bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observational and experimental evidence that rapid mass loss is consistent with the flight efficiency hypothesis and not caused by reproductive effort in three passerine species
Authors: Forrester Timothy R. , Martin Thomas E.
Published: February 2025

Breeding birds often lose mass abruptly around the time that their eggs hatch, but the reasons why and the demographic significance of mass loss are contentious.

Energy expenditure during offspring provisioning is one long‐standing explanation that fits with life‐history theory (energetic cost hypothesis). Mass loss may also reflect time constraints that limit foraging and self‐maintenance while warming (i.e. brooding) young (time constraint hypothesis). Alternatively, mass loss may be an adaptive strategy to provide benefits through decreased energetic flight costs while foraging and provisioning young (flight efficiency hypothesis).

To test these hypotheses, we measured mass loss across the nesting cycle for three passerine species using an automated weighing system and quantified reproductive effort by filming nests. We also experimentally manipulated reproductive effort using a nest heating experiment to test effects on mass loss.

Counter to the energetic cost hypothesis, female mass loss did not match changing parental provisioning effort across the reproductive cycle; mass loss in all three species started about 5 days before eggs hatched and finished well before nestling provisioning effort was greatest. The nest heating experiment reduced female and male provisioning rates but did not influence mass loss in either sex, also rejecting the energetic cost hypothesis. Counter to the time constraint hypothesis, more time spent brooding was associated with less mass loss.

Path analysis supported the flight efficiency hypothesis for females, where mass loss was not related to energetic costs or time constraints and was positively associated with fledging more and heavier young, as well as a greater proportion of young. Mass loss also did not influence the chance of double‐brooding or survival to the next breeding season. Males lost mass steadily over the nesting cycle, but our results did not strongly support one hypothesis.

Ultimately, results supported mass loss providing adaptive benefits for females, while rejecting reproductive cost hypotheses often expected under life‐history theory.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Lichens are more tolerant against winter warming stress than vascular and non‐vascular plants: Insights from an alpine field experiment
Authors: Finne Eirik A. , Bjerke Jarle W. , Stordal Frode , Tallaksen Lena M.
Published: February 2025

Extreme weather events influence carbon cycling and lead to pervasive changes in ecosystem structure and function. Vegetation at high latitudes and in alpine bioclimatic zones can be particularly sensitive to winter warming events, which are short‐lived climatic events where temperatures are unusually high and often include rainfall. With climate change the frequency and severity of winter warming events are increasing.

We report here from a field experiment on a lichen‐dominated ridge at a high mountain plateau in central Norway. This is a common vegetation type at high latitudes and altitudes, yet little is known about ecophysiological responses to winter warming events in lichens, and how it may differ from responses in bryophytes and vascular plants. We ran a week‐long simulation of vegetation stress from winter warming events through thaw–freeze and ice encasement, during late winter in 2021 and 2022.

The thaw–freeze treatment had minor effects on summer ecophysiology in lichens (Cladonia mitis, Cetraria islandica and Nephromopsis nivalis), while the species N. nivalis and to a lesser extent, C. mitis had reduced vitality after the ice encasement treatment. Contrastingly, the bryophyte Polytrichum juniperinum, and vascular plant Empetrum nigrum had reduced photosynthetic efficiency and seasonal growth in both thaw–freeze and ice encasement treatments. The ice encasement treatment was overall more lethal and led to reduced NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index). However, reduction in vitality of vascular and non‐vascular plants was not enough to impact overall ecosystem carbon flux.

Synthesis: The lichen's stronger tolerance against thaw–freeze and ice encasement than co‐existing plants oppose the general effects of summer climate warming, where lichens may succumb under greater plant‐growth and warmer soils. This study advocates for the importance of year‐round ecology to understand vegetation change under climate change.
The hidden half of ontogeny and seasonal dynamics in perennial herbs
Authors: Martínková Jana , Klimeš Adam , Marešová Iveta , Klimešová Jitka
Published: February 2025

The life strategy of perennial herbs is dependent on coarse belowground organs, such as rhizomes, bulbs, tubers and storage roots, necessary for repeated seasonal regrowth and often invaluable for vegetative reproduction. Yet, the development of these organs in early life and its links to the dynamics of aboveground parts is generally unknown.

To unravel the ontogeny and seasonal dynamics of belowground coarse organs in perennial plants, we conducted a three‐year experimental study with 20 species differing by rhizome type.

We confirmed that the ontogeny of aboveground and belowground plant parts differ, that belowground ontogeny is partly driven by species phenological strategy, and that there are differences in ontogeny between belowground organ types. The costs of coarse belowground organ constructions along with morphological constraints occurring during ontogeny may govern species' reproductive and carbohydrate storage strategies.

