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The accurate estimation of spatially explicit forest aboveground biomass (AGB) provides an essential basis for sustainable forest management and carbon sequestration accounting, especially in Myanmar, where there is a lack of data for forest conservation due to operational limitations. This study mapped the forest AGB using Sentinel-2 (S-2) images and Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) based on random forest (RF), stochastic gradient boosting (SGB) and Kriging algorithms in two forest reserves (Namhton and Yinmar) in Myanmar, and compared their performance against AGB measured by the traditional methods. Specifically, a suite of forest sample plots were deployed in the two forest reserves, and forest attributes were measured to calculate the plot-level AGB based on allometric equations. The spectral bands, vegetation indices (VIs) and textures derived from processed S-2 data and topographic parameters from SRTM were utilized to statistically link with field-based AGB by implementing random forest (RF) and stochastic gradient boosting (SGB) algorithms. Followed by an evaluation of the algorithmic performances, RF-based Kriging (RFK) models were employed to determine the spatial distribution of AGB as an improvement of accuracy against RF models. The study’s results showed that textural measures produced from wavelet analysis (WA) and vegetation indices (VIs) from Sentinel-2 were the strongest predictors for evergreen forest reserve (Namhton) AGB prediction and spectral bands and vegetation indices (VIs) showed the highest sensitivity to the deciduous forest reserve (Yinmar) AGB prediction. The fitted models were RF-based ordinary Kriging (RFOK) for Namhton forest reserve and RF-based co-Kriging (RFCK) for Yinmar forest reserve because their respective R2, whilst the RMSE values were validated as 0.47 and 24.91 AGB t/ha and 0.52 and 34.72 AGB t/ha, respectively. The proposed random forest Kriging framework provides robust AGB maps, which are essential to estimate the carbon sequestration potential in the context of REDD+. From this particular study, we suggest that the protection/disturbance status of forests affects AGB values directly in the study area; thus, community-participated or engaged forest utilization and conservation initiatives are recommended to promote sustainable forest management.

Dementia is marked by progressive cognitive decline linked to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction. Curcumin, a natural compound from Curcuma longa, has shown promising neuroprotective effects. This systematic review analyzed 29 preclinical studies using rodent models of dementia induced by chemical, genetic, or dietary methods. The review focused on curcumin’s effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and cognitive outcomes. All studies assessing malondialdehyde (MDA) reported significant reductions, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in all measured cases, while glutathione (GSH) levels rose in about one-third of studies. A literature search was comprehensively conducted using PubMed, Scopus, AMED, and LILACS databases through April 2024. Curcumin also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, with over 80% of studies showing reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Additionally, 40% of studies noted increases in anti-inflammatory markers like IL-4 and IGF-1. Cognitive performance improved in around 80% of studies, especially in spatial learning and memory. Some studies also reported behavioral improvements, including reduced anxiety and enhanced locomotion. Curcumin demonstrated potent antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing effects across diverse dementia models. Its ability to modulate multiple pathological pathways highlights its potential as a bioactive compound for mitigating cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases. However, variability in study design and curcumin formulations suggests the need for standardized protocols and further high-quality research to facilitate clinical translation.

The Sustainable Development Goals have galvanized efforts to improve access to higher education globally. While higher education has expanded over the last decade, access inequities endure, with economic deprivation, gender, and other dimensions of marginalization shaping individual opportunities to engage with higher education. Regional differences have also emerged, with some higher education systems growing at a rapid pace, driven by a variety of policy initiatives. This paper explores higher education access inequities in the Southeast Asian context, where a period of rapid higher education expansion has recently given way to complex patterns of access, against diverging national directions for higher education development. Using large-scale nationally representative data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), this paper traces patterns of inequitable higher education access in eight Southeast Asian countries over time. This paper then discusses country-specific policy initiatives, and the levers they deploy in trying to lower higher education inequities. It explores how these country-specific policy initiatives aiming at equality or equity in higher education access sit alongside periods of sector expansion and wealth-based gaps in higher education access, to conclude about potential policy shifts which may support work towards more equitable systems.

