bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Realized flower constancy in bumble bees: Optimal foraging strategy balancing cognitive and travel costs and its possible consequences for floral diversity
Authors: Takagi Kentaro , Ohashi Kazuharu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Pollinating insects often exhibit flower constancy, that is, the tendency to make consecutive visits to the same flower species while disregarding others. This behaviour is commonly attributed to the cost of retrieving visual or motor memories from long‐term storage while switching between flowers with distinct colours and shapes. Accordingly, researchers often predict co‐flowering species to exhibit significantly greater phenotypic diversity than random expectation, thereby minimizing heterospecific pollen transfer. However, field observations have not consistently supported this notion.

The observed inconsistencies may arise from variations in travel costs, which depend on the interaction between the foragers' constancy level and the spatial mixing of plant species. If species are evenly mixed, constant pollinators incur higher levels of travel cost due to the frequent skipping of neighbouring flowers. In contrast, if species are patchily distributed, constant pollinators experience lower levels of travel cost, as most neighbours are of the same species. Considering this, ‘realized flower constancy’ may be determined as an optimal strategy for balancing cognitive and travel costs, which dynamically vary across different degrees of spatial species mixing. Here we test this possibility in indoor experiments with bumble bees foraging from two differently coloured artificial flowers (‘species’) arranged at three mixing levels.

First, bees dramatically reduced flower constancy as species mixing increased, irrespective of flower spacing. Second, bees were less inclined to switch species after accumulating consecutive visits to one species, suggesting a rapid decay of another species' information in short‐term memory back to long‐term storage. This effect may have additionally contributed to the increased flower constancy observed in species with patchy distributions. Third, bees showed minimal constancy for similarly coloured, evenly mixed flower species, suggesting that these flowers were operated with shared short‐term memory. The constancy level was hardly affected by colour similarity when species were patchily distributed.

Results support our initial hypothesis that realized flower constancy reflects an optimal foraging strategy rather than a fixed outcome of cognitive limitation. Notably, bees' constancy increased significantly with greater colour differences only when species were evenly mixed, suggesting a novel perspective: spatial mixing promotes the evolution and maintenance of floral diversity.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Water economics of African savanna herbivores: How much does plant moisture matter?
Authors: Van Driessche Jeremy A. , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon , Nutter Ciara M. , Potter Arjun B. , Pringle Robert M. , Long Ryan A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Water is an essential and often limiting resource that pervades all aspects of animal ecology. Yet, water economics are grossly understudied relative to foraging and predation, leaving ecologists ill‐equipped to predict how the intensifying disruption of hydrological regimes worldwide will impact communities. For savanna herbivores, reliance on surface water can increase exposure to predators and competitors, and thus strategies that reduce the need to drink are advantageous. Yet, the extent to which increasing dietary water intake while decreasing water loss enables animals to forego drinking remains unknown.

We studied water budgets of sympatric African savanna antelopes that differ in size, bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus, ~35 kg) and kudu (T. strepsiceros, ~140 kg). We hypothesized that both species compensate for seasonally declining water availability by increasing consumption of moisture‐rich plants and reducing faecal water loss, and that these adjustments are sufficient for small‐bodied—but not large‐bodied—herbivores to avoid spending more time near permanent water sources as the dry season advances. We tested our predictions using temporally explicit data on antelope movements, diets, plant traits and drinking behaviour in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique.

Water content declined between the early and late dry seasons in roughly half of plant taxa consumed by antelope. Although both species reduced faecal water loss and shifted their diets towards relatively moisture‐rich plants as the dry season progressed, dietary water intake still declined. Contrary to expectation, kudu reduced selection for surface water in the late dry season without adjusting total time spent drinking, whereas bushbuck increased selection for surface water.

We developed a generalizable approach for parsing the importance of dietary and surface water for large herbivores. Our results underscore that variation in surface‐water dependence is a key organizing force in herbivore communities, that simple allometric predictions about the behavioural and ecological consequences of this variation are unreliable. Understanding wildlife water economics is a research frontier that will be essential for predicting changes in species distribution and community composition as temperatures rise and droughts intensify.
Fast‐growing annual plants drive disease spillover in multi‐host communities
Authors: Simon Margaret W. , Barfield Michael , Kortessis Nicholas , Flory S. Luke , Clay Keith , Holt Robert D. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Emerging infectious plant diseases threaten natural, agricultural and urban systems. Predicting pathogen spillover from one host species to another can reduce disease impacts, but traditional compartment models poorly explain plant disease because plants often experience localized rather than systemic disease. Thus, the amount of infection should be tracked within each host individual, rather than characterizing a host as infected or uninfected. Additionally, annual plants can grow and complete their life cycle on timescales comparable to disease progression, thereby creating potential for feedbacks between tissue growth and pathogen spread that could be important to disease spillover.

