Sign Change Research Articles

Implementing INTERACT in Veterans Health Administration Community Living Centers: A pragmatic randomized trial.

Hospital transfers from VA Community Living Centers (CLCs) are common. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of introducing the Intervention to Reduce Acute Care Transfers (INTERACT) program into VA CLCs. Cluster randomized trial involving 16 pair-matched VA CLCs. Intervention CLC nursing staff were trained in the use of INTERACT tools designed to identify early signs of a clinical change in condition and improve communication and documentation. One tool was embedded into the VA Electronic Medical Record. Intervention staff were supported by bi-weekly calls over 18 months to reinforce INTERACT tool use. The primary outcome for intent-to-treat analyses was the rate of all-cause hospitalizations per 1000 person days. Secondary outcomes, assessed through structured record reviews and algorithms, were intervention CLCs change in 1) potentially inappropriate transfer decisions and 2) potentially preventable transfers. CLC staff implementation and engagement in INTERACT were documented. Only five of the eight intervention CLCs substantially engaged in the intervention. Using a negative-binomial regression with random effects, adjusting for month, intervention, and the interaction of time and the intervention, we observed no statistically significant difference between intervention and control facilities in all-cause hospitalizations. This was confirmed with matched resident-level, as-treated, analyses among residents in the five engaged CLCs and their matched controls. Structured implicit review of intervention CLC's medical records revealed low rates of inappropriate transfer decisions both before and after the intervention. Introducing INTERACT into volunteer VA CLCs did not reduce the rates of all-cause hospitalizations. In both the pre- and post-intervention periods, all-cause hospitalization rates were relatively higher, and inappropriate transfers lower in VA CLCs than commonly observed in community NHs. Low rates of potentially inappropriate transfers and higher nurse and physician staffing in CLCs may explain why INTERACT was not implemented as fully as planned.

Variable Kerr nonlinearity and optical bistability of a four-level lambda atomic medium

Using perturbation theory we obtain expressions for the third-order nonlinear susceptibility and the Kerr nonlinear coefficient of a four-level lambda-type atomic system in the presence of Doppler broadening. The model is applied to the Rb atomic gas medium at room temperature; the investigations demonstrate the ability to enhance and control the Kerr nonlinear coefficient according to laser parameters in single-window and double-window EIT regimes. The amplitude and the sign of the Kerr nonlinear coefficient change sensitively to the driving laser parameters as well as ambient temperature. As a representative application, this Kerr nonlinear medium is applied to optical bistability (OB) and shows that the threshold intensity and the width of OB are also easily changed according to the laser parameters. In particular, in double-window EIT regime the emergence of nonlinear coefficient at different frequency domains that leads to the appearance of OB at multiple frequency domains simultaneously. This study is a good preparation for experimental observations of Kerr nonlinearity and optical bistability.

Melittin - the main component of bee venom: a promising therapeutic agent for neuroprotection through keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation

The Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor (Nrf2)/ Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway, known for its significant role in regulating innate antioxidant defense mechanisms, is increasingly being recognized for its potential in neuroprotection studies. Derived from bee venom, melittin's neuroprotective effects have raised interest. This study confirmed that melittin specificity upregulated the weakened Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in mice brain. Interestingly, we also revealed melittin’s efficient tactic, as it was suggested to first restore redox balance and then gradually stabilized other regulations of the mouse hippocampus. Using a neuro-stress-induced scopolamine model, chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis revealed that melittin crossed the compromised blood–brain barrier and accumulated in the hippocampus, which provided the chance to interact directly to weakened neurons. A wide range of improvements of melittin action were observed from various tests from behavior Morris water maze, Y maze test to immune florescent staining, western blots. As we need to find out what is the focus of melittin action, we conducted a careful observation in mice which showed that: the first signs of changes, in the hippocampus, within 5 h after melittin administration were the restoration of the Nrf2/HO-1 system and suppression of oxidative stress. After this event, from 7 to 12.5 h after administration, a diversity of conditions was all ameliorated: inflammation, apoptosis, neurotrophic factors, cholinergic function, and tissue ATP level. This chain reaction underscores that melittin focus was on redox balance's role, which revived multiple neuronal functions. Evidence of enhancement in the mouse hippocampus led to further exploration with hippocampal cell line HT22 model. Immunofluorescence analysis showed melittin-induced Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus, which would initiating the translation of antioxidant genes like HO-1. Pathway inhibitors pinpointed melittin's direct influence on the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. 3D docking models and pull-down assays suggested melittin's direct interaction with Keap1, the regulator of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Overall, this study not only highlighted melittin specifically effect on Nrf2/HO-1, thus rebalancing cellular redox, and also showed that this is an effective multi-faceted therapeutic strategy against neurodegeneration.