Synthesis: We show that to fully understand plant strategies, plants need to be studied as integrated bodies consisting of aboveground and belowground organs reciprocally influencing each other.
Compatibility and interference of food simulants and organic solvents with the in vitro toxicological assessment of food contact materials
Authors: Kourkopoulos Athanasios , Sijm Dick T. H. M. , Geerken Janneke , Vrolijk Misha F.
Published: February 2025

Ensuring the safety of food contact materials (FCMs) is paramount, governed by regulations such as Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and Commission Regulation (European Union [EU]) 10/2011 for plastic FCMs. This study evaluates the compatibility of food simulants specified in the latter regulation with in vitro biological testing. HepG2 and Caco‐2 cell lines were exposed to various concentrations of ethanol and acetic acid. Maximum tolerable amounts of food simulants A, C, and D1 (10%, 20%, and 50% v/v ethanol) were specified at 0.5%, 1.25%, and 2.5%. Food simulant E, Tenax, requires an additional extraction step for the recovery of migrants. An acetone–methanol mixture was selected for its ability to recover both polar and apolar potential migrants. The mixture exerted cytotoxic effects at combined concentrations above 0.5% v/v (0.25% each). Ethanol (Simulants A, C, and D1) interfered with the neutral red uptake (NRU) assay at concentrations above 0.5% v/v, showing no changes in cell viability despite increasing concentrations. Acetic acid (Simulant B) interfered with the NRU assay at 0.5% v/v and lactate dehydrogenase assay at all concentrations, resulting in negative cytotoxicity values due to pH reduction in the exposure medium. Additionally, sample preparation does not interfere with genotoxicity testing, aligning with the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA)’s mandatory testing requirements.
Associations of Sociodemographic Factors With Clusters of Obesity‐Risk Behaviours Among Pregnant Women in Australia
Authors: Sarofim Monica , Huilan Xu , Wen Li Ming , Baur Louise A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Maternal obesity‐risk behaviours during pregnancy have a direct impact on the weight trajectory of their children. Targeting these behaviours may help improve birth outcomes and child health. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic factors associated with unhealthy dietary behaviours and insufficient physical activity in pregnant women.

Materials and Methods

We undertook a cross‐sectional secondary analysis using data from the Communicating Healthy Beginnings Advice by Telephone (CHAT) trial conducted in NSW, Australia in 2017–2019. Multiple logistic regression models were built to determine associations.

Results

A total of 1155 pregnant mothers attended antenatal clinics from 28 to 34 weeks gestation. Younger age (< 30 years, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53–2.64) and paternal unemployment (AOR1.86, 95% CI1.44–2.39) were associated with a cluster of unhealthy dietary behaviours. Excessive intake of discretionary foods (processed meat, fast food, potato crisps) was associated with: younger age (AOR1.62, 95% CI 1.24–2.11), being Australian‐born (AOR1.55, 95% CI 1.20–2.01), paternal unemployment (AOR1.57, 95% CI 1.01–2.43) and lower paternal education level (AOR1.77, 95% 1.37–2.28). Insufficient physical activity behaviours were associated with maternal employment (AOR1.55, 95% CI 1.21–1.98) and those with tertiary‐level education (AOR1.39, 95% CI 1.08–1.79).

Conclusions

Mothers aged under 30 years and those born in Australia were more likely to have a cluster of obesity‐risk behaviours. Maternal and paternal employment status, and education level were also associated with such clusters.
Exposure to Audiovisual Media and Its Role in Toddlers' Language Development
Authors: Novikova Ekaterina , Su Pumpki Lei , Morini Giovanna
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study examined (i) whether the amount of audiovisual media exposure predicts child language use, language input and language interaction, and (ii) the role of the media programme type (child‐oriented educational, child‐oriented entertainment, adult‐oriented) in relation to parent–child language.

Methods

Using Language Environment Analysis (LENA) recorders, we collected day‐long language recordings in homes of families with children in the U.S. Human coding of entire recordings was used to capture the amount of total media exposure and programme type for child language environment. Automated measures of language (child vocalisations, adult word count, conversational turns) were obtained from LENA recordings. The study included 29 children (12 girls [41.38%]; mean [SD] age 25.28 months [3.01]).

Results

Regression analyses showed that higher total audiovisual media time was associated with lower child language use, language input and language interaction. Higher child‐oriented entertainment media time was also associated with lower child language use, language input and language interaction, while adult‐oriented media time was associated with lower child language use and language interaction.

Conclusion

It is recommended that practitioners communicate the importance of caregiver–child interactions as well as media timing and content management to families with young children.
Comparing positive versus negative intrinsic rewards for predicting physical activity habit strength and frequency during a period of high stress
Authors: Fremling Lindsey , Phillips L. Alison , Bottoms Lindsay , Desai Terun , Newby Katie
Published: February 2025

The experience of positive intrinsic rewards (enjoyment) from physical activity (PA) is known to promote PA habit formation and maintenance. Negative intrinsic rewards (stress reduction) may also be associated with PA habit, particularly during a major stressor and when individual‐level anxiety is higher. Multi‐level models tested the following hypotheses using weekly survey data from a convenience sample (snowball sampling) of adults (N = 580; 91% White, 77% Female, mean age = 41 years) over the 8 weeks of the first COVID‐19 lockdown in the UK: negative intrinsic rewards will be independently and statistically more strongly related to PA habit strength and frequency than positive intrinsic rewards; and, the relationship between negative intrinsic rewards and PA habit strength and frequency will be stronger for those with higher anxiety. Counter to the hypotheses, positive intrinsic rewards were more strongly associated with PA habit strength over time than negative intrinsic rewards (fixed effect = 0.27, p < 0.001 versus fixed effect = −0.05, p = 0.23, respectively), and there was a main effect of anxiety (but no interaction with negative rewards) on PA habit strength (fixed effect = −0.03, p = 0.03). The findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing and maintaining PA habit strength might best focus on cultivating positive intrinsic rewards (enjoyment) from PA, even in the presence of substantial stressors and individual‐level anxiety.
Environmental Peacebuilding, Indigenous Epistemologies and Experience: Learning From Ruptures and Resilience in Solomon Islands
Authors: Gegeo David , Pendeverana Lincy , Paia Mary Tahu , Maebuta Jack , Ride Anouk , Aqorau Transform
Published: February 2025