We hypothesized that, for two plant species that differ in individual‐level growth rates and share a pathogen, the faster‐growing host supports higher pathogen levels that spill onto, and negatively affect, the slower‐growing host. This prediction follows classical apparent competition theory in which prey species with high intrinsic growth rates sustain greater predator abundances, which then suppress other, slower‐growing, prey in the community. We explored whether this theory applies to plants sharing pathogens by developing an intra‐annual host–pathogen model tracking size structure of, and degree of infection in, plant hosts. We asked how growth rates of annual plant species alter spillover from a reservoir host to focal host species, and disease amplification or dilution in annual plant communities.

We found that faster‐growing host individuals supported the greatest pathogen loads compared with slower‐growing host individuals, yet they experienced smaller pathogen‐driven reductions in end‐of‐season biomass. Consistent with apparent competition predictions, pathogen spillover from reservoir to focal host species caused greatest declines in end‐of‐season biomass in focal individuals when the reservoir host was fast‐growing and focal host was slow‐growing. In communities with both fast and slow‐growing species, slower‐growing hosts generally diluted disease, while faster hosts amplified it.

Synthesis. The model predicts that faster‐growing hosts are likely to be high impact reservoirs for spillover and could amplify disease in multi‐host communities. Slower‐growing hosts are likely to bear the greater impact of pathogen spillover via reduced end‐of‐season biomass. Thus, plant growth rates could be an important factor in driving outcomes of infectious disease spillover in multi‐host annual plant communities.
Development and Validation of a Comprehensive Risk Prediction Model for Polypoid Lesions of the Gallbladder
Authors: Dou Chunxu , Han Yanzhi , Lin Lu , Wen Jiancheng , Zhao Wang , Yang Yang , Guan Shaoting , Li Xiaofeng , Gao Minzhao , Lu Jing 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPolypoid lesions of the gallbladder (PLG) represent localised protrusions of the gallbladder wall, which can be either benign or malignant. Although malignant PLG is relatively rare, its prognosis is adverse. Cholecystectomy is the most efficacious treatment for malignant PLG; however, its suitability varies among PLG patients, and its indications remain controversial. To offer guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment of PLG, 461 patients were included and classified into three subgroups based on postoperative pathological results. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors for PLG (the number of lesions, gallbladder wall thickness, gallbladder stones, and clinical symptoms), malignant PLG (age, polyp size, colour Doppler blood flow signal, gallbladder volume, and cholecystitis), and adenomatous PLG (CA199, the number of lesions, and gallbladder wall thickness). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to construct clinical prediction models for PLG (model A, containing the number of lesions, gallbladder wall thickness, gallbladder stones, and clinical symptoms), malignant PLG (model B, containing age, polyp size, CA199, and gallbladder volume), and adenomatous PLG (model C, containing CA199, the number of lesions, and gallbladder wall thickness). Subsequently, corresponding nomograms were developed. The AUC values of all models exceeded 0.7, indicating excellent predictive efficacy. Calibration curves and DCA curves affirmed the models' reliability and validity. In conclusion, the models derived from this study demonstrate significant predictive efficacy for PLG, malignant PLG, and adenomatous PLG, respectively. They are anticipated to offer guidance for the diagnosis of PLG and provide a reliable foundation for subsequent treatment strategies.
Twelve‐Year Follow‐Up of a Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Versus Mid‐Urethral Sling Surgery for Female Moderate to Severe Urinary Incontinence
Authors: van Oorschot Hélène F. C. , Tijsseling Deodata , Labrie Julien , van der Vaart Carl H. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo compare the 12‐year effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training versus midurethral sling surgery for moderate to severe female stress urinary incontinence.DesignObservational follow‐up study of a randomised controlled trial.SettingConducted at the Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands.PopulationWomen from the PORTRET study experiencing moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence.MethodsA validated questionnaire was sent to participants.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was subjective improvement in urinary incontinence symptoms. Secondary outcomes included subjective cure, severity of incontinence, impact of incontinence as urogenital symptom and cross‐over and re‐operation rates.ResultsIn this long‐term study, 184 of 386 (47.7%) women responded to the questionnaire. Cross‐over (86.9%) from the initial physiotherapy group to surgery was very high. No statistically significant differences were found in the intention to treat analysis. However, the post hoc analysis showed that women who underwent physiotherapy only reported a statistically significant lower improvement compared to those who underwent initial surgery (50.6% absolute difference; 95% CI 28.2–73.1) or surgery after physiotherapy (49.7% absolute difference; 95% CI 25.8–73.7). Subjective cure, decrease in perceived severity and impact of urinary incontinence also statistically significantly favoured women who underwent (initial) surgery Re‐operation was reported by 4.6% of women.ConclusionThis 12‐year follow‐up study showed a very high cross‐over rate to surgical treatment, considering a substantial proportion of non‐responders. Midurethral sling surgery, either initial or after physiotherapy, statistically significantly improved subjective outcomes for moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence as compared to pelvic floor muscle physiotherapy only in the long‐term.
