bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate tax policy, Shariah compliance and financial decisions: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Ramachandran Jayalakshmy , Hidajat Joan , Izadi Selma , Wei Andrew Saw Tek
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the influence of corporate income tax on two corporate financial decisions — dividend and capital structure policies, particularly for Shariah compliant companies in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study considered data from a sample of 529 Malaysian listed companies from four industrial sectors from 2007–2021 (6,746 company-year observations, before eliminating outliers). Panel models such as Fixed Effect and Random effect models were used. The study specifically tested the effect of corporate income tax on dividend and capital structure policies for Shariah compliant companies (3,148 observations) and controlled for industrial sectors.

Findings

(1) Firms are mostly Shariah-compliant, less liquid, less profitable and smaller in size, (2) Broadly when analysed together, tax has no impact on debt-equity ratio while it has an impact on dividend per share, (3) However, when tested separately for Shariah compliant companies, the influence of effective tax on capital structure is very evident but not for dividend and (4) influence of industrial sector on the relationship between corporate tax and capital structure and dividend policy is significant. Results indicate that Shariah firms might be raising debt to gain tax advantage. Companies in general pay dividends to avoid reputational damage.

Research limitations/implications

This study assumes that leverage and dividend policy decisions are the main outcomes of the changing tax policies, while it seems that there could be other important outcomes that can be tested in future research. The study also shows the changing tax regimes of different ASEAN countries but they have not been tested to see the differences between countries. It will be indeed interesting for future researchers to focus on this aspect.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature on tax planning of the Shariah-compliant firms, a high growth business segment in the Asian context. The study discussed potential tax-based Islamic market product development.
The art of staying in touch – exploring daily feedback interactions between a leader and a subordinate in remote work
Authors: Jansson Linda Johanna , Kangas Hilpi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to widen the understanding of how remote work shapes the feedback environment by examining the perceptions of leaders and subordinates of daily, dyadic feedback interactions. The emphasis is on understanding how reciprocity within leader-member exchange (LMX) relationships manifests and how it influences the feedback dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Template analysis of a qualitative data set consisting of 81 semi-structured interviews with leaders (n = 29) and remote working subordinates (n = 52) was performed.

Findings

Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of the feedback environment and the leader-member exchange, the findings demonstrate the imbalance between the efforts of leaders and subordinates in building and maintaining a favourable feedback environment in the remote work context. The results of this study highlight the importance of the dyadic nature of feedback interactions, calling for a more proactive role from subordinates.

Practical implications

Given the estimation that the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed the way organizations work, leaders, subordinates and HR practitioners will benefit from advancing their understanding of the characteristics of dyadic, daily feedback interaction in remote work.

Originality/value

Qualitative research on feedback and leader-member exchange interactions in remote work that combines the perceptions of leaders and subordinates is sparse.
Potential molecular mechanism of reuterin on the inhibition of Aspergillus flavus conidial germination: An in silico study
Authors: Purnawita Widiati , Rahayu Winiati Pudji , Lioe Hanifah Nuryani , Nurjanah Siti , Wahyudi Setyanto Tri
Published: January 2024

Reuterin is a natural antifungal agent derived from certain strains of Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Our previous study revealed that 6 mM reuterin inhibited completely the conidial germination of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus. This study investigated the potential molecular mechanism of reuterin in inhibiting A. flavus conidial germination, which was pre‐assumed that it correlated to the inhibition of some essential enzyme activity involved in conidial germination, specifically 1,3‐β‐glucan synthase, chitin synthase, and catalases (catalase, bifunctional catalase–peroxidase, and spore‐specific catalase). The complex of 1,3‐β‐glucan synthase and chitin synthase with reuterin had a lower binding affinity than that with the substrate. Conversely, the complex of catalases with reuterin had a higher binding affinity than that with the substrate. It was suggested that 1,3‐β‐glucan synthase and chitin synthase tended to bind the substrate rather than bind reuterin. In contrast, catalases tended to bind reuterin rather than bind the substrate. Therefore, reuterin could be a potential inhibitor of catalases but may not be an inhibitor of 1,3‐β‐glucan synthase and chitin synthase. In this in silico study, we predicted that the potential molecular mechanism of reuterin in inhibiting A. flavus conidial germination was due to the inhibition of catalases activities by competitively binding to the enzymes active sites, thus resulting in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cells, leading to cells damage.

