bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food resource competition between African wild dogs and larger carnivores in an ecosystem with artificial water provision
Authors: Sandoval‐Serés Elisa , Mbizah Moreangels , Phiri Shepherd , Chatikobo Simbarashe Pride , Valeix Marion , van der Meer Esther , Dröge Egil , Madhlamoto Daphine , Madzikanda Hillary , Blinston Peter , Loveridge Andrew J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPredators of similar size often compete over prey. In semi‐arid ecosystems where water is a limiting resource, prey availability can be affected by water distribution, which further increases resource competition and exacerbate conflict among predators. This can have implications for carnivore dietary competition. Hence, we evaluated the dynamics of food resource competition between African wild dogs and four competing predators (cheetahs, leopards, lions and spotted hyaenas) in different seasons and across areas with different waterhole densities in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. We used the frequency of occurrence of prey items found in predators' scats to analyse diet composition, overlap and prey preference. For most predators, kudu was most frequently consumed and preferred. Low and medium water‐dependent prey (medium and small‐sized) were mostly consumed by wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs. Wild dog diet overlap was high with all predators, particularly with hyaenas and lions. There were no seasonal differences in the predators diet. The diet overlap of wild dogs with lions was highest in the low waterhole density area, and wild dog diet composition did not differ significantly from the diet of lions and hyaenas. In the low waterhole density area, wild dogs and hyaenas broadened their niche breadth, and predators diet had a higher proportion of low water‐dependent prey. A low density of waterholes increased food resource competition. However, high density of waterholes, where there is more prey availability, can increase the aggregation and density of predators, and hence, increase the risks involved in interspecific competition on wild dogs. To reduce food resource competition on wild dogs, we propose to conserve larger‐bodied prey that are less dependent on water (e.g. kudu, reedbuck, eland and gemsbok). As the use of water pumping is common practice, we propose maintaining water management heterogeneity where prey which is less dependent on water can also thrive.
The condition‐dependence of male genital size and shape
Authors: Pennell Tanya M. , Sharma Manmohan D. , Sutter Andreas , Wilson Drew T. , House Clarissa M. , Hosken David J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe male genitals of internal fertilisers evolve rapidly and divergently, and sexual selection is generally responsible for this. Many sexually selected traits are condition‐dependent—with their expression dependent upon the resources available to be allocated to them—as revealed by genetic or environmental manipulations of condition. However, it is not clear whether male genitals are also condition‐dependent. Here we manipulate condition in two ways (via inbreeding and diet) to test the condition‐dependence of the genital arch ofDrosophila simulans. We found that genital size but not genital shape suffered from inbreeding depression, whereas genital size and shape were affected by dietary manipulation of condition. The differential effects of these treatments likely reflect underlying genetic architecture that has been shaped by past selection: inbreeding depression is only expected when traits have a history of directional selection, while diet impacts traits regardless of historical selection. Nonetheless, our results suggest genitals can be condition‐dependent like other sexually selected traits.
Frogs and flows: Using life‐history traits and a systematic review to establish water‐dependent functional groups for stream frogs in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Coleman Daniel W. , Wood Rebecca J. , Healey Michael 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHydrological alteration has contributed to the global decline of stream frogs. Flows support stream frog reproduction, juvenile development, food resources, and maintain habitats for all life stages. At present, there is a lack of information regarding the specific water requirements necessary for the conservation of stream frogs. To address this gap, we developed a traits‐based approach that serves as a valuable tool for grouping and prioritising water‐dependent stream frog species to inform future research priorities and environmental flow design. In this study, we focussed on 53 Australian frog species and analysed eight species traits to develop water‐dependent functional groups for stream frogs. We classified frogs based on their level of water dependency using an agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis and a systematic review of water requirements and water management threats. The distinguishing traits that determined functional groups were: tadpole body type, egg clutch type, stream breeding habitat type, and documented association with flowing water and water permanence. Our study identified two distinct water‐dependent groups: facultative stream spawners, capable of reproducing in both stream and non‐stream habitats, and obligate stream spawners, restricted solely to stream habitats. Importantly, we highlight that the obligate stream spawners are the most sensitive group to within‐channel flow alteration and should be prioritised for water management decisions in lotic environments. This study represents the first comprehensive overview of the importance of hydrology for stream frogs and identifies the critical need for additional research and validation to enhance our understanding of stream frog responses to flows regimes.
