bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dehalobacterdechlorinates dichloroanilines and contributes to the natural attenuation of dichloronitrobenzenes at a complex industrial site
Authors: Araújo Sofia P. , Lomheim Line , Kraus Suzana P. Q. , Mack E. Erin , Spain Jim C. , Gavazza Sávia , Edwards Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2025

The potential for bioremediation of dichloroanilines (2,3- and 3,4-DCA) and dichloronitrobenzenes (3,4-, 2,5- and 2,3-DCNB) was investigated using inocula from an industrial site in northeast of Brazil. Anaerobic biotransformation of these chlorinated compounds was observed in microcosms simulating site conditions, particularly when electron donor was added. To disentangle specific transformation reactions, sub-cultures from active anaerobic microcosms were enriched with individual DCA or DCNB isomers. In these single-compound enrichment cultures, DCNB isomers were completely reduced to the corresponding DCA isomers. Each DCA isomer was stoichiometrically dechlorinated to the corresponding monochloroaniline (CA) isomers. Further dechlorination of CA to aniline was noted. The reduction of DCNB to DCA was sustained by known fermenters and possiblyDesulfitobacterium, whileDehalobacterwas clearly responsible for dechlorination of DCAs. These findings helped to attribute function to microbial community data retrieved from field samples to inform the conceptual site model and enable identification of bioactive zones and rate-limiting conditions at a complex site. More generally, these data broaden the understanding of the metabolic repertoire ofDehalobacterand provide a model for incorporating microbial community data into site remediation efforts.

Graphical Abstract

Short synopsis statement

A diverse microbial community contributes to natural attenuation at a complex contaminated site. Notably, dichloroanilines produced by biologically-mediated nitroreduction of dichloronitrobenzenes were dechlorinated byDehalobacter.
Deformation and Collectivity in Doubly Magic
Pb208
Authors: Henderson J. , Heery J. , Rocchini M. , Siciliano M. , Sensharma N. , Ayangeakaa A. D. , Janssens R. V. F. , Kowalewski T. M. , Abhishek  , Stevenson P. D. , Yüksel E. , Brown B. A. , Rodriguez T. R. , Robledo L. M. , Wu C. Y. , Kisyov S. , Müller-Gatermann C. , Bildstein V. , Canete L. , Campbell C. M. , Carmichael S. , Carpenter M. P. , Catford W. N. , Copp P. , Cousins C. , Devlin M. , Doherty D. T. , Garrett P. E. , Garg U. , Gaffney L. P. , Hadynska-Klek K. , Hartley D. J. , Hicks S. F. , Jayatissa H. , Johnson S. R. , Kalaydjieva D. , Kondev F. , Lascar D. , Lauritsen T. , Lotay G. , Marchini N. , Matejska-Minda M. , Nandi S. , Nannini A. , O’Shea C. , Pascu S. , Paxman C. J. , Perkoff A. , Peters E. E. , Podolyák Zs. , Radich A. , Rathod R. , Reed B. J. , Regan P. H. , Reviol W. , Rubino E. , Russell R. , Seweryniak D. , Vanhoy J. R. , Wilson G. L. , Wrzosek-Lipska K. , Yates S. W. , Zanon I.
Published: February 2025

Lead-208 is the heaviest known doubly magic nucleus and its structure is therefore of special interest. Despite this magicity, which acts to provide a strong restorative force toward sphericity, it is known to exhibit both strong octupole correlations and some of the strongest quadrupole collectivity observed in doubly magic systems. In this Letter, we employ state-of-the-art experimental equipment to conclusively demonstrate, through four Coulomb-excitation measurements, the presence of a large, negative, spectroscopic quadrupole moment for both the vibrational octupole 31− and quadrupole 21+ state, indicative of a preference for prolate deformation of the states. The observed quadrupole moment is discussed in the context of the expected splitting of the 3−⊗3− two-phonon states, due to the coupling of the quadrupole and octupole motion. These results are compared with theoretical values from three different methods, which are unable to reproduce both the sign and magnitude of this deformation. Thus, in spite of its well-studied nature, Pb208 remains a puzzle for our understanding of nuclear structure.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Isogonal 1-periodic polycatenanes (chains). Transitivity and intransitivity of links
Authors: O'Keeffe Michael , Treacy Michael M. J.
Published: February 2025

A systematic description of 1-periodic polycatenanes is given. The description uses piecewise-linear embeddings (straight edges) and is limited to structures with symmetry-related vertices (isogonal). Components linked are polygons, including knotted polygons and polyhedra. The structures described are generally those with the order of rotational symmetry up to 10. An account is given of transitivity and intransitivity in patterns of links.
Synthesis, structural characterization, Hirshfeld surface analysis and QTAIM analysis of 3-(4-cyanothiophen-3-yl)-[1,2,4]selenadiazolo[4,5-a]pyridin-4-ium chloride
Authors: Sapronov Alexander A. , Dukhnovsky Evgeny A. , Kubasov Alexey S. , Novikov Alexander S. , Grishina Maria M. , Dobrokhotova Ekaterina V. , Komarovskikh Milena R. , Shikhaliyev Namiq Q. , Akkurt Mehmet , Bhattarai Ajaya , Tskhovrebov Alexander G.
Published: February 2025

