bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proposal for a tiered regulatory framework for the aquatic risk assessment of pesticides in Brazil
Authors: Santos Gustavo Souza , Casallanovo Fábio , Scorza Júnior Rômulo Penna , Daam Michiel A. , Cione Ana Paola 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Aquatic risk assessment is essential to guarantee the sustainable use of pesticides and the conservation of water resources near agricultural fields. This article discusses a proposal for a tiered regulatory framework for the aquatic risk assessment of pesticides in Brazil. The first step is problem formulation, which includes establishing general and specific protection goals. In the exposure assessment, the Estimated Environmental Concentrations in water should be calculated based on realistic worst-case assumptions regarding application rate and frequency, the entry into the edge-of-field water body, and fate in the water body, using scenario-dependent models suggested by the Brazilian Environmental Agency. These calculations can be refined by including Efate studies with variable exposures to reflect realistic environmental conditions accurately and include mitigation measures that impact the modeling. In the hazard assessment, ecotoxicological data for toxicity to fish, aquatic invertebrates, algae, and aquatic plants should be required for all pesticides based on standardized protocols and species. Tier 2 has several refinement options, including incorporating toxicity data from additional test species and effect modeling. In Tier 3, population- and community-level effects are evaluated using semi-field studies. Considering the case study in Brazil, Tier 1 demonstrated that, from the 12 pesticides that were assessed, seven (58%) failed based on the value of the Risk Quotient. In Tier 2, when exposure refinement options and mitigation measures such as buffer zones are considered, all seven pesticides, for which Tier 1 indicated risk, still failed the assessment. The risk for four of these seven pesticides could be refined by considering toxicity information from additional species. Refinement options and mitigation measures that could be applied to the agricultural scenario in Brazil were discussed. In conclusion, the proposed tiered risk assessment is a feasible way to evaluate whether a pesticide will pose an unacceptable risk to aquatic organisms. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1514–1528. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Key Points
This article proposes a tiered regulatory framework for aquatic risk assessment of pesticides in Brazil; the framework involves problem formulation, exposure assessment, and hazard assessment, focusing on realistic worst-case scenarios and refined calculations. The application of the proposed tiered approach in a Brazilian case study revealed that 58% of assessed pesticides failed the Tier 1 assessment. Refinement options and mitigation measures that could be applied to the agricultural scenario in Brazil were discussed.
Association analysis between CD14 gene polymorphisms and peri‐implantitis susceptibility in a Chinese population
Authors: Li Jie , Qiao Xiao , Shang Jin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of the study was to examine the genetic correlation of cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) gene polymorphisms with peri‐implantitis (PI) predisposition in a Chinese Han population.MethodsIn the case‐control study, blood samples were collected from PI patients and healthy individuals (n = 120/group), who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University from 2021 to 2023. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare differences of continuous variables among different groups. Genotype and allele distributions of CD14 gene rs2569190 and rs2915863 polymorphisms were analyzed between groups via χ2 test.ResultsA high percentage of rs2569190 GG genotype or G allele carriers were identified in PI group compared with control group (p < .01). Rs2569190 GG genotype carriers had high risk to develop PI (odds ratio: 2.545, 95% confidence interval: 1.257–5.156, p = .009). The rs2569190 AA genotype carriers had the lowest values of gingival index, plaque index, calculus index, peri‐implant pocket depth, and clinical attachment level, which were the highest in cases with GG genotype.ConclusionRs2569190 polymorphism of CD14 gene was significantly associated with PI predisposition in the Chinese Han population, and the GG genotype and G allele were risk factors for the development of PI.
