bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Symptomatology and Diagnosis of Domoic Acid Toxicosis in Stranded California Sea Lions: A Review and Evaluation of 20 Years of Cases to Guide Prognosis
Authors: McClain Abby M. , Field Cara L. , Norris Tenaya A. , Borremans Benny , Duignan Pádraig J. , Johnson Shawn P. , Whoriskey Sophie T. , Thompson-Barbosa Lorraine , Gulland Frances M. D. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDomoic acid (DA) is a glutaminergic excitatory neurotoxin that causes morbidity and mortality of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus; CSL) and other marine mammals due to a suite of effects mostly on the nervous and cardiac systems. Between 1998 and 2019, 11,737 live-stranded CSL were admitted to The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC; Sausalito, CA, USA), over 2,000 of which were intoxicated by DA. A plethora of clinical research has been performed over the past 20 years to characterize the range of toxic effects of DA exposure on CSLs, generating the largest dataset on the effects of natural exposure to this toxin in wildlife. Here we review published methods for diagnosing DA intoxication, clinical presentation and treatment of DA-intoxicated CSL, and present a practical, reproducible scoring system called the neuroscore (NS) to help assess whether a DA-affected CSL is fit for release to the wild following rehabilitation. The largest proportion of DA-intoxicated CSL were adult females (58.6%). The proportions of acute and chronic cases were 63.5% and 36.5%, respectively, with 44% of affected CSL released and 56% either dying naturally or euthanized. The average time in rehabilitation was 15.9 days (range 0-169) for all outcomes. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships between outcome (released vs. euthanized or died) and multiple variables to predict the outcome for a subset of 92 stranded CSLs. The best performing model (85% prediction accuracy; area under the curve = 0.90) consisted of four variables: final NS, change in NS over time, whether the animal began eating in rehabilitation, and the state of nutrition on admission. These results suggest that a behavioral scoring system is a useful tool to assess the fitness for release of stranded DA-intoxicated CSL.
Integration of human organoids single-cell transcriptomic profiles and human genetics repurposes critical cell type-specific drug targets for severe COVID-19
Authors: Ma Yunlong , Zhou Yijun , Jiang Dingping , Dai Wei , Li Jingjing , Deng Chunyu , Chen Cheng , Zheng Gongwei , Zhang Yaru , Qiu Fei , Sun Haojun , Xing Shilai , Han Haijun , Qu Jia , Wu Nan , Yao Yinghao , Su Jianzhong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHuman organoids recapitulate the cell type diversity and function of their primary organs holding tremendous potentials for basic and translational research. Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology and genome-wide association study (GWAS) have accelerated the biological and therapeutic interpretation of trait-relevant cell types or states. Here, we constructed a computational framework to integrate atlas-level organoid scRNA-seq data, GWAS summary statistics, expression quantitative trait loci, and gene-drug interaction data for distinguishing critical cell populations and drug targets relevant to COVID-19 severity. We found that 39 cell types across eight kinds of organoids were significantly associated with COVID-19 outcomes. Notably, subset of lung mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) increased proximity with fibroblasts predisposed to repair COVID-19-damaged lung tissue. Brain endothelial cell subset exhibited significant associations with severe COVID-19, and this cell subset showed a notable increase in cell-to-cell interactions with other brain cell types, including microglia. We repurposed 33 druggable genes, includingIFNAR2,TYK2, andVIPR2, and their interacting drugs for COVID-19 in a cell-type-specific manner. Overall, our results showcase that host genetic determinants have cellular specific contribution to COVID-19 severity, and identification of cell type-specific drug targets may facilitate to develop effective therapeutics for treating severe COVID-19 and its complications.
Creatine supplementation for optimisation of physical function in the patient at risk of functional disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Davies TW , Watson N , Pilkington JJ , McClelland TJ , Azzopardi G , Pearse RM , Prowle J , Puthucheary Z 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy of creatine replacement through supplementation for the optimisation of physical function in the population at risk of functional disability is unclear.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and CINAHL until November 2022. Studies included were randomised controlled trials comparing the use of creatine supplementation with placebo in older adults and adults with chronic disease. The primary outcome was physical function measured by the sit-to-stand test after pooling data using random effects modelling. We also performed a Bayesian meta-analysis to describe the treatment effect in probability terms. Secondary outcomes included other measures of physical function, muscle function and body composition. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.ResultsWe identified 33 RCTs, comprising 1076 participants. From 6 trials reporting the primary outcome, the pooled standardised mean difference was 0.51 (95% CI 0.01 to 1.00; I =62%; p=0.04); using weakly informative priors, the posterior probability that creatine supplementation improves physical function was 66.7%. Upper body muscle strength (SMD 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.44; I =0%; p=0.01), handgrip strength (SMD 0.23, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.45; I =0%; p=0.04) and lean tissue mass (MD 1.08kg; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.38; I =26%; p<0.01) improved with creatine supplementation. The quality of evidence for all outcomes was low or very low due to a high risk of bias.ConclusionCreatine supplementation improves sit-to-stand performance, muscle function and lean tissue mass. It is crucial to conduct high-quality prospective RCTs to confirm these hypotheses (Prospero number, CRD42023354929).
