bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two species and two karyotypes? Cytogenetic differentiation betweenPassiflora foetidaL. andP. vesicariaL. (Passifloraceae)
Authors: Zirpoli Bruna , Monteiro da Silva Arthur Roberto , Rodriguez Pablo E. , Leal Viana Bruno , Rodrigues Marciel Jefferson , Pedrosa-Harand Andrea , Sader Mariela A.
Published: October 2024

The genusPassifloraL. (Passifloraceae) is widely distributed, primarily in the Neotropics, and comprises over 500 species divided into four main subgenera. The subgenusPassiflorais the most economically relevant and has a basic chromosome number ofx= 9, withP. foetidaL. being the sole species in the subgenus having a chromosome number ofn= 10. However,P. foetidaexhibits substantial morphological variation among its varieties, and recently, two of these varieties were reclassified asPassiflora vesicariaL. andP. vesicariavar.galapagensis. This study aimed to cytogenetically characterise both species by estimating genome sizes using flow cytometry, mapping heterochromatic regions by CMA/DAPI staining, and identifying 5S and 35S ribosomal DNA sites using fluorescentin situhybridization (FISH). The genome sizes were similar across the three accessions analyzed, varying from 2C = 1.00 ± 0.03 pg forP. vesicariavar.galapagensisto 2C = 1.16 ± 0.01 pg forP. vesicaria, indicating small genomes. All three accessions showed 2n= 20, confirming the count forP. foetidaand revealing the chromosome numbers of the twoP. vesicariaaccessions for the first time. Six CMA+bands were observed inP. foetida, four inP. vesicariavar.galapagensis, and two inP. vesicaria, all co-localised with the 35S rDNA sites. FISH with 5S and 35S rDNA showed six pericentromeric 35S sites of different intensities inP. foetidaand four interstitial 5S sites, with one individual having only two interstitial 5S sites, demonstrating a polymorphism at the intrapopulation level not yet recorded for the genus or the species.Passiflora vesicariaexhibited four 35S sites also pericentromeric, as well as two 5S sites, whileP. vesicariavar.galapagensispresented four pericentromeric 35S sites and two 5S sites. Therefore, despite these species having the same chromosome number (n= 10) and similar genome sizes, there are karyotypic variations in the number of CMA+bands and rDNA sites, allowing their discrimination.
Computational design of prefusion-stabilized Herpesvirus gB trimers
Authors: McCallum Matthew , Veesler David
Published: October 2024

In the absence of effective vaccines, human-infecting members of the Herpesvirus family cause considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Herpesvirus infection relies on receptor engagement by a gH/gL glycoprotein complex which induces large-scale conformational changes of the gB glycoprotein to mediate fusion of the viral and host membranes and infection. The instability of all herpesvirus gBs have hindered biochemical and functional studies, thereby limiting our understanding of the infection mechanisms of these pathogens and preventing vaccine design. Here, we computationally stabilized and structurally characterized the Epstein-Barr virus prefusion gB ectodomain trimer, providing an atomic-level description of this key therapeutic target. We show that this stabilization strategy is broadly applicable to other herpesvirus gB trimers and identified conformational intermediates supporting a previously unanticipated mechanism of gB-mediated fusion. These findings provide a blueprint to develop vaccine candidates for these pathogens with major public health burden.
Genetic Risk for High Body Mass Index Before and Amidst the Obesity Epidemic: Cross-Cohort Analysis of Four British Birth Cohort Studies
Authors: Wright Liam , Davies Neil M , Shireby Gemma , Williams Dylan M , Morris Tim T , Bann David
Published: October 2024

Obesity is a highly heritable trait, but rising obesity rates over the past five decades suggest environmental change is also of profound importance. We conducted a cross-cohort analysis to examine how associations between genetic risk for high BMI and observed BMI differed in four British birth cohorts born before and amidst the obesity epidemic (1946, 1958, 1970 and ∼2001, respectively; N = 19,379). BMI (kg/m2) was measured at multiple time points between ages 3 and 69 years. We used polygenic indices (PGI) derived from GWAS of adulthood and childhood BMI, respectively, with mixed effects models used to estimate associations with mean BMI and quantile regression used to assess associations across the distribution of BMI. We further used Genomic Relatedness Restricted Maximum Likelihood (GREML) to calculate SNP-heritability (SNP-h2) at each age. Adulthood BMI PGI was associated with BMI in all cohorts and ages but was more strongly associated with BMI in more recently born generations. For example, at age 16y, a 1 SD increase in the adulthood PGI was associated with 0.43 kg/m2(0.34, 0.51) higher BMI in the 1946c and 0.90 kg/m2(0.83, 0.97) higher BMI in the 2001c. Cross-cohort differences widened with age and were larger at the upper end of the BMI distribution, indicating disproportionate increases in obesity in more recent generations for those with higher PGIs. Differences were also observed when using the childhood PGI, but there were no clear, consistent differences in SNP-h2. Findings highlight how the environment can modify genetic influence; genetic effects on BMI differed by birth cohort, age, and outcome centile.
Investigation of ceftriaxone-resistantNeisseria gonorrhoeaedetected in Scotland, 2018-2024
Authors: McHugh Martin P , Aburajab Kirsty , Maxwell Alexandra , Anderson John , Cairns Fraser , Cotton Seb , Gough Andrew , Malloy Brian , Mathers Katharine , Renwick Lynne , Shepherd Jill , Templeton Kate E
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Describe the clinical, phenotypic, and genomic characteristics of ceftriaxone-resistanceNeisseria gonorrhoeaefrom Scotland

