bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental reporting of fish transcriptomic responses in environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology
Authors: Langan Laura M , Baettig Camille G , Cole Alexander R , Lovin Lea , Scarlett Kendall , Wronski Adam R , O’Brien Megan E , Shmaitelly Yesmeena , Brooks Bryan W
Published: January 2025

Due to its increasing affordability and efforts to understand transcriptional responses of organisms to biotic and abiotic stimuli, transcriptomics has become an important tool with significant impact on toxicological investigations and hazard and risk assessments, especially during development and application of new approach methodologies (NAMs). Data generated using transcriptomic methodologies have directly informed adverse outcome pathway frameworks, chemical and biological read across, and aided in the identification of points of departure. Using data reporting frameworks for transcriptomics data offers improved transparency and reproducibility of research and an opportunity to identify barriers to adoption of these NAMs, especially in environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology with aquatic models. Improved reporting also allows for reexamination of existing data, limiting needs for experiment replication and further reducing animal experimentation. Here, we use a standardized form of data reporting for omics-based studies, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development omics reporting framework, which specifically reports on a list of parameters that should be included in transcriptomics studies used in a regulatory context. We focused specifically on fish studies using RNA- Sequencing (Seq)/microarray technologies within a toxicology context. Inconsistencies in reporting and methodologies among the experimental designs (toxicology vs. molecular characterization) were observed in addition to foundational differences in reporting of sample concentration or preparation or quality assessments, which can affect reproducibility and read across, confidence in results, and contribute substantially to understanding molecular mechanisms of toxicants and toxins. Our findings present an opportunity for improved research reporting. We also provide several recommendations as logical steps to reduce barriers to adoption of transcriptomics within environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology.
Interactive effects of elevated temperature and venlafaxine on mitochondrial respiration and enzymatic capacity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Borowiec Brittney G , Robichaud Karyn B , Craig Paul M
Published: January 2025

Warming events are becoming more frequent and extreme in aquatic environments worldwide. Concurrently, many environments are polluted with biologically active compounds such as pharmaceuticals. Understanding how these challenges interact is critical for understanding the climate crisis, as contaminants may modulate how ectotherms respond to heat stress or vice versa. One potential site for these heat × contaminant interactions is the mitochondrion, which is central to metabolism, implicated in thermal tolerance, and evolutionarily conserved. Using high-resolution respirometry, we investigated how acute warming (to 35 °C, 40 °C, or 45 °C from 25 °C) impacted the respiration, coupling, and metabolic capacity of liver mitochondria isolated from Nile tilapia, and how exposure to environmentally relevant levels of the ubiquitous antidepressant venlafaxine modulated those effects. Mitochondria exposed to hotter temperatures had higher respiration rates and decreased respiratory control ratio compared to mitochondria exposed to cooler temperatures. The depressive effects of venlafaxine on respiration rates through complex I and II or complex II only (State 3 and State 4), as well as complex IV-linked respiration, were mild except in mitochondria exposed to high temperatures, suggesting an interactive effect of warming and contaminant exposure. Finally, we found that the maximal enzyme activity of intact mitochondria (represented by mitochondrial respiration) showed a different pattern of response to warming and venlafaxine compared to its underlying components (as reflected by the activity of succinate dehydrogenase [complex II] and cytochrome c oxidase [complex IV]), demonstrating the value of incorporating both interactive and reductive approaches in understanding how mitochondria cope with anthropogenic changes in the environment.
A combination of high-throughput in vitro and in silico new approach methods for ecotoxicology hazard assessment for fish
Authors: Nyffeler Jo , Harris Felix R , Willis Clinton , Byrd Gabrielle , Blackwell Brett , Escher Beate I , Kasparek Alex , Nichols John , Haselman Jonathan T , Patlewicz Grace , Villeneuve Daniel L , Harrill Joshua A
Published: January 2025

Fish acute toxicity testing is used to inform environmental hazard assessment of chemicals. In silico and in vitro approaches have the potential to reduce the number of fish used in testing and increase the efficiency of generating data for assessing ecological hazards. Here, two in vitro bioactivity assays were adapted for use in high-throughput chemical screening. First, a miniaturized version of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guideline 249 plate reader–based acute toxicity assay in RTgill-W1 cells was developed. Second, the Cell Painting (CP) assay was adapted for use in RTgill-W1 cells along with an imaging-based cell viability assay. Then, 225 chemicals were tested in each assay. Potencies and bioactivity calls from the plate reader and imaging–based cell viability assays were comparable. The CP assay was more sensitive than either cell viability assay in that it detected a larger number of chemicals as bioactive, and phenotype altering concentrations (PACs) were lower than concentrations that decreased cell viability. An in vitro disposition (IVD) model that accounted for sorption of chemicals to plastic and cells over time was applied to predict freely dissolved PACs and compared with in vivo fish toxicity data. Adjustment of PACs using IVD modeling improved concordance of in vitro bioactivity and in vivo toxicity data. For the 65 chemicals where comparison of in vitro and in vivo values was possible, 59% of adjusted in vitro PACs were within one order of magnitude of in vivo toxicity lethal concentrations for 50% of test organisms. In vitro PACs were protective for 73% of chemicals. This combination of in vitro and in silico approaches has the potential to reduce or replace the use of fish for in vivo toxicity testing.
Effectiveness of targeted social and behavior change communication on maternal health knowledge, attitudes, and institutional childbirth: a cluster-randomized trial in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebretsadik Lakew Abebe , Mamo Abebe , Koricha Zewdie Birhanu , Morankar Sudhakar
Published: January 2025

