bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LC–MS metabolomics reveal skin metabolic signature of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Xiong Qiying , Zhong Daoqing , Li Qian , Yu Yihui , Zhang Sanquan , Liang Jingyao , Zhang Xibao
Published: March 2023

Recent metabolic studies have indicated that several metabolites in blood and urine of psoriasis functionally involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, but the skin metabonomics research of psoriasis is limited. We aimed to investigate the metabolic profiling of lesional and nonlesional skin and screen out potential biomarkers for psoriasis. We performed liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)‐based nontargeted metabolomic analysis to compare metabolic profile between lesional and nonlesional skin from 12 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. A total of 3463 metabolites were detected, of which 769 (346 named and 423 unnamed) in positive ion mode and 179 (80 named and 99 unnamed) in negative ion mode were significantly different between lesional and nonlesional skin. These different metabolites were mainly derived from amino acid, lipid and nucleotide metabolism, and involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis regulation. Fourteen metabolites (10 upregulated and 4 downregulated) were identified as the most potentially significant biomarkers. Interestingly, seven of them were positively (l‐gamma‐glutamyl‐l‐leucine, 2‐methylcitric acid, l‐palmitoylcarnitine, inosine, eicosapentaenoic acid and 13‐hydroxy‐octadecaenoic acid) or negatively (l‐serine) correlated with disease severity. Significant differences of metabolic characteristics were found between lesional and nonlesional skin, which may contribute to assess the severity of psoriasis and therapeutic responses.
The defoliation dynamics of a stockpiled native grassland pasture follow similar patterns between supplemented and unsupplemented beef calves
Authors: Cazzuli Fiorella , Bremm Carolina , Jaurena Martín , Poppi Dennis , Durante Martín , Benvenutti Marcelo Adolfo , Savian Jean Victor , Devincenzi Thais , Rovira Pablo , Lagomarsino Ximena , Hirigoyen Andrés , Lattanzi Fernando A.
Published: March 2023

It is unclear to what extent and on which variables does supplementing beef cattle on native grasslands affect sward structure, specifically on the dynamics of its grazing horizons. Three hypotheses were tested: (i) during a grazing down process under similar forage allowance, supplemented animals take longer to finish each grazing stratum, than their unsupplemented counterparts, (ii) in both cases, the upper stratum will be heavily depleted before the subsequent strata are grazed, (iii) some species and/or forage fractions are consumed faster than others, regardless of the animals being supplemented (corn dried distillers grains with solubles, DDGS, at 0.7% of their body weight, BW, on a dry matter, DM, basis) or not. Three blocks of stockpiled native grasslands were used and split into two treatments plots (n = 6), on which either supplemented (S) or control (C) heifers of 10.6 ± 0.6 months of age and an initial BW of 143 ± 9 kg, were used. A 2.5 × 0.5 m observation grid was installed on the sward, generating 384 observation points on each plot. On these observation plots, sward height (SH) and visually assessed green forage mass percentage (%G) were registered every other day for 12 consecutive days. No differences were found between the horizontal grazing dynamics between supplemented and control animals in terms of how they switched from the upper grazing horizon to the successive ones. In both cases, when the upper grazing horizon was heavily depleted, the subsequent horizon was being depleted by its half. Differences of preference for C3 species over C4 was observed for both treatments, but this effect was more meaningful for control animals. Grazing time never fully compensated for the decline in intake rate during depletion throughout the grazing horizons. Pasture intake declined when the animals transition from grazing the top grazing horizons to the lower horizons, irrespective of the level of supplementation. Managing the sward structure in terms of sward height will be beneficial to maximizing individual animal performance, for both C and S animals. Native grasslands paddocks with a greater C3 gasses predominance will always be preferred to C4 dominated paddocks, regardless of an eventual supplementation practice.
The role of HIV as a risk modifier for coronary endothelial function in young adults
Authors: Abd‐Elmoniem Khaled Z. , Yeramosu Teja , Purdy Julia B. , Ouwerkerk Ronald , Matta Jatin R. , Ishaq Hadjira , Hawkins Karyn , Curl Kara‐Anne , Dee Nicola , Gharib Ahmed M. , Hadigan Colleen
Published: March 2023

Background

People living with HIV have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although coronary endothelial function (CEF) is an early direct indicator of CVD, only a few studies have been able to interrogate CEF directly. Most studies have examined vascular endothelial function through indirect assessment of brachial flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD). However, peripheral arteries are significantly larger and manifest atherogenesis differently from the coronary arteries, and so produce conflicting results. Additionally, none of these studies focused on young adults who acquired HIV perinatally or in early childhood.

Objective

The present study investigates CEF in a unique population of young adults with lifelong HIV using direct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of coronary FMD (corFMD) with an in‐house developed MRI‐integrated isometric handgrip exercise system with continuous feedback and monitoring mechanisms (fmIHE).

Methods

Young adults who acquired HIV perinatally or in early childhood (n = 23) and group‐matched healthy participants (n = 12) completed corFMD‐MRI with fmIHE. CorFMD was measured as the coronary cross‐sectional area response to the fmIHE.

