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Kuikman MA, McKay AKA, Minahan C, Harris R, Elliott-Sale KJ, Stellingwerff T, Smith ES, McCormick R, Tee N, Skinner J, Ackerman KE, Burke LM. Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phase and Hormonal Contraceptives on Resting Metabolic Rate and Body Composition. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2024; 34:207-217. [PMID: 38653456 DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2023-0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The cyclical changes in sex hormones across the menstrual cycle (MC) are associated with various biological changes that may alter resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition estimates. Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use must also be considered given their impact on endogenous sex hormone concentrations and synchronous exogenous profiles. The purpose of this study was to determine if RMR and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates change across the MC and differ compared with HC users. This was accomplished during a 5-week training camp involving naturally cycling athletes (n = 11) and HC users (n = 7 subdermal progestin implant, n = 4 combined monophasic oral contraceptive pill, n = 1 injection) from the National Rugby League Indigenous Women's Academy. MC phase was retrospectively confirmed via serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations and a positive ovulation test. HC users had serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations assessed at the time point of testing. Results were analyzed using general linear mixed model. There was no effect of MC phase on absolute RMR (p = .877), relative RMR (p = .957), or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates (p > .05). There was no effect of HC use on absolute RMR (p = .069), relative RMR (p = .679), or fat mass estimates (p = .766), but HC users had a greater fat-free mass and lean body mass than naturally cycling athletes (p = .028). Our findings suggest that RMR and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates do not significantly differ due to changes in sex hormones in a group of athletes, and measurements can be compared between MC phases or with HC usage without variations in sex hormones causing additional noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Kuikman
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alannah K A McKay
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Clare Minahan
- Griffith Sports Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- Female Performance and Health Initiative, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Rachel Harris
- Female Performance and Health Initiative, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Perth Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Research Institute, West Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kirsty J Elliott-Sale
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Trent Stellingwerff
- Canadian Sport Institute-Pacific, Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Ella S Smith
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachel McCormick
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicolin Tee
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Kathryn E Ackerman
- Female Athlete Program, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Louise M Burke
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Wilson LJ, Curtis C. Running Event, Age, and Competitive Level as Predictors of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Derived Body Composition and Bone Health Markers in Female Runners. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:e366-e372. [PMID: 38595277 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Wilson, LJ and Curtis, C. Running event, age, and competitive level as predictors of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived body composition and bone health markers in female runners. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): e366-e372, 2024-The aim of this study was to assess the impact of running discipline, competitive level (COMP), and age on body composition measures in female athletes. A total of n = 51 female runners (age: 30.9 ± 5.7 years, stature: 166.7 ± 5.7 cm, and body mass (BM): 57.1 ± 8.2 kg) completed a full-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan in a cross-sectional design. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis was used to identify differences in DXA measures and independent variables. Stepwise regression determined the contribution of independent variables on DXA measures. Body fat percentage (BF%) and fat mass (FM) differed based on COMP (BF%: H (2) = 17.451; FM: H (2) = 17.406, both p ≤ 0.0001). Competitive level modestly predicted BF% and FM (BF%: R2adj = 0.316, F (1,50) = 22.660; FM: R2adj = 0.300, F (1,50) = 21.029, both p ≤ 0.0001). Bone mineral density (BMD) and BMD Z-score (BMD Z ) did not differ between age, running discipline, or COMP (age: BMD: F (2,50) = 2.825, BMD Z : F (2,50) = 2.215; running discipline: BMD: F (3,50) = 1.145, BMD Z : F (3,50) = 1.474; COMP: BMD: F (2,50) = 0.074, BMD Z : F (2,50) = 1.297, all p ≤ 0.05). Age and running discipline modestly predicted BMD and BMD Z (BMD: R2adj = 0.179, F (1,50) = 5.264; BMD Z : R2adj = 0.173, F (1,50) = 4.545, both p ≤ 0.05). These findings indicate COMP may be a predictor of BF% and FM. Age and running discipline appear predictors of bone health markers. Such findings may enable medical and sport science practitioners to tailor interventions relating to realization of training adaptations, performance, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jane Wilson
