bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carfentanil is a β‐arrestin‐biased agonist at the μ opioid receptor
Authors: Ramos‐Gonzalez Nokomis , Groom Sam , Sutcliffe Katy J. , Bancroft Sukhvinder , Bailey Chris P. , Sessions Richard B. , Henderson Graeme , Kelly Eamonn
Published: April 2023

Background and Purpose

The illicit use of fentanyl‐like drugs (fentanyls), which are μ opioid receptor agonists, and the many overdose deaths that result, has become a major problem. Fentanyls are very potent in vivo, leading to respiratory depression and death. However, the efficacy and possible signalling bias of different fentanyls is not clearly known. Here, we compared the relative efficacy and bias of a series of fentanyls.

Experimental Approach

For agonist signalling bias and efficacy measurements, Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer experiments were undertaken in HEK293T cells transiently transfected with μ opioid receptors, to assess Gi protein activation and β‐arrestin 2 recruitment. Agonist‐induced cell surface receptor loss was assessed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whilst agonist‐induced G protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel current activation was measured electrophysiologically from rat locus coeruleus slices. Ligand poses in the μ opioid receptor were determined in silico using molecular dynamics simulations.

Key Results

Relative to the reference ligand DAMGO, carfentanil was β‐arrestin‐biased, whereas fentanyl, sufentanil and alfentanil did not display bias. Carfentanil induced potent and extensive cell surface receptor loss, whilst the marked desensitisation of G protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel currents in the continued presence of carfentanil in neurones was prevented by a GRK2/3 inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested unique interactions of carfentanil with the orthosteric site of the receptor that could underlie the bias.

Conclusions and Implications

Carfentanil is a β‐arrestin‐biased opioid drug at the μ receptor. It is uncertain how such bias influences in vivo effects of carfentanil relative to other fentanyls.
Virtual special issue: Social‐ecological systems research in tropical ecosystems
Authors: Merz Leandra
Published: April 2023

Biodiversity is declining globally, primarily due to anthropogenic threats. Therefore, effective conservation efforts must integrate human and environmental components. Social‐ecological systems research is increasingly being adopted as a means of studying complex relationships between people and the environment. I assess how researchers are employing social‐ecological systems approaches or frameworks to the study of tropical ecosystems. I reviewed articles published in Biotropica from 2010 through 2022 searching for research on social‐ecological systems. A broad keyword search revealed only 2 articles using a variation of social‐ecological systems, human‐environment systems, or coupled human and natural systems. This contrasts with a growing number of articles published with these search terms in other conservation‐related journals, primarily led by environmental scientists. After reviewing titles for all 1298 research articles published during this period, I selected 12 articles for inclusion in the virtual special issue “Social‐Ecological Systems Research in Topical Ecosystems”. These articles cover a broad range of geographical locations, ecosystem types, species, and conservation themes. Social‐ecological systems frameworks offer an integrated way to study complex relationships between humans and nature, yet this type of research appears under‐utilized by authors in Biotropica. I offer seven guidelines for authors interested in pursuing this research such as developing collaborations between social and environmental scientists.
How does parent–child attachment influence left‐behind children's loneliness and depression: The mediating roles of peer attachment and teacher–student relationship
Authors: Tan Deqin , Xie Ruibo , Song Shengcheng , Ding Wan , Wu Wei , Li Weijian
Published: April 2023

Background

Loneliness and depression are common emotional problems among left‐behind children, and these emotional problems may have a high correlation with attachment relationships.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effects of parent–child attachment on left‐behind children's loneliness and depression and the mediating roles of peer attachment and teacher–student relationship and their gender differences.

Methods

Using two waves of data, 614 left‐behind children participated in the longitudinal study by completing a series of relevant questionnaire two times (spaced 6 months).

Results

The results showed that (1) both father–child attachment and mother–child attachment could negatively predict the loneliness and depression of left‐behind children. Further, mother–child attachment has a greater predictive effect on loneliness. (2) Peer attachment played a mediating role in parent–child attachment and left‐behind children's loneliness; teacher–student relationship played a mediating role in parent–child attachment and left‐behind children's loneliness and depression. (3) The scores of girls were higher than those of boys in the four types of attachment relationships; the mediating role of teacher–student relationship between parent–child attachment and depression was significant only among boys.

Conclusions

This study explored the factors that may have impacts on left‐behind children's loneliness and depression as well as its potential mechanism and their gender differences based on the perspective of multiple‐attachment theory. These results emphasize the important role of close parent–child attachment in reducing loneliness and depression among left‐behind children, as well as the necessary mediating role of peer attachment and teacher–student relationships. These findings provide some valuable recommendations for preventing left‐behind children's loneliness and depression.
Visual Parameter Space Exploration in Time and Space
Authors: Piccolotto Nikolaus , Bögl Markus , Miksch Silvia
Published: April 2023