Exercise positively impacts global longitudinal strain in women at risk of developing cardiovascular disease
Authors: Murray James , Bennett Hunter , Bezak Eva , Perry Rebecca 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCardiovascular (CV) disease accounts for one third of deaths in females, with hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk factors for its development. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a strong prognostic indicator for future CV dysfunction and can be impaired in women with HTN and T2DM. This study aimed to determine if exercise impacts GLS in women with HTN or T2DM. A randomized crossover trial was conducted with 15 women (aged 64.1 ± 4.7) diagnosed with HTN (n = 12) or T2DM (n = 3). Participants completed an 8‐week exercise and 8‐week non‐exercising control period, separated by a 21.6 ± 14.2‐week washout period. Resting echocardiography and exercise testing were performed pre and post each arm to measure GLS and aerobic fitness (VO2peak). GLS (%) improved significantly following exercise (−16.8 ± 1.5 to −18.4 ± 1.8; p ≤ 0.001, d = 0.98), but not control (−17.2 ± 2.0 to −16.9 ± 1.4; p = 0.585, d = −0.14). Similarly, VO2peak (mL/kg/min) increased following exercise (18.0 ± 2.1 to 19.2 ± 2.6; p ≤ 0.001, d = 0.53), but not control (17.5 ± 2.7–17.2 ± 2.7; p = 0.269, d = −0.12). There were significant between‐group differences for GLS (p ≤ 0.001, d = 1.02) and VO2peak (p = 0.011, d = 0.63). Aerobic exercise positively impacts GLS and VO2peak in women with HTN and T2DM. GLS may inform exercise professionals regarding the early effectiveness of an aerobic exercise intervention and infer a reduction in CV disease risk.
Validity of Apple Watch, Garmin Forerunner® 935 and GENEActiv for estimating energy expenditure during close quarter battle training in Special Forces soldiers
Authors: Uphill Angela , Kendall Kristina L. , Fogarty Alison , Guppy Stuart , Brown Hannah , Zomer Travis , Parker Simon , Haff G. Gregory 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of three wrist‐worn devices for estimating energy expenditure (EE) and heart rate (HR) during close “Close Quarter Battle” (CQB). Fifty male soldiers (mean ± SD: age 30.9 ± 4.6 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.64 m and body mass 87.3 ± 7.7 kg) wore three activity monitors (Apple Watch 5, Garmin Forerunner® 935 and GENEActiv accelerometer), a Metamax 3B metabolic cart and a Polar chest strap, whilst conducting a CQB training activity (duration: 26.6 ± 5.0 min). EE and HR data from each test device were compared against criterion measures using ordinary least products regression, 95% limits of agreement, equivalence testing and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). Based upon the criterion measure the mean EE for the activity was 372.2 ± 57.6 kcal. All of the devices tested demonstrated fixed and/or proportional bias for EE and a MAPE of >10% (Apple 11.3%, Garmin 15.3%, GENEActiv 57.7%) and therefore did not agree with the criterion. The Apple Watch was a valid method for measuring HR, with a MAPE of 0.6%, and differences with the criterion falling within acceptable limits (≤1 bpm = 83.7%; ≤3 bpm = 97.5% and ≤5 bpm = 97.5%), whereas the Garmin Forerunner® 935 was not valid for measuring HR due to an unacceptable difference compared to the criterion (≤1 bpm = 19.1%; ≤3 bpm = 33.3% and ≤5 bpm = 45.2%). Overall, the Apple Watch 5 can be recommended for measuring HR, but none of the devices are recommended for estimating EE, during CQB.
Does dual‐tasking affect the ability to generate anticipatory postural adjustments in young adults?
