bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of culturable endophytic fungi associated with avocado orchards under organic and conventional management
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández Daniel , Larsen John , Reverchon Frédérique
Published: February 2025

Endophytic fungi constitute a great resource for the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. However, their diversity may be altered by agrochemicals used in conventionally managed agrosystems. Here we explored the culturable diversity of endophytic fungi associated with avocado (Persea americanaMill.) in conventional and organic orchards from three counties of the world’s leading productive region. In total, 529 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from branches and roots of avocado trees. Identification based on ITS sequencing showed that most isolates belonged to the Ascomycota phylum (98 %) and were grouped into 52 fungal genera, representing 102 tentative species. The endophytic fungal community was dominated by genera which were common to both management types, namelyFusarium, Colletotrichum, Dactylonectria, andDiaporthe/Phomopsis. Twenty fungal genera were exclusive to organic orchards (e.g.,HypoxylonandTalaromyces) and 10 were only found in conventional orchards (e.g.,Trichoderma). Fungal species richness and diversity were higher in organic than in conventional orchards. Ordination and clustering analyses revealed a stronger effect of site than of management type on endophytic fungal community structure, highlighting the influence of local factors in shaping the culturable endophytic fungal community. Overall, our findings confirm the negative impact of conventional management on the diversity of crop-associated endophytic fungi and the significant influence of local factors on endophytic fungal assemblages. Moreover, our results emphasize the need to assess the risk that possible latent fungal pathogens may represent for the crop or dominant forest species surrounding avocado orchards.
Genetic analysis of triplicated genes affecting sex-specific skeletal deficits in Down syndrome model mice
Authors: Sloan Kourtney , Piner Kristina M. , Arachchige Pathum Randunu Nawarathna Kandedura , Goodlett Charles R. , Herault Yann , Olbricht Gayla R. , Wallace Joseph M. , Roper Randall J.
Published: February 2025

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by triplication of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), resulting in skeletal insufficiency and altered postnatal bone development in individuals with DS. DS mouse models have shown similar deficits to humans with DS, mimicking differences between ages, sexes, and bone compartments. The historic mouse model, Ts65Dn, has provided much of the mechanistic insight behind these DS-related skeletal deficits, but there are concerns over its genetic construct validity. Ts65Dn mice have an additional 60 trisomic genes that are homologous to Hsa6. These genes, acting either directly or through interactions with trisomic, Hsa21-homologous or disomic genes, may produce phenotypes not related to DS; so, Ts66Yah mice were derived to remove these genes. After assessing individual densitometric and morphometric parameters in femurs, skeletal phenotypes were directly compared between male and female Ts65Dn and Ts66Yah mice at postnatal day (P) 36 and 6-weeks and between male mice at 16-weeks using multivariate principal components analyses on these parameters. These comparisons confirmed male Ts66Yah mice have trabecular and cortical deficits similar to male Ts65Dn mice at all ages. In contrast, female Ts66Yah mice lacked trabecular deficits evident in female Ts65Dn mice at P36, but both ages had similar cortical deficits. Copy number normalization ofDyrk1a,a trisomic, Hsa21-orthologous gene, failed to rescue deficits in male or improve trabecular bone in female Ts66Yah mice at P36 as observed in Ts65Dn mice. Thus, mechanisms behind trabecular phenotypes in both sexes of Ts66Yah mice likely differ from those of Ts65Dn mice. Overall, the trisomic, Hsa6-homologous genes in Ts65Dn mice may result in differences in trabecular phenotypes or mechanisms prior to 6 weeks but do not impact later trabecular or cortical phenotypes.
HIV-1 Vpr drives epigenetic remodeling to enhance virus transcription and latency reactivation
Authors: Saladino Nicholas , Leavitt Emily , Wong Hoi Tong , Ji Jae-Hoon , Ebrahimi Diako , Salamango Daniel J
Published: February 2025

Despite decades of research, the primary proviral function of the HIV-1 Vpr accessory protein remains enigmatic. Vpr is essential for pathogenesisin vivoand for virus replication in myeloid cells, but the underlying cause-and-effect mechanism(s) driving these phenomena are poorly understood. Canonically, Vpr hijacks a cellular ubiquitin ligase complex to target several dozen host proteins for proteasomal degradation. Many of these substrates were recently revealed to be involved in DNA damage repair (DDR), which rationalizes the longstanding observation that Vpr induces constitutive activation of DDR signaling. Here, we use a combination of functional, biochemical, and genetic approaches establish a clear mechanistic link between Vpr-induced DDR signaling and remodeling of the epigenetic landscape to enhance HIV-1 promoter activity during acute infection and virus reactivation from latency. Functional, genetic, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments reveal that Vpr utilizes degradation-dependent and -independent mechanisms to induce epigenetic remodeling and that Vpr segregates into two discrete pools with dedicated activities—A multimeric pool in the nucleus that is associated with chromatin and a monomeric pool associated with DCAF1 in the cytoplasm. Vpr function in remodeling the nuclear environment is present in common HIV-1 subtypes worldwide and provides a mechanistic rationale for its essentiality in virus replication.

