bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation ofC9orf72repeat knock-in iPSC lines for modelling ALS and FTD
Authors: Coneys Rachel , Cammack Alexander J. , Nair Remya R. , Thompson David , Mechtersheimer Jonas , Carcolé Mireia , Gupta Yashica , Rech Gabriel E. , Flower Michael , O’Brien Niamh , Ruepp Marc-David , Mizielinska Sarah , Ducotterd Fiona , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Fisher Elizabeth M.C. , Cunningham Thomas J. , Ward Michael , Skarnes William C. , Isaacs Adrian M.
Published: February 2025

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models are powerful tools for neurodegenerative disease modelling, as they allow mechanistic studies in a human genetic environment and they can be differentiated into a range of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. However, these models come with inherent challenges due to line-to-line and clonal variability. To combat this issue, the iPSC Neurodegenerative Disease Initiative (iNDI) has generated an iPSC repository using a single clonal reference line, KOLF2.1J, into which disease-causing mutations and revertants are introduced via gene editing. Here we describe the generation and validation of lines carrying the most common causative mutation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a repeat expansion in theC9orf72gene, for the iNDI collection of neurodegenerative iPSC models. We demonstrate that theseC9orf72knock-in lines differentiate efficiently into neurons and display characteristicC9orf72-associated pathologies, including reduced C9orf72 levels and the presence of dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) and RNA foci, which increase in abundance over time in culture. These pathologies are not present in revertant cells lacking the repeat expansion. These repeat expansion and revertant cell lines are now available to academic and for-profit institutions through the JAX iPS cell repository and will help to facilitate and standardise iPSC-based ALS/FTD research.
Large language models possess some ecological knowledge, but how much?
Authors: Dorm Filip , Millard Joseph , Purves Drew , Harfoot Michael , Mac Aodha Oisin
Published: February 2025

Large Language Models (LLMs) have garnered attention for their potential at question answering across multiple different domains. However, despite the promise demonstrated, there has only been limited exploration of their effectiveness in the context of ecological knowledge. We investigate the ecological knowledge and potential reasoning abilities of two LLMs, Gemini 1.5 Pro and GPT-4o, across a suite of ecologically focused tasks. Our tasks quantitatively assess a models' ability to predict species presence at locations, generate range maps, list critically endangered species, classify threats, and estimate species traits. We compare model performance against expert-derived data to quantify their accuracy and reliability using a new benchmark dataset we introduce. We show that while the LLMs tested outperform naive baselines, they still exhibit significant limitations, particularly in generating spatially accurate range maps and classifying threats. Our findings underscore both the potential and challenges of using LLMs in ecological applications, highlighting the need for further refinement, including domain-specific fine-tuning, to better approximate ecological reasoning. Our new benchmark dataset will enable researchers to make progress on this task by providing a repeatable way to evaluate future models.
Sex specific disruptions in Protein Kinase Cγ signaling in a mouse model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 14
Authors: Wolfe Sarah A. , Ma Yuliang , Pilo Caila A. , Chang Carly , Ghassemian Majid , Roberts Amanda J. , Lee Sang Ryeul , Gorrie George , Taylor Susan S. , Newton Alexandra C.
Published: February 2025

Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 14 (SCA14) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding protein kinase C gamma (PKCγ), a Ca2+/diacylglycerol (DG)-dependent serine/threonine kinase dominantly expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. These mutations impair autoinhibitory constraints to increase the basal activity of the kinase, resulting in deficits in the cerebellum that are not observed upon simple deletion of the gene, and severe ataxia. To better understand the phenotypic impact of aberrant PKCγ signaling in disease pathology, we developed a knock-in murine model of the SCA14 mutation ΔF48 in PKCγ. This fully penetrant mutation is severe in humans and is mechanistically informative as it has high basal activity but is unresponsive to agonist stimulation. Genetic, behavioral, and molecular testing revealed that ΔF48 PKCγ SCA14 mice have ataxia related phenotypes and an altered cerebellar phosphoproteome, effects that are more severe in male mice. Analysis of existing human data reveal that SCA14 has a significantly earlier age of onset for males compared with females. Our data from this clinically relevant mutation suggest that enhanced basal activity of PKCγ is necessary and sufficient to cause ataxia and that treatment strategies to modulate aberrant PKCγ may be particularly beneficial in males.

