bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clip cage conundrum: Assessing the interplay of confinement method and aphid genotype in fitness studies
Authors: Martinez‐Chavez Laura Marcela , Roberts Joe M. , Karley Alison J. , Shaw Bethan , Pope Tom W. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBehavior and fitness are important ecological traits frequently measured in insect bioassays. A common method to measure them in soft‐bodied herbivorous insects involves confining individuals to plant leaves using clip cages. Although studies have previously highlighted the negative effects of clip cages on leaf physiology, little is known about the impact that using this confinement method has on insect fitness. The responses of different aphid genotypes/clones to different containment methods have not previously been investigated. Here we measured key fitness traits (intrinsic rate of natural increase, mean relative growth rate, time to reach reproductive adulthood and population doubling time) in the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (Hemiptera: Aphididae), when confined to plants using two methods: (1) clip cages to confine aphids to individual strawberry leaves and (2) a mesh bag to confine aphids to whole strawberry plants. Our study identified a strong negative impact on all the measured aphid fitness traits when using clip cages instead of mesh bags. We also identified genotype‐specific differences in response to confinement method, where clip cage confinement differentially affected the fitness of a given aphid genotype compared to the same genotype on whole plants. These results suggest that clip cage use should be carefully considered when experiments seek to quantify insect fitness and that whole plants should be used wherever possible. Given the prevalence of clip cage use in insect bioassays, our results highlight the need for caution when interpreting the existing literature as confinement method significantly impacts aphid fitness depending on their genotype.
Dealing with sampling bias and inferring absence data to improve distribution models of a widely distributed vulnerable marsupial
Authors: Brizuela‐Torres Diego , Elith Jane , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Briscoe Natalie J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSpecies distribution models are widely used to identify potential and high‐quality habitat of endangered species to inform conservation decisions. However, their usefulness is constrained by the amount and quality of biodiversity data and the approaches for dealing with data deficiencies. Presence‐only data, used in presence/background modelling methods, are widely available but are often affected by sampling bias. Presence/absence modelling methods are less affected by biases, but data are less common. We modelled the distribution of a widely distributed, endangered species from Australia – the greater glider – and tested how predictions were influenced by data treatment and modelling framework. We collated available species data and fitted generalized linear models and boosted regression trees using presence/absence data, as well as using an augmented dataset that included additional presences alongside absences inferred from survey data. We also fitted presence/background models, adopting three common strategies for bias correction. We compared model performance quantitatively through evaluation metrics calculated internally and on held out data, and qualitatively by identifying areas of agreement of spatial predictions. We found that presence/background models with bias correction performed better than not corrected, though evaluation metrics did not favour a single strategy. Presence/absence models outperformed presence/background models in comparable metrics and delivered different spatial predictions. Importantly, differences in spatial predictions between models had the potential to substantially alter decisions about where to protect high‐quality habitat. The approach to inferring absences proved useful, as models fitted with these outperformed all other models. Dealing with sampling bias requires additional time and data management strategies, but we found that the time invested allowed improvement of models and more reliable predictions. Our results suggest that ancillary occurrence data and careful data handling can improve both presence/background and presence/absence models.
Impact of sexual function domains on sexual satisfaction and quality of life: Importance across the age spectrum
Authors: Cabo Jackson J. , Kaufman Melissa R. , Johnsen Niels V. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundSexual satisfaction is an important component of global quality life for many adult men. Substantial gaps exist in our appreciation of how age mediates sexual satisfaction in the context of functional sexual measures. We sought to evaluate modifiable factors associated with overall sexual satisfaction and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large, age‐stratified community‐based sample of adult men.MethodsA sample of adult males registered with the online research service ResearchMatch completed a 75‐item online questionnaire in this cross‐sectional study. Queries included demographics, general health data, and validated sexual health measures including International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT). Multivariable regression was performed to assess associations with self‐reported sexual satisfaction (defined by “moderately satisfied” or “very satisfied” on the 5‐level Likert scale) and overall HRQoL (as measured by the EQ‐5D‐visual analog scale (VAS) stratified by age.ResultsOne thousand thirty‐three men completed the survey and were stratified by age cohorts. IIEF‐5 and PEDT scores were higher in younger cohorts. On multivariable regression analysis, higher IIEF‐5, lower PEDT, better overall health‐related quality of life, and the presence of a sexual partner within the last month were associated with an increased likelihood of overall sexual satisfaction. When stratified by age cohort, higher IIEF‐5 scores were consistently positively associated with sexual satisfaction (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% CI 1.15–1.22, P < 0.001), as well as independently associated with improved overall HRQoL by EQ‐5D‐VAS (β = 0.71, Standard Error (SE) = 0.08, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe erectile function was independently associated with sexual satisfaction and quality of life across all age strata and predictive of both sexual satisfaction and global HRQoL. Low overall rates of sexual satisfaction across cohorts highlight the critical importance of evaluation and treatment of sexual health, regardless of age.