Environmental peacebuilding, as a construct and practice, holds potential to recognise environmental conflicts and respond to them; however, indigenous perspectives can be obscured in its related processes, projects and reviews. This article draws on in depth research by the authors from within indigenous communities in the Solomon Islands to compare local experiences of environmental rupture, conflict and change. This comparison of local experience is integrated with analysis of colonial, neocolonial and globalisation factors to link local environmental conflicts with global and national governance, global extractive and agricultural industries, and security and governance interventions with local conflict conditions. This article argues for a reorientation of the field towards decolonising knowledge, through drawing on indigenous epistemologies and ontologies to frame and respond to environmental conflicts, and therefore peacebuilding. In doing so, space can be opened to recognise the unique relationship of indigenous people with terrestrial and marine areas, and the unacknowledged culpability and responsibilities of actors at national and global levels in fostering environmental conflicts.
Peripheral blood‐derived immune cell counts as prognostic indicators and their relationship with DNA methylation subclasses in glioblastoma patients
Authors: Asey Benedikt , Pantel Tobias F. , Mohme Malte , Zghaibeh Yahya , Dührsen Lasse , Silverbush Dana , Schüller Ulrich , Drexler Richard , Ricklefs Franz L.
Published: February 2025

Glioblastomas are known for their immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which may explain the failure of most clinical trials in the past decade. Recent studies have emphasized the significance of stratifying glioblastoma patients to predict better therapeutic responses and survival outcomes. This study aims to investigate the prognostic relevance of peripheral immune cell counts sampled prior to surgery, with a special focus on methylation‐based subclassification. Peripheral blood was sampled in patients with newly diagnosed (n = 176) and recurrent (n = 41) glioblastoma at the time of surgery and analyzed for neutrophils, monocytes, leukocytes, platelets, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte–monocyte ratio, and platelet–lymphocyte ratio. Peripheral immune cell counts were correlated with patients' survival after combined radiochemotherapy. In addition, 850 k genome‐wide DNA methylation was assessed on tissue for defining tumor subclasses and performing cell‐type deconvolution. In newly diagnosed glioblastoma, patients with higher peripheral neutrophil counts had an unfavorable overall survival (OS) (p = 0.01, median overall‐survival (mOS) 17.0 vs. 10.0 months). At the time of first recurrence, a significant decrease of peripheral immune cell counts was observed, and elevated monocyte (p = 0.03), neutrophil (p = 0.04), and platelet (p = 0.01) counts were associated with poorer survival outcomes. DNA methylation subclass‐stratified analysis revealed a significant survival influence of neutrophils (p = 0.007) and lymphocytes (p = 0.04) in the mesenchymal (MES) subclass. Integrating deconvolution of matched tumor tissue showed that platelets and monocytes were correlated with a more differentiated, tumor‐progressive cell state, and peripheral immune cell counts were most accurately reflected in tissue of the MES subclass. This study illustrates a restricted prognostic significance of peripheral immune cell counts in newly diagnosed glioblastoma and a constrained representation in matched tumor tissue, but it demonstrates a more pertinent situation at the time of recurrence and after DNA methylation‐based stratification.
Susceptibility of Brca1(L63X/+) rat to ovarian reserve dissipation by chemotherapeutic agents to breast cancer
Authors: Kaseki Satoshi , Sonehara Reina , Motooka Yashiro , Tanaka Hideaki , Nakamura Tomoko , Osuka Satoko , Akatsuka Shinya , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Mashimo Tomoji , Imaoka Tatsuhiko , Toyokuni Shinya
Published: February 2025

BRCA1 is one of the causative genes for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome with a high risk of early‐onset breast cancer. Whereas olaparib (OLA), an inhibitor of poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase, has been applied as adjuvant therapy to those cancer patients, its effect on ovarian reproductive function remains unelucidated. Recently, a rat model (MUT; Brca1(L63X/+) mutation) mimicking a human BRCA1 pathogenic variant has been established. Using this model, we evaluated the effects of OLA on ovarian reproductive function in comparison with the wild‐type (WT) rats. MUT showed a significantly reduced number of primordial follicles and subfertility in accordance with aging. Oxidative stress was significantly elevated in the young MUT granulosa cells (GCs) accompanied by increased mTOR but decreased PTEN signals. OLA administration in MUT further decreased primordial follicles, with gene set enrichment analysis, indicating upregulated DNA repair pathways. Furthermore, a combination of OLA and cyclophosphamide (CPA) induced empty primordial follicles, recognized as CPA‐induced severe ovarian toxicity. Whereas OLA + CPA caused greater reduction in primordial follicles both in MUT and WT in comparison with CPA alone, MUT ovaries were more susceptible to oxidative stress, potentially depleting primordial follicles via activation of GCs and inducing oocyte death due to accumulated DNA damage by OLA treatment. Our findings in this preclinical model underscore the importance of evaluating ovarian reserve prior to chemotherapy by performing reproductive consultation with female patients with BRCA1 pathogenic variants.
The Cost of Adrenal Insufficiency in England—Analysis of NHS HES Data
Authors: Murray Robert D. , Ruiz‐Casas Leonardo , Beckett Matthew , Polifka Juergen , Cure Sandrine , Ritz Beate , Wass John
Published: February 2025