Maternal mortality remains a critical global health challenge, with 95% of deaths occurring in low-income countries. While progress was made from 2000 to 2015, regions such as Ethiopia continue to experience high maternal mortality rates, impeding the achievement of the sustainable development goal to reduce maternal deaths to 70 per 100 000 live births by 2030. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) intervention to improve maternal health behaviors. A community-randomized trial was conducted in three districts of Jimma Zone, rural Ethiopia, involving 5057 women. Sixteen primary healthcare units were randomly assigned to either the intervention (SBCC) or control (standard care) group. Data on socio-demographics, antenatal care (ANC) visits, maternal health knowledge, attitudes, and institutional childbirth rates were collected at baseline and endline. Statistical analyses included t-tests, effect sizes, and generalized estimating equations. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements. Maternal health knowledge increased from 5.68 to 7.70 (P < .001, effect size = 0.34), attitudes improved from 37.49 to 39.73 (P < .001, effect size = 0.29), and ANC visits rose from 3.27 to 4.21 (P < .001, effect size = 0.50). Institutional childbirth rates increased from 0.52 to 0.71 (P < .001, effect size = 0.18). ANC attendance (B = 0.082, P = .002) and positive attitudes (B = 0.055, P < .001) were significant predictors of institutional childbirth. The SBCC intervention significantly enhanced maternal health knowledge, attitudes, ANC utilization, and institutional childbirth rates, highlighting the value of community-based strategies in improving maternal health behaviors.
Reproductive output of old males is limited by seminal fluid, not sperm number
Authors: Sanghvi Krish , Shandilya Sucheta , Brown Alana , Todorova Biliana , Jahn Martin , Gascoigne Samuel J L , Camilleri Tara-Lyn , Pizzari Tommaso , Sepil Irem
Published: January 2025

Male reproductive senescence is typically characterized by a decline in the number of sperm produced and transferred by old males, a phenomenon that may be exacerbated in polygynous species where males mate multiply. However, males also transfer seminal fluid to females, and little is known about its role in modulating male reproductive senescence. Here, we explore the contributions of sperm and seminal fluid towards male reproductive senescence in a series of sequential matings, using Drosophila melanogaster. As expected, old males produce fewer offspring than young males. However, this pattern is not driven by sperm limitation: old males have more sperm and transfer similar numbers to females, compared to young males. Instead, females storing fewer sperm of old males compared to that of young males, over a long term, drives male reproductive senescence. We are able to mitigate the age-related decline in male reproductive output by supplementing females with the seminal fluid of a young male, before she mates with an old male. Similarly, we alleviate the reduction in reproductive output across sequential matings by supplementing females with seminal fluid. Our findings highlight that seminal fluid, rather than sperm number, limits reproductive success in old or multiply mating males, highlighting its underappreciated role in reproductive aging.
The Vulvodynia Primary Care Toolkit: results of a mixed-method evaluation with community-based family physicians in British Columbia
Authors: Hunker Katherine E , Altas Melanie , Goldsmith Kaitlyn M , Farrell Janine E , Bouchard Katrina N
Published: January 2025

Background

Healthcare providers often lack awareness, knowledge, and confidence in managing vulvodynia, which can lead to difficulties with diagnosis and treatment for individuals with the condition.

Objective

To develop and test an educational online toolkit tailored to supporting community-based primary care providers with diagnosis, treatment, and patient support for vulvodynia.

Methods

A sample of 19 community-based family physicians completed online surveys before and after testing the Vulvodynia Primary Care Toolkit (the toolkit hereafter) in their practice for 6 months. Nine physicians also completed a semi-structured interview to describe their experiences using the toolkit.

Results

The toolkit was adopted into clinical care, being used an average of 4.1 times per physician (SD = 2.7) during the test period. The toolkit demonstrated high acceptability, as evidenced by a high level of reported satisfaction with the toolkit and the amount of information it contained. The toolkit increased self-reported knowledge and confidence in diagnosing (P = .003), treating (P < .001), and supporting (P < .001) patients with vulvodynia. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we generated five themes from interview data that represented physicians’ experiences: (i) There are facilitators and barriers to toolkit use in practice, (ii) the toolkit is valued by family physicians, (iii) the toolkit is educational, (iv) the toolkit is empowering, and (v) the toolkit improves vulvodynia management and referrals.