- London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Christopher Curtis
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Villegas-Serna T, Wilson LJ, Curtis C. Topical application of L-Menthol - Physiological and genetic considerations to assist in developing female athlete research: A narrative review. J Therm Biol 2024; 119:103758. [PMID: 38070272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
L-menthol is a cyclic monoterpene derived from aromatic plants, which gives a cooling sensation upon application. With this in mind, L-menthol is beginning to be considered as a potential ergogenic aid for exercise and sporting competitions, particularly in hot environments, however female-specific research is lacking. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize available literature relating to topical application of L-menthol and provide commentary on avenues of consideration relating to future research developments of topical L-menthol in female athletes. From available studies in male participants, L-menthol topical application results in no endurance exercise performance improvements, however decreases in thermal sensation are observed. Mixed results are observed within strength performance parameters. Several genetic variations and single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified in relation to sweat production, fluid loss and body mass changes - factors which may influence topical application of L-menthol. More specifically to female athletes, genetic variations relating to sweat responses and skin thickness, phases of the menstrual cycle, and body composition indices may affect the ergogenic effects of L-menthol topical application, via alterations in thermogenic responses, along with differing tissue distribution compared to their male counterparts. This narrative review concludes that further development of female athlete research and protocols for topical application of L-menthol is warranted due to physiological and genetic variations. Such developments would benefit research and practitioners alike with further personalized sport science strategies around phases of the menstrual cycle and body composition indices, with a view to optimize ergogenic effects of L-menthol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Villegas-Serna
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Pamplona, Spain; University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Laura J Wilson
- London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, NW4 4BT, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Curtis
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Pamplona, Spain; University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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Vaquero-Cristóbal R, Catarina-Moreira A, Esparza-Ros F, Barrigas C, Albaladejo-Saura M, Vieira F. Skinfolds compressibility and digital caliper's time response in skinfold measurement in male and female young adults. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2023; 20:2265888. [PMID: 37794782 PMCID: PMC10557569 DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2023.2265888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The skinfold caliper reading of the skinfold thickness depends on its dynamic compressibility. This has led to the fact that, while it is indicated that skinfold readings should be taken when the reading is stable, there is no consensus on at what second the reading should be taken after the application of the skinfold caliper. The new Lipowise PRO digital skinfold caliper was used to analyze the evolution of skinfold readings under skinfold caliper pressure. The aim of the present investigation were: a) to analyze the evolution of the reading time of individual skinfolds when subjected to skinfold caliper pressure and when the skinfold reading reaches stability; b) to describe the physical behavior of skinfold tissues' time response to skinfold caliper pressure, and to explore differences between sites and subjects' skinfolds compressibility; and c) to analyze the sex differences in both the reading and the evolution of the skinfold over time. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional design was followed with a convenience sample of 165 healthy young adults (79 males and 86 females), with eight skinfolds measured using the Lipowise PRO skinfold caliper. The Lipowise PRO skinfold caliper uses a programmable reading time allowing for the measurement of the skinfold's thickness at a rate of 100 times per second, and monitoring skinfold behavior over the 3-second measurement period, thereby enabling the assessment of the tissue response to the constant force exerted by the skinfold caliper jaws. RESULTS All skinfolds showed statistical differences in terms of compressibility characteristics (p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between measurement time points for individual skinfolds and sum of skinfolds (p < 0.001-0.025). Stabilization being found depending on the skinfold measured from 1.5 seconds for biceps, subscapular, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, and thigh skinfolds; 2.0 seconds for ∑6 and ∑8 skinfolds; and 2.5 seconds for triceps and calf skinfolds. It was observed an effect of sex on this issue (p < 0.001-0.030). More specifically, in the case of males, the supraspinale and abdominal skinfolds stabilized after 1.5 seconds; the calf skinfold and ∑6 and ∑8 skinfolds stabilized after 2 seconds; while the rest of the skinfolds did not stabilize until 3 seconds. In the case of females, no stabilization of the triceps skinfold was found, while the rest of the individual skinfolds and the ∑6 and ∑8 skinfolds stabilized from 1.5 seconds. A regression analysis indicated that skinfold thickness could be predicted based on measurement time in 50-77% of the cases (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION A skinfold caliper application, using the digital caliper Lipowise PRO, of three seconds may be sufficient for achieving stability in the measurement and for obtaining the minimum value for most individual and sum of skinfolds. However, there are certain skinfolds that may require more time when performed on certain individuals, which vary according to sex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Catarina-Moreira
- Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francisco Esparza-Ros
- International Kinanthropometry Chair, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos Barrigas
- Instituto de Estudos Interculturais e Transdisciplinares, Fisiologia e Bioquímica do Exercício, Almada, Portugal
| | - Mario Albaladejo-Saura
- International Kinanthropometry Chair, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Facultad de Deporte, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Filomena Vieira
- University of Lisbon, Laboratory of Biomechanics and Functional Morphology, Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER), Faculty of Human Kinetics (FMH), Lisbon, Portugal
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Kanellakis S, Skoufas E, Simitsopoulou E, Migdanis A, Migdanis I, Prelorentzou T, Louka A, Moschonis G, Bountouvi E, Androutsos O. Changes in body weight and body composition during the menstrual cycle. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23951. [PMID: 37395124 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The general perception is that menstrual cycle is a factor related to body weight and body composition fluctuations in women. The lack of a standardized methodology of the so far conducted studies has led to controversial results. The aim of the current study is to identify if there are any changes in body weight and body composition during the menstrual cycle. METHODS In the current study measurements of body weight, circumferences, skinfolds and body composition with bioelectrical impedance analysis were conducted twice per week in 42 women during their menstrual cycle. RESULTS Body weight was found to be statistically significantly higher during menstruation compared to the first week of the menstrual cycle by 0.450 kg, which could be attributed to a statistically significant increase of 0.474 kg observed in extracellular water. No other statistically significant changes were observed regarding body composition. CONCLUSIONS An increase of approximately 0.5 kg was observed during women's menstrual cycle, mostly due to extracellular fluid retention at menstruation days. These findings could be taken into account to interpret body weight and composition periodic fluctuations in women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Kanellakis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Skoufas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Attica, Aigaleo, Greece
| | | | - Athanasios Migdanis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Migdanis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | | | - Aikaterini Louka
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Moschonis
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Evangelia Bountouvi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, "Alexandra" University and State Maternity Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Odysseas Androutsos
- Lab of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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Impact of 24-Hr Diet and Physical Activity Control on Short-Term Precision Error of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Physique Assessment. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2023; 33:30-38. [PMID: 36270627 DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2022-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a popular technique used to quantify physique in athletic populations. Due to biological variation, DXA precision error (PE) may be higher than desired. Adherence to standardized presentation for testing has shown improvement in consecutive-day PE. However, the impact of short-term diet and physical activity standardization prior to testing has not been explored. This warrants investigation, given the process may reduce variance in total body water and muscle solute, both of which can have high daily flux amongst athletes. Twenty (n = 10 males, n = 10 females) recreationally active individuals (age: 30.7 ± 7.5 years; stature: 176.4 ± 9.1 cm; mass: 74.6 ± 14.3 kg) underwent three DXA scans; two consecutive scans on 1 day, and a third either the day before or after. In addition to adhering to standardized presentation for testing, subjects recorded all food/fluid intake plus activity undertaken in the 24 hr prior to the first DXA scan and replicated this the following 24 hr. International Society of Clinical Densitometry recommended techniques were used to calculate same- and consecutive-day PE. There was no significant difference in PE of whole-body fat mass (479 g vs. 626 g) and lean mass (634 g vs. 734 g) between same- and consecutive-day assessments. Same- and consecutive-day PE of whole-body fat mass and lean mass were less than the smallest effect size of interest. Inclusion of 24-hr standardization of diet and physical activity has the potential to reduce biological error further, but this needs to be verified with follow-up investigation.