New mouse model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 14 containing a clinically relevant mutation in PKCγ identified underlying drivers of the disease and neuroprotection in females.
Phyllosphere microbiome-based biocontrol solution against the filamentous pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Plasmopara viticola in grapevine
Authors: Rappo Nicolas-David , Schnee Sylvain , Chevalley Clara , Michellod Emilie , Gindro Katia , Weisskopf Laure , Bruisson Sebastien
Published: February 2025

Plants harbor different microbial communities in their different organs. This difference is due to the various conditions to which the different parts of the plant are subjected. As a result, the phyllosphere microbiome may be drastically different than the root microbiome. Since each microbiome is supposed to be well adapted to its environment, we hypothesize that bacterial communities from the leaves should be more effective in protecting the plants against the pathogen attacking the aerial part of the plant than the ones from the soil commonly used as biocontrol agents. In a previous study, we demonstrated that many phyllosphere bacteria isolated from the grapevine phyllosphere were indeed very effective against such plant pathogens under in vitro conditions, inhibiting their mycelial and spore development. In this project, we investigated the biocontrol ability of these phyllosphere bacteria in planta against two filamentous pathogens colonizing the aerial part of the plant: Botrytis cinerea, the ascomycete responsible for gray mold and Plasmopara viticola the oomycete responsible for downy mildew. Our results show that more than 40 strains were able to inhibit at least one pathogen in their spore physiology or infection progress. Among these strains, 27 strains were able to impact both pathogens and 20 were also capable of stimulating plant defenses and. Finally, when used in consortia, bacteria showed synergistic effects, resulting in a much stronger protection than that obtained by the application of the strains alone. These data suggest that phyllosphere bacteria could be a promising tool to help wine grower to fight against grapevine diseases by providing a strong long-lasting protection on their crops.
Cohesin drives chromatin scanning during the RAD51-mediated homology search.
Authors: Marin-Gonzalez Alberto , Rybczynski Adam T , Nilavar Namrata M , Nguyen Daniel , Karwacki- Neisius Violetta , Li Andrew G , Zou Roger S , Aviles-Vazquez Franklin J , Kanemaki Masato T , Scully Ralph , Ha Taekjip
Published: February 2025

Cohesin folds genomes into chromatin loops, whose roles are under debate. We report that double strand breaks (DSB) induce de novo formation of chromatin loops, with the break positioned at the loop base. These loops form only in S/G2 phases and occur during repair via homologous recombination (HR), concomitant with DNA end resection and RAD51 assembly. RAD51 showed two-tiered accumulation around DSBs, with a broad (~Mb) domain arising from the homology search. This domain is regulated by cohesin unloader, is constrained by TAD boundaries, and it overlaps with chromatin regions reeled through the break-anchored loop, suggesting that loop extrusion regulates the homology search. Indeed, depletion of NIPBL results in reduced HR, and this effect is more pronounced when the HR donor is far (~100 kb) from the break. Our data indicates that loop-extruding cohesin promotes the mammalian homology search by facilitating break-chromatin interactions within the damaged TAD.
17β-estradiol status alters NMDAR function and antipsychotic-like activity in female rats
Authors: Holter Kimberly M. , Klausner Mckenna , Hite Mary Hunter , Moriarty Carson , Barth Samuel , Pierce Bethany , Iannucci Alexandria , Sheffler Douglas , Cosford Nicholas , Bimonte-Nelson Heather , Raab-Graham Kimberly F. , Gould Robert W.
Published: February 2025

Low 17β-estradiol (E2) in females of reproductive age, and marked E2 decline with menopause, contributes to heightened symptom severity in schizophrenia (i.e. cognitive dysfunction) and diminished response to antipsychotic medications. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction contributes to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, yet impact of E2 depletion on NMDAR function is not well characterized. Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), specifically gamma power, is a well-established functional readout of cortical activity that is elevated in patients with schizophrenia and is sensitive to alterations in NMDAR function. Using qEEG and touchscreen cognitive assessments, present studies investigated the effects of E2 on NMDAR function by administering MK-801 (NMDAR antagonist) to ovariectomized rats with or without E2 implants (Ovx+E and Ovx, respectively). Ovx rats were more sensitive to MK-801-induced elevations in gamma power and attentional impairments compared to Ovx+E rats. Further investigation revealed these effects were mediated by reduced synaptic GluN2A expression. Consistent with clinical reports, olanzapine (second-generation antipsychotic) was less effective in mitigating MK-801-induced elevations in gamma power in Ovx rats. Lastly, we examined antipsychotic-like activity of a Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu2/3) positive allosteric modulator (PAM), SBI-0646535, as a novel therapeutic in E2-deprived conditions. SBI-0646535 reversed MK-801-induced elevations in gamma power equally regardless of E2 status. Collectively, these studies established a relationship between E2 deprivation and NMDAR function that is in part GluN2A-dependent, supporting the notion that E2 deprivation increases susceptibility to NMDAR hypofunction. This highlights the need to examine age/hormone-specific factors when considering antipsychotic response and designing novel pharmacotherapies.
Generalization but not strengthening of negative memories drives the development of depression-like behaviors
Authors: Cheng Xin , Hu Yubo , Zhao Yan , Zhao Panwu , Bai Xiaomeng , Chen Yi , Kong Deshan , Zheng Shuyu , Zheng Yuena , Wang Yumeng , Zeng Yanni , Lin Wei-Jye , Ye Xiaojing
Published: February 2025