Neonatal Clinical Assessment of the Puppy and Kitten: How to Identify Newborns at Risk?

Neonatal puppies and kittens have physiological and anatomical characteristics that differ from those of adult animals, which impacts the interpretation of physical examination and complementary tests. The veterinarian must be familiar with the clinical, laboratory, and imaging aspects observed in neonates. It is necessary to thoroughly evaluate the litter and the mother to notice the most subtle signs of illness and advise the owner to constantly monitor the newborns, quickly sending them to specialized care. This review describes how to perform clinical assessments of newborns systematically and recognize clinical signs of neonatal changes or affections in puppies and kittens.

Charge Inversion by Monovalent Hydroxide Ions.

The interaction between the hydroxide ion (OH-) and the headgroup of a model cationic lipid (DPTAP, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane chloride) was investigated for different concentrations of NaOH solutions by using sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy. The OH signal (3000-3700 cm-1) of the interfacial water under the Langmuir monolayer of DPTAP decreased with increasing NaOH concentration, due to screening of the surface charge by OH- counterions. Surprisingly, after reaching a minimum at 5 mM NaOH, the OH signal steadily increased. The phase-sensitive spectra revealed a sign change in the OH stretch band, indicating the overcompensation of the surface charge by OH-. By contrast, for a DODAB (didodecyldimethylammonium bromide) monolayer (a cationic surfactant without ester groups), the OH stretch signal decreased monotonically with NaOH addition. This charge inversion behavior is driven by the specific interaction between the ester moiety of DPTAP and the OH- that overcomes the Coulomb repulsion between the adsorbed ions.

Unconventional Anomalous Hall Effect Driven by Self-Intercalation in Covalent 2D Magnet Cr2Te3.

Covalent 2D magnets such as Cr2Te3, which feature self-intercalated magnetic cations located between monolayers of transition-metal dichalcogenide material, offer a unique platform for controlling magnetic order and spin texture, enabling new potential applications for spintronic devices. Here, it is demonstrated that the unconventional anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in Cr2Te3, characterized by additional humps and dips near the coercive field in AHE hysteresis, originates from an intrinsic mechanism dictated by the self-intercalation. This mechanism is distinctly different from previously proposed mechanisms such as topological Hall effect, or two-channel AHE arising from spatial inhomogeneities. Crucially, multiple Weyl-like nodes emerge in the electronic band structure due to strong spin-orbit coupling, whose positions relative to the Fermi level is sensitively modulated by the canting angles of the self-intercalated Cr cations. These nodes contribute strongly to the Berry curvature and AHE conductivity.This component competes with the contribution from bands that are less affected by the self-intercalation, resulting in a sign change in AHE with temperature and the emergence of additional humps and dips. The findings provide compelling evidence for the intrinsic origin of the unconventional AHE in Cr2Te3and further establish self-intercalation as a control knob for engineering AHE in complex magnets.