Author summary

While HIV-1 Vpr plays an essential role in virus replication, the molecular mechanisms underlying its essentiality remain enigmatic. Vpr’s best characterized function is the ability to induce the depletion of several dozen host proteins by hijacking a cellular E3-ubiquitin ligase complex. Here, we establish that Vpr promotes global epigenetic remodeling to enhance HIV-1 promoter activity during acute infection and virus reactivation from latency.

We demonstrate that epigenetic remodeling activity is linked to Vpr’s ability to induce constitutive DNA damage repair signaling, and that it occurs through both degradation-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Moreover, this Vpr function is present in common HIV-1 subtypes circulating globally. This study provides novel mechanistic insights into how HIV-1 exploits host DNA repair pathways and sheds light on Vpr’s proviral function.
Subcellular determinants of orthoflavivirus protease activity
Authors: Corliss Lochlain , Petit Chad M. , Lennemann Nicholas J.
Published: February 2025

Orthoflaviviruses are small, enveloped, positive-sense RNA viruses that cause over 500 million infections globally each year for which there are no antiviral treatments. The viral protease is an attractive target for therapeutics due to its critical functions throughout infection. Many studies have reported on the structure, function, and importance of orthoflavivirus proteases; However, the molecular determinants for cleavage of intracellular substrates by orthoflavivirus proteases and how these factors affect viral fitness are unknown. In this study, we used our fluorescent, protease-activity reporter system to investigate the subcellular determinants involved in orthoflavivirus protease cleavage. By modifying our reporter platform, we identified endoplasmic reticulum (ER) subdomain localization and membrane proximity of the substrate cut site as two previously uncharacterized molecular determinants for cleavage. We also altered the amino acid composition of the reporter cut site to introduce sequences present at the cytoplasmic junctions within orthoflavivirus polyproteins and found that each protease processed the sequence located at the junction between NS4A and the 2K peptide least efficiently. Live-cell imaging revealed that cleavage of the NS4A|2K sequence is significantly delayed compared to the capsid cleavage sequence. We further determined that introducing a more efficient cleavage sequence into the NS4A|2K junctions of orthoflavivirus infectious clones abolished virus recovery. Overall, this study identifies ER subdomain localization and membrane proximity of the cut site as molecular determinants for cleavage by orthoflavivirus proteases and provides insight into the role that sequence specificity plays in the coordinated processing of the viral polyprotein and establishing productive infections.

Importance

Orthoflaviviruses are the most prevalent and dangerous arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) leading to over 500 million global infections annually. Orthoflavivirus infection can cause severe pathologies, including hemorrhagic conditions and neurological disease, that lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. The viral protease complex, responsible for processing the viral polyprotein into its functional subunits, is an attractive target for antiviral therapeutic development. Despite extensive research efforts on these viral protein complexes, all protease inhibitor candidates have fallen short of clinical efficacy, highlighting a considerable gap in knowledge of the viral protease’s complex intracellular activity. The significance of our research is in characterizing the subcellular determinants associated with orthoflavivirus protease cleavage efficiency and how these factors can influence viral fitness. These findings contribute to closing this gap in knowledge of the mechanisms of orthoflavivirus proteases which can ultimately lead to the successful development of targeted antivirals.
R-Spondin1 regulates fate of enteric neural progenitors via differential LGR4/5/6-expression in mice and humans
Authors: Scharr Melanie , Scherer Simon , Fuchs Jörg , Hirt Bernhard , Neckel Peter H.
Published: February 2025

Regeneration and cytodifferentiation of various adult epithelial stem cell compartments are controlled by the Wnt-agonist R-Spondin1 (RSPO1) and the Leucin-rich-repeat-containing G-protein-coupled-receptors (LGR4/5/6). We hypothesized that RSPO1-LGR-signaling also is involved in regulating neuro-regeneration and homeostasis of the postnatal enteric nervous system (ENS). If applied to murine and human ENS-progenitors, RSPO1 led to an increased proliferation, followed by enhanced enteric neurogenesis. This coincided with an upregulation of LGR4 expression during ENS-progenitor proliferationin vitro. In contrast, we observed a reduced proliferation in ENS-progenitors expressing LGR5, while LGR6 was not expressed by proliferative ENS-progenitors. Instead, LGR5 and LGR6 expression increased over the course of induced neuronal differentiation, consistent with thein vivoexpression. LGR-receptor expression therefore might represent a previously unknown mechanism influencing the fate decision of ENS-progenitor cells between proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Thus, our study is essential for our understanding of regenerative aspects of the postnatal ENS in health and disease.
What is a Differentially Expressed Gene?
Authors: Hoerbst Franziska , Sidhu Gurpinder Singh , Tomkins Melissa , Morris Richard J.
Published: February 2025

