bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Living on the Edge: The Impacts of Buffer Zones on Wetland Carnivores in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Huyen T. T. , Willcox Daniel , Gray Russell , MacDonald Ewan , Le Dung V. , Nguyen Tan V. , Pham Thong V. , Cao Long N. , Nguyen Truyen T. , Tran Thang V. , Nguyen Thai V. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Wetlands in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam support populations of globally threatened species, including Hairy-nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana) and, historically, Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus). However, protected areas in the southern wetlands have become terrestrial islands, surrounded by aquaculture and agriculture, leading to intensified interactions between humans and wildlife. This research explored different human-wildlife interactions to assess whether they bear potential threats to populations of threatened, wetland-dwelling carnivores such as otters, wild cats, and other small carnivores. 400 semi-structured interviews were conducted in communities living in the buffer zones of two protected areas: U Minh Thuong National Park and U Minh Ha National Park. Our results revealed that fish farmers who live closer to protected area boundaries were more likely to experience conflict with otters, wild cats, and other small carnivores. While the effect of distance to the protected area’s edge on small carnivore impacts were similar in both study sites, prior impacts were found to influence increasingly severe actions of respondents against the impacting wildlife. Overall, most locals had little-to-no knowledge of Fishing cats. This evidence corresponds with other studies which suspect the Fishing cat to be in extremely low densities or potentially extirpated from the wetlands in the last few decades. High prices of wildlife have driven intensive illegal hunting in the region. More people in U Minh Thuong were aware of illegal wildlife trade activities than in U Minh Ha and men tended to have more knowledge and willingness to share about those illicit activities. Our results suggested community engagement activities to tackle human-otter conflict and illegal activities related to wildlife should target mostly men, older villagers, and fish farmers living near the edges of both protected areas. Education and outreach campaigns to improve community awareness of wildlife should target women and young people, who were significantly less aware of wildlife issues in the area overall.
Treatment of Long COVID symptoms with triple anticoagulant therapy
Authors: Laubscher Gert J , Khan M Asad , Venter Chantelle , Pretorius Jan H , Kell Douglas B , Pretorius Etheresia 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Fibrin(ogen) amyloid microclots and platelet hyperactivation are key pathological findings in patients with acute COVID-19 infection and also in those with Long COVID/Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). These pathologies may represent a suitable target for pharmacological treatment of Long COVID.
Methods: Here we report on the symptoms displayed by a cohort of 91 South African Long COVID patients at baseline and after a clinician-initiated anticoagulant regime was completed. For laboratory analysis, patients provided a blood sample before and after treatment. Fibrinaloid microclot presence was studied by adding thioflavin T to platelet poor plasma (PPP), whilst platelet hyperactivation was studied using two platelet markers- PAC1 and CD62P (P-selectin). The anticoagulant regime included dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT- Clopidogrel 75mg + Aspirin 75mg) once a day, and a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC- Apixaban) 5mg twice a day. A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) pantoprazole 40 mg/day was also prescribed for gastric protection. Each of the treated cases reported their main Long COVID symptoms, and whether their symptoms resolved following treatment or not.
Results: In our cohort a most participants did not report any comorbidities before acute COVID-19 infection. Hypertension and dyslipidaemia were the commonest underlying illnesses, whilst the most commonly reported Long COVID symptoms included fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, shortness of breath, and joint and muscle pains. Following completion of treatment, each of the different symptoms resolved in the majority of patients. This was also reflected in the laboratory analysis, where a decrease in the severity of fibrin amyloid microclotting and the degree of platelet pathology was noted. No serious adverse bleeding events were reported.
Conclusions: Fibrin amyloid microclots, platelet hyperactivation/ aggregation, and widespread endothelialitis inhibit the transport of oxygen at a capillary/cellular level. This provides a ready explanation for the symptoms of Long COVID. By normalizing the failed clotting physiology and reversal of the endothelialitis, triple anticoagulant therapy represents a promising treatment option that appears to be highly efficacious, and warrants controlled clinical studies. We caution that such a regime must only be followed under expert medical supervision in view of the risk of bleeding.
Decreasing Labor Supply, R&amp;D-Based Growth, and Instability of Economic Dynamics
Authors: Kuwahara Shiro , Zhou Feng 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Working time has gradually decreased in the last few decades, along with the continuing growth of advanced economies. Furthermore, there have been some empirical evidence showing emerging economies’ and long-run experiences of advanced economies’ decreasing labor in spite of restrictions on labor statistics. To replicate these phenomena, we develop the model with endogenous technogical chnage and endogenous labor supply, and we find that adding increasing returns of R&D (reasech and development) efficiency, at least for the small input, yields the economic path accompany the decreasing labor supply. Furthermore, the path is stable (not saddle stable), so the steady state has multiple paths under rational expectations, which yields local indeterminacy. This would reflect the modern intermittently-coming economic shocks in both advanced and emerging countries. Furthermore, the model also contains a steady state with no growth trap, and selection among steady states is possible. The model has global indeterminacy, which would be one of the mechanisms for the start of economic growth.
Succinic acid production from softwood with genome-edited Corynebacterium glutamicum using the CRISPR-Cpf1 system
Authors: Lee Dae-Seok , Cho Eun Jin , Song Younho , Chang Jihye , Nguyen Dinh-Truong , Bae Hyeun-Jong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background: Corynebacterium glutamicum is a useful microbe to produce succinic acid, a bio-based platform chemical, under anaerobic condition. The knock-out mutant of lactate dehydrogenase 1 gene, Δldh1-6, was generated by using CRISPR-Cpf1 genome editing system. HAPC (hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid) pretreatment is a softwood-favorable.
Results: In the 1-5% hydrolysate, the best condition to produce succinic acid from the hydrolysate was confirmed to ferment 4% hydrolysate, resulted in 14.82 g L-1 succinic acid production for 6 h, which reached to 2.47 g L-1 h-1 productivity. No production of acetic acid and lactic acid was detected during the fermentation. However, 2.0 g L-1 lactic acid and 0.41 g L-1 acetic acid were formed in the fermentation of 5% hydrolysate while 9.64 g L-1 succinic acid was produced.
Conclusion: These results show that the single gene knock-out, Δldh1-6 mutant, is sufficiently available for succinic acid production from hydrolysate of pine wood.
Effects of exergaming on executive functions of children: A meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jiaqi , Zhou Xiaojiao , Wu Xiangting , Gao Zan , Ye Sunyue 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Quantitatively assess the impact of exergaming on executive functions in pediatric populations based on existing research.
Methods
A meta-analysis was performed in databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, Web of Science, Embase and PubMed, from January 2010 to February 2023, following the PRISMA guidelines. The Review Manager 5.3 was used to analyze the included articles, and the effects were calculated as standardized mean difference (SMD).
Results
A total of 11 experimental studies with children (n = 515) were included. The effects [SMD(95%CI)] of exergaming on children’s cognitive flexibility, inhibition control and working memory were 0.34(0.16, 0.51), 0.55(0.33, 0.77), and 0.32(0.09, 0.55), respectively.
Conclusions
Exergaming has the potential to improve executive functions in children aged 4–12 years old, particularly in children with special needs. More studies with rigorous designs are warranted to investigate the specific parameters of exergaming intervention.
Acetyl group for proper protection of β-sugar-amino acids used in SPPS
Authors: Varga István , Gőz Viktória Goldschmidt , Pintér István , Csámpai Antal , Perczel András 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The synthesis of D-glucosamine-1-carboxylic acid based β-sugar amino acids (β-SAAs) is typically performed in nine consecutive steps via an inefficient OAc→Br→CN conversion protocol with low overall yield. Here we present the improved and more efficient synthesis of both Fmoc-GlcAPC-OH and Fmoc-GlcAPC(Ac)-OH, β-SAAs consisting of only 4-5 synthetic steps. Their active ester and amide bond formation with glycine methyl ester (H-Gly-OMe) was completed and monitored by 1H NMR. The stability of the pyranoid OHs protecting the acetyl groups was investigated under three different Fmoc cleavage conditions and was found to be satisfactory even at high piperidine concentration (e.g. 40 %). We designed a SPPS protocol using Fmoc-GlcAPC(Ac)-OH to produce model peptides Gly-β-SAA-Gly as well as Gly-β-SAA-β-SAA-Gly with high coupling efficiency. The products were deacetylated using the Zemplén method, which allows the hydrophilicity of a building block and/or chimera to be fine-tuned, even after the polypeptide chain has already been synthesized.