Bulk and surface Dirac states accompanied by two superconducting domes in FeSe-based superconductors

Recent investigations of FeSe-based superconductors have revealed the presence of two superconducting domes and suggest possible distinct pairing mechanisms. Two superconducting domes are commonly found in unconventional superconductors and exhibit unique normal states and electronic structures. In this study, we conducted electromagnetic transport measurements to establish a complete phase diagram, successfully observing the two superconducting domes in FeSe1-xSx (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) and FeSe1-xTex (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) superconductors. The normal state resistivity on SC1 shows the strange metal state, with a power exponent approximately equal to 1 (ρ(T) ∝ Tn with n ~ 1), whereas the exponent on SC2 is less than 1. A bulk Dirac state observed on SC1, completely synchronized with the strange metal behavior, indicating a close relationship between them. While a topological surface Dirac state is witnessed on SC2 and undergoes a sign change near the pure nematic quantum critical point. The evolution of the Dirac states indicates that the appearance of the two superconducting domes may originate from the Fermi surface reconstruction. Our findings highlight distinct Dirac states and normal state resistivity across the two superconducting domes, providing convincing evidence for the existence of the two different pairing mechanisms in FeSe-based superconductors.

Changes in clinical condition and quality of life of patients with involutional changes of facial skin and metabolic syndrome after the course of treatment with therapeutic physical factors

BACKGROUND: The presence of concomitant chronic non-infectious diseases, which significantly increase in probability and severity with age, contributes to the intensity of external manifestations of involutional processes. This is absolutely true for the metabolic syndrome, which is confirmed to be associated with involutional changes in the skin and soft tissues of the face through systemic mechanisms of comorbidity, determining mutual additive influences. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the combined use of transcranial magnetic field therapy, oxygen bar therapy, and laser phoresis of hyaluronic acid for the treatment of involutional skin changes in patients with metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a simple randomization technique, patients with involutional skin changes associated with metabolic syndrome (n=120) were divided into 4 groups of 30 subjects each. Subjects in group 1 (control group) received only laser phoresis of hyaluronic acid; subjects in group 2 (comparator group 1) received one course of transcranial magnetic therapy; subjects in group 3 (comparator group 2) received one course of oxygen bar therapy; subjects in group 4 (experimental group) received one course of combined treatment (laser phoresis of hyaluronic acid + transcranial magnetic therapy + oxygen bar therapy). Results were evaluated based on changes in the severity of key clinical and functional signs of age-related skin changes. In addition, the quality of life of the patients was evaluated using the Dermatologic Index, and the overall aesthetic improvement was evaluated using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). RESULTS: The comorbidity of chronoaging with metabolic syndrome is associated with subjectively more severe major clinical manifestations of facial skin aging and indicative changes in its morphological and functional parameters. A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of using different monotherapy regimens showed the most significant regression of clinical manifestations with the laser phoresis of hyaluronic acid. The total subjective score of major clinical manifestations of age-related skin changes decreased by 39.8% on a visual analog scale (VAS), and the quality of life increased by 61.7%. The GAIS score was 2.48. Visual analog scale scores were largely consistent with changes in objective skin parameters. In the transcranial magnetic therapy and oxygen bar therapy groups, the effect was weaker and almost equal. The highest efficacy was reported in the experimental group: regression of clinical manifestations of skin chronoaging and restoration of objective dermal parameters were reliable and exceeded the level of the control group after the treatment. CONCLUSION: The combined treatment shows a significant increase in clinical efficacy due to the pathogenetic effect on the metabolic syndrome. Sinergy of therapeutic physical factors is achieved by different modalities, sites of treatment, and mechanisms of biological potential.

Multi-channel EMG manifestations of upper-extremity muscle coordination imbalance among community-dwelling sarcopenic seniors