A Study of Patients undergoing Trigger Finger Release Surgery in a Primary Care setting – Organisational Capabilities, Outcomes and Benefits
Authors: Rizvi Fahad , Rong Ryan Chen Wei , Ethan Kong Amos , Pui Joshua Wong Chun , Khambhayata Neal , Arya Dhriti , Kapasi Tariq , Wilson Philippe B. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundTrigger finger is a common hand condition in which a finger is unable to fully extend due to a thickening of the tendon and its sheath, causing the finger to lock in a bent position.AimTo assess the viability of carrying out Trigger Finger surgeries in NHS primary care in terms of clinician and patient acceptance, experience and outcomes, and operational requirements of this service for wider application.Design and SettingIn this study, a total of 214 Trigger Finger Release Surgery procedures carried out between 22nd August 2019 and 25th October 2022 by a single hand surgeon in a single Primary Care surgery in Leicester, United Kingdom.MethodsData were analysed using data from SystemOne, which is a patient database linked with the National Health Service (NHS).Results and ConclusionHerein, we identify the opportunity to significantly reduce pressures on secondary care orthopaedic referrals as well as offer patients faster and effective surgical treatment within a primary care setting utilising far less NHS resources.How this fits inThere are huge challenges in addressing long orthopaedic waiting lists in UK secondary care, therefore these can be alleviated by completing standard and non-complex cases by qualified surgeons in the primary care sector. We describe a clinic set-up including operational requirements and positive patient outcomes for Trigger Finger surgeries carried out within a primary care network in Leicester, UK.
Effects of Covering Mature Avocado ‘Pinkerton’ Trees with High-Density Shading Nets during Cold Winters on Microclimate, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Flowering and Yield
Authors: Rubinovich Lior , Sofer-Arad Carmit , Chernoivanov Simon , Szenes Nitzan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAvocado (Persea americanaMill.) is a subtropical fruit tree of high commercial value with increasing global demand. Most avocado cultivars are vulnerable to cold climates, which may reduce yields and restrict their geographical expansion. This includes the green-skinned avocado cv. Pinkerton, which accounts for 45% of the avocado cultivated in northeastern Israel. Shading nets can protect agricultural crops from cold environments. We therefore evaluated the effect of covering mature ‘Pinkerton’ trees with high-density shading nets during the winter. Trees were covered with Silver-coloured 50% or 70% shading nets during three consecutive winters, while uncovered trees served as controls. Photosynthetically active radiation in plots covered with the Silver 50% or 70% nets was significantly lower than for the control by 52% and 90%, respectively. Minimum air temperature was similar between treatments. Maximum air temperature was generally lower under the shading nets compared to the control. The ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) measured in February 2019 and 2020 was 0.72 and 0.8 in the control trees, 0.79 and 0.83 in the Silver 50% trees and 0.81 and 0.84 in the Silver 70% trees, respectively. Flowering intensity was lower in the net-covered trees compared to the control, by up to 42%. Interestingly, the three-year average yield of trees covered with the Silver 50% or 70% nets was insignificantly higher by 27% and 38%, respectively, compared to the control trees. These results suggest that the reduction of daytime solar irradiance in the winter by the shading nets may mitigate cold stress and increase yield. Additional long-term studies should examine the effects of shading nets and other shading strategies on different avocado cultivars.
The biodiversity of eukaryotes in Bambara groundnut rhizosphere
Authors: Ajilogba CF , Gaebee L , Mothupi T , Babalola OO 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBambara groundnut has been observed to resist pest and drought, and still able to produce enormous yield when cultivated on poor soil. The advantages of the crop to farmers includes the fact that it produces enormous yield with very low agricultural input. The aim of the present study was to determine the taxonomic and microbial diversity, and identification of eukaryotic organisms in Bambara groundnut rhizosphere using microbiomeanalyst platform. A total of ten soil samples corresponding to the different growth stages were collected from Bambara groundnut rhizosphere over interval period of 4 weeks at North-West University agricultural farm, Mafikeng campus. These samples were assessed for the presence of eukaryotic organisms through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene. Metagenomics analysis using culture-independent technique (next generation sequencing (NGS)) by Paired end illumina-Miseq ™ technology sequencing with the prospect of discovering novel eukaryotes with plant growth promoting features was used. Statistical analysis was carried out to profile and confirm identities of detected organisms.Fifty-nine (59) features were detected from the 10 samples by microbiomeanalyst under data normalization and data cleaning. Taxonomic analysis showed that, 69% of the eukaryotes in the samples were Peronosporales while Thalassiosiraceae and others were 30% and 1% respectively. There was profound variance difference in the rhizosphere microbiome mainly at the OTU level which largely attributed to those taxa most strongly depleted by the plant.Thalassiosira pseudonana, which is a centric diatom found in marine environment was observed in this study. This is the first time so far thatT. pseudonanais observed in plants’ rhizosphere and its ability to withstand harsh environmental variation might contribute to the ability of Bambara groundnut to be able to withstand drought, pests and diseases.
