bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corruption and Bank Risk‐Taking in Dual Banking Systems
Authors: Khan Mushtaq Hussain , Bitar Mohammad , Tarazi Amine , Hassan Arshad , Fraz Ahmad
Published: March 2024

Research Question/Issue

We investigate whether the risk‐taking of Islamic banks is affected differently by corruption compared to conventional banks. We also examine whether the characteristics of the Shari'ah Supervisory Board (SSB) of Islamic banks and the characteristics of the board of directors of conventional banks play an effective role in moderating such an effect.

Research Findings/Insights

We find consistent evidence that banks in countries with higher corruption have higher bank risk for both conventional and Islamic banks. However, this association is attenuated by the size of the SSB, the presence of female board members, and higher academic qualifications of SSB members. For conventional banks, the moderating effect of the presence of female directors and academically qualified members on the board of directors is also prevalent but to a lesser extent.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study contributes to the corporate finance literature more generally by highlighting the role played by corporate governance, particularly the presence of female members and academically qualified members on the SSBs of Islamic banks and on the board of directors of conventional banks, in mitigating the effect of corruption on bank risk‐taking for the two bank types.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our findings are based on a matched sample of banks operating in 10 OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries and have important implications for bank stability and bank governance reforms. On the detrimental side, urgency of the anti‐corruption campaigns in these countries is justified due to the significant effect of corruption on risk‐taking for both conventional and Islamic banks. Overall, to better fight corruption in countries with dual banking systems, there is a need to enforce stricter rules for all types of banks.
Pcolce2 overexpression promotes supporting cell reprogramming in the neonatal mouse cochlea
Authors: Xu Changling , Zhang Liyan , Zhou Yinyi , Du Haoliang , Qi Jieyu , Tan Fangzhi , Peng Li , Gu Xingliang , Li Nianci , Sun Qiuhan , Zhang Ziyu , Lu Yicheng , Qian Xiaoyun , Tong Busheng , Sun Jiaqiang , Chai Renjie , Shi Yi
Published: March 2024

Hair cell (HC) damage is a leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss, and in mammals supporting cells (SCs) are unable to divide and regenerate HCs after birth spontaneously. Procollagen C‐endopeptidase enhancer 2 (Pcolce2), which encodes a glycoprotein that acts as a functional procollagen C protease enhancer, was screened as a candidate regulator of SC plasticity in our previous study. In the current study, we used adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐ie (a newly developed adeno‐associated virus that targets SCs) to overexpress Pcolce2 in SCs. AAV‐Pcolce2 facilitated SC re‐entry into the cell cycle both in cultured cochlear organoids and in the postnatal cochlea. In the neomycin‐damaged model, regenerated HCs were detected after overexpression of Pcolce2, and these were derived from SCs that had re‐entered the cell cycle. These findings reveal that Pcolce2 may serve as a therapeutic target for the regeneration of HCs to treat hearing loss.
Intra‐pancreatic fat is associated with continuous glucose monitoring metrics
Authors: Liu Yutong , Kimita Wandia , Shamaitijiang Xiatiguli , Skudder‐Hill Loren , Sequeira‐Bisson Ivana R. , Petrov Maxim S.
Published: March 2024

Aim

To investigate the relationship of fat in the pancreas with time spent in different glycaemic ranges.

Methods

Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 Tesla was used to quantify fat in the pancreas as both continuous [i.e. intra‐pancreatic fat deposition (IPFD)] and binary (i.e. fatty change of the pancreas vs. normal pancreas) variables. Dexcom G6 devices were used to collect continuous glucose monitoring data every 5 min over a continuous 7‐day period. Time above range (TAR), time in range (TIR) and time below range were computed. Statistical models were built to adjust for age, sex, body composition, and other covariates in linear regression analysis and analysis of covariance.

Results

In total, 38 individuals were studied. IPFD was significantly associated with TAR (p = .036) and TIR (p = .042) after adjustment for covariates. For every 1% increase in IPFD, there was a 0.3 unit increase in TAR and a decrease in TIR. Individuals with fatty change of the pancreas, when compared with those with normal pancreas, had significantly higher TAR (p = .034) and lower TIR (p = .047) after adjustment for covariates. Neither IPFD (p = .805) nor fatty change of the pancreas (p = .555) was associated with time below range after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusion

Increased fat in the pancreas is associated with excessive glycaemic variability. Fatty change of the pancreas may contribute to heightening the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Lateralisation of nasal cycle is not reflected in the olfactory bulb volumes and cerebral activations
Authors: Thaploo Divesh , Joshi Akshita , Thomas Marie , Hummel Thomas
Published: March 2024

