Search Results (58)

Some studies have shown that the identities of asexual individuals can be devalued and invalidated through processes of dehumanization. However, research examining dehumanization and attitudes toward asexual parents remains scarce. Drawing on the dual model of dehumanization, this experimental study aimed to investigate the denial of traits associated with human nature (HN; denial of basic human emotions) and human uniqueness (HU; denial of a rational mind), as well as perceptions of parenting competence and warmth attributed to different maternal targets. It was hypothesized that asexual mothers would be judged more negatively on the HN dimension, but not on the HU dimension, compared to allosexual mothers. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that perceived behavior toward children, assessed in terms of warmth, would be associated with the denial of HN (but not HU) for asexual mothers. The study involved 298 participants (M_age = 35.97, SD = 15.04), who read one of three scenarios that were identical except for the sexual orientation of the mother: (1) heterosexual allosexual mother; (2) lesbian allosexual mother; and (3) asexual mother. Participants were then asked to evaluate the target with dehumanization measures and perceived parenting behaviors. Results showed that the asexual mother was perceived more negatively than all other targets across all variables. Moreover, parallel mediation analyses revealed that the perception of a lack of warmth in the asexual mother (compared to the other targets) was mediated by the denial of HN, but not HU. In contrast, both HN and HU were found to mediate judgments of parental competence. These findings provide initial evidence of stigma faced by asexual parents, highlighting the need for further research into the attitudes directed toward them. Full article

Background: The genus Dugesia (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) includes a large diversity of free-living freshwater flatworms and is important for studies on regeneration and evolution. This study aims to describe a newly discovered asexual planarian species from southern China and explore its genetic characteristics and regenerative abilities. Methods: An integrative taxonomic analysis was conducted using morphology, karyology, histology, molecular phylogeny (18S, 28S, COI, mitogenome), and genome size estimation via flow cytometry. Regeneration was assessed by standardized amputations, and long-term asexual propagation was observed under laboratory conditions for three years. Results: Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear (18S, 28S rDNA) and mitochondrial (COI, mitogenome) markers confirmed that Dugesia cantonensis Guang Yang & Zhinan Yin, sp. nov. forms a distinct clade within Dugesia. Its 18,125 bp mitogenome contains 36 genes but lacks atp8. D. cantonensis displays a distinctive morphology, notably a pharynx located near the head. All body fragments regenerated into complete individuals within nine days. Remarkably, one individual produced ~10⁵ clonal descendants over three years via repeated amputation, maintaining stable regenerative ability and growth across generations. Karyological analysis revealed a diploid karyotype (2n = 16) consisting of eight chromosome pairs. The nuclear genome size was estimated at approximately 2.5 Gb using Danio rerio as an internal standard. Histological examination showed no detectable reproductive organs, confirming the species as an exclusively asexual lineage. Conclusions: D. cantonensis represents a new planarian strain with stable propagation and regeneration. These features make it a valuable resource for regenerative biology and comparative genomic studies. Full article

Sexual health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, yet individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant stigma and discrimination, affecting self-esteem, relationships, and sexual expression. This review examined the recent literature (2020–January 2024) on intimacy and sexuality among adolescents and young adults with ASD, incorporating 32 studies. Findings highlight poorer sexual health among autistic individuals compared to the general population, with difficulties in forming romantic relationships and navigating sexual interactions due to hypersensitivity. Autism is also linked to non-conforming gender identities and asexuality, exposing individuals to dual stigma within the LGBTQ+ community. Autism-related traits hinder sexual health knowledge, increasing risks of victimisation, abuse, and sexually transmitted infections. Comprehensive sexual education and inclusive support are crucial to address these challenges and promote sexual well-being for autistic individuals. Full article