Practical Application

This in silico study revealed that reuterin is a potential inhibitor of catalases in A. flavus, thereby interfering with the antioxidant system during conidial germination. This finding shows that reuterin can be used as an antifungal agent in food or agricultural products, inhibiting conidial germination completely.
Impacts of plastic‐free materials on coral‐associated bacterial communities during reef restoration
Authors: Strudwick Paige , Camp Emma F. , Seymour Justin , Roper Christine , Edmondson John , Howlett Lorna , Suggett David J.
Published: January 2024

Coral propagation and out‐planting based restoration approaches are increasingly being applied to assist natural recovery of coral reefs. However, many restoration methods rely on plastic zip‐ties to secure coral material which is potentially problematic for the marine environment. Plastic‐free biodegradable alternatives may however pose unique risks to coral‐associated bacterial communities integral to coral health. Therefore, to identify whether biodegradable materials differentially impact coral‐associated bacterial communities we examined Acropora millepora coral‐associated bacterial communities during propagation in two experiments on the Great Barrier Reef. Coral fragments were secured to coral nurseries with conventional plastic, metal, or biodegradable (polyester and polycaprolactone) ties. Tie failure and coral‐associated bacterial communities were then characterized over six months. Minimal coral mortality was observed (3.6%–8%) and all ties had low failure rates (0%–4.2%) except for biodegradable polyester ties (29.2% failure). No differences were observed between coral‐associated bacterial communities of fragments secured with different ties, and no proliferation of putatively pathogenic bacteria was recorded. Overall, our findings suggest that reducing reliance on conventional plastic is feasible through transitions to biodegradable materials, without any notable impacts on coral‐associated bacterial communities. However, we caution the need to examine more coral taxa of different morphologies and new plastic‐free materials prior to application.
Genome‐scale metabolic modelling of extremophiles and its applications in astrobiological environments
Authors: Noirungsee Nuttapol , Changkhong Sakunthip , Phinyo Kittiya , Suwannajak Chutipong , Tanakul Nahathai , Inwongwan Sahutchai
Published: January 2024

Metabolic modelling approaches have become the powerful tools in modern biology. These mathematical models are widely used to predict metabolic phenotypes of the organisms or communities of interest, and to identify metabolic targets in metabolic engineering. Apart from a broad range of industrial applications, the possibility of using metabolic modelling in the contexts of astrobiology are poorly explored. In this mini‐review, we consolidated the concepts and related applications of applying metabolic modelling in studying organisms in space‐related environments, specifically the extremophilic microbes. We recapitulated the current state of the art in metabolic modelling approaches and their advantages in the astrobiological context. Our review encompassed the applications of metabolic modelling in the theoretical investigation of the origin of life within prebiotic environments, as well as the compilation of existing uses of genome‐scale metabolic models of extremophiles. Furthermore, we emphasize the current challenges associated with applying this technique in extreme environments, and conclude this review by discussing the potential implementation of metabolic models to explore theoretically optimal metabolic networks under various space conditions. Through this mini‐review, our aim is to highlight the potential of metabolic modelling in advancing the study of astrobiology.
Systematic review of socioeconomic factors and COVID‐19 in children and adolescents
Authors: Sahli Sarah , Størdal Ketil
Published: January 2024

Aim

To systematically review the evidence on Covid‐19 infection risk, severity and vaccination uptake among children and adolescents by socioeconomic status.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review, using the PubMed database. We searched for articles published from January 2020 to January 2022 using “MeSH” words and titles. The key terms were “COVID”, “social status”, “socioeconomic factor” and “children”. We also searched secondary sources such as published reports and other databases.

Results

The search identified 14 relevant articles and reports. This review shows that children of lower socioeconomic status have a higher risk of COVID‐19 infection and a higher risk of being hospitalised. Mortality in a global setting was also higher in children with low socioeconomic status, though not observed in high‐resourced countries. These children are also less likely to be vaccinated against the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus.

Conclusions

The higher risk of COVID‐19 infection and hospitalisation and lower vaccination coverage in children and adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds demonstrate health disparities also in young age. These disparities should inform health authorities in planning for future pandemics.
Can digital health democratize health care?
Authors: Hendl Tereza , Shukla Ayush
Published: January 2024

Much has been said about the potential of digital health technologies for democratizing health care. But how exactly is democratization with digital health technologies conceptualized and what does it involve? We investigate debates on the democratization of health care with digital health and identify that democratization is being envisioned as a matter of access to health information, health care, and patient empowerment. However, taking a closer look at the growing pool of empirical data on digital health, we argue that these technologies come short of materializing these goals, given the unequal health outcomes they facilitate. Building on this evidence, we argue that not only debates on democratization need to be connected to concerns of social determinants of health but also debates on the impact of digital health need to go far beyond democratization and engage with concerns of health justice.
Uncovering the predictive effect of behaviours on self‐directed learning ability
Authors: Liu Bowen , Wu Yonghe , Shu Hang , Cui Yongpeng , Zuo Can , Li Wenhao
Published: January 2024

Self‐direction has become an important skill in the 21st century. To cultivate learners with a high level of self‐direction, it is necessary to diagnose their self‐directed learning (SDL) ability. This study diagnosed and predicted learners' SDL ability based on their actual SDL behaviours. The study was performed in a self‐directed 3D design class lasting 90 minutes. A total of 193 middle school students participated in the study. The results of the Pearson correlation analysis (p < 0.001) showed that the reported perception of SDL ability was significantly correlated with SDL behaviours. The results of the hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis showed that the SDL behaviours explained 84.9% of the variance in SDL ability (adjusted R2 = 0.849, p < 0.001). Therefore, SDL behaviours had significant predictive effects on the reported perception of SDL ability. Moreover, based on the random forest algorithm, the study built an SDL ability prediction model with high performance (accuracy = 0.83, precision = 0.82, recall = 0.84) using SDL behaviours as features. The study provides evidence for the design of effective strategies to enhance SDL ability and promote SDL behaviours.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

To cultivate learners with a high level of self‐direction, it is necessary to diagnose their self‐directed learning (SDL) ability.