Nasal cycle (NC) is a rhythmic change of lateralised nasal airflow mediated by the autonomous nervous system. Previous studies reported the dependence of NC dominance or more patent side on handedness and hemispheric cerebral activity. We aimed to investigate firstly the possible lateralised effect of NC on olfactory bulb volume and secondly the association of NC with the lateralised cerebral dominance in terms of olfactory processing. Thirty‐five subjects (22 women and 13 men, mean age 26 ± 3 years) participated in the study. NC was ascertained using a portable rhino‐flowmeter. Structural and functional brain measurements were assessed using a 3T MR scanner. Vanillin odorant was presented during functional scans using a computer‐controlled olfactometer. NC was found to be independent of the olfactory bulb volumes. Also, cerebral activations were found independent of the NC during odorant perception. NC potency is not associated with lateralised structural or functional differences in the cerebral olfactory system.
Plant functional traits couple with range size and shape in European trees
Authors: Midolo Gabriele
Published: March 2024

Aim

Plant functional traits are frequently proposed as influential factors in species distribution. However, there is a gap in assessing how plant resource‐economic traits relate to the size and shape of a species' geographical range, and to what extent these relationships are conserved over evolutionary history. Specifically, an acquisitive strategy (characterized by heightened metabolism, shorter lifespan and quicker generation turnover) may promote isotropic range formations, resulting in less elongated and larger ranges. Here, I tested this link using data from 98 native European tree species.

Location

Palaearctic.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Trees.

Methods

I used chorological maps to quantify two independent range attributes: species' range area and elongation. I considered 28 functional traits linked to resource‐use strategy measured in above‐ and below‐ground organs. I used multi‐response phylogenetic mixed models to calculate the conservative trait correlation (CTC) and the phylogenetically independent correlation (IND) component of each functional trait with range area and elongation.

Results

Range area positively correlated with resource acquisitive strategies, while range elongation correlated with resource conservative strategies. This pattern was consistent across the examined traits but statistically significant in seven out of the 28 traits, including specific leaf area, specific root area and root mycorrhizal colonization. Traits related to leaf and root nutritional status exhibited the weakest relationships with range attributes. Significant correlations were more frequent in the IND component and often showed contrasting trends compared to CTC.

Main conclusions

Plant resource‐use strategy emerges as a relevant factor to gain insights on what shapes species' geographical distribution, alongside more established drivers such as dispersal limitation and climatic tolerance. Trait‐range relationships are driven by processes leaving a weak phylogenetic signature. These processes may result from direct selection, where functional traits impact range attributes, or indirect effects, such as the co‐variation of ranges and traits with environmental niche optima.
HIV outcomes during the COVID‐19 pandemic in people of Black ethnicities living with HIV in England
Authors: Ottaway Zoe , Campbell Lucy , Fox Julie , Burns Fiona , Hamzah Lisa , Kegg Stephen , Rosenvinge Melanie , Schoeman Sarah , Price David , Jones Rachael , Miller Robert F. , Tariq Shema , Post Frank A.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To describe HIV care outcomes in people of Black ethnicities living in England during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2; coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID‐19]) pandemic.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of people of self‐reported Black ethnicities attending for HIV care at nine HIV clinics across England. The primary outcome was a composite of antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption and HIV viraemia (HIV RNA ≥200 copies/mL) ascertained via self‐completed questionnaires and review of medical records. We used multivariable logistic regression to explore associations between ART interruption/HIV viraemia and demographic factors, pre‐pandemic HIV immunovirological control, comorbidity status, and COVID‐19 disease and vaccination status.

Results

We included 2290 people (median age 49.3 years; 56% female; median CD4 cell count 555 cells/mm3; 92% pre‐pandemic HIV RNA <200 copies/mL), of whom 302 (13%) reported one or more ART interruption, 312 (14%) had documented HIV viraemia ≥200 copies/mL, and 401 (18%) experienced the composite endpoint of ART interruption/HIV viraemia. In multivariable analysis, a pre‐pandemic HIV RNA <200 copies/mL (odds ratio [OR] 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15–0.30) and being vaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2 (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.30–0.55) were associated with reduced odds of ART interruption/HIV viraemia; pandemic‐related disruptions to HIV care were common self‐reported additional factors.

Conclusions

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, one in six people of Black ethnicities in this HIV cohort experienced an ART interruption/HIV viraemia. Some of these episodes resulted from pandemic‐related healthcare disruptions. Associations with suboptimal engagement in HIV care pre‐pandemic and not being vaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2 suggest that wider health beliefs and/or poor healthcare access may have been contributory factors.
Wearing face masks in different speech styles during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A study of Thai L2 English learners
Authors: Kitikanan Patchanok , Leung Alex Ho‐Cheong
Published: March 2024

During the COVID‐19 epidemic, the effect of mask wearing on communication has been questioned and explored. However, the study on the impact of face mask wearing on L2 speech is still limited. The main goal of the present study was to explore the extent to which face masks affect interlocutors’ L2 speech perception. Factors that varied were face mask (no mask, transparent mask, and disposable face mask), presentation mode (audio only vs. audiovisual), and speaking style (conversational vs. clear). The relationship between these three variables on the L2 processing was also investigated. Fifty‐three Thai undergraduates who were L2 learners of English participated in an Internet‐based perceptual task. They listened to 60 English sentences and typed the sentences they heard over an online form. The results showed that the participants did well when the L2 communication was in clear speech regardless of type of face mask and presentation mode. The improvement of the L2 perception of clear speech occurred even when the speaker produced sentences with disposable face mask as opposed to conversational speech suggesting that clear speech could enhance intelligibility in communication. As expected, the perceptual score was the lowest when the speech was in audio‐only mode with conversational style and disposable face mask. These results suggest that in L2 classroom contexts, speaking clearly could lessen the negative effects of the face mask and unavailability of visual information of the speaker.
Utility of mean nocturnal baseline impedance and post‐reflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave index in clinical pH‐impedance reflux study
Authors: Angelica Bianca , Tippett Marcus , Lim Amanda , Wong Stephanie , Kuo Paul
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Analysis of mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) and post‐reflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave index (PSPWi) have been proposed to increase the diagnostic yield of pH‐impedance studies in reflux disease. However, routine use of these indices in clinical studies is yet to be established, particularly with PSPWi, which requires laborious manual analysis. Our study aimed to assess the utility of MNBI and PSPWi and their potential for future incorporation into clinical practice.

Methods

pH‐impedance recordings from consecutive patients referred to the Motility Laboratory at Royal Adelaide Hospital for evaluation of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) were prospectively collected and manually analysed. Baseline demographic characteristics, symptoms, acid exposure time (AET), number of reflux episodes, and MNBI and PSPWi were collected.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients were included in the study (age 50 ± 17 years, 35 males). MNBI and PSPWi inversely correlated with AET (R = −0.678, P < 0.0001 and R = −0.460, P < 0.0001 respectively) and with reflux episodes (R = −0.391, P = 0.0002 and R = −0.305, P = 0.0037 respectively). In patients with a negative pH study, but with typical reflux symptoms, 4/30 (13%) had pathologic MNBI and PSPWi. There was a positive correlation between MNBI and PSPWi values (R = 0.525, P < 0.0001). Performing analysis of PSPWi was substantially more laborious than MNBI.

Conclusion

MNBI and PSPWi are both useful adjuncts in the diagnosis of reflux disease, although in our cohort MNBI showed stronger correlation with AET with less time to analyse. The role of these indices remains to be further explored, particularly in patients with inconclusive AET and in those with positive compared to negative symptom association.
2‐Year‐olds’ free play during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tisborn Katharina , Seehagen Sabine
Published: March 2024

Free play is a natural activity in toddlerhood, depending on environmental conditions like available objects and the social environment. The COVID‐19 pandemic and its consequences for parents’ mental health held the potential to change toddlers’ play environment. This cross‐sectional study investigated 2‐year‐olds’ (N = 97) free play with objects, and aspects of caregiver mental well‐being in three cohorts during the pandemic in Germany. Caregivers reported their positive mental health (PMH), threat perception, perception of current family situation from negative to positive, and workload. We categorized toddlers’ behavior in free play sessions in their homes with a fixed set of objects through behavioral coding. Play behavior did not differ between cohorts and did not correlate with caregivers’ positive mental health, threat perception, and perception of family situation. A MANOVA revealed a significant main effect of cohort on PMH, threat perception and perception of family situation, qualified by two discriminant functions. Full sample analyses revealed that toddlers of caregivers perceiving a workload increase compared to the time before the pandemic showed less pretend play, and less functional and nonfunctional play. The results provide insights into 2‐year‐olds’ play behavior during a global pandemic and highlight the role of caregiver availability for children’s play.
The role of dispersal limitation in the forest biome shifts of Europe in the last 18,000 years
Authors: Zani Deborah , Lischke Heike , Lehsten Veiko
Published: March 2024

Aim

How the ability of plants to move towards newly favourable habitats (dispersal limitation) impacts the change of biome distribution and transition under fast climate warming is still debated. Analysing vegetation change in the past may help to clarify the relative importance of underlying ecological processes such as climate, biotic interactions, and dispersal. In this study, we investigated how dispersal limitation affected the distribution of European forests in the last 18,000 years.

Location

Southern and Central Europe.

Taxon

Spermatophyta.

Methods

Using the LPJ‐GM 2.0 model (an extension of LPJ‐GUESS), we simulated European vegetation from the end of the Last Glacial Maximum (18.5 ka) to the current time (0 ka). Using biome reconstructions from pollen data as reference, we compared the performance of two dispersal modes: with no migration constraints or seed limitation (free dispersal mode), and with plant establishment depending on seed dynamics and dispersal (dispersal limitation mode).

Results

The model run, including migration processes, was better at capturing the post‐glacial expansion of European temperate forests (and the longer persistence of boreal forests) than the setting assuming free dispersal, especially during periods of rapid warming. This suggests that a number of (temperate) tree taxa experienced delayed occupancy of climatically suitable habitats due to a limited dispersal capacity, i.e., post‐glacial migration lags.

Main Conclusions

Our results show that including migration processes in model simulations allows for more realistic reconstructions of forest patterns under rapid climate change, with consequences for future projections of carbon sequestration and climate reconstructions with vegetation feedback, assisted migration and forest conservation.
Quantifying compound flood event uncertainties in a wave and tidally dominated coastal region: The impacts of copula selection, sampling, record length, and precipitation gauge selection
Authors: Lucey Joseph T. D. , Gallien Timu W.
Published: March 2024

Coastal flooding is a growing hazard. Compound event characterization and uncertainty quantification are critical to accurate flood risk assessment. This study presents univariate, conditional, and joint probabilities for observed water levels, precipitation, and waves. Design events for 10‐ and 100‐year marine water level and precipitation events are developed. A total water level formulation explicitly accounting for wave impacts is presented. Uncertainties associated with sampling method, copula selection, data record length, and utilized rainfall gauge are determined. Eight copulas are used to quantify multivariate uncertainty. Generally, copulas present similar results, except the BB5. Sampling method uncertainty was quantified using four sampling types; annual maximum, annual coinciding, wet season monthly maximum, and wet season monthly coinciding sampling. Annual coinciding sampling typically produced the lowest event magnitude estimates. Uncertainty associated with record length was explored by partitioning a 100‐year record into various subsets. Withholding 30 years of observations (i.e., records of less than 70 years) resulted in substantial variability of both the 10‐ and 100‐year return period estimates. Approximately equidistant rainfall gauges led to large event estimate differences, suggesting microclimatology and gauge selection play a key role in characterizing compound events. Generally, event estimate uncertainty was dominated by sampling method and rainfall gauge selection.
The importance of romantic relationships in preventing suicide
Authors: Carter Sarah P. , Cobb Erin , Novak Laura A. , Ekman Eric , Ton Andrew , LaCroix Jessica M. , Ghahramanlou‐Holloway Marjan
Published: March 2024

Romantic relationships can both attenuate and exacerbate suicide risk. Suicide prevention strategies in the United States have emphasized the importance of healthy connections with others; however, suicide prevention efforts overwhelmingly continue to focus on individual‐level interventions. This presents a missed opportunity to prevent suicide through a focus on romantic relationship factors that are strongly associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. To identify underutilized or new avenues for improving suicide prevention, the current article aims to (a) provide an overview of the literature on romantic relationship functioning and suicide risk in adults to elucidate potential prevention targets, and (b) use a public health framework to highlight evidence‐based and emerging avenues to prevent suicide by targeting relevant relationship factors.
Exposure to Holocaust is associated with chronic morbidity in older adults–Results from national health and nutrition surveys
Authors: Lubel Shay Y. , Dichtiar Rita , Sinai Tali , Keinan‐Boker Lital
Published: March 2024

Background

Although studies have suggested that Holocaust survivors are more likely than their non‐Holocaust‐exposed counterparts to suffer from mental and chronic morbidity, methodology differences and potential confounders often compromise result replicability and external validity. We examined associations between Holocaust exposure and chronic morbidity, as well as overall risk of mortality.

Methods

Sociodemographic, health‐related behavior and nutritional‐intake data from two representative National Health and Nutrition Survey Ages 65 and Over—the 2005–2006 MABAT ZAHAV 1 (MZ1) and the 2014–2015 MZ2, including face‐to‐face interviews and anthropometric measurements—were analyzed. Demographic, health, nutritional and lifestyle characteristics, and exposure to the Holocaust were self‐reported. Longitudinal data on overall mortality were obtained by linking the MZ1 population to the population registry dataset. Associations between Holocaust exposure and prevalence of chronic morbidity and risk factors were estimated by multivariable logistic regression analyses, and to risk of overall mortality by Cox regression analysis, both adjusted to significant covariates.

Results

Among 2096 study participants aged 75.7 ± 6.1 years, 47.0% male, 518 were Holocaust survivors. In the fully adjusted model, Holocaust exposure was associated with increased prevalence of heart disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.83), metabolic syndrome (OR 2.28, CI 1.23–4.21), and stroke (OR 1.77, CI 1.17–2.69), but not cancer or osteoporosis. Holocaust exposure did not substantially affect the overall risk of mortality (hazard ratio 1.10, CI 0.92–1.32).

Conclusions

Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms governing long‐term outcomes of exposure to acute physical or mental trauma.
A 21‐bp deletion in the complement regulator CD55 promotor region is associated with multifocal motor neuropathy and its disease course
Authors: Bos Jeroen W. , Groen Ewout J. N. , Otten Henny G. , Budding Kevin , van Eijk Ruben P. A. , Curial Chantall , Kardol‐Hoefnagel Tineke , Goedee H. Stephan , van den Berg Leonard H. , van der Pol W. Ludo
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

To further substantiate the role of antibody‐mediated complement activation in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) immunopathology, we investigated the distribution of promotor polymorphisms of genes encoding the membrane‐bound complement regulators CD46, CD55, and CD59 in patients with MMN and controls, and evaluated their association with disease course.

Methods

We used Sanger sequencing to genotype five common polymorphisms in the promotor regions of CD46, CD55, and CD59 in 133 patients with MMN and 380 controls. We correlated each polymorphism to clinical parameters.

Results

The genotype frequencies of rs28371582, a 21‐bp deletion in the CD55 promotor region, were altered in patients with MMN as compared to controls (p .009; Del/Del genotype 16.8% vs. 7.7%, p .005, odds ratio: 2.43 [1.27–4.58]), and patients carrying this deletion had a more favorable disease course (mean difference 0.26 Medical Research Council [MRC] points/year; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.040–0.490, p .019). The presence of CD59 rs141385724 was associated with less severe pre‐diagnostic disease course (mean difference 0.940 MRC point/year; 95% CI: 0.083–1.80, p .032).

Interpretation

MMN susceptibility is associated with a 21‐bp deletion in the CD55 promotor region (rs2871582), which is associated with lower CD55 expression. Patients carrying this deletion may have a more favorable long‐term disease outcome. Taken together, these results point out the relevance of the pre‐C5 level of the complement cascade in the inflammatory processes underlying MMN.
First report of oat crown rust caused by Puccinia coronata var. avenae f.sp. avenae in South Korea
Authors: Kim Yu Na , Lee Jang Hoon , Kim Young Cheol
Published: March 2024

Oats (Avena sativa L. cv. Joyang), cultivated during June 2023 in experimental fields of Naju County, South Korea, exhibited crown rust symptoms resembling those caused by isolates of Puccinia coronata. Yellow urediniospores measuring 15.3 ± 3.2 × 13.6 ± 3.0 μm were identified through microscopic examination. Multilocus sequence typing of housekeeping genes in the DNA of this fungal isolate showed identity with P. coronata var. avenae f.sp. avenae, a pathogen of oats in South Korea previously lacking in taxonomic classification. This finding raises concerns of escalated crown rust disease in South Korea due to enhanced temperatures and humidity from climate shifts. Addressing these emerging concerns may require proactive strategies to protect oat cultivation in South Korea.
First worldwide record of Colletotrichum siamense and Colletotrichum truncatum causing leaf anthracnose on desert rose (Adenium obesum)
Authors: Nuñez‐García Perla R. , Salazar‐Mesta Rita J. , Camacho‐Tapia Moisés , Vieira Willie A. S. , Contreras‐Soto María B. , Tovar‐Pedraza Juan M.
Published: March 2024

In September 2022, symptoms of leaf anthracnose were observed on desert rose (Adenium obesum) plants distributed in parks and gardens in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. Two morphotypes of Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from symptomatic tissues. Based on morphological characterization in combination with multilocus phylogenetic analyses including data from internal transcribed spacer, actin, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and β‐tubulin, and pathogenicity tests, it was confirmed that C. siamense and C. truncatum are the causal agents of the disease. This is the first report of C. siamense and C. truncatum causing leaf anthracnose in desert rose worldwide.
You lick me, I like you: understanding the function of allogrooming in ungulates
Authors: Hodgson George M. W. , Flay Kate J. , Perroux Tania A. , McElligott Alan G.
Published: March 2024

Allogrooming is a common affiliative behaviour with hygienic, physiological and social consequences, and has historically been examined in non‐human primates in order to understand the evolution of sociality. In primates, allogrooming is well‐known to have evolved for an antiparasitic function, leading to physiological consequences and further adoption of the behaviour for social functions. This includes exchanging benefits in a biological market, post‐conflict reconciliation and long‐term social bond formation. The relevant importance of these functions is largely undetermined in many non‐primate taxa, including ungulates.

We aimed to evaluate the current evidence for allogrooming function in ungulates, asking whether the behaviour serves a social function, and if so, to what magnitude. Ungulates show large differences in their allogrooming behaviour, but the variation of these has not been truly understood.

We find that although allogrooming in ungulates has been co‐opted for social purposes such as bond formation, the variety of these has not been fully explored. Identifying species‐specific allogrooming functions can help to clarify the context of behaviour; this allows us to improve our knowledge of how individuals and groups interact within a population, and understand the implications of this behaviour when deducing animal state and sociality.

We conclude that there is great potential for additional research into the benefits of affiliative behaviour in ungulates, and we encourage further exploration into the social functions of allogrooming in ungulates.
Natural variation in the pattern‐triggered immunity response in plants: Investigations, implications and applications
Authors: Hudson Asher , Mullens Alexander , Hind Sarah , Jamann Tiffany , Balint‐Kurti Peter
Published: March 2024

The pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) response is triggered at the plant cell surface by the recognition of microbe‐derived molecules known as microbe‐ or pathogen‐associated molecular patterns or molecules derived from compromised host cells called damage‐associated molecular patterns. Membrane‐localized receptor proteins, known as pattern recognition receptors, are responsible for this recognition. Although much of the machinery of PTI is conserved, natural variation for the PTI response exists within and across species with respect to the components responsible for pattern recognition, activation of the response, and the strength of the response induced. This review describes what is known about this variation. We discuss how variation in the PTI response can be measured and how this knowledge might be utilized in the control of plant disease and in developing plant varieties with enhanced disease resistance.
Engineering RNA polymerase to construct biotechnological host strains of cyanobacteria
Authors: Turunen Otso , Saleem Tayyab , Kurkela Juha , Kallio Pauli , Tyystjärvi Taina
Published: March 2024

Application of cyanobacteria for bioproduction, bioremediation and biotransformation is being increasingly explored. Photoautotrophs are carbon‐negative by default, offering a direct pathway to reducing emissions in production systems. More robust and versatile host strains are needed for constructing production strains that would function as efficient and carbon‐neutral cyanofactories. We have tested if the engineering of sigma factors, regulatory units of the bacterial RNA polymerase, could be used to generate better host strains of the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Overexpressing the stress‐responsive sigB gene under the strong psbA2 promoter (SigB‐oe) led to improved tolerance against heat, oxidative stress and toxic end‐products. By targeting transcription initiation in the SigB‐oe strain, we could simultaneously activate a wide spectrum of cellular protective mechanisms, including carotenoids, the HspA heat shock protein, and highly activated non‐photochemical quenching. Yellow fluorescent protein was used to test the capacity of the SigB‐oe strain to produce heterologous proteins. In standard conditions, the SigB‐oe strain reached a similar production as the control strain, but when cultures were challenged with oxidative stress, the production capacity of SigB‐oe surpassed the control strain. We also tested the production of growth‐rate‐controlled host strains via manipulation of RNA polymerase, but post‐transcriptional regulation prevented excessive overexpression of the primary sigma factor SigA, and overproduction of the growth‐restricting SigC factor was lethal. Thus, more research is needed before cyanobacteria growth can be manipulated by engineering RNA polymerase.
Nitrogen addition affected the root competition in Cunninghamia lanceolata–Phoebe chekiangensis mixed plantation
Authors: Yang Shuya , Yi Lita , Wang Jingru , Li Xiaoyun , Xu Bin , Liu Meihua
Published: March 2024

Little is known about below‐ground competition in mixed‐species plantations under increasing nitrogen (N) deposition. This study aims to determine the effects of N addition on root competition in coniferous and broad‐leaved species mixed plantations. A pot experiment was conducted using the coniferous species Cunninghamia lanceolata and the broad‐leaved species Phoebe chekiangensis planted in mixed plantations with different competition intensities under N addition (0 or 45 kg N ha−1 yr−1). Biomass allocation, root morphology, root growth level, and competitive ability were determined after five months of treatment. Our findings indicated that root interactions in mixed plantations did not influence biomass allocation in either C. lanceolata or P. chekiangensis but promoted growth in C. lanceolata when no N was added. However, N addition decreased biomass accumulation in both species in the mixed plantation and had a negative effect on the root growth of C. lanceolata due to intensified competition. Addition of N increased the relative importance of root predatory competition in P. chekiangensis, and increased the allelopathic competitive advantage in C. lanceolata. This suggests that N addition causes a shift in the root competitive strategy from tolerance to competition. Overall, these findings highlight the significant impact that the addition of N can have on plant interactions in mixed plantations. Our results provide implications for the mechanisms of root competition in response to increasing atmospheric N deposition in mixed plantations.
An additional mechanism enhancing exercise tolerance in interstitial lung disease with high‐flow nasal cannula
Authors: Tomii Keisuke
Published: March 2024

See related article
Major low‐energy trauma results in non‐specific immunoglobulin generation without evidence for specific autoantibody production: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Eckardt Henrik , Bless Nicolas , Heijnen Ingmar , Morgenstern Mario , Nehring Josephine , Kieninger‐Gräfitsch Andrea , Bouchenaki Martine , Durandin Vanessa , Purschke Silke , Schmidt Ina , Kouba Loraine Pascale , Trendelenburg Marten , Potlukova Eliska
Published: March 2024

Cellular debris resulting from large trauma might overwhelm the scavenger mechanisms and lead to autoimmune reactions. We analysed whether a major well‐defined trauma in humans induces laboratory signs of transient autoimmunity in the months after the insult. We included 50 patients with pertrochanteric femur fracture undergoing intramedullary nail osteosynthesis in a prospective cohort study and followed them at 3–4 days, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 12 months postoperatively. By standard techniques, we assessed levels of total immunoglobulins, anti‐nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti‐cardiolipin antibodies, anti‐dsDNA antibodies and anti‐C1q antibodies, as well as antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a control. Blood leukocyte differential and lymphocyte subpopulations were determined at baseline and in the first two postoperative samples. The mean age of the patients reached 80.1 years, and 23 (46%) completed all visits. Serum concentrations of total IgG, IgM and IgA increased at all follow‐up time points. The ANA fluorescence light intensity units increased at 12 weeks and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.0001), but the proportion of ANA‐positive patients did not change (35%). The values of anti‐C1q mildly increased at all follow‐up visits, but not the ratio to total IgG. Anti‐dsDNA remained negative in all patients, and anti‐cardiolipin IgG/IgM antibodies did not change. Anti‐CMV IgG antibodies increased significantly at all follow‐up visits, without change in the ratio to total IgG. Flow cytometry showed an increased proportion of B‐cells 3–4 days postoperatively. In conclusion, major musculoskeletal trauma in elderly patients induces a generalized non‐specific increase in immunoglobulin production without laboratory signs for enhanced systemic autoimmunity.
A novel immunocomplex capture fluorescence assay (ICFA) using fluorescent beads and transfected cells for specific identification of human neutrophil antigen (HNA)‐1a and ‐1b antibodies
Authors: Kamada Hiromi , Takahashi Daisuke , Shimizu Marie , Uchida Miyuki , Watanabe Yoshihisa , Nakajima Fumiaki , Miyata Shigeki , Satake Masahiro
Published: March 2024

Background

To identify specific human neutrophil antigen (HNA) antibodies, assays using neutrophils such as monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of granulocyte antigens (MAIGA) are recommended. However, these assays are limited by labor‐intensive neutrophil preparation and varying antigen expression levels.

Methods

We evaluated a newly developed immunocomplex capture fluorescence assay (ICFA) for identifying HNA‐1 antibodies and compared it to MAIGA and LABScreen Multi (LABM), which utilizes recombinant HNA‐coated Luminex beads. For ICFA, HNA‐1a or HNA‐1b transfected cells replaced neutrophils. Cells incubated with serum were lysed, and immune complexes were captured using five CD16 monoclonal antibody‐conjugated Luminex beads. Nine antisera with known specificity and 26 samples suspected of containing HNA antibodies were analyzed by ICFA and MAIGA using neutrophils or transfected cells (ICFA‐N or ICFA‐T, and MAIGA‐N or MAIGA‐T, respectively).

Results

ICFA‐T and MAIGA‐N accurately determined the specificity of all antibodies in the nine antiserum samples. The ICFA‐T detection limit was 2048‐fold for anti–HNA‐1a and 256‐fold for anti‐HNA‐1b; the limits of MAIGA‐T, MAIGA‐N, and LABM were 32‐, 4 ~ 64‐, and 128‐fold for anti‐HNA‐1a and 64‐, 16 ~ 64‐, and 32‐fold for anti–HNA‐1b, respectively. Twelve and 7 of the remaining 26 samples tested negative and positive, respectively, in both ICFA‐T and MAIGA‐N. Antibody specificity against HNA‐1a or HNA‐1b determined using ICFA‐T agreed with that determined using MAIGA‐N and LABM. Another seven samples tested positive in ICFA‐T but negative in MAIGA‐N.

Conclusion

The novel ICFA is highly sensitive and exhibits specificity similar to MAIGA and LABM for detecting HNA‐1 antibodies.
The effect of nurse‐led remote telephone triage on symptom management of patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sezgin Merve Gozde , Bektas Hicran
Published: March 2024

Background

Cancer patients experience many symptoms. Nurse‐led remote telephone triage can improve their quality of life by contributing to the management of these symptoms.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nurse‐led remote telephone triage on symptom management of patients with cancer.

Methods

The searches were conducted in 10 databases and gray literature from May 2023 to July 2023 without any year limitations. A fixed‐effects model was used in the meta‐analysis. Cochran's Q chi‐squared test and I2 statistics were used for heterogeneity. The PRISMA checklist was used. Data obtained from the included studies were analyzed using CMA 3 software.

Results

Six relevant studies (1671 patients) were included. Nurse‐led remote telephone triage was found to have a positive and moderate effect on parameters such as pain (Hedge's g = 0.21, p < .001), fatigue (Hedge's g = 0.28, p < .001), and depression (Hedge's g = 0.24, p < .001) in patients with cancer. Also, the remote telephone triage had a positive and low effect on outcomes such as anxiety (Hedge's g = 0.17, p = .001), nausea (Hedge's g = 0.17, p = .004), and vomiting (Hedge's g = 0.16, p = .007) but did not affect diarrhea results.

Linking Evidence to Action

This study showed that nurse‐led remote telephone triage considerably improved the symptoms of patients with cancer. This study will increase oncology nurses' awareness that nurse‐led remote telephone triage of patients with cancer can improve their symptoms. Remote symptom triage developed using evidence‐based guidelines and protocols can significantly contribute to the regular follow‐up of patients' symptoms, providing quality care, and establishing appropriate symptom management programs and systems with high levels of evidence.
A Review on The Use of Video in Education: Advantages and Disadvantages
Authors: Ong Long Ong Ace Hong , Abd Halim Noor Dayana , Abdul Hanid Mohd Fadzil
Published: March 2024

Multimedia in the form of video has been widely used in education since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is because the video is one of the tools that provide a lot of visual signals and a core component that stimulates the auditory and visual senses of students and processes information to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and provide students with a clearer understanding.  The use of video also has a good effect on students’ training and acquiring skills.  However, learning by watching videos may create problems for students because the form of learning is more passive.  Previous research has identified that videos will create passive learning if the video is not well designed, the content does not meet the specified teaching and learning objectives and lacks interactive elements.  It causes the use of video for teaching and learning to fail to stimulate critical thinking skills.  Learning by watching video-based learning alone is not enough because there are still ways to increase learning opportunities and students’ engagement from videos if the videos are produced correctly and purposefully and used on the right platform.  In addition, one of the concerns of using video in teaching and learning is that the video used does not develop students’ metacognitive ability because the video is passive learning.  Therefore, this review aims to identify the advantages and disadvantages of video in education.  This concept paper reviews the previous research on using videos in education.  The review describes the advantages and disadvantages of video implementation in several fields of education, including Mathematics, Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Geography.  The review results show that the effect of using video for teaching and learning depends on the quality of the video, the learning content, and the interactive elements included in the video.  In conclusion, this concept paper provides ideas and research gaps for researchers who want to investigate the use of video in teaching and learning.  Besides, gives educators a broad perspective to develop a quality video to help students understand the lesson.
A review on the effect of integrating AI-based technology into flipped learning
Authors: Dan Liu , Mohamed Hasnah , Yue Zhang
Published: March 2024

This mini-review mainly examines the effects of integrating the AI-based technology into flipped learning on students’ motivation and performance. As the research topic supported by artificial intelligence in the classroom is a relatively frontier topic, further exploration is needed. Exploring the integration of AI-based technology into flipped learning holds great potential for enhancing personalized learning experiences, automating tasks, and improving learning outcomes. This review concluded findings from a study between 2019 and 2023, articles were evaluated and screened using keyword flipped classroom and artificial technology, and duplicate papers were removed from the study. Finally, 12 empirical papers are selected according to the research focus. This paper summarizes the research methods, research fields, and data analysis. The results of this study show that in terms of technical challenges, the alignment of teaching objectives with AI techniques, ethical considerations, and human-computer interaction are important considerations for practitioners and researchers in integrating AI into the field of flipped learning. Addressing these limitations is critical to ensuring the successful implementation and ethical use of AI technologies. This review provides a foundation for future research to explore effective implementation strategies, evaluate the impact of AI integration on learning outcomes, and develop guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of AI in flipped learning environments.
Design of Malaysian Fishing Vessel for Minimum Resistance
Authors: Yaakob Omar , Teoh Eng Lee , Liew Yek Wai , Koh Kho King
Published: March 2024

Berdasarkan sebab-sebab ekonomi dan operasi, terdapat keperluan bagi mengurangkan rintangan bot nelayan. Salah satu cara mengurangkan rintangan ialah dengan mengubahsuai bentuk badan bot. Walau bagaimanapun, pereka bentuk biasanya mempunyai masalah memilih angkubah yang perlu diubah, ke arah mana diubah dan sebanyak mana perlu diubah. Kertas kerja ini membentangkan satu kaedah bagi memperolehi bentuk badan kapal yang optimum daripada sudut rintangan. Dengan menggunakan carta reka bentuk yang mudah difahami, pereka bentuk akan memperolehi panduan dalam membuat perubahan yang diperlukan. Satu contoh penggunaan kaedah ini ke atas sebuah bot nelayan Malaysia ditunjukkan. Dengan menggunakan kaedah ini, perubahan bentuk badan boleh dibuat tanpa melibatkan penukaran dimensa utama dan sesaran kapal. Perubahan kecil ini mengurangkan rintangan keseluruhan kapal dan membolehkan penjimatan penggunaan minyak sebanyak 12%.

Kata kunci: Rintangan, bot nelayan, reka bentuk vesel perikanan

Due to the economic and operational reasons, there is a need to reduce resistance of fishing boats. One of the ways to reduce resistance is to modify the boat hull form to reduce its drag in water. However, designers normally have problems in choosing which hull form parameter to change, in which direction, and the degree of changes required. This paper describes a methodology of incorporating resistance optimization in the design of fishing boats. By producing easily understood design charts, the designer is guided in making his choice. An example of application of this method on the design of a Malaysian fishing boat is given. It is shown that by using this method, the hull can be modified without changing the principal dimensions and displacement and this slight modification of the hull form can produce up to 12% saving in fuel consumption.

Key words: Resistance, fishing boats, fishing vessel design
Application of LVQ Neural Network in Realâ€“Time Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
Authors: Priyono Agus , Ridwan Muhammad , Alias Ahmad Jais , O. K. Rahmat Riza Atiq , Hassan Azmi , Mohd. Ali Mohd. Alauddin
Published: March 2024

Realâ€“time road traffic data analysis is the cornerstone for the modern transport system. The realâ€“time adaptive traffic signal control system is an essential part for the system. This analysis is to describe a traffic scene in a way similar to that of a human reporting the traffic status and the extraction of traffic parameters such as vehicle queue length, traffic volume, lane occupancy and speed measurement. This paper proposed the application of twoâ€“stage neural network in realâ€“time adaptive traffic signal control system capable of analysing the traffic scene detected by video camera, processing the data, determining the traffic parameters and using the parameters to decide the control strategies. The twoâ€“stage neural network is used to process the traffic scene and decide the traffic control methods: optimum priority or optimum locality. Based on simulation in the traffic laboratory and field testing, the proposed control system is able to recognise the traffic pattern and enhance the traffic parameters thus easing traffic congestion more effectively than existing control systems.

Key words: Urban traffic control system, pattern recognition, two-stage neural network, adaptive control system