Computational models, such as simulations, are central to a wide range of fields in science and industry. Those models take input parameters and produce some output. To fully exploit their utility, relations between parameters and outputs must be understood. These include, for example, which parameter setting produces the best result (optimization) or which ranges of parameter settings produce a wide variety of results (sensitivity). Such tasks are often difficult to achieve for various reasons, for example, the size of the parameter space, and supported with visual analytics. In this paper, we survey visual parameter space exploration (VPSE) systems involving spatial and temporal data. We focus on interactive visualizations and user interfaces. Through thematic analysis of the surveyed papers, we identify common workflow steps and approaches to support them. We also identify topics for future work that will help enable VPSE on a greater variety of computational models.
The human rights of children with disabilities: How can medical professionals better fulfil rather than breach them?
Authors: Picton‐Howell Zoe
Published: April 2023

The vulnerability of children with disabilities to human rights abuses, including in health care, is well documented. Medical professionals can too often breach rather than fulfil the rights of children with disabilities, often through misunderstandings about the law, an inevitable consequence of, as identified by the United Nation's Committee for the Rights of the Child, medical professionals too often not receiving systematic and effective training in children's rights. This paper explores some key rights vital to the health and well‐being of children with disabilities and shows how the guidance known as General Comments published by the United Nation's Committee on the Rights of the Child can assist medical professionals in ensuring the rights of children with disabilities in their care are fulfilled. It will also outline the human rights model of disability and explain how adopting this model in day‐to‐day practice, as required by international law, will empower medical professionals to help fulfil the human rights of children with disabilities. Suggestions are also made as to how training in human rights for medical professionals might be facilitated.

What this paper adds

The rights of children with disabilities are wide‐ranging and come from multiple sources.

Education and training of medical professionals in the rights of children with disabilities is often poor and low priority, resulting in rights breaches.

Partnership training and gaining familiarity with United Nations General Comments and the Human Rights Model of disability can promote the human rights of children with disabilities.
Interventions to enhance pre‐pregnancy care for women with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Hopkins Lily , Forbes Angus , Anderson Janet E. , Bick Debra , Brackenridge Anna , Banerjee Anita , Chamley Mark , Chua Kia‐Chong , Flynn Angela C. , Hunt Katherine , Murphy Helen R. , Rogers Helen , White Sara L. , Winkley Kirsty , Forde Rita
Published: April 2023

Aims

The aim of the study was to examine the content and impact of interventions that have been used to increase the uptake of pre‐pregnancy care for women with type 2 diabetes, and their impact on maternal and fetal outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search of multiple databases was conducted in November 2021, and updated July 2022, to identify studies assessing interventions to enhance pre‐pregnancy care for women with type 2 diabetes. Over 10% of articles were screened by two reviewers at title and abstract phase, after which all selected full‐text articles were screened by two reviewers. Quality assessment was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for cohort studies. Meta‐analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity; therefore, narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Four eligible cohort studies were identified. The conclusions able to be drawn by this review were limited as women with type 2 diabetes (n = 800) were in the minority in all four studies (35%–40%) and none of the interventions were exclusively tailored for them. The uptake of pre‐pregnancy care was lower in women with type 2 diabetes (8%–10%) compared with other participant groups in the studies. Pregnancy preparation indicators generally improved among all groups exposed to pre‐pregnancy care, with varying impact on pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions

This review demonstrates that previous interventions have had a limited impact on pre‐pregnancy care uptake in women with type 2 diabetes. Future studies should focus on tailored interventions for improving pre‐pregnancy care for women with type 2 diabetes, particularly those from ethnic minorities and living in poorer communities.
Sedentary behaviour and traumatic dental injuries in adolescents: A population‐based study
Authors: Leite Jean Ribeiro , Bomfim Rafael Aiello
Published: April 2023

Objective

Analyse factors associated with dental trauma in 12‐year‐old adolescents.

Methods

An epidemiological survey was carried out in the five largest cities in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Data on traumatic dental injuries (TDI) based on the World Health Organization (WHO), sociodemographic characteristics and individual clinical and behavioural characteristics in 615 adolescents were collected. Univariate and adjusted multilevel logistic regressions were performed to test the association of dental trauma with behavioural and sociodemographic factors. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee (CAAE number 85647518.4.0000.0021).

Results

The prevalence of TDI at 12 years was 3.4% (95% CI 1.8; 6.4). In the adjusted models, clinical characteristics of adolescents such as overjet >3 mm (OR = 1.51 [95% CI 1.00; 2.41]) were associated with trauma. Sociodemographic characteristics such as female sex (OR = 0.13 [95% CI 0.07; 0.25]), income above the poverty level (OR = 0.34 [95% CI 0.15; 0.78]), who declared themselves white (OR = 0.23 [95% CI 0.11; 0.47]) and with sedentary behaviour (OR = 0.69 [95% CI 0.59; 0.80]) were associated with trauma, as protective factors.