Authors: Vazaka Angeliki , Franklin Zoe , Mills Richard 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate how additional cognitive tasks (Stroop test and counting backwards task) influence young adults' ability to generate appropriate postural responses while standing on a continuously oscillating platform. Twenty young adults (25.95 ± 2.97 years) stood on a moving platform which was translated in the anterior–posterior direction at three different frequencies (0.10, 0.25 and 0.50 Hz) in three dual‐task conditions (counting backwards task, a Stroop task or no additional cognitive task). Postural muscle onset latencies and tonic activity levels of the leg muscles were measured through surface electromyography; the number of steps taken and cognitive errors made were recorded. Results showed no significant differences in muscle activity between dual and single‐tasking conditions nor between the two dual tasking conditions. Cognitive errors were made in the counting backwards task but not the Stroop task. A frequency effect was identified with participants showing greater tonic activity in rectus femoris (p = 0.012), gastrocnemius medialis (p = 0.016) and bicep femoris (p = 0.043) at 0.5 Hz, as well as earlier muscle activation in tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis and bicep femoris (p < 0.001) at 0.50 Hz. Transition and steady state muscle onset latencies were only significantly different for gastrocnemius medialis at 0.25 Hz (p = 0.001). Dual tasking did not seem to influence anticipatory postural adjustments in young adults; however, perturbation intensities did. The differences observed in the number of cognitive errors made could be indicative of the regional cortical activations and overlapping demand for resources interfering with balance control, though cortical activation was not recorded. Future research should include detailed cognitive behavior, including cortical activations and task reaction times to better understand the allocation of attentional resources during perturbed balance dual tasking.
Effects of 3 days of citrulline malate supplementation on short‐duration repeated sprint running performance in male team sport athletes
Authors: Faria Vinicius S. , Egan Brendan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCitrulline malate (CM) is purported to be an ergogenic aid during various types of exercise performance. However, the effects of CM on repeated sprint performance (RSP) are under‐explored. In a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, counterbalanced cross‐over design, male university‐level team sport athletes (n = 13) performed two familiarization trials, after which CM or placebo (PLA) (8 × 1 g tablets each day) were taken on the 2 days prior to, and with breakfast on the morning of, each main experimental trial. The main experimental trials employed a RSP protocol consisting of 10 repetitions of 40 m maximal shuttle run test (MST) with a 30 s interval between the start of each sprint. Sprint times and heart rate were recorded throughout the MST, and blood lactate concentrations were measured before, immediately after, and 5 min after completing the MST. CM resulted in better RSP compared to PLA, as indicated by a lower sprint performance decrement (Sdec: CM, 4.68% ± 1.82% vs. PLA, 6.10% ± 1.83%; p = 0.03; ES = 0.77), which was possibly influenced by the fastest sprint time being faster in CM (CM, 8.16 ± 0.34 s vs. PLA, 8.29 ± 0.39 s; p = 0.011; ES = 0.34). There were no differences between CM and PLA in average sprint time (p = 0.54), slowest sprint time (p = 0.48), blood lactate concentrations (p = 0.73) or heart rate (p = 0.18), nor was there a condition × time interaction effect across the 10 sprints (p = 0.166). Three days of CM supplementation (8 g daily) attenuated the sprint performance decrement during short‐duration high‐intensity exercise in the form of running RSP in male university‐level team sport athletes.
Photosensitivity and self‐induction in patients aged 50 and older
Authors: van Asch C. J. J. , Spetgens W. P. J. , Bourez‐Swart M. D. , Meppelink A. M. , Deckers C. L. P. , van Blooijs D. , Kasteleijn‐Nolst Trenité D. G. A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivePhotosensitivity is known to occur predominantly in children and adolescents and with a clear female predominance. Little is known on the prevalence of photosensitivity in older patients (50+) and its phenotypical appearance.MethodsA retrospective observational study was performed investigating the prevalence of a photoparoxysmal EEG response (PPR) on at least one EEG during the period 2015–2021. Data were gathered from patients aged 50 years and older by retrieving clinical and EEG characteristics from existing medical records. Data on photosensitivity‐related symptoms in daily life were gathered with telephone interviewing.ResultsIn 248 patients a PPR had been elicited, of whom 16 patients (6.5%) were 50 years or older. In older patients, photosensitivity was a persistent feature of childhood‐onset epilepsy (n = 8), of adult‐onset epilepsy (n = 7), or an incidental finding (n = 1). In the 50+ group, 56% of photosensitive patients was female, whereas 72% in the total PPR‐group. In six of 16 older patients, eye closure sensitivity was observed; two of these patients reported self‐induction. Symptoms of photosensitivity in daily life were present in eight out of nine patients who consented in a telephone interview. For seven of these patients, wearing sunglasses was helpful.SignificanceFemale preponderance for photosensitivity was not found in epilepsy patients of 50 years and older. In 44% of the older photosensitive patients in this series, the PPR was a feature of adult‐onset epilepsy. Symptoms of photosensitivity in daily life in older patients with epilepsy seem comparable to those in younger patients, and thus worthwhile to diagnose and treat them equally.