Individuals with depression exhibit intensified and generalized negative memories. However, how prior memories actually influence onset and/or progression of depression, particularly whether the strengthening or the generalization of prior memories play a key role, is poorly understood. Here, we introduced behavioral paradigms to differentiate between memory strengthening and generalization, and found that negative experiences that produced memory overgeneralization, but not strengthening, induced depression-like behaviors. Furthermore, we identified that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST) projection functionally linked memory generalization to depression, together with single-cell calcium imaging which revealed a significant overlap in the mPFCBNSTneuronal ensemble encoding depression-like behaviors with that encoding generalized memory, but not memory strength. Circuit-based transcriptomic analysis and chromophore-assisted light inactivation demonstrated that triggering actin remodeling in the mPFCBNSTneurons, a memory consolidation mechanism enhanced generalization while reducing memory strength, also induced depression-like behaviors. Collectively, these findings suggest generalization of negative memories as a primary factor that drives depression-like behaviors, highlighting the importance of early identification of individuals at risk for depression who exhibit overgeneralized negative memories, and targeting overgeneralized negative memories in the treatment of depression.
Joint visual-vestibular computation of head direction and reflexive eye movement
Authors: Dalmay Tamas , Ewig Luke , Roska Botond , Azeredo da Silveira Rava
Published: February 2025

Several cognitive maps have been identified, but what sensory signals drive them and how these are combined are not well understood. One such map, the head-direction representation, is believed to be primarily driven by vestibular motion signals in mammals. Here, we combine in vivo imaging of neuronal activity, genetic perturbation of neuronal circuits, behavioral testing, and theoretical modeling to show that the representation of head direction in mouse is driven by not only vestibular but also visual motion signals: both are essential, and the latter, originating in direction-selective retinal ganglion cell activity, dominates at low speeds. We show that, correspondingly, visual perturbations alter navigational behavior that relies on head-direction computation. Finally, we find that head-direction representation and the slow phase of reflexive eye movement are tightly correlated, and we propose a theoretical model that elucidates their emergence from coupled visual and vestibular processes. Our results suggest that the brain’s estimate of head direction is built on an oculomotor reflex pathway driven by both visual and vestibular signals.
The expandedBostrychia moritzianagenome unveils evolution in the most diverse and complex order of red algae
Authors: Petroll Romy , West John A. , Ogden Michael , McGinley Owen , Craig Rory J. , Coelho Susana M. , Borg Michael
Published: February 2025

Red seaweeds form part of an ancient lineage of eukaryotes that were one of the first to evolve multicellularity. Although they share a common evolutionary origin with modern-day plants and display complex multicellular development, we still lack comprehensive genome data from the most highly-evolved groups of red algae. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly ofBostrychia moritziana, a species that is classified into the Rhodomelaceae family of the Ceramiales order, both of which constitute the largest and most diverse family and order of red algae, respectively. Contrary to the commonly held view that red algae generally have small genomes, we report significant genome size expansion inBostrychiaand other Ceramiales species, which we posit as one of at least three independent genome expansion events that occurred during red algal evolution. Our analyses suggest that these expansions do not involve polyploidy or ancient whole genome duplications, but in the case ofBostrychiaappear to be largely driven by the dramatic proliferation of a single lineage of giantPlavakaDNA transposons. Consistent with increased genome size, we identify a substantial increase in gene content inBostrychiathat was shaped both byde novogene emergence and by the amplification of gene families in common with other Ceramiales seaweeds, providing key insight into the genetic adaptations underpinning the evolutionary success of this species-rich order. Finally, our sex-specific assemblies enabled us to resolve the UV sex chromosomes inBostrychia, which feature expanded gene-rich sex-linked regions. Notably, these sex-linked regions each harbour a distinct TALE-HD transcription factor orthologous to ancient regulators of haploid-diploid transitions in other multicellular lineages. Together, our findings offer a unique perspective of the genomic adaptations driving red algal diversity and demonstrate how this highly successful group of red seaweeds can provide insight into the evolutionary origins and universal principles of complex multicellular plant life.
The impact of value co-destruction on consumer perceived value in peer-to-peer accommodation
Authors: Athapaththu Jayani Chamarika
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how value co-destruction (VCD) impacts on guests perceived value in Airbnb, peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation platform.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies an interpretive exploratory research approach to explore VCD on consumer perceived values. Data were collected via personal in-depth semi-structured interviews with guests who have experienced in staying Airbnb. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyse data.