The development and evaluation of a homemade laparoscopic endotrainer using the IDEAL framework and MISTELS scoring system: a pilot study
Authors: Malik Muhammad Usman , Connelly Tara M. , Awan Naila Akhtar , Bhatti Fatima Rizwan , Hayat Rana Saddaqat , Awan Hafiz Riaz Hussain 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundA prospective IDEAL stage 2a pilot study was carried out at a tertiary care center to evaluate the reliability of a homemade laparoscopic endotrainer, following the MISTEL and IDEAL framework guidelines.MethodsThe validated modified (MISTELS) score was used to test the reliability of a low‐cost laparoscopic trainer with commonly found components built by surgeons. Basic household materials including a cellular phone (camera source), wifi (linking source) and freely available webcam apps were used for construction. Five basic laparoscopic skills were performed by general surgery resident volunteers with minimal (1–6 months') laparoscopic surgery experience and tested and retested based on efficiency and precision. To determine interrater reliability, two trained observers scored all subjects. The Cronbach alpha test was used to test for internal consistency between tasks. The Interclass correlation coefficient is used for test and retest reliability.Results15 (80% male, mean age 28 ± 5 years) residents were included. The interrater and test–retest reliabilities for the total scores of the basic laparoscopic skills tests were 0.952 (95% CI, 0.895–0.981) and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.35–0.77), respectively. The Cronbach Alpha for the first assessment test and retest was 0.83. The MISTELS metrics had excellent reliability, exceeding the threshold level of 0.8.ConclusionIt is possible to assemble a low‐cost, reliable trainer at home to enhance laparoscopic skills during residency.
Forest structure and heterogeneity increase diversity and alter composition of host–parasitoid networks
Authors: Rappa Nolan J. , Staab Michael , Ruppert Laura‐Sophia , Frey Julian , Mello Marco A. R. , Klein Alexandra‐Maria 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Antagonistic host–parasitoid interactions can be quantified using bipartite and metanetworks, which have the potential to reveal how habitat structural elements relate to this important ecosystem function.
Here, we analysed the host–parasitoid interactions of cavity‐nesting bees and wasps, as well as their abundance, diversity and species richness with forest structural elements from 127 forest research plots in southwestern Germany.
We found that parasitoid abundance, diversity and species richness all increase with host abundance, a potential mediator between parasitoids and forest structure. Both parasitoid abundance and diversity increased with stand structural complexity, possibly mediated by the abundance of hosts. In addition, parasitoid abundance increased with increasing standing deadwood and herb cover.
The bipartite networks of host–parasitoid interactions showed higher connectance with increasing standing deadwood, herb cover and host abundance. Analyses of interactions within the host–parasitoid metanetwork revealed that increasing host abundance and decreasing canopy cover diversify the suites of interactions present at the plot level.
These results demonstrate that forest structural elements can improve the stability and resilience of host–parasitoid networks by promoting parasitoids and diversifying interactions in ecological networks.
Chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr) disease incidence and its effect on the morphological and anatomical features of Castanea sativa trees
Authors: Keleş Seray Özden , Ünal Sabri , Akan Sefer , Karadeniz Mertcan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) is an ecologically and economically valuable tree species worldwide. Various pathogens, both endemic or introduced, cause severe damage or death to chestnut trees. Chestnut blight, caused by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica, is one of the most devastating plant diseases known which influences chestnut trees in all major cultivation regions. The work presented here aimed to investigate how the incidence of chestnut blight varied between trees growing at two altitudes (200–400 m vs. 400–600 m) and to determine the impact of chestnut blight on tree‐ring width, morphology and anatomy of C. sativa trees. The incidence of C. parasitica infections was greater at 200–400 m than at 400–600 m. Greater stem diameters were found at 200–400 m than at 400–600 m. There were no differences in stem diameters and heights, however, between healthy and C. parasitica infected chestnut trees. The anatomical characteristics of wood were also compared between healthy and C. parasitica‐infected chestnut trees. Fibre cell traits (length/width, lumen width, lumen area) were higher in healthy trees than in C. parasitica‐diseased trees. Vessel diameters were greater in infected compared with healthy trees. Tree ring widths and wood anatomical characteristics therefore were significantly influenced by C. parasitica infections.
Financial debt contracting and managerial agency problems
Authors: Imbierowicz Björn , Streitz Daniel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper analyzes if lenders resolve managerial agency problems in loan contracts using sweep covenants. Sweeps require a (partial) prepayment when triggered and are included in many contracts. Exploiting exogenous reductions in analyst coverage due to brokerage house mergers and closures, we find that increased borrower opacity significantly increases sweep use. The effect is strongest for borrowers with higher levels of managerial entrenchment and if lenders hold both debt and equity in the firm. Overall, our results suggest that lenders implement sweep covenants to mitigate managerial agency problems by limiting contingencies of wealth expropriation.