The concept of ‘Differentially Expressed Genes’ (DEGs) is central to RNA-Seq studies, yet their identification suffers from reproducibility issues. This is largely a consequence of the inherent biological and technical variation that cannot be captured with small numbers of replicates. When thresholds for p-values and log2fold changes are introduced, this variability can propagate an incomplete description of the data, leading to differing interpretations. Here, we compare traditional binary DEG classification with a rank-based method, grounded in Bayesian statistics, using a published yeast dataset comprising over 40 replicates. This analysis reveals how the choice of thresholds and number of replicates results in discrepancies between studies and potentially interesting genes being overlooked. Furthermore, by comparing wild-type with wild-type samples, we show how variability in gene expression can be mistaken for differential expression. Evaluating current practices for navigating the accuracy-error trade-off in the search for differentially expressed genes leads us to advocate rank-based methods and Bayesian statistics to mitigate the limitations of binary classifications and communicate uncertainty.
Whole-brain entrainment and anticipation in fMRI motor task data.
Authors: Strindberg Marika , Tian Yu , Fransson Peter
Published: February 2025

Evidence that the brain adapts its intrinsic rhythms to a task paradigm (entrainment) and that it actively anticipates up-coming tasks has mostly come from analysis of neurophysiological data. Here we show that these phenomena are present in fMRI motor task data as well. We represent brain activity as a series (time resolved) of complex weighted networks and introduce a novel phase clustering algorithm that divides the matrices into functionally meaningful communities with comparable phase content across time and subjects. We find brain-wide patterns of cross-subject synchronizations timed to the task paradigm. This pattern of entrainment features systematic negative deflections prior to task paradigm across many different brain regions. We interpret this pattern as a fMRI-equivalent to the Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) seen in neurophysiological data in anticipation of an up-coming task. A more pronounce version of the CNV-like signal is seen in task specific motor and somatosensory cortex prior to movement, potentially the fMRI-equivalent of the readiness potential (RP). Finally, we show that fMRI data, when represented as complex weighted matrices, full-fills the criteria of structural balance.
AMPK signaling is dysregulated in human tendinopathy and loss of AMPKα1 leads to cell, matrix and mechanical dysfunction in mouse Achilles tendon
Authors: Hold LeeAnn A. , Migotsky Nicole , Lamia Syeda N. , Steltzer Steph S. , Grossman Sydney , Chen Jessica , Bae Seung-Ho , Cordts Paige , Phillips Tessa , O’Meara Matthew J. , Davis Carol , Brooks Susan V. , Akbar Moeed , Millar Neal , Killian Megan L. , Abraham Adam C.
Published: February 2025

Tendinopathy is a tendon disorder that is caused by the failure to self-repair and has many pathological characteristics such as disorganized ECM and decreased cell viability. We have identified a possible target to combat these changes, AMPK, an energy stress sensor that was shown to maintain intracellular homeostasis. Through bulk RNA-sequencing of healthy and tendinopathic tendons from humans we have identified a novel finding of downregulation of AMPK signaling in the tendinopathic samples which suggests AMPK plays a role in tendon homeostasis. Our studies utilizing a conditional knock-out of Prkaa1 in tendon in mice showed that loss of AMPK results in degenerative ECM, impaired biomechanical properties and increased cellular senescence in Achilles tendon through the lifespan. Additionally, we found that exercise can delay senescence onset independent of AMPK. These findings highlight the importance of energy metabolism in tendon health which will assist in understanding the onset and progression of tendinopathy.
Genome sequence of the blue floweringCentaurea cyanus
Authors: Dassow Chiara Marie , Friedhoff Ronja , Pucker Boas
Published: February 2025

The genome of the cornflower (Centaureacyanus) was sequenced with long reads (ONT) to reveal the full sequences of genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis. Of particular interest are genes responsible for the striking blue pigmentation of the flower. Through basecalling, read correction and assembling the sequenced DNA strands, we were able to generate a genome sequence with 98.8% BUSCO completeness, N50 of 16 Mbp, and an accuracy of 72 reported by Merqury. HERRO-based correction of the R10 nanopore sequencing reads resulted in a substantially improved assembly compared to uncorrected reads. The gene prediction revealed structural genes of the flavonoid biosynthesis and associated MYB and bHLH transcription factors. A tandem duplication of F3’H was discovered. Additionally, a putative tandem duplication resulting in three copies of the anthocyanin biosynthesis activating MYB was observed.
Enterococcus faecalis-derived lactic acid facilitates persistent and polymicrobial wound infections by suppressing macrophage activation
Authors: da Silva Ronni A. G. , Tien Brenda Yin Qi , Kao Patrick Hsien Neng , Celik Cenk , Tan Ai Zhu Casandra , Ismail Muhammad Hafiz , Hu Guangan , Chong Kelvin Kian Long , Thibault Guillaume , Chen Jianzhu , Kline Kimberly A.
Published: February 2025