Conclusion

An online educational toolkit tailored to community-based primary care settings supports the management of patients with vulvodynia by family physicians. Our findings lay the foundation for the upscaling of this tool.
Has Muscle Power Better Discriminative Capacity Compared to Muscle Strength in Predicting Worsening Disability in Older Adults?
Authors: Travaglini Silvia , Bonvicini Maria , Bandinelli Stefania , Ferrucci Luigi , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Pedone Claudio
Published: January 2025

Background

Poor muscle strength is a risk factor for disability; nonetheless, its discriminative capacity in identifying people who will become disabled is poor. We evaluated whether muscle power, which also is a risk factor for disability, has better discriminative capacity compared to muscle strength.

Methods

We used data from the population-based InCHIANTI study. Our outcome measure was the loss of at least 1 basic or instrumental activity of daily living between baseline and 3-year follow-up visit. Body weight standardized knee isometric strength and leg power (power rig) were used as exposure variables. Discriminative capacity was estimated using the area under the receiver-operating curves. Both strength and power were dichotomized as below versus equal of above sex-specific first quartile. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated.

Results

We included 763 participants (415 women), with a mean age of 73.5 years (standard deviation: 6.4). In men, using muscle strength we obtained an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.70, with sensitivity = 0.45, specificity = 0.80, PPV = 0.27, and NPV = 0.90; using muscle power we obtained an AUC of 0.82, sensitivity = 0.73, specificity = 0.86, PPV = 0.46, and NPV = 0.95. In women, using muscle strength we obtained an AUC of 0.62, with sensitivity = 0.39, specificity = 0.81, PPV = 0.39, and NPV = 0.81; using muscle power we obtained an AUC = 0.69, sensitivity = 0.40, specificity = 0.83, PPV = 0.42, and NPV = 0.82.

Conclusions

We found that in men muscle power had better discriminative capacity, especially higher sensitivity, compared to muscle strength for prediction of worsening disability. No meaningful difference in overall discriminative capacity was found in women.
Functional redundancy of transcription factors SlNOR and SlNOR-like1 is required for pollen development in tomato
Authors: Li Hong-Li , Xiang Lan-Ting , Zhao Xiao-Dan , Zhu Ben-Zhong , Zhu Hong-Liang , Qu Gui-Qin , Luo Yun-Bo , Gao Ying , Jiang Cai-Zhong , Fu Da-Qi
Published: January 2025

In tomato, SlNOR and SlNOR-like1, members of the NAC family of transcription factors (TFs), are known to play critical roles in regulating fruit rpening and are highly expressed in floral organs. However, their role in flower development remains unclear. In this study, we generated and functionally characterized a double knockout mutant, nor/nor-like1. Our findings reveal that the pollen abortion of the nor/nor-like1 impedes ovarian enlargement, resulting in fruit formation failure. Histological analyses demonstrate that the pollen wall collapse occurs during the mature pollen stage and leads to the abnormal pollen wall component deposition at the microspore stage, resulting in the male sterility in the double knockout mutant lines. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathway analyses further suggest that the loss of SlNOR and SlNOR-like1 function affects several metabolic pathways related to pollen development, including ‘ABC transporters’, ‘lipid metabolism’, ‘phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’, ‘hormone signal transduction’, ‘starch and sucrose metabolism’ and ‘cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis’. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that SlNOR and SlNOR-like1 could directly bind to the promoters of key genes associated with pollen wall formation and activate their expression, including ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters of the G family (SlABCG8/9/23), ECERIFERUM (SlCER1) and glycine-rich protein (SlGRP92). These findings suggest that SlNOR and SlNOR-like1 may play a redundant role in the biosynthesis and transport of sporopollenin precursors, cuticular wax biosynthesis, and exine formation. In summary, our study highlights a previously uncharacterized role of SlNOR and SlNOR-like1 in tomato pollen wall formation and male fertility.
Situated polycrises: Somali responses to COVID-19
Authors: Kleist N , Albrecht P , Ali A E , Bradbury M , Hassan M A , Kanyinga K , Mohamed F D , Musa A M , Norman J
Published: January 2025

This article interrogates the concept of polycrisis through a case-study of Somali perceptions of and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing the notion of situated polycrises. Inspired by Heidegger's thinking on thrownness and Haraway's on situated knowledges, the term ‘situated polycrises’ underscores the importance of localized perspectives in understanding global crises, challenging universal narratives about their nature and effect. Based on a collective multi-sited methodology with insights from 14 locations in east African and western countries, we examine how Somalis navigated the pandemic amid ongoing emergencies, highlighting the interplay of social, political and cultural factors that influence crisis perceptions and responses. We show that for Somalis drought constitutes a crisis baseline, and that family-related support intensified while collective crisis response occurred at a low level except in the UK, putting claims that COVID-19 was an unprecedented crisis into perspective. We further argue against understanding polycrisis as a novel phenomenon, suggesting that in regions like Somali-inhabited east Africa, where multiple emergencies have intertwined and reinforced one another for decades, the pandemic occurred in an overall context of a long-term polycrisis. We thereby contribute to the nascent literature on polycrisis, both as perceived and confronted from below and in a transnational social field perspective.
Soft balancing in the regions: causes, characteristics and consequences
Authors: Paul T V , He Kai , Wivel Anders
Published: January 2025