Opportunities and challenges with transitioning to non‐lethal sampling of wild fish for microbiome research
Authors: Kelly Lisa A. , Yost Christopher K. , Cooke Steven J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe microbial communities of fish are considered an integral part of maintaining the overall health and fitness of their host. Research has shown that resident microbes reside on various mucosal surfaces, such as the gills, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, and play a key role in various host functions, including digestion, immunity, and disease resistance. A second, more transient group of microbes reside in the digesta, or feces, and are primarily influenced by environmental factors such as the host diet. The vast majority of fish microbiome research currently uses lethal sampling to analyse any one of these mucosal and/or digesta microbial communities. The present paper discusses the various opportunities that non‐lethal microbiome sampling offers, as well as some inherent challenges, with the ultimate goal of creating a sound argument for future researchers to transition to non‐lethal sampling of wild fish in microbiome research. Doing so will reduce animal welfare and population impacts on fish while creating novel opportunities to link host microbial communities to an individual's behavior and survival across space and time (e.g., life‐stages, seasons). Current lethal sampling efforts constrain our ability to understand the mechanistic ecological consequences of variation in microbiome communities in the wild. Transitioning to non‐lethal sampling will open new frontiers in ecological and microbial research.
MRI‐defined T3, clear mesorectal fascia mid–low rectal cancer: is neoadjuvant treatment necessary?
Authors: Zeng Ziwei , Li Ze , Luo Shuangling , Huang Liang , Liang Zhenxing , Zheng Xiaobin , Li Wenxin , Xiong Li , Liu Huashan , Kang Liang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimNeoadjuvant treatments (nCRT) are becoming the standard treatment for patients with stage II or III mid‐low rectal cancer. Recently, some studies have shown that surgery alone may be sufficient for patients with T3 rectal cancer. This raises the question of whether nCRT is necessary for all patients with T3 rectal cancer. Therefore, this study compared the clinical outcomes of patients with MRI‐defined T3, clear MRF mid–low rectal cancer treated with surgery alone (TME group) or nCRT followed by surgery (nCRT + TME group).MethodsA total of 1509 patients were enrolled in this study. After a 1:1 propensity score matching analysis, 480 patients were included in each group. The primary endpoint was 3‐year disease‐free survival (DFS). The secondary endpoints included the perioperative outcomes, histopathologic outcomes, and other follow‐up outcomes.ResultsnCRT had advantages in rates of sphincter‐preserving surgery and tumor downstaging, but it was accompanied by a higher rate of enterostomies. At 3 years after surgery, local recurrence occurred in 3.3% of patients in the TME group and in 3.5% of patients in the nCRT + TME group (P = 0.914), the DFS rates were 78.3% in the TME group and 75.3% in the nCRT + TME group (P = 0.188), and the overall survival rates were 90.3% in the TME group and 89.9% in the nCRT + TME group (P = 0.776).ConclusionsSurgery alone versus nCRT followed by surgery may provide similar long‐term oncological outcomes for patients with MRI‐defined T3, clear MRF, and mid–low rectal cancer. nCRT may cause overtreatment in some patients.
Two‐stage deep‐learning‐based colonoscopy polyp detection incorporating fisheye and reflection correction
Authors: Hsu Chen‐Ming , Chen Tsung‐Hsing , Hsu Chien‐Chang , Wu Che‐Hao , Lin Chun‐Jung , Le Puo‐Hsien , Lin Cheng‐Yu , Kuo Tony 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and AimColonoscopy is a useful method for the diagnosis and management of colorectal diseases. Many computer‐aided systems have been developed to assist clinicians in detecting colorectal lesions by analyzing colonoscopy images. However, fisheye‐lens distortion and light reflection in colonoscopy images can substantially affect the clarity of these images and their utility in detecting polyps. This study proposed a two‐stage deep‐learning model to correct distortion and reflections in colonoscopy images and thus facilitate polyp detection.MethodsImages were collected from the PolypSet dataset, the Kvasir‐SEG dataset, and one medical center's patient archiving and communication system. The training, validation, and testing datasets comprised 808, 202, and 1100 images, respectively. The first stage involved the correction of fisheye‐related distortion in colonoscopy images and polyp detection, which was performed using a convolutional neural network. The second stage involved the use of generative and adversarial networks for correcting reflective colonoscopy images before the convolutional neural network was used for polyp detection.ResultsThe model had higher accuracy when it was validated using corrected images than when it was validated using uncorrected images (96.8%vs90.8%,P < 0.001). The model's accuracy in detecting polyps in the Kvasir‐SEG dataset reached 96%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.94.ConclusionThe proposed model can facilitate the clinical diagnosis of colorectal polyps and improve the quality of colonoscopy.