SDL is a combination of internal personal attributes and external autonomous behaviours.

Few studies have focused on diagnosing SDL ability based on learners' external SDL behaviours occurring during the learning process.

What this paper adds

The reported perception of SDL ability was significantly correlated with SDL behaviours.

SDL behaviours had significant predictive effects on the reported perception of SDL ability.

Based on the random forest algorithm, the study built an SDL ability prediction model with high performance using SDL behaviours as features.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The findings indicate that instructors could design effective strategies to promote SDL behaviours for the purpose of enhancing learners' SDL ability.

The method and process of building an SDL ability prediction model might provide a reference for related research on ability prediction with behaviours.
Prosthetic species: Security dogs and the more‐than‐human sensing of urban danger
Authors: Jaffe Rivke
Published: January 2024

Focusing on human–dog relations, this article develops a more‐than‐human approach to the sensing of urban insecurity. Extending work on the embodied, sensory dimension of fear and other security affects, it centers the role of non‐human, canine bodies in processes of risk assessment. Drawing on research in Kingston, Jamaica, I explore how a range of city dwellers learn to sense danger with and through security dogs. How do those who live and work in the city construct and experience its threats through attunement to their dogs' olfactory, auditory, and visual acuity? And how does this interspecies sensing of urban danger co‐produce distributions of urban safety and precarity? In this context, I suggest, dogs are not only a companion species but also a “prosthetic species,” animals that enhance and extend the limits of the human senses, enabling a more‐than‐human knowledge of what threats look, sound, and smell like. I discuss such practices of interspecies sensing and their effects, concentrating on the identification of criminal, political, and spiritual forms of danger. Together, such instances of interspecies sensing can provide new insights into the everyday perception, construction, and negotiation of fearful cityscapes.
The lived experience of withdrawal from Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Mahmood Raqeeb , Wallace Vuokko , Wiles Nicola , Kessler David , Button Katherine S. , Fairchild Graeme
Published: January 2024

Background

Our knowledge of the broader impacts of antidepressant withdrawal, beyond physical side effects, is limited. Further research is needed to investigate the lived experiences of withdrawal, to aid clinicians on how to guide patients through the process.

Aim

To explore antidepressant users’ experiences and views on the withdrawal process and how it affected their quality of life across multiple life domains.

Design and Setting

We conducted in‐depth qualitative interviews with 20 individuals from the community who had attempted to withdraw from Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor antidepressants in the past year.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted online. A topic guide was used to ensure consistency across interviews. The interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were generated. The first highlighted the challenges of managing the release from emotional blunting and cognitive suppression following antidepressant discontinuation. The second related to the negative impact of withdrawal on close relationships and social interactions. The third showed that concurrent with negative physical symptoms, there was a positive impact on health (exercise was reported by some as a coping mechanism). The fourth theme focused on support from GPs and families, emphasising the importance of mental health literacy in others. The final theme underscored the importance of gradual and flexible tapering in enabling a manageable withdrawal experience, and the consideration of timing.

Conclusion

The lived experience of withdrawal significantly impacts individuals’ well‐being. Participants emphasised that withdrawal is not just about physical side effects but also affects their emotional, cognitive, and social functioning.

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)

Eight people attended individual online meetings to share their experiences of antidepressant withdrawal to help inform the study design and recruitment strategy. Insights from these meetings informed the development of the topic guide. Questions about GP involvement, family relationships, and mood and thinking changes were included based on this PPI work. This ensured the inclusion of topics important to antidepressant users and facilitated the researcher's questioning during the interviews.
The mutual value of histopathology and ITS sequencing in the diagnosis of mucormycosis
Authors: Zacharias Martin , Thüringer Andrea , Krause Robert , Kashofer Karl , Gorkiewicz Gregor
Published: January 2024

Aims

Mucormycosis is a fast‐progressing disease with a high mortality rate. The most important factor determining survival of patients is early and accurate diagnosis. Although histopathology often recognises invasive mould infections at first, histomorphology alone is insufficient in providing an accurate diagnosis. Unbiased molecular methods to detect and identify fungi are promising, yet their role in complementing routine histopathological workflows has not been studied sufficiently.