US decline and retrenchment is increasing the importance of regional dynamics across the international system. Over the past decade, International Relations scholars have described and conceptualized this development variously as ‘de-centred globalism’, a ‘multi-order world’, a ‘multiplex world’ or a multicultural ‘no one's world’, but the links between the regional and global levels and the roles and functions of regional institutions in power politics continue to be poorly understood. This special section uses the analytical lens of soft balancing—that is, attempts at restraining a threatening power through diplomatic and institutional delegitimation—to explore these links. Soft balancing has been used extensively to understand developments at the great power level, but its focus on diplomatic and institutional strategies holds considerable potential for explaining how rising powers, middle powers and smaller states seek to navigate the emerging international order. Contributors to the section discuss developments in the Indo-Pacific, central Asia, Europe and BRICS to answer questions such as: what are the characteristics of soft balancing in the regions? How do regional actors apply different soft balancing strategies? When and under what conditions will soft balancing strategies be effective? What is their impact on regional and global orders? This introduction offers an overview of soft balancing in theory and practice and their relevance to the world's regions.
Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential in Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Esai Selvan Myvizhi , Nathan Daniel I , Guisado Daniela , Collatuzzo Giulia , Iruvanti Sushruta , Boffetta Paolo , Mascarenhas John , Hoffman Ronald , Cohen Louis J , Marcellino Bridget K , Gümüş Zeynep H
Published: January 2025

Background

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is the presence of somatic mutations in myeloid and lymphoid malignancy genes in the blood cells of individuals without a hematologic malignancy. Inflammation is hypothesized to be a key mediator in the progression of CHIP to hematologic malignancy and patients with CHIP have a high prevalence of inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of CHIP in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

We analyzed whole-exome sequencing data from 587 Crohn’s disease (CD), 441 ulcerative colitis (UC), and 293 non-IBD controls to assess CHIP prevalence and used logistic regression to study associations with clinical outcomes.

Results

Older UC patients (age > 45) harbored increased myeloid-CHIP mutations compared to younger patients (age ≤ 45) (P = .01). Lymphoid-CHIP was more prevalent in older IBD patients (P = .007). Young CD patients were found to have myeloid-CHIP with high-risk features. Inflammatory bowel disease patients with CHIP exhibited unique mutational profiles compared to controls. Steroid use was associated with increased CHIP (P = .05), while anti-TNF therapy was associated with decreased myeloid-CHIP (P = .03). Pathway enrichment analyses indicated an overlap between CHIP genes, IBD phenotypes, and inflammatory pathways.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore a connection between IBD and CHIP pathophysiology. Patients with IBD and CHIP had unique risk profiles, especially among older UC patients and younger CD patients. These findings suggest distinct evolutionary pathways for CHIP in IBD and necessitate awareness among IBD providers and hematologists to identify patients potentially at risk for CHIP-related complications including malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and acceleration of their inflammatory disease.
Assessing mercury exposure to water and fish of the Mackenzie watershed using a Bayesian network analysis
Authors: Jermilova Una , Kirk Jane L , Moe S Jannicke , Landis Wayne G , Sharpe Emma , McGovern Maeve , Braaten Hans Fredrik Veiteberg , Gundersen Cathrine Brecke , Dastoor Ashu P , Schaefer Kevin , Hintelmann Holger H
Published: January 2025

Bayesian Network Relative Risk Models (BN-RRM) were developed to assess recent (2005–2020) risk of mercury (Hg) exposure to the freshwater ecosystems of Great Slave Lake (GSL) and the Mackenzie River Basin (MRB) in the Canadian Northwest Territories. Risk is defined as the probability of a specified adverse outcome; here the adverse outcome was the probability of environmental Hg concentrations exceeding the Hg regulatory guidelines (thresholds values) established to protect the health of humans and aquatic biota. Environmental models and Hg monitoring studies were organized into a probabilistic (Bayesian network) model which considered six Hg input pathways, including atmospheric Hg deposition, Hg release from permafrost thaw, terrestrial to aquatic Hg transfer via soil erosion, and the proximity to mining, fossil fuel developments, and retrogressive permafrost thaw slumps (RPTS). Sensitivity analysis was used to assess spatial trends in influence of the sources to Hg concentrations in freshwater and in the tissue of five keystone fish species (lake whitefish, lake trout, northern pike, walleye, and burbot) which are essential for the health and food security of the people in the MRB. The risk to the health of keystone fish species, defined by toxicological dose-response curves, was generally low but greatest in GSL where fish size, mine proximity, and soil erosion were identified to be important explanatory variables. These BN-RRMs provide a probabilistic framework to integrate advances in Hg cycling modeling, identify gaps in Hg monitoring efforts, and calculate risk to environmental endpoints under alternative scenarios of mitigation measures. For example, the models predicted that the successful implementation of the Minamata Treaty, corresponding to 35%–60% reduction in atmospheric Hg deposition, would translate to a ∼1.2-fold reduction in fish Hg concentrations. In this way, these models can form the basis for a decision-support tool for comparing and ranking risk-reduction initiatives.
Monitoring wetland cover changes and land surface temperatures using remote sensing and GIS in Göksu Delta
Authors: Gültürk Doğruyol Pınar
Published: January 2025