Background

Despite steroid replacement therapy, patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) experience excessive infections and related hospital admissions. However, data examining the evolution of admissions, healthcare resources utilisation and cost burden is sparce.

Design

Analysis of National Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set which contains details of all admissions and outpatient appointments at NHS hospitals in England.

Methods and Measurements

Spells spanning financial years 2018/19 to 2022/23, focusing on HES codes E27.1 (Primary Adrenocortical Insufficiency; PAI) [n = 57,125], E27.2 (Addisonian Crisis; AC) [n = 12,640] and E27.4 (Other and Unspecified AI; UAI) [n = 79,965] were analysed for admissions, main diagnosis, bed‐days, costs, follow‐up, and readmissions.

Results

Over the study period, admissions for AC remained stable; admissions involving UAI increased, whereas PAI admissions reduced transiently during COVID‐19. Mean length of stay for AC increased from 5.1 to 6.8 days (34%). Patients with primary pneumonia and AI had longer hospital stays than those without AI and were more likely to require critical care. Mean cost per hospital stay increased, rising 25% for AC since 2019/20, reaching £2959 per stay. 10% of patients had >1 non‐elective readmission within 12 months. Endocrinologist follow‐up was lower than expected. Centres treating > 225 spells/year reviewed 20−46% of AI patients within 26 weeks of admission, and only 46% with a main diagnosis of AC in 2022/23.

Conclusions

AI admissions have increased since 2018/19. Bed‐days and cost for AC episodes have also risen. Patients with concomitant AI were more likely to have longer stays and be re‐admitted. Endocrinology follow‐up appears surprisingly low despite published guidelines.
Translating eDNA data into conservation action: Partnerships to support imperiled amphibians in coastal California wetlands
Authors: Ralson Mitchell J. , Goldberg Caren S. , Mitcham Chad J. , Laursen Inger Marie , Fork Susanne K. , Wyckoff Christy A. , Camara Kelli M. , Allaback Mark L. , Dayton Gage H. , Feliz Dave , Wasson Kerstin
Published: February 2025

Environmental DNA (eDNA) detections of imperiled species have the potential to inform conservation action, but this requires the acceptance of new technologies by decision‐makers. Here we describe how engaging stakeholders into a collaborative process led to the successful translation of new eDNA findings into conservation outcomes. We characterized the distribution of three federally listed pond‐breeding amphibians across nearly 200 wetlands in coastal California using both traditional field surveys and eDNA sampling; the latter had greater detection rates overall. Regulatory agency staff gained trust in the rigor and effectiveness of eDNA data by joining traditional surveys and through the collaborative development of recommendations for the adoption of eDNA methods. Extensive outreach to the local community within the range of the highly endangered Santa Cruz long‐toed salamander resulted in invitations to sample previously unsurveyed wetlands on private property and the detection of new breeding sites. Conservation organizations and resource management agencies were integrated into our core team from the start, and ultimately shaped wetland management actions, siting of new wetlands, and land acquisition priorities informed by the data generated. Thus, this project serves as a model for actionable eDNA science directly affecting conservation.
Treatment satisfaction and patient reported outcomes among people with opioid use disorder participating in an open‐label, non‐randomised trial of long‐acting injectable buprenorphine treatment in Australian custodial settings
Authors: White Bethany , Little Sophia , Haber Paul S. , Roberts Jillian , Nolan Erin , Lintzeris Nicholas , Dunlop Adrian J.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

A trial of long‐acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) in Australian prisons allowed examination of treatment satisfaction and patient‐reported outcomes.

Methods

UNLOC‐T was a 16‐week non‐randomised open‐label study. Men and women aged ≥18 years with moderate/severe DSM‐5 opioid use disorder currently serving a custodial sentence ≥6 months were recruited. Participants not in opioid agonist treatment (OAT) commenced LAIB (n = 67); those already stable on oral methadone treatment were recruited to a comparison arm (n = 62). The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM), Patient Satisfaction Visual Analogue Scale (PS‐VAS) and Treatment Burden Questionnaire assessed treatment satisfaction; the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), 12‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12) and the Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile (ATOP) measured mental health, physical health and quality of life.

Results

Among participants receiving LAIB, TSQM global satisfaction scores significantly increased from 68.2 (SD 16.6) to 77.0 (SD 18.4) by week 16 (p = 0.0041), as did satisfaction measured by the PS‐VAS (62.5 [SD 29.2] vs. 79.4 [SD 25.5], p = 0.0005). Statistically significant improvements between baseline and week 16 were also observed for K10, SF‐12 (total) and SF‐12 (mental health) scores. By the end of the study, ‘successful’ treatment outcomes were observed in the ATOP domains of psychological health (84%), physical health (80%) and quality of life (86%).