BackgroundSarcopenia is an age-related, insidious, crippling but curable degenerative disease if diagnosed and treated early. However, no accessible and accurate early screening method is available for community settings that does not require specialized personnel. One of the hallmarks of sarcopenia is the pathological changes of muscle fiber type composition and motor unit firing patterns. Surface electromyography (sEMG) may serve as an effective tool for detecting differences between healthy and sarcopenic individuals due to its superior wearability and accessibility compared to other screening methods such as medical imaging and bioimpedance measurements, making it ideal for community-based sarcopenic screening. Our study aims to explore sEMG biomarkers that can be used for screening or diagnosis of sarcopenia.ResultsWe collected multi-channel sEMG signals from six forearm muscles of 98 healthy and 55 sarcopenic community-dwelling older adults. Participants performed grasp tasks at 20% and 50% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Hexagons created by various EMG features, normalized with respect to respective MVC, and symmetry analyses were performed to estimate multi-muscle coordination patterns. An innovative index, namely incenter–circumcenter distance of muscle coordination (ICDMC), is proposed to discriminate between the healthy and sarcopenic groups. We utilized non-parametric tests to compare the ICDMC between the two groups, considering a p-value less than 0.05 statistically significant. The results showed that at 20% MVC, ICDMCs from root mean square (RMS), mean absolute value (MAV), slope sign changes (SSC) and wavelength (WL) showed statistically significant differences. More insights of this sEMG manifestation of sarcopenia were revealed by gender- and age-stratifications analyses.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that there are clear sEMG manifestations of altered muscle coordination in sarcopenic patients. More consistent force generation patterns were observed in the sarcopenic group, especially at lower contraction intensities. The novel ICDMC can quantify differences between sarcopenic and healthy muscle. These results warrant further research to further develop more accessible sarcopenia screening strategies in community settings based on electrophysiological measurements such as sEMG.

Extensions of the Bloch-Pólya theorem on the number of real zeros of polynomials (II)

We prove that there is an absolute constant c>0 such that for every a0,a1,…,an∈[1,M],1≤M≤14expn9,there are b0,b1,…,bn∈{−1,0,1}such that the polynomial P of the form P(z)=∑j=0nbjajzj has at least cnlog(4M)1/2−1 distinct sign changes in Ia:=(1−2a,1−a), where a:=log(4M)n1/2≤1/3. This improves and extends earlier results of Bloch and Pólya and Erdélyi and, as a special case, recaptures a special case of a more general recent result of Jacob and Nazarov.

On the sign changes of Dirichlet coefficients of triple product L-functions

On the sign changes of Dirichlet coefficients of triple product <i>L</i>-functions

Exceptional Photochemical Interface: Creation of a p-n Junction and Enhanced Photoreduction Ability.

The interface of substances at the photoexcited state is completely different from that at the ground state, which gives a chance to create some unprecedented physical and chemical properties. These interface-dominated properties can significantly improve carrier transport kinetics. Herein, we report a special photochemical strategy for constructing a heterogeneous interface. We synthesized a series of catalysts involving SnS2 and Zn2AgInS4 (ZAIS), providing an example of constructing a photochemical interface between n-type and p-type two-dimensional substances. Zeta potential confirmed that the photoinduced surface charge of ZAIS changed from negative to positive. This change in charge sign created the possibility of combining ZAIS with SnS2 carrying negative charges. First-principles calculations certified that the photochemical interface is thermodynamically feasible. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data confirmed that the interface in the heterogeneous catalysts of ZAIS/SnS2 was formed during the photo-illumination process. Owing to the promoted fast separation of photogenerated carriers, the catalyst possessing a p-n junction photochemical interface exhibits optimal Cr(VI) photoreduction and photocatalytic H2 evolution performance as well as good stability. Photochemistry provides a universal methodology for constructing exceptional interfaces and guiding the synthesis of interfacial functional materials.

International capital flows in the process of longevity catch-up

Abstract Using a polynomial cointegration technique, this paper shows that the bilateral US current account balance with China has a U-shaped relationship with the life expectancy gap between the US and China. A narrowing gap initially increases the US deficit with China, but eventually, this increased US deficit falls with the further catching-up of Chinese life expectancy. The life expectancy gap between the two countries has been below the threshold level since 2013, and this demographic trend has the potential to improve the US deficit with China. This U-shaped relationship can be theoretically reproduced. A two-country overlapping generations model indicates that the effect of life expectancy is decomposed into four components: retirement savings, social security burden, the number of elderly workers, and the productivity of elderly workers. The total effect of foreign life expectancy on the home current account balance exhibits a sign change in the catching-up of foreign life expectancy.