The title compound, C11H6N3SSe+·Cl−, produced by the reaction between 3,4-dicyanothiophene and 2-pyridylselenyl chloride was isolated as a salt that crystallizes in the triclinic space group P
1. Notable features include strong chalcogen interactions (Se...Cl and Se...S), as revealed through Hirshfeld surface analysis, which also highlights significant contributions from N...H/H...N, C...H/H...C and H...H contacts in the crystal packing. Supramolecular interactions were further analysed using density functional theory (DFT) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) at the ωB97XD/6–311++G** level of theory.
Synthesis and crystal structures of five fluorinated diphenidine derivatives
Authors: Mewis Ryan E. , Hulme Matthew C. , Marron Jack , Langley Stuart K. , Sutcliffe Oliver B. , Benjamin Sophie L.
Published: February 2025

Diphenidine (1a), a dissociative anaesthetic, was first reported in 2013. Since then, a number of derivatives e.g. 2-methoxphenidine (1b) have been produced by clandestine laboratories and sold as research chemicals. Fluorinated diphenidines, namely, [1-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-2-phenylethyl]dimethylazanium chloride, C16H18F2N+·Cl−, (I), [1-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-2-phenylethyl](ethyl)azanium chloride dichloromethane hemisolvate, 2C16H18F2N+·2Cl−·CH2Cl2, (II), tert-butyl[1-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-2-phenylethyl]azanium chloride, C18H22F2N+·Cl−, (III), 1-[1-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-2-phenylethyl]pyrrolidin-1-ium chloride, C18H20F2N+·Cl−, (IV), and 1-[1-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)-2-phenylethyl]piperidin-1-ium chloride, C19H19F5N+·Cl−, (V), were synthesized and structurally characterized by 1H, 13C and 19F NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All five structures exhibit hydrogen bonding between the quaternary amine hydrogen atoms and the chlorine. The N—H...Cl distances for (II) and (III) range from 2.21 to 2.31 Å, whereas (I), (IV) and (V) exhibit shorter N—H...Cl distances (2.07–2.20 Å). Compounds (IV) and (V) include pyrrolidine and piperidine rings, respectively; the pyrrolidine ring adopts an envelope conformation whereas the piperidine ring adopts a chair conformation. The crystal packing in compounds (I)–(V) is characterized by C—H...π interactions; no π–π interactions are observed.
Bis{4-(allyloxy)-N′-[4-(octyloxy)benzylidene]benzohydrazidato}nickel(II)
Authors: Khan Sultana Shakila , Howlader Md. Belayet Hossain , Sheikh Md. Chanmiya , Miyatake Ryuta , Zangrando Ennio
Published: February 2025

The central NiII atom in the title complex, [Ni(C25H31N2O3)2], is located on crystallographic inversion center and adopts a slightly distorted square-planar coordination geometry defined by the imine nitrogen and amide oxygen donors of two chelating symmetry-related ligands in a trans configuration. The Ni—N and Ni—O bond lengths are 1.8685 (15) and 1.8409 (14) Å, respectively, with a chelating N—Ni—O bond angle of 83.79 (6)°. These data are in agreement with those determined for complexes of similar ligands.
What’s in a name? Examining the impact of upper caste surname on wages and employment in Indian information technology sector
Authors: Prakash Arjun
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines the impact of caste on salary levels and job positions within Kerala’s Information Technology sector, aiming to challenge the meritocratic perception of this critical area for India’s economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises a dataset of 24,590 employees from 21 IT firms, classified by ownership into Indian and foreign firms. Caste-based disparities are analysed by identifying employees with upper-caste surnames and distinguishing between Kerala Upper Caste and non-Kerala Upper Caste. Generalised Linear Model (GLM) are used to quantify salary disparities and provide deeper insights into how caste, gender and ownership influence salaries.

Findings

The findings reveal significant wage gaps, with individuals bearing upper-caste surnames earning more than their non-upper-caste counterparts, especially in Indian-owned firms. Kerala Upper Caste employees enjoy a salary premium, which is reduced in foreign-owned firms. Moreover, upper-caste individuals are likelier to hold senior roles, indicating potential barriers for non-upper-caste employees.

Research limitations/implications

These results highlight the need for targeted policies to address caste-based inequalities, promoting inclusiveness and fairness in the IT workplace. Wage-setting practices and promotion criteria, particularly the recent trend of employee recommendations for recruitment, may risk amplifying existing disparities if not carefully managed. Industry leaders must recognise and mitigate these risks to ensure equitable employment practices. Limitation: The study’s reliance on surname-based caste identification may underestimate the extent of caste disparities. Further, the absence of additional human capital controls, and focus on Kerala limit the generalizability of findings.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyse caste dynamics within the IT sector using a rich dataset of corporate firms and wages, offering a novel methodological approach to understanding how social identity intersects with economic outcomes.
A study of inclusive supervisory behaviors, workplace social inclusion and turnover intention in the context of employee age
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Baker Marzena , Grabarski Mirit K. , Islam Ranjita
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The Australian retail industry is facing skills shortages while mature and old-age workers are experiencing high unemployment rates. This study focuses on understanding organizational inclusion and turnover intentions in the context of employee age.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 502 retail supervisors and employees.