Conclusion

Sociodemographic, behavioural and individual clinical characteristics were associated with TDI in adolescents. Oral health teams should focus on the most vulnerable groups, encouraging the use of mouthguards and access to treatment services.
Insects within bushes assemble and forage closer to artificial light at night
Authors: Eckhartt Gregory M. , Ruxton Graeme D.
Published: April 2023

Artificial light at night (ALAN) has been implicated in the global decline of insect populations. Causal mechanisms contributing to declines remain unclear, however. Here we examine causal factors which could link some declining terrestrial insect populations with ALAN. To do so, we defined the closest and furthest halves of individual bushes according to the nearest source of artificial light. We sampled leaves and invertebrates from both sides to determine herbivory and abundance. First, we observed that, within bushes, leaves were significantly more likely to display herbivory at closer distances to established streetlighting. This may be due to the phenomenon of positive phototaxis in insects (flight to light). Further, insects within bushes were significantly more abundant on the side closest to streetlighting at midnight, but not at midday, when lights are unilluminated. Consequently, we argue that ALAN creates bottom‐up trophic effects, driven by insect light attraction behaviours even at the scale of single plants.
PALEO‐PGEM‐Series: A spatial time series of the global climate over the last 5 million years (Plio‐Pleistocene)
Authors: Barreto Elisa , Holden Philip B. , Edwards Neil R. , Rangel Thiago F.
Published: April 2023

Motivation

Climate change plays an important role in the generation and maintenance of biodiversity by driving processes such as diversification and range shifts. As a result, biodiversity patterns are often found to carry the imprints of palaeoclimatic changes. However, we still know little about the spatial and temporal variation in climate over the scale of millennia affecting eco‐evolutionary dynamics, mostly because of the scarcity of user‐friendly and freely available spatio‐temporal palaeoclimate series at such temporal scales. Here, we address this gap by presenting PALEO‐PGEM‐Series, a global spatio‐temporal dataset of the last 5 Myr, with 1 kyr resolution, spatially downscaled from emulations performed with the intermediate‐complexity atmosphere–ocean general circulation model PALEO‐PGEM. PALEO‐PGEM‐Series holds the potential to advance our understanding of the mechanisms behind the strong relationship between biodiversity and climate, a pressing need given projected biodiversity responses to anthropogenic climatic change.

Main Types of Variables Contained

Spatio‐temporal series of monthly temperature and precipitation and 17 derived bioclimatic variables over the Pliocene–Pleistocene, along with standard error estimates from multiple runs of the emulator.

Spatial Location and Grain

Global landmasses, at 1° × 1°.

Time Period and Grain

Last 5 Myr at 1000 year resolution.

Major Taxa and Level of Measurement

Not applicable.

Software Format

Tab‐delimited text files and accompanying R code to derive bioclimatic variables.
Incorporating genomics into insect conservation: Butterflies as a model group
Authors: Sucháčková Bartoňová Alena , Linke Daniel , Klečková Irena , de G. Ribeiro Pedro , Matos‐Maraví Pável
Published: April 2023

Genomic data are not yet widely used in insect conservation practice. Here, with a focus on butterflies, we aim to identify the strengths, limitations and remaining gaps between the fields of population genomics and insect conservation management. Based on a literature search complemented with expert opinion, we discuss avenues for translating research into practice.

We found that current genomic methodologies available for insect management enhance the assessment of cryptic diversity and facilitate the inference of historical population trends (temporal monitoring) by using even degraded material from historical collections.

Discovering and tracking adaptive genetic variation linked to increased survival and fitness is a relatively young research field, but we highlight it as a promising tool in future insect management actions.

We highlight recent case studies where population genomics have guided butterfly conservation. One conclusion from our advice from our non‐exhaustive survey of expert opinion is to establish meaningful partnerships between researchers and practitioners, starting at the stage of project planning. Genomics is an informative tool for securing legal protection of unique populations and may offer guidance in future conservation translocations and captive breeding programmes.

Although insect conservation usually targets habitats, genomic guidance focusing on populations of flagship and umbrella taxa is a straightforward path to connect species‐specific and habitat conservation initiatives. We conclude that there is urgency in reporting insect conservation actions guided by genomic data, both successful and unsuccessful. This will lead to constructive feedback between fields and the establishment of standardised methodologies.
Polymer‐derived Co2Si(Co)/SiCN composite ceramics with tunable microwave absorption properties
Authors: Liu Maoyun , Wang Guantong , Miao Yalan , Gong Hongyu , Jing Jie , Sheng Mingming , Lu Junbin
Published: April 2023

In this paper, Co2Si(Co)/SiCN composite ceramics were synthesized by simple precursor‐derived ceramics method. The phase composition, morphology, and microwave absorption properties of Co2Si(Co)/SiCN composite ceramics at different pyrolysis temperatures (1000–1400°C) were studied. When pyrolysis temperature was 1300°C, carbon nanowires (CNWs), Co2Si, Si2N2O, SiC and Si3N4 were in situ generated and the best electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance was obtained. The minimum reflection loss reached−50.04 dB at 4.81 mm, and the effective absorption bandwidth broadened to 3.48 GHz (14.52–18 GHz) at 1.31 mm. The excellent EMW absorption performance mainly comes from the coexistence of multiple loss mechanisms, including the magnetic loss of Co2Si, the conduction loss of CNWs, and the heterogeneous interfaces polarization between varieties of nanocrystals and amorphous ceramic matrix. By adjusting the sample thickness from 1 to 5 mm, the effective absorption of S1300 can cover the entire X and Ku bands, from 3.36 to 18 GHz. This study provides a simple way to synthesize high performance ceramic‐based microwave absorbing materials.
Direct transfer to different salinities and its effect on energy and metabolic enzymes in juveniles and adults of yellowfin sea bream Acanthopagrus arabicus
Authors: AlKatrani Layla Mustafa A. A.
Published: April 2023