Methods and results

We performed a retrospective single‐centre study examining the clinical value of complementing histopathology with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing of fungal DNA in the routine diagnosis of mucormycosis. At our academic centre, we identified 14 consecutive mucormycosis cases diagnosed by histopathology and subsequent ITS sequencing. Using histomorphological examination, fungal hyphae could be detected in all cases; however, morphological features were unreliable regarding specifying the taxa. Subsequent ITS sequencing identified a remarkable phylogenetic diversity among Mucorales: the most common species was Rhizopus microsporus (six of 14; 42.9%), followed by Lichtheimia corymbifera (three of 14, 21.4%) and single detections of Rhizopus oryzae, Actinomucor elegans, Mucor circinelloides, Rhizomucor pusillus and Rhizomucor miehei (one of 14; 7.1%, respectively). In one case, we additionally detected Pneumocystis jirovecii in the same lung tissue specimen, suggesting a clinically relevant co‐infection. Fungal culture was performed in 10 cases but yielded positive results in only two of 10 (20%), revealing its limited value in the diagnosis of mucormycosis.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that a combination of histopathology and ITS sequencing is a practically feasible approach that outperforms fungal culture in detecting Mucorales in tissue‐associated infections. Therefore, pathologists might adapt diagnostic workflows accordingly when mucormycosis is suspected.
Histological parameters and stromal desmoplastic status affecting accurate diagnosis of extraprostatic extension of prostate cancer using multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Okano Kousuke , Miyai Kosuke , Mikoshi Ayako , Edo Hiromi , Ito Keiichi , Tsuda Hitoshi , Shinmoto Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the clinicopathological factors affecting discrepancies between multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and histopathological evaluation for diagnosis of extraprostatic extension (EPE) of prostate cancer.

Methods

One hundred‐and‐three lesions from 96 cases with suspected EPE on preoperative mpMRI, of which 60 and 43 showed bulging and frank capsular breach, respectively, were grouped according to pathological (p)EPE in radical prostatectomy specimens. Additionally, clinicopathological/immunohistochemical findings for periostin reflecting a desmoplastic stromal reaction were compared between these groups.

Results

pEPE was detected in 49 (48%) of the 103 lesions. Of these, 25 (42%) showed bulging and 24 (56%) showed frank capsular breach on MRI. In the total cohort, the absence of pEPE was significantly associated with a lower Gleason Grade Group (GG) (p < 0.0001), anterior location (p = 0.003), absence of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC‐P) (p = 0.026), and high stromal periostin expression (p < 0.0001). These trends were preserved in subgroups defined by MRI findings, except for anterior location/IDC‐P in the bulging subgroup.

Conclusions

GG, anterior location, and periostin expression may cause mpMRI–pathological discrepancies regarding EPE. Periostin expression was a significant pEPE‐negative factor in all subgroup analyses. Our results indicate that patients with suspected EPE on MRI, regardless of their pEPE results, should be followed as carefully as those with definite pEPE.
Novel image‐guided marker aimed at organ‐preserving therapies for prostate cancer
Authors: Okihara Koji , Ueda Takashi , Fujihara Atsuko , Shiraishi Takumi , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Nomoto Takeshi , Masui Koji , Ito‐Ihara Toshiko , Hara Eri , Nakai Ryusuke , Shiina Tsuyoshi , Ukimura Osamu
Published: January 2024

Objective

We developed fiducial imaging‐guidance markers for the prostate with less imaging artifacts than currently commercially available markers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the imaging artifacts and potential usefulness and safety of these novel fiducial imaging markers in preclinical experiments.

Methods

We selected specific metal materials and a shape that can minimize artifacts in line with a license we obtained for a metal with a gold‐platinum (Au‐Pt) alloy composition that maximized artifact‐free MRI images. Both phantom and canine prostate tests were conducted in order to evaluate the imaging artifacts for three imaging modalities, MRI, CT and ultrasound, and the risk of migration of the markers from the site of insertion to elsewhere, as well as crushing.

Results

The newly developed Au‐Pt material had less imaging artifacts in the MRI, CT and ultrasound imaging modalities in comparison with current commercially available fiducial markers made from gold materials only. The Au‐Pt markers had sufficient strength and durability and were considered to be potentially clinically useful and safe markers.