Wetlands provide necessary ecosystem services, such as climate regulation and contribution to biodiversity at global and local scales, and they face spatial changes due to natural and anthropogenic factors. The degradation of the characteristic structure signals potential severe threats to biodiversity. This study aimed to monitor the long-term spatial changes of the Göksu Delta, a critical Ramsar site, using remote sensing techniques. It seeks to analyze the relationship between these changes and land surface temperature (LST) and predict future land use patterns through machine learning (ML) methods. In this context, the normalized difference vegetation index, modified normalized difference water index, normalized difference bareness index, and normalized difference moisture index remote sensing spectral index analyses and LST maps were generated using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) satellite imagery for 1985, 2000, 2015, and 2023. Kappa accuracy assessments demonstrated a high level of agreement between the generated maps and ground truth data. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the consistency of the relationship between spectral index analyses and LST, revealing a statistically significant correlation at the 0.01 level. The study revealed that Lake Akgöl lost 58.85% of its water body over the 38 years of monitoring the delta. This loss was primarily attributed to increased LST and human activities. The land use land cover model for the year 2031, developed using artificial neural networks and cellular automata from ML methods, projected a 7.50% decrease in total water bodies, a 46.94% reduction in vegetated areas, and a 36.85% increase in nonvegetated areas. In conclusion, it was emphasized that the adverse land use trends within the Göksu Delta are expected to persist, degrading its ecosystem services and values. In this context, the study's findings can be utilized to identify strong strategies for protecting the delta.
Valuation of regulating ecosystem services in Africa: a review of policy impact reporting
Authors: Akello Gertrude , Opinde Godwin , Letema Sammy
Published: January 2025

Regulating ecosystem services (RES) play a very critical role in the sustenance of environmental health and human well-being, yet their valuation remains a complex and dynamic field. The variety of valuation methods, each with its strengths and limitations, as well as the limited methodological guidance for the selection of appropriate methods, poses a challenge in the valuation of RES. This review examined RES valuation studies in Africa, focusing on growth trends, methodological preferences, and policy reporting approaches. Drawing on the existing literature, we also explored the use of decision trees to support the choice of appropriate methods. A synthesis of peer-reviewed literature identified 31 studies, and their analysis revealed the dominant use of single-valuation methods in the assessment of RES and a varied growth rate in the number of valuation studies over the period under review. Furthermore, a notable heterogeneity exists in the methods used to report policy impact across various value assessments. This review contributes valuable insights into the current state of RES valuation research, necessary to advance methodologies, guide future research, and inform policy discussions on the sustainable management of ecosystems.
Application of artificial intelligence for nutrient estimation in surface water bodies of basins with intensive agriculture
Authors: Medina-Jiménez José Luis , Amabilis-Sosa Leonel Ernesto , Mendivil-García Kimberly , Morales-Rosales Luis Alberto , Gonzalez-Huitrón Víctor Alejandro , Rodríguez-Rangel Héctor
Published: January 2025

Eutrophication is one of the most relevant concerns due to the risk to water supply and food security. Nitrogen and phosphorus chemical species concentrations determined the risk and magnitude of eutrophication. These analyses are even more relevant in basins with intensive agriculture due to agrochemical discharges. However, analyzing these nutrients is labor intensive, as sampling to intercalibration in the laboratory requires considerable financial and human resources. Currently, artificial intelligence allows the modeling of phenomena and variables in various fields. This research focuses on the exploration of other machine learning methods, including multilayer perceptron (MLP), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), and random forest (RF) for the estimation of nutrients in surface waters of Sinaloa, Mexico (11 model basins), the states with the highest exports of agricultural products. Nutrients were considered in all possible chemical forms, such as total nitrogen, Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, and orthophosphate. For estimation, the selected input parameters are characterized by pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, water temperature, and total suspended solids, which do not require chemical reagents and can be measured in real time. The parameter information was obtained from the National Network for Water Quality Monitoring database (6,200 data recorded since 2012). Finally, hyperparameter normalization and optimization (HPO) methods were implemented to maximize the best-performing model. Each model obtained different coefficient of determination values (R2): MLP between 0.64 and 0.77, CNN from 0.65 to 0.76, KNN from 0.64 to 0.79, and RF from 0.79 to 0.85. The latter is considered the best performer, with values of 0.95 in training and 0.94 in validation after applying HPO. Notably, the models are valid for any surface water body and in any climatic season in the state of Sinaloa, México. Therefore decision-makers can use them for science-based environmental regulation of land use and pesticide application.
Identification and treatment of false methane values produced by the tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy technology equipped on unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: De Molfetta Maurizio , Fosco Donatello , Renzulli Pietro Alexander , Notarnicola Bruno
Published: January 2025