Juveniles and adults of Acanthopagrus arabicus were studied to compare the effect of different salt concentrations (1.5, 7.5, 15, 30 and 45 psu) at 6, 24, 48 and 96 h on activities of the enzymes creatine kinase (CK) in gills, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in plasma and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in intestine. CK and LDH were found to exhibit superior activity in adults compared to juveniles. All enzymes exhibited heightened activity with the increase in salinity and decreased activity with the passage of time in all salinities. Results showed that three enzymes exhibited excellent performance in adults than in juveniles.
A systematic review of natural flood management modelling: Approaches, limitations, and potential solutions
Authors: Hill Bartholomew , Liang Qiuhua , Bosher Lee , Chen Huili , Nicholson Alex
Published: April 2023

The Pitt Review of the 2007 summer floods in the UK, published in 2008, commended the potential of natural flood management (NFM) for reducing flood risk. NFM is a nature‐based approach that has since gained substantial interest from both practitioners and academics. The review further highlighted the need for catchment‐based flood management (CBFM) to enhance resilience to flooding and climate change by incorporating NFM and wider nature‐based solutions into hard flood protection systems. Such integrated approaches are considered to be more sustainable and adaptable than the traditional hard‐engineered measures. More recently, the European Commission's European Green Deal also highlighted the need for greater use of nature‐based solutions including NFM for managing flood risk. Whilst there have been many attempts to quantify the effects of NFM through hydraulic and hydrological modelling, there is still no systematic review conducted for these modelling works. This review aims to summarise the current NFM modelling approaches, as well as discussing their key limitations related to data, model methods, and real‐world applications. This paper then goes further to highlight potential solutions to some of these challenges and provides guidance to assist modellers to improve future modelling and data collection process.
The psychology of attraction to multi‐level marketing
Authors: Dixon Lucas J. , Hornsey Matthew J. , Hartley Nicole , Chapman Cassandra M. , Brienza Justin P.
Published: April 2023

Despite being a risky and controversial business model, little research has investigated personal characteristics that increase attraction to multi‐level marketing business opportunities like Amway and Herbalife. A two‐wave survey (Ntotal = 1503) revealed that attraction to multi‐level marketing opportunities was associated with stronger extrinsic life goals (for becoming rich, famous, and attractive), belief systems related to spirituality and thought‐action fusion (i.e., the belief that thoughts alone create reality), and a cognitive decision‐making style that emphasizes intuitive over rational thinking. Intrinsic psychological needs (e.g., for control and meaning) showed the least consistent associations. Based on these findings, we provide guidance for consumer advocates and policy makers to consider individual psychological factors in education campaigns to improve decision making and participant wellbeing.
Characteristics of non‐urgent neonatal presentations to an Australian metropolitan emergency department
Authors: Santos Calvin , Gandham Sowmya , Liu Anthony , Bhurawala Habib
Published: April 2023

Aim

To determine characteristics and risk factors for non‐urgent presentations (NUPs) (triage categories 4 and 5) in neonates to a Western Sydney metropolitan mixed adult emergency department (ED) and the effect of COVID‐19 on presentations and admissions.

Methods

A retrospective medical record study examined neonates (age <4 weeks) presenting to the ED between October 2019 and September 2020 and assessed risk factors for NUPs including the impact of COVID‐19. Regression analysis was used to determine which risk factors were significant for NUPs to ED and whether there were any significant differences in urgency of presentations and admissions during the post‐COVID‐19 time (on/after 11th March 2020).

Results

From 277 presentations, 114 (41%) were non‐urgent. After regression analysis, being a mother born overseas (odds ratio 2.15, 95% confidence interval 1.13–4.12,P = 0.02) was a significant risk factor and maternal age (odds ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.96–0.1.00,P = 0.02) was a significant protective factor for NUPs in the neonatal period. There were 54 (47%) NUPs pre‐COVID‐19 and 60 (53%) NUPs post‐COVID (P = 0.70). There were similar presenting complaints and diagnoses compared to the literature.