Conclusion

The developed Au‐Pt markers could be potential tools for accurate lesion‐targeted, organ‐preserving therapies such as lesion‐targeted focal therapy and active surveillance in addition to conventional radiation therapies.
Enhanced microwave absorption of refractory SiBCN metamaterials
Authors: Qiao Mengke , Li Xiangcheng , Chen Pingan , Zhu Yingli
Published: January 2024

So far, developed microwave absorbers exhibit significant changes in absorption with temperature, which hinder their operation within a wide temperature range. In this paper, a microwave absorber based on SiBCN ceramics was prepared. Due to the excellent high‐temperature stability of SiBCN ceramics, its permittivity changes less with temperature, avoiding the issue of performance deterioration or even failure that traditional refractory absorbers face at high temperatures. The experiment proves the absorption bandwidth for –15 dB of the SiBCN metamaterials absorber (SMA) is 12 GHz at 800°C, with a maximum absorptivity of 99.99%. According to the computed data, the resonance loss contributes 81.9 to 94.5% of the microwave absorption of SMA. This work demonstrates significant potential for applications in radar stealth under harsh conditions.
Approaching religious fatalism in cancer screening education
Authors: Brevik Thea Beate , Sæther Knut Willy
Published: January 2024

Rationale

Religious fatalism has for decades been pointed out as a barrier to cancer screening attendance and several studies suggest interventions to decrease fatalism, given its negative impact on the uptake of cancer screening.

Aims and Objectives

Our objective in this interdisciplinary exploration on religious fatalism in the context of cancer screening is to contribute to the increasing academic discussion on religious fatalism and cancer screening as well as the broader context of the intersection of religion and bioethics.

Method

Through an analysis of religious fatalism in light of the notion of rationality and images of God, we find resources and suggest trajectories for a more seriously and constructively approach to religious fatalism in cancer education.

Results and Conclusion

Our main thesis is that interventions do not necessarily have to decrease religious fatalism to increase screening.
Natural product honokiol exhibits antiviral effects against Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV) both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yang Fei , Yang Bin , Song Kaige , Jin Yingjie , Wang Gaoxue , Li Pengfei , Yu Qing , Ling Fei
Published: January 2024

Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV) is a formidable pathogen, presenting a grave menace to juvenile largemouth bass. This viral infection frequently leads to epidemic outbreaks, resulting in substantial economic losses within the aquaculture industry. Unfortunately, at present, there are no commercially available vaccines or pharmaceutical treatments to combat this threat. In order to address the urgent need for therapeutic strategy to resist MSRV infection, the antiviral activity of natural product honokiol against MSRV was explored in this study. Firstly, cellular morphology was directly observed in an inverted microscope when treated with honokiol after MSRV infection. The results clarified that honokiol significantly lessened cytopathic effect (CPE) induced by MSRV and protected the integrity of GCO cells. Furthermore, the viral nucleic acid expression (G gene) was detected by reverse transcription real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) and the results indicated that honokiol significantly decreased the viral loads of MSRV in a concentration‐dependent manner, and honokiol showed a high antiviral activity with IC50 of 2.92 μM. Besides, honokiol significantly decreased the viral titre and suppressed apoptosis caused by MSRV. Mechanistically, honokiol primarily inhibited the initial replication of MSRV and discharge of progeny virus to exert anti‐MSRV activity. More importantly, in vivo experiments suggested that honokiol (40 mg/kg) expressed a fine antiviral activity against MSRV when administrated with intraperitoneal injection, which led to a notable 40% improvement in the survival rate among infected largemouth bass. In addition, it also resulted in significant reduction in the viral nucleic acid expression within liver, spleen and kidney at 2, 4 and 6 days following infection. What is more, 100 mg/kg honokiol with oral administration also showed certain antiviral efficacy in MSRV‐infected largemouth bass via improving the survival rate by 10.0%, and decreasing significantly the viral nucleic acid expression in liver, spleen and kidney of largemouth bass on day 2. In summary, natural product honokiol is a good candidate to resist MSRV infection and has promising application prospects in aquaculture.
Filament coating system assists recovery of ablative fCO2 laser treatment: A split‐face clinical observation
Authors: Sun Yan , Chen ShuYan , Zhang Ying , Qi Xin , Guo DeChao , Feng Bo , Qi RuiQun , Wu Yan , Gao XingHua
Published: January 2024

Background

The current nursing procedure after fractional carbon dioxide (fCO2) is complex and needs to be optimized. The present study was conducted to evaluate the assisting effect of filament coating system after fCO2 laser treatment.

Methods

Chinese individuals aged from 18 to 65 years diagnosed as photoaging or atrophic acne scar were recruited and each participant was treated with one single pass of fCO2 laser. A split face was randomly assigned as treatment side or control side. For control side, conventional procedure was topically applied respectively, including desonide cream two times for 3 days, fusidic acid cream two times for 7 days, and recombinant human epidermal growth factor (RhEGF) gel four times for 7 days; for treating side, a filament coating system was applied immediately after one application of fusidic acid cream, desonide cream and RhEGF, and removed 3 h later, for 3 days. Erythema, edema, crust, and pain on both sides were scored from 0 to 10 before and 1, 2, 4, and 7 days after fCO2 laser treatment. Stratum corneum hydration (SCH) and sebum of forehead and cheek on both sides were also measured by using Corneometer‐Sebumeter.

Results

Twenty photoaging and 11 atrophic acne scar participants finished the observation. All of them complained of erythema, edema, crust, and pain after fCO2 laser treatment, and the scores decreased as time passed by. There were no statistical significances of erythema, edema, crust, pain, SCH, and sebum between treating side and control side at each observation time.