Methods

Cases were identified in routine care from 2018-2024. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined for seven antimicrobial agents. Whole genome sequencing was performed with Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technology instruments. A phylogeny containing global ceftriaxone-resistant genomes was generated with Parsnp. A collection of ST8780 genomes was also analysed to give further context using reference based mapping with Snippy.

Results

There were five cases of ceftriaxone-resistantN. gonorrhoeaedetected. One case (MLST ST1903) clustered within the FC428 lineage in a returning traveller from an Asia-Pacific country. Two cases belonged to the recently described extensively drug resistant MLST ST16406, a returning traveller from an Asia-Pacific country and a sexual contact within Scotland. The final two cases were a resident of an Asia-Pacific country and a sexual contact within Scotland, both belonged to MLST ST8780. These were distinct from other publicly available ST8780 genomes suggesting a novel introduction of the mosaicpenA60.001 allele. All cases were initially treated with ceftriaxone-based regimes, four returned for test of cure and showed clearance of infection.

Conclusions

As ceftriaxone resistance is increasingly identified, multiple public health interventions are required to reduce the impact of resistance on gonorrhoea treatment globally.
Measuring health system quality with routine health information systems in Rwanda
Authors: Hategeka Celestin
Published: October 2024

Background

Growing evidence suggests that achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 will require high-quality health systems in low and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to assess whether routine health information systems in Rwanda capture relevant health system quality measurements to facilitate the effective tracking of the Rwandan health system performance.

Methods

I systematically reviewed the Rwanda health management information systems (Rwanda HMIS)—one of the six core building blocks of health systems—to identify health system performance indicators corresponding to processes of care quality and quality impact dimensions of high-quality health systems proposed by the Lancet Global Health Commission on High-Quality Health Systems in the SDG Era. Using a cross-sectional study design and descriptive statistics, I summarized available quality indicators by domains of the high-quality health system framework.

Results

Overall, less than 30% of the indicators collected in the Rwanda HMIS are processes of care quality and / or quality impact indicators. Health outcome measures were captured across health center and hospital HMIS reporting forms. However, there were gaps in the measurement of relevant quality impact measures such as confidence in health systems and economic benefit, and processes of care quality measures such as user (patient) experience, safety, continuity, and integration of care. Measurements about competent care and systems care were rarely available outside maternal, newborn, and child health.

Conclusion

The current routine health information systems in Rwanda would benefit from capturing additional healthcare quality metrics, including for noncommunicable diseases, to allow the effective tracking of the health system performance and to identify new potential efficiencies to maximize the impact of the Rwandan health system.
Apnea and hypopnea event detection using EEG, EMG, and sleep stage labels in a cohort of patients with suspected sleep apnea
Authors: Zhang Danny H. , Zhou Jeffrey , Wickens Joseph D. , Veale Andrew G. , Hallum Luke E.
Published: October 2024

Automating the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of sleep apnea (SA) is potentially clinically useful. We present machine-learning models which detect SA and hypopnea events from the overnight electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG), and we explain detection mechanisms. We tested four models using a novel data set comprising six-channel EEG and two-channel EMG recorded from 26 consecutive patients; recordings were expertly labeled with sleep stage and apnea/hypopnea events. For Model 1, EEG subband power and sample entropy were features used to train and test a random forest classifier. Model 2 was identical to Model 1, but we used EMG, not EEG. Model 3 was a simple decision strategy contingent upon sleep stage label. Model 4 was identical to Model 1, but we used EEG subband power, sample entropy, and sleep stage label. All models performed above chance (Matthews correlation coefficient, MCC > 0): Model 4 (leave-one-patient-out cross-validated MCC = 0.314) outperformed Model 3 (0.230) which outperformed Models 2 and 1 (0.147 and 0.154, respectively). Results indicate that sleep stage label alone is sufficient to detect apnea/hypopnea events. Either EMG or EEG subband power and sample entropy can be used to detect apnea/hypopnea events, but these EEG features likely reflect contamination by EMG. Indeed, EMG power was modulated by apnea/hypopnea event beginning and end, and similar modulation appeared in EEG power. Machine-learning approaches to the detection of apnea/hypopnea events using overnight EEG must be explainable; they must account for EMG contamination and sleep stage.
Emergence and disruption of cooperativity in a denitrifying microbial community
Authors: Carr Alex V. , Otwell Anne E. , Hunt Kristopher A. , Chen Yan , Wilson James , Faria José P. , Liu Filipe , Edirisinghe Janaka N. , Valenzuela Jacob J. , Turkarslan Serdar , Lui Lauren M. , Nielsen Torben N. , Arkin Adam P. , Henry Christopher S. , Petzold Christopher J. , Stahl David A. , Baliga Nitin S.
Published: October 2024

Anthropogenic perturbations to the nitrogen cycle, primarily through use of synthetic fertilizers, is driving an unprecedented increase in the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas and an ozone depleting substance, causing urgency in identifying the sources and sinks of N2O. Microbial denitrification is a primary contributor to biotic production of N2O in anoxic regions of soil, marine systems, and wastewater treatment facilities. Here, through comprehensive genome analysis, we show that pathway partitioning is a ubiquitous mechanism of complete denitrification within microbial communities. We have investigated mechanisms and consequences of process partitioning of denitrification through detailed physiological characterization and kinetic modeling of a synthetic community ofRhodanobacter R12andAcidovorax 3H11. We have discovered that these two bacterial isolates, from a heavily nitrate (NO3−) contaminated superfund site, complete denitrification through the exchange of nitrite (NO2−) and nitric oxide (NO). The process partitioning of denitrification and other processes, including amino acid metabolism, contribute to increased cooperativity within this denitrifying community. We demonstrate that certain contexts, such as high NO3−, cause unbalanced growth of community members, due to differences in their substrate utilization kinetics. The altered growth characteristics of community members drives accumulation of toxic NO2−, which disrupts denitrification causing N2O off gassing.
Asymmetric influence of the amplitude-dependent tune shift on the transverse mode-coupling instability
Authors: Brosi Miriam , Cullinan Francis , Andersson Åke , Breunlin Jonas , Tavares Pedro Fernandes
Published: October 2024

At the 3 GeV ring of the MAX IV Laboratory, a fourth-generation ring-based synchrotron light source, an asymmetric influence of the sign of the amplitude-dependent tune shift (ADTS) on the transverse mode-coupling instability has been observed. Measurements of the instability, in dedicated single-bunch experiments at low chromaticity, revealed a significant dependence of the dynamics of the instability above threshold on the sign of the ADTS. While for a negative sign of the ADTS, the crossing of the instability does not lead to a loss of beam current, a positive sign results in the loss of 40% or more of the beam current at the threshold. In order to investigate the observed asymmetry, the systematic measurement of beam dynamics above the threshold has been conducted in combination with particle tracking simulations with 2 and theoretical calculations of the Landau damping due to the ADTS. The findings point toward an influence of the Landau damping in combination with the low synchrotron frequency, which indicates that this effect could become relevant in the future low-emittance electron storage rings.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Asymmetric intrinsic charm in the nucleon and its implications for the
D0
production in the LHCb
p+Ne20
fixed-target experiment
Authors: Goncalves Victor P. , Maciuła Rafał , Szczurek Antoni
Published: October 2024

Recent results indicate that charm quarks are intrinsic components of the proton wave function, and that the charm and anticharm distributions for a given value of the Bjorken-x variable can be different. In this paper, we will investigate the impact of this asymmetric intrinsic charm on the production of D0 and D¯0 mesons for fixed target p+Ne20 collisions at the LHCb. In our calculations, we include the contribution of the gluon-gluon fusion, gluon-charm and recombination processes and assume distinct models for the treatment of the intrinsic charm component. We demonstrate that the presence of an intrinsic charm improves the description of the current data for the rapidity and transverse momentum distributions of D mesons. However, such models are not able to describe the LHCb data for the D0−D¯0 asymmetry at large transverse momentum, which point out that the description of the intrinsic charm needs to be improved and/or new effects should be taken into account in the production of heavy mesons at forward rapidities in fixed-target collisions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Cavity dark mode mediated by atom array without atomic scattering loss
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , Yu Zhanhai , Zhang Hongrui , Xiang Di , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2024

We realize a ring cavity strongly interacting with an atom array with configurable spatial structures. By preparing the atom array with a maximized structure factor, we observe the emergence of a cavity dark mode, where the standing-wave nodes are dynamically locked to the positions of the atoms. The dark mode is decoupled from the atoms, protecting the system from dissipation through atomic scattering, but still mediates strong coupling and enables efficient conversion between two optical modes. Moreover, we impart an arbitrary large phase shift on the converted optical fields by translating the atom array. This strongly interacting ring cavity system with single-atom addressability opens ways to quantum optical engineering and the generation of photonic quantum states based on the geometrical structure of atom arrays.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Synthesis, XRD structural analysis and theoretical studies of a potential inhibitor against rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Authors: Monge-Hoyos Kevin , Moreno-Fuquen Rodolfo , Arango-Daraviña Kevin , Ellena Javier , Santiago Pedro H. O.
Published: October 2024

This work focused on analyzing the properties of N-(5-nitrothiazol-2-yl)furan-2-carboxamide (C8H5N3O4S, NTFC) as a possible inhibitor of the rheumatoid arthritis process. The synthesis of NTFC was carried out and good-quality crystals were obtained and studied by NMR (1H and 13C), DEPT 135, UV–Vis, IR, MS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of NTFC consists of two rings, thiazole and furan, and a central C—N—C(=O)—C segment, which appears to be planar. This central amide segment forms angles of 2.61 (10) and 7.97 (11)° with the planes of the thiazole and furan rings, respectively. The crystal structure of NTFC exhibits N—H...N, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, and C—H...π and π–π interactions that facilitate self-assembly and the formation of hydrogen-bonded dimers, which implies the appearance of R
2
2(8) graph-set motifs in this interaction. The stability of the dimeric unit is complemented by the formation of strong intramolecular C—S...O interactions of chalcogen character, with an S...O distance of 2.6040 (18) Å. Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis revealed that O...H/H...O interactions were dominant, accounting for 36.8% of the total HS, and that N—H...N interactions were fundamental to the formation of the dimeric structure. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) map showed a maximum energy of 46.73 kcal mol−1 and a minimum of −36.06 kcal mol−1. The interaction energies of molecular pairs around NTFC are highest for those interactions linked by N—H hydrogen bonds. The properties of the NTFC ligand as a potential inhibitor of the DHODH (dihydroorotate dehydrogenase) enzyme were evaluated by molecular docking, showing coupling energies very close to those obtained with the control drug for rheumatoid arthritis, i.e. leflunomide.
South Africa’s crowded cannabis market: identifying new market opportunities for Ilco Farming’s “green gold”
Authors: Fourie Alicia , Geyser Judith Mariette
Published: October 2024

Learning outcomes

Following a discussion of the case, students should be able to analyse competitive dynamics: provide an in-depth critical analysis of Ilco Farming’s microenvironment, using the structure–conduct–performance framework; evaluate strategic positioning: conduct a SWOT analysis of Ilco Farming’s medicinal cannabis business; and develop strategic approaches: propose actionable strategies that would provide effective solutions to the problem of constrained market conditions currently faced by Ilco Farming.

Case overview/synopsis

Coenie and Ilse Venter established Ilco Farming, a cannabis farm located in the Viljoenskroon district in the Free State province in South Africa, in 2021. From the beginning, they poured their hearts and souls into their new venture, which soon paid off. A few short months after Ilco Farming began operating, despite the presence of other large competitors, Ilco Farming supplied a large share of the domestic medicinal market with flower heads. But then an unexpected challenge presented itself. In March 2023, Ilco Farming was operating at only 23% (600 m2) of its production capacity of 2600 m2 and had considerable room for growth, the local market – at least the local legal market – for cannabis began to show signs of saturation. Coenie and Ilsa found themselves at the proverbial crossroads, grappling with the crucial decision of how to secure their farm’s future in the face of a fast-saturating local (legal) cannabis market and a thriving (illegal) black market. Coenie and Ilse refused to entertain the idea of going the black market route, as they were unwilling to risk losing their operating licence. They calculated that the farm would reach breakeven point within the next two years, with profits unlikely during this period. Should they persist with their current strategy of producing high-quality products and delivering a superior service in the hopes of growing their market share? Or should they consider other strategic options? Coenie and Ilse were sitting at their boardroom table having a cup of coffee and looking out of the window at Ilco Farming’s impressive SAHPRA- and GAP-approved warehouse and tunnels. “What should we do?” they both wondered.

Complexity academic level

The case study can be used in postgraduate courses in microeconomics (PGDIP/MBA) and agricultural economics (PGDIP/MBA).

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 5: International business.
Housing situation of older adults in a vulnerable neighborhood in Santiago de Cuba. Differences based on skin color, gender and age
Authors: Cala-Montoya Caridad Anay , Hernández-Despaigne Rodolfo , Vázquez José Juan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The Cuban population is going through a process of demographic change and accelerated aging, which, together with a difficult economic situation, places the older adults in a complex economic reality, especially in the most vulnerable communities. This paper aims to analyze the housing situation of the older adults in a vulnerable community in Santiago de Cuba during a period of particular economic difficulty.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes the housing situation of a sample of people over 60 years of age (n = 325) in a vulnerable community in the city of Santiago de Cuba. A structured interview was used for data collection.

Findings

The results show that most of the people over 60 years of age interviewed considered their homes to be in a poor state of repair. A significant part of the homes were built with precarious materials and had cracked walls, leaks, problems with the functioning of the toilet, broken pipes, etc. In addition, most of the houses were poorly equipped, with a large number of them lacking refrigerators, cell phones or computers or other electrical appliances (heater, shower, stove, etc.). Women, people with black skin and people over 75 years of age were in a particularly precarious housing situation.

Social implications

Demographic changes and the expected aging of the population in Cuba mean that meeting the needs of the older adults is expected to become increasingly complex. The design of public policies and administrative management should take into consideration the housing needs of people over 60 years of age in vulnerable communities, with special attention to women, racialized people and older adults.

Originality/value

The research was conducted based on the information provided by a particularly vulnerable group in Cuba (older adults), about which there is limited information available, and the data were collected during a particularly challenging time for the Cuban economy: the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. The challenges of conducting research of this nature in Cuba and the period during which data collection took place form the basis of the originality of this manuscript.
Sustainable leadership: empowering green organizational citizenship behaviour through employee green value in the Indian healthcare sector
Authors: Mandal Vikash , Pal Durba
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Leadership is crucial for promoting employees’ environmental behaviour, essential for implementing sustainability initiatives. Academics and practitioners emphasize the need for integrated top-to-bottom actions to address environmental issues effectively. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate how Environment-Specific Servant Leadership (ESSL), via Employee Green Value (EGV), promotes Green Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (GOCB).

Design/methodology/approach

The present study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional approach. Additionally, a total of 333 data points were collected from employees working in various hospitals in Ranchi, India. The data and hypothesized relationships were analysed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS 4.0 software.

Findings

The present results indicate that ESSL has a notable direct effect on employees’ GOCB. Moreover, EGV was identified as a partial mediator in the relationship between ESSL and GOCB.

Practical implications

The findings imply that leaders who prioritize sustainability and exhibit environmentally responsible behaviour, along with employees who value and prioritize green initiatives, can create a workplace that value pro-environmental practices. In this workplace employees are also likely to demonstrate green organizational citizenship behaviour, therefore promoting sustainable practices and outcomes.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insight into the individual psychological mechanisms that drive voluntary participation in environmental protection and conservation efforts. Furthermore, the study also highlighted the relationship between ESSL, EGV and GOCB in terms of their work environment as well as highlighting the potential for organizations to create a more sustainable and socially responsible workplace.
Sustainable internal communication and digital trends amidst an energy crisis: can a middle ground be found in South Africa?
Authors: Sutton Lucinda Bella-May , Le Roux Tanya
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of current trends like the development of digital communication channels and a greater focus on sustainability, together with external pressures such as a growing electricity crisis on how internal communication is practiced, by using South African internal communication as context.

Design/methodology/approach

Two rounds of qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior internal communication practitioners and consultants to provide a robust view of the research problem.

Findings

It was found that external pressures and trends were viewed as more important than incorporating the broader definition of sustainability into the practice of internal communication. It became clear that internal communication must negotiate seemingly opposing demands like moving to digital communication, while facing electricity shortages and balancing economic pressures with stakeholder inclusion in messages. The findings suggest that internal communication cement organisational survival but should embody the environmental and social elements of sustainability.

Originality/value

The study contributes new insights to the importance of internal communication during crisis times, like the energy crisis in this study. Internal communication should embody the wider sustainability discussion during periods when challenging external forces are at work.
Unveiling the drivers of green loan disclosures: a study of financial and governance determinants
Authors: Patel Siddharth , Desai Rajesh , Soni Krunal
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing Indian banks’ choice of green loan disclosure practices. The study analyzes the effect of financial and governance variables to understand the sustainable reporting (through green lending) behavior of Indian banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The data on green loan disclosure has been hand-collected from the annual reports using a content analysis approach. Using the data of 26 banks for 12 years (2012–2023), the study uses the panel regression method to control for cross-sectional heterogeneity and generalized methods of the moment to address potential endogeneity issues.

Findings

The empirical results depict that larger banks with sufficient risk capital and a strong corporate governance framework demonstrate greater disclosure of green loans. However, growth opportunities and higher market value impedes the reporting of green lending.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study will enhance the extant literature on sustainability disclosure by integrating the financial sector companies in the context of an emerging economy. However, future research may include nonbanking finance companies as well.

Social implications

Banks use societal deposits to invest in productive avenues, and therefore, it is paramount to understand their social and environmental consciousness while evaluating a financing proposal. This research provides a thorough understanding of the sustainable reporting of banks through the lens of green lending.

Originality/value

This research provides unique evidence on the bank-specific determinants of green loan disclosure in an emerging economy context as against the extant literature which primarily focused on sustainable reporting of nonfinancial companies.
Circadian fruit phenology: An overlooked crucial aspect of plant‐frugivore interactions
Authors: Garrote P. J. , Morera B. , Costales M. , Fedriani J. M.
Published: October 2024

The intrinsic ability of plants to face environmental diel changes is paramount for flowering and interactions with pollinators and herbivores. Surprisingly, despite the commendable research efforts on the ecology and evolution of fruit‐frugivore interactions, very little is known about how fruit ripening and dropping vary throughout 24‐h cycle. Even less is known about the potential consequences of circadian fruit phenology on plant interactions with mutualistic and antagonistic frugivores.