Findings

Drawing on the theory of consumption values, the findings show that five dimensions of value; functional, social, economic, emotional and epistemic value are destroyed due to negative interactions between guests and hosts. Moreover, this study revealed that host’s unaccepted behaviours, miscommunication, lack of resources, expectations and issues in procedures lead to destroy guest’s perceived value. The findings of the study provide several insights for the tourism and hospitality sector, P2P accommodation platforms and policymakers to prevent from VCD and optimise the customer experience.

Originality/value

This study provides a greater understanding of how and which activities lead to destroy guest’s perceived values after experiencing VCD. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to apply theory of consumption values in the P2P accommodation context and research field related to “VCD”.
Cultivating social inclusion for migrant women from refugee backgrounds through NGO-organised care-oriented programmes
Authors: Tagoe Theophilus , Almeida Shamika , Wang Hui-Ling , Kariippanon Kishan , Andrews Kelly
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Effective social inclusion of people from refugee backgrounds in host communities is vital to the success of their resettlement. This study focused on how an NGO-organised care-oriented programme may foster the social inclusion of migrant women from refugee backgrounds in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

We looked at how the programme’s adoption of an ethics-of-care approach might affect migrant women’s social capital, hence social inclusion. About 55 migrant women from a regional city in Australia were recruited for the study, and quantitative and qualitative data were collected.

Findings

The study revealed that the NGO’s adoption of the care ethics and principles to design and implement the physical activity program significantly increased refugee migrant women’s bonding and bridging social capital, which in turn promoted their social inclusion in the host community.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of adopting care ethics and care practices to inform initiatives designed to promote the social inclusion of marginalised groups such as refugee migrant women settling in regional cities in Australia. It also emphasises the need for NGOs and other organisations supporting new migrant groups to focus on increasing opportunities for such community groups to develop bonding and bridging relationships with people within and outside their language groups or ethnicity.
Unveiling the inflation-income inequality paradox: contrasts across advanced and developing economies
Authors: Nguyen Van Bon
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Both income inequality and inflation can lead to social instability. Does inflation impact income inequality differently between advanced and developing countries? This paper delves into this question by analyzing the effects of inflation on income inequality across a sample of 34 advanced countries and 44 developing nations from 2010 to 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing both the two-step system GMM estimator and PMG estimation, the study reveals intriguing insights.

Findings

Firstly, while inflation exacerbates income inequality in advanced countries, it narrows the gap in developing nations. Secondly, economic growth mitigates income inequality in advanced nations but widens it in developing ones. However, infrastructure development increases income inequality in advanced countries but alleviates it in developing ones. Thirdly, trade openness correlates with reduced income inequality across both groups of countries.

Originality/value

So far, no existing studies empirically approve the opposite effects of inflation on income inequality between developing and advanced economies. The findings offer valuable policy insights for governments in advanced and developing nations in the fight against income inequality.
Do changes in interest rate regulation affect stock returns? An event study approach on the Kenyan banking sector stocks
Authors: Ngaruiya Jane , Mathuva David M. , Obi Pat
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether interest rate regulations affect stock returns in a developing market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyses the impact of interest rate regulation on Kenyan banks using the event methodology and a difference-in-difference approach. It examines the market reaction and bank valuation effects from 2004 to 2022, focusing on the rate cap’s introduction in August 2016 and its repeal in November 2019. Cumulative abnormal returns are calculated for four sub-periods within a five-day window around these events using data from 11 banks and 300 days.

Findings

Contrary to expectations, this study finds that the announcement of interest rate controls results in negative and statistically significant cumulative abnormal returns. However, the difference-in-differences analysis shows that these regulatory changes had an insignificant long-term impact on market valuations beyond the event period.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows how interest rate regulations affect stock returns, guiding investors in managing wealth and market efficiency in developing economies.

Originality/value

This study investigates market reactions and bank valuations in response to interest rate regulations within a developing economy. It focuses on the introduction of rate caps, their subsequent repeals and a shift to risk-based lending. Using a combination of event study methodology and difference-in-difference analysis offers a novel methodological contribution compared to prior research.
Shadow banking interconnectedness in South Africa: Toda and Yamamoto (T-Y) Granger causality test
Authors: Mashimbye Lawrence , Fanta Ashenafi Beyene
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Financial linkages are an important determinant of shock transmissions, and the risk of financial system instability is higher when financial institutions are closely connected. This paper aims to examine interconnectedness within the shadow banking system, a credit intermediation outside traditional banking, in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the conditional value-at-risk (Co-VaR), using market returns of fixed-income funds, funds-of-funds, money market funds and multi-asset funds from January 2015 to December 2021, to identify funds with the highest contribution to systemic risk. The authors examined interconnectedness using the Toda and Yamamoto Granger causality test among the funds with the highest contribution to systemic risk.