A pilot trial exploring the use of music in the emergency department and its association with delirium and other clinical outcomes
Authors: Ní Chróinín Danielle , Wang Sandra , Nagaraj Guruprasad , Ren Shiquan , Middleton Paul M , Short Alison 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveTo assess potential feasibility of a targeted music intervention trial in older ED patients and association with clinical outcomes.MethodsProspective pragmatic trial of adults aged ≥65 years in the ED, with prevalent delirium or increased risk of incident delirium, receiving either 2‐h music intervention via headphones or usual care. The primary outcomes were (i) feasibility as assessed by actual use of the intervention (target 70% of offered patients) and (ii) incident delirium in delirium‐free patients.ResultsAmong 211 initially screened patients, 44 were included. The initially planned randomised controlled trial proved difficult due to poor intervention adherence, resulting in a move to patient self‐selection to routine care or 2‐h music intervention. There were 19 control (13 prevalent delirium) and 25 intervention participants (20 prevalent delirium); 2‐h target intervention duration was achieved in 17/25 (68%) patients (8/25 achieving <2 h). Among those without prevalent delirium, incident delirium occurred in 1/6 of control and 4/5 of intervention (P = 0.08). There were no between‐group differences in terms of improved or resolved delirium, pain scores or agitation/sedation scores (all P > 0.1).ConclusionsSelf‐selected use of a targeted music intervention was feasible in a cohort of older ED patients. While we were likely underpowered to detect associations between intervention and outcome, collection of selected outcome measures proved feasible; these may be helpful in larger scale studies. Exploration of barriers and facilitators to use, as well as preferred delivery methods, are likely to be helpful in wider investigations of music therapy in this high‐risk cohort.
Mitogenome‐Based Phylogenetic Analysis of Two Ball‐Rolling Dung Beetles, Gymnopleurus mopsus and Gymnopleurus geoffroyi (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae), with Notes on the Phylogenetic Relationships of Scarabaeinae
Authors: Lim Changseob , Choi Hee‐kyu , Bayartogtokh Badamdorj , Bae Yeon Jae , Kang Ji Hyoun 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe tribe Gymnopleurini is a well‐known group within Scarabaeinae, characterized by its diurnal ball rolling behavior. Although mitochondrial genomes have been reported for numerous Scarabaeinae species, those of Gymnopleurini remain unexplored. In this study, we document for the first time the mitochondrial genome sequences of two ball‐rolling dung beetles, Gymnopleurus mopsus (Pallas, 1781) and Gymnopleurus geoffroyi (Fuessly, 1775), from the tribe Gymnopleurini and infer the tribe's position within Scarabaeinae, whose phylogenetic relationships remain largely unresolved. Their mitochondrial genomes are circular DNA molecules, 15,591 and 15,460 bp in size, respectively, and consist of 37 genes, with an identical gene order in Scarabaeinae. Mitochondrial phylogeny, based on the sequences of 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs) from 72 Scarabaeinae species, recovered monophyly of Scarabaeinae and a sister relationship between Gymnopleurus (Gymnopleurini) and Sarophorus. This finding is the first to suggest a potential sister relationship between two groups, but like previous studies, the lack of strong synapomorphic characters implies further phylogenomic analysis is needed to confirm their relationship. Notably, the monophyly of the Onthophagini + Oniticellini lineage was supported, reflecting its biogeographic history and highlighting the need for a taxonomic revision of this species‐rich and cosmopolitan group, incorporating additional suprageneric groups. The mitochondrial genome information of two Gymnopleurini species, G. mopsus and G. geoffroyi, not only helps fill the gap in the missing mitochondrial genome data for the Gymnopleurini tribe but also contributes to future conservation efforts by providing insights into the genomic diversity and population structure of these two threatened species.
Superimposed Inhibitory Surrounds Underlying Saliency‐Based Stimulus Selection in Avian Midbrain Isthmi Pars Magnocellularis
Authors: Qian Longlong , Jia Chongchong , Wang Jiangtao , Li Shi , Wang Songwei 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn the avian midbrain network, bottom‐up spatial attention is directed by saliency‐based stimulus selection. However, it remains unclear whether the isthmi pars magnocellularis (Imc), the first site in the midbrain network representing stimulus selection, can represent stimulus salience and what is the mechanism by which the midbrain network computes salience. Here, two separate translational motion stimuli were adopted as principal stimulation protocols, and in vivo electrophysiological experiments were performed in pigeons’ Imc. By combining bio‐plausible model validation, we found two types of inhibitory surrounds of the Imc neuron receptive field, namely homologous inhibitory surrounds (HIS) and non‐homologous inhibitory surrounds (non‐HIS), and we expounded the mechanisms of their emergence. HIS is local and dependent on stimulus feature similarity for computing stimulus saliency, whereas non‐HIS is global and independent of stimulus feature similarity for computing stimulus selection. Furthermore, the superimposition of HIS and non‐HIS modulates the neural responses in Imc. The two identified inhibitory surrounds of Imc in this study more precisely explicate the entire process of realizing bottom‐up stimulus selection based on saliency in the midbrain network and indicate that Imc is a nucleus capable of representing both stimulus saliency and stimulus selection.
Nova fails to appreciate the value of plant‐based meat and dairy alternatives in the diet
Authors: Messina Mark , Messina Virgina 
Published: February 2025

