bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rate of crop‐weed hybridization in Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum halepense is influenced by genetic background, pollen load, and the environment
Authors: Sias Cynthia , Subramanian Nithya , Hodnett George , Rooney William , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe potential for gene flow between cultivated species and their weedy relatives poses agronomic and environmental concerns, particularly when there are opportunities for the transfer of adaptive or agronomic traits such as herbicide resistance into the weedy forms. Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an important crop capable of interspecific hybridization with its weedy relative johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense). Previous findings have shown that triploid progenies resulting from S. bicolor × S. halepense crosses typically collapse with only a few developing into mature seeds, whereas tetraploids often fully develop. The objective of this experiment was to determine the impact of S. bicolor genotype and pollen competition on the frequency of hybridization between S. bicolor and S. halepense. A total of 12 different cytoplasmic male sterile S. bicolor genotypes were compared with their respective male fertile lines across 2 years, to assess the frequency of hybridization and seed set when S. halepense served as the pollinator parent. Results indicate significant differences in the frequency of interspecific hybridization among the S. bicolor genotypes, and pollen fertility in S. bicolor reduced the rate of this interspecific hybridization by up to two orders of magnitude. Further, hybridization rates greatly varied across the two study environments. Results are helpful for developing appropriate gene flow mitigation strategies and indicate that gene flow could be reduced by the selection of appropriate seed parents for sorghum hybrids.
Population structure and invasion history of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Southeast Asia and Australasia
Authors: Maynard Andrew J. , Ambrose Luke , Bangs Michael J. , Ahmad Rohani , Butafa Charles , Beebe Nigel W. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe dengue mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), is a highly invasive and medically significant vector of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika viruses, whose global spread can be attributed to increased globalization in the 15th through 20th century. Records of the invasion history of Ae. aegypti across Southeast Asia are sparse and there is little knowledge regarding the invasion routes that the species exploited to gain a foothold in the Indo‐Pacific. Likewise, a broad and geographically thorough investigation of Ae. aegypti population genetics in the Indo‐Pacific is lacking, despite this region being highly impacted by diseases transmitted by this species. We assess 11 nuclear microsatellites and mitochondrial COI sequences, coupled with widespread sampling through the Indo‐Pacific region to characterise population structure at a broad geographic scale. We also perform a comprehensive literature search to collate documentation of the first known records of Ae. aegypti at various locations in the Indo‐Pacific. We revealed additional spatial population genetic structure of Ae. aegypti in Southeast Asia, the Indo‐Pacific and Australasia compared with previous studies and find differentiation between multiple Queensland and Torres Strait Islands populations. We also detected additional genetic breaks within Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia. Characterising the structure of previously unexplored populations through this region enhances the understanding of the population structure of Ae. aegypti in Australasia and Southeast Asia and may assist predictions of future mosquito movement, informing control strategies as well as assessing the risk of new invasion pathways.
The cascading effects of submerged macrophyte collapse on geese at Poyang Lake, China
Authors: Wang Yafang , Chen Qing , Li Lei , Ding Huifang , Fraser James D. , Hou Jinjin , Wang Wenjuan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Wetland habitat degradation has become more common in recent decades, leading to an increasing occurrence of food shortages for wild animals. Although the direct effects of food shortages on consumers have been well studied, the cascading effects on interspecific interactions remain poorly understood. Targeted research is required to improve our understanding of the impacts of food shortage on animals and to facilitate the development of conservation plans.

Here, we used DNA metabarcoding and field observations of goose foraging behaviour to assess the cascading effects of collapse of tubers of Vallisneria spp., the dominant submerged macrophytes at Poyang Lake, China, on the diet of the swan goose (Anser cygnoides) and on the interspecific competition among goose species, the swan goose, the bean goose (Anser fabalis), and the greater white‐fronted goose (Anser albifrons). The metabarcoding analyses were carried out on faecal samples collected in winter 2016/17 and 2018/19, and behavioural observations were conducted in winter 2021/22.

Our study elucidated the dietary compositions of the three goose species in greater detail than previously known. When Vallisneria tubers became rare, swan geese switched their foraging focus to Carex spp. and other grassland plants. When tuber abundance rebounded, swan geese resumed tuber foraging, suggesting the superiority of tubers as food for swan geese. Swan geese foraging on Carex, the major foods of bean geese and greater white‐fronted geese, potentially increased interspecific competition among goose species. Swan geese increased their pecking rates while bean geese increased time spent foraging apparently to cope with interspecific competition.

Given the severe impacts of tuber collapses on waterbirds and the important role of Poyang Lake in waterbird protection, we advocate restoring submerged macrophytes to provide high quality foods for tuber‐foraging waterbirds.