Skyrmion Hall Effect in Altermagnets.

It is widely believed that the skyrmion Hall effect is absent in antiferromagnets because of the vanishing topological charge. However, the Aharonov-Casher theory indicates the possibility of topological effects for neutral particles. In this Letter, we predict the skyrmion Hall effect in emerging altermagnets with zero net magnetization and zero skyrmion charge. We first show that the neutral skyrmion manifests as a magnetic quadrupole in altermagnets. We reveal a hidden gauge field from the magnetic quadrupole, which induces the skyrmion Hall effect when driven by spin transfer torque. Interestingly, we identify a sign change of the Hall angle when one swaps the anisotropic exchange couplings in altermagnets. Furthermore, we demonstrate that both the velocity and Hall angle of altermagnetic skyrmions sensitively depend on the current direction. Our findings real the critical role of magnetic quadrupole in driving the skyrmion Hall effect with vanishing charge, and pave the way to discovering new Hall effect of neutral quasiparticles beyond magnetic skyrmions.

Role of divalent doping at A-sites (A=Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+ & Pb2+) on thermoelectric and magnetoresistive properties in La0.67(Bi0.0835Na0.0835) A0.165MnO3

The present work reports on the effect of divalent ion doping (Ca2+, Sr2+, Pb2+ & Ba2+) ions at A-site in the compound with compositional formula La0.67(Bi0.0835Na0.0835)A0.165MnO3 on structural, magnetic, magneto-transport and thermoelectric properties. X-ray diffraction reveals orthorhombic structure for calcium and barium doped with no peak splitting observed at ~ 32o whereas rhombohedral structure for strontium and lead dopants with a peak splitting in the main intensity. Doping with divalent ions at A-site in La0.67(Bi0.0835Na0.0835)A0.165MnO3 manganites has introduced Mn2+ ions, changing the ratio of Mn3+/Mn4+ in octahedral site and this has been confirmed from X-ray photospectroscopy studies. The field emission scanning electron microscope images confirm different grain sizes and morphologies for different doping elements and distinguished variation is noticed for strontium doped manganites with a grain size of 1.08µm. Room temperature ferromagnetic behavior was observed in the samples at room temperature except for calcium doped sample and magnetic behavior has been discussed on the basis of the various interactions between mixed valence manganese ions and Mn3+/Mn4+ ratio. Electrical resistivity (ρ) as a function of temperature (T) without magnetic field indicates the double peak behavior and with the application of external magnetic fields, the double peak disappears, in all the investigated samples. Highest MR% at their respective transition temperatures (TP1) has been obtained for lead doped samples when compared to barium, strontium and calcium samples. Activation energies (EP) estimated decreases initially for calcium and strontium whereas it increases for lead and barium dopants i.e. for further increases in ionic radii. The change of sign from positive to negative in Seebeck coefficient (S) was noticed with increasing ionic radii suggesting the variation in the nature of charge carriers. The electron-electron, electron-magnon, magnon-magnon scattering mechanism contributes to the temperature dependent resistivity and thermopower in the low temperature region while in the paramagnetic insulating region is governed by a small polaron hopping mechanism.

Emergence of Optical Activity and Surface Morphology Changes in Racemic Amino Acid Films Under Circularly Polarized Lyman-α Light Irradiation.

The homochirality of life remains one of the most enigmatic issues in the study of the origin of life. A proposed mechanism for symmetry breaking involves irradiation by circularly polarized light (CPL). To investigate the photoreaction of amino acids under CPL irradiation, a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) CPL irradiation system was developed at the synchrotron light source UVSOR-III. Hydrogen Lyman-α CPL (121.6 nm) is considered a potential asymmetric source in space. Therefore, racemic alanine film samples were irradiated with Lyman-α CPL to explore the photoreaction of biomolecules. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra measurements revealed that irradiation with right- (left-) handed CPL induced a positive (negative) anisotropy factor g in the wavelength range of 180-240 nm. However, the spectra differed from those of enantiopure alanine, exhibiting broad wavelength ranges and no sign change. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) measurements indicate formation of larger molecules, such as oligomeric alanine adducts or modified oligomers after the Lyman-α CPL irradiation. Additionally, CPL irradiation considerably changes the microstructure of the alanine film surface, leading to the formation of circular network aggregates on the scale of 100 nm. The morphology changes in the alanine film and/or the formation of the larger molecules could be possible causes of the modified anisotropy factor spectra compared to those of enantiopure alanine. These findings highlight the need for further research on the photoreaction of biomolecules in solid states under VUV CPL irradiation, particularly in the photoionization energy range, to validate the cosmic scenario of homochirality.