AbstractProcessed foods play an important role in achieving both food and nutrition security. However, in recent years, there has been increased concern about the health effects of food processing, in large part because of the emergence of the Nova food classification system. Nova classifies all foods into one of four groups purportedly based entirely on the extent to which they have been processed. Recommendations to limit intake of ultra‐processed foods (UPF) (group 4) are based primarily on observational studies showing that their intake is associated with a range of adverse outcomes. Nearly all plant milks and the entire new generation of plant‐based meat alternatives (PBMAs), which are made using concentrated sources of plant protein, are classified as UPFs. This classification may deter the public from consuming and health professionals from recommending these products even though they represent a convenient way to increase plant protein intake in high‐income countries, which is recommended by health authorities. However, although total UPF intake is associated with adverse health outcomes, this is not the case for many subcategories of UPFs. Furthermore, in many instances, clinical research shows that PBMAs and plant milks have beneficial effects relative to their animal‐based counterparts (Group 1). Collectively, the evidence leads to two conclusions. First, PBMAs represent a viable approach for lowering the dietary animal to plant protein ratio. Second, Nova paints with too broad a brush and is insufficiently nuanced to serve as a public guide for food purchasing decisions and may distract consumers from focusing on the importance of nutrient content.
Comparison of polysaccharides isolated from Ganpu tea of different storage ages: Chemical, structural, and hypoglycemic properties
Authors: Chi En‐Zhong , Wang Li , Pan Jia‐jian , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Jiangxiong , Zhao Xin‐huai 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis study investigated the structural characteristics and hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharides isolated from Ganpu tea (GPT) in different storage periods. Three polysaccharide fractions (GPTPS1‐E2, GPTPS3‐E2, and GPTPS5‐E2, representing 1, 3, and 5 years of storage, respectively, where GPTPS is Ganpu tea polysaccharides) were extracted and purified from GPT. Chemical composition analysis revealed that all fractions were predominantly acidic polysaccharides with total sugar content exceeding 90%. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed galacturonic acid as the primary component, along with significant amounts of galactose and arabinose. Molecular weight distribution showed that different fractions had distinct distributions, with GPTPS1‐E2 and GPTPS3‐E2 showing the highest and lowest molecular weights, respectively. Fourier‐transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy provided insights into the structural characteristics of the polysaccharides. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed distinct surface morphologies and crystalline structures. The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated using a Caco‐2 cell model, demonstrating potential antidiabetic properties via the IRS1‐GLUT2‐SGLT1 axis. Comparative analysis revealed that storage time could influence the structural characteristics and hypoglycemic activity of GPTPSs, with a certain storage time generally associated with the transformation of structural characteristics related to hypoglycemic activity and the enhanced hypoglycemic effect. This research contributes to the understanding of GPTPS and their potential applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals.