bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple invasions and predation: The impact of the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus on invasive and native snails
Authors: Baudry Thomas , Millet Lola , Jarne Philippe , David Patrice , Grandjean Frédéric 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe pace of biological invasions has increased in recent decades, leading to multiple invasions and the potential dominance of invasive species, destabilizing local ecological networks. This provides opportunities to study new ecological species interactions, including predation. Tropical freshwaters have been particularly concerned by aquatic invasions and we focused here on the Martinique island (Lesser Antilles). We examined the predator–prey relationships involving invasive Thiarid snails (Tarebia granifera and Melanoides tuberculata) and the native Neritina punctulata, both confronted with a newcomer predator, the redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). We conducted several mesocosm experiments to assess the impact of crayfish predation on snail survival and the passive and active antipredator responses of snails. A first experiment indicated snail survival rates between 50% and 80%, depending on crayfish size and sex. Notably, there was a negative correlation between snail survival and male crayfish size and the predation method (shell crushing vs. “body sucking”) varied with crayfish size. The second experiment suggested no refuge size for snails, with both very small (<5 mm) and very large (>5 mm) unable to escape predation, regardless of crayfish size (from 77 to 138 mm) or sex. Finally, we investigated the escape behavior of Thiarids regarding three crayfish cues. Melanoides tuberculata tend to bury in the substrate and T. granifera to climb up aquarium walls, what was expected from their shell morphologies, and both responding to crayfish cues within minutes. Overall, C. quadricarinatus proves to be an efficient snail predator with limited escape options for snails, potentially contributing to the decline of certain snail populations in Martinique. This omnivorous predator might impact other native species across different groups, including shrimps and fish. Our study underscores the urgent need for monitoring efforts, solidifying the redclaw crayfish reputation as a dangerous invasive species for freshwater macrobenthic faunas worldwide.
Baseline glucocorticoids alone do not predict reproductive success across years, but in interaction with enzymatic antioxidants
Authors: Mentesana Lucia , Casagrande Stefania , Hau Michaela 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGlucocorticoids are known to adjust organismal functions, such as metabolism, in response to environmental conditions. Therefore, these hormones are thought to play a key role in regulating the metabolically demanding aspects of reproduction, especially in variable environments. However, support for the hypothesis that variation in glucocorticoid concentrations predicts reproductive success is decidedly mixed. Two explanations may account for this discrepancy: (i) Glucocorticoids might not act independently but could interact with other physiological traits, jointly influencing reproduction, and (ii) such an association could become apparent primarily in challenging environments when glucocorticoid concentrations increase. To address these two possibilities, we determined natural variation in circulating baseline glucocorticoid concentrations in parental great tits (Parus major) alongside two physiological systems known to be related with an individual's metabolism: oxidative status parameters (i.e., concentrations of pro‐oxidants, dietary, and enzymatic antioxidants) and body condition. These systems interact with glucocorticoids and can also influence reproductive success. We measured these variables in two breeding seasons that differed in environmental conditions. When accounting for the interaction of baseline glucocorticoids with other physiological traits, we found a positive relationship between baseline glucocorticoids and the number of fledglings in adult great tits. The strength of this relationship was more pronounced for those individuals who also had high concentrations of the enzymatic antioxidant glutathione peroxidase. When studied independently, glucocorticoids were not related to fitness proxies, even in the year with more challenging environmental conditions. Together, our study lend to support the hypothesis that glucocorticoids do not influence fitness alone, but in association with other physiological systems.
Population genomics provide insight into ancestral relationships and diversity of the feral horses of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Authors: Thompson Melissa A. , McCann Blake E. , Rhen Turk , Simmons Rebecca 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTheodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) manages a herd of feral horses (Equus caballus) which was present on the landscape prior to the establishment of the park. The population presents a unique scenario in that it has experienced fairly intensive and well‐documented management since the park's establishment, including herd size reductions, intentional introduction of diversity, and subsequent attempts to remove introduced lineages. This provides an interesting case study on the genetic effects of diverse evolutionary forces on an isolated feral population. To explore the effects of these forces and clarify the relationship of this feral herd with other horses, we used genome‐wide markers to examine the population structure of a combined dataset containing common established breeds. Using the Illumina Equine 70k BeadChip, we sampled SNPs across the genome for 118 TRNP horses and evaluated the inbreeding coefficient f and runs of homozygosity (RoH). To identify breed relationships, we compared 23 representative TRNP samples with 792 horses from 35 different breeds using genomic population structure analyses. Mean f of TRNP horses was 0.180, while the mean f for all other breeds in the dataset was 0.116 (SD 0.079). RoH analysis indicates that the TRNP population has experienced recent inbreeding in a timeframe consistent with their management. With Bayesian clustering, PCA, and maximum likelihood phylogeny, TRNP horses show genetic differentiation from other breeds, likely due to isolation, historical population bottlenecks, and genetic drift. However, maximum likelihood phylogeny places them with moderate confidence (76.8%) among draft breeds, which is consistent with the known history of breeds used on early North Dakota ranches and stallions subsequently introduced to the park herd. These findings will help resolve speculation about the origins of the herd and inform management decisions for the TRNP herd.
Field and laboratory microplastics uptake by a freshwater shrimp
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Nkosi Masimini S. , Dalu Tatenda 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMicroplastics are widespread pollutants, but few studies have linked field prevalence in organisms to laboratory uptakes. Aquatic filter feeders may be particularly susceptible to microplastic uptake, with the potential for trophic transfer to higher levels, including humans. Here, we surveyed microplastics from a model freshwater shrimp, common caraidina (Caridina nilotica) inhabiting the Crocodile River in South Africa to better understand microplastic uptake rates per individual. We then use functional response analysis (feeding rate as a function of resource density) to quantify uptake rates by shrimps in the laboratory. We found that microplastics were widespread in C. nilotica, with no significant differences in microplastic abundances among sampled sites under varying land uses, with an average abundance of 6.2 particles per individual. The vast majority of microplastics found was fibres (86.1%). Shrimp microplastic accumulation patterns were slightly higher in the laboratory than the field, where shrimp exhibited a hyperbolic Type II functional response model under varying exposure concentrations. Maximum feeding rates of 20 particles were found over a 6 h feeding period, and uptake evidenced at even the lowest laboratory concentrations (~10 particles per mL). These results highlight that microplastic uptake is widespread in field populations and partly density dependent, with field concentrations corroborating uptake rates recorded in the laboratory. Further research is required to elucidate trophic transfer from these taxa and to understand potential physiological impacts.
Niche analyses and the potential distribution of four invasive bumblebees worldwide
Authors: López‐Aguilar Tania Paola , Montalva Jose , Vilela Bruno , Arbetman Marina P. , Aizen Marcelo A. , Morales Carolina L. , Silva Daniel de Paiva 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe introduction of bees for agricultural production in distinct parts of the world and poor management have led to invasion processes that affect biodiversity, significantly impacting native species. Different Bombus species with invasive potential have been recorded spreading in different regions worldwide, generating ecological and economic losses. We applied environmental niche and potential distribution analyses to four species of the genus Bombus to evaluate the similarities and differences between their native and invaded ranges. We found that B. impatiens has an extended environmental niche, going from dry environmental conditions in the native range to warmer and wetter conditions in the invaded range. Bombus ruderatus also exhibited an extended environmental niche with drier and warmer conditions in the invaded range than in its native range. Bombus subterraneus expanded its environmental niche from cooler and wetter conditions in the native range to drier and warmer conditions in the invaded range. Finally, B. terrestris showed the most significant variation in the environmental niche, extending to areas with similar and different environmental conditions from its native range. The distribution models agreed with the known distributions for the four Bombus species, presenting geographic areas known to be occupied by each species in different regions worldwide. The niche analysis indicate shifts in the niches from the native to the invaded distribution area of the bee species. Still, niche similarities were observed in the areas of greatest suitability in the potential distribution for B. ruderatus, B. subterraneus, and B. terrestris, and to a lesser degree in the same areas with B. impatiens. These species require similar environmental conditions as in their native ranges to be established in their introduced ranges. Still, they can adapt to changes in temperature and humidity, allowing them to expand their ranges into new climatic conditions.
Dynamic nesting of Anaplasma marginale in the microbial communities of Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Piloto‐Sardiñas Elianne , Abuin‐Denis Lianet , Maitre Apolline , Foucault‐Simonin Angélique , Corona‐González Belkis , Díaz‐Corona Cristian , Roblejo‐Arias Lisset , Mateos‐Hernández Lourdes , Marrero‐Perera Roxana , Obregon Dasiel , Svobodová Karolína , Wu‐Chuang Alejandra , Cabezas‐Cruz Alejandro 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInteractions within the tick microbiome involving symbionts, commensals, and tick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) play a pivotal role in disease ecology. This study explored temporal changes in the microbiome of Rhipicephalus microplus, an important cattle tick vector, focusing on its interaction with Anaplasma marginale. To overcome limitations inherent in sampling methods relying on questing ticks, which may not consistently reflect pathogen presence due to variations in exposure to infected hosts in nature, our study focused on ticks fed on chronically infected cattle. This approach ensures continuous pathogen exposure, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the nesting patterns of A. marginale in the R. microplus microbiome. Using next‐generation sequencing, microbiome dynamics were characterized over 2 years, revealing significant shifts in diversity, composition, and abundance. Anaplasma marginale exhibited varying associations, with its increased abundance correlating with reduced microbial diversity. Co‐occurrence networks demonstrated Anaplasma's evolving role, transitioning from diverse connections to keystone taxa status. An integrative approach involving in silico node removal unveils the impact of Anaplasma on network stability, highlighting its role in conferring robustness to the microbial community. This study provides insights into the intricate interplay between the tick microbiome and A. marginale, shedding light on potential avenues for controlling bovine anaplasmosis through microbiome manipulation.