Findings

The authors find a greater degree of interconnectedness in the shadow banking sector, and linkages are at an all-time high during COVID-19. The results also show that while money market funds are only receivers, multi-asset funds are both transmitters and receivers of systemic risk.

Practical implications

The regulator should strengthen monitoring of the linkages in shadow banking, particularly among multi-asset funds and money market funds, and during periods of financial turmoil.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the growing literature on systemic risk in shadow banking. Compared to prior literature, the authors use market returns data from an emerging African economy, South Africa.
The influence of organizational trust and social exchange on organizational citizenship behavior: the mediating role of workplace spirituality
Authors: Kidron Aviv , Vinarski Peretz Hedva
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The field of spirituality is undergoing a transition from an advocacy-based approach to one that is grounded in scientific evidence. The advantages of workplace spirituality for employee performance remain under-researched, however, particularly in the context of service roles. This study addresses this gap by examining the mediating role of workplace spirituality between social exchange, organizational trust and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave online survey was conducted, with 350 participating Israeli service employees. Structural equation modeling was utilized to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Empirically testing workplace spirituality and OCB by their dimensions advances the field, exposes unique rather than general relationships. Workplace spirituality’s latent factors were found as mediators: alignment with organizational values mediated the relationship between social exchange, organizational trust and OCBs directed toward individuals (OCBI), whereas meaningful work mediated the relationship between social exchange, organizational trust and citizenship behaviors directed toward the organization (OCBO).

Practical implications

It would be advisable to give direct attention to strategies and programs that foster workplace spirituality and OCB among employees by HRM and service department managers.

Originality/value

The current study is the first of its kind to address workplace spirituality as a mediator between social exchange, organizational trust and OCB. The findings serve as a springboard for integrating workplace spirituality into employee performance research.
Polyamide 12 powder ageing in laser beam-based powder bed fusion and its combined effects on powder and component characteristics
Authors: Stiller Tanja , Truszkiewicz Eliza , Schrank Theresia , Haar Bernd Erwin , Meier Gerald , Kraschitzer Wolfgang , Pinter Gerald , Lackner Jürgen , Berer Michael
Published: February 2025

Purpose

A key characteristic of powder bed fusion for polymers is that also the non-processed powder in the powder bed is exposed to elevated temperatures. This alters the properties of the remaining powder, which is compensated by refreshing the used powder with new powder. Nonetheless, it is discarded after a certain number of process iterations, which is economically and ecologically highly disadvantageous. Research works intensively to analyse and reduce the concurring effects responsible for powder ageing. This study aims to give a comprehensive overview of the cumulative changes in the powder and the printed parts when conducting several subsequent build cycles.

Design/methodology/approach

New polyamide powder (PA12) was used in a total of nine subsequent build cycles with constant sintering parameters and without powder refreshing. After each iteration, the powder and parts were tested for their morphological, thermal and rheological properties.

Findings

The results are related to three main changes in the powder during the build cycles: decreasing bulk density (through agglomeration), increasing melt viscosity (through polyamide post-condensation) and increasing melting peak and onset temperatures (through thermal annealing of the powder).

Originality/value

Even though the ageing of PA12 powder in powder bed fusion is well-known, it is not yet fully understood. Studies are not complete and due to different ageing conditions only partially comparable. The detailed study aims to help understand the related effects of powder ageing for process-relevant properties and to show which factors require control to limit the powder ageing.
Patterns of housing markets in Hawassa city: the quest for social inclusion
Authors: Admasu Tesfaye Gebeyehu , Lupala John Modestus , Magina Fredrick Bwire
Published: February 2025

Purpose

In the era of rapid urbanization, fostering an inclusive housing market system for most low-income urban residents remains a challenge in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study aims to investigate the realities of housing markets in Hawassa City, Ethiopia, and interrogate whether these markets foster social inclusion for households at the lower end of the market in the post-1990s.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed research approach. Primary data was generated using household surveys and key-informant interviews administered to residents and officers. The study also reviewed the municipality’s policy documents and reports. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and theme-based qualitative interpretation.

Findings

Hawassa City exhibited formal and informal housing market patterns guided by national, regional and city-wide policy and regulatory frameworks. Nevertheless, trends in these markets do not seem to capture the realities of residents’ ability to pay for housing and demonstrate social exclusions. The yawning gaps between demand and supply of housing largely necessitated the black market and the subsequent commercialization of housing by visible and invisible actors.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests further research on ethnographic understanding of the visible and invisible actors operating in the housing markets and adverse impacts on peri-urban farmers. The present study did not address rental housing markets adequately, and this could be open for further research.

Practical implications

The study has implications for revisiting housing policy-making, especially for understanding the policy and practical gaps and thus promoting a socially inclusive housing market system targeting low-income people.