Discussion and Conclusions

Participants inducted and stabilised on LAIB reported high treatment satisfaction and improved health and wellbeing. Results suggest LAIB is acceptable to people with opioid use disorder in custody, supporting scaleup of this medication to increase coverage of OAT in these settings.

Trial registration: https://www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12618000942257.
Changes in population‐level alcohol sales after non‐medical cannabis legalisation in Canada
Authors: Armstrong Michael J. , MacDonald‐Spracklin Rachael , Xiao Jennifer , Talarico Robert , Myran Daniel T.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

There is considerable interest in whether individuals substitute cannabis for alcohol and in legalisation's potential to reduce or increase alcohol‐attributable harms. This study aimed to determine whether non‐medical cannabis legalisation in Canada was associated with initial changes in population‐level alcohol consumption.

Methods

This observational population‐based study described changes in alcohol sales in Canada between 2004 and 2022. We calculated annual changes in the per capita volume of pure ethanol sold in Canada. We used an interrupted time series approach to examine immediate and gradual changes in per capita price‐adjusted alcohol retailer sales value (CAD$) and beer producer sales volume (litres of product) after legalisation.

Results

During 2004–2022, Canadians aged 15+ spent on average CAD $751 per year on alcoholic beverages containing 8.18 L of ethanol. Annual ethanol sales volumes decreased by 0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.08 to −0.04; p = 0.001) litres per capita annually for beer but increased by 0.05 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.07; p = 0.001) litres per capita annually for other beverages, leaving no significant trend for ethanol sales overall. Following non‐medical legalisation in October 2018, there were no immediate (−0.1%, 95% CI −1.3 to 1.1; p = 0.82) or gradual changes (−0.1% monthly, 95% CI −0.3 to 0.0; p = 0.12) in alcohol retailer sales.

Discussion and Conclusion

Canada's non‐medical cannabis legalisation was not associated with significant changes in population‐level alcohol sales. These findings do not support the idea that cannabis legalisation may result in declining alcohol use and harms through the substitution of cannabis for alcohol.
Mechanism of Fatigue Crack Closure in Steel Under High‐Density Pulsed Current
Authors: Nakayama Shota , Sugeno Yutaro , Kambayashi Tomoto , Hosoi Atsushi , Furukawa Yuichi , Tomita Takashi , Kawada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

This study is aimed at clarifying the mechanism of effectively healing fatigue cracks in steel; austenitic stainless steel, SUS304; and hot work tool steel, SKD61, using high‐density pulsed current. The results show that the current concentration occurred at the crack tip for SUS304, and crack closure was observed near the fatigue crack tip. On the other hand, crack closure was observed at the notch tip in SKD61. The fatigue crack closure phenomena were verified by finite element analysis, revealing that contact pressure was applied behind the crack tip owing to local bending deformation associated with residual stress near the crack tip. For effective crack healing, it is necessary to bond the interface leveraging compressive stress and Joule heat generated at the crack tip during current application.
Efficacy of Rifabutin‐Based Helicobacter pylori Eradication Regimen in Korea With High Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Kim Yuri , Lee Jeong Hoon , Na Hee Kyong , Jung Kee Wook , Ahn Ji Yong , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Jung Hwoon‐Yong
Published: February 2025

Background

As the antibiotic resistance and treatment failure rates of Helicobacter pylori are rising, the need for rescue therapy with rifabutin for H. pylori eradication (HPE) is also increasing. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the efficacy, resistance status, and adverse events in patients receiving rifabutin‐based HPE.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2020 and December 2022, 3006 patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with H. pylori culture tests. Of these, culture results were successfully obtained from 1792 patients, who were subsequently enrolled in our study. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed, and their clinical features and outcomes assessed.

Results

Among the 1792 patients, 14 (0.8%) were rifabutin‐resistant. A total of 665 (37.1%) patients had multidrug‐resistant (MDR) H. pylori infections. Patients with rifabutin‐resistant H. pylori infections had a significantly higher rate of tuberculosis treatment history (2.8% vs. 28.6%, p < 0.001) and MDR H. pylori infections (49.6% vs. 85.7%, p < 0.001) than those in the rifabutin‐susceptible H. pylori group. Among the 45 patients who received the rifabutin‐based HPE regimen, 44 (97.8%) had MDR H. pylori infection, and 35 (77.8%) underwent rifabutin‐based HPE as a third‐line treatment or beyond. A total of 31 (68.9%) showed successful eradication. Nineteen (42.2%) patients experienced at least one symptom of adverse events; however, the severity of side effects was mild, and no patient discontinued treatment because of this.

Conclusions

The rifabutin‐based HPE regimen could be an effective and safe treatment method. It is particularly considered a viable therapeutic option for patients who require HPE but have previously failed to respond to multiple HPEs.
Improvement in Helicobacter pylori Eradication Among Adults Receiving Semaglutide: A Population‐Based Propensity‐Score‐Adjusted Analysis
Authors: Ness Asaf , Levi Zohar , Belfer Rachel Gingold , Dickman Ram , Boltin Doron
Published: February 2025

Background

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists delay gastric emptying and are used for the treatment of diabetes (DM) and obesity. Successful treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection depends upon a precise dosing schedule. We aimed to examine the impact of GLP‐1 drugs on antibiotic treatment for H. pylori.