Results

In univariable and multivariable regression analysis, HIV status was a significant risk modifier. CD8+ T‐cell count and smoking pack‐years and their interaction with HIV status were independently associated with impaired coronary artery response to fmIHE. In people living with HIV, corFMD was significantly inversely correlated with CD8+ T‐cells and smoking pack‐years. In a multivariable regression analysis adjusted for age and body mass index, CD8+ T‐cells and smoking and their interaction with HIV status remained significant independent predictors of coronary endothelial dysfunction.

Discussion

In this unique population of young adults, HIV status was a significant risk modifier, and immune activation and smoking were associated with decreased CEF, directly measured from the coronary vascular response to fmIHE.

Conclusions

Management of CVD risk factors such as smoking and developing strategies that target immune activation in people living with HIV are warranted.
Mutation of the TGN1412 anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibody lower hinge confers specific FcγRIIb binding and retention of super‐agonist activity
Authors: Chenoweth Alicia M , Esparon Sandra , Wines Bruce D , Schuurman Janine , Labrijn Aran F , Hogarth P Mark
Published: March 2023

The agonistic action of several immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) requires both target antigen binding and clustering of this mAb:target complex by the Fcs interacting with Fcγ receptors (FcγRs), in particular FcγRIIb, on neighboring bystander cells. Fc mutations were made in the immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐based TGN1412 anti‐CD28 mAb to define the role of FcγR interactions in its “super‐agonist” activity. The dual mutation, IgG4‐ED269,270AA, ablated interaction with all human FcγRs and agonistic action was consequentially lost, confirming the FcγR dependence on the action of TGN1412. The IgG4 lower hinge region (F234L235G236G237) was modified by L235E mutation (F234E235G236G237), a mutation commonly used to ablate FcγR binding, including in approved therapeutic mAbs. However, rather than ablating all FcγR binding, IgG4‐L235E conferred specific binding to FcγRIIb, the inhibitory Fc receptor. Furthermore, in combination with the core hinge‐stabilizing mutation (IgG4‐S228P, L235E), this mutation increased affinity for FcγRIIb compared with wild‐type IgG4. In addition to having FcγRIIb specificity, these engineered TGN1412 antibodies retained their super‐agonistic ability, demonstrating that CD28‐ and FcγRIIb‐specific binding are together sufficient for agonistic function. The FcγRIIb‐specific nature of IgG4‐L235E has utility for mAb‐mediated immune agonism therapies that are dependent on FcγRIIb interaction and of anti‐inflammatory mAbs in allergy and autoimmunity that harness FcγRIIb inhibitory signaling.
Time to solve persistent, pernicious and widespread nursing workforce shortages
Authors: Peters Micah
Published: March 2023

Aim

This paper discusses four main strategies for addressing nursing shortages that have been persistent, widespread and growing. Fallout from the COVID‐19 pandemic might offer valuable impetus to address this tenacious challenge.

Background

Nursing shortages are common, widespread and have been persistent for most of a century. Many of the reasons behind these shortages are well known and are themselves enduring, as are the types of strategies put forward for addressing them. These strategies can generally be classified into four main categories: enhancing retention, improving recruitment, encouraging return to practice and drawing on international human resources. The COVID‐19 pandemic is the latest major threat to ensuring a sufficiently sized and skilled nursing workforce. Many nurses have succumbed to burnout as well the plethora of factors that predated the pandemic and have a negative impact on nurse wellbeing, turnover and intention to leave.

Sources of evidence

This discussion paper draws on international sources of evidence.

Discussion/conclusion

This paper highlights how many of the factors behind and strategies for addressing nursing shortages at the local, national and global levels are widely studied and known. A sustained combination of strategies that focus both within and beyond health and nursing, including on the broader social context, is necessary. While COVID‐19 has been extremely damaging, it might present an opportunity to make sustainable, effective reforms to address nursing shortages.

Implications for policy

Knowledge users must recognise that a combination of approaches across the gamut of policies that influence nursing workforces is necessary to address nursing shortages. Attention must also focus on factors beyond nursing and healthcare if shortages are to be remedied.
The effectuation of seawater on the microstructural features and the compressive strength of fly ash blended cement at early and later ages
Authors: Yaseen Sarah Abduljabbar , Yiseen Ghadah Abdaljabar , Poon Chi Sun , Leung Christopher K. , Li Zongjin
Published: March 2023

The current work scrutinizes the effectuation of seawater on morphological properties, pore structure, and compressive strength during the hydration process of fly ash blended cement at 3, 7, 28, 56, and 90 days to better understand the influence of salinity conditions of seawater on the microstructural modification and strength development of the hydration products as well as the total porosity. The chemical reaction's mechanism of mightily soluble salts, for example, Mg2SO4 and NaCl, with hydrated fly ash and blended cement (calcium‐bearing phases) was also confirmed. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy has been appointed to observe and characterize the energetics of variation in the formulation of portlandite (CH), calcium silicate hydrate, gypsum (Gy), ettringite (AFt), and calcium chloroaluminate (Friedel's salt [FS]) throughout the hydration process of fly ash blended cement with seawater in comparison with deionized water. X‐ray diffraction analysis exposed that the peak intensities of FS, portlandite, and some particular phases of the hydrated fly ash blended cement in seawater are higher and sharper than the comparable peaks in deionized water. Mercury intrusion porosimetry‐measurements have been appointed that the total porosity of artificial seawater (ASW) was decreased from 28.9% at 3 days to 19.4% at 56 days. In addition, the average, median, and critical pore diameter were decreased in ASW while compared to deionized water (DIW). The reaction products of this work were also characterized using scanning electron microscopy, EDS, compressive strength, and isothermal calorimeter.
The biogeography and evolution of land ownership
Authors: Haynie Hannah J. , Kushnick Geoff , Kavanagh Patrick H. , Ember Carol R. , Bowern Claire , Low Bobbi S. , Tuff Ty , Vilela Bruno , Kirby Kathryn R. , Botero Carlos A. , Gavin Michael C.
Published: March 2023

