bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lessons for global microfinance from . . . the United States?
Authors: Klein Joyce , Ogden Timothy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Questions about the future of global microfinance, and specifically the future of policy and subsidy for microfinance, abounded even before the pandemic. Competing policy priorities and limited budgets mean key questions must be answered. How should funders and policy-makers approach subsidy to sustain or increase the reach of microfinance? How do policy-makers find a balance between consumer protection and minimizing the costs of regulation for providers who attempt to serve low-income (and often unprofitable) customers? Can technology be a solution to long-standing challenges, increasing reach and lowering costs? Insight into these questions can be gained from an unlikely place: the United States. For decades, global microfinance advocates have suggested the US has much to learn from the innovations and successes of the global microfinance movement. However, the financial system in the US is best understood not as the result of an absence of microfinance, but an example of how a financial system evolves, and the enduring challenges, even when it includes microfinance. Microfinance has been historically present in the United States, since at least Benjamin Franklin, and extending through the present. A clear-eyed and informed view of that history provides several important lessons, including the necessity for on-going subsidy, the never-ending challenge of consumer protection, the rising costs that can come with robust market competition, and the inability of technology to fix systemic challenges. Policy-makers and funders the world over can benefit from learning from each other, particularly if the conversations start from a different point: the challenges are shared and fruitful ideas and valuable lessons can come from all parties.
Rice transcription factor OsNAC2 maintains the homeostasis of immune responses to bacterial blight
Authors: Zhong Qun , Yu Jiangtao , Wu Yiding , Yao Xuefeng , Mao Chanjuan , Meng Xiangzong , Ming Feng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa) bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo), threatens plant growth and yield. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying rice immunity against Xoo remain elusive. Here, we identified a NAC (NAM-ATAF-CUC) transcription factor OsNAC2 as a negative regulator in the resistance to bacterial blight disease in rice. Constitutive overexpression of OsNAC2 inhibited the expression of salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis-related genes (i.e. isochorismate synthase 1 (OsICS1), phenylalanine ammonia lyase 3 (OsPAL3), etc.) with adverse impacts on the pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs) responses and compromised blight resistance. Moreover, OsNAC2 interacted with APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element binding protein (AP2/EREBP) transcription factor OsEREBP1 and possibly threatened its protein stability, destroying the favorable interaction of OsEREBP1–Xa21-binding protein OsXb22a in the cytoplasm during Xoo-induced infection. On the contrary, downregulation of OsNAC2 resulted in enhanced resistance to bacterial blight in rice without any growth or yield penalties. Our results demonstrated that OsNAC2 inhibits SA signaling and stably interacted with OsEREBP1 to impair disease resistance. This OsNAC2-OsEREBP1-based homeostatic mechanism provided insights into the competition between rice and bacterial pathogens, and it will be useful to improve the disease resistance of important crops through breeding.
Education and learning: potential methodological and ethical issues in systematic reviews containing a meta-analysis: some critical reading suggestions for junior doctors
Authors: Faggion Clovis Mariano 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Junior doctors make clinical decisions regularly; therefore, they need to adequately interpret the evidence supporting these decisions. Patients can be harmed if clinical treatments are supported by biased or unreliable evidence. Systematic reviews that contain meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials are a relatively low-biased type of evidence to support clinical interventions. Therefore, it is reasonable to think that doctors will likely select this type of study to answer clinical questions. In this article, doctors are informed about potential methodological and ethical issues in systematic reviews that contain a meta-analysis that are sometimes not easily identified or even overlooked by the current tools developed to assess their methodological quality or risk of bias. The article presents a discussion of topics related to data extraction, accuracy in reporting, reproducibility, heterogeneity, quality assessment of primary studies included in the systematic review, sponsorship, and conflict of interest. It is expected that the information reported will be useful for junior doctors when they are reading and interpreting evidence from systematic reviews containing meta-analyses of therapeutic interventions, mainly those doctors unfamiliar with methodological principles.
Hydrogen-rich water improves sleep consolidation and enhances forebrain neuronal activation in mice
Authors: Vincent Scott M , Madani Melika , Dikeman Dante , Golden Kyle , Crocker Naomi , Jackson Cameron , Wimmer Sam P , Dover Mary , Tucker Alexis , Ghiani Cristina A , Colwell Christopher S , LeBaron Tyler W , Tarnava Alex , Paul Ketema N 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Study Objectives
Sleep loss contributes to various health issues and impairs neurological function. Molecular hydrogen has recently gained popularity as a nontoxic ergogenic and health promoter. The effect of molecular hydrogen on sleep and sleep-related neural systems remains unexplored. This study investigates the impact of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on sleep behavior and neuronal activation in sleep-deprived mice.