Macrophage activation is critical for the innate immune response, and its suppression by pathogens represents a significant barrier to immune clearance. Here we identifyE. faecalis-derived lactic acid as a key factor in suppressing macrophage activation via extracellular acidification. We demonstrate thatE. faecalismutants lacking lactate dehydrogenase (ldh), essential for lactic acid production and extracellular pH reduction, fail to suppress NF-κB. Mechanistically,E. faecalis-derived lactic acid acts via MCT-1 and GPR81, to impair ERK and STAT3 phosphorylation, leading to reduced STAT3 binding to theMyd88promoter and reduced MyD88 protein levels, and ultimately to reduced NF-κB activity in macrophages. Consequently, in a wound infection model, the immunosuppressive microenvironment created byE. faecalispromotes long-term virulence and the virulence of co-infecting bacteria such asEscherichia coli.These findings highlight that bacterial-derived lactic acid contributes to the subversion of host immunity to promote persistent and polymicrobial infections.
The distribution of highly deleterious variants across human ancestry groups
Authors: Stolyarova Anastasia , Coop Graham , Przeworski Molly
Published: February 2025

A major focus of human genetics is to map severe disease mutations. Increasingly that goal is understood as requiring huge numbers of people to be sequenced from every broadly-defined genetic ancestry group, so as not to miss “ancestry-specific variants.” Here, we argue that this focus is unwarranted. We start with first principles considerations, based on models of mutation-drift-selection balance, which suggest highly pathogenic mutations should be at similarly low frequencies across ancestry groups. Severe disease mutations tend to be strongly deleterious, and thus evolutionarily young, and are kept at relatively constant frequency through recurrent mutation. Therefore, highly pathogenic alleles are shared identical by descent within extended families, not broad ancestry groups, and sequencing more people should yield similar numbers regardless of ancestry. We illustrate these points using gnomAD genetic ancestry groupings, and show that the classes of variants most likely to be highly pathogenic, notably sets of loss of function alleles at strongly constrained genes, conform well to these predictions. While there are many important reasons to diversify genomic research, strongly deleterious alleles will be found at comparable rates in people of all ancestries, and the information they provide about human biology is shared across ancestries.
Fractional differential equations of Riemann–Liouville of variable order with anti-periodic boundary conditions
Authors: Zoubida Bouazza , Souid Mohammed Said , Günerhan Hatira , Rezazadeh Hadi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existence, uniqueness and stability of solutions to a class of Riemann–Liouville fractional differential equations with anti-periodic boundary conditions of variable order (R-LFDEAPBCVO). The study utilizes standard fixed point theorems (FiPoTh) to establish the existence and uniqueness of solutions. Additionally, the Ulam-Hyers-Rassias (Ul-HyRa) stability of the considered problem is examined. The obtained results are supported by an illustrative example. This research contributes to the understanding of fractional differential equations with variable order and anti-periodic boundary conditions, providing valuable insights for further studies in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper (1) defines the Riemann–Liouville fractional differential equations with anti-periodic boundary conditions of variable order (R-LFDEAPBCVO); (2) discusses the existence and uniqueness of solutions to these equations using standard FiPoTh; (3) investigates the stability of the considered problem using the Ul-HyRa stability concept (Ul-HyRa); (4) provides a detailed explanation of the design and methodology used to obtain the results and (5) supports the obtained results with a relevant example.

Findings

The authors confirm that no funds, grants or any other form of financial support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

Originality/value

The originality/value of our paper lies in its contribution to the field of fractional differential equations. Specifically, we address the existence, uniqueness and stability of solutions to a class of Riemann–Liouville fractional differential equations with anti-periodic boundary conditions of variable order. By utilizing standard FiPoTh and investigating Ul-HyRa stability, we provide novel insights into this problem. The results obtained are supported by an example, further enhancing the credibility and applicability of your findings. Overall, our paper adds to the existing knowledge and understanding of Riemann–Liouville fractional differential equations with anti-periodic boundary conditions, making it valuable to the scientific community.
The double-edged sword effect of workplace loneliness on innovative behavior: a perspective grounded in theory on contingencies of self-worth
Authors: Hu Weimin , He Bin , Sun Xu , Zhao Nan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate both the positive and negative effects of workplace loneliness on innovative behavior. By applying the unified theory on contingencies of self-worth, the study aimed to integrate these effects into a single framework, thereby confirming the presence of the double-edged sword effect of workplace loneliness on innovative behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among enterprises across China, involving 246 employees. Hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to test the moderating hypotheses. Additionally, the mediating effects and the moderated mediation effects were further explored using the bootstrapping method.

Findings

The results indicated that workplace loneliness positively influenced innovative behavior through the desire to prove ability, with the promotion regulatory focus enhancing this relationship. Conversely, workplace loneliness negatively influenced innovative behavior through self-handicapping, with the prevention regulatory focus intensifying this relationship.

Practical implications

The findings revealed that workplace loneliness exerts a double-edged effect on innovative behavior. Lonely employees can enhance their sense of self-worth by engaging in domain switching, thereby alleviating feelings of loneliness.

