bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

AbstractEnsuring 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

ABSTRACTBackgroundMaternal 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 MethodsWe 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.ResultsA 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).ConclusionsMothers 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

ABSTRACTAimThis 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.MethodsUsing 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]).ResultsRegression 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.ConclusionIt 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

AbstractThe 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

ABSTRACTEnvironmental 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

AbstractGlioblastomas 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

AbstractBRCA1 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

ABSTRACTBackgroundDespite 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.DesignAnalysis of National Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set which contains details of all admissions and outpatient appointments at NHS hospitals in England.Methods and MeasurementsSpells 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.ResultsOver 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.ConclusionsAI 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

AbstractEnvironmental 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

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

AbstractIntroductionThere 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.MethodsThis 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.ResultsDuring 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 ConclusionCanada'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.