Conclusions

Mothers born overseas and younger maternal age were found to be significant risk factors for NUPs in the neonatal period. There was no apparent impact on presentations and admissions to ED during the COVID‐19 period. Further studies are warranted to further evaluate risk factors for NUPs in the neonatal period and further elucidate the impact of COVID‐19 on presentations and admissions, specifically in later waves of the virus.
A spatial theory of urban segregation
Authors: Carniglia Gian Luca , Escobar Juan F.
Published: April 2023

We provide a competitive equilibrium theory of urban segregation in a linear city. Households demand consumption and housing along the city and are exposed to neighborhood externalities. We show that equilibria that are robust to small coalitional deviations are segregated. Our results explain urban segregation in a standard neoclassical framework and shed new light on the difficulties faced by authorities to integrate cities.
Genomic insights of evolutionary divergence and life history innovations in Antarctic brittle stars
Authors: Lau Sally C. Y. , Strugnell Jan M. , Sands Chester J. , Silva Catarina N. S. , Wilson Nerida G.
Published: April 2023

Understanding the drivers of evolutionary innovation provides a crucial perspective of how evolutionary processes unfold across taxa and ecological systems. It has been hypothesised that the Southern Ocean provided ecological opportunities for novelty in the past. However, the drivers of innovation are challenging to pinpoint as the evolutionary genetics of Southern Ocean fauna are influenced by Quaternary glacial–interglacial cycles, oceanic currents and species ecology. Here we examined the genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms of the Southern Ocean brittle stars Ophionotus victoriae (five arms, broadcaster) and O. hexactis (six arms, brooder). We found that O. victoriae and O. hexactis are closely‐related species with interspecific gene flow. During the late Pleistocene, O. victoriae likely persisted in a connected deep water refugium and in situ refugia on the Antarctic continental shelf and around Antarctic islands; O. hexactis persisted exclusively within in situ island refugia. Within O. victoriae, contemporary gene flow linking to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, regional gyres and other local oceanographic regimes was observed. Gene flow connecting West and East Antarctic islands near the Polar Front was also detected in O. hexactis. A strong association was detected between outlier loci and salinity in O. hexactis. Both O. victoriae and O. hexactis are associated with genome‐wide increase in alleles at intermediate‐frequencies; the alleles associated with this peak appear to be species specific, and these intermediate‐frequency variants are far more excessive in O. hexactis. We hypothesise that the peak in alleles at intermediate frequencies could be related to adaptation in the recent past, linked to evolutionary innovations of increase in arm number and a switch to brooding from broadcasting, in O. hexactis.
Pictograms to assess bloating and distension symptoms in the general population in Mexico: Results of The Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study
Authors: Schmulson Max J. , López‐Colombo Aurelio , Montiel Jarquin Alvaro , Puentes‐Leal Gerardo A. , Palsson Olafur S. , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Sperber Ami D.
Published: April 2023

Background

There is no term for bloating in Spanish and distension is a very technical word. “Inflammation”/“swelling” are the most frequently used expressions for bloating/distension in Mexico, and pictograms are more effective than verbal descriptors (VDs) for bloating/distension in general GI and Rome III‐IBS patients. However, their effectiveness in the general population and in subjects with Rome IV‐DGBI is unknown. We analyzed the use of pictograms for assessing bloating/distension in the general population in Mexico.

Methods

The Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES) in Mexico (n = 2001) included questions about the presence of VDs “inflammation”/“swelling” and abdominal distension, their comprehension, and pictograms (normal, bloating, distension, both). We compared the pictograms with the Rome IV question about the frequency of experiencing bloating/distension, and with the VDs.

Key Results

“Inflammation”/“swelling” was reported by 51.5% and distension by 23.8% of the entire study population; while 1.2% and 25.3% did not comprehend “Inflammation”/“swelling” or distension, respectively. Subjects without (31.8%) or not comprehending “inflammation”/“swelling”/distension (68.4%) reported bloating/distension by pictograms. Bloating and/or distension by the pictograms were much more frequent in those with DGBI: 38.3% (95%CI: 31.7–44.9) vs. without: 14.5% (12.0–17.0); and in subjects with distension by VDs: 29.4% (25.4–33.3) vs. without: 17.2% (14.9–19.5). Among subjects with bowel disorders, those with IBS reported bloating/distension by pictograms the most (93.8%) and those with functional diarrhea the least (71.4%).

Conclusions & Inferences

Pictograms are more effective than VDs for assessing the presence of bloating/distension in Spanish Mexico. Therefore, they should be used to study these symptoms in epidemiological research.
Patterns, mechanisms, and consequences of homoeologous exchange in allopolyploid angiosperms: a genomic and epigenomic perspective
Authors: Deb Sontosh K. , Edger Patrick P. , Pires J. Chris , McKain Michael R.
Published: April 2023

Allopolyploids result from hybridization between different evolutionary lineages coupled with genome doubling. Homoeologous chromosomes (chromosomes with common shared ancestry) may undergo recombination immediately after allopolyploid formation and continue over successive generations. The outcome of this meiotic pairing behavior is dynamic and complex. Homoeologous exchanges (HEs) may lead to the formation of unbalanced gametes, reduced fertility, and selective disadvantage. By contrast, HEs could act as sources of novel evolutionary substrates, shifting the relative dosage of parental gene copies, generating novel phenotypic diversity, and helping the establishment of neo‐allopolyploids. However, HE patterns vary among lineages, across generations, and even within individual genomes and chromosomes. The causes and consequences of this variation are not fully understood, though interest in this evolutionary phenomenon has increased in the last decade. Recent technological advances show promise in uncovering the mechanistic basis of HEs. Here, we describe recent observations of the common patterns among allopolyploid angiosperm lineages, underlying genomic and epigenomic features, and consequences of HEs. We identify critical research gaps and discuss future directions with far‐reaching implications in understanding allopolyploid evolution and applying them to the development of important phenotypic traits of polyploid crops.
Tinospora cordifolia modulates the seminal parameters, leakage of intracellular enzymes and seminal antioxidants in equilibrated and cryopreserved semen of Sahiwal bulls
Authors: Prashant  , Tomar P. , Rajoriya J. S. , Ojha B. K. , Singh A. K. , Deshpande D. , Choubey P. , Raje A. , Mishra G. K. , Perumal P.
Published: April 2023