Effects of chronic daily headache with subclinical depression on brain volume: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Chih‐Lung , Lane Hsien‐Yuan , Sun Cheuk‐Kwan , Chen Meng‐Hsiang , Lee Chiao‐Yu , Li Lin , Lee Jia‐Jie , Yeh Pin‐Yang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe relationship between chronic daily headache (CDH), depression symptoms, and brain volume remains unclear.MethodsTo investigate the effects of CDH on brain volume and the impact of depressive symptoms (DSs) as well as the effects of demography and medication overuse, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched using appropriate keyword strings to retrieve observational studies from inception to May 2023.ResultsTwo distinct comparisons were made in CDH patients: (1) those with DSs versus their pain‐free counterparts and (2) those without DSs versus pain‐free controls. The first comprised nine studies enrolling 225 CDH patients with DSs and 234 controls. Beck depression inventory, Hamilton depression scale, and Hospital anxiety/depression scale were used to assess DSs, revealing significantly more DSs in CDH patients with DSs compared to their controls (all p < 0.05). Besides, the second analysed four studies involving 117 CDH patients without DSs and 155 comparators. Compared to CDH patients without DSs, those with DSs had a smaller brain volume than controls (p = 0.03). Furthermore, CDH patients with DSs who did not overuse medications showed a smaller right cerebral cortical volume than overusers (p = 0.003). A significant inverse correlation between female prevalence and brain volume (p = 0.02) was revealed using regression analysis.ConclusionsPain‐induced persistent depressive symptoms not only incur structural alterations but also encompass affective‐motivational changes, involving medication use and gender‐specific health concerns.SignificanceThis study highlighted the importance of an integrated CDH treatment, emphasizing psychological interventions for the affective‐motivational component alongside pain management.
Comparison of the diagnostic and prognostic abilities of flexible laryngoscopy and dynamic digital radiography for vocal cord paralysis: A prospective observational study
Authors: Shibuya Yukimi , Hirano Koichi , Miyamoto Makoto , Mitsuma Tomoya , Nakazato Yoko , Matsutani Noritsugu , Tanaka Ryota , Machida Haruhiko , Kondo Haruhiko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough flexible laryngoscopy (FL) is the reference modality for diagnosing vocal cord paralysis (VCP), FL involves patient discomfort and insertion intolerance. Dynamic digital radiography (DDR) with high spatial and temporal resolution is easier to use and less invasive when evaluating VCP.MethodsSeventy‐eight patients underwent FL and DDR before and after neck surgery. Qualitative and quantitative vocal cord movement (VCM) evaluations were conducted. Patients with postoperative VCP were followed‐up regularly.ResultsDDR exhibited diagnostic performance with 67% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The cutoff for VCM was 2.4 mm, with DDR exhibiting 100% sensitivity and 78% specificity. All cords with transient VCP had positive VCM at both 3 weeks and 2 months. Additionally, 50% and 75% of cords with permanent VCP had negative VCM at 3 weeks and 2 months, respectively.ConclusionsDDR is promising for the diagnosis of postoperative VCP and early prediction of permanent postoperative VCP.
Clinical and demographic characteristics associated with nail involvement in alopecia areata: A cross‐sectional study of 197 patients
Authors: Shakoei Safoura , Seifi Golnoosh , Ghanami Farbod , Ghandi Narges , Hamzelou Shahin , Nasimi Maryam , Etesami Ifa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsAlopecia areata (AA) is an immune‐mediated nonscarring alopecia. Nail changes are a common disfiguring feature of AA with an average prevalence of 30%. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of different types of nail changes and determine demographic and clinical associations.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 197 AA patients. Demographic and clinical variables including the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, type of AA, and nail changes were evaluated.ResultsAmong 197 AA patients with a mean age of 28.95 ± 14.45 years, 50.3% were female. Nail changes were detected in 165 patients (83.8%). The most frequent nail abnormalities were pitting (53.3%), linear line (46.7%), and distal notching (26.9%). AA patients with nail abnormalities were significantly younger than patients without nail changes (25.31 ± 14.96 vs. 32.22 ± 9.77 years; p < 0.001). Considering age groups, younger children (less than 10 years) were more likely to have nail changes than adults (97.1% vs. 76.5%; p < 0.001). The prevalence of linear line (69.6%) and distal notching (46.4%) were significantly higher in the universalis variant compared to other variants (p < 0.001). Pitting (54.5%), distal notching (43.9%), and koilonychia (12.1%) were the most common nail changes in severe forms compared to mild‐to‐moderate forms (p < 0.009).ConclusionsOur study revealed that young patients with severe disease are prone to nail abnormalities. Pitting, distal notching, and linear line were the most common nail changes. Of note, koilonychia, leukonychia, and red spots lunula are more expected in more severe AA.