Originality/value

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of housing markets in Hawassa City through the lens of operational values of social inclusivity (Elsinga et al., 2020). The findings provide baseline data on policy and implementation gaps for promoting a socially inclusive housing market system, especially for low-income people. In this regard, the contribution is empirical. In addition, this manuscript renders a conceptual framework for analyzing housing markets in other similar contexts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Increasing plant species diversity stimulates soil microbial necromass nitrogen accumulation in a subtropical forest
Authors: Zhu Zihong , Zhu Tongbin , Fang Yuantian , Gu Rui , Li Dejun
Published: February 2025

Soil nitrogen status is tightly related to vegetation productivity and ecosystem carbon sequestration. Therefore, how increasing plant species diversity (PSD) during vegetation restoration or afforestation affects soil nitrogen pool would ultimately determine its effects on vegetation productivity and ecosystem carbon sequestration. Though diversifying plant species has been found to benefit soil nitrogen accumulation, how it influences soil microbial necromass nitrogen (MNN), which is a major constituent of soil nitrogen pool, remains unexplored.

Forty‐five plots with different PSD were selected in a subtropical forest with the soil being calcareous. Soil MNN was indexed by amino sugars and microbial growth, microbial nitrogen use efficiency, and other soil biotic or abiotic variables were simultaneously measured to explore the influence of increasing PSD on soil MNN pool.

Increasing PSD significantly (p < 0.05) stimulated soil microbial growth and contents of fungal, bacterial, and total MNN, but only marginally (p = 0.07) enhanced microbial nitrogen use efficiency. Structural equation modelling revealed that increasing PSD‐stimulated soil MNN content by enhancing microbial biomass through three paths, that is, promoting microbial growth via increasing soil nitrogen availability and the relative abundance of copiotrophic microbial taxa, increasing the inputs of plant‐derived available substrates, and improving mineral protection through elevating soil exchangeable calcium and magnesium levels. However, increasing PSD did not alter the contribution of MNN to soil nitrogen pool, likely owing to the proportional increase of plant‐derived organic nitrogen and the marginal increase in microbial nitrogen use efficiency.

Synthesis and applications: These findings highlight that increasing plant species diversity is an effective measure for promoting soil microbial necromass nitrogen accumulation. Considering the importance of soil nitrogen in supporting vegetation productivity and ecosystem carbon sequestration, the current study advocates for the incorporation of diversifying plant species during vegetation restoration or afforestation.
Direct and indirect fitness effects of plant metabolites, and genetic constraints, limit evolution of allelopathy in an invading plant
Authors: Honor Richard , Marcellus Mia , Colautti Robert I.
Published: February 2025

Invading species encounter novel communities of consumers, pathogens and competitors. Both phenotypic plasticity and rapid evolution can facilitate invasion across these heterogenous communities. However, adaptive evolution can be constrained by adaptive phenotypic plasticity and the genetic architecture of traits under selection.

We measured phenotypic plasticity and quantified genetic variation for growth, leaf chlorophyll a (Chl a), leaf glucosinolate concentration and lifetime fitness among 22 naturally inbred seed families of Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) collected across its invasive range in eastern North America. After growing a self‐pollinated generation in a uniform common garden to reduce maternal effects, we reared second‐generation plants in a 2‐year greenhouse and field experiment with soil from an uninvaded habitat. We estimated selection gradients and causal factors affecting lifetime fitness of A. petiolata when reared alone, with an intraspecific competitor, and under interspecific competition with naïve Acer saccharum (sugar maple) saplings.

We defined Total Metabolite Production (TMP) as the first principal component of Chl a and glucosinolate concentration and Relative Glucosinolate Investment (RGI) as the second principal component. TMP accounted for 84% of variation in these two traits, with significant plasticity across growing environments (p < 0.001), but non‐significant broad‐sense heritability (H2 = 2.91; p = 0.08). Path analysis revealed that plastic phenotypes with higher TMP had an indirect positive effect on A. petiolata fitness via a direct, negative effect on the performance of A. saccharum competitors. In contrast, RGI was significantly heritable (H2 = 16.91, p < 0.001) with no detectable plasticity across treatments. Elevated RGI among A. petiolata genotypes had a direct, positive effect on A. saccharum performance and an indirect negative effect on A. petiolata fitness.

