vs. oral SDMT), test–retest reliability (in the clinic vs. at home), discriminant validity (pwMS with/without cognitive impairment), and other psychometric characteristics of the eSDMT (effect of age, sex, and education on test scores).ResultsWe observed good‐to‐excellent concurrent validity (r ≥ 0.84, all p < 0.0001) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]>0.87, all p < 0.0001). Discriminant validity was excellent (area under the curves [AUCs] >0.84, all p < 0.0001). eSDMT scores were only slightly influenced by demographic characteristics (all R2 < 0.200).ConclusionsWe provided evidence which supports the use of our eSDMT as a feasible, valid, and reliable remote assessment of cognitive function in pwMS. Future studies will investigate long‐term reliability and predictive power.
One‐step multiple kernel k‐means clustering based on block diagonal representation
Authors: Chen Cuiling , Li Zhi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMultiple kernel k‐means clustering (MKKC) can efficiently incorporate multiple base kernels to generate an optimal kernel. Many existing MKKC methods all need two‐step operation: learning clustering indicator matrix and performing clustering on it. However, the optimal clustering results of two steps are not equivalent to those of original problem. To address this issue, in this paper we propose a novel method named one‐step multiple kernel k‐means clustering based on block diagonal representation (OS‐MKKC‐BD). By imposing a block diagonal constraint on the product of indicator matrix and its transpose, this method can encourage the indicator matrix to be block diagonal. Then the indicator matrix can produce explicit clustering indicator, so as to implement one‐step clustering, which avoids the disadvantage of two‐step operation. Furthermore, a simple kernel weighting strategy is used to obtain an optimal kernel, which boosts the quality of optimal kernel. In addition, a three‐step iterative algorithm is designed to solve the corresponding optimization problem, where the Riemann conjugate gradient iterative method is used to solve the optimization problem of the indicator matrix. Finally, by extensive experiments on eleven real data sets and comparison of clustering results with 10 MKC methods, it is concluded that OS‐MKKC‐BD is effective.
KRILLSCAN: An automated open‐source software for processing and analysis of echosounder data from the Antarctic krill fishery
Authors: Menze Sebastian , Macaulay Gavin J. , Zhang Guosong , Lowther Andrew D. , Krafft Bjørn A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractKrillscan software was developed to automatically process echosounder data and achieve an accelerated and transparent analysis of backscatter data that allows calculation of target biomass. Herein, the fishery for Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba, Henceforth Krill) was used as a case study to develop the approach. Implementation of a sustainable management strategy for the krill fishery is complicated by a lack of regularly updated krill abundance data on spatiotemporal scales of the fishery. To increase krill biomass data availability, automatic echosounder data processing and swarm detection software was tested against traditional manual scrutinization with LSSS software and agreed with only minor offsets in estimated nautical area scattering coefficients. In addition to automatic processing and data transfer, Krillscan also has a graphical user interface to supervise automatic krill swarm detection. Echogram size can be compressed up to 100 times and raw data are processed faster than generated, thereby enabling near‐real time analysis and data transfer. Compressed data can be transmitted online to allow fishing vessels to conduct surveys without having scientific personnel with special expertise on board.
Elevating water table reduces net ecosystem carbon losses from global drained wetlands
Authors: Liu Ning , Wang Quancheng , Zhou Ronglei , Zhang Ruiyang , Tian Dashuan , Gaffney Paul P. J. , Chen Weinan , Gan Dezhao , Zhang Zelong , Niu Shuli , Ma Lei , Wang Jinsong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDrained wetlands are thought to be carbon (C) source hotspots, and rewetting is advocated to restore C storage in drained wetlands for climate change mitigation. However, current assessments of wetland C balance mainly focus on vertical fluxes between the land and atmosphere, frequently neglecting lateral carbon fluxes and land‐use effects. Here, we conduct a global synthesis of 893 annual net ecosystem C balance (NECB) measures that include net ecosystem exchange of CO2, along with C input via manure fertilization, and C removal through biomass harvest or hydrological exports of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon, across wetlands of different status and land uses. We find that elevating water table substantially reduces net ecosystem C losses, with the annual NECB decreasing from 2579 (95% interval: 1976 to 3214) kg C ha−1 year−1 in drained wetlands to −422 (−658 to −176) kg C ha−1 year−1 in natural wetlands, and to −934 (−1532 to −399) kg C ha−1 year−1 in rewetted wetlands globally. Climate, land‐use history, and time since water table changes introduce variabilities, with drainage for (sub)tropical agriculture or forestry uses showing high annual C losses, while the net C losses from drained wetlands can continue to affect soil C pools for several decades. Rewetting all types of drained wetlands is needed, particularly for those formerly agriculture‐used (sub)tropical wetlands where net ecosystem C losses can be largely reduced. Our findings suggest that elevating water table is an important initiative to reduce C losses in degraded wetlands, which could contribute to policy decisions for managing wetlands to enhance their C sequestration.
Hindcasted Body Temperatures Reveal Underestimated Thermal Stress Faced by Intertidal Species
Authors: Ma Lin‐Xuan , Wang Jie , Denny Mark W. , Dong Yun‐Wei 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAimAs global climate changes, there is a clear mismatch between the temporal and spatial characteristics of body temperature and environmental temperature, confounding the assessment of thermal stress for organisms in many ecological studies. Here, we hindcast the hourly body temperatures of intertidal molluscs to explore the differences between them and environmental temperatures (air and water temperatures) in multiple metrics of thermal stress.LocationIntertidal shores in East Asia (0°–45°N, 100°E–140°E).Time Period40 years, 1980 to 2019.Major Taxa StudiedMollusca.MethodsWe collected habitat zonation data and measured the morphological characteristics of 25 intertidal molluscs living in East Asia. For three different types of intertidal molluscs (i.e., bivalves, limpets and snails), we built corresponding heat budget models (HBMs) to hindcast the hourly body temperatures from 1980 to 2019. We analysed the thermal stress of intertidal species faced in three metrics, annual extreme high temperatures (T99), seasonal daily maximum temperatures (DMT) and heatwaves, and compared them with environmental temperatures.ResultsWe found that T99 of body temperatures and their interannual warming rates are significantly higher than those of environmental temperatures. Moreover, there were non‐negligible mismatches between the seasonal thermal pattern and heatwaves of body temperatures and environmental temperatures, suggesting that the deleterious impacts of global warming on intertidal species are underestimated and cannot be directly revealed by environmental temperatures.Main ConclusionsThermal stress patterns of body temperature were significantly different from those of environmental temperature, and the thermal stress faced by intertidal species had been persistently underestimated. These results emphasise that body temperature should be used as the appropriate metric for evaluating and predicting the impacts of global warming and weather extremes in the intertidal biological system.