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of stem extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy or Guduchi) in the semen extender on seminal parameters, leakage of intracellular enzymes and antioxidants in semen of Sahiwal bull. A total of 48 ejaculates from four bulls were selected for the study. Spermatozoa of 25 × 106 were incubated in 100, 300 and 500 μg of stem extract of Guduchi as Gr II, III and IV, respectively, and pre‐freeze and post‐thaw semen samples were analysed for seminal parameters [motility, viability, total sperm abnormality (TSA), plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and acrosomal integrity (AcI)], intracellular enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and seminal antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase] in comparison with an untreated control group (Gr I). The results revealed that stem extract‐treated semen had significantly (p < .05) higher motility, viability, PMI, AcI, SOD and catalase and had significantly (p < .05) lower TSA, AST and LDH compared to those in untreated control group at pre‐freeze and post‐thaw stages. Semen treated with 100 μg stem extract/25 × 106 spermatozoa had significantly (p < .05) higher motility, viability, PMI, AcI, SOD and catalase and had significantly (p < .05) lower TSA, AST and LDH compared to those in control, 300‐ and 500‐μg‐treated groups at pre‐freeze and post‐thaw stages. Further, these seminal parameters and antioxidants were showing decreasing trend and TSA and leakage of intracellular enzymes were showing increasing trend from Gr II to Gr IV at pre‐freeze and post‐thaw stages. Thus, 100 μg/25 × 106 spermatozoa were optimum or suitable dose for cryopreservation of Sahiwal bull semen. The study concluded that T. cordifolia stem extract 100 μg/25 × 106 spermatozoa in the semen extender can be effectively utilized to reduce the oxidative stress and improve the pre‐freeze and post‐thaw seminal parameters in Sahiwal bull. However, further studies on effects of different concentrations of stem extract on in vitro or in vivo fertility trials are to be conducted to assess the impact of the stem extract supplementation in the semen extender on field pregnancy outcomes in bovine species.
Applying coral breeding to reef restoration: best practices, knowledge gaps, and priority actions in a rapidly‐evolving field
Authors: Banaszak Anastazia T. , Marhaver Kristen L. , Miller Margaret W. , Hartmann Aaron C. , Albright Rebecca , Hagedorn Mary , Harrison Peter L. , Latijnhouwers Kelly R. W. , Mendoza Quiroz Sandra , Pizarro Valeria , Chamberland Valérie F.
Published: April 2023

Reversing coral reef decline requires reducing environmental threats while actively restoring reef ecological structure and function. A promising restoration approach uses coral breeding to boost natural recruitment and repopulate reefs with genetically diverse coral communities. Recent advances in predicting spawning, capturing spawn, culturing larvae, and rearing settlers have enabled the successful propagation, settlement, and outplanting of coral offspring in all of the world's major reef regions. Nevertheless, breeding efforts frequently yield low survival, reflecting the type III survivorship curve of corals and poor condition of most reefs targeted for restoration. Furthermore, coral breeding programs are still limited in spatial scale and species diversity. Here, we highlight four priority areas for research and cooperative innovation to increase the effectiveness and scale of coral breeding in restoration: (1) expanding the number of restoration sites and species, (2) improving broodstock selection to maximize the genetic diversity and adaptive capacity of restored populations, (3) enhancing culture conditions to improve offspring health before and after outplanting, and (4) scaling up infrastructure and technologies for large‐scale coral breeding and restoration. Prioritizing efforts in these four areas will enable practitioners to address reef decline at relevant ecological scales, re‐establish self‐sustaining coral populations, and ensure the long‐term success of restoration interventions. Overall, we aim to guide the coral restoration community toward actions and opportunities that can yield rapid technical advances in larval rearing and coral breeding, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and ultimately achieve the ecological restoration of coral reefs.
A Trifolium repens flavodoxin‐like quinone reductase 1 (TrFQR1) improves plant adaptability to high temperature associated with oxidative homeostasis and lipids remodeling
Authors: Cheng Bizhen , Zhou Min , Tang Tao , Hassan Muhammad Jawad , Zhou Jianzhen , Tan Meng , Li Zhou , Peng Yan
Published: April 2023