Synthesis. A proposed model of allelopathy‐mediated evolution during invasion is unlikely in A. petiolata due to (i) low heritability and high plasticity for glucosinolate production and (ii) a fitness cost with selection to reduce glucosinolate production under interspecific competition. Overall, we find no evidence for allelopathy or glucosinolate evolution in response to competition, but heritability despite fitness costs suggests that glucosinolates play other important ecological roles.
Micro and nanobubbles enhanced ozonation technology: A synergistic approach for pesticides removal
Authors: Pal Preeti , Kioka Arata
Published: February 2025

Pesticides production, consumption, and disposal around the world are raising concerns day by day for their human and environmental health impacts. Among developing treatment technologies, ozonation has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. It is an emerging and promising technology for removing pesticides in the aqueous environment and degrading the residual pesticides from the fruits and vegetables (F&V) surfaces. This systematic review presents an extensive study of the degradation of different types of residual pesticides from F&V using ozonation, micro‐ and nanobubble (MNB) ozonation, or other advanced techniques such as microwaves/ultrasonication and advanced oxidation process. This review compiles the studies that reported the effect of MNB size on the dissolution of ozone gas in the washing medium and its effect on the degradation of residual pesticides from F&V. The mechanism and routes of pesticide degradation and how integrating MNB technology (MNBT) can help overcome economic losses, reduce health issues for consumers, and save the environment from harmful chemicals used in the pesticides are also discussed. The article encourages the development and utilization of MNBT not only in agriculture, but aquaculture, fisheries, food industries, food storage, and packing, for reducing/degrading the residual pesticides from foods and support environmental sustainability as well as improve international trade.
A three‐step programme to treat locum addiction
Authors: Pankevich Volha , Maclain Christopher
Published: February 2025

The three‐step programme to treat locum addiction locum dependency in rural EDs is a pervasive issue, leading to significant financial strain and impacting clinical care and staff morale. This article outlines a three‐step programme to mitigate this dependency. Step one involves government intervention to provide financial incentives for permanent rural doctors and visa regulation for foreign doctors who mandate service in rural communities. Step two suggests that the Australian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) mandate rural training for trainees and further integration of nurse practitioners (NPs) into emergency medicine. Step three emphasises the role of individual hospitals in effective recruitment, highlighting the benefits of rural living and the potential of NPs to provide departmental continuity and reduce turnover. These reforms, although independent, collectively aim to enhance the quality of care in rural EDs and optimise resource allocation.
Robotic surgical management of renal tumours with caval thrombosis: A comprehensive analysis and outcomes in a case series using minimally invasive approaches
Authors: Durante Jacopo , Manassero Francesca , Santarsieri Michele , Fiorini Girolamo , Riccardo Pagni , Colli Andrea , Lippolis Piero , Pomara Giorgio
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Since the 1970s, the surgical treatment of renal tumors with caval thrombosis has been a complex challenge. The advent of robot‐assisted nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy has revolutionized this field. This case series aims to report the outcomes of an unselected population of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) with complex caval thrombosis treated robotically at our center.

Methods

We established a database for RCC cases with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy, including five patients treated between October 2022 and October 2023. A notable aspect of our methodology was the incorporation of the AngioVac system for the management of a level IV thrombus facilitating a minimally invasive approach without the need for a thoracic approach.

Results

All patients underwent successful robotic surgery without conversion to open surgery. There were one pT3a, 3 pT3b and one pT3c tumors, 3 on the right side and 2 on the left, the upper level of the thrombus was II in one patient, III in 3 and IV in one. The average surgery duration was 414 ± 120.95 minutes, and the average blood loss was 400 ± 393, 70 cc. The mean IVC occlusion time was 20.6 ± 6.50 minutes. We did not observe any statistically significant differences between the preoperative hemoglobin values (12.14 ± 1.39) and the postoperative values (9.88 ± 0.96), nor between preoperative creatinine levels (2.00 ± 2.11) and postoperative levels (2.20 ± 2.00). The average length of hospital stay was 7 ± 2 days. We observed only 2 Clavien‐Dindo grade 2 events. The follow‐up period, updated for the last patient, is 12 months.

Conclusions

This case series demonstrates the viability and safety of robotic surgery in treating RCC with complex caval thrombosis. While the study is limited by the small number of cases, these results contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting robotic surgery in complex renal tumors.
Pathogenicity of Metarhizium flavoviride Ma130821 Against the Larvae of Metabolus flavescens Brenske Feeding on Different Host Plants
Authors: Liu Si‐Yu , Chen Bin
Published: February 2025