Findings

Drawing on socioemotional selectivity theory and social exchange theory, the findings indicate: no difference in inclusive supervisory behaviors perceptions for different age groups; a significantly higher workplace social inclusion perceptions among employees aged 55 plus than among employees aged 35–44; a significantly lower turnover intention among employees aged 55 plus and 45–54 years than other age groups; a positive relationship between inclusive supervisory behaviors and workplace social inclusion and a negative relationship between workplace social inclusion and turnover intention which was stronger for older employees than for younger employees.

Practical implications

The findings present a business case for hiring older employees and indicate that managers need to prioritize inclusion.

Originality/value

This study addresses the underexplored area of employee age differences in inclusion and turnover perceptions among retail employees. It links inclusive supervisory behaviors, social inclusion and turnover intention.
Lions, Bees, and Chameleons: unravelling the entrepreneurial archetypes and their impact on performance and well-being
Authors: Sawang Sukanlaya , Alshibani Safiya Mukhtar , Ng Poh Yen
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study explores the complex relationship between a founder’s social identity and the Dark Triad traits. It aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of entrepreneurial behaviours and their subsequent impact on enterprise performance and founders’ well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing inspiration from the animal kingdom, we identify three entrepreneurial archetypes: Lions, Bees, and Chameleons, using latent profile analysis (LPA) of 28,853 active entrepreneurs. Lions, embodying a balanced competitiveness, exhibit a strategic blend of dominance and communal living. As collaborative visionaries, Bees showcase a strong inclination towards teamwork and purpose-driven collaboration. Chameleons, the strategic individualists, reveal adaptability and calculated approaches to competition.

Findings

The study reveals that these archetypes impact well-being and performance outcomes differently. Lions, Bees, and Chameleons contribute uniquely to entrepreneurial success, highlighting the diverse factors influencing business performance and individual satisfaction.

Originality/value

By exploring the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurial behaviour, this research offers valuable insights into how social identity and personality traits shape entrepreneurial success. Identifying distinct archetypes enriches the current understanding of entrepreneurial dynamics, providing practical implications for individuals and businesses aiming to thrive in competitive environments. Additionally, the findings hold significant implications for policymakers seeking to foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. Understanding the unique characteristics of different entrepreneurial archetypes can inform the design of policies and programs tailored to support diverse entrepreneurial ventures and enhance overall economic growth.
I’ll have what I had before, but with a cherry on top: leveraging status quo bias when introducing organizational change
Authors: McLaren Tom A.S. , Fein Erich C. , Ireland Michael , Malhotra Aastha
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test whether presenting organizational change in a way that promotes the status quo will result in increased employee support for the change.

Design/methodology/approach

Using quantitative methodology, categorical data were collected through an online cross-sectional survey in which 222 adult respondents participated. The items used vignette-based question blocks with fixed response options. Item responses were analyzed using an exact binomial test – focusing on the relationship between status quo bias and other responses to change communications.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that status quo bias has an association with employee sensemaking. These results suggest that status quo bias can be utilized by organizational leaders and change practitioners to endorse change efforts. Furthermore, it not only appears that promoting what is staying the same but also including a small reason to justify the change can bring additional advantage. Advertising a vision of radical transformation is problematic as it may actually heighten employee resistance.

Originality/value

This research explores and presents a convergence between organizational change management and behavioral economics – specifically, status quo bias. No other comparable study collecting data across a number of organizational change themes and critiquing existing change management models could be found during the preparation of this research effort.
Technology-mediated learning in the workplace: influence of personalization
Authors: Bhushan Pravasi , Sengupta Atri , Abraham Christopher
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Technology-mediated learning (TML) is gaining popularity among business organizations for upskilling their employees. However, high dropout rates have limited its effectiveness. Thus, we explore, if and how personalization of TML can improve its adoption and effectiveness in workplaces from the lens of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory sequential mixed-method design was used for this study. Study 1 included interviews (N = 27) of Learning and Development (L&D) leaders and employees (learners) of large global organizations, about their experiences with TML. Emergent themes led us to our research model, which integrates constructs of personalization, technology adoption and transfer of training (TT). In Study 2, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from employees who have experienced TML (N = 406) and analyzed using PLS-SEM.

Findings

Findings suggested that personalization of TML positively influenced intent to use TML and transfer skills, thereby improving TML effectiveness and proving its relevance in workplaces. Precisely, personalized TML recommendations from managers impacted (1) behavioral intention (BI) and TT directly; (2) BI through performance expectancy (PE); (3) TT through social influence and BI individually; and (4) TT through PE and BI sequentially. Likewise, allowing employees the flexibility to choose TML based on their interests influenced (1) BI directly and via hedonic motivation (HM) and (2) TT via HM and BI individually and sequentially.