Methods

Adults with a new diagnosis of H. pylori infection who received treatment between 2014 and 2023 were identified in the Clalit Health Services database. Subjects were divided into groups based on diagnoses of DM and obesity, and exposure to GLP‐1 drugs. A 1:2 propensity‐score matched dataset was used to determine the effect of GLP‐1 drugs on eradication success.

Results

We identified 426 individuals who received, and 36,436 who did not receive GLP‐1 drugs. Eradication among those who did and did not receive GLP‐1 drugs was 86.6% and 83.7%, respectively (p = 0.059 across subgroups). Eradication among those who received semaglutide was 93.8% (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.32–5.83, p = 0.007). Eradication in subjects who received dulaglutide (88.6%) or liraglutide (81.4%) was not significantly changed. When applying a propensity‐score‐adjusted analysis, eradication remained significantly increased among individuals who received semaglutide (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.24–6.74, p = 0.014). Additional independent predictors of successful eradication included male sex, high socioeconomic status, quadruple therapy, and older age (p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions

Co‐administration of semaglutide and antibiotics for H. pylori infection is associated with an increased likelihood of successful eradication.
316L stainless milling behaving mechanism in enamel coatings: A strategy for mechanical and corrosion improvement
Authors: Hong Hao , Li Wensheng , Li Cuixia , Yu Lei , Zhang Ting , Qi Xiaohan , Tang Shang
Published: February 2025

To achieve corrosion resistance and mechanical robustness properties simultaneously, 316L stainless steel powder was employed as mill additives in SiO2–B2O3–Na2O–SrO slurry system enamel coating. The sintering process, gases consuming, microstructure, interface adhesion, and corrosion mechanism of the prepared enamel coatings were investigated. The results indicated that during sintering, 316L powder reduced coatings porosity by forming internal carbides through the Cr‐poor reaction of carbon‐containing gases adsorption in the pores due to its low‐carbon activity. Additionally, the powder partially dissolved into the enamel coating matrix, contributing to a significant enhancement in the coating's mechanical properties through its own ductility and toughness. Moreover, the peeling of the gel layer from the enamel coating surface was slowed in acidic environments, thereby enhancing the enamel coatings' long‐term resistance to acid corrosion.
Thermal decomposition and non‐isothermal kinetics of microcrystalline magnesite
Authors: Li Si , Sun Dan , Yin Ziyang , Wang Anxiu , Yu Canjun , Wang Yihan , Feng Runtang , Ma Chengliang
Published: February 2025

The thermal decomposition (TD) of magnesite is crucial for its high‐value applications, and understanding its reaction mechanisms requires establishing accurate kinetic models. This research investigates the TD kinetics of microcrystalline magnesite under varying heating rates (HRs) using thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC) analysis. Kinetic parameters were derived using the Coats–Redfern (CR), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) methods. The influence of HRs on the decomposition process and the resulting MgO morphology was analyzed. The results demonstrated that as HRs increased, the decomposition and reaction rate curves shifted to higher temperatures, necessitating elevated temperatures for similar levels of decomposition. The mean activation energy () was calculated to be 162.45 kJ/mol, with a strong linear correlation between the and pre‐exponential factor, suggesting robust kinetic compensation. The TD followed a two‐dimensional phase boundary mechanism with cylindrical symmetry. “Original shape pseudomorphs” were found to significantly affect the microstructure, particle size variation, and kinetic behavior of the decomposition products. These findings provide important insights for the industrial processing of microcrystalline magnesite.
Phase formation in the CaO–Al2O3–ZnO system as an analogue to CaO–Al2O3–MgO in spinel containing refractories
Authors: Ramteke Rajat Durgesh , Hemrick James G. , Mahapatra Manoj K.
Published: February 2025

Recently, gahnite (ZnAl2O4) is gaining attraction as a potential refractory ceramic because of the similarity of its structure and properties with those of magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel refractories. Formation of MgO and hibonite solid solution (CaMgxAl12−xO19−0.5x; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.18), CAM‐I (Ca2Mg2−3xAl28+2xO46 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3), and CAM‐II (CaMg2−3xAl16+2xO27, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) phases with platelet and interlocking microstructure in the CaO–Al2O3–MgO ternary system significantly enhances the high temperature mechanical properties of refractory castables. The CaO–Al2O3–ZnO ternary system has been studied, for the first time to our knowledge, in a selected compositional range with reference to the CaO–Al2O3–MgO system from 1650°C to 1700°C. The formation of ZnO and hibonite solid solution (CaZnxAl12−xO19−0.5x; 0 < x < 0.18), CAZ‐I (Ca2Zn2−3xAl28+2xO46; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3), and CAZ‐II (CaZn2−3xAl16+2xO27; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) phases with platelet and interlocking morphology have been found. The crystal structures and lattice parameters of ZnO and hibonite solid solution, CAZ‐I, and CAZ‐II are comparable, respectively, with MgO and hibonite solid solution, CAM‐I, and CAM‐II. Furthermore, CAZ‐I and CAZ‐II phases also form due to reaction between hibonite (CaO·6Al2O3) and ZnAl2O4.
Tb‐doped X–B–Al (X = Li/Na/K/Sb) magneto‐optical glass: Performance optimization and information encryption applications
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhao Xudong , Wu Dong , Lu Ping , Zhao Xiujian , Xu Yinsheng
Published: February 2025