Originality/value

The research confirmed a novel perspective: workplace loneliness can promote innovative behavior by influencing employees’ desire to prove ability. It also revealed the double-edged sword effect of workplace loneliness on innovative behavior. Based on these findings, employees experiencing loneliness can enhance their self-worth and alleviate feelings of loneliness through domain switching.
Unveiling the impact of ChatGPT: investigating self-efficacy, anxiety and motivation on student performance in blended learning environments
Authors: Mahande Ridwan Daud , Fakhri M. Miftach , Suwahyu Irwansyah , Sulaiman Dwi Rezky Anandari
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the impact of ChatGPT on students’ self-efficacy, anxiety and motivation within blended learning environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A correlational quantitative method was employed using the data collected through an online questionnaire distributed randomly to 293 science and engineering students from 2 state universities in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Measurement analysis was conducted to assess instrument validity, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships between the constructs.

Findings

The results indicate that self-efficacy and motivation significantly enhance student performance in blended learning, with the positive effect of self-efficacy moderated by ChatGPT. Although anxiety had a positive, though not significant, effect, the interaction between anxiety, motivation and ChatGPT still demonstrated a positive effect on learning performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the moderating effect of ChatGPT on motivation, anxiety and performance, emphasizing the need to understand educational contexts and individual differences. The study was limited to a specific student population and a short duration of ChatGPT usage, potentially restricting generalizability. Future research should explore diverse educational settings, disciplines, long-term effects and qualitative methods to gain deeper insights.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable new insights into the use of AI technology in education from the psychological perspective of students and offers practical implications for improving future learning strategies.
How and when paternalistic leadership influences service innovative behaviour while inhibiting counterproductive work behaviour among healthcare professionals: the roles of perceived supervisor support and public service motivation
Authors: Hussain Muzammil , Luu Trong Tuan , Marjoribanks Timothy
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Healthcare is a service industry where fulfilling the needs of patients (customers) is challenging. Various factors, including cost, system complexity, staffing behaviours and technological advances, play vital roles. Drawing upon social exchange theory, this study seeks to determine how paternalistic leadership (authoritarianism, benevolence and morality) influences employee service innovative behaviour and counterproductive work behaviour via perceived supervisor support in the healthcare sector. Additionally, the study investigates the role of the public service motivation of individuals as a moderating factor in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot study and a main study were conducted to test the hypotheses. We collected data from healthcare professionals in Pakistan’s large public, private and semi-government hospitals. We applied bootstrapping with 5,000 replications and structural equation modelling to analyse the data.

Findings

Results indicate that authoritarianism was negatively associated with service innovative behaviour, whereas benevolent and moral behaviours were positively associated with service innovative behaviour via perceived supervisor support (mediation). Our findings shed light on the moderating role of public service motivation.

Originality/value

This empirical quantitative study has several theoretical and practical implications. Findings of our study provide evidence that a paternalistic leadership style can influence both positive (service innovative behaviour) and negative (counterproductive working behaviour) working behaviours simultaneously via perceived supervisor support at an individual level in the service (healthcare) industry. This study also highlights the moderating role of public service motivation as an individual motivation factor.
Associations of chronic kidney disease with hidradenitis suppurativa: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Yang , Yang Yiling , Zhan Weisheng , Zhao Juhua
Published: February 2025

Observational studies have indicated an association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Nevertheless, causality remains unclear. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to investigate the direction of association between CKD and HS. The inverse variance weighting analysis of random effects was used as the primary analytical method and verified through sensitivity analyses. The MR analysis revealed that CKD is associated with an increased risk of HS (odds ratio = 1.577 [95% confidence interval = 1.065–2.337], p = 0.023), and estimated glomerular filtration rate does not increase the risk of HS. In addition, reverse MR analyses revealed no significant associations between HS and CKD. This study provides evidence that CKD is a significant risk factor for HS. However, further research is needed to explore the association between CKD and HS.
Time and matrix quality increase the relative habitat value of smaller patches in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Deane David C. , Riva Federico
Published: February 2025

The landscape‐scale impacts of habitat subdivision (fragmentation per se) on biodiversity are not fully resolved. While smaller patches usually contain more species for equal total area, many implications of this remain unclear. For example, do equal areas of smaller and larger patches provide equivalent habitat value? How might this change over time and under differing matrix conditions?

To help address these knowledge gaps, we developed an indicator of relative habitat value based on a species‐individual null model. We used the indicator to compare sets of patches ordered in small‐to‐large and large‐to‐small orders, building hierarchical Bayesian regression models to test the role of time since patch creation and contrasting matrix conditions. This allowed us to assess habitat value for 85 metacommunities inhabiting fragmented landscapes (1354 patches, >4500 species). We expected comparable habitat value following patch creation due to unpaid extinction debts, and the matrix would determine the direction of change over time, a harsher matrix increasing the relative value of larger patches.

Averaged over time and matrix quality, the indicator probability density was mostly negative, suggesting slightly greater habitat value among larger patches. This pattern was consistent across taxonomic groups, although amphibians and reptiles were the most affected, and invertebrates least so.