Practical implications

Using our model, L&D practitioners may design and personalize their TML ecosystems to foster adoption and transfer of training in workplaces.

Originality/value

Personalization of learning in workplaces has received scant attention; thereby, our study expands existing knowledge in this relatively nascent field of research.
Glycine betaine treatment: Effects on alleviating chilling injury and related gene expression in ‘Youhou’ sweet persimmon during cold storage
Authors: He Yiheng , Pan Yangxia , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Yuyang , Xu Wenlong
Published: February 2025

Persimmon fruit is highly susceptible to chilling injury (CI) during cold storage. Notably, glycine betaine (GB), a compound that helps regulate cell osmotic balance, can alleviate postharvest CI in various fruits. In this study, the postharvest application of GB increased chilling tolerance, delayed CI, and reduced the CI index in ‘Youhou’ sweet persimmon fruit during cold storage. Moreover, GB treatment markedly decreased the O2−· production rate and malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 content while significantly increasing the ascorbic amounts of acid and glutathione (GSH). Compared with the control group, GB treatment increased activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). GB treatment also reduced the activities of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase. RNA sequencing revealed that GB treatment significantly altered gene expression linked to sugar metabolism, GSH metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. This study provides novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of GB treatment alleviating CI in postharvest persimmon fruit.

Practical Application

‘Youhou’ sweet persimmons are prone to rapid softening after harvest. This softening process can be limited through cold storage; this can also result in chilling injury (CI). The research findings suggest that glycine betaine (GB) treatment delays ‘Youhou’ persimmon fruit softening and alleviates CI during cold storage. GB application could be a feasible technique for extending the storage life of ‘Youhou’ sweet persimmon fruit.
Comparison of AI‐based retinal fluid monitoring in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration with manual assessment by different eye care professionals under optimized conditions
Authors: Michl Martin , Gerendas Bianca S. , Gruber Anastasiia , Goldbach Felix , Mylonas Georgios , Leingang Oliver , Bühl Wolf , Sacu Stefan , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Sadeghipour Amir , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate whether automated intra‐ and subretinal fluid (IRF/SRF) volume measurements are equivalent to manual evaluations by eye care professionals from different backgrounds on real‐world optical coherence tomography (OCT) images in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods

Routine OCT images (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering) were obtained during standard‐of‐care anti‐VEGF treatment for nAMD at a tertiary referral centre. IRF/SRF presence and change (increase/decrease/stability) were assessed without time constraints by five retinologists, three ophthalmology residents, three general ophthalmologists, three orthoptists and three certified readers. Fluid volumes were segmented and quantified using a regulatory‐approved AI‐based tool (Vienna Fluid Monitor, RetInSight, Vienna, Austria). Sensitivity/specificity (Sen/Spe) for grading fluid presence and kappa agreement were calculated for each group. Their performances in distinguishing between IRF/SRF increase and decrease were assessed using AUCs.

Results

About 124 follow‐up visit pairs of 59 eyes with active nAMD were included. Across all five groups, fluid volumes >5 nL were identified with values of 0.81–0.95 (Sen)/0.70–0.91 (Spe) for IRF and 0.89–0.98 (Sen)/0.74–0.90 (Spe) for SRF. Interpretations of IRF changes between −17 nL and +3 nL and SRF changes between −9.30 nL and +6.50 nL were associated with Sen > 0.80 and Spe > 0.87 among all groups. Agreements between the algorithm and groups in grading IRF/SRF presence ranged from κ = 0.69–0.82/0.73–0.79. The AUC for correctly classifying fluid change was >0.89 across all groups.

Conclusion

Eye care professionals with different levels of clinical expertise assessed disease activity on standard OCT images with comparable accuracy. Despite optimizing the methodology and time resources, manual performance did not reach the high level of automated fluid monitoring.
Could Flumazenil Be Used Pre‐hospital by Intramuscular Injection for Coma due to Mixed Drug Overdose Not Responding to Naloxone?: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Farcas Ilinca , Schölin Lisa , Eddleston Michael
Published: February 2025

Background/Rationale

Benzodiazepine‐involved overdose deaths are increasing. Flumazenil is rarely used due to fear of seizures; however, the risk benefit may favour its use. Flumazenil is licensed for intravenous (IV) use, but intramuscular (IM) treatment would be required pre‐hospital.

Objective

To identify and synthesise pre‐clinical and clinical data on the parenteral IM flumazenil safety and efficacy.

Methods

PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane and Scopus searches without any language restriction. Adverse effect studies were limited to systematic reviews and large cohort studies (n > 100), IM administration efficacy to studies in large animal (mammalian, excluding reptiles and birds) and humans.

Results

Two systematic reviews reported adverse effects from IV or IM flumazenil in clinical use and combined retrospective/prospective patient cohort. Seizures were uncommon (< 2%) including mixed overdoses. Seven studies (four animal, three human) reported on IM flumazenil. Animal studies indicated IM flumazenil efficacy. In a canine cross‐over study, IM flumazenil reversed midazolam sedation moderately slower than IV. Two clinical observational studies reported sedation reversal with IM flumazenil, whereas a cross‐over study found no IM flumazenil response at 15 min.