Our study emphasises that, in addition to directly influencing consumers, food collapses may also influence other species through changes in interspecific interactions. Our study also illustrates the importance of behavioural plasticity to cope with interspecific competition and to respond to environment change.
Neighbourhood landscape context shapes local species richness patterns across continents
Authors: Li Lihe , Teng Shuqing N. , Zhang Yong , Li Yuxiang , Wang Haijun , Santana Joana , Reino Luís , Abades Sabastián , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Xu Chi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimRecent studies highlight the importance of linking landscape ecology and macroecology for a better understanding of broad‐scale biodiversity patterns. The “landscape context effect” denotes that species responses and biodiversity in a focal area are shaped by neighbouring landscape composition and structure outside the focal area. Here, we test whether the landscape context effect could be pronounced at macroecological scales.LocationSub‐Saharan Africa and continental China.Time periodLate 20th to early 21st centuries.Taxa studiedTerrestrial mammals (≥2 kg).MethodsWe calculated species richness on the basis of grid cells of 50 km × 50 km and 100 km × 100 km. We used ordinary least square and random forest models to examine the relationships between species richness within grid cells and landscape context (defined as composition and structure of the neighbouring landscape outside the grid cells, with distances of 10–400 km to the boundary of a given grid cell). We used variation partitioning to quantify the independent and shared explanatory power of the landscape context variables, grouping species by body size and diet.ResultsLandscape context alone explained ≤20% of the variation in species richness, even when controlling for correlations with macroenvironmental variables (climate, productivity and topography) and correlations with landscape attributes within the grid cells. Importantly, the explanatory power of landscape context at the scales of 100–400 km ofen outweighed grid‐cell landscape attributes or macro‐environmental variables. The independent explanatory power of landscape context was lowest for small‐sized omnivores. Furthermore, we found higher independent explanatory power for large herbivores in sub‐Saharan Africa than in continental China.Main conclusionsLandscape context plays a substantial role in shaping local biodiversity patterns at regional and continental scales, with its strength varying with organism diet and movement needs and possibilities. These findings support that conservation efforts should include effective management of landscape structure, with attention to differing space requirements among organism groups. Our work also illustrates the scope for testing landscape ecological hypotheses at macroecological scales.
Whole genome sequencing reveals novel genetic mutations of Helicobacter pylori associating with resistance to clarithromycin and levofloxacin
Authors: Lyu Tao , Cheung Ka Shing , Deng Zijie , Ni Li , Chen Chuan , Wu Juan , Leung Wai K. , Seto Wai Kay 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundDetection of mutations in one or a couple of genes may not provide enough data or cover all the genomic DNA variance related to antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori to clarithromycin (CLA) and levofloxacin (LVX). We aimed to perform whole genome sequencing to explore novel antibiotic resistance‐related genes to increase predictive accuracy for future targeted sequencing tests.MethodsGastric mucosal biopsies were taken during upper endoscopy in 27 H. pylori‐infected patients. According to culture‐based antibacterial susceptibility test, H. pylori strains were divided into three groups, with nine strains in each group: CLA single‐drug resistance (group C), LVX single‐drug resistance (group L), and strains sensitive to all antibacterial drugs (group S). Based on whole genome sequencing with group S being the control, group C and group L group‐specific single nucleotide variants and amino acid mutations were screened, and potential candidate genes related to CLA and LVX resistance were identified.ResultsThe median age of study subjects was 35 years (IQR: 31–40), and 17 (63.0%) were male. All nine CLA‐resistant strains had A2143G mutations in 23S rRNA, while none of nine sensitive strains had the mutation. Six of nine strains in group L and six of nine strains in group S had 87th or 91st mutation in gyrA. After comparing sequencing data of strains among the three groups, we identified five mutated positions belonging to four genes related to CLA resistance, and 31 mutated positions belonging to 20 genes related to LVX resistance. Novel genetic mutations were detected for CLA resistance (including fliJ and clpX) and LVX resistance (including fliJ, cheA, hemE, Val360Ile, and HP0568). Missense mutations in fliJ and cheA gene were mainly involved in chemotaxis and flagellar motility to facilitate bacterial escape of antibiotics, while the functions of other novel gene mutations underpinning antibiotic resistance remain to be investigated.ConclusionWhole genome sequencing detected potential novel genetic mutations conferring resistance of H. pylori to CLA and LVX including fliJ and cheA. Further studies to correlate these findings with treatment outcome should be performed.