Fugitive or diffuse methane emissions constitute an important source of damage to the environment, much greater even than CO2 both over a time span of 20 years and over a longer time span of 100. It is therefore of preeminent importance to undertake all the efforts necessary to implement new tools, protocols, and methods that contribute to the identification and measurement of these emissions to implement site-specific actions of mitigation, repair, and conscious management of the emitting plants. Among the remote sensing and leak detection technologies currently used, the tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) method plays a relevant role. Thanks to the study and implementation of increasingly high-performance sensors to be equipped on drones, this method is strongly promoted in the unmanned aerial vehicle sector. However, as often happens, the operational performance of a measurement method must be associated with measurement errors, which must be foreseen (where possible), and certainly detailed and corrected. The purpose of this article is to describe the procedure for identifying and processing “false-positive” values recorded by the payload during a survey flight for the measurement of methane concentrations in airborne matrix, with a TDLAS sensor. The methodology contained in this article is based on the study of scientific evidence referable to previous in-depth experiences on false positives and largely on the direct experience gained by the project team of the TALSEF laboratory (University of Bari, Italy) during numerous measurement campaigns in landfills, oil and gas sites, and cattle stables.
A proposal on bird focal species selection for higher tier risk assessments of plant protection products in the EU
Authors: Gießing Benedikt , Kragten Steven , Hotopp Ines , Russ Anja , Fan Marie , Sprenger Dennis , Weyers Arnd , Wolf Christian
Published: January 2025

The revised EFSA 2023 Guidance on the risk assessment of plant protection products for birds and mammals emphasises vulnerability as a relevant criterion for focal species (FS) selection rather than prevalence. The EFSA 2023 Guidance suggests to rank FS candidates for each dietary group according to their expected exposure by estimating a species-specific daily dietary dose (DDD). Species experiencing higher exposure would be ranked as potentially more vulnerable and can be identified as FS candidates. The DDD is calculated using an estimated “proportion of diet an individual obtains from the (treated) crop” (PT). A PT is derived from a radio-tracking field study in the crop of interest, but such data are not available for all species. We introduce the frequency of occurrence in surveys (FOsurvey) in each study field from FS field studies as a proxy for PT in theoretical DDD calculations. The presence of a species during a high proportion of surveys, resulting in a high FOsurvey, could indicate a high proportion of foraging time spent in this crop. To evaluate whether FOsurvey is an appropriate proxy for PT, empirical PT values from radio-tracking studies for different bird species were correlated to respective FOsurvey values from FS studies in the same crop and growth stage. Based on 10 case examples covering different species and crops, a positive correlation was shown between PT and FOsurvey, supporting the suitability of the proposed approach. Based on a positive correlation between the species’ prevalence and the new theoretical DDD, the list of the most relevant FS resulting from the new ranking approach is not expected to differ significantly from the FS selection, according to the methodology proposed in EFSA 2009. However, in a few cases, additional species were identified as potential FS, therefore requiring further consideration in the risk assessment.
A unified approach to SimpleTreat input and settings for wastewater treatment removal predictions
Authors: Burns Thomas D , Beking Michael , Shen Jesse , De Knecht Joop , Bakker Joost , van Vlaardingen Peter , Tolls Johannes , Gouin Todd
Published: January 2025

SimpleTreat has become a common tool used in ecological risk assessments to estimate the removal efficiency of a chemical from a secondary wastewater treatment plant and hence inform on release to the environment. Organization A, Organization B, and Organization C performed a comparative study of SimpleTreat predictions and parameter selection methodologies across the three organizations. SimpleTreat versions 3.1 and 4.1 were run for a set of 10 chemicals using different settings and different approaches to obtain the inputs needed to run the tool. The impacts of these differences on removal predictions for the set of chemicals were explored, and a unified framework was proposed to guide users in the effective use of SimpleTreat.
Trustworthiness of a machine learning early warning model in medical and surgical inpatients
Authors: Caraballo Pedro J , Meehan Anne M , Fischer Karen M , Rahman Parvez , Simon Gyorgy J , Melton Genevieve B , Salehinejad Hojjat , Borah Bijan J
Published: January 2025

Objectives

In the general hospital wards, machine learning (ML)-based early warning systems (EWSs) can identify patients at risk of deterioration to facilitate rescue interventions. We assess subpopulation performance of a ML-based EWS on medical and surgical adult patients admitted to general hospital wards.

