Why genes overlap in viruses

The genomes of most virus species have overlapping genes\u2014two or more proteins coded for by the same nucleotide sequence. Several explanations have been proposed for the evolution of this phenomenon, and we test these by comparing the amount of gene overlap in all known virus species. We conclude that gene overlap is unlikely to have evolved as a way of compressing the genome in response to the harmful effect of mutation because RNA viruses, despite having generally higher mutation rates, have less gene overlap on average than DNA viruses of comparable genome length. However, we do find a negative relationship between overlap proportion and genome length among viruses with icosahedral capsids, but not among those with other capsid types that we consider easier to enlarge in size. Our interpretation is that a physical constraint on genome length by the capsid has led to gene overlap evolving as a mechanism for producing more proteins from the same genome length. We consider that these patterns cannot be explained by other factors, namely the possible roles of overlap in transcription regulation, generating more divergent proteins and the relationship between gene length and genome length

Does Culture affect Consumer Behaviour, when shopping On-Line?

Abstract. On-line retailers have to decide whether to standardize or adapt their marketing strategy to the foreign consumer markets. The objective of this article is not only to locate differences in on-line shopping behavior between English, Italian, and Chinese consumers, but also to explain these differences, through cultural dimensions. A discriminant analysis was conducted on English, Italian and Chinese consumers, based on eighteen behavioral variables, to illustrate the effect that a change of culture would have on a consumer’s on-line shopping behavior. The behavioral variables were classified in a descending lexicographic order of their discriminating power, between these cultures. After running the discriminant analysis, a factorial analysis of the eighteen behavioral describers was also run, to organize the latter into a smaller number of factors that are mutually exclusive, and very exhaustive. Factorial analysis identified five distinct factors that point out differences between the three countries, underlining that on-line retailers cannot duplicate abroad their home marketing strategy, because the needs e-shoppers wish to fulfill diverge between these markets

B2B digital platform adoption by SMEs and large firms: Pathways and pitfalls

The ongoing paradigm shift towards two-sided and multi-sided platforms is reshaping business transactions and collaborations worldwide. Such digital platforms have found widespread acceptance in business-to-business markets, serving as catalysts for strategic networking, transparency, and traceability, especially in sourcing activities that demand strategic solutions for supplier selection and collaboration. Nonetheless, the variables influencing platform adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large firms remain somewhat opaque. In this study, the social network theory (SNT), diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, and technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework were used as analytical lenses. Drawing from a sample of 318 responses from supply chain managers, this study employs a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify 15 configurations related to the adoption of two-sided platforms in both SMEs and large manufacturing firms. The results underscore that SMEs' drive for platform adoption is primarily anchored in their need for flexible, fluid networks, thus reinforcing the value of two-sided platforms in cultivating robust supplier relationships. In contrast, large firms are driven by potential advantages in efficiency and transactional security. However, the low adoption intention in both SMEs and large firms can be attributed to perceived barriers and a lack of perceived benefits, respectively

The relation between the minor chlorophyll spectral forms and fluorescence quenching in aggregated light harvesting chlorophyll a b complex II

The hypothesis that fluorescence quenching in aggregated light harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein complex II is associated with the formation of minor spectral forms absorbing near 655 nm and between 680 nm-690 nm is examined. Using an homogeneous LHCII preparation, steady-state absorption changes measured at room temperature are quantitatively compared with the associated steady state fluorescence changes by means of the Stepanov relation. It is demonstrated that upon LHCII aggregation, the relative fluorescence yield is constant for chlorophyll forms absorbing between 650 nm and 690 nm. This indicates that the minor chlorophyll forms formed upon LHCII aggregation are not quenching species