Larger patches were of greater value within 20 years of patch creation, but over time smaller patches increased in value under any matrix type, whereas value remained constant for larger patches. Matrix conditions mediated the relative difference: after 100 years under a light matrix, patches of all sizes were essentially of equivalent value, while larger patches were still favoured under a harsh matrix.

Policy implications. In long‐fragmented, light matrix landscapes, small and large patches apparently offer comparable per‐unit‐area habitat value. Conversely, under a harsh matrix, larger patches retain slightly greater habitat value. We speculate that this reflects a ‘colonization credit’, which might occur within smaller patches after the initial loss of fragmentation‐sensitive species in disturbed landscapes. Overall, analyses support the need to maintain and enhance total habitat area—regardless of configuration—for biodiversity conservation, especially in long‐fragmented landscapes with light matrices.
Heetchin' a ride: Getting around on the ride apps in Oran, Algeria
Authors: Goodman Jane E.
Published: February 2025

This article explores how ride‐hailing apps have been adapted to local social practices in Oran, Algeria. Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in 2024, it examines how drivers and passengers navigate between digital coordinates and socially meaningful landmarks in a city where official street names – whether colonial French or post‐independence Arabic – rarely match how people actually find their way around. Rather than eliminating personal connections, as ride apps typically do elsewhere, in Oran, these technologies necessarily foster social relationships. The article demonstrates how the crucial phone call between driver and passenger establishes a quasi‐familial bond that transforms an anonymous digital transaction into a personal commitment. This adaptation of ride‐hailing technology reveals broader patterns in how residents navigate between digital and traditional ways of knowing urban space, while highlighting how new technologies become embedded in existing social relationships. The case of the Heetch app in Oran shows how apparently ‘global’ technological systems are necessarily localized through specific social and cultural practices.
Killing the impulse to save Marius: Disney nature and the ethics of fascination in multispecies relations
Authors: Mc Loughlin Eimear
Published: February 2025

The euthanasia of Marius, an 18‐month‐old giraffe at Copenhagen Zoo in 2014, triggered intense global debate about zoo management practices. This article examines how the zoo's explicit display of clinical detachment through public dissection reveals the complex dynamics of human‐animal relations in contemporary conservation institutions. Drawing on 17 months of ethnographic fieldwork, I demonstrate how zoos cultivate ‘fascination’ as a carefully managed form of attachment that enables rather than prevents detachment from animals. Through analysis of the Marius case, I show how fascination operates as more than simple enchantment − it disciplines public understanding of nature and produces specific forms of ethical responsibility. The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) policy of culling healthy animals reflects a clinical logic that starkly contrasts with impassioned public responses, illuminating how engagement and detachment co‐constitute each other in zoo spaces. This co‐constitution enables certain kinds of response‐ability while disabling others, revealing how conservation institutions shape possibilities for multispecies relations.
Algorithmic policing: Tech startups, venture capital and law enforcement in America (Part 2)
Authors: González Roberto J.
Published: February 2025

Building on Part 1, Part 2 of this article extends the analysis of algorithmic policing to include acoustic gunshot detection systems and explores the broader political economy of policing in America. It examines the development and deployment of ShotSpotter technology, its effectiveness, and the controversies surrounding its use. The article then synthesizes insights from the various algorithmic policing tools discussed across both parts to analyze how the imperatives of Silicon Valley venture capital and startup culture are reshaping law enforcement. It explores the historical context of American policing and how new technologies are altering police‐community relations. The article concludes by discussing the global spread of algorithmic policing, potential future developments in AI‐enabled law enforcement, and the role anthropology can play in critically examining and shaping the future of policing in the age of algorithms.
Superior Resolution Profiling of the Coleofasciculus Microbiome by Amplicon Sequencing of the Complete 16S rRNA Gene and ITS Region
Authors: Marter Pia , Freese Heike M. , Ringel Victoria , Brinkmann Henner , Pradella Silke , Rohde Manfred , Jarek Michal , Spröer Cathrin , Wagner‐Döbler Irene , Overmann Jörg , Bunk Boyke , Petersen Jörn
Published: February 2025

The filamentous cyanobacterium Coleofasciculus chthonoplastes is the key primary producer of marine microbial mats. We elucidated the microbiomes of 32 non‐axenic Coleofasciculus isolates using PacBio‐based amplicon sequencing of the complete 16S rRNA gene and the internally transcribed spacer (16S‐ITS). The length of authentic amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) ranged from 1827 to 3044 nucleotides (median: 2267 nt). The results, which were complemented by metagenome analyses and cultivation approaches, revealed the presence of more than 70 associated heterotrophs in the culture of Coleofasciculus sp. WW12. The great bacterial diversity in the cyanosphere is dominated by Pseudomonadota (59%) and Bacteroidota (23%). Allelic ribosomal operon variants were detected in 18 Coleofasciculus strains and our analyses proposed the presence of at least four different species. A comparative analysis of cyanobacterial microbiomes documented complementary advantages of amplicon sequencing versus metagenomics with an individual strength of the 16S‐ITS approach in terms of (i) ribosomal target sequence quality, (ii) contaminant detection and (iii) identification of rare bacteria. The characterisation of the Coleofasciculus microbiome showed that long‐read amplicon sequencing of the 16S‐ITS region is the method of choice for rapid profiling of non‐axenic cyanobacteria. Its superior resolution allows a reliable differentiation of even very closely related strains.
Urological complications following pelvic exenteration are comparable to those following radical cystectomy
Authors: Noll Darcy , Milton Thomas , Vather Ryash , Cho Jonathan , Sammour Tarik
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is required for both primary muscle‐invasive bladder cancer and in the setting of pelvic exenteration for advanced malignancy of pelvic organs. Acute and chronic complications following radical cystectomy can be a significant cause of morbidity. We compared the rates of urological complications following these two procedures at our tertiary referral centre.