Escherichia coli NF73‐1 disrupts the gut–vascular barrier and aggravates high‐fat diet‐induced fatty liver disease via inhibiting Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Ke Ziliang , Huang Yibo , Xu Jun , Liu Yun , Zhang Yu , Wang Yang , Zhang Yifan , Liu Yulan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsGut–vascular barrier (GVB) dysfunction has been shown to be a prerequisite for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. However, the causes of GVB disruption and the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we explored whether and how Escherichia coli (E. coli) NF73‐1, a pathogenic E. coli strain isolated from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients, contributes to NAFLD by modulating the GVB.MethodsC57BL/6J mice were fed with high‐fat diet (HFD) or normal diet in the presence or absence of E. coli NF73‐1 for the indicated time periods. Intestinal barrier function and infiltration of immune cells were evaluated in these mice. Endothelial cells were exposed to E. coli NF73‐1 for barrier integrity analysis.ResultsHFD‐induced GVB disruption preceded the damage of intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) as well as intestinal and hepatic inflammatory changes and can be reversed by vascular endothelial growth factor A blockade. Antibiotic treatment prevented mice from HFD‐induced liver steatosis by restoration of the GVB. Notably, E. coli NF73‐1 caused a more conspicuous damage of GVB than that of the IEB and contributed to NAFLD development. Mechanistically, E. coli NF73‐1 dismantled the GVB by inhibiting the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Activation of Wnt/β‐catenin improved the GVB and impeded the translocation of E. coli NF73‐1 into the liver in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionsE. coli NF73‐1 disrupts GVB and aggravates NAFLD via inhibiting the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Targeting E. coli NF73‐1 or selectively enhancing the GVB may act as potential avenues for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
The movement patterns and foraging resources of Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) in Franz Josef Land archipelago and connectivity with theKara‐BarentsSea population
Authors: Solovyova Maria , Gebruk Anna , Artemyeva Svetlana , Rozhnov Viatcheslav V. , Isachenko Artyom , Lazareva Renata , Chukmasov Pavel , Glazov Dmitry , Ermilova Yulia , Kokorin Alexander , Mardashova Maria , Shabalin Nikolay 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Franz Josef Land population of the Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) remains one of the least studied. Here, 26 walruses were tagged with satellite‐linked radio transmitters in Franz Josef Land archipelago and Victoria Island in summer‐autumn 2020 and 2021 to assess movements patterns and area utilization. In addition, 65 grab samples were taken to evaluate macrobenthic foraging resources. The mean duration of data records was 53 ± 27 days. The walruses traveled on average 29 ± 13.5 km/day with a mean speed of 1.2 ± 0.6 km/hr. The travel speed and distance were statistically different for male, female, and immature walruses. The individuals tagged on Victoria Island remained in the vicinity of the island, while walruses tagged within the Franz Josef Land archipelago moved between the islands, utilizing the entire area for foraging trips. One walrus migrated from Franz Josef Land to Novaya Zemlya in late November, providing evidence of connectivity with the Kara‐Barents Sea population. The area was characterized by high average biomass of macrobenthos. Bivalve mollusks,Hiatella arctica, were dominating macrobenthic biomass, likely being the main foraging resource for the walruses. Further observations are needed to better understand winter behaviors of Franz Josef Land walruses and possible impacts of climate change on movement patterns.
Metabolic effects of milk fatty acids: A literature review
Authors: Muñoz‐Alvarez Karla Y. , Gutiérrez‐Aguilar Ruth , Frigolet María E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMilk and dairy products are known to have a significant role in human development and tissue maintenance due to their high nutritional value. With the higher incidence of obesity and metabolic diseases, nutrition and public health authorities have recommended the intake of fat‐free or low‐fat dairy due to the saturated fatty acid content of whole‐fat products and their effect on serum cholesterol levels. However, recent studies have questioned the association between milk fat consumption and cardiometabolic risk. This literature review aims to compile the scientific evidence of the metabolic effects of milk fatty acids in clinical and basic research studies, as well as their relationship with metabolic disorders and gut microbiota composition. Research shows that various milk fatty acids exert effects on metabolic alterations (obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) by modifying glucose homeostasis, inflammation and lipid profile‐related factors. Additionally, recent studies have associated the consumption of milk fatty acids with the production of metabolites and the promotion of healthy gut microbiota. From mainly observational studies, evidence suggests that milk and dairy fatty acids are not directly linked to cardiometabolic risk, but further controlled research is necessary to clarify such findings and to assess whether dietary recommendations to choose low‐fat dairy foods are necessary for the population for the prevention of obesity and cardiometabolic disease.