Conclusion

Filament coating system was effective, safe, convenient, and economic in assisting recovery of ablative fCO2 laser, which might be a new option for additional nursing procedure.
Breath characteristics and adventitious lung sounds in healthy and asthmatic horses
Authors: Greim Eloïse , Naef Jan , Mainguy‐Seers Sophie , Lavoie Jean‐Pierre , Sage Sophie , Dolf Gaudenz , Gerber Vinzenz
Published: January 2024

Background

Standard thoracic auscultation suffers from limitations, and no systematic analysis of breath sounds in asthmatic horses exists.

Objectives

First, characterize breath sounds in horses recorded using a novel digital auscultation device (DAD). Second, use DAD to compare breath variables and occurrence of adventitious sounds in healthy and asthmatic horses.

Animals

Twelve healthy control horses (ctl), 12 horses with mild to moderate asthma (mEA), 10 horses with severe asthma (sEA) (5 in remission [sEA−], and 5 in exacerbation [sEA+]).

Methods

Prospective multicenter case‐control study. Horses were categorized based on the horse owner‐assessed respiratory signs index. Each horse was digitally auscultated in 11 locations simultaneously for 1 hour. One‐hundred breaths per recording were randomly selected, blindly categorized, and statistically analyzed.

Results

Digital auscultation allowed breath sound characterization and scoring in horses. Wheezes, crackles, rattles, and breath intensity were significantly more frequent, higher (P < .001, P < .01, P = .01, P < .01, respectively) in sEA+ (68.6%, 66.1%, 17.7%, 97.9%, respectively), but not in sEA− (0%, 0.7%, 1.3%, 5.6%) or mEA (0%, 1.0%, 2.4%, 1.7%) horses, compared to ctl (0%, 0.6%, 1.8%, −9.4%, respectively). Regression analysis suggested breath duration and intensity as explanatory variables for groups, wheezes for tracheal mucus score, and breath intensity and wheezes for the 23‐point weighted clinical score (WCS23).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance.

The DAD permitted characterization and quantification of breath variables, which demonstrated increased adventitious sounds in sEA+. Analysis of a larger sample is needed to determine differences among ctl, mEA, and sEA− horses.
Foraminoplasty Performed with a Trephine and a New Tool in Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Single‐Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhu Guangye , He Jiahui , Song Zefeng , Chen Honglin , Ge Zhilin , Zhang Peng , Ren Hui , Li Yuwei , Tang Jingjing , Jiang Xiaobing
Published: January 2024

Objective

Foraminoplasty is an important step in transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD). A trephine is widely used in foraminoplasty. However, foraminoplasty using a trephine alone sometimes fails to remove the resected bone, resulting in the bone remaining in the foramen or spinal canal, which can potentially cause neurological irritation or injury. The objective of this study is to introduce a self‐designed tool, referred to as an anchoring drill, for use with a trephine in foraminoplasty in TELD and to evaluate its advantages.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed to identify patients who underwent L4–5 TELD between January 2019 to January 2022. Foraminoplasty was performed in all patients. Depending on whether the anchoring drill was used or not, patients were divided into two groups. Surgery‐related parameters and complications were reviewed. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were also assessed for all patients. SPSS statistical software was used for statistical calculation.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included (55 in the anchoring drill group and 45 in the trephine group). The incidence of residual bone fragments after foraminoplasty of the anchoring drill group was 9.09%, which was lower than that of the trephine group, at 33.33% (p < 0.05). The mean endoscopic operation time of the anchoring drill group was shorter than that of the trephine group (p < 0.05). The mean fluoroscopy time and duration of foraminoplasty showed no significant differences between the two cohorts. The total perioperative complication incidence was lower in the anchoring drill group, in which the neural irritation incidence showed a significant difference (anchoring drill group: 3.64%, trephine group: 17.78%, p < 0.05). VAS and JOA scores were significantly improved after the operation for all patients (p < 0.001), however, no statistical differences were found between the two groups at each follow‐up visit.

Conclusion

The combination of a trephine with an anchor drill was demonstrated to be safe and effective in foraminoplasty in TELD, improving the success rate of foraminoplasty and reducing neurological complications compared to using trephine alone.
Understanding the relations between Solanaceae crops and their pollinators: a global meta‐network
Authors: de Souza G. T. , Torquato I. H. S. , Castro C. C.
Published: January 2024

Crop–pollinator interactions are essential for world food security. Studying crop pollination from a network approach allows identification of target pollinators for conservation and management, and gaps in our knowledge. Solanaceae represents the third highest ranked family based on economic value, and its production is highly improved by animal pollination. This study aimed to integrate global data on solanaceous crop pollination and analyse the interaction patterns using a meta‐network approach. Our questions were: (i) how are interactions structured and what are the structuring roles of species; and (ii) what are the main gaps in our knowledge?