Methods

Patients who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion either alone or as part of pelvic exenteration between June 2017 and April 2024 at our hospital were included. Short and long‐term post‐operative urological complications were collected, and data for patients who underwent PE were collected prospectively as part of a larger database.

Results

One hundred eleven patients underwent cystectomy: 44 as part of pelvic exenteration (PE), 67 cystectomy alone. Post‐operative urological complications occurred in 45% of patients undergoing PE and 42% undergoing cystectomy alone (P = 0.703). Urosepsis was the most frequent complication in both cohorts, occurring in 27% and 24% of patients who underwent PE and cystectomy alone respectively. Return to theatre was required in 9% of PE patients and 7% of non‐PE patients. ASA status was predictive of complication development in the non‐PE cohort, no factors analysed were predictive in the PE cohort.

Conclusions

In this cohort, the rate of urological complications and return to the theatre following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion were comparable among those undergoing PE and cystectomy alone. No individual factor was identified that was predictive of post‐operative complications.
Atrial and Ventricular Cannulation for Biventricular Circulatory Support With Double‐Ended Centrifugal Pump: In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Flick Christine R. , Miyagi Chihiro , Kuban Barry D. , Polakowski Anthony R. , Fukamachi Kiyotaka , Kuroda Taiyo , Karimov Jamshid H.
Published: February 2025

Background

In patients with biventricular heart failure, a biventricular assist device (BVAD) may be necessary for hemodynamic support. BVAD inflows can be established through cannulation of the atrial (AC) and/or ventricular (VC) chambers, but no consensus exists on optimal cannulation techniques. This study aimed to characterize BVAD performance related to cannulation types (AC and VC) using a continuous‐flow total artificial heart (CFTAH) as the BVAD.

Methods

Both methods of cannulation (AC and VC) were tested on a mock loop using dual pulsatile ventricles with valves (AB5000; Abiomed) paired as the native ventricles and a double‐ended centrifugal pump with two volutes, CFTAH, as a BVAD. Pressures were collected at the inlet and outlets of the AB5000 (LAP, RAP, AoP, and PAP) and the CFTAH (Lin, Rin, Lout, and Rout). The left and right flows exiting the CFTAH (LPF and RPF) and total flow (TF), exiting systemic resistance, were monitored. Several heart failure conditions were simulated with adjustment of the pneumatic pressures (AB5000).

Results

Trends between the AC and VC are similar where RAP, Lin, and Lout decreased, and AoP, PAP, TF, LPF, and RPF increased with increased support. The trends differ in LAP with an increase during AC as opposed to a decrease during VC. As a result, with this setup, left–right balance is more easily achieved during VC. TF is higher with AC, even though LPF and RPF are lower. This signifies the flow going through the aortic valve (TF–LPF) and pulmonary valve (TF–RPF) is higher with AC.

Conclusions

The increased TF and valvular flow favored AC for introducing a CFTAH as BVAD to the native heart in these conditions.
Treatment of Transient Hypothyroxinemia of Prematurity Does Not Improve Neurodevelopment at Two Years of Age
Authors: Bardet Angélique , Vincent Marine , Portefaix Aurélie , Claris Olivier , Butin Marine , Patural Hugues , Picaud Jean‐Charles , Chevallier Marie , Perge Kevin , Raverot Véronique , Riche Benjamin , Bretones Patricia
Published: February 2025

Aim

Transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity (THOP) has been associated with suboptimal neurodevelopment. We aimed to assess neurodevelopment in very preterm infants with treated and untreated THOP.

Methods

This study was a multicentre, cohort study, based on prospectively collected data in four French level III neonatal intensive care units. Infants born before 32 weeks of gestation between 2009 and 2020 who underwent a thyroid function test were included. THOP was defined as low free thyroxine and unelevated thyroid stimulating hormone. Infants were classified as no THOP, treated THOP, and untreated THOP. The primary outcome was suboptimal neurodevelopment at 2 years of age evaluated by clinical examination.