We illustrate for the first time how the circadian pattern of fleshy fruit dropping and its matching/mismatching with the diel activity of functionally diverse frugivores (fruit/seed predators, seed dispersers, pulp feeders) can drive the outcome of complex multispecies plant‐frugivore interactions.

To that end, we used camera trapping to quantify the circadian fruit dropping of a mammal‐dispersed tree, Pyrus bourgaeana, and the diel activity patterns of its functionally diverse vertebrate frugivores during two fruiting seasons in two tree populations of Mediterranean Spain. Using a large data set (20,878 frugivore visits and 701 fruit‐dropping records), we evaluate the adaptive hypothesis that the circadian pattern of fruit dropping will match the diel activity of seed dispersers rather than that of fruit/seed predators.

Fruit dropping during daytime doubled that at night‐time, being considerably consistent across and within seasons, study sites and individual trees. Specifically, overlaps between circadian patterns of fruit dropping across and within seasons (0.83 and 0.84 ± 0.02, respectively), study sites (0.95) and individual trees (0.68 ± 0.01) were always high. Whereas seed dispersers (mammalian carnivores) were mostly nocturnal, the most frequent fruit/seed predators (cervids) were mostly diurnal. Consequently, and contrary to our expectations, circadian fruit dropping was more aligned with the diel activity of overabundant fruit/seed predators than with that of carnivore seed dispersers.

Our study illustrates how quantifying the circadian patterns of fruit dropping, the diel activity of functionally diverse frugivores, and the matching/mismatching between both patterns can contribute to a better understanding of multispecies plant‐frugivore interactions. Circadian fruiting phenology is an overlooked key attribute for most tropical and temperate fruiting plants, which patterns, mechanisms and outcomes must be fully investigated.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
A Ramanujan subspace and dynamic time warping and adaptive singular value decomposition combined denoising method for low signal‐to‐noise ratio surface microseismic monitoring data in hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Wang Xu‐Lin , Zhang Jian‐Zhong , Huang Zhong‐Lai
Published: October 2024

Surface microseismic monitoring is widely used in hydraulic fracturing. Real‐time monitoring data collected during fracturing can be used to perform surface‐microseismic localization, which aids in assessing the effects of fracturing and provides guidance for the process. The accuracy of localization critically depends on the quality of monitoring data. However, the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the data is often low due to strong coherent and random noise, making denoising essential for processing surface monitoring data. To suppress noise more effectively, this paper introduces a novel denoising method that integrates the Ramanujan subspace with dynamic time warping and adaptive singular value decomposition. The new method consists of two steps: First, a Ramanujan subspace is constructed to suppress periodic noise. Then, dynamic time warping and adaptive singular value decomposition are applied to eliminate remaining coherent and random noise. The method has been evaluated using both synthetic and field data, and its performance is compared with traditional microseismic denoising techniques, including bandpass filtering and empirical mode decomposition.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester ameliorates colistin‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats via modulation of FOXO1/Nrf2/Sirt1 axis
Authors: Nasrullah Mohammed Z. , Neamtalllah Thikryat , Alshibani Mohannad , Bagalagel Alaa A. , Noor Ahmad O. , Bakhsh Hussain T. , Abdel‐Naim Ashraf B.
Published: October 2024

Background

Colistin (Cst) is one of the antimicrobial peptides and is reserved for use against multi‐drug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria. However, the clinical value of Cst is limited by its nephrotoxic adverse effects. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a honeybee propolis flavonoid recognised for its diverse pharmacological potential. It has demonstrated d antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, as well as protective effects against chemically induced toxicity in variuos biological systems. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CAPE on nephrotoxicity induced in rats by Cst.

Methods

Animals were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 served as control, group 2 received CAPE (10 mg/kg) orally, group 3 received Cst IP, group 4 received Cst + CAPE (5 mg/kg) and group 5 received Cst + CAPE (10 mg/kg). All treatments were given daily for 10 consecutive days.

Results

CAPE notably attenuated Cst‐inducednephrotoxicity as shown by reducing urea serum levels, creatinine, cystatin C, urinary protein contents and urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG). This was confirmed by histological investigations that indicated amelioration of histopathological changes in the kidney architecture as well as the deposition of collagen in renal tissues. CAPE exhibited antioxidant effects supported by the prevention of rise in Cst‐induced lipid peroxidation and depletion of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activities. In addition, CAPE inhibited the expression of the inflammatory markers including tumour necrosis factor‐α, nuclear factor kappa B and interleukin‐6. These actions were associated with modulation of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of Bax and Bcl‐2 in favour of anti‐apoptosis. CAPE inhibited Cst‐induced rise in forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) expression and downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) immune‐expression.

Conclusion

CAPE protects against nephrotoxicity induced by Cst in ratsprimarily through its antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic activities. These pritective effects are mediated via modulation of FOXO1/Nrf2/Sirt1 axis.
Income inequality thresholds that should be avoided for governance to promote economic growth with evidence from Africa
Authors: Atemnkeng Johannes Tabi , Senke Ngeh Laura , Ajong Aquilas Nkwetta , Akame Afuge Ramsy
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the role of inequality on the link between governance and economic growth in 44 African countries with data running from 2008 to 2018. Using a system GMM and the generalized least square (GLS) estimators, we establish that the effects of governance on growth are rightly conditioned by inequality. The GMM and GLS estimates portray positive effects of inequality on growth, but only the GMM estimates are significant. For both estimators, the effect of institutions on economic growth is positive and significant. However, inequality retards growth when embedded in selected institutions, which implies a substitution relationship between institutions and inequality on growth. The turning point beyond which inequality begins to contribute negatively to economic growth ranges between 34% and 49% based on the GMM estimates or 40.15% and 44.5% for the GLS analysis depending on the institutional indicator used. Therefore, institutions can only be effective in economic development if income inequality levels of not less than 0.34 and not more than 0.49 are maintained to ensure that inequality does not negate growth. Policy makers of African countries should ensure better income distribution alongside good institutions to achieve sustainable economic growth in the region.
Psychopathology, psychopathy, body management, and undoing in youthful parricide offenders
Authors: Myers Wade , Chan Heng Choon (Oliver) , Safarik Mark , Khalid Zain , Vo Eleanor
Published: October 2024

This study of 21 youthful parricide offenders (YPOs) ages 11–21 examined the relationship between psychopathology, level of psychopathy, and crime scene behaviors, particularly two forms of “body management”: (1) “body movement” and (2) “body alteration.” Undoing, a form of body alteration reflecting psychological rather than practical needs, for example, to lessen guilt or symbolically reverse the killing, was present in one‐third of the sample. The sample shared common characteristics with juvenile parricide offenders overall in that most of them killed one parent, were victims of chronic child abuse, had one or more psychiatric diagnoses (PTSD was most prevalent), used a firearm, and committed the killings at the family home. Unexpectedly, YPOs who were child abuse victims were not more likely to engage in undoing behaviors than non‐abused youth, and over half of the youth with undoing behaviors had elevated psychopathy levels. Three‐quarters of youth who moved victim bodies following the murders had elevated psychopathy levels. Similarly, all three youth who transported bodies away from the crime scene had elevated psychopathy levels and conduct disorder. None of the youth with psychotic symptoms engaged in undoing behaviors, altered victim bodies, moved bodies either within or away from the home, or had an elevated degree of psychopathy; they also most often killed using bladed weapons, whereas the nonpsychotic youth usually used firearms. Studies examining the influence of mental illness and psychopathy level on parricidal behaviors by youth are scarce, and to our knowledge this is the largest study to date investigating this area.
Harnessing network power: Weaponised interdependence in global tax policy
Authors: Christensen Rasmus Corlin
Published: October 2024

For decades, global tax policy has grappled with the challenge of mobile capital, failing to harness the regulatory potential of network power. This oversight has allowed tax havens to flourish, and multinational corporations and wealthy elites to circumvent state authority, undermining national fiscal policies and democratic capacity to meet grand societal challenges, such as climate change and inequality. But recent regulatory innovations pave a different way forward. This article spotlights the dynamics of ‘weaponized interdependence’, suggesting a critical role for strategically targeting global corporate and financial networks in reinvigorating action against tax havens, tax avoidance and tax evasion. Identifying and exploiting network chokepoints – financial institutions, corporate subsidiaries and expert intermediaries – can empower states to reassert their sovereignty and counterbalance the structural advantages of global capital. This approach helps us understand how and why recent regulatory measures have effectively countered financial secrecy, profit shifting and sanctions evasion, repairing public finances and restoring democratic integrity. In an age where weaponised interdependence is predominantly linked to national security, this recasting of global tax policy highlights a progressive path for using network power to develop effective global economic frameworks, strengthen democratic capacity and address contemporary challenges.
Expression patterns of H3K27me3 for differentiation of breast fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors
Authors: Slachmuylders E. , Laenen A. , Vernemmen A. , Keupers M. , Nevelsteen I. , Han S. N. , Neven P. , Van Ongeval C. , Wildiers H. , Smeets A. , Floris G.
Published: October 2024

Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are rare breast tumors showing overlapping features with fibroadenomas (FAs). Diagnosis on small biopsies is challenging. New diagnostic markers are needed. Here we evaluated immunohistochemical staining of histone 3 trimethyl‐lysine‐27 (H3K27me3) as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in a series of PTs. Surgically removed PTs at our institution (September 1990 and July 2022) and control FAs. Tissue micro‐arrays (4 cores, 2 mm Ø) stained with H3K27me3, and scored with QuPath‐derived H‐score. Fisher exact test, Mann–Whitney U‐test and chi‐squared test used for group comparison. ROC analysis applied to define cutoffs. Cox proportional hazards models were used for assessing disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and disease‐specific survival (DSS) in PTs. We included 81 patients with PTs and 44 patients with FAs. QuPath‐derived H‐scores of stromal H3K27me3 were statically significantly lower in PTs than in FAs (p < 0.001). We identified exploratory cutoffs to discriminate FAs from benign and malignant PTs (AUC = 0.78 and 0.73, respectively). No associations between DFS, OS, or DSS and H3K27me3 expression were found. H3K27me3 expression differs between FAs and PTs, indicating potential as diagnostic marker, but it is not predictive for DFS, OS or DSS in PTs. Further validation is needed.
Monocentric experience of venetoclax‐based regimen in paediatric refractory and relapsed AML/MDS
Authors: Cousson Sophie , Calvo Charlotte , Goldwirt Lauriane , Simonin Mathieu , Roupret‐Serzec Julie , Dourthe Marie Émilie , Strullu Marion , Baruchel André , Dalle Jean‐Hugues , Brethon Benoît
Published: October 2024

BCL‐2 inhibitor venetoclax demonstrates promising efficacy in paediatric relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (r/r AML). This retrospective analysis evaluated 12 patients treated with venetoclax‐based regimens under compassionate use for r/r myeloid malignancies. The overall response rate (ORR) was 41.6%, with complete response (CR) achieved in 33% of patients. Three patients successfully underwent allogeneic haematopoietic scell transplantation (HSCT) after venetoclax bridging therapy. Venetoclax demonstrated a favourable safety profile with manageable side effects. These findings suggest venetoclax's potential as a valuable therapeutic option for paediatric r/r AML, particularly for heavily pretreated patients. Further investigation in larger multicentre trials is warranted to refine treatment strategy.
Understanding growth strategies from functional and photosynthetic traits of tree seedlings in southeast Asian seasonally dry evergreen forest
Authors: Pongpattananurak Nantachai , Chowtiwuttakorn Kanisorn , Leksungnoen Nisa , Phumsathan Sangsan , Sonjaroon Weerasin , Ladpala Phanumard , Rungwattana Kanin , Anantaprayoon Nopparat , Kraichak Ekaphan
Published: October 2024

Seedlings frequently suffer the highest mortality rate, as they have different requirements for growth and survival from their mature life cycle stage. However, the links between functional traits and photosynthetic traits of tree seedlings, especially from dry evergreen forests, remain largely unexplored. Here, we measured eleven functional traits and six photosynthetic traits of thirty species of tree seedlings from the seasonally dry evergreen forest in Southeast Asia. We explored the relationship between traits and photosynthesis, compared them with their canopy layers when mature, and classified growth strategies. The results showed that photosynthetic measurements were highly correlated with seedling growth traits. The measured functional and photosynthetic traits did not correspond with the canopy layers of the mature trees. Through k‐mean clustering analyses of the tree seedling trait data, two main groups of growth strategies emerged: (1) the “fast‐growing” group, which mainly consists of shade‐intolerant or ‐avoidance species; and (2) the “slow‐growing” group, which consists of shade‐tolerant species. This finding can be applied by future practitioners to select tree seedlings accurately based on their juvenile physiology, which is fundamental to the success of species selection for forest restoration in the face of global climate change.
Non‐floral scent sources of orchid bees: Observations and significance
Authors: Henske Jonas , De Dijn Bart P. E. , Eltz Thomas
Published: October 2024

We observed male euglossines collecting scent at 21 different non‐floral sources in Central and South America, strengthening the view that these sources play a central role in euglossine perfume biology. A Protium tree provided over 50% of the perfumes for Eufriesea corusca and was repeatedly revisited. The co‐occurrence of females collecting resin suggests an evolutionary link to male perfume‐making.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Pembrolizumab efficacy in a tumor mutation burden‐high glioblastoma patient: A case study and implications for precision oncology
Authors: Nishiyama Akihiro , Sato Shigeki , Sakaguchi Hiroyuki , Kotani Hiroshi , Yamashita Kaname , Ohtsubo Koushiro , Sekiya Tomoko , Watanabe Atsushi , Tajima Atsushi , Shimaguchi Chie , Mizuguchi Keishi , Ikeda Hiroko , Kinoshita Masashi , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Takeuchi Shinji
Published: October 2024

A glioblastoma (GBM) patient with a high tumor mutation burden (TMB‐high) and mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) exhibited a significant response to pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), despite prior treatment with temozolomide (TMZ), known to induce hypermutation and potential resistance to ICIs. The rapid disease progression, indicated by 80% Ki67 positivity, was markedly countered by the positive outcome of pembrolizumab treatment. This case challenges traditional GBM treatment paradigms, demonstrating the potential of precision oncology in patients with significant TMB and dMMR, and underscores the importance of comprehensive genomic profiling in guiding clinical decisions in GBM management.