Recent land use and land cover pressures on Iberian peatlands
Authors: Fernandes Raquel , Geraldes Miguel , Marchante Elizabete , Durán Jorge , Capinha César 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTIberian peatlands have been severely affected by land use and land cover (LULC) changes. Despite these pressures, some peatlands persist in the region, although their susceptibility to LULC change remains poorly understood. This study presents the most detailed and extensive distribution data for Iberian peatlands to date and analyzes the dynamics and drivers of LULC in Iberian peatlands and their surrounding areas. We compiled peatland records from various sources and used Corine Land Cover Change layers to determine LULC shifts for 1990, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018. Environmental and socioeconomic variables were used to create Boosted Regression Tree models explaining spatial variations in the mean percentage of changed area. Analysis of 270 peatland locations in the Iberian Peninsula revealed that forests and seminatural areas constituted over 80% of the peatland’s surroundings. Agricultural areas expanded the most, except between 2006 and 2012 when the artificial areas showed more gains. While most areas experienced an average change of 0%-9.51% of the total area, between 1990 and 2018, lowland peatlands (littoral and sublittoral) suffered more intense changes (9.51% to 38.43%). Our models showed that only elevation and agricultural area density were relevant predictors of spatial distribution changes. Upland Iberian peatlands showed lower susceptibility to LULC changes, while lowland peatlands underwent remarkable transformations. This study substantially expands previous knowledge about the distribution and conservation needs of these ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula, especially those in littoral and sublittoral lowlands.
A single genetic locus lengthens deer mouse burrows via motor pattern evolution
Authors: Harringmeyer Olivia S. , Hu Caroline K. , Metz Hillery C. , Mihelic Eris L. , Rosher Charlie , Sanguinetti-Scheck Juan I. , Hoekstra Hopi E. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe question of how evolution builds complex behaviors has long fascinated biologists. To address this question from a genetic perspective, we capitalize on variation in innate burrowing behavior between two sister species ofPeromyscusmice:P. maniculatusthat construct short, simple burrows andP. polionotusthat uniquely construct long, elaborate burrows. We identify three regions of the genome associated with differences in burrow length and then narrow in on one large-effect 12-Mb locus on chromosome 4. By introgressing theP. polionotusallele into aP. maniculatusbackground, we demonstrate this locus, on its own, increases burrow length by 20%. Next, by recording mice digging in a transparent tube, we find this locus has specific effects on burrowing behavior. This locus does not affect time spent digging or latency to dig, but rather affects usage of only two of the primary digging behaviors that differ between the focal species: forelimb digging, which loosens substrate, and hindlimb kicking, which powerfully ejects substrate. This locus has an especially large effect on hindkicking, explaining 56% and 22% of interspecific differences in latency and proportion of hindkicks, respectively. Together, these data provide genetic support for the hierarchical organization of complex behaviors, offering evolution the opportunity to tinker with specific behavioral components.
Social media marketing in the digital age: empower consumers to win big?
Authors: Moedeen Sajjaad , Aw Eugene Cheng-Xi , Alryalat Mohammad , Wei-Han Tan Garry , Cham Tat-Huei , Ooi Keng-Boon , Dwivedi Yogesh K. 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis study aims to propose and test a research model outlining the chain effects of social media marketing activities (SMMA) on brand equity, encompassing the potential mediators of self-congruity, consumer empowerment and brand experience.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted, and 241 valid responses were acquired. The data was submitted to Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), complemented by the artificial neural network (ANN) analysis.FindingsThe results revealed that SMMA can foster the development of self-congruity and consumer empowerment. These two psychological responses represent the key drivers to reinforce the positive brand experience and ultimately lead to brand equity. The sequential mediating effect was confirmed. The ANN analysis offered further insights into the ranking of variable importance.Originality/valueThe present study presents a breakthrough by taking into account the roles of self-congruity, consumer empowerment, brand experience simultaneously and assesses their sequential mediating roles in the linkage between SMMA and brand equity.
Do knowledge-oriented leadership and knowledge management capabilities help firms to stimulate ambidextrous innovation: moderating role of technological turbulence
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Jie Wu , Ali Zulfiqar , Sherani Mrs , Yutong Liu 
Published: July 2023

PurposeGiven the decisive role of knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL) in boosting organizational innovation capacities, the research intends to investigate the effect of KOL on ambidextrous innovation with the mediating effect of knowledge management capability (KMC). Furthermore, technological turbulence (TT) is regarded as a moderator in the relationship between KMC and ambidextrous innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe data obtained from 122 Pakistani manufacturing firms were used to evaluate the proposed relationships using the partial least square structural equation modeling approach.FindingsThe empirical findings demonstrate that KOL positively affects both aspects of ambidextrous innovation, namely exploitative innovation (EII) and exploratory innovation (ERI), with a higher effect on EII. Additionally, knowledge management process capability (KMPC) partially mediates the association between KOL and both dimensions of ambidextrous innovation (EII and ERI). Similarly, knowledge management infrastructure capability (KMIC) mediates the link between KOL and ERI but does not mediate the relationship between KOL and EII. The impacts of the KMPC and KMIC on EII are also significantly moderated by TT, although the link between the two components of the KMC (KMPC and KMIC) and ERI is unaffected.Practical implications The research provides useful knowledge and a novel strategy for policymakers to foster KOL and invest in KMC to improve the capabilities of Pakistani manufacturing firms in terms of innovation.Originality/value The research has contributed significantly to the resources-based view and knowledge-based view (KBV) literature by examining the various mediation moderation mechanisms and offering greater insights into the relationship between KOL and firms, KMC, and ambidextrous innovations.
Energy transition and pollution emissions in developing countries: are renewable energies guilty?
Authors: Achuo Elvis Dze , Ojong Nathanael 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This study aims to examine the effects of energy transition on pollution emissions in Africa. In addition, it explores the indirect channels through which energy consumption impacts environmental quality.

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses system Generalised Method of Moments approach for a panel of 51 developing African countries over the 1996–2020 period.

Findings
The results show that fossil fuel and renewable energy consumption increase pollution emissions. The environment-degrading effect of renewable energy in Africa is however counter-intuitive, though the results are robust across regional economic blocks and income groups except for upper-middle-income countries where energy consumption is environment enhancing. Moreover, the results show that the environmental impacts of non-renewable energy consumption are modulated through financial development and information and communication technology (ICT) adoption, leading to respective positive net effects of 0.04460796 and 0.07682873. This is up to respective policy thresholds of 203.265 and 137.105 of financial development and ICT adoption, respectively, when the positive net effects are nullified.

Practical implications
Contingent on the results, the study suggests the need for African countries to develop sound financial systems and encourage the use of green technologies, to ensure that energy transition effectively contributes to emissions reduction. Policymakers in Africa should also be aware of the critical levels of financial development and ICT, beyond which complementary policies are required for non-renewable energy consumption to maintain a negative impact on environmental degradation.

Originality/value
Firstly, extant studies on the nexus between energy transition and environmental degradation in Africa are very sparse. Therefore, this study fills the existing research gap by comprehensively examining the effects of energy transition on pollution emissions across 51 African economies. Additionally, besides accounting for the direct environmental effects of energy transition, the current study accounts for the indirect channels through which the environmental impacts of energy transition are modulated. Hence, this study provides critical thresholds for the policy modulating variables, which enlighten policymakers on the necessity of designing complementary policies once the modulating variables attain the established thresholds.
Evaluating and improving the performance of retailers' branches by considering resilience, sustainability and sales-marketing
Authors: Aghakarimi Ehsan , Karimi Hamed , Aghsami Amir , Jolai Fariborz 
Published: July 2023

PurposeConsidering the direct impact of retailers' performance on the economy, this paper aimed to propose a comprehensive framework to evaluate the performance of different branches of a retailer.Design/methodology/approachThrough a case study, the weights of indicators were calculated by the best-worst method (BWM) and the branches' performance was appraised using data envelopment analysis (DEA).FindingsThe branches were ranked in terms of performance, and sensitivity analysis and statistical tests were conducted to realize the weaknesses and strengths of the branches. Then, some strategies were proposed using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to improve the performance of the weak branches.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to previous studies on the evaluation of retailers' performance by proposing a triple framework based on resilience, sustainability and sales-marketing indicators. This paper focused on branches' operations and branches' optimization by improving performance in terms of these three indicators. This paper also offers a qualitative and quantitative analysis of retailers' performance, which has received less attention in previous studies.