Materials and Methods

We assessed the scores of an EWS integrated into the electronic health record and calculated every 15 minutes to predict a composite adverse event (AE): all-cause mortality, transfer to intensive care, cardiac arrest, or rapid response team evaluation. The distributions of the First Score 3 hours after admission, the Highest Score at any time during the hospitalization, and the Last Score just before an AE or dismissal without an AE were calculated. The Last Score was used to calculate the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) and the precision-recall curve (PRC-AUC).

Results

From August 23, 2021 to March 31, 2022, 35 937 medical admissions had 2173 (6.05%) AE compared to 25 214 surgical admissions with 4984 (19.77%) AE. Medical and surgical admissions had significant different (P <.001) distributions of the First Score, Highest Score, and Last Score among those with an AE and without an AE. The model performed better in the medical group when compared to the surgical group, ROC-AUC 0.869 versus 0.677, and RPC-AUC 0.988 versus 0.878, respectively.

Discussion

Heterogeneity of medical and surgical patients can significantly impact the performance of a ML-based EWS, changing the model validity and clinical discernment.

Conclusions

Characterization of the target patient subpopulations has clinical implications and should be considered when developing models to be used in general hospital wards.
Adolescents and young adults with germline CDH1 variants and the risk of overtreatment
Authors: Gallanis Amber F , Bowden Cassidy , Lopez Rachael , Fasaye Grace-Ann , Lang David , Rothschild Jill , Camargo M Constanza , Hernandez Jonathan M , Rai Anjali , Heller Theo , Blakely Andrew M , Davis Jeremy L
Published: January 2025

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with germline CDH1 variants are at risk of overtreatment when precancer lesions are detected with endoscopic screening. We characterize diffuse-type gastric cancer prevalence and survival in AYA managed with prophylactic total gastrectomy (PTG) or endoscopic surveillance.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 188 individuals aged 39 and younger enrolled from January 27, 2017, to May 1, 2023. Clinicopathological data, prevalence of early gastric signet ring cell (SRC) lesions, advanced gastric cancer diagnoses, and cancer-specific survival were measured.

Results

Among 188 AYA patients, 104 chose surveillance and 67 pursued PTG for management of elevated gastric cancer risk. AYA who enrolled early in the study period and had SRC lesions detected on preoperative endoscopy were more likely to elect for PTG compared with surveillance. SRC lesions were detected on preoperative endoscopy in 48% of patients who subsequently had PTG, and yet nearly all (93%, 62/67) had multifocal SRC (pT1aN0) on final pathology. Median age at enrollment (30 vs 31 years, P = .21), biological sex (P = .17), and median number of family members with gastric cancer (3 vs 4, P = .14) were not different between groups. No patients under surveillance developed advanced cancer or developed cancer recurrence after PTG with a median follow-up of 2.5 years (IQR = 1.6-4.0) from initial endoscopy.

Conclusions

Cancer-specific outcomes were not different in AYA who harbored SRC and were managed with surveillance or PTG. Lack of cancer-specific deaths and low prevalence of advanced gastric cancer underscore the risk of overtreatment of SRC lesions and suggest that active surveillance is warranted.
Systematic review of emergency department management of vaso-occlusive episodes in adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Hutcherson Timothy C , Rowlee Paige B , Abeles Jennifer , Cieri-Hutcherson Nicole E
Published: January 2025

The objective of this systematic review was to characterize the management of vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs) in adult patients with SCD in the emergency department (ED) via implementation of a protocol or pathway intended to improve patient care for VOE-related pain.

A literature search was conducted spanning origin through May 31, 2023, using Embase, MEDLINE ALL, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases. Primary literature reporting on adult patients with SCD in a SCD-specific pathway or protocol in an ED setting was included. Data extracted included report design characteristics, patient demographics, descriptors of the pathway/protocol, pain outcomes, and hospital length of stay. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to assess risk-of-bias in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Risk of Bias for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions was used to assess risk-of-bias in nonrandomized trials (NRTs). Certainty of evidence was assessed via the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations tool.

Nine reports met eligibility criteria: 2 reports of 1 RCT and 7 observational NRTs. The RCT had low risk-of-bias; 5 NRTs had moderate risk-of-bias, 2 had serious risk-of-bias. Improvements in time to first opioid, pain scores, length of ED treatment time, overall treatment time (length of stay), and inpatient readmission improved with policies/protocols for the management of VOEs in the ED setting. These 5 outcomes had a moderate certainty of evidence.

Institutions should consider implementing protocols or pathways to improve management of VOEs in the ED.
Association between serum testosterone level and cardiovascular health in US male adults: results from the 2013-2016 NHANES
Authors: Wu Xu , Zhang Yuyang , Zhang Xiansheng
Published: January 2025

Background

There have been many studies of the association between testosterone and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, limited research has examined the association between testosterone and Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), a recently updated algorithm for assessing cardiovascular health (CVH).

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the association between serum total testosterone (TT) levels and LE8 scores—where higher LE8 scores indicate better CVH—among adult males in the United States.