Antimicrobial activity of stingless bee honey (Tribe: Meliponini) on clinical and foodborne pathogens: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cabezas‐Mera Fausto , Cedeño‐Pinargote Ariana C. , Tejera Eduardo , Álvarez‐Suarez José M. , Machado António 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHoney produced by stingless bees (Tribe: Meliponini) is well‐known for their medicinal and antimicrobial properties from their diverse content of bioactive compounds. However, it has not been possible to fully characterize its active principles. The present systematic review is based on 117 full‐text articles. Our review highlights (1) the need to apply complementary methodologies and consolidate protocols to quantify antimicrobial activity (2) to characterize antimicrobial agents in honeys of Heterotrigona itama, Tetragonisca angustula, and Melipona beecheii, and; (3) to search for compounds against multidrug‐resistant and/or biofilm‐forming pathogens. Moreover, we performed a meta‐analysis of 29 articles with quantitative data using diffusion assays and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most evaluated pathogens, evidencing 221 and 149 antimicrobial activity assays against honey samples of 36 and 24 stingless bee species, respectively. The highest pooled mean in diffusion assays against S. aureus showed a difference between methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and non‐MRSA strains {14.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): 12.16–16.71] mm vs. 11.55 (95% CI: 10.22–12.87) mm}, whereas E. coli showed pooled means of 9.09 (95% CI: 7.93–10.25) mm. Regarding MIC expressed as volume/volume percentage (%, v/v), the estimated inhibitory concentrations were 7.89 (95% CI: 3.94–11.83) mL/100 mL for MRSA and 5.60 (95% CI: 2.66–8.55) mL/100 mL considering all S. aureus strains. In contrast, the estimated MICs as weight/volume percentage (%, w/v) showed 15.00 [(95% CI: 12.84–17.16) g/100 mL for S. aureus and 16.17 (95% CI: 5.78–26.55) g/100 mL for E. coli. However, honey remains an unexplored source of antimicrobial molecules.
Evaluation of modified atmosphere packaging system developed through breathable technology to extend postharvest life of fresh muscadine berries
Authors: Khalil Uzman , Rajwana Ishtiaq A. , Razzaq Kashif , Singh Shehbaz , Sarkhosh Ali , Brecht Jeffrey K. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMuscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia Michx.) are delicate in nature with short shelf life. Postharvest technologies like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with reduced oxygen (O2) and elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) could increase the postharvest storage life with better quality. In the current experiment, physical and biochemical quality attributes of black and bronze cultivars of muscadine grapes ('Supreme' and 'Granny Val', respectively) were evaluated in active MAP. Fruit were packed in plastic trays, sealed with impermeable film, and CO2 was introduced into the package. The MAP was created by a rigid microperforated plastic patch coated with a proprietary semipermeable resin, which was applied over a hole in the tray; packages with the same size hole without a patch were the control. Fruit were stored at 4°C for 42 days (6 weeks). MAP resulted in significantly lower decay incidence and better retention of fruit firmness for up to 28 days of storage in both cultivars as well as reducing color changes in 'Supreme' fruit. Although MAP did not affect the biochemical quality of muscadine grapes, total antioxidants increased initially and then decreased during storage, irrespective of packaging treatments. A significant linear increase in total phenolic content was also found during storage, regardless of treatments applied. Overall, the results of the current study demonstrate that MAP can be an affective technology to increase storage duration of muscadines with better retention of physical quality, without affecting the biochemical attributes.