Results

Three hundred and seventy‐three infants (54% male) born at a median gestational age of 28 weeks of gestation were included. There was no significant difference in neurodevelopment at 2 years of age when comparing the no THOP to the THOP group (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% confident Interval (CI) 0.8–2.3) nor when comparing the treated with the untreated THOP group (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.3–1.9). Results remained unchanged after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusion

In very preterm infants treated THOP was not associated with improved neurodevelopment compared to untreated THOP. Numerous biases could have limited treatment effect.
Impact of GLP‐1 Receptor Agonists on Alcohol‐Related Liver Disease Development and Progression in Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Kuo Chia‐Chih , Li Chun‐Hsien , Chuang Min‐Hsiang , Huang Po‐Yu , Kuo Hsing‐Tao , Lai Chih‐Cheng
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) have shown promise in reducing alcohol consumption, but their impact on clinical outcomes in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains unclear. We investigated the association between GLP‐1RAs and the development and progression of alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD) in patients with AUD.

Methods

Using the TriNetX Research Network, we conducted two retrospective cohort studies comparing GLP‐1RAs versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4is) in patients with type 2 diabetes. The first cohort included patients with AUD but without ArLD (n = 7132 after propensity score matching), while the second comprised patients with established ArLD (n = 1896 after matching). Primary outcomes were incident ArLD in the AUD cohort and hepatic decompensation in the ArLD cohort.

Results

In the AUD cohort (median follow‐up: 63.2 months), GLP‐1RA users showed significantly lower risks of developing ArLD compared to DPP‐4i users (incidence rate: 6.0 vs. 8.7 per 1000 person‐years; HR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.44–0.87, p = 0.006). GLP‐1RAs were also associated with reduced risks of all‐cause mortality (HR: 0.53, p < 0.001). In the ArLD cohort (median follow‐up: 28.2 months), GLP‐1RA users demonstrated lower risks of hepatic decompensation (incidence rate: 39.5 vs. 51.4 per 1000 person‐years; HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.51–0.85, p = 0.001) and all‐cause mortality (HR: 0.53, p < 0.001) compared to DPP‐4i users.

Conclusions

GLP‐1RAs were associated with reduced risks of developing and progressing ArLD in patients with AUD, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in this population.
Concomitant use of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors: A retrospective analysis of prescription behaviour
Authors: Wilkes Sarah , van de Wiel Kayleigh , Mulder Kelly , van Ballegooijen Hanne , Zaal Rianne , van der Kuy Hugo
Published: February 2025

Aims

Since omeprazole and esomeprazole reduce the effect of clopidogrel on the inhibition of platelet aggregation, concomitant use of these drugs has been discouraged by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) since 2010. Currently, it is unknown how often this undesired drug–drug combination is prescribed. The aim of this article is to determine the proportion of patients using omeprazole or esomeprazole among patients using clopidogrel with gastroprotective drugs and to identify differences between these two groups with regard to patient characteristics and prescriber characteristics.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of Dutch outpatient medication prescription records between 2015 and 2022. The database had a coverage of approximately 62% of all outpatient prescriptions dispensed in The Netherlands.

Results

The proportion of patients using omeprazole or esomeprazole as gastroprotective drug in combination with clopidogrel declined from 19.7% to 8.7% between 2015 and 2022. The undesired drug–drug combination was more often prescribed by internists, to women and to patients with polypharmacy (using >10 drugs).

Conclusions

Although the proportion of patients using clopidogrel together with omeprazole or esomeprazole declined between 2015 and 2022, the undesired combination is still frequently prescribed in The Netherlands. Education about this drug–drug interaction for pharmacists and prescribers is needed since pharmacotherapeutic alternatives are available.
Fluvoxamine Inhibited NLRP3 and NF‐κB Inflammatory Pathways and Maintained Genital Functions by Ameliorating CD‐MPR, KISS‐1, AQP4 and Claudin‐1 Expressions
Authors: Topsakal Senay , Ozmen Ozlem , Ozcan Kadriye Nilay , Asci Halil , Imeci Orhan Berk , Sevuk Mehmet Abdulkadir , Kosar Pinar Aslan
Published: February 2025

Fluvoxamine (FLV), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is commonly used to treat anxiety, major depressive disorder and obsessive‐compulsive disorder, among other psychiatric conditions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of FLV in mitigating damage caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the female genital tract. Thirty‐two female Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, LPS, LPS‐FLV and FLV. At the end of the experimental period, tissues from the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus were collected for histological, immunohistochemical and genetic analyses. Histological examination of the LPS group revealed mild to moderate bleeding, oedema and neutrophil infiltration. Additionally, there were signs of endometrial damage in the uterus and loss of cilia in the fallopian tubes. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that LPS increased the expressions of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF‐κB) and cation‐dependent mannose 6‐phosphate receptors (CD‐MPR) and reduced kisspeptin‐1 (KISS‐1) expression. Genetic analysis indicated that LPS increased the expression of the NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) and aquaporin4 (AQP4) genes while decreasing Claudin‐1 expression. However, all these adverse effects were reversed by FLV treatment. The study's findings suggest that FLV may be beneficial in treating LPS‐induced damage to the female reproductive system.