Conclusion

IM flumazenil data are sparse, but it may be effective and safe. Clinical research is urgently needed to determine whether pre‐hospital IM flumazenil can prevent benzodiazepine‐involved overdose deaths.
Impacts of the Preschool Safe Program on Marginalized Girls in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Wolf Sharon , Bernard Johanna , Ezeugwu Chika R. , Ahmad Lubabatu , Bello Gurin Khadijah
Published: February 2025

Quality early childhood education (ECE) can improve children's learning and development in low‐ and middle‐income countries, but little evidence exists of programs targeting marginalized girls in vulnerable rural communities. This study used a matched‐pair mixed‐methods community‐randomized trial to evaluate a preschool program for marginalized girls (N = 466, Mage = 5‐years; W1 = 2022; W2 = 2023) from 16 rural Hausa‐ethnic communities in Nigeria. The program yielded considerably large impacts on every domain of school readiness assessed (dt = 0.89–1.52). In qualitative interviews (N = 30, data collected in 2023), parents discussed witnessing their daughters' learning and development as well as their future educational and life goals for their daughters. Results demonstrate that access to high‐quality ECE in highly disadvantaged communities can dramatically improve girls' learning and potentially change parental perceptions about girl‐child education.
Strabismus in Genetic Syndromes: A Review
Authors: Kilic Seyda , Bove Jillian , So Bethany Nahri , Whitman Mary C.
Published: February 2025

Strabismus is a feature of many genetic syndromes, with highly variable penetrance. The congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders (CCDDs) result in paralytic strabismus, with limited eye movements. CCDDs result from either deficits in differentiation of the cranial motor neuron precursors or from abnormal axon guidance of the cranial nerves. Although most individuals with comitant strabismus are otherwise healthy, strabismus is a variable feature of many genetic syndromes, most commonly those associated with intellectual disability. We review 255 genetic syndromes in which strabismus has been described and discuss the variable penetrance. The association with intellectual disability and neurological disorders underscores the likely neurological basis of strabismus, but the variable penetrance emphasises the complexity of strabismus pathophysiology. The syndromes described here mostly result from loss of function or change in function of the responsible genes; one hypothesis is that nonsyndromic strabismus may result from altered expression or regulation of the same genes.
Historical Demographic Determinants Complement Climate Model Predictions of Co‐Occurring Cryptic Species
Authors: Jurado‐Angulo Pilar , García‐París Mario
Published: February 2025

Aim

We explore the impact of demography and biogeographic history on the interpretation of ecological niche model, highlighting the potential for integrating genetic and ecological approaches to elucidate the evolutionary dynamics underlying the geographic distributions of cryptic species.

Location

Western Palaearctic (Africa and Europe).

Methods

We conducted intensive sampling across the Iberian Peninsula to obtain mtDNA phylogeographic data and to develop fine‐scale ecological niche models, projecting these models into both past and future scenarios for the cryptic earwigs Forficula dentata and F. mediterranea. Additionally, we utilised Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) analyses to reconstruct demographic histories and infer past population trends for both species.

Results

The phylogeographic patterns revealed divergent evolutionary histories: F. dentata exhibited a well‐established, geographically structured lineage, whereas F. mediterranea displayed a star‐shaped pattern characteristic of recent expansion. Comparison between current climate models and those projected into the past and future indicate that F. dentata is likely facing a substantial reduction in its suitable habitat due to ongoing climate change, possibly exacerbated by increasing competition with F. mediterranea.

Main Conclusions

Our results suggest that climatic factors alone cannot determine the distribution of cryptic species. Historical and demographic factors play a crucial role in shaping their current geographical structure. In addition, human‐mediated dispersal and ongoing climate change may contribute to the genetic and spatial structure within the F. auricularia species complex. Overall, exploring the intricate interplay between historic, genetic and geographic distribution is recommended to overcome contradictory predictions of climate models.
Fixed dose combination of dapagliflozin, glimepiride and extended‐release metformin tablets in patients with type 2 diabetes poorly controlled by metformin and glimepiride: A phase III, open label, randomized clinical study in India
Authors: Sahay Rakesh , Gangwani Dinesh , Singh Manish , Gupta Sandeep , Kale Narendra , Srivastava Manoj , Kurmi Prakash , Ambaliya Jayesh , Lomte Nilesh , Gofne Sandip , Agarwal Saurabh , Kashid Priyanka , Agarwal Vikas , Rai Pradeep , Sharma Surendra , Murthy L. Sreenivasa , Rajurkar Mandodari , Saha Shruti , Patel Piyush , Patil Dipak , Ghadge Pravin , Lakhwani Lalit , Mehta Suyog , Joglekar Sadhna J.
Published: February 2025

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a triple fixed‐dose combination (FDC) therapy of dapagliflozin + glimepiride + metformin hydrochloride extended‐release (DAPA + GLIM + MET ER) tablets in Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled by combination of GLIM + MET.