The ability to write academic texts in English requires both knowledge of academic writing conventions and expertise in academic discourse to address the needs and expectations of the target academic audience in respective disciplines (Hyland, 2018). This study investigates the relationship between non-native English-speaking doctoral students’ English academic writing abilities and various factors, including their English literacy background, research knowledge, ability to read and critically evaluate academic texts, coping with emotional challenges such as stress and anxiety, as well as feedback and motivation. A total of 255 international doctoral students, speaking 49 different first languages, participated in the study. Data were collected via a survey with items presented on a 1–6 Likert scale following Dörnyei and Dewaele (2022). The analysis revealed the significant impact of English literacy background, initial academic writing abilities, and research knowledge on students’ self-assessment of academic writing skills and research competence at the outset of their doctoral studies. While prior experience in academic writing proved beneficial, it did not always translate into significant improvements in current writing abilities or research knowledge at later stages. Feedback from advisors and doctoral research course instructors emerged as vital components in supporting academic reading and motivation throughout their doctoral journey. However, the quality of peer feedback appeared to have less impact on students’ academic performance and psychological state. Overall, these findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing academic writing and research competence among NNES doctoral students, suggesting the importance of tailored support and interventions to enhance their scholarly development.

ObjectivesTo investigate whether urban–rural location and socioeconomic factors (income, education and employment) are associated with body mass index (BMI) and waist–hip ratio (W/H-ratio), and to further explore if the associations between urban–rural location and BMI or W/H-ratio could be mediated through variations in socioeconomic factors.DesignCross-sectional, WHO STEPS survey of non-communicable disease risk factors.SettingUrban and rural areas of Myanmar.ParticipantsA total of 8390 men and women aged 25 to 64 years included during the study period from September to December 2014. Institutionalised people (Buddhist monks and nuns, hospitalised patients) and temporary residents were excluded.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in the urban areas and increased with increasing socioeconomic status (SES) score. Mean BMI was higher among urban residents (ß=2.49 kg/m2; 95% CI 2.28 to 2.70; p<0.001), individuals living above poverty line, that is, ≥US$1.9/day (ß=0.74 kg/m2; 95% CI 0.43 to 1.05; p<0.001), and those with high education attainment (ß=1.48 kg/m2; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.82; p<0.001) when adjusting for potential confounders. Similarly, greater W/H-ratio was observed in participants living in an urban area, among those with earnings above poverty line, and among unemployed individuals. The association between urban–rural location and BMI was found to be partially mediated by a composite SES score (9%), income (17%), education (16%) and employment (16%), while the association between urban–rural location and W/H-ratio was found to be partially mediated by income (12%), education (6%) and employment (6%).ConclusionResidents living in urban locations had higher BMI and greater W/H-ratio, partially explained by differences in socioeconomic indicators, indicating that socioeconomic factors should be emphasised in the management of overweight and obesity in the Myanmar population. Furthermore, new national or subnational STEPS surveys should be conducted in Myanmar to observe the disparity in trends of the urban–rural differential.

This study investigates how non-native English-speaking (NNES) doctoral students self-assess their English academic writing (EAW) abilities. A total of 255 international NNES students, hailing from 49 different countries and speaking 48 mother tongues, voluntarily participated in our study. They were enrolled in 65 PhD programs at 14 universities across Hungary during the 2021–2022 academic year. To address our research aim, we developed a survey using a 6-point Likert scale, following the guidelines of Dörnyei and Dewaele (2022). The survey focused on self-assessing their abilities to write academic texts in English. The analysis results indicate that students lacked confidence in their EAW abilities at the beginning of their PhD studies but exhibited increased confidence at the current stage. The results also highlight the influence of gender and English language proficiency on EAW self-assessments. Additionally, senior PhD students demonstrated greater confidence in field-specific lexical knowledge compared to their first-year peers. This study highlights the fact that NNES novice writers lacked the necessary EAW skills upon entering their PhD programs, making it challenging for them to start doctoral-level writing immediately. This underscores the need for comprehensive support that encompasses both enhancing English language proficiency and providing academic writing assistance.

Background: Catheter ablation is an established rhythm-control strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF), yet peri-procedural embolic stroke may still occur despite uninterrupted NOAC therapy. Case presentation: A 49-year-old woman on dabigatran developed acute ischemic stroke three days after AF ablation, presenting with left hemiparesis and dysarthria. Idarucizumab (5 g) enabled safe intravenous thrombolysis followed by emergency endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), achieving complete recanalization (mTICI 3). Angiography revealed an incidental 7 mm right MCA aneurysm at the occlusion site. Dabigatran was resumed on day 4, and one month later, the aneurysm was successfully treated with stent-assisted coil embolization. She remained asymptomatic at two months. Conclusions: This case illustrates how idarucizumab reversal expands reperfusion options by enabling both IVT and EVT in NOAC-treated patients and highlights the diagnostic role of EVT in revealing underlying vascular pathology, emphasizing the need for individualized post-procedural antithrombotic management.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated conditions, namely, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and low-grade inflammation. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa Linn., exhibits pleiotropic metabolic and anti-inflammatory properties and has thus been evaluated as a nutraceutical intervention for these conditions, but findings remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the clinical efficacy of Curcuma longa supplementation on anthropometric, glycemic, lipid, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in adults with MetS or related disorders. A comprehensive search of databases (PubMed, Scopus, AMED, LILACS, and Google Scholar) identified 104 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The included trials primarily assessed standardized oral turmeric/curcumin supplements and bioavailability-enhanced formulations rather than whole culinary turmeric. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were conducted by disease category, dose, and formulation. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood sugar (SMD = −0.54, 95% CI −0.72 to −0.36) and HbA1c (SMD = −0.41, 95% CI −0.60 to −0.23) in T2DM; decreased triglycerides (SMD = −0.48; 95% CI: −0.70 to −0.25), and LDL cholesterol (SMD = −0.39; 95% CI: −0.59 to −0.18) while elevating HDL cholesterol (SMD = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.65) and total antioxidant capacity (SMD = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.51 to 0.94). Curcuma longa also attenuated systemic inflammation, lowering C-reactive protein (SMD = −0.62; 95% CI: −0.81 to −0.43), TNF-α (SMD = −0.57; 95% CI: −0.80 to −0.34), and IL-6 (SMD = −0.50; 95% CI: −0.70 to −0.29). Heterogeneity was moderate-to-high, reflecting some differences in the formulation, dosage, and duration. Collectively, these findings affirm that Curcuma longa exerts measurable, clinically relevant improvements on glycemic regulation, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory−oxidative balance, supporting its role as a nutraceutical adjunct in metabolic health management, while its bioavailability-enhanced formulations show superior efficacy. Larger, long-term, multicenter RCTs are warranted to confirm durability, optimal dosing, and safety.

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and chronic inflammation. As its global prevalence rises, there is increasing interest in natural, multi-targeted approaches to manage MetS. Curcuma longa Linn. (turmeric), especially its active compound curcumin, has shown therapeutic promise in preclinical studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of Curcuma longa and its derivatives on MetS-related outcomes in rodent models. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across six databases (PubMed, Scopus, AMED, LILACS, MDPI, and Google Scholar), yielding 47 eligible in vivo studies. Data were extracted on key metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers and analyzed using random-effects models. Results were presented as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Meta-analysis showed that curcumin significantly reduced body weight (rats: MD = −42.10; mice: MD = −2.91), blood glucose (rats: MD = −55.59; mice: MD = −28.69), triglycerides (rats: MD = −70.17; mice: MD = −24.57), total cholesterol (rats: MD = −35.77; mice: MD = −52.61), and LDL cholesterol (rats: MD = −69.34; mice: MD = −42.93). HDL cholesterol increased significantly in rats but not in mice. Inflammatory cytokines were markedly reduced, while oxidative stress improved via decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels. Heterogeneity was moderate to high, primarily due to variations in curcumin dosage (ranging from 10 to 500 mg/kg) and treatment duration (2 to 16 weeks) across studies. Conclusions: This preclinical evidence supports Curcuma longa as a promising functional food component for preventing and managing MetS. Its multi-faceted effects warrant further clinical studies to validate its translational potential.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition defined by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation. Kefir, a fermented beverage rich in probiotics and beneficial compounds, has emerged as a functional food that may offer metabolic advantages. Nevertheless, preclinical results have been variable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the influence of kefir and its derived compositions on parameters associated with MetS, inflammation, and oxidative stress in rodent studies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, AMED, and LILACS through June 2024. Eligible studies involving kefir interventions in rodent MetS models were included. Data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines, with the risk of bias assessed using the CAMARADES and SYRCLE tools. Meta-analyses were performed with a random effects model. Thirty-eight studies involving 1462 rodents (mice and rats) were analyzed. Kefir significantly reduced body weight gain in both mice (MD = –3.33; 95% CI: –4.89 to –1.77) and rats (MD = –41.53; 95% CI: –54.33 to –28.72). In mice, triglycerides and LDL-C levels decreased significantly; in rats, kefir lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides. Insulin levels were reduced (MD = –0.69; 95% CI: –1.16 to –0.22), suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. Several studies also reported reductions in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Despite promising results, the high heterogeneity and methodological variability emphasize the need for standardized preclinical protocols and clinical validation. These findings support the role of kefir as a functional food for metabolic health promotion.