Legal geographies of irregular migration : An outlook on immigration detention

In this article, I discuss legal geographies of irregular migration, drawing on a case study on immigration detention in Finland. Based on analysis of detention records, four different types of legal geographies are identified, relating to south–north movement of third‐country nationals inside Europe, criminalised Eastern European EU citizens, irregularity during the asylum process (in particular, related to the Dublin Regulation) and irregularly residing foreign nationals, including deportable long‐term residents. The analysis focuses on the relations between space, law and persons during detainees' irregular migration trajectories, paying attention to their varying entry routes, residence times, legal grounds for removal and detention and removal countries. I argue for the need for empirically contextualised analysis that addresses the complex relations between law and geography beyond a particular national context, in order to better understand the dynamics of irregular migration in all its variety.In this article, I discuss legal geographies of irregular migration, drawing on a case study on immigration detention in Finland. Based on analysis of detention records, four different types of legal geographies are identified, relating to south–north movement of third‐country nationals inside Europe, criminalised Eastern European EU citizens, irregularity during the asylum process (in particular, related to the Dublin Regulation) and irregularly residing foreign nationals, including deportable long‐term residents. The analysis focuses on the relations between space, law and persons during detainees' irregular migration trajectories, paying attention to their varying entry routes, residence times, legal grounds for removal and detention and removal countries. I argue for the need for empirically contextualised analysis that addresses the complex relations between law and geography beyond a particular national context, in order to better understand the dynamics of irregular migration in all its variety.Peer reviewe

Moss survival through in situ cryptobiosis after six centuries of glacier burial

Cryptobiosis is a reversible ametabolic state of life characterized by the ceasing of all metabolic processes, allowing survival of periods of intense adverse conditions. Here we show that 1) entire moss individuals, dated by 14C, survived through cryptobiosis during six centuries of cold-based glacier burial in Antarctica, 2) after re-exposure due to glacier retreat, instead of dying (due to high rates of respiration supporting repair processes), at least some of these mosses were able to return to a metabolically active state and remain alive. Moss survival was assessed through growth experiments and, for the first time, through vitality measurements. Future investigations on the genetic pathways involved in cryptobiosis and the subsequent recovery mechanisms will provide key information on their applicability to other systematic groups, with implications for fields as divergent as medicine, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and space exploration

Ruxolitinib Adherence in Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera: the “RAMP” Italian multicenter prospective study

Ruxolitinib is beneficial in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) and polycythemia vera (PV). Information on ruxolitinib adherence is scant. The Ruxolitinib Adherence in Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera (RAMP) prospective multicenter study (NCT06078319) included 189 ruxolitinib-treated patients. Patients completed the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) and Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DTPL) at the earliest convenience, after registration in the study, and at later timepoints. At week-0, low adherence (ARMS > 14) and high distress (DT ≥ 4) were declared by 49.7% and 40.2% of patients, respectively. The main reason for low adherence was difficult ruxolitinib supply (49%), intentional (4.3%) and unintentional (46.7%) non-take. In multivariable regression analysis, low adherence was associated to male sex (p = 0.001), high distress (p < 0.001), and treatment duration ≥ 1 year (p = 0.03). Over time, rates of low adherence and high distress remained stable, but unintentional non-take decreased from 47.9% to 26.0% at week-48. MF patients with stable high adherence/low distress were more likely to obtain/maintain the spleen response at week-24. Low adherence to ruxolitinib represents an unmet clinical need that require a multifaceted approach, based on reason behind it (patients characteristics and treatment duration). Its recognition may help distinguishing patients who are truly refractory and those in need of therapy optimization

Splanchnic vein thrombosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms: risk factors for recurrences in a cohort of 181 patients