Health and air pollutant emission impacts of net zero CO2 by 2050 scenarios from the energy modeling forum 37 study

Carbon dioxide and non-greenhouse gas air pollutants are emitted from many of the same sources. Decarbonization actions thus typically yield air pollutant emission reductions, resulting in significant air quality benefits. Although several studies have highlighted this connection, including in the context of net zero carbon emission targets, substantial uncertainty remains regarding how alternative technological pathways to this goal will affect the spatial distribution and magnitude of air pollutants. Comprehensive multi-model and multi-scenario analyzes are needed to explore the relative impacts of alternative pathways. Our study begins to address this gap by leveraging the results from the recent Energy Modeling Forum 37 inter-model comparison exercise on U.S. decarbonization pathways. Comparing the results of the six teams who submitted air pollutant emissions suggests that strategies that target net zero U.S. carbon emissions would yield significant reductions in many air pollutants, and that this finding is generally robust across pathways. However, some energy sources, such as biomass and fossil fuels with carbon capture, will emit air pollutants and can potentially influence the magnitude, spatial distribution, and even sign of localized air pollutant emission changes. In the second part of this analysis, a simplified air quality and health impacts screening model is used to evaluate the air quality impacts in 2035 of sectoral emission changes from the three models that provided sectoral detail. Relative to a reference scenario, a net zero pathway is estimated to reduce fine particulate matter concentrations across the contiguous U.S., with health benefits from reduced mortality ranging from $65 billion to $250 billion in 2035 alone (2023$s). These benefits would be expected to grow over time as the net zero trajectory becomes more stringent. Both the magnitude of potential benefits and the substantial variation of the projections across models underscore the need for an EMF-like inter-model comparison exercise focused on air quality.

Toxicological analysis and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant evaluations of extract, fractions and secoxyloganin obtained from Guettarda viburnoides Cham. & Schltdl. in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGuettarda viburnoides, "veludinho do campo," is traditionally used for the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions in humans; however, only one scientific study has reported this effect in an ear inflammatory model. Therefore, it is necessary to explore other in vivo models and the chemical composition of this medicinal plant. Aim of the studyA chemical investigation of methanolic extract of G. viburnoides (MEGV) (leaves) led to the isolation of secoxyloganin (GV-1). In addition, the preclinical safety of MEGV (in acute and subacute toxicological models, gavage = p.o.), antioxidants of MEGV, ethyl acetate (EAFGV) and hydromethanolic (HMFGV) fractions were tested using free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation methodologies, and the anti-inflammatory effects of MEGV, HMFGV and GV-1 (p.o.) were evaluated on carrageenan and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) models of inflammation in mice. Materials and MethodsMEGV was obtained from air-dried leaves by maceration with methanol at room temperature. MEGV was then purified by liquid-liquid partitioning, to obtain the EAFGV and HMFGV fractions. Purification of HMFGV afforded GV-1. The quantification of total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols, and condensed tannins was subsequently performed for MEGV. The antioxidant activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and oxidation of β-carotene were evaluated in MEGV and its fractions. The anti-inflammatory activity of MEGV (3, 30, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was assayed in carrageenan-induced models, followed by assessments of MEGV (100 mg/kg, p.o.), HMFGV (3 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) and GV-1 (3 mg/kg, p.o.) in CFA- induced models in mice (including paw oedema, mechanical allodynia and cold sensitivity). Acute (14 days of MEGV, 2000 mg/kg, p.o.) and subacute (28 days, MEGV 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) toxicity was assessed in female Swiss mice. ResultsThe major compound was secoxyloganin (GV-1). The oral acute toxicity test of MEGV revealed no evidence of toxicity, indicating low toxicity according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. In the subacute toxicity group, no clinical signs of toxicity or changes in body weight, water consumption, food consumption, or organ weight or morphology were observed after 28 days of gavage with MEGV (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) compared with those in the control group. MEGV, EAFGV, and HMFGV showed significant free-radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation activities, with IC50 values ≤ 26.38 ± 4.56 μg/mL. In in vivo anti-inflammatory assays, MEGV (3, 30 and 100 mg/kg) reduced carrageenan-induced oedema (2 and 4 h) and hyperalgesia (3 and 4 h). In the CFA model, MEGV (100 mg/kg), HMFGV (30 mg/kg) and GV-1 (3 mg/kg) reduced inflammation (at 3, 4 and 24 h) in all parameters (oedema, mechanical allodynia and cold sensitivity). ConclusionThis study revealed that G. viburnoides has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and no toxicity was detected after acute or subacute gavage with MEGV, validating its traditional use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Spruce up your climate analysis: Dendroclimatology of Picea engelmannii and Picea pungens