Aim

Land ownership norms are well documented and play a central role in social–ecological systems. Yet only recently has the spatial and temporal distribution of land ownership been examined using biogeographical and evolutionary approaches. We incorporate biogeographical and evolutionary modelling to test associations between land ownership and environmental, subsistence and cultural contact predictors.

Location

Africa.

Taxon

Bantu and Bantoid ethnolinguistic groups (73 societies).

Methods

Based on ethnographies for 73 societies, we coded land ownership norms as none, group, kin or individual. We paired these data with language phylogenies, and measured phylogenetic and geographical signal and modelled alternative evolutionary trajectories using maximum likelihood methods. We tested the influence of environmental, subsistence and cultural predictors on spatial variation in land ownership, using a multi‐model inference approach based on logistic regression.

Results

Bantu land ownership norms likely evolved on a unilinear trajectory (i.e. societies progress or regress along a series of ownership types), but not one requiring consistent increase in exclusivity (i.e. restrictions towards ownership by smaller groups) as suggested by prior theory. Our biogeographical analyses suggest land ownership is more likely where neighbours also own land and resource productivity is predictable. Reliance on agriculture has relatively small effect sizes and low importance in the model.

Main Conclusions

We find support for multiple evolutionary pathways. Lack of resolution may be due to localized horizontal transfer of norms consistent with the influence of neighbours we find from biogeographical analyses. We cannot rule out other untested mechanisms. Although long‐standing theories propose links between subsistence practices and land ownership, our results suggest subsistence plays only a modest role. Our results also support resource defensibility theory (i.e. land ownership is more likely where environmental productivity is predictable). Overall, we demonstrate the value of combining analytical approaches from evolution and biogeography to test hypotheses on the spatial and temporal variation of human cultural traits.
An overview of the role of carboxytherapy in dermatology
Authors: Bagherani Nooshin , Smoller Bruce R. , Tavoosidana Gholamreza , Ghanadan Alireza , Wollina Uwe , Lotti Torello
Published: March 2023

Background

Carboxytherapy is defined as intradermal and/or subcutaneous microinjections of sterile purified carbon dioxide into different parts of the body for therapeutic aims. The vasodilatation effect and intradermal collagen reorganization associated with carboxytherapy have advantages for aesthetic dermatology and cosmetology.

Objective

In the current article, we have reviewed some of the most important indications of this modality in dermatology and aesthetic dermatology.

Method

Our review is a narrative one which has gathered some of the most important indications of carboxytherapy in dermatology and cosmetology.

Results

Carboxytherapy has successfully been applied for some dermatologic and cosmetic conditions among which skin aging, cellulite, localized fat deposits, striae distensae, infraorbital hyperpigmentation, scar, lymphedema, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, psoriasis, morphea, and vitiligo are the most important.

Conclusion

Carboxytherapy can be considered as a safe, minimally‐invasive modality used for rejuvenation, restoration, and recondition of the skin.
Religiosity, sexual behaviors, sexual motivations, and gender: A three‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Hanna‐Walker Veronica , Walters Tracy L. , Wesche Rose , Leavitt Chelom E. , Lefkowitz Eva S.
Published: March 2023

Longitudinal data are critical for examining associations of religiosity with sexual behaviors and motivations during college. We use hierarchical linear modeling on five semesters of data from a diverse sample of college students (N = 735) to examine within‐ and between‐person associations between religious service attendance and importance of religion and sexual behaviors and motivations for and against sex and consider gender as a moderator. Between‐person religiosity was associated with sexual behaviors and motivations whereas within‐person religiosity was not. Students' sexual motivations co‐varied across semesters with their religious service attendance and importance of religion. Our results indicated more restrictive associations between religiosity and sexual motivations for women than for men.
Jesus and Dogs: Or How to Command a Friend?
Authors: Bowlin John R.
Published: March 2023

Religious ethics, like its sibling, religious studies, emerged out of the divinity schools and theological seminaries in the mid‐20th century. Many years have now passed since these academic disciplines have secured independent standing in universities and colleges, independent from their theological beginnings. The time seems right, then, to ask what theological inquiry might gain from religious ethics and what religious ethics might look like when done in a theological mode. Reflection on the manumission scene in the 15th chapter of John's gospel, on the exegetical puzzles it poses, offers one possible example of these gains and this mode.
Noncausal affine processes with applications to derivative pricing
Authors: Gouriéroux Christian , Lu Yang
Published: March 2023

Linear factor models, where the factors are affine processes, play a key role in Finance, since they allow for quasi‐closed form expressions of the term structure of risks. We introduce the class of noncausal affine linear factor models by considering factors that are affine in reverse time. These models are especially relevant for pricing sequences of speculative bubbles. We show that they feature nonaffine dynamics in calendar time, while still providing (quasi) closed form term structures and derivative pricing formulas. The framework is illustrated with term structure of interest rates and European call option pricing examples.
Gene expression differentiation in the reproductive tissues of Drosophila willistoni subspecies and their hybrids
Authors: Ranz José M. , Go Alwyn C. , González Pablo M. , Clifton Bryan D. , Gomes Suzanne , Jaberyzadeh Amirali , Woodbury Amanda , Chan Carolus , Gandasetiawan Kania A. , Jayasekera Suvini , Gaudreau Chelsea , Ma Hsiu‐Ching , Salceda Victor M. , Abreu‐Goodger Cei , Civetta Alberto
Published: March 2023

Early lineage diversification is central to understand what mutational events drive species divergence. Particularly, gene misregulation in interspecific hybrids can inform about what genes and pathways underlie hybrid dysfunction. In Drosophila hybrids, how regulatory evolution impacts different reproductive tissues remains understudied. Here, we generate a new genome assembly and annotation in Drosophila willistoni and analyse the patterns of transcriptome divergence between two allopatrically evolved D. willistoni subspecies, their male sterile and female fertile hybrid progeny across testis, male accessory gland, and ovary. Patterns of transcriptome divergence and modes of regulatory evolution were tissue‐specific. Despite no indication for cell‐type differences in hybrid testis, this tissue exhibited the largest magnitude of expression differentiation between subspecies and between parentals and hybrids. No evidence for anomalous dosage compensation in hybrid male tissues was detected nor was a differential role for the neo‐ and the ancestral arms of the D. willistoni X chromosome. Compared to the autosomes, the X chromosome appeared enriched for transgressively expressed genes in testis despite being the least differentiated in expression between subspecies. Evidence for fine genome clustering of transgressively expressed genes suggests a role of chromatin structure on hybrid gene misregulation. Lastly, transgressively expressed genes in the testis of the sterile male progeny were enriched for GO terms not typically associated with sperm function, instead hinting at anomalous development of the reproductive tissue. Our thorough tissue‐level portrait of transcriptome differentiation between recently diverged D. willistoni subspecies and their hybrids provides a more nuanced view of early regulatory changes during speciation.
How identity is produced and experienced in the context of mandated community‐based mental health care: An application of the theories of Grosz and Foucault
Authors: Jager Fiona , Perron Amélie
Published: March 2023

Despite changes to research and practice, that, to some degree, acknowledge that people are shaped by their contexts, the treatment of mental illness remains largely focused on interventions that take place at the level of the individual. Conceptualizing mental illness as something that resides in individuals can lead to reliance on neurobiological and psychotherapeutic solutions, and away from conversations about not only contextual causes of mental distress, but also sociopolitical solutions to mental distress. Further, it can lead to the use of mental health interventions that focus on the biology of an individual without a consideration for how those interventions themselves may have psychological, social, or political consequences that act to shape an individual's identity, agency, and relationship to their community. This paper examines one medicolegal intervention, the community treatment order, using the philosophical work of Grosz and Foucault to consider how this intervention affects the experience and construction of identity, and the impact of this on an individual's sense of agential membership in a community. This discussion aims to increase understanding of the individual and social implications of interventions for mental illness, and provide a conceptualization of the relationship between identity, agency, and ethics which can inform critical research and nursing practice more broadly.
Effector‐mediated partial and nonhost disease resistance in wheat
Authors: Rudd Jason J.
Published: March 2023

This article is a Commentary on Meile et al. (2023), 238: 1562–1577.
Modelling eye lengths and refractions in the periphery
Authors: Ramamirtham Ramkumar , Akula James D. , Curran Amber‐Lee K. , Szczygiel Justyna , Lancos Annie M. , Grytz Rafael , Ferguson R. Daniel , Fulton Anne B.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To create a simplified model of the eye by which we can specify a key optical characteristic of the crystalline lens, namely its power.

Methods

Cycloplegic refraction and axial length were obtained in 60 eyes of 30 healthy subjects at eccentricities spanning 40° nasal to 40° temporal and were fitted with a three‐dimensional parabolic model. Keratometric values and geometric distances to the cornea, lens and retina from 45 eyes supplied a numerical ray tracing model. Posterior lens curvature (PLC) was found by optimising the refractive data using a fixed lens equivalent refractive index (). Then, was found using a fixed PLC.

Results

Eccentric refractive errors were relatively hyperopic in eyes with central refractions ≤−1.44 D but relatively myopic in emmetropes and hyperopes. Posterior lens power, which cannot be measured directly, was derived from the optimised model lens. There was a weak, negative association between derived PLC and central spherical equivalent refraction. Regardless of refractive error, the posterior retinal curvature remained fixed.

Conclusions

By combining both on‐ and off‐axis refractions and eye length measurements, this simplified model enabled the specification of posterior lens power and captured off‐axis lenticular characteristics. The broad distribution in off‐axis lens power represents a notable contrast to the relative stability of retinal curvature.
Pediatric vulvar lichen sclerosus: Does it resolve or does it persist after menarche?
Authors: Boero Veronica , Cavalli Riccardo , Caia Carlotta , Berrettini Alfredo , Cetera Giulia Emily , Monti Ermelinda , Barbara Giussy , Albertini Giorgia Carlotta , Restelli Elisa , Libutti Giada , Motta Tiziano , Lazzari Caterina , Vercellini Paolo
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

Although data regarding the rates of remission and progression of the disease are still scarce, it is generally now acknowledged that pediatric vulvar lichen sclerosus (pVLS) can persist beyond puberty. Recent studies reveal that this condition may persist in as many as 75% of cases. The present study aims to answer the following query: how does pVLS evolve after menarche?

Methods

This observational retrospective study conducted on premenarchal girls diagnosed with pVLS in our institution between 1990 and 2011 describes 31 patients who returned for multidisciplinary clinical evaluation following menarche.

Results

The mean follow‐up time was 14 years. At the post‐menarche clinical examination, patients were classified as follows: 58% were still affected by VLS, 16% presented with a complete remission of disease, and 26% were completely asymptomatic although with persistent clinical signs of VLS.

Conclusions

In our series, pVLS persists following menarche in the majority of patients. These findings suggest the importance of a long‐term follow‐up even among patients who report resolution of symptoms following menarche.
In vivo transepidermal water loss: Validation of a new multi‐sensor open chamber water evaporation system Tewameter TM Hex
Authors: Fluhr Joachim W. , Wiora Georg , Nikolaeva Dessyslava G. , Miséry Laurent , Darlenski Razvigor
Published: March 2023

Background

Instrumentation technology for transepidermal water loss measurements has not been substantially modified since its introduction by Nilsson in 1977. Recent progress in sensor development allowed a new sensor arrangement using a matrix of 30 sensors. Raw measurement values are processed with spatial statistical analysis. We aimed to compare the new, multi‐sensor probe (Tewameter TM Hex) with the established Tewameter TM 300 probe and to gain reference data for the new parameters of transepidermal energy loss and water vapor concentration on skin.

Material and methods

Baseline measurements and repeated measurements on the volar forearm and assessment on eight different anatomical locations were performed on 24 healthy volunteers (both gender) with the TM Hex and the TM 300.

Results

A significant correlation (p < 0.001; R‐coefficient = 0.9) between TM Hex and the TM 300 with a low coefficient of variance (CV) 11% for TM Hex and 19% for TM 300, could be assessed. The CV ranged between 7% (right inner upper arm) and 14% (palms). Average transepidermal heat loss ranged from 12 W/m2 on the lower leg to 38.8 W/m2 on the palm.

Conclusion

The correlation between TM Hex and TM 300 along with the robustness of the measurements with the TM Hex shows that the new probe for assessment of epidermal barrier function is comparable to the TM 300. In most conditions, TM Hex provides more accurate measurements than TM 300. New parameters open the field to studying skin's water and energy balance.
Institutions and incarceration: The role of economic freedom at the MSA level
Authors: Dove John A. , Dove Laura R.
Published: March 2023

Objective

We evaluate the relationship between economic freedom and incarceration at the U.S. metropolitan statistical area level.

Method

We use economic freedom data at the metropolitan statistical area unit and local incarceration data from the Vera Institute in 5‐year intervals from 1977 through 2017.

Results

Our evidence suggests that greater economic freedom is associated with lower rates of incarceration in jails for the overall population. The channel tends to be through both the first and second economic freedom components (“size of government” and “taxation,” respectively). Finally, the results for juvenile incarcerated populations are largely driven by labor market freedoms.

Conclusion

To the extent that reducing incarceration rates continue to be viewed as a positive outcome in line with recent trends, this study suggests that promoting laws and policies aimed at enhancing economic freedom could be an avenue to advancing that goal. For proponents, this policy implication has the rare advantage of bipartisan appeal.
The effect of financial inclusion on urban population in Ghana
Authors: Adabor Opoku , Mintah Kwabena , Amankwah Ernest
Published: March 2023

Background

Ghana has witnessed rapid urban population growth over the past decades, which has led to vast environmental, settlement, human, and ecological issues. It is therefore extremely important to examine the factors that influence urban population growth in Ghana to provide policy directions for policymakers.

Objectives

The article examines the impact of financial inclusion on urban population growth using three different measures of financial inclusion.

Methods

We applied the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) to historical time‐series data covering the period of 1960 to 2020.

Results

The estimates from the ARDL model show that financial inclusion exerts a positive effect on urban population growth. Specifically, the findings confirm that financial knowledge, usage, and availability of financial services contribute significantly to urban population growth over time.

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that government and financial institutions should utilize various channels to increase financial knowledge, usage and availability of financial services among individuals living in deprived areas where there are a limited number of financial institutions.
Effects of case management based on preventing falls in older people: A systematic review
Authors: Candanedo Maria Juana Beatriz Lima , Gramani‐Say Karina , Gerassi Renata Carolina , Janducci Ana Luisa , Florido João Vitor Businaro , Alberto Silsam Napolitano , Rossi Paulo Giusti , Ansai Juliana Hotta
Published: March 2023

Background

Falls among older adults can lead to negative consequences with physical, functional, social, and psychological functioning, and a high prevalence of mortality. However, it is still unclear whether case management can reduce the number of falls in this population.

Aims

The aims of this review were to analyze the effects of case management on preventing falls and reducing risk factors for falls in older people.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted, searching for and synthesizing clinical trials involving case management in older people who had falls or risk for fall outcomes. Two authors extracted data using predefined data fields, and risk of bias was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the final review. Case management in older people did not significantly reduce the number of falls, falls per person, or severity of falls compared to control groups. Adherence to recommendations in case management ranged from 25% to 88%.

Linking Evidence to Action

There is limited evidence of reduced rates of falls and specific risk factors for falls among people who received case management interventions. Randomized trials with good quality are needed.
Mayer–Vietoris squares in algebraic geometry
Authors: Hall Jack , Rydh David
Published: March 2023

We consider various notions of Mayer–Vietoris squares in algebraic geometry. We use these to generalize a number of gluing and push out results of Moret‐Bailly, Ferrand–Raynaud, Joyet and Bhatt. An important intermediate step is Gabber's rigidity theorem for henselian pairs, which our methods give a new proof of.
Magnesium sulphate reduces tertiary gliosis but does not improve EEG recovery or white or grey matter cell survival after asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Galinsky Robert , Dhillon Simerdeep K. , Kelly Sharmony B. , Wassink Guido , Davidson Joanne O. , Lear Christopher A. , van den Heuij Lotte G. , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: March 2023

Maternal magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) treatment is widely recommended before preterm birth for neuroprotection. However, this is controversial because there is limited evidence that MgSO4 provides long‐term neuroprotection. Preterm fetal sheep (104 days gestation; term is 147 days) were assigned randomly to receive sham occlusion with saline infusion (n = 6) or i.v. infusion with MgSO4 (n = 7) or vehicle (saline, n = 6) from 24 h before hypoxia–ischaemia induced by umbilical cord occlusion until 24 h after occlusion. Sheep were killed after 21 days of recovery, for fetal brain histology. Functionally, MgSO4 did not improve long‐term EEG recovery. Histologically, in the premotor cortex and striatum, MgSO4 infusion attenuated post‐occlusion astrocytosis (GFAP+) and microgliosis but did not affect numbers of amoeboid microglia or improve neuronal survival. In the periventricular and intragyral white matter, MgSO4 was associated with fewer total (Olig‐2+) oligodendrocytes compared with vehicle + occlusion. Numbers of mature (CC1+) oligodendrocytes were reduced to a similar extent in both occlusion groups compared with sham occlusion. In contrast, MgSO4 was associated with an intermediate improvement in myelin density in the intragyral and periventricular white matter tracts. In conclusion, a clinically comparable dose of MgSO4 was associated with moderate improvements in white and grey matter gliosis and myelin density but did not improve EEG maturation or neuronal or oligodendrocyte survival.

image

Key points

Magnesium sulphate is widely recommended before preterm birth for neuroprotection; however, there is limited evidence that magnesium sulphate provides long‐term neuroprotection.

In preterm fetal sheep exposed to hypoxia–ischaemia (HI), MgSO4 was associated with attenuated astrocytosis and microgliosis in the premotor cortex and striatum but did not improve neuronal survival after recovery to term‐equivalent age, 21 days after HI.

Magnesium sulphate was associated with loss of total oligodendrocytes in the periventricular and intragyral white matter tracts, whereas mature, myelinating oligodendrocytes were reduced to a similar extent in both occlusion groups. In the same regions, MgSO4 was associated with an intermediate improvement in myelin density.

Functionally, MgSO4 did not improve long‐term recovery of EEG power, frequency or sleep stage cycling.

A clinically comparable dose of MgSO4 was associated with moderate improvements in white and grey matter gliosis and myelin density but did not improve EEG maturation or neuronal or oligodendrocyte survival.
Topological Langmuir-cyclotron wave
Authors: Qin Hong , Fu Yichen
Published: March 2023

A theory is developed to describe the topological Langmuir-cyclotron wave (TLCW), a topological excitation in magnetized plasmas recently identified by numerical simulations. As a topological wave in a continuous medium, the TLCW propagates unidirectionally without scattering in complex boundaries and can be explored as an effective mechanism to energize particles. We show that, because momentum space in continuous media is contractible in general, the topology of the wave bundles is trivial over momentum space that contains no degeneracy points. This is in stark contrast to condensed matters with periodic lattice structures that impose nontrivial topology on momentum space. In continuous media without lattice structures, nontrivial topology of the eigenmode bundles manifests over phase space, and it is the nontrivial topology over phase space that underpins the topological excitations, such as the TLCW. It is shown that the TLCW can be faithfully modeled by a generic tilted Dirac cone in phase space, whose entire spectrum, including the spectral flow, is given.
Extremely low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity of sustainable carbon­ceramic electrospun nonwoven materials
Authors: Liao Xiaojian , Denk Jakob , Tran Thomas , Miyajima Nobuyoshi , Benker Lothar , Rosenfeldt Sabine , Schafföner Stefan , Retsch Markus , Greiner Andreas , Motz Günter , Agarwal Seema
Published: March 2023