Materials and Methods

A phase III, randomized, open‐label, active‐controlled study was conducted for a maximum 30 weeks (primary treatment [16 weeks]; uptitration [12 weeks] and follow‐up [2 weeks]). Eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the FDC of DAPA + GLIM + MET ER or the FDC of GLIM + MET prolonged‐release (PR) once‐daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was a change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 16.

Results

The mean reduction in HbA1c from baseline to week 16 was significantly greater with the FDC of DAPA + GLIM + MET ER compared to the FDC of GLIM + MET PR (−1.98% ± 1.01% vs. −1.64% ± 0.86%, p = 0.0047). The mean reduction in HbA1c from baseline to week 12 was significantly greater with the FDC of DAPA + GLIM + MET ER versus dual FDC (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% was significantly greater with the FDC of DAPA + GLIM + MET ER versus dual FDC at week 12 (19.1% vs. 6.5%; p = 0.0002) and week 16 (52.6% vs. 36.7%; p = 0.0015). A significant decrease in HbA1c, fasting and post‐prandial blood glucose from baseline to weeks 12, 16, and 28 was observed in both arms. The incidence of TEAEs was similar across both arms.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the FDC of DAPA + GLIM + MET ER tablets once daily was significantly better than dual FDC in achieving glycaemic control in patients with poorly controlled T2DM. Both treatments were well‐tolerated.

Trial Registration

CTRI/2022/03/041424, registered on 28 March 2022.
Uncommon Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension With Associated Cardiomyopathy: Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cardiothoracic Manifestations
Authors: Muscogiuri Emanuele , Van Ballaer Valerie , De Wever Walter , Di Dedda Emanuele , Dubbeldam Adriana , Godinas Laurent , Delcroix Marion , Bogaert Jan
Published: February 2025

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease characterized by pathologically increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) >20 mmHg at rest measured with right heart catheterization (RHC). This definition encompasses pathologies with very different pathological backgrounds, ultimately resulting in PH. For this reason, the latter can be possibly (though seldom) accompanied by cardiomyopathies, pathologies characterized by a structural and functionally abnormal myocardium not secondary to coronary disease, hypertension, valvular disease, or congenital heart disease. Notable examples of these diseases are sarcoidosis (a multi‐systemic inflammatory granulomatous disease, possibly involving the lung and the heart), systemic sclerosis (SSc) (a connective tissue disease [CTD], possibly causing interstitial lung disease [ILD], direct as well indirect involvement of the cardiovascular system), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (a progressive pathological process involving the kidneys, with multi‐systemic involvement and possible development of a peculiar form of cardiomyopathy, i.e., uremic cardiomyopathy [UC]). The diagnostic work‐up of patients with coexistent PH and cardiomyopathies implies the use of multiple imaging techniques, with computed tomography (CT) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) being among the most important. The knowledge of CT and MRI findings, together with a suggestive clinical picture, forms the basis for a correct diagnosis, therefore it is important for the radiologist to recognize them in complex clinical scenarios. The advent of new technologies (e.g., photon counting detectors) and the development of new artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms will further pave the way for improved diagnostic processes (also regarding this kind of pathologies) as well as allowing to perform a better prognostic evaluation.
Differences Between Users and Professionals in Preferences for Youth Mental Health Service Attributes: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Wittevrongel Eline , Kessels Roselinde , Everaert Geert , Vrijens May , Danckaerts Marina , van Winkel Ruud
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Previous work showed that young people prefer youth‐oriented mental health services that offer individual help in houses in urban areas, with short wait times and low costs. The present paper aims to examine which service options professionals working in social welfare or mental health services prefer for addressing young people's mental health needs, comparing their views with those of young people.

Methods

Professionals (N = 176) and youth aged 16–24 years (N = 258) participated in a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Panel mixed logit (PML) models were used in both stakeholder groups to ascertain relative differences in attribute weights. We also estimated an overall PML model incorporating the effect of stakeholder group on the attributes.

Results

Professionals found the attributes ‘cost’ and ‘wait times’ most relevant to young people's mental health service needs, indicating a preference for services characterised by affordability and minimal wait periods. In contrast, young people adhered more importance to the attribute ‘format’ (individual rather than group therapy). Furthermore, professionals considered a café or youth centre the most suitable location for a service, rather than a house in the city, and they disfavoured care provision by professionals in adult mental health services more than young people did. Finally, the attributes ‘peer support’, ‘opening hours’ and ‘anonymity’ were deemed relevant by professionals but not by young people.