Magneto‐optical (MO) glass, which has been garnering increasing interest for its light rotation capability, often faces challenges related to valence variations, resulting in suboptimal MO performance. The composition of the glass matrix and the specifics of the melting process are crucial in determining the glass network structure and cation valence state distribution. This has led to the exploration to enhance network connectivity and introduce more Tb3+ ions to boost the MO performance. In this study, alkali metal oxides (Li2O/Na2O/K2O) were introduced to modify the glass network structure and lower melting characteristics accordingly. Particularly noteworthy is the advantage offered by K2O that lowers free electron density and melting temperature. Through meticulous control of the alkali metal oxide content and the melting temperature, a groundbreaking Verdet constant of 113.87 rad/(T m) at 650 nm for the 40T5K glass was accomplished. Furthermore, the MO glasses have been successfully applied in the encryption and decryption of one‐dimensional text and two‐dimensional images, thereby exhibiting the utility of this innovative material in information security applications.
Single‐Cell Transcriptomic Reveals the Involvement of Cell–Cell Junctions in the Early Development of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Dingchen , Lin Miao , Wang Ruobing , Huang Xiaoran , Liang Yaowen , Wang Xiran , Chen Yuge , Gao Yunfei , Guo Huiming , Liang Huiying , Li Xin
Published: February 2025

The relationship between the changes in endothelial cell–cell junctions and microvascular abnormalities in the progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), as well as their potential as early biomarkers, remains unclear. Here, we analysed single‐nucleus RNA‐sequencing data from the left ventricles of 44 health donors and HCM patients. First, we observed that endothelial cell–cell junctions were significantly altered in HCM vascular endothelial cells (ECs), including tight junctions, gap junctions and adherens junctions, especially in capillary ECs. The proposed pseudo‐timing analysis predicted that endothelial cell–cell junctions abnormalities occurred in the early stages of HCM. Second, we verified that endothelial cell–cell junctions disorders occur at early stages of HCM disease progression in two time‐series single‐nucleus datasets of mice. The expression of eight cell–cell junction genes showed an initial increase in the early stage, followed by a slight decrease in the middle stage, and a sharp increase in the later stage. Subsequently, cell communication and transcription factor analysis were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, an early HCM prediction model was developed and independently validated using three mRNA datasets comprising 204 health individuals and HCM patients for the eight genes panel, the accuracy was 0.81 [0.63–0.98]. Finally, we validated this panel in HCM tissues. This study demonstrated in humans and mice that eight cell–cell junction genes were significantly elevated in the early stages of HCM and may be potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCM.
Anti‐Inflammatory Resveratrol Protects Mice From Early Mortality After Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Yu Wei , Sun Yimeng , Ye Xinyu , He Yu , Huang Xin , Wang Fuhao , Lu Yi , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2025

The occurrence of inflammation subsequent to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is associated with an elevated risk of transplant‐related mortality (TRM). However, the duration of inflammation and the potential efficacy of anti‐inflammatory agents in reducing TRM remain uncertain. We performed a comprehensive investigation to examine the post‐transplantation alterations of inflammatory mediators and to ascertain the correlation between inflammation level and TRM through the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, ELISAs and cytometric bead array. The findings revealed that the 30‐day interval following transplantation is characterised by the most pronounced inflammatory response in both human and murine subjects, thereby elevating the risk of TRM. The inflammation is primarily caused by myeloid bias during haematopoietic reconstitution, which is a commonly overlooked aspect in clinical transplantation, additionally, a lesser extent of irradiation‐induced injury. The administration of the anti‐inflammatory agent resveratrol has the potential to reduce systemic inflammation and TRM by suppressing the NOD‐like receptor signalling pathway and slowing down granulocyte implantation in HSCT mice. This approach did not impair the differentiation potential of haematopoietic stem cells. These findings demonstrate that the 30‐day post‐transplant period represents an opportunity to facilitate HSCT colonisation, mitigate transplant‐related adverse effects, and potentially reap the benefits of anti‐inflammatory treatments.
Hidradenitis suppurativa with and without draining tunnels: A real‐world study characterizing differences in treatment and disease burden
Authors: Ingram J. R. , Marzano A. V. , Prens E. , Schneider‐Burrus S. , Warren R. B. , Keal A. , Jha R. , Hernandez Daly A. C. , Kimball A. B.
Published: February 2025

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, neutrophilic skin disease associated with a considerable clinical burden. In more severe disease, subepidermal draining tunnels may form.

Objectives

To characterize the clinical profile of patients with moderate–severe HS with and without draining tunnels, and the clinical and health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) burden of draining tunnels.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Adelphi HS Disease Specific Programme™, a cross‐sectional survey with retrospective data collection, across the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom between November 2020 and April 2021. Patients were aged ≥10 years and had HS. Clinical outcomes, recorded by physicians, comprised patient demographics and HS characteristics, symptoms and treatment. HR‐QoL measures included patient and physician survey questions, and validated HR‐QoL instruments.