AbstractWarming and more variable climates threaten to upend historical tree ranges, climatic sensitivity, and vigor. In western North America, the species Picea engelmannii var. engelmannii Parry ex Engelmann (Engelmann spruce) and Picea pungens Engelmann (Colorado blue spruce) are widespread spruce that act as foundational species in their montane to subalpine habitats. However, there is currently a lack of knowledge on P. pungens climatic responses, and how it differs from P. engelmannii. To address this gap, we assessed the climatic sensitivity and correlates of tree growth in a co‐occurring old‐growth stand of P. engelmannii and P. pungens, at high elevation in southern Utah, USA. We report the putative oldest cross‐dated P. pungens, with 457 rings, and sampled multiple P. pungens &gt;400 years old. Both Picea populations had strongly positive growth responses to May–July precipitation and negative responses to maximum May–July temperature. Notably, October in the previous year had the strongest correlation with growth for both Picea species. Neither population exhibited signs of directional changes in climate–growth responses. Spectral analysis identified peaks associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation at 3–4 years and quasi‐decadal oscillations (18–20 years) in both species. Cumulatively, our results highlight the growth–climate relationships of two frequently understudied subalpine tree species. In particular, P. pungens may warrant further study across its range and identification of other ancient populations.

Determinants of Banks Profitability: Evidence from Nigeria Banking Industry

The study, investigated determinants of banks profitability in Nigeria. Other studies in this area concentrated on other profitability notions, this study incorporated Economic Value Added (EVA). Due to the presence of endogeneity problems inherent in most panel data sets of this nature we employed a two-step system GMM estimator to produce a robust estimation and account for the endogeneity problem in the data. The study revealed that bank size has a positive and significant impact on all measures of bank profitability with the exception of Net Interest Margin (NIM). This result remained consistent after macroeconomic factors were introduced in the model. The outcome also indicated that capital adequacy significantly explains bank profitability in Nigeria, with a sign change in the case of Economic Value Added (EVA) only. It was also evident that financial structure (FS) has a positive and significant impact on Return on Assets (ROA), NIM, and EVA but no evidence of significant relationship was found with ROE. The result indicated that liquidity risk (LR) has a negative and significant impact on ROA and EVA but failed to provide a significant impact on ROE and NIM. The result of the macroeconomic factors included in the model indicated that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has a positive and significant impact on NIM and EVA while no significant relationship was found when related to ROA and ROE. Inflation as a macroeconomic variable showed a significant relationship with ROA and ROE with no evidence of significant relationship with NIM and EVA. It was concluded that the impact of firm specific factors and macroeconomic variables on the profitability of the Nigerian banking sector differ according to the profitability measure employed.