Efficacy and safety of fezolinetant for vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Akhtar Syed Muhammad Muneeb , Ali Abraish , Khan Muhammad Sohaib , Khan Vareesha , Fareed Areeba , Saleem Syed Zia , Mumtaz Munazza , Ahsan Muhammad Nadeem , Iqbal Sadia , Asghar Muhammad Sohaib 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundVasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats, are highly prevalent and burdensome for women experiencing menopausal transition. Fezolinetant, a selective neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) antagonist, is a potential therapeutic option for mitigating VMS.ObjectivesOur aim is to assess the efficacy and evaluate the safety profile of fezolinetant compared with placebo in post‐menopausal women suffering from VMS, by pooling all the relevant data and reflecting the most current evidence.Search Strategy/Selection CriteriaAn extensive literature search was performed in the PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library databases from inception until June 2023 to identify relevant trials.Data Collection and AnalysisMean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous outcomes. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. All statistical analyses were performed using R Statistical Software.Main ResultsA total of six randomized controlled trials were added. For the frequency of daily VMS, the combined pooled result favored the fezolinetant group over placebo (MD –2.38, 95% CI –2.64 to −2.12; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%). For the severity of daily VMS, fezolinetant was again found to be superior to the placebo group (MD –0.40, 95% CI –0.51 to −0.29; P < 0.001, I2 = 70%). Fezolinetant (120 mg) consistently demonstrated a significant reduction in the severity of daily moderate/severe VMS compared with other doses at both 4 and 12 weeks. Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) of Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), PROMIS the Sleep Disturbance Short Form 8b and Menopause‐Specific Quality of Life (MENQoL) scores indicated significant improvement with fezolinetant. No significant difference in efficacy of fezolinetant at 4 and 12 weeks were observed in any outcome. As for safety, no significant differences in the treatment emergent adverse events at 12 weeks were found between fezolinetant and placebo.ConclusionsOur study significantly favors fezolinetant over placebo regarding the primary efficacy outcomes of daily moderate to severe VMS frequency and severity, including PROs, while both the groups are comparable in terms of treatment emergent adverse events. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Effect of anti‐Müllerian hormone on early pregnancy loss in hormone replacement therapy–frozen–thawed embryo transfer cycles: An analysis including 6597 pregnant patients undergoing their first in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle
Authors: Xie Huanhuan , Cheng Tiantian , Yuan Fang , Zhang Cuilian , He Qiaohua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) level and early pregnancy loss in patients who underwent their first embryo transfer by hormone replacement therapy–frozen–thawed embryo transfer (HRT‐FET) and analyze the threshold effect.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was performed on pregnant women undergoing HRT‐FET at the Reproductive Medical Center of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021. The patients were divided into four groups based on AMH concentration according to the Poseidon criteria: group A (≤1 μg/L), group B (1–≤2 μg/L), group C (2–≤6 μg/L), and group D (>6 μg/L). Univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis were applied to investigate the influence of AMH on the outcome of early pregnancy loss in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and HRT‐FET cycles.ResultsOf the 6597 pregnant women, early pregnancy loss occurred in 893, giving an early pregnancy loss rate of 13.54%. Univariate regression analysis demonstrated that age, female body mass index, AMH, antral follicle count, endometrial thickness at endometrial transformation day, total retrieved oocyte number, number of pregnancies, duration of infertility, type of infertility, and the number of embryos transferred were all factors influencing the early pregnancy loss rate (P < 0.050). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for confounders, further stratified the analysis of patients of different ages. With group A as the control group, the results showed that when age was younger than 35 years, the pregnancy loss rates in groups B, C, and D were lower than that in group A, with statistical significance (P < 0.050); when age was 35 years or older, there was no statistically significant difference in outcome indicators between the groups (P > 0.050). A threshold effect analysis revealed that the AMH threshold was 2.83 μg/L. When the AMH concentration was less than 2.83 μg/L, the early pregnancy loss rate decreased significantly with increasing AMH concentration; the early pregnancy loss rate decreased by 21% for each unit increase in AMH (odds ratio 0.79; 95% confidence interval 0.71–0.88; P < 0.001); when the AMH concentration was 2.83 μg/L or more, there was no statistical difference in the change in early pregnancy loss rate (odds ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval 0.99–1.03; P = 0.383).ConclusionFor pregnant women after their first embryo transfer, there is a curvilinear relationship between the influences of AMH levels on early pregnancy loss rates in patients younger than 35 years. When the AMH level was less than 2.83 μg/L, the early pregnancy loss rate declined significantly with increasing AMH levels.