Materials with an extremely low thermal and high electrical conductivity that are easy to process, foldable, and nonflammable are required for sustainable applications, notably in energy converters, miniaturized electronics, and high-temperature fuel cells. Given the inherent correlation between high thermal and high electrical conductivity, innovative design concepts that decouple phonon and electron transport are necessary. We achieved this unique combination of thermal conductivity 19.8 ± 7.8 mW/m/K (cross-plane) and 31.8 ± 11.8 mW/m/K (in-plane); electrical conductivity 4.2 S/cm in-plane in electrospun nonwovens comprising carbon as the matrix and silicon-based ceramics as nano-sized inclusions with a sea-island nanostructure. The carbon phase modulates electronic transport for high electrical conductivity, and the ceramic phase induces phonon scattering for low thermal conductivity by excessive boundary scattering. Our strategy can be used to fabricate the unique nonwoven materials for real-world applications and will inspire the design of materials made from carbon and ceramic.
3D bioprinting of dynamic hydrogel bioinks enabled by small molecule modulators
Authors: Hull Sarah M. , Lou Junzhe , Lindsay Christopher D. , Navarro Renato S. , Cai Betty , Brunel Lucia G. , Westerfield Ashley D. , Xia Yan , Heilshorn Sarah C.
Published: March 2023

Three-dimensional bioprinting has emerged as a promising tool for spatially patterning cells to fabricate models of human tissue. Here, we present an engineered bioink material designed to have viscoelastic mechanical behavior, similar to that of living tissue. This viscoelastic bioink is cross-linked through dynamic covalent bonds, a reversible bond type that allows for cellular remodeling over time. Viscoelastic materials are challenging to use as inks, as one must tune the kinetics of the dynamic cross-links to allow for both extrudability and long-term stability. We overcome this challenge through the use of small molecule catalysts and competitors that temporarily modulate the cross-linking kinetics and degree of network formation. These inks were then used to print a model of breast cancer cell invasion, where the inclusion of dynamic cross-links was found to be required for the formation of invasive protrusions. Together, we demonstrate the power of engineered, dynamic bioinks to recapitulate the native cellular microenvironment for disease modeling.
A window into prebiotic worlds?
Authors: Rodriguez Laura E.
Published: March 2023

Zircon s reveal the geochemistry of Earth’s earliest hydrothermal systems
Lost and found in El Salvador
Reunion
Elizabeth Barnert
University of California Press, 2023. 370 pp.
Authors: Penchaszadeh Victor
Published: March 2023

Separated by civil war, families turn to genetic testing to locate missing children
Hacking and the social contract
A Hacker’s Mind: How the Powerful Bend Society’s Rules, and How to Bend Them Back
Bruce Schneier
Norton, 2023. 304 pp.
Authors: Mayer-Schönberger Viktor
Published: March 2023

Although technical fixes can help, solutions must focus on broader societal factors at play
Effective immunotherapy occurs in neurons
Authors: Nisbet Rebecca M.
Published: March 2023

Neuronal clearance of proteins in the brain proves to be important for immunotherapy
Should an also-ran in human evolution get more respect?
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: March 2023

Oldest Oldowan tools—seen as a hallmark of our own genus—found with bones of an unexpected hominin
Autism researchers face off over language
Authors: Zamzow Rachel
Published: March 2023

Terminology dispute underscores divide about what direction the field should take
Neotropical bird scientists call for an end to bias
Authors: Mega Emiliano Rodríguez
Published: March 2023

Two manifestos offer recommendations for shifting field’s flawed “northern lens”
Tuning sentinel immune cells
Authors: Schraml Barbara U.
Published: March 2023

Neuroimmune interactions in the skin can shape the functions of dendritic cells
In Other Journals
Authors: Seale Maddy , Ash Caroline , Grocholski Brent , Alderton Gemma , Ray L. Bryan , Suleymanov Yury , Wible Brad
Published: March 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Archaeologists study what ruins meant to people in the past
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: March 2023

Mesoamerican sites offer insights into how ancient people viewed their own history
‘Persian princes’ helped found early African trade power
Authors: Curry Andrew
Published: March 2023

Ancient DNA reflects foreign influx to Swahili coast, but its culture is largely local
Gaps seen in China’s crackdown on wildlife trade
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: March 2023

Stricter rules could prevent disease outbreaks, but allowances for fur farming spur concern
On the Formation of a Plasma Cloud at the Ablation of a Pellet in a High-Temperature Magnetized Toroidal Plasma
Authors: Bakhareva O. A. , Sergeev V. Yu. , Sharov I. A.
Published: March 2023