The contrasting response of cavity‐nesting bees, wasps and their natural enemies to biodiversity conservation measures
Authors: Beyer Nicole , Kulow Josephine , Dauber Jens 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe implementation of agri‐environmental schemes (AES) is a major tool to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services in European agricultural landscapes. The benefit of different types and features of novel biodiversity measures needs to be assessed in order to successfully conserve insect communities in agroecosystems.We set up trap nests in 3 × 3 km landscapes in Germany, in which farmers implemented different novel biodiversity measures. We tested the effect of different features of the closest three biodiversity measures (i.e. distance to measures, measures' area, measures' quality) and of the proximity to forest and oilseed rape and of landscape connectivity on the abundance and species richness of cavity‐nesting bees, wasps and their natural enemies.We found total cavity‐nesting insect abundances to increase with measures' quality and to decline with increasing distance to oilseed rape and forest. Parasitism and mortality rates declined with edge density.Cavity‐nesting bees were not affected by biodiversity measures. Total wasp and herbivore‐predating wasp abundances increased in proximity to biodiversity measures. The abundance and species richness of all wasps, natural enemies and spider‐predating wasps declined with increasing distance to forest.Cavity‐nesting wasps benefit from biodiversity measures, while effects on solitary bees might only be detectable after several years after measure establishment. The proximity to forest is a major factor promoting insects as forest edges provide food, nesting sites and shelter. We emphasise the need for long‐term insect monitoring and an increasing focus of future AES on the creation of nesting habitats for effective insect conservation.
ChatGPTand consumers: Benefits, Pitfalls and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Paul Justin , Ueno Akiko , Dennis Charles 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe need of the hour is to encourage research on topics with newness and novelty. In this context, this article discusses multidimensional benefits and potential pitfalls of using artificial intelligence‐based Chat Generative Pre‐trained Transformer (ChatGPT), and provides numerous ideas for future research in consumer studies and marketing in the context of ChatGPT. ChatGPT provides algorithm‐generated conversational responses to text‐based prompts. Since its launch in the late 2022, ChatGPT has generated significant debate surrounding its hallmarks, benefits and potential pitfalls. On the one hand, ChatGPT can offer enhanced consumer engagement, improved customer service, personalization and shopping, social interaction and communication practice, cost‐effectiveness, insights into consumer behaviour and improved marketing campaigns. On the other hand, potential pitfalls include concerns about consumer well‐being, bias, misinformation, lack of context, privacy concerns, ethical considerations and security. The article concludes by outlining a potential future research agenda in the area of ChatGPT and consumer studies. Overall, this article provides valuable insights into the benefits and challenges associated with ChatGPT, shedding light on its potential applications and the need for further research.
Evaluation of ureteral injuries caused by ureteral access sheath insertion during ureteroscopic lithotripsy
Authors: Taguchi Makoto , Yasuda Kaneki , Kinoshita Hidefumi 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate ureteral injuries caused by insertion of a 13‐Fr ureteral access sheath and identify factors (other than pre‐stenting) that are predictive of ureteral injury.MethodsWe enrolled 201 patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL). We excluded 80 patients who underwent ureteral stent insertion before URSL, 10 patients who did not use a ureteral access sheath, and 2 patients in whom a ureteral access sheath could not be inserted. In total, 109 patients were analyzed; all underwent insertion of a 13‐Fr ureteral access sheath. We investigated ureteral injuries using the Traxer ureteral injury scale.ResultsThere were 21 (19.3%) cases of ureteral access sheath‐related ureteral injury, including 11 (10.1%) grade 2 cases and 10 (9.2%) grade 3 cases. The ureteral injury location was the proximal ureter in 20 cases (18.3%), middle ureter in one case (0.9%), and distal ureter in zero cases. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that male sex and smaller stone diameter were significant predictive factors for ureteral injury (p = 0.037, odds ratio [OR]: 5.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–24.3 and p = 0.02, OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71–0.97, respectively). Postoperative ureteral stricture did not occur in any cases.ConclusionsThe rate of ureteral injury caused by a 13‐Fr ureteral access sheath was considerable, and most ureteral injuries occurred in the proximal ureter. Male sex and smaller stone diameter were significant predictive factors for ureteral injury. The proximal ureter should be confirmed when using a 13‐Fr ureteral access sheath, particularly in male patients and patients with small stones.