Relative Risk Perceptions of Switching to JUUL vs. Continued Smoking and Subsequent Switching away from Cigarettes: A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Selya Arielle , Shiffman Saul 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Evidence indicates that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) pose lower risk than cigarettes; however, many smokers misperceive ENDS to be equally ormore harmful, possibly deterring them from switching. This study examines whether relative risk perceptions of JUUL vs. smoking are associated with subsequent switching, among smokers who recently initiated JUUL use.
Methods: N=16,996 current established smokers who recently purchased a JUUL Starter Kit were followed 6 times over 12 months. Relative risk perceptions were assessed using both direct and indirect measures (i.e., contrasting JUUL and smoking directly in questions, and deriving from separate absolute scales). Repeated-measures logistic regression examined switching across follow-up (no smoking in past 30 days) as a function of baseline risk perceptions, adjusting for demographics and baseline smoking behavior.
Results: Perceiving JUUL as less harmful than smoking was associated with higher switching rates, using both direct (e.g., odds ratio [OR]=1.48 for “JUUL much less” vs. “more/much more harmful”) and indirect (OR=1.07, for each 10-unit increase in ratio; OR=1.51 for highest (6-100) vs. lowest (0 to <1) ratio categories) relative risk measures (all p<.0001). Among the subset smoking 10+ cigarettes per day, associations between risk perceptions and switching were more pronounced (OR=2.51 for “JUUL much less” vs. “more/much more harmful”; OR=1.81 for 6-100 vs. 0 to <1 ratio, both p<.0001).
Conclusions: Smokers who perceive JUUL as less harmful than cigarettes have higher odds of switching. Future research should examine whether messaging which aligns relative risk perceptions with current evidence can facilitate switching, especially among heavier smokers.
Comparison of alveolar bone morphology after expansion with hybrid and conventional Hyrax expanders
Authors: Silva Ivan , Miranda Felicia , Bastos José Carlos Cunha , Garib Daniela 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the buccal and palatal bone changes of maxillary posterior teeth produced by the Hybrid (HH) and Conventional Hyrax (CH) expanders in growing patients.
Methods: A sample of 32 patients with posterior crossbites in the early permanent dentition was recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. Group HH was composed of 18 individuals with a mean age of 10.7 years (6 female, 12 male) treated with a Hybrid expander with two anterior parasagittal miniscrews. Group CH was composed of 14 individuals with a mean age of 11.4 years (6 female, 8 male) treated with conventional Hyrax expanders. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams were obtained before expansion and after expansion. Buccal and palatal bone plate thickness and height of maxillary posterior teeth were measured. Intergroup comparisons were performed using t or Mann Whitney tests (P<0.05).
Results: The CH group caused greater decreases of the buccal bone plate height (mean change of 1.27 mm) at the maxillary first premolars compared to HH group (mean change of 0.11 mm, p=0.001). No intergroup difference was found for changes in the buccal and palatal bone thickness.
Conclusion: Hybrid expanders showed a tendency to cause less negative impact on the buccal bone plate height of first premolars compared to conventional Hyrax expanders.
Clinical Relevance: In patients with delicate periodontal biotype, Hybrid expander is an alternative to prevent buccal bone dehiscence.