Long-term clonality has profound consequences for genetic structure despite offering an alternative means of reproductive assurance under unfavorable conditions for sexual reproduction. Vanilla shenzhenica Z. J. Liu & S. C. Chen (Orchidaceae), the only endangered Vanilla species in China, exhibits a clear tendency towards asexual propagation, as evidenced by its small, fragmented wild populations. To develop effective conservation strategies for this species, it is essential to assess the extent of clonality and evaluate genetic diversity both within and among populations. In this study, we sampled 43 individuals from cultivated and wild populations of V. shenzhenica and analyzed their phylogenetic relationships, genetic structure, and diversity based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Our results indicate that all the studied wild populations are predominantly sustained by vegetative growth, each forming a monoclonal patch with a single genotype. The overall genetic diversity within V. shenzhenica is low likely due to a combination of factors, including clonality, reduced effective population size, and environmental disturbances. These findings underscore the urgent need for the conservation management of this species. Conservation plans should prioritize ex situ conservation efforts, focusing on promoting assisted sexual reproduction to produce viable seeds and offspring that combine diverse genotypes from different populations. This study provides valuable insights in relation to effective conservation planning for endangered clonal species. Full article

The pursuit of sustainable protein is underway. This debate is often framed as a choice between two competing agrifood futures: the “no cow” and “clean cow” perspectives. The former comes from alternative protein advocates, while the latter aims to support practices, discourses, and livelihoods associated with regenerative ranching. The findings presented reveal greater nuance than what this simplistic dichotomy suggests. This paper utilizes data collected from fifty-eight individuals in California and Colorado (USA). Participants in the sample were identified by their attendance at various events focused on sustainability in protein production and includes a subsample of regenerative farmers who self-identified as persons of color, disabled or differently abled, and/or part of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual) community. The sample features a range of viewpoints associated with regenerative livestock and non-livestock protein production. The data support arguments aligned with “clean cow” framings, as determined by the anticipated scope of sustainable protein transformations. However, the paper cautions against solely relying on this frame without further interrogating its contours. It particularly notes that the values of specific “clean cow” actors and networks mirror key aspects of “no cow” perspectives. These similarities are especially evident among upstream actors like investors, corporate interests, and government sponsors. For these individuals and networks, the “no” versus “clean” distinction—despite suggesting radically different agrifood futures—overshadows underlying shared concerns that align with core elements of the status quo. A case is also made for greater reflexivity and, thus, inclusivity as we think about who is included in these debates, as the data tell us that this shapes how we frame what is at stake. Full article

Agropyron michnoi is a perennial grass with rhizomes in the genus Agropyron. It has a strong tolerance to drought and low temperature, and it is an established species in sandy flat and hilly slope lands, which constitute sandy grassland. So, it is an important forage species in dry grassland and desert steppes. Rhizomes not only enable asexual reproducibility but also confer strong resilience to stresses in A. michnoi. However, during production and utilization, it has been found that there are significant differences in the development of rhizomes among individuals of A. michnoi, yet the regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, the A. michnoi ‘Baiyinxile’ was used as the material, and the anatomical structures of the rhizomes, roots, and stems were analyzed using the paraffin sectioning technique. The results showed that the anatomical structure composition of the cross-section of the rhizome was similar to that of the root, while the arrangement of the vascular bundles in the stele was different from that of the root but similar to that of the stem. Subsequently, the Agropyron michnoi plants were classified into two types: plants with rhizomes and plants without rhizomes. Root, stem, and rhizome samples were collected from each type, and RNA sequencing was conducted. De novo transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the candidate genes involved in rhizome development. From the RNA sequencing, a total of 103.73 Gb clean bases were obtained, from which 215,282 unigenes with an average length of 905.67 bp were assembled. Among these unigenes, 161,175 (74.87%) were functionally annotated based on seven common public databases. From pairwise comparisons of differentially expressed genes between the five samples, 129 candidate genes that are potentially specifically expressed in rhizomes were selected. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the rhizome-expressed genes are highly enriched in pathways of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism. The rhizome-specific expression pattern of 10 of the 129 candidate genes was further validated using qRT-PCR. Through the analysis of metabolites, 11 metabolites closely related to rhizome development, such as choline and betaine, were successfully identified. CYP family genes were selected for functional verification, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that CYP86B1 was grouped with CYP 86B1 of species such as Triticum aestivum and Lolium rigidum and was named AmrCYP86B1. The cloning results showed that its size was 1599 bp, and its subcellular localization was in the endoplasmic reticulum. Through stable genetic transformation, the study found that AmrCYP86B1 can promote the development of plant roots and stems and increase the dry matter content of the roots. Hormone detection showed that overexpression of AmrCYP 86B1 decreased the content of ABA hormone and increased the content of GA3 hormone in the plants. Combined with previous studies, it was determined that AmrCYP 86B1 promoted rhizome elongation by regulating ABA and GA3 hormones. The selected candidate genes involved in rhizome development, along with the preliminary functional verification, provide a preliminary mechanistic interpretation of rhizome development. This will contribute to in-depth research on the molecular mechanism of rhizome development in A. Michnoi. Full article