Maintenance of stable mitochondrial respiratory chains could enhance adaptability to high temperature, but the potential mechanism was not elucidated clearly in plants. In this study, we identified and isolated a TrFQR1 gene encoding the flavodoxin‐like quinone reductase 1 (TrFQR1) located in mitochondria of leguminous white clover (Trifolium repens). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that amino acid sequences of FQR1 in various plant species showed a high degree of similarities. Ectopic expression of TrFQR1 protected yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) from heat damage and toxic levels of benzoquinone, phenanthraquinone and hydroquinone. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and white clover overexpressing TrFQR1 exhibited significantly lower oxidative damage and better photosynthetic capacity and growth than wild‐type in response to high‐temperature stress, whereas AtFQR1‐RNAi A. thaliana showed more severe oxidative damage and growth retardation under heat stress. TrFQR1‐transgenic white clover also maintained better respiratory electron transport chain than wild‐type plants, as manifested by significantly higher mitochondrial complex II and III activities, alternative oxidase activity, NAD(P)H content, and coenzyme Q10 content in response to heat stress. In addition, overexpression of TrFQR1 enhanced the accumulation of lipids including phosphatidylglycerol, monogalactosyl diacylglycerol, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol and cardiolipin as important compositions of bilayers involved in dynamic membrane assembly in mitochondria or chloroplasts positively associated with heat tolerance. TrFQR1‐transgenic white clover also exhibited higher lipids saturation level and phosphatidylcholine:phosphatidylethanolamine ratio, which could be beneficial to membrane stability and integrity during a prolonged period of heat stress. The current study proves that TrFQR1 is essential for heat tolerance associated with mitochondrial respiratory chain, cellular reactive oxygen species homeostasis, and lipids remodeling in plants. TrFQR1 could be selected as a key candidate marker gene to screen heat‐tolerant genotypes or develop heat‐tolerant crops via molecular‐based breeding.
Cytokine transcriptome profiling in acute experimental canine atopic dermatitis skin lesions afterIL‐31 inhibition with lokivetmab
Authors: Tamamoto‐Mochizuki Chie , Crawford Natalie , Eder Jordan M. , Gonzales Andrea J. , Olivry Thierry
Published: April 2023

Background

The caninised monoclonal antibody lokivetmab (LKV), directed at interleukin (IL)‐31, is very effective at controlling pruritus in most dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, evidence exists that IL‐31 is not required for the induction of acute allergic skin inflammation, which might explain why this treatment is less efficacious in some dogs with AD.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare the comprehensive transcriptome analysis of house dust mite (HDM)‐sensitised dogs with and without treatment with LKV to attest our hypothesis that LKV does not majorly affect acute cytokine/chemokine production.

Animals

Six HDM‐sensitised atopic Maltese‐beagle dogs.

Materials and Methods

In this cross‐over study, the cytokine profiling of acute AD skin lesions was compared by RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq), with or without LKV‐induced inhibition of IL‐31. Skin biopsies were obtained from each dog at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 h after epicutaneous HDM allergen provocation.

Results

Macroscopic and microscopic skin lesion scores were not significantly different between the LKV‐ and nontreatment groups at any time points. Likewise, the results of RNA‐Seq analysis revealed no significant difference in the messenger (m)RNA expression of the major cytokines between these two groups. In LKV‐treated dogs,IL6,IL9,IL13,IL33,CCL17,andCCL22were significantly upregulated compared to their baseline expression levels, suggesting that these cytokines are unaffected by IL‐31 inhibition.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

IL‐31 inhibition is insufficient to prevent the expression of other proinflammatory mediators in acute AD and these could be considered as other potential therapeutic targets.
FENGSHUI: SCIENCE, RELIGION, SUPERSTITION, OR TRADE?
Authors: Guo Yuanlin
Published: April 2023

Fengshui (also called Chinese geomancy) is a pre‐modern tradition rooted in Chinese civilization. Chinese civilization is pre‐modern and practice‐oriented due to the domination of political power in China. In contrast, Western civilization is modernized. It witnessed the development of religion in ancient times, and the growth of science through reason (logic) and experiment in modern times. It is both rational and transcendental. It seems that Fengshui is an intermediate between science and religion. It is not science although its focus is on this world, for it does not seek knowledge and truth. It is not religion although it is mystical, for it does not seek transcendence and good. It is not only superstition (or magic), but also a mystical trade that centers on secular benefits.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Social Science Studies, Vol. 11, No. 2
Authors: Young James
Published: April 2023

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 2Ayşegül Sili Kalem, Necmettin Erbakan Universitesi, TurkeyE.Ozan Aksoz, Anadolu University, TurkeyFroilan Mobo, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, PhilippinesGülsüm Depeli, Hacettepe University, TurkeyLingkai Kong, Izmir University of Economics, TurkeyMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, PakistanShyue Chuan CHONG, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, MalaysiaYaghoob Foroutan, The University of Waikato, New ZealandYusramizza Md Isa, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia   James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com
Hyperglycaemia, pregnancy outcomes and maternal metabolic disease risk during pregnancy and lactation in a lean gestational diabetes mouse model
Authors: Tol Angela J. C. , Hribar Kaja , Kruit Janine , Bongiovanni Laura , Vieira‐Lara Marcel A. , Koster Mirjam H. , Kloosterhuis Niels J. , Havinga Rick , Koehorst Martijn , de Bruin Alain , Bakker Barbara M. , Oosterveer Maaike H. , van der Beek Eline M.
Published: April 2023

Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) is a pregnancy complication characterized by mild to moderate hyperglycaemia that negatively impacts short‐ and long‐term health of mother and child. However, relationships between severity and timing of pregnancy hyperglycaemia and postpartum outcomes have not been systemically investigated. We investigated the impact of hyperglycaemia developing during pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM) or already present pre‐mating (pre‐gestational diabetes mellitus, PDM) on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. GDM and PDM were induced in C57BL/6NTac mice by combined 60% high fat diet (HF) and low dose streptozotocin (STZ). Animals were screened for PDM prior to mating, and all underwent an oral glucose tolerance test on gestational day (GD)15. Tissues were collected at GD18 or at postnatal day (PN)15. Among HFSTZ‐treated dams, 34% developed PDM and 66% developed GDM, characterized by impaired glucose‐induced insulin release and inadequate suppression of endogenous glucose production. No increased adiposity or overt insulin resistance was observed. Furthermore, markers of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were significantly increased in PDM at GD18 and were positively correlated with basal glucose levels at GD18 in GDM dams. By PN15, NAFLD markers were also increased in GDM dams. Only PDM affected pregnancy outcomes such as litter size. Our findings indicate that GDM and PDM, resulting in disturbances of maternal glucose homeostasis, increase the risk of postpartum NAFLD development, related to the onset and severity of pregnancy hyperglycaemia. These findings signal a need for earlier monitoring of maternal glycaemia and more rigorous follow‐up of maternal health after GDM and PDM pregnancy in humans.

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Key points

We studied the impact of high‐fat diet/streptozotocin induced hyperglycaemia in pregnancy in mice and found that this impaired glucose tolerance and insulin release.

Litter size and embryo survival were compromised by pre‐gestational, but not by gestational, diabetes.

Despite postpartum recovery from hyperglycaemia in a majority of dams, liver disease markers were further elevated by postnatal day 15.

Maternal liver disease markers were associated with the severity of hyperglycaemia at gestational day 18.

The association between hyperglycaemic exposure and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease signals a need for more rigorous monitoring and follow‐up of maternal glycaemia and health in diabetic pregnancy in humans.
Multi-Physics Investigations on the Gas-Powder Flow and the Molten Pool Dynamics During Directed Energy Deposition Process
Authors: Duan Chenghong , Cao Xiankun , Luo Xiangpeng , Shang Dazhi , Hao Xiaojie
Published: April 2023

In order to establish a high-fidelity mechanism model for investigating the molten pool behaviors during directed energy deposition (DED) process, a molten pool dynamics model combined with the discrete element method is developed in the present study. The proposed model contains several newly added particle sources to further intuitively reproduce the interaction between the discrete powder particles and the molten pool. Meanwhile, the effects of the nozzle structure, carrier gas, and shielding gas on the feedstock feeding process are simulated in detail using the gas-powder flow model based on the multi-phase flow theory. The gas-powder flow model is used to provide the reasonable outlet velocities, focal distance, and radius of the focal point for the particle sources in the molten pool dynamics model, which solves the difficulty that the motion state of the powder streams obtained by the molten pool dynamics simulation is hard to reproduce the actual situation. Besides, relevant experiments are conducted to verify the developed models. The predicted parameters of the powder streams are consistent with the experiment, and the deviations of the predicted molten pool dimensions are less than 10%. The heat and mass transfer phenomena inside the molten pool are also revealed. Furthermore, the maximum size of the spherical pore defects is predicted to be 18.6 µm, which is underestimated by 7% compared to the microscopic observation. Altogether, the numerical methods developed in this study could further augment and improve the samples for the machine learning modeling of DED process.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website.
Evolution of Immune Evasion and Host Range Expansion by the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant
Authors: Ren Wenlin , Zhang Yu , Rao Juhong , Wang Ziyi , Lan Jun , Liu Kunpeng , Zhang Xuekai , Hu Xue , Yang Chen , Zhong Guocai , Zhang Rong , Wang Xinquan , Shan Chao , Ding Qiang
Published: April 2023

The recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant with numerous mutations in the spike protein has rapidly become the dominant strain, thereby raising concerns about the effectiveness of vaccines. Here, we found that the Omicron variant exhibits a reduced sensitivity to serum neutralizing activity induced by a three-dose inactivated vaccine but remains sensitive to entry inhibitors or an ACE2-Ig decoy receptor.
Genome-Wide CRISPR-Cas9 Screen Identifies SMCHD1 as a Restriction Factor for Herpesviruses
Authors: Tian Xuezhang , Zhou Yaru , Wang Shaowei , Gao Ming , Xia Yanlin , Li Yangyang , Zhong Yunhong , Xu Wenhao , Bai Lei , Fu Bishi , Zhou Yu , Lee Hye-Ra , Deng Hongyu , Lan Ke , Feng Pinghui , Zhang Junjie
Published: April 2023

Intrinsic immunity represents the frontline of host defense against invading pathogens. However, our understanding of cell-intrinsic antiviral effectors remains limited.