Opportunity for utilization of corn husk and water soluble chitosan in particleboard fabricate: A new alternative for sustainable partition material with its properties
Authors: Prasetiyo Kurnia Wiji , Hermawan Dede , Hadi Yusuf Sudo , Subyakto Subyakto , Amanda Putri , Astari Lilik , Kusumaningrum Wida Banar 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

In order to substitute un-renewable partition materials made of particleboard bonded with synthetic adhesives, two materials were studied: corn husk and water soluble chitosan (WSC) which are renewable, abundant and sustainable. This study will show and evaluate the feasibility of using corn husk and WSC in particleboard production and aimed to investigate the influence of WSC content and pressure temperature variations on particleboard properties as partition material. The WSC content was varied of 6%, 8% and 10% wt. The particleboards were manufactured under the pressure temperature variations of 160, 180 and 200 oC for 15 min, press pressure of 2.5 MPa and targeted density of 0.8 g/cm3. The physical and mechanical properties of particleboards improved in line with increasing WSC content up to 8% and pressure temperature above 160 oC. The value of MOR and MOE from boards bonded with WSC 8% and pressure temperature of 180 oC fulfilled the requirement of JIS A 5908 (2003). The sound absorption coefficient of particleboard bonded using WSC 6% was better than other boards. The particleboards absorbed sound at middle to high frequency ( > 1000 Hz) and reflected sound at low frequency (80 to 630 Hz). The variations of WSC content and pressure temperature not yet had significant effect on bonding changes seen from FTIR spectrum. However, based on the properties results presented by particleboards suggest that corn husk and WSC could be a feasible and potentially useful new raw materials for particleboard production as sustainable partition material.
Qualitative Analysis of the Transmission Dynamics and Optimal Control of Covid-19
Authors: Oluwatobi Idowu Kabir , Chris Loyinmi Adedapo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Globally, the COVID-19 presents a serious concern to the wellbeing of people. COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China. The disease became a source of concern for Nigerians after the country registered its first case in February 2020. Currently, the country has recorded 255,103 confirmed cases, 249,246 recovered cases, and 3,142 deaths as of March 21, 2022. We proposed a SEQIHRV model to investigate the spread of coronavirus disease in Nigeria. This model defines the infection dynamics' transmission routes as well as effect of contaminated surfaces on the human population. Unfortunately, the virus's propagation and mortality from COVID-19 is increasing daily. Therefore, it is required to manage and control the flow of the infection. The impact of control measures as time-dependent interventions was investigated in this study utilizing optimization technique to determine their effects on the spread of Corona virus. The basic reproduction was calculated and used to calcite the sensitive parameters affecting the system, which revealed the key parameters leading to COVID-19 propagation. The control optimization of the sytem was performed using Pontryagin's maximum principle to determine the best approach for controlling the spread. The discoveries from the simulation showed that the combination of all four control approaches will help to reduce infection to zero in the population.
Intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine during the surgery to prevent postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction undergoing non-cardiac surgery: A meta- analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Di , Liu Zhi , Zhang Wenhui , Zu Guo , Tao He , Bi Congjie 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background

Dexmedetomidine is crucial for preventing postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction and improving the quality of life of surgical patients. However, the effects of dexmedetomidine on these complications in different anesthesia methods have not been thoroughly evaluated. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess its impact on postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials comparing intravenous dexmedetomidine to other interventions in preventing postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in non-cardiac and non-neurosurgical patients. Statistical analysis and graphing were performed using Review Manager, STATA, the second version of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized controlled trials, and GRADE profiler.

Main results

This meta-analysis comprised a total of 24 randomized controlled trials, including 20 trials assessing postoperative delirium and 6 trials assessing postoperative cognitive dysfunction. In these 20 studies, a positive correlation was found between intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine and the lower incidence of postoperative delirium (RR: 0.55; 95%CI: 0.47 to 0.64, p＜ 0.00001, I2 = 2%) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction(RR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.38 to 0.96, p = 0.03, I2 = 60%). Subgroup analysis did not reveal a significant difference in the incidence of postoperative delirium between the general anesthesia and non-general anesthesia groups, but a significant difference was observed in the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. However, pooled data showed that the use of dexmedetomidine increased the incidence of hypotension (RR: 1.42; 95%CI:1.08 to 1.86, p =0.01, I2 = 0%) and bradycardia (RR: 1.66; 95%CI: 1.23 to 2.26, p =0.001, I2 = 0%) compared with other interventions but there is no significantly higher occurrence of hypertension in DEX groups (RR=1.35, 95% CI :0.81–2.24, p=0.25, I2= 0%).