Methods
Adult C57BL/6J mice were implanted with electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) recording electrodes and given HRW (0.7–1.4 mM) or regular water for 7 days ad libitum. Sleep–wake cycles were recorded under baseline conditions and after acute sleep loss. Neuronal activation in sleep- and wake-related regions was assessed using cFos immunostaining.

Results
HRW increased sleep consolidation in undisturbed mice and increased non-rapid-eye movement and rapid-eye-movement sleep amount in sleep-deprived mice. HRW also decreased the average amount of time for mice to fall asleep after light onset. Neuronal activation in the lateral septum, medial septum, ventrolateral preoptic area, and median preoptic area was significantly altered in all mice treated with HRW.

Conclusions
HRW improves sleep consolidation and increases neuronal activation in sleep-related brain regions. It may serve as a simple, effective treatment to improve recovery after sleep loss.
ISX-9 Promotes KGF Secretion From MSCs to Alleviate ALI Through NGFR-ERK-TAU-β-Catenin Signaling Axis
Authors: Tian Yi , Deng Qinyi , Yang Xiaotong , Wang Chen , Minh Le Van , Ji Ri , Liang Xin , Feng Yun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely studied to alleviate acute lung injury (ALI) due to their paracrine function. However, the microenvironment of inflammatory outbreaks significantly restricted the factors secreted from MSCs like keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). KGF is a growth factor with tissue-repaired ability. Is there a better therapeutic prospect for MSCs in combination with compounds that promote their paracrine function? Through compound screening, we screened out isoxazole-9 (ISX-9) to promote MSCs derived KGF secretion and investigated the underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods
Compounds that promote KGF secretion were screened by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The TMT isotope labeling quantitative technique was used to detect the differential proteins upon ISX-9 administrated to MSCs. The expressions of NGFR, ERK, TAU, and β-catenin were detected by Western blot. In the ALI model, we measured the inflammatory changes by HE staining, SOD content detection, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, etc. The influence of ISX-9 on the residence time of MSCs transplantation was explored by optical in vivo imaging.

Results
We found out that ISX-9 can promote the expression of KGF in MSCs. ISX-9 acted on the membrane receptor protein NGFR, upregulated phosphorylation of downstream signaling proteins ERK and TAU, downregulated phosphorylation of β-catenin, and accelerated β-catenin into the nucleus to further increase the expression of KGF. In the ALI model, combined ISX-9 with MSCs treatments upgraded the expression of KGF in the lung, and enhanced the effect of MSCs in reducing inflammation and repairing lung damage compared with MSCs alone.

Conclusions
ISX-9 facilitated the secretion of KGF from MSCs both in vivo and in vitro. The combination of ISX-9 with MSCs enhanced the paracrine function and anti-inflammatory effect of MSCs compared with MSCs applied alone in ALI. ISX-9 played a contributive role in the transplantation of MSCs for the treatment of ALI.
Direct Reprogramming of Fibroblasts to Osteoblasts: Techniques and Methodologies
Authors: Fallah Asghar , Beke Alexander , Oborn Connor , Soltys Carrie-Lynn , Kannu Peter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Direct reprogramming (DR) is an emerging technique that can be applied to convert fibroblasts into osteoblast-like cells, promoting bone formation and regeneration. We review the current methodology of DR in relation to the creation of induced osteoblasts, including a comparison of transcription factor-mediated reprogramming and nontranscription factor-mediated reprogramming. We review the selection of reprogramming factors and delivery systems required. Transcription factor cocktails, such as the RXOL cocktail (Runx2, Osx, OCT3/4, and L-MYC), have shown promise in inducing osteogenic differentiation in fibroblasts. Alterations to the original cocktail, such as the addition of Oct9 and N-myc, have resulted in improved reprogramming efficiency. Transcription factor delivery includes integrative and nonintegrative systems which encompass viral vectors and nonviral methods such as synthetic RNA. Recently, an integrative approach using self-replicating RNA has been developed to achieve a longer and more sustained transcription factor expression. Nontranscription factor-mediated reprogramming using small molecules, proteins, inhibitors, and agonists has also been explored. For example, IGFBP7 protein supplementation and ALK5i-II inhibitor treatment have shown potential in enhancing osteoblast reprogramming. Direct reprogramming methods hold great promise for advancing bone regeneration and tissue repair, providing a potential therapeutic approach for fracture healing and the repair of bone defects. Multiple obstacles and constraints need to be addressed before a clinically significant level of cell therapy will be reached. Further research is needed to optimize the efficiency of the reprogramming cocktails, delivery methods, and safety profile of the reprogramming process.
Implementation science for cancer control: One center’s experience addressing context, adaptation, equity, and sustainment
Authors: Glasgow Russell E , Ford Bryan S , Bradley Cathy J 
Published: December 2023