Method

Data from 3308 adult males were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2013 and 2016. Weighted univariate and multivariate linear regression models [β and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] and logistic regression models [odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs] were used to explore the association between testosterone and LE8 and high CVH risk. Additionally, a smoothed curve fit (penalized spline method) and generalized additive model regression were applied to further explore these relationships.

Outcomes

LE8 includes 4 health behaviors (nicotine exposure, diet, physical activity, and sleep duration) and 4 health factors (body mass index, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose).

Results

Serum TT levels were strongly associated with LE8 scores after adjusting for all confounders (continuous: β = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.92, 3.57, P < .0001; quartiles: Q4 vs Q1: β = 3.89, 95% CI: 2.78, 5.01, P < .0001). Similarly, high levels of TT were associated with a significantly lower CVH risk (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.73, P < .001). Compared to low TT levels, normal TT levels significantly reduced the risk of CVH (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.69, P < .001). Smoothed curve fitting showed a positive linear correlation between TT levels and LE8 scores, as well as a consistent linear negative correlation with CVH risk.

Clinical Implications

These findings highlight the importance of endogenous TT levels in promoting CVH and provide new insights into factors influencing CVH.

Strengths and Limitations

This study is the first to investigate the association between serum TT level and LE8 scores as well as LE8-assessed CVH among adult males. However, the observational nature of this study precludes any assessment of causality.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a robust positive association between serum TT levels and LE8 scores in a nationally representative sample of adult men in the United States.
Detection of multiple myositis-specific antibodies: prevalence and clinical significance
Authors: Jerbi Ameni , Karoui Sahar , Snoussi Mouna , Feki Sawsan , Damak Chifa , Bahloul Zouheir , Masmoudi Hatem , Marzouk Sameh , Hachcicha Hend
Published: January 2025

Background

The multipositivity of myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs) is uncommon. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and the clinical relevance of multiple positive MSAs in routine practice.

Methods

A 10 year single-center retrospective study (2015-2024) was conducted reviewing all samples analyzed with the Dot Myositis EUROLINE (Euroimmun Germany). Clinical data corresponding to samples with multiple positive MSAs was reviewed.

Results

Among 140 samples positive for at least 1 MSA, 22 patients (15.7%) were positive for at least 2 MSAs on the same sample. The diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) was confirmed in only 6 patients (27.2%). The frequency of double-positive MSAs was 100% in IIM patients and 60% in non-IIM patients. No IIM patients and 40% of non-IIM patients (P = .037) had 3 or more positive MSAs. MSA titers were higher in IIM patients than in non-IIM patients (49 vs 32 AU, P = .33). The clinical IIM subtype joined the IIM subtype corresponding to the predominant MSA. We had no mixed features of either IIM subtype or added severe prognosis.

Conclusion

Detection of multiple MSAs is uncommon but possible using immunodot techniques. Taking into account MSA number, level of positivity, and clinical data helps in the interpretation of the results.
Retail Availability of Oral Nicotine Pouches in Three US Cities: A Geographic Analysis
Authors: Giovenco Daniel P , Spillane Torra E , Lee Hye Myung , Ali Neha , Little Rose Monet P , Rahman Syed N , Yagoda Sophie S
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Sales of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), including brands such as Zyn, on!, Velo, and Rogue, have risen precipitously in the United States. One potential driver of ONP use may be exposure to the products and their marketing in local tobacco retailers. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of ONP availability in a large, representative sample of tobacco retailers in three major US cities.

Aims and Methods

In 2023, research staff visited a stratified, random sample of 20% of licensed tobacco retailers in San Francisco, New York City, and Philadelphia (n = 1402) and documented the availability of ONPs. Binomial generalized linear mixed models estimated adjusted odds of ONP availability by city, store type, and district sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

ONPs were available in 28.7% of retailers and were most prevalent in chain convenience stores (60.5%), followed by smoke/vape shops (53.3%, p < .0001). After adjusting for city and store type, the odds of a retailer carrying ONPs were higher in districts with a greater proportion of non-Hispanic White residents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.33 [1.10, 4.94]), a higher median household income (aOR: 2.04 [1.23, 3.38]), and a lower proportion of youth residents (aOR: 0.25 [0.15, 0.43]).

Conclusions

ONP availability was greater in retailers located in predominantly White and higher-income neighborhoods and those with fewer youth. As researchers continue to evaluate the risks of ONPs as well as their potential as a tobacco harm reduction strategy, attention to variations in retail access and population patterns of use will be critical to determine impacts on health equity.

Implications

Sales of oral ONPs have increased precipitously in the United States, but little is known about patterns of retail access in neighborhoods, which may influence consumer use behaviors. This study found that over one in four tobacco retailers carried ONPs, but availability was greater in largely White and high-income neighborhoods and those with fewer youth. As researchers continue to evaluate ONP risks and potential benefits, this study provides insight into the role that retail access may play in shaping population patterns of use and subsequent impacts on health equity.