Background: Two high primary-immunization doses of a wild-type E. tenella strain were assessed in healthy pullets (5K versus 10K sporulated oocysts/bird) to understand the effects of coccidia infection. Methods: Acquired immunity was evaluated following primary immunization and two booster doses with the homologous strain. Total oocyst shedding, clinical signs, and viability of every bird/group after each immunization/booster were recorded. Indirect ELISA measured the time course of humoral responses from each immunization group against sporozoite and second-generation merozoite of E. tenella. Antigen pattern recognition on these two asexual zoite stages of E. tenella was analyzed using Western blotting with antibodies from each immunization program. Afterwards, antigen recognition of specific life-cycle stages was performed using individual pullet serums from the best immunization program. Results: A primary-immunization dose of 1 × 10⁴ oocysts/bird reduced the oocyst output; however, all pullets exhibited severe clinical signs and low specific antibodies titers, with decreased polypeptide recognition on both E. tenella asexual zoite stages. In contrast, immunization with 5 × 10³ oocysts/bird yielded the best outcomes regarding increased oocyst collection and early development of sterilizing immunity. After the first booster dosage, this group’s antisera revealed a strong pattern of specific antigen recognition on the two assayed E. tenella life-cycle stages. Conclusions: The E. tenella-specific antibodies from the 5 × 10³ oocysts/bird immunization program can aid in passive immunization trials and further research to identify B-cell immunoprotective antigens, which could help in the development of a genetically modified anticoccidial vaccine. Full article

Background: Research has consistently shown increased drug use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals. This is particularly the case among LGBTQIA+ adolescents. Substance use within this vulnerable community can propagate mental health issues, leading to psychiatric disorders, self-harm, and even suicide. Therefore, the objective of this scoping review was to evaluate the determinants of drug use among LGBTQIA+ adolescents. Methods: A comprehensive search of mainly primary research was conducted, using several databases. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2023 were included. The scoping review was conducted using the framework outlined by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses—Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement. Results: A total of 29 articles (including 400,194 participants) were included in the analysis. The articles reported that the main determinants of drug use among LGBTQIA+ adolescents include homelessness, peer–peer interactions, mental health, and protective factors. The articles reported that mental health issues, which were mainly triggered by rejection, were the main determinants of drug use among LGBTQIA+ adolescents. Conclusions: Findings from this scoping review provide relatively reliable evidence that homelessness, mental health, peer–peer interactions, and protective factors are the main determinants of illicit drug use among LGBTQ+ adolescents. Rigorous studies including large sample sizes and systematic reviews are needed to further confirm these findings and assist in developing interventions to combat the unusually high level of drug use among this group. Full article