Human serum‐derived exosomes modulate macrophage inflammation to promote VCAM1‐mediated angiogenesis and bone regeneration
Authors: Xiang Xi , Pathak Janak Lal , Wu Wenbin , Li Jianwen , Huang Wenyan , Wu Qiuyu , Xin Mengyu , Wu Yuejun , Huang Yuhang , Ge Linhu , Zeng Sujuan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDuring exogenous bone‐graft‐mediated bone defect repair, macrophage inflammation dictates angiogenesis and bone regeneration. Exosomes from different human cells have shown macrophage immunomodulation‐mediated bone regeneration potential. However, the effect of human serum‐derived exosomes (serum‐Exo) on macrophage immunomodulation‐mediated angiogenesis during bone defect repair has not been investigated yet. In this study, we explored the effects of serum‐Exo on macrophage inflammation regulation‐mediated angiogenesis during bone defect repair and preliminarily elucidated the mechanism. Healthy serum‐Exo was isolated by ultracentrifugation. The effect of serum‐Exo on LPS‐induced M1 macrophage inflammation was analysed in vitro. The conditioned medium of serum‐Exo‐treated LPS‐induced M1 macrophage (serum‐Exo‐treated M1 macrophage‐CM) was used to culture human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and the effect on angiogenesis was analysed by western blot, qRT‐PCR, etc. mRNA‐sequencing of HUVECs was performed to identify deferentially expressed genes. Finally, the rat mandibular defect model was established and treated with Bio‐Oss and Bio‐Oss + Exo. The effect of the Bio‐Oss + Exo combination on mandibular bone regeneration was observed by micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemical staining. Serum‐Exo promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 macrophages and reduced the expression of M1‐related genes such as IL‐6, IL‐1β, iNOS, and CD86. Serum‐Exo‐treated M1 macrophage‐CM induced the proliferation, migration, and angiogenic differentiation of HUVEC, as well as the expression of H‐type blood vessel markers CD31 and endomucin (EMCN), compared with M1 macrophage‐CM. Moreover, higher expression of vascular endothelial adhesion factor 1 (VCAM1) in HUVEC cultured with serum‐Exo‐treated M1 macrophage‐CM compared with M1 macrophages‐CM. Inhibition of VCAM1 signalling abrogated the pro‐angiogenic effect of serum‐Exo‐treated M1 macrophage‐CM on HUVEC. Local administration of serum‐Exo during mandibular bone defect repair reduced the number of M1 macrophages and promoted angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Collectively, our results demonstrate the macrophage inflammation regulation‐mediated pro‐angiogenic potential of serum‐Exo during bone defect repair possibly via upregulation of VCAM1 signalling in HUVEC.
The distribution of in‐person public K‐12 education in the time ofCOVID: An empirical perspective
Authors: Heise Michael 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, most schools across the United States abruptly transitioned to remote, virtual learning in the spring of 2020. For the 2020–2021 school year, however, public school districts' instructional mode decisions (in‐person, hybrid, and remote) varied across districts and throughout the school year. This study focuses on factors that informed school districts' instructional mode decisions and how student access to in‐person instruction, in turn, distributed across districts and students (and their families). Levering the leading nationwide data set gathered by the COVID‐19 School Data Hub (“CSDH”), supplemented by district per‐pupil spending information as well as various state‐level data, this study analyzes the percentage of in‐person instruction for the 2020–2021 school year offered by 11,063 regular public school districts from 42 states. Core findings underscore that school districts with Republican governors and in rural areas provided comparably more in‐person schooling. Conversely, school districts with higher enrollments and higher percentages of underrepresented minority students provided less. Furthermore, COVID‐19‐related death rates and the likelihood of in‐person schooling were positively related. These findings, while mixed, nonetheless raise troubling equal educational opportunity doctrine questions.
The association between frailty and the risk of medication‐related problems among community‐dwelling older adults in Europe
Authors: Ye Lizhen , Nieboer Daan , Yang‐Huang Junwen , Borrás Tamara Alhambra , Garcés‐Ferrer Jorge , Verma Arpana , van Grieken Amy , Raat Hein 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundStudies revealed unidirectional associations between frailty and medication‐related problems (MRPs) among older adults. Less is known about the association between frailty and the risk of MRPs. We aimed to assess the bi‐directional association between frailty and the risk of MRPs in community‐dwelling older adults in five European countries.MethodsParticipants were 1785 older adults in the population‐based Urban Health Centres Europe project. Repeated assessments were collected at baseline and one‐year follow‐up, including frailty, the risk of MRPs, and covariates. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the unidirectional associations. A cross‐lagged panel modeling was used to assess bi‐directional associations.ResultsThe unidirectional association between frailty at baseline and the risk of MRPs at follow‐up remained statistically significant after adjusting for covariates (β = 0.10, 95%CI:0.08, 0.13). The association between the risk of MRPs at baseline and frailty at follow‐up shows similar trends. The bi‐directional association was comparable with reported unidirectional associations, with a stronger effect from frailty at baseline to the risk of MRPs at follow‐up than reversed path (Wald test for comparing lagged effects: p < 0.05).ConclusionThis longitudinal study suggests that a cycle may exist where older adults with higher frailty levels are more likely to have a higher risk of MRPs, which in turn contributes to developing a higher level of frailty. Further research is needed to validate our findings and explore underlying pathways.