The investigation of cold secondary plasma clouds near pellets ablating in the hot plasma of magnetic confinement devices (tokamaks and stellarators) provides valuable information on the physical characteristics of a pellet cloud. In this work, the characteristic sizes of emitting clouds around fusible polystyrene pellets and refractory carbon pellets have been analyzed. The calculation of the ionization length of C+ ions in both carbon and hydrocarbon clouds has shown that the contribution of only hot electrons is insufficient to ensure the experimentally observed decay lengths of the CII line intensity. Taking into account the strong shielding of the electron flux of the background plasma in the hydrocarbon pellet cloud, the ionization of C+ ions in this cloud is determined predominantly by electrons of the cold plasma of the cloud. Shielding near a refractory carbon pellet is weak because its ablation rate is lower. The contributions from hot electrons of the surrounding plasma and cold electrons of the pellet cloud to the ionization of C+ ions are comparable in the case of carbon pellets.
Identifying opportunities for upstream evaluations relevant to child and maternal health: a UK policy-mapping review
Authors: Stewart Emma , Pearce Anna , Given Joanne , Gilbert Ruth , Brophy Sinead , Cookson Richard , Hardelid Pia , Harron Katie L , Leyland Alastair , Wood Rachael , Dundas Ruth
Published: March 2023

Objective

Interventions to tackle the social determinants of health can improve outcomes during pregnancy and early childhood, leading to better health across the life course. Variation in content, timing and implementation of policies across the 4 UK nations allows for evaluation. We conducted a policy-mapping review (1981–2021) to identify relevant UK early years policies across the social determinants of health framework, and determine suitable candidates for evaluation using administrative data.

Methods

We used open keyword and category searches of UK and devolved Government websites, and hand searched policy reviews. Policies were rated and included using five criteria: (1) Potential for policy to affect maternal and child health outcomes; (2) Implementation variation across the UK; (3) Population reach and expected effect size; (4) Ability to identify exposed/eligible group in administrative data; (5) Potential to affect health inequalities. An expert consensus workshop determined a final shortlist.

Results

336 policies and 306 strategy documents were identified. Policies were mainly excluded due to criteria 2–4, leaving 88. The consensus workshop identified three policy areas as suitable candidates for natural experiment evaluation using administrative data: pregnancy grants, early years education and childcare, and Universal Credit.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive policy review identifies valuable opportunities to evaluate sociostructural impacts on mother and child outcomes. However, many potentially impactful policies were excluded. This may lead to the inverse evidence law, where there is least evidence for policies believed to be most effective. This could be ameliorated by better access to administrative data, staged implementation of future policies or alternative evaluation methods.
Robotically assisted deployment of flow diverter stents for the treatment of cerebral and cervical aneurysms
Authors: Chivot Cyril , Bouzerar Roger , Peltier Johann , Lefranc Michel , Yzet Thierry
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite the growing sophistication of robot-assisted surgery, it is necessary to demonstrate that robots can reliably perform complex procedures on site and then remotely. Although a flow diverter stent is one of the most effective and widely used devices, its placement is sometimes challenging.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the CorPath GRX robotic platform for the embolization of cerebral and cervical aneurysms using flow diverter stents.

Methods

We performed a single-center technical study of the first 10 flow diverter stent deployments with the CorPath GRX Robotic System (Corindus Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA) for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms between April and October 2022.

Results

Ten patients underwent robot-assisted embolization with flow diverter stents: there were nine intracranial aneurysms (paraclinoid n=6; posterior communicating artery aneurysm n=1; anterior communicating artery n=2) and one cervical aneurysm. Four procedures were performed with coils plus a flow diverter stent, one was performed with woven endobridge plus a flow diverter stent and four were performed with flow diverter stents alone. Of these procedures, two were performed with telescoping flow diverters.

All flow diverter stents were deployed with robotic assistance, with only one partial conversion to a manual technique (caused by guidewire torquability limitations). No perioperative complications were observed.

Conclusion

Robot-assisted flow diverter stent deployment using the CorPath GRX platform is feasible and appears to be safe. Larger, in-depth studies of the technique’s safety and benefits are now warranted.
Recording of calf diseases for potential use in breeding programs: a case study on calf respiratory illness and diarrhea
Authors: van Staaveren Nienke , Hyland Emma , Houlahan Kerry , Lynch Colin , Miglior Filippo , Kelton David F. , Schenkel Flavio S. , Baes Christine F.
Published: March 2023

Calf diseases remain a challenge for dairy producers from both an economic and welfare perspective. Genetically selecting for disease resistance in calves is a promising approach that could contribute to sustainable dairy farming. Genetic evaluations, however, require well-defined and consistently recorded phenotypes to be successful. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the current state of calf disease recording on Ontario farms. Calf disease records of respiratory illness and diarrhea were available from the national milk recording organization (Lactanet Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada) from 2009 to 2020. A case study was conducted to describe calf disease diagnoses and recording practices by surveying a subset of 13 Ontario dairy producers. The percentage of milk recorded farms that recorded calf respiratory illness and calf diarrhea increased from 2.6% in 2009 to 11.1% in 2020. Potential sources of data loss were identified along the information chain from farm to genetic evaluation database. Clear definitions and thresholds to diagnose calf disease, standard operating procedures for data recording, as well as a data transfer pipeline, which includes exchange formats, are needed to facilitate the inclusion of calf health traits in genetic evaluations.