Microorganisms in the rumen and intestine of camels have the ability to degrade 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4, 5‐f]quinoline
Authors: Lin Jialing , Zeng Chuanhui , Li Xueli , Tang Qin , Liao Jing , Jiang Yan , Zeng Xianchun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHeterocyclic amines (HAs) are a group of mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds produced from the processing of high‐protein foods, which include 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4, 5‐f]quinoline (IQ) showing the strongest carcinogenic effect. Camels are able to digest HAs in foods, which provide rich microbial resources for the study. Thus, camel rumen and intestinal microbiota were used to degrade IQ, and the dominant microorganisms and their degradation characteristics were investigated. After three generations of culture with IQ as the sole carbon source, the highest abundance in rumen and intestinal microbes was found in the Proteobacteria phylum. The strains of third generation of the rumen contents were mainly attributed to the genera Brevundimonas and Pseudomonas, and the dominant genera in intestine were Ochrobactrum, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas. Microorganisms were further isolated and purified from the third generation cultures. These 27 strains from the rumen (L1–L27) and 23 strains from the intestine (C1–C23) were obtained. Among them, four strains with the most effective degrading abilities were as follows: L6 (28.55% of IQ degrading rate) and C1 (25.19%) belonged to the genus Ochrobactrum, L15 (23.41%) belonged to the genus Pseudomonas, and C16 (20.89%) were of the genus Bacillus. This study suggested the application of abundant microbial resources from camels' digestive tract to biodegrade foodborne toxins.
Durvalumab in combination with chemoradiotherapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Results from the Phase 1 CLOVER study
Authors: Bauman Julie E. , Karam Sana D. , O'Brien Cathy , Mak Gabriel , Cho Byoung Chul 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Phase 1 CLOVER study (NCT03509012) assessed durvalumab in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) in patients with advanced solid tumors; we report results from the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cohort.MethodsPatients with histologically/cytologically confirmed locally advanced HNSCC, eligible for definitive cCRT and not considered for primary surgery, received durvalumab plus cisplatin and concurrent external beam radiation. Objectives were to assess safety/tolerability and preliminary efficacy.ResultsEight patients were enrolled. The most frequent any‐cause adverse events (AEs) were nausea and radiation skin injury (each n = 5); most frequent grade 3/4 AEs were lymphopenia and stomatitis (each n = 3). No patients had dose‐limiting toxicities. Objective response rate was 71.4% (5/7 patients; four complete responses, one partial response); disease control rate was 85.7% at 18 weeks and 83.3% at 48 weeks.ConclusionsDurvalumab plus cCRT was tolerable and active in patients with unresected, locally advanced HNSCC.
RIBM3DU‐Net: Glioma tumour substructures segmentation in magnetic resonance images using residual‐inception block with modified 3D U‐Net architecture
Authors: Shajahan Syedsafi , Pathmanaban Sriramakrishnan , Tiruvenkadam Kalaiselvi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGlioma brain tumour is one of the life‐threatening diseases in the world. Tumour substructure segmentation by physicians is a time‐consuming task with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique due to the size of clinical data. An automatic and well‐trained method is essential to detect and segment the tumour which increase the survival of the patients. The proposed work aims to produce high accuracy on glioma substructures segmentation with less computation time using deep learning. From the literature survey, the following challenges are found: (i) computing complex spatial boundaries between normal and tumour tissues, (ii) feature reduction and (iii) overfitting problems. Hence, we proposed a fully automatic glioma tumour segmentation using a residual‐inception block (RIB) with a modified 3D U‐Net (RIBM3DU‐Net). It includes three phases: pre‐processing, modified 3D U‐Net segmentation and post‐processing. From the results, RIB with U‐Net enhances the segmentation accuracy. GPU parallel architecture reduces the computation time while training and testing. For quantitative analysis, comprehensive experiment results were computed and compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods. It achieves better Dice scores on enhancing tumour, tumour core and complete tumour of 87%, 87% and 94%, respectively. GPU speedup folds yield up to 48× when compared with CPU. Quantitatively, 3D glioma volume is rendered from the obtained segmented results and estimated using the Cavalieri estimator.