Conclusion

The perspectives of both professionals and young people offer a unique point of view on care provision, stressing the importance of integrating them in preference‐based research and service design.
Cell wall‐resident proteins with internal repeats (PIRs) show an inverted architecture in Neurospora crassa, but maintain their role as wall stabilizers
Authors: Montaño‐Silva Paul , Callejas‐Negrete Olga A. , Pereira‐Santana Alejandro , Verdín Jorge
Published: February 2025

Proteins with internal repeats (PIRs) are the second most abundant class of fungal cell wall resident proteins. In yeasts, PIRs preserve the stability of the cell wall under stressful conditions. They are characterized by conserved N‐terminal amino acid sequences repeated in tandem (PIR motifs), and a cysteine (Cys)‐rich C‐terminal domain. PIRs have been identified in several filamentous fungi genomes; however, they have not been studied beyond yeasts. In this work, the diversity, evolution, and biological role of PIRs, with a particular focus on a new PIRs class, was addressed. Bioinformatic inference of PIRs in fungi indicated they were an innovation in Ascomycota. Predicted PIRs clustered in two main groups: classical yeasts PIRs (N‐terminal PIR motifs; C‐terminal Cys‐rich domain), and PIRs from filamentous fungi with an inverted architecture (N‐terminal Cys‐rich domain; C‐terminal PIR motifs), which could harbor additional glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) addition‐signals. As representatives of the second group, Neurospora crassa (Nc) PIR‐1 (NCU04033) and PIR‐2 (NCU07569) were studied. Confocal microscopy of eGFP‐labeled Nc PIR‐1 and Nc PIR‐2 revealed they accumulate in apical plugs; additionally, PIR‐1 requires the Kex2 processing site for correct maturation and harbors a predicted GPI modification signal. Moreover, Nc Δpir‐1 and Δpir‐2 single mutants showed a growth rate similar to that of Nc wild‐type (WT), but the double mutant Nc Δpir‐1/Δpir‐2 grew significantly slower. Similarly, Nc Δpir‐1 and Nc Δpir‐2 were mildly sensitive to calcofluor white, although Nc Δpir‐1/Δpir‐2 double mutant was severely impaired. Despite the inverted architecture of Nc PIR‐1 and Nc PIR‐2, they maintain a role as cell wall stabilizers like classical yeast PIRs.
Assessing the Complex Effects of the Invasive Amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus on Leaf Litter Breakdown in Rivers
Authors: Kralj Tomislav , Bromberger Susann , Winkelmann Carola , Worischka Susanne , Žganec Krešimir , Valić Damir
Published: February 2025

Allochthonous organic matter is an essential resource of aquatic food webs, and freshwater amphipods, particularly species of the genus Gammarus, play a significant role in leaf litter decomposition. However, this important ecological function may be affected by the invasion of alien amphipods such as Dikerogammarus villosus, which has been reported to show lower leaf litter decay rates than native gammarids. The aim of this study was to determine whether the invasion of D. villosus would disrupt the ecological function of leaf litter breakdown under field conditions by comparing leaf litter decay rates at invaded and uninvaded river sites.

The experiment was conducted at six locations, four in Croatia and two in Germany, with one site upstream and one site downstream of an invasion front at each location. At each site, we placed preconditioned willow leaves in the river and sampled them three times to estimate leaf litter breakdown rates and invertebrate colonisation.

We hypothesized that leaf litter breakdown rates would be higher at the sites without D. villosus (upstream of the invasion front) compared to the invaded sites. Contrary to this hypothesis, the results indicated contrasting and obviously context dependent outcomes. This indicates a change but no general disruption of leaf litter processing by the invasion of the omnivorous D. villosus, even when it displaces native shredders.

The outcome of the experiments most probably depended on the biomass of native shredders in the leaf bags. At three locations with low biomass of native shredders in the upstream leaf bags, the downstream sites with D. villosus presence showed higher breakdown rates than the upstream sites. At the three locations with high biomass of native shredders, the downstream sites with D. villosus had lower breakdown rates than the upstream sites.

These findings underscore the complex interactions between invasive and native species in freshwater ecosystems and their potential impact on ecosystem services.
River Drying Causes Local Losses and Regional Gains in Aquatic Invertebrate Metacommunity Diversity: A Cross‐Continental Comparison
Authors: Escobar‐Camacho Daniel , Crabot Julie , Stubbington Rachel , England Judy , Sarremejane Romain , Bonada Núria , Fernández‐Calero José María , Cañedo‐Argüelles Miguel , Rezende Carla Ferreira , Chanut Pierre , Csabai Zoltán , Encalada Andrea C. , Laini Alex , Mykrä Heikki , Moya Nabor , Pařil Petr , Rosero‐López Daniela , Datry Thibault
Published: February 2025