Data were obtained through a systematic review of the main scientific databases. The network structure was described using connectivity and modularity calculations, and the role of species using centrality metrics.

The 251 pollinator species reported were in seven orders, mainly Hymenoptera (84.9%). The generalistsBombusandApisspecies were the most common pollinators. The meta‐network was modular, and all modules mostly included bees. Most species were peripherals, around 12% were connectors, and there were no module hubs.Apis melliferawas the only network hub (supergeneralist).

The most important pollinators are the most managed pollinators worldwide; however, many native species play a role in structuring the meta‐network. Main gaps include species of importance to pepper pollination, lack of species‐specific identification, and the need for more robust experimental studies evaluating the pollination efficiency of native, manageable bees.
Strong plastic responses in aerenchyma formation in F1 hybrids of Imperata cylindrica under different soil moisture conditions
Authors: Nomura Y. , Arima S. , Kyogoku D. , Yamauchi T. , Tominaga T.
Published: January 2024

Hybrids can express traits plastically, enabling them to occupy environments that differ from parental environments. However, there is insufficient evidence demonstrating how phenotypic plasticity in specific traits mediates hybrid performance. Two parental ecotypes of Imperata cylindrica produce F1 hybrids. The E‐type in wet habitats has larger internal aerenchyma than the C‐type in dry habitats. This study evaluated relationships between habitat utilisation, aerenchyma plasticity, and growth of I. cylindrica accessions. We hypothesize that plasticity in expressing parental traits explains hybrid establishment in habitats with various soil moisture conditions.

Aerenchyma formation was examined in the leaf midribs, rhizomes and roots of two parental ecotypes and their F1 hybrids in their natural habitats. In common garden experiments, we examined plastic aerenchyma formation in leaf midribs, rhizomes and roots of natural and artificial F1 hybrids and parental ecotypes and quantified vegetative growth performance.

In the natural habitats where soil moisture content varied widely, the F1 hybrids showed larger variation in aerenchyma formation in rhizomes than their parental ecotypes. In the common garden experiments, F1 hybrids showed high plasticity of aerenchyma formation in rhizomes, and their growth was similar to that of C‐type and E‐type under drained and flooded conditions, respectively.

The results demonstrate that F1 hybrids of I. cylindrica exhibit plasticity in aerenchyma development in response to varying local soil moisture content. This characteristic allows the hybrids to thrive in diverse soil moisture conditions.
Analysis of histone H3K4me3 modifications in bovine placenta derived from different calf‐production methods
Authors: Hattori Kanoko , Hoshino Yoichiro , Kachi Masayuki , Masuda Yasumitsu , Yamamoto Satoshi , Honda Shinnosuke , Minami Naojiro , Ikeda Shuntaro
Published: January 2024

In ruminants, the overgrowth of offspring produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common problem. Abnormal epigenetic modifications caused by environmental factors during the early embryonic period are suspected as an aetiology of overgrowth. In this study, we investigated the genome‐wide histone H3K4me3 profiles of bovine placentae that play a pivotal role in foetal development and compared their characteristics between artificial insemination (AI)‐ and IVF‐derived samples. Cotyledons were harvested from the placentae obtained at parturition of 5 AI‐ and 13 IVF‐derived calves, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing was performed for H3K4me3. We confirmed no significant maternal tissue contamination in the samples we used. The revealed H3K4me3 profiles reflected the general characteristics of the H3K4me3 modification, which is abundantly distributed in the promoter region of active genes. By extracting common modifications from multiple samples, the genes involved in placenta‐specific biological processes could be enriched. Comparison with the H3K4me3 modifications of blastocyst samples was also effective for enriching the placenta‐specific features. Principal component analysis suggested the presence of differential H3K4me3 modifications in AI‐ and IVF‐derived samples. The genes contributing to the difference were related to the developmental biological processes. Imprinted genes such as BEGAIN, ZNF215 and DLX5 were among the extracted genes. Principal component and discriminant analyses using only male samples categorized the samples into three groups based on foetal weight and calf‐production methods. To our knowledge, this is the first study to profile the genome‐wide histone modifications of bovine foetal placentae and reveal their differential characteristics between different calf‐production methods.
Lower diversity of forbs in prairie restoration alters pollinator communities but not structural characteristics of plant–pollinator networks
Authors: Hoskins Emma , Welti Ellen A. R. , Brown Rebecca
Published: January 2024