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Martins C, Gower BA, Hunter GR. Association between Fat-Free Mass Loss after Diet and Exercise Interventions and Weight Regain in Women with Overweight. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:2031-2036. [PMID: 35797356 PMCID: PMC9669159 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine if percent fat-free mass loss (% FFML) after diet alone, diet plus aerobic, or diet plus resistance exercise is a predictor of weight regain in women with overweight. METHODS One hundred and forty-one premenopausal women with overweight (body mass index, 28 ± 1 kg·m -2 ; age, 35 ± 6 yr) enrolled in a weight loss program to achieve a body mass index <25 kg·m -2 (diet alone, diet plus resistance, or diet plus aerobic exercise) and were followed for 1 yr. Body weight and composition (with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) were measured at baseline, after weight loss, and at 1 yr. RESULTS Participants lost 12.1 ± 2.6 kg of body weight, 11.3 ± 2.5 kg of fat mass, and 0.5 ± 1.6 kg of fat-free mass during the weight loss intervention, followed by weight regain at 1 yr (6.0 ± 4.4 kg, 51.3% ± 37.8%; P < 0.001 for all). % FFML was -3.6 ± 12.4, and a greater % FFML was associated with more weight regain ( r = -0.216, P = 0.01, n = 141), even after adjusting for the intervention group ( β = -0.07; 95% confidence interval, -0.13 to -0.01; P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS % FFML is a significant predictor of weight regain in premenopausal women with overweight. These results support strategies for conserving fat-free mass during weight loss, such as resistance training. Future research should try to identify the mechanisms, at the level of both appetite and energy expenditure, responsible for this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Martins
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Delpino FM, Figueiredo LM, Forbes SC, Candow DG, Santos HO. The Influence of Age, Sex, and Type of Exercise on the Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation on Lean Body Mass: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Nutrition 2022; 103-104:111791. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2022.111791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Thompson BM, Drover KB, Stellmaker RJ, Sculley DV, Janse de Jonge XAK. The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle and Oral Contraceptive Cycle on Muscle Performance and Perceptual Measures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010565. [PMID: 34682310 PMCID: PMC8536049 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Most reproductive-aged women are exposed to fluctuating female steroid hormones due to the menstrual cycle or oral contraceptive use. This study investigated the potential effect of the menstrual cycle and combined monophasic oral contraceptive cycle on various aspects of muscle performance. Thirty active females (12 with a natural menstrual cycle, 10 taking a high-androgenicity oral contraceptive and 8 taking a low-androgenicity oral contraceptive), aged 18 to 30 years, were tested three times throughout one menstrual or oral contraceptive cycle. Counter-movement jumps, bilateral hop jumps, handgrip strength, isometric knee extensor strength and isokinetic knee flexion and extension were assessed. Perceptual ratings of fatigue, muscle soreness, pain and mood were recorded. Most variables showed no significant changes over the menstrual or oral contraceptive cycle. However, for the menstrual cycle group, isokinetic knee flexion at 240° s−1, and time of flight in bilateral hopping and counter movement jumps showed better results during the mid-luteal phase compared with the late follicular phase. For the high-androgenicity oral contraceptive group, isokinetic knee flexion at 240° s−1 was significantly higher in the late hormone phase compared with the early hormone phase. For the low-androgenicity oral contraceptive group, time of flight for the counter-movement jumps was lower in the late hormone phase compared with the early hormone phase. The findings indicate that faster and explosive aspects of muscle performance may be influenced by endogenous and exogenous female hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda M. Thompson
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia; (K.B.D.); (R.J.S.); (X.A.K.J.d.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kaitlyn B. Drover
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia; (K.B.D.); (R.J.S.); (X.A.K.J.d.J.)
| | - Rhiannon J. Stellmaker
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia; (K.B.D.); (R.J.S.); (X.A.K.J.d.J.)
| | - Dean V. Sculley
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia;
| | - Xanne A. K. Janse de Jonge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia; (K.B.D.); (R.J.S.); (X.A.K.J.d.J.)
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