AbstractImplementation science (IS) has great potential to enhance the frequency, speed, and quality of the translation of evidence-based programs, policies, products, and guidelines into practice. Progress has been made, but with some notable exceptions, this promise has not been achieved for cancer prevention and control. We discuss five interrelated but conceptually distinct, crosscutting issues important to accelerate IS for cancer prevention and control and how our Colorado Implementation Science Center in Cancer Control (COISC3) addressed these issues. These needs and opportunities include more fully addressing changing, multi-level context; guiding rapid, iterative adaptations; evaluating innovative approaches to engagement and health equity; greater attention to costs and economic issues; and sustainability. We summarize conceptual issues; evaluation needs and capacity building activities and then provide examples of how our IS center addressed these five needs for cancer prevention and control. We discuss changes made to address priorities of (i) guiding adaptations of implementation strategies to address changing context and (ii) working on issues identified and prioritized by our primary care partners rather than the research team. We conclude with discussion of lessons learned, limitations, and directions for future research and practice in IS to enhance cancer prevention and control as well as translational behavioral medicine more generally.
Using Behaviour Change Techniques to characterize patient educational interventions in tertiary individual prevention of work-related skin diseases
Authors: Ristow Nele , Rocholl Marc , Wilke Annika , John Swen Malte , Ludewig Michaela 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Tertiary Individual Prevention is an interprofessional inpatient rehabilitation programme offered to workers affected by work-related skin diseases. Health educational interventions aiming at changing skin protection behaviour are a pivotal component of the programme. This paper aims at characterizing the content of the educational interventions of the interprofessional inpatient rehabilitation programme and at reporting the mechanisms and functions for behaviour change. We retrospectively analysed existing health educational interventions with document analyses and field observations. The intervention was described using the Template of Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR). For the intervention content, the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) Taxonomy (v1) was applied. To characterize the intervention in detail, the BCTs were then mapped to the intervention functions, the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation) and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) from the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). The health educational interventions consist of seven components. Five are delivered in a group and two as tailored face-to-face counselling. We identified 23 BCTs in 10 groups. The most common used BCTs are “instruction on how to perform skin protection behaviour,” “salience of consequences,” “information about skin health,” and “demonstration of skin protection behaviour.” To initiate the process of behaviour change in skin protection behaviour by the individuals, changes are required in all three behavioural sources (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation) and primarily in the theoretical constructs “behavioural regulation,” “skills,” and “beliefs about consequences.” For this purpose, the five intervention functions “enablement,” “training,” “education,” “modelling,” and “persuasion” are used. Health educational interventions to change skin protection behaviour consists of different BCTs, mechanisms of change and intervention functions. This work helps to better understand the mechanisms and means of behaviour change and enables replication in other settings. In the future, the intervention programme should be extended to include BCTs addressing domains for behaviour changes which have not yet been included to maintain the new behaviour in the long-term. Finally, we recommend to report more elements of the rehabilitation programme (e.g. psychological interventions) in a standardized manner by frameworks used in this paper.
The Relationship between Climate Action and Poverty Reduction
Authors: Lankes Hans Peter , Macquarie Rob , Soubeyran Éléonore , Stern Nicholas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
There is growing awareness that actions by policymakers and international organizations to reduce poverty, and those to mitigate and adapt to climate change, are inextricably linked and interwoven. This paper examines relevant academic and policy literature and evidence on this relationship and explores the potential for a new form of development that simultaneously mitigates climate change, manages its impacts, and improves the wellbeing of people in poverty. First, as a key foundation, it outlines the backdrop in basic moral philosophy, noting that climate action and poverty reduction can be motivated both by a core principle based on the right to development and by the conventional consequentialism that is standard in economics. Second, it reviews assessments of the current and potential future impacts of weakly managed climate change on the wellbeing of those in poverty, paying attention to unequal effects, including by gender. Third, it examines arguments and literature on the economic impacts of climate action and policies and how those affect the wellbeing of people in poverty, highlighting the importance of market failures, technological change, systemic dynamics of transition, and distributional effects of mitigation and adaptation. Finally, the paper surveys the current state of knowledge and understanding of how climate action and poverty reduction can be integrated in policy design, indicating where further research can contribute to a transition that succeeds in both objectives.
A scientist’s guide to Solifugae: how solifuges could advance research in ecology, evolution, and behaviour
Authors: Hebets Eileen A , Oviedo-Diego Mariela , Cargnelutti Franco , Bollatti Fedra , Calbacho-Rosa Lucia , Mattoni Camilo I , Olivero Paola , Simian Catalina , Abregú Debora , Vrech David E , Peretti Alfredo V 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Despite having &gt;1200 described species and despite their nearly worldwide distribution and prevalence in many xeric ecosystems, relative to many other arachnid groups, we know little about the natural history and behaviour of animals in the order Solifugae (camel spiders, sun spiders, sun scorpions, etc.). Here, we review the current solifuge literature through the lens of conceptual research areas in ecology, evolution, and behaviour and propose ways in which solifuges can contribute to research in specific subfields, as follows: (i) ecology: community and trophic dynamics; connecting food webs; habitat specialization; and biodiversity and conservation; (ii) evolution: speciation and diversification; activity cycles and associated traits; adaptations for speed; and living in extreme environments; and (iii) behaviour and sensory systems: sleep, quiescence, and diapause; sensory systems and sensory ecology; learning and cognition; and mating systems, sexual selection, and sexual conflict. This resource can provide a starting point for identifying research programmes that will simultaneously contribute basic natural history information about this under-studied group and provide a broader understanding of fundamental concepts and theories across the life sciences. We hope that scientists will take this review as a challenge to develop creative ways of leveraging the unique features of solifuges to advance scientific knowledge and understanding.
Outcomes of Humerus Nonunion Surgery in Patients with Initial Operative Fracture Fixation
Authors: Harrison Noah , Hysong Alexander , Posey Samuel , Yu Ziqing , Chen Andrew T. , Pallitto Patrick , Gardner Michael , Dumpe Jarrod , Mir Hassan , Babcock Sharon , Natoli Roman M. , Adams John D. , Zura Robert D. , Miller Anna , Seymour Rachel B. , Hsu Joseph R. , Obremskey William ,   and the Evidence-Based Musculoskeletal Injury and Trauma Collective (EMIT)
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:
To describe outcomes following humerus aseptic nonunion surgery in patients whose initial fracture was treated operatively and to identify risk factors for nonunion surgery failure in the same population.
METHODS