We retrospectively studied 181 patients with polycythaemia vera (n=67), essential thrombocythaemia (n=67) or primary myelofibrosis (n=47), who presented a first episode of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT). Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) and portal vein thrombosis were diagnosed in 31 (17.1%) and 109 (60.3%) patients, respectively; isolated thrombosis of the mesenteric or splenic veins was detected in 18 and 23 cases, respectively. After this index event, the patients were followed for 735 patient years (pt-years) and experienced 31 recurrences corresponding to an incidence rate of 4.2 per 100 pt-years. Factors associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence were BCS (hazard ratio (HR): 3.03), history of previous thrombosis (HR: 3.62), splenomegaly (HR: 2.66) and leukocytosis (HR: 2.8). Vitamin K-antagonists (VKA) were prescribed in 85% of patients and the recurrence rate was 3.9 per 100 pt-years, whereas in the small fraction (15%) not receiving VKA more recurrences (7.2 per 100 pt-years) were reported. Intracranial and extracranial major bleeding was recorded mainly in patients on VKA and the corresponding rate was 2.0 per 100 pt-years. In conclusion, despite anticoagulation treatment, the recurrence rate after SVT in myeloproliferative neoplasms is high and suggests the exploration of new avenues of secondary prophylaxis with new antithrombotic drugs and JAK-2 inhibitors

Predictors of Response to Hydroxyurea and Switch to Ruxolitinib in HU-Resistant Polycythaemia VERA Patients: A Real-World PV-NET Study

: In polycythemia vera (PV), the prognostic relevance of an ELN-defined complete response (CR) to hydroxyurea (HU), the predictors of response, and patients' triggers for switching to ruxolitinib are uncertain. In a real-world analysis, we evaluated the predictors of response, their impact on the clinical outcomes of CR to HU, and the correlations between partial or no response (PR/NR) and a patient switching to ruxolitinib. Among 563 PV patients receiving HU for ≥12 months, 166 (29.5%) achieved CR, 264 achieved PR, and 133 achieved NR. In a multivariate analysis, the absence of splenomegaly (p = 0.03), pruritus (p = 0.002), and a median HU dose of ≥1 g/day (p < 0.001) remained associated with CR. Adverse events were more frequent with a median HU dose of ≥1 g/day. Overall, 283 PR/NR patients (71.3%) continued HU, and 114 switched to ruxolitinib. In the 449 patients receiving only HU, rates of thrombosis, hemorrhages, progression, and overall survival were comparable among the CR, PR, and NR groups. Many PV patients received underdosed HU, leading to lower CR and toxicity rates. In addition, many patients continued HU despite a PR/NR; however, splenomegaly and other symptoms were the main drivers of an early switch. Better HU management, standardization of the criteria for and timing of responses to HU, and adequate intervention in poor responders should be advised

Ruxolitinib discontinuation syndrome: incidence, risk factors, and management in 251 patients with myelofibrosis

none36Ruxolitinib discontinuation syndrome: incidence, risk factors, and management in 251 patients with myelofibrosisopenPalandri F.; Palumbo G.A.; Elli E.M.; Polverelli N.; Benevolo G.; Martino B.; Abruzzese E.; Tiribelli M.; Tieghi A.; Latagliata R.; Cavazzini F.; Bergamaschi M.; Binotto G.; Crugnola M.; Isidori A.; Caocci G.; Heidel F.; Pugliese N.; Bosi C.; Bartoletti D.; Auteri G.; Cattaneo D.; Scaffidi L.; Trawinska M.M.; Stella R.; Ciantia F.; Pane F.; Cuneo A.; Krampera M.; Semenzato G.; Lemoli R.M.; Iurlo A.; Vianelli N.; Cavo M.; Breccia M.; Bonifacio M.Palandri, F.; Palumbo, G. A.; Elli, E. M.; Polverelli, N.; Benevolo, G.; Martino, B.; Abruzzese, E.; Tiribelli, M.; Tieghi, A.; Latagliata, R.; Cavazzini, F.; Bergamaschi, M.; Binotto, G.; Crugnola, M.; Isidori, A.; Caocci, G.; Heidel, F.; Pugliese, N.; Bosi, C.; Bartoletti, D.; Auteri, G.; Cattaneo, D.; Scaffidi, L.; Trawinska, M. M.; Stella, R.; Ciantia, F.; Pane, F.; Cuneo, A.; Krampera, M.; Semenzato, G.; Lemoli, R. M.; Iurlo, A.; Vianelli, N.; Cavo, M.; Breccia, M.; Bonifacio, M