Conclusion

Intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion during non-cardiac and non-neurosurgical procedures may significantly reduce the risk of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction compared to other interventions. Subgroup analysis revealed a consistent preventive effect on postoperative delirium in both general and non-general anesthesia groups, while continuous infusion during general anesthesia was more effective in reducing the risk of cognitive dysfunction. However, hypotension and bradycardia were more frequent in patients who received dexmedetomidine during surgery.
Whey-carrot based functional beverage: Development and storage study
Authors: Naik Bindu , Walter Nidhi , Kohli Deepika , Gupta Arun K , Khan Javed M. , Irfan Mohammad , Kumar vijay 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

The current study was designed to prepare whey-carrot-based functional beverages and studying the effect on physicochemical properties during the 28 days of storage period. Different ratio of whey and carrot juice were selected for preparation of the six formulations, out of which based on the sensory acceptance only three were selected for the further storage studies (sample 1 = 45:55, sample 2 = 50:50, and sample 3 = 55:45 of carrot juice to whey ratio). During 28 days of storage, the developed beverage samples revealed a significant increase in reducing sugars, total phenolic content, and acidity. The pH, sweetness, and acceptance percentage of the beverage found to be decreased with storage period. It was also found that there is not change in the properties of the beverage storage with and without the preservative. It was revealed that beverage with less proportion of carrot juice is more acceptable quality. The results also suggest that whey can be used with fruit and vegetable to create whey-based beverage.
Trend analysis of malaria in urban settings with and without Anopheles stephensi in Ethiopia from 2014–2019
Authors: Teka Hiwot , Golassa Lemu , Medhin Girmay , Balkew Meshesha , Sisay Chalachew , Gadisa Endalamaw , Nekorchuk Dawn M. , Wimberly Michael C. , Tadesse Fitsum Girma 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Urbanization generally improves health outcomes of residents and is one of the potential factors that might contribute to reducing malaria transmission. However, the expansion of Anopheles stephensi, an urban malaria vector, poses a threat for malaria control and elimination efforts in Africa. In this paper, malaria trends in urban settings in Ethiopia from 2014–2019 are reported with a focus on towns and cities where An. stephensi survey was conducted.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted to determine malaria trend in urban and rural districts using passive surveillance data collected at health facilities from 2014–2019. Data from 25 towns surveyed for An. stephensi were used in malaria trend analysis. Robust linear models were used to identify outliers and impute missing and suspect data. The seasonal Mann-Kendal test was used to test for monotonous increase or decrease in trends.
Results
A total of 9,468,970 malaria cases were reported between 2014 and 2019 through the Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) system. Of these, 1.45 million (15.3%) cases were reported from urban settings. The incidence of malaria declined by 62% between 2014 and 2018. In 2019, the incidence increased to 15 per 1000 population from 11 per 1000 in 2018. Both confirmed (microscopy or RDT) Plasmodium falciparum (67%) and Plasmodium vivax (28%) were reported with a higher proportion of P. vivax infections in urban areas. In 2019, An. stephensi was detected in 17 towns where more than 19,804 malaria cases were reported, with most of the cases (56%) being P. falciparum. Trend analysis revealed that malaria cases increased in five towns in Afar and Somali administrative regions, decreased in nine towns, and had no obvious trend in the remaining three towns.
Conclusion
The contribution of malaria in urban settings is not negligible in Ethiopia. With the rapid expansion of An. stephensi in the country, the receptivity is likely to be higher for malaria. Although the evidence we presented in this study does not demonstrate a direct linkage between An. stephensi detection and an increase in urban malaria throughout the country, An. stephensi might contribute to an increase in malaria unless control measures are implemented as soon as possible. Targeted surveillance and effective response are needed to assess the contribution of this vector to malaria transmission and curb potential outbreaks.