Reestablishment of native plant communities is often the primary focus of ecological restoration. This is especially true for prairie restoration, which often struggles to establish diverse forb communities. An often‐overlooked component in plant reestablishment is pollinators, with 85% of forbs requiring pollination for seed reproduction. A deeper understanding of the relationship between plant and pollinator communities could improve prairie restoration success. Our goal was to determine if prairie restoration is successfully reestablishing forb and pollinator communities and their interactions by measuring plant–pollinator networks. We hypothesized that both forb and pollinator communities would be less diverse and abundant in restoration sites compared to intact prairie remnants, and that as a result, plant–pollinator networks in restoration sites would have higher nestedness and connectance, but lower modularity and network specialization than remnant sites. To test this, we measured plant–pollinator networks and forb communities from June to September 2020 at three restored and three remnant Palouse Prairie sites in eastern Washington, United States. We found that although restored sites had lower species richness of forbs and pollinators and different community composition, forb and pollinator abundance was comparable between treatments. Forb abundance in restored sites was equivalent to prairie remnants due to the presence of invasive forbs. However, these differences in community composition and diversity did not appear to impact network metrics including nestedness, connectance, modularity, and network specialization, which were similar between remnant and restored sites. Our results suggest that the structural characteristics of plant–pollinator networks can be maintained by different plant communities.
Tax policy competition under destination‐based taxation
Authors: Beyer Thomas , Gresik Thomas A.
Published: January 2024

We extend Bond and Gresik (On the incentive compatibility of universal adoption of destination‐based cash flow taxation, International Tax and Public Finance, October 2022) by analyzing the equilibrium capital expense deduction policies that arise when countries compete for multinational investment under destination‐based taxation. Bond and Gresik proved that destination‐base cash flow taxation cannot arise as a tax competition equilibrium. We show that policies that allow for no deduction (income taxation) and those that allow a partial deduction can arise in equilibrium. In the former case, public good provision will be efficient. In the latter case, weak over‐provision of the public good will arise.
Longitudinal association between oral function and underweight onset among community‐dwelling older adults: Role of regular self‐weighing
Authors: Kubo Yuta , Fujii Keisuke , Noguchi Taiji , Hayashi Takahiro , Tomiyama Naoki , Ochi Akira , Hayashi Hiroyuki
Published: January 2024

Aims

Regular self‐weighing is effective in weight management and may help to mitigate the risk of underweight among older adults. We examined which factors of oral function are associated with a risk for underweight among community‐dwelling older adults and whether regular self‐weighing can mitigate that risk.

Methods

This was a cohort study. Self‐administered questionnaires were mailed to 7665 older adults in March 2019 (response rate 74.3%) and 7591 in March 2020 (response rate 74.7%). Among those who responded to both surveys, 3594 older adults who were not underweight in March 2019 were included (follow‐up rate: 59.2%). We examined the association between dysphagia, poor masticatory function, and dry mouth and the development of underweight, and whether regular self‐weighing reduced the risk for underweight.

Results

The average age ± standard deviation of participants was 71.1 ± 3.4 years. There was a significant association between swallowing difficulty and the occurrence of underweight (odds ratio = 1.65, p = .012). However, this relationship did not differ significantly with regular self‐weighing (p = .477).

Conclusions

These study findings suggest that to prevent underweight among community‐dwelling older adults, it is important to focus on those with poor swallowing function.
Identification and evolution of a diterpenoid phytoalexin oryzalactone biosynthetic gene in the genus Oryza
Authors: Kariya Keisuke , Mori Haruka , Ueno Makoto , Yoshikawa Takanori , Teraishi Masayoshi , Yabuta Yukinori , Ueno Kotomi , Ishihara Atsushi
Published: January 2024

The natural variation of plant‐specialized metabolites represents the evolutionary adaptation of plants to their environments. However, the molecular mechanisms that account for the diversification of the metabolic pathways have not been fully clarified. Rice plants resist attacks from pathogens by accumulating diterpenoid phytoalexins. It has been confirmed that the composition of rice phytoalexins exhibits numerous natural variations. Major rice phytoalexins (momilactones and phytocassanes) are accumulated in most cultivars, although oryzalactone is a cultivar‐specific compound. Here, we attempted to reveal the evolutionary trajectory of the diversification of phytoalexins by analyzing the oryzalactone biosynthetic gene in Oryza species. The candidate gene, KSLX‐OL, which accounts for oryzalactone biosynthesis, was found around the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms specific to the oryzalactone‐accumulating cultivars in the long arm of chromosome 11. The metabolite analyses in Nicotiana benthamiana and rice plants overexpressing KSLX‐OL indicated that KSLX‐OL is responsible for the oryzalactone biosynthesis. KSLX‐OL is an allele of KSL8 that is involved in the biosynthesis of another diterpenoid phytoalexin, oryzalexin S and is specifically distributed in the AA genome species. KSLX‐NOL and KSLX‐bar, which encode similar enzymes but are not involved in oryzalactone biosynthesis, were also found in AA genome species. The phylogenetic analyses of KSLXs, KSL8s, and related pseudogenes (KSL9s) indicated that KSLX‐OL was generated from a common ancestor with KSL8 and KSL9 via gene duplication, functional differentiation, and gene fusion. The wide distributions of KSLX‐OL and KSL8 in AA genome species demonstrate their long‐term coexistence beyond species differentiation, suggesting a balancing selection between the genes.