While the past two decades have seen an increase in research into both asexuality and polyamory, little is known about their intersection, that is, people who identify as asexual and engage in polyamorous relationships. Using an online survey, we explored the experiences of participants who identify as asexual or on the ace spectrum (e.g., demisexual, gray-asexual) and were in a polyamorous relationship at the time of the survey (N = 321). The majority of our participants identified as White (79.02%), a plurality identified as women (27.1%), and ages ranged from 18 to 53 years old (M = 29.55, SD = 6.77). Two qualitative questions related to motivations for engaging in polyamory were analyzed for this study (N = 224). The first question asked about personal motivations, and the second asked about partner(s)’s influence. Eight codes emerged across the two questions: Needs fulfillment, Exploration/contemplation, Solution to relationship conflict/personal insecurity, a Desire to connect with multiple people, Personal/relationship growth, Rejecting monogamy, Introduced by partner, and Other/no additional context. One additional code was found in Q2: Reluctance/jealousy/distrust. The most common code overall was Exploration/contemplation. Our findings indicate that fulfilling a partner’s sexual needs was not a primary motivating factor for ace individuals engaged in polyamory. Ace individuals were more likely to describe experiences as exploring their identity and fulfilling personal needs for connection and intimacy. These findings indicate that motivations for engaging in polyamory are not solely centered in fulfilling sexual desires, and they may have larger implications for the what the scope of romantic and sexual relationships can look at outside of a monogamous and heteronormative context. Full article

Access to mental healthcare is undoubtedly of major importance for LGBT+ people worldwide, given the high prevalence of mental health difficulties due to minority stress exposures. This study drew mixed-method survey data from the community-based KAMI Survey (n = 696) to examine the enablers, barriers, and unmet needs experiences of LGBT+ individuals in accessing mental healthcare services in Malaysia. First, we present findings from a series of descriptive analyses for sociodemographic differences in unmet needs for mental healthcare, barriers, and satisfaction levels with different types of mental healthcare. Next, we conducted an inductive thematic analysis of open-text comments (n = 273), with relevance drawn to Andersen’s Behavioural Model of Healthcare. More than a quarter (29.5%) reported an unmet need for mental healthcare, and some groups (younger, asexual or queer, or participants living in non-major cities) reported higher unmet needs. More than three-fifths (60.5%) reported not knowing where to find culturally safe mental health professionals. The thematic analysis uncovered key contextual (e.g., mental health practitioners’ stance, stigma, collaborative client-care) and individual (e.g., positive expectation of mental health services and anticipated stigma) attributes that influence healthcare experiences. Participants also identified resources that facilitate healthcare utilisation, such as affordability, availability of suitable professionals, and geographical considerations. The implications of our findings for the mental healthcare practices in Malaysia were outlined. Full article

Naidids are tiny, transparent freshwater oligochaetes, which are well known for their ability to propagate asexually. Despite the fact that sexually mature individuals and cocoons with embryos are sometimes found in nature, in long-period laboratory cultures, worms reproduce agametically only. In this paper, we showed, for the first time, the expression of Vasa, Piwi, and Pl10 homologs in mature Pristina longiseta worms with well-developed reproductive system structures and germ cells. Although the animals have been propagated asexually by paratomic fission for over 20 years in our lab, some individuals become sexualized under standard conditions for our laboratory culture and demonstrate various stages of maturation. The fully matured animals developed a complete set of sexual apparatus including spermatheca, atrium, seminal vesicles, and ovisac. They also had a clitellum and were able to form cocoons. The cues for the initiation of sexual maturation are still unknown for P. longiseta; nevertheless, our data suggest that the laboratory strain of P. longiseta maintains the ability to become fully sexually mature and to establish germline products even after a long period of agametic reproduction. On the other hand, many of the sexualized worms formed a fission zone and continued to reproduce asexually. Thus, in this species, the processes of asexual reproduction and sexual maturation do not preclude each other, and Vasa, Piwi, and Pl10 homologs are expressed in both somatic and germline tissue including the posterior growth zone, fission zone, nervous system, germline cells, and gametes. Full article

Developmental biology studies ontogenesis, the individual development of an organism from the time of fertilization in sexual reproduction or its expelling from the maternal organism in asexual reproduction to the end of an organism’s life, with all phenotypical characters typical of this biological species and supporting the normal course of all biochemical processes and morphogenesis [...] Full article

Chemsex refers to the use of psychoactive drugs for sexual purposes—before or during sex. This phenomenon mainly affects men, in particular those belonging to the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual, and more diverse individuals) community. From the perspective of the transactional theory of stress, chemsex can be considered a strategy for coping with stress, which is why it is also extremely important to verify its role in functioning outside the sexual sphere. For this reason, this study verified the relationship between the use of chemsex, perceived stress, sexual well-being, and life satisfaction in young Polish men. The study involved 175 men (67 people using chemsex and 108 people in the control group) between 18 and 33 years of age. The Perceived Stress Scale, the Short Scale of Sexual Well-being, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the authors’ questionnaire about the use of chemsex were used. It was observed that individuals using chemsex showed a significantly lower level of sexual well-being and satisfaction with life (moderate effects) and a higher level of perceived stress (strong effect) when compared to the control group not using psychoactive substances. Additionally, a positive and moderate relationship was observed between the number of psychoactive substances used and perceived stress in the group of individuals using chemsex. Moreover, the number of substances used and the level of perceived stress were negatively and moderately related to the level of well-being in these individuals. It was also shown that perceived stress was a significant predictor of the number of psychoactive substances used before and during sex and that perceived stress and the number of psychoactive substances used were significant and negative predictors of life satisfaction and sexual well-being, explaining a large portion of their variance. Full article

The cross-sectional study examines minority stress and depression symptoms regarding various sexual and gender minority (SGM) identities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and asexual (LGBTQA) individuals from Poland. The online survey was conducted among 509 people. Participants aged between 18 and 47 (M = 22.39, SD = 4.78). Gender identity included 262 cisgender women, 74 cisgender men, 31 transgender women, 53 transgender men, and 89 nonbinary individuals. Sexual identity comprises 197 bisexual, 150 homosexual, 78 pansexual, 33 asexual, 21 undefined, 14 heterosexual, 9 demisexuals, 6 queer, and 1 sapiosexual individual. The Daily Heterosexist Experiences Questionnaire (DHEQ) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale—Revised (CESD-R) were used to measure minority stress and depression symptoms, respectively. Among LGBTQA participants, 99.80% declared minority stress at least once during the past year. In particular, vicarious trauma was experienced in 99.80% of participants, vigilance in 95.87%, harassment and discrimination in 80.35%, stress related to the family of origin in 69.16%, and to gender expression in 68.76% of respondents. Depression symptoms were found in 62.50% of respondents. Significantly higher rates of depression and minority stress were presented in dual than single SGM individuals. Binomial logistic regression showed that such sources of minority stress as vigilance, harassment, and gender expression could predict depression symptoms. Therefore, prevention and intervention programs should be designed for the LGBTQA population focusing on coping with these sources of minority stress, especially among those of dual SGM identity. Full article

Hydrozoans are widely known for their complex life cycles. The life cycle usually includes an asexual benthic polyp, which produces a sexual zooid (gonophore). Here, we performed an extensive analysis of 183 specimens of the hydrozoan genus Sarsia from the White Sea and identified four types of gonophores. We also compared the type of gonophore with haplotypes of the molecular markers COI and ITS. Analysis of COI sequences recovered that the studied specimens related to the species S. tubulosa, S. princeps and S. lovenii, and that the S. lovenii specimens divided into two COI haplogroups. More intraspecific genetic diversity was revealed in the analysis of the ITS sequences. The Sarsia tubulosa specimens divided into two ITS haplotypes, and presumably, hybrid forms between these lineages were found. For S. lovenii, we identified 14 ITS haplotypes as a result of allele separation. Intra-individual genetic polymorphism of the ITS region was most likely associated with intraspecific crossing between the different haplotypes. The diversity of the morphotypes was associated with the genetic diversity of the specimens. Thus, we demonstrated that the morphologically variable species S. lovenii is represented in the White Sea by a network of intensively hybridizing haplotypes. Hybridization affects the morphology and maturation period of gonophores and presumably affects the processes of speciation. Full article