Drying river networks include non‐perennial reaches that cease to flow or dry, and drying is becoming more prevalent with ongoing climate change. Biodiversity responses to drying have been explored mostly at local scales in a few regions, such as Europe and North America, limiting our ability to predict future global scenarios of freshwater biodiversity. Locally, drying acts as a strong environmental filter that selects for species with adaptations promoting resistance or resilience to desiccation, thus reducing aquatic α‐diversity. At the river network scale, drying generates complex mosaics of dry and wet habitats, shaping metacommunities driven by both environmental and dispersal processes. By repeatedly resetting community succession, drying can enhance β‐diversity in space and time. To investigate the transferability of these concepts across continents, we compiled and analyzed a unique dataset of 43 aquatic invertebrate metacommunities from drying river networks in Europe and South America. In Europe, α‐diversity was consistently lower in non‐perennial than perennial reaches, whereas this pattern was not evident in South America. Concomitantly, β‐diversity was higher in non‐perennial reaches than in perennial ones in Europe but not in South America. In general, β‐diversity was predominantly driven by turnover rather than nestedness. Dispersal was the main driver of metacommunity dynamics, challenging prevailing views in river science that environmental filtering is the primary process shaping aquatic metacommunities. Lastly, α‐diversity decreased as drying duration increased, but this was not consistent across Europe. Overall, drying had continent‐specific effects, suggesting limited transferability of knowledge accumulated from North America and Europe to other biogeographic regions. As climate change intensifies, river drying is increasing, and our results underscore the importance of studying its effects across different regions. The importance of dispersal also suggests that management efforts should seek to enhance connectivity between reaches to effectively monitor, restore and conserve freshwater biodiversity.
Vulnerability of Labile Organic Matter to Eutrophication and Warming in Temperate Mangrove Ecosystems
Authors: Thomson Timothy , Pilditch Conrad A. , Fusi Marco , Prinz Natalie , Lundquist Carolyn J. , Ellis Joanne I.
Published: February 2025

The sediments in mangrove forests play an important role in the global carbon cycle due to high inputs of organic matter (OM) and low decomposition rates, making them highly efficient at sequestering carbon. The balance between OM sequestration and decomposition in these systems is influenced by a complex interplay of environmental factors. However, there is a large amount of uncertainty surrounding decomposition rates from mangrove forests, particularly at regional scales. We used standardized decomposition assays of a labile and recalcitrant substrate in 30 estuaries, spanning a gradient in human land use intensity, to identify dominant drivers of OM decomposition in temperate mangrove forests. Our results reveal that, while labile OM decomposition is strongly driven by eutrophication, recalcitrant OM decomposition is primarily influenced by increases in the minimum sediment temperature. Furthermore, we demonstrate that nutrient enrichment from human land use, in combination with increased sediment temperature, synergistically accelerates the decomposition of labile OM, thereby threatening the carbon sequestration potential of these ecosystems. This suggests that coastal eutrophication can exacerbate the effects of warming on decomposition, leading to heightened vulnerability of carbon storage and potential feedbacks between local and global stressors.
Vegetation Structural Complexity Across Elevational Gradients: Insights From the Tropical Andes
Authors: Camacho Luis F. , Schwartz Naomi , Avilés Leticia
Published: February 2025

Aim

Assessing how vegetation volume, fill, and complexity covary along elevation gradients is crucial for understanding the spatial distribution of animal diversity, a key question in biogeography and ecology. Across ecosystems, canopy height sets a limit to vegetation volume, which, combined with vegetation fill, should determine the amount of structures and resources available to animal populations; the structural complexity of the vegetation should, in turn, promote niche differentiation. To facilitate future animal diversity studies, we address how these structural variables covary with each other across an elevation gradient in a biodiversity hotspot where climate and ecosystem productivity are well characterised.

Location

3800 m elevation gradient on the Eastern slopes of the tropical Andes.

Time Period

Present day.

Major Taxa Studied

Terrestrial plants.

Methods

We used land surveys and digital photographs to assess the structure and complexity of the vegetation along the 3800 m gradient, quantifying complexity using information theory metrics.

Results

Whereas canopy height decreased with elevation, the density of the vegetation inside the forest increased monotonically as elevation increased, causing the amount of vegetation structures to peak at mid‐elevations. The mid‐elevation peak was greatest when the vegetation growing over trees, mainly epiphytes, was considered. With few exceptions, measures of vegetation structural complexity in the forest interior, including the diversity of plant life forms, vertical stratification, and patterns in digital photographs at the stand and microhabitat levels, peaked at intermediate elevations coinciding with ecosystem productivity patterns.

Main Conclusions

We show that the amount of vegetation substrate and its structural complexity peak at intermediate elevations in this region of the Andes, coinciding with peaks in ecosystem productivity and cloud forest conditions. Given the monotonic decrease in temperature with elevation, our data provide an opportunity to assess the relative importance of vegetation structure and climate in shaping biodiversity along mountain slopes and other ecosystems.
The role of spontaneous strategy use in verbal episodic memory impairment in adult ADHD
Authors: Laine Matti , Kunnari Anton , Eräste Tilda , Ritakallio Liisa , Hedberg Benjamin , Salmi Juha
Published: February 2025

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with diverse cognitive deficits of which problems related to memory and learning are well‐established but poorly understood. In an online experiment, we studied whether verbal memory impairment in adult ADHD is related to differences in spontaneous use of memory strategies that hinge upon metacognitive and executive skills. Eighty‐one ADHD adults and 209 neurotypical controls performed a Word List Learning task where the same words were presented three times, each time coupled with an open strategy report. Bayesian analyses indicated that the ADHD group recalled less words, did not differ from controls in efficacy of strategy use, but exhibited more limited strategy use than the controls. This suggests that less versatile strategy employment, possibly related to core executive deficits, may play a role in verbal memory impairment in adults with ADHD. Concerning treatment implications, future research could probe to what extent external strategy instruction might increase the versatility of mnemonic strategy use in adult ADHD, and thereby partly compensate for their verbal memory deficits.