Results

Of the 580 patients with moderate–severe HS, 46% had draining tunnels. Patients with draining tunnels had more abscesses, inflammatory nodules and scarring than those without. Patients with draining tunnels were significantly (p < 0.05) more likely to be treated with biologics (41% vs. 27%), but often patients with tunnels who were eligible for biologics had not received them. Patients with draining tunnels experienced significantly more inflammation/redness (73% vs. 63%), drainage from lesions (62% vs. 40%) and pain on sitting (48% vs. 37%) than those without (p < 0.05). Draining tunnels were also significantly associated with low mood/depression (30% vs. 18%), sleep disturbance (28% vs. 19%) and fatigue (28% vs. 18%) versus no tunnels (p < 0.05). Physicians agreed that patients with draining tunnels experienced a negative impact of disease compared to those without. This was reflected in patient‐reported surveys and HR‐QoL instruments.

Conclusions

Patients with moderate–severe HS and draining tunnels experience greater clinical and HR‐QoL burden than those without, emphasizing the importance of tunnels in disease impact.
Comparing the somatic growth and swimming kinematics of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua, Linnaeus) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus, Linnaeus) larvae
Authors: Bjelland Reidun , Durif Caroline M. F. , Browman Howard I. , Skiftesvik Anne Berit , Cresci Alessandro , Johannesen Edda
Published: February 2025

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) are found on both sides of the North Atlantic and often their spawning overlaps in time and space. Yet, haddock has a much more variable recruitment than cod in areas where they are sympatric, a difference that is consistent across ecosystems. At the larval stages, differences in feeding behavior have consequences for growth and survival, potentially contributing to the differences in recruitment between these species. We tested whether haddock displayed different swimming behavior to cod under abundant food conditions, while also comparing their growth every 7 days until 38 days post hatching (dph). Swimming kinematics were quantified from the three‐dimensional trajectories of larvae filmed in an aquarium at 11, 21, and 32 dph. Cod swam faster than haddock starting at 21 dph. Differences in swimming speed between species were consistent with body morphology. Haddock was heavier than cod at a given age and body length. At 11 dph, haddock exhibited longer pauses and wider horizontal and vertical turn angles than cod, indicating a moderately larger visual search field compared to cod. Longer pause duration indicates that haddock are searching for prey for longer periods than cod at 11 dph. The differences in prey search disappeared at 21 and 32 dph. The differences in feeding and swimming behavior reported here could play an important role for survival, with consequences for the recruitment of these species.
Vestibular Suppressant Utilization and Subsequent Falls Among Patients 65 Years and Older With Dizziness in the United States
Authors: Marmor Schelomo , Karaca‐Mandic Pinar , Adams Meredith E.
Published: February 2025

Background

Falls pose a significant public health threat to older adults. Due to potential fall risk, guidelines recommend against the routine prescription of several medications commonly used for vestibular suppression, including meclizine and benzodiazepines.

Aims

We aimed to determine the factors associated with vestibular suppressant utilization among patients with dizziness ≥ 65 years of age and subsequent falls.

Methods and Results

A retrospective longitudinal database of US commercial insurance and Medicare beneficiaries was used to study medical claims data (January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2015). Of 190,348 individuals ≥ 65 years old who presented with dizziness, 60,658 (32%) filled a vestibular suppressant prescription (27% anti‐emetics, 73% anxiolytics), of which 20,448 were women (34%) within a month after their dizziness diagnosis. Of those individuals using suppressants, 8% experienced a fall resulting in a medical encounter within 60 days of filling the prescription. After adjusting for sociodemographics and comorbidity, individuals with dizziness who received vestibular suppressants were more likely to experience recorded fall incidents (hazard ratio (HR) 3.33, confidence interval (CI) 1.93–5.72, p < 0.0001), than those who did not receive vestibular suppressants.

Conclusions

Although vestibular suppressants may provide immediate relief from symptoms during an acute vestibular crisis, use is incongruent with guideline‐concordant care for most vestibular diagnoses and is also potentially counterproductive and injurious. Multi‐faceted interventions that engage clinicians and patients are needed to improve the value of care for patients with vestibular disorders to de‐implement the routine use of suppressants for dizziness.
Exploring the value ecosystem of digital product passports
Authors: Gieß Anna , Möller Frederik
Published: February 2025

Digital product passports (DPPs) are an emerging digital technology that advances the circular economy (CE) by facilitating inter‐organizational data sharing and life‐cycle management of products. This paper investigates DPP value ecosystems, articulated through the e3‐value modeling language, to address the research question: How to model the value ecosystem of digital product passports as boundary objects by identifying and analyzing the relevant actors, their needs, and the connections between them? Utilizing a systematic literature review, secondary data collection from active DPP instances, and gray literature, we construct a comprehensive e3‐value model. The model delineates the interactions and value flows among key stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, consumers, end‐of‐life actors, and regulatory authorities. A specific application of the model is demonstrated through the battery passport, mandated by the EU Battery Regulation. The findings suggest that DPPs enhance transparency, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices by providing detailed product lifecycle data. The study underlines the necessity for clear data‐sharing guidelines and highlights the multifaceted roles of DPPs in supporting a CE.