Design:
Retrospective Case series.

Setting:
Eight academic level-one trauma centers.

Patients Selection Criteria:
Patients with aseptic humerus nonunion (OTA/AO 11 and 12) after initial operative management between 1998 and 2019

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:
Success rate of nonunion surgery.

RESULTS:
90 patients were included (56% female; median age 50 years; mean follow up 21.2 months). Of 90 aseptic humerus nonunions, 71 (78.9%) united following nonunion surgery. 30 patients (33.3%) experienced one or more post-operative complications including infection, failure of fixation, and readmission. Multivariate analysis found that not performing revision internal fixation during nonunion surgery (n=8; p=0.002) and post-operative de-novo infection (n=9; p=0.005) were associated with an increased risk of recalcitrant nonunion. Patient smoking status and the use of bone graft were not associated with differences in the nonunion repair success rate.

CONCLUSIONS:
This series of previously-operated aseptic humerus nonunions found that over one in five patients failed nonunion repair. De-novo post-operative infection and failure to perform revision internal fixation during nonunion surgery were associated with recalcitrant nonunion. Smoking and use of bone graft did not influence the success rate of nonunion surgery. These findings can be used to give patients a realistic expectation of results and complications following humerus nonunion surgery.
Pedicled Peroneus Brevis Muscle Flaps As An Alternative to Fasciocutaneous Rotational Flaps For Lower Extremity Soft Tissue Defects
Authors: Antúnez Merlin , Huyen Cormac , Neiman Rafael 
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE:
To report our experience using a peroneus brevis flap for soft tissue defects of the distal third of the tibia, ankle, and hindfoot in resource challenged environments.

METHODS:

Design:
Retrospective review

Setting:
Rural outpatient surgical facility in Honduras

Patient Selection Criteria:
Patients who sustained tibia, ankle, or hindfoot fractures or traumatic degloving, with critical sized soft tissue defects treated with either a proximally based or distally based pedicled peroneus brevis flap (PBF) to achieve coverage of the middle and distal third of the leg, ankle, and/or hindfoot.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:
Flap healing, complications and re-operations.

RESULTS:
23 patients, four with proximally based and 19 with distally based PBF flaps were included. The mean patient age was 37.3 (SD = 18.3; range 18-75 years). Duration of follow up averaged 14.7 months (SD = 11.4; range 4-46). The PBF successfully covered the defect without the need for additional unplanned surgical flap coverage in all but two patients. Thirty percent of the PBFs received a split thickness skin graft, while the remainder granulated successfully without skin graft. Four flaps were partially debrided without additional flap mobilization, while one flap was lost completely. Ten patients had successful re-elevation of their flaps for secondary procedures such as implant removal, spacer exchange, deep debridements, and bone grafting. All donor site incisions healed without complication.

CONCLUSIONS:
The pedicled peroneus brevis flap allows coverage of distal leg, ankle, and hindfoot wounds using muscle in patients who may otherwise require free tissue flaps or transfer to another institution for coverage. Peroneus brevis flaps can be learned and implemented without the use of microvascular techniques.