Various strains of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium flavoviride are potential insect control agents. However, there are few systematic studies on their pathogenicity against larvae of pests in the family Scarabaeidae. This study evaluates the pathogenicity of M. flavoviride Ma130821 against larvae of Metabolus flavescens Brenske feeding on maize and tobacco, respectively, and examines the infection process and aspects of the host immunological response. The present results showed that M. flavoviride Ma130821 caused 76.67%–100.00% mortality of M. flavescens larvae within 18 days. When hyphal bodies infected the hemocoel of a host, this strain inhibited the normal protein metabolism through the consumption of protein nutrients and then activated the immunity by increasing the amounts of hemocytes. The infection also initiated the humoral immunity response by increasing the content and enzymatic activity of phenoloxidase (PO). After inoculation, the content and enzymatic activity of PO presented a significant increase and reached the peaks at 72 or 96 h after inoculation (HAI), indicating that immune responses of hemolymph in infected larvae were more intensive at middle/late stage of infection. However, the growth of hyphal bodies was not recognized by the host's immune system as invaders when they reached a high density. The amount of total hemocyte and the content and enzymatic activity of PO all decreased significantly. M. flavoviride Ma130821 appears to affect the larvae's immune system and results in decreased immunity. Our results demonstrate that M. flavoviride Ma130821, with high virulence to larval M. flavescens by immune responses of hemolymph, could be provided efficient entomopathogenic fungi for pest control.
Effect of Haematococcus pluvialis addition on the rheological property and 3D printing performance of soy protein isolate‐ and wheat gluten‐based pastes
Authors: Kou Kun , Du Yan , Yao Fei , Jia Li'ao , Chen Fusheng
Published: February 2025

To improve the 3D printing performance of plant protein‐based pastes, varying mass fractions of Haematococcus pluvialis (HP) were mixed with soybean protein isolate (SPI) and wheat gluten (WG). The rheological characteristics, microstructure, water distribution, and 3D printing suitability of the composite pastes were evaluated. Results demonstrated that as the HP additions increased, the apparent viscosity and energy storage modulus decreased, exhibiting ameliorative shear‐thinning behavior and elastic deformation capacity. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that increasing HP enhanced water mobility and resulted in a more uniform protein structure, improving fluidity. 3D‐printed Chinese character and cylindrical models manifested that the paste consisted of pure SPI–WG was hard to be extruded from the nozzle, while both HP (0.7) and HP (1.0) additions were suitable for printing. Notably, when the mass ratio of SPI:WG:HP was 1:1:0.7, the diameter of the extruded strands (0.87 mm) was the most closest to the nozzle diameter (0.84 mm), and the printed object maintained stability over 80 min with height and diameter variations <2%, implying the best printing fidelity. By employing HP as a novel, nutrient‐rich additive, this work not only enhanced the printability and nutritional profile of SPI–WG based pastes, but also offered a pioneering framework for developing future customizable, high‐quality 3D‐printed foods that better address consumer needs.

Practical Application

This research provides a method for improving the 3D printing performance of plant‐based pastes by incorporating Haematococcus pluvialis. The findings can be applied in the food industry to develop bio‐inks for producing high‐quality, nutritionally enhanced 3D‐printed foods with better printing precision and stability, supporting the growing demand for personalized nutrition and functional foods.
Impact of ultra‐processed meat products on human health: Review and outlook
Authors: Yang Dan , Chen Chengpu , Zhao Di , Li Chunbao
Published: February 2025

Modern diets are increasingly dominated by ultra‐processed foods, a shift driven by urbanization and lifestyle changes. Among these, ultra‐processed meat products (UPMPs) are particularly popular due to their appealing flavor and texture. However, emerging evidence highlights potential health risks associated with UPMPs. Although meat products are rich in high‐quality proteins, the processing methods used in UPMPs can affect protein digestibility. Moderate processing techniques, such as sous‐vide cooking, fermentation, and enzymatic tenderization, can enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, whereas excessive processing may lead to protein aggregation and cross‐linking, reducing protein digestibility. Additionally, the overuse of additives and excessive thermal processing are key concerns in UPMP production, leading to the formation of potentially harmful substances, including acrylamide, heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and advanced glycation end products. This review examines how different processing techniques influence protein digestibility in UPMPs, elucidates the pathways through which harmful substances are generated, and assesses the impact of UPMPs on gut health, with a focus on gut microbiota and the colon. Our synthesis of current research indicates that excessive consumption of UPMPs contributes to gut microbiota dysbiosis, compromises the gut barrier, and increases the risk of colorectal cancer, though the dose‐dependent effects require further clarification. Future research should focus on key parameters of moderate processing, explore natural alternatives to harmful additives, examine the dose–response relationship between UPMP consumption and health risks, and evaluate how individual factors, such as genetics and metabolism, influence the health impacts of UPMPs.
Education as a Driver to the Demographic Dividend
Authors: de Jesus Fernandes Anderson Rocha , Queiroz Bernardo Lanza
Published: February 2025

Demographic changes, particularly population aging, influence societal and economic development. While often seen as a challenge, aging also presents opportunities through demographic and educational dividends. This commentary discusses how improvements and expansion of education might generate a demographic dividend. Education boosts productivity and well‐being, helping mitigate the economic pressures of aging. However, realising these benefits requires equitable, high‐quality education and labor market reforms to support diverse and aging workforces. Education is pivotal for sustainable development, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. It addresses aging‐related challenges, maximises demographic dividends, and fosters long‐term inclusive economic growth.