Dehydroandrographolide facilitates M2 macrophage polarization by downregulating DUSP3 to inhibit sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Shao Yanyan , Yu Weihao , Cai Hailun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundSepsis is perceived as lethal tissue damage and significantly increases mortality in combination with acute kidney injury (AKI). M2 macrophages play important roles in the secretion of anti‐inflammatory and tissue repair mediators. We aimed to study the role of Dehydroandrographolide (Deh) in sepsis‐associated AKI in vitro and in vivo through lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced macrophages model and cecal ligation and puncture‐induced AKI mice model, and to reveal the mechanism related to M2 macrophage polarization.MethodsEnzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to assess the levels of inflammatory factors. Expression of markers related to M1 macrophages and M2 macrophages were analyzed. Additionally, dual specificity phosphatase 3 (DUSP3) expression was tested. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis and terminal‐deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated nick end labeling staining. Moreover, renal histological assessment was performed by using hematoxylin and eosin staining.ResultsDeh reduced inflammation of THP‐1‐derived macrophages exposed to LPS. Besides, Deh induced the polarization of M1 macrophages to M2 and downregulated DUSP3 expression in THP‐1‐derived macrophages under LPS conditions. Further, DUSP3 overexpression reversed the impacts of Deh on the inflammation and M2 macrophages polarization of THP‐1‐derived macrophages stimulated by LPS. Additionally, human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK‐2) in the condition medium from DUSP3‐overexpressed THP‐1‐derived macrophages treated with LPS and Deh displayed decreased viability and increased apoptosis and inflammation. The in vivo results suggested that Deh improved the renal function, ameliorated pathological injury, induced the polarization of M1 macrophages to M2, suppressed inflammation and apoptosis, and downregulated DUSP3 expression in sepsis‐induced mice.ConclusionDeh facilitated M2 macrophage polarization by downregulating DUSP3 to inhibit septic AKI.
Meta‐analysis of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and its short forms: A two‐part study
Authors: Raimondi Giulia , Balsamo Michela , Carlucci Leonardo , Alivernini Fabio , Lucidi Fabio , Samela Tonia , Innamorati Marco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is the most used self‐report questionnaire to assess deficits in emotion regulation (ER), composed of 6 dimensions and 36 items. Many studies have evaluated its factor structure, not always confirming the original results, and proposed different factor models. A possible way to try to identify the dimensionality of the DERS could be through a meta‐analysis with structural equation models (MASEM) of its factor structure. The MASEM indicated that a six‐factor model with 32 items (DERS‐32) was the most suitable to represent the dimensionality of the DERS (χ2 = 2095.96, df = 449, p < .001; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.024, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.023–0.025; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.97; Tucker Lewis index [TLI] = 0.96; standardized root mean squared residual [SRMR] = 0.04). This result was also confirmed by a confirmatory factor analysis (χ2 = 3229.67, df = 449, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.075, 95% CI: 0.073–0.078; CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.93; SRMR = 0.05) on a new sample (1092 participants; mean age: 28.28, SD = 5.82 years) recruited from the Italian population. Analyses and results from this sample are reported in the second study of this work. The DERS‐32 showed satisfactory internal consistency (i.e., ordinal α, Molenaar Sijtsma statistic, and latent class reliability coefficient) for all its dimensions and correctly categorized individuals with probable borderline symptomatology. In conclusion, the DERS‐32 has demonstrated to be the best model for the DERS among all the others considered in this work, as well as a reliable tool to assess deficits in ER.
X‐Band 130‐nm CMOS transceiver front‐end with a broadband attenuator design for phased‐array systems
Authors: Pang Dongwei , Wu Shiwei , Wang Yan , Gui Yongfeng , Duan Zongming , Wang Gang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis letter demonstrates an X‐band transceiver front‐end in 130‐nm CMOS technology for phased‐array systems. To solve the problem that passive attenuator performance deteriorates significantly in wideband systems, a 6‐bit attenuator with source follower and common‐gate amplifier is proposed. Besides, an 8‐bit vector‐summing phase shifter is implemented in common path to realize the phase coverage of 360° with the least significant bit of 5.625°. In the frequency range of 8–12 GHz, the measured root‐mean‐square (rms) amplitude and phase errors of the attenuator in the transceiver are less than 0.36 dB and 2.2°, respectively. The rms phase and amplitude errors of the phase shifter in the transceiver are less than 4.8° and 0.56 dB, respectively. The whole chip area including pads is 3 × 2.3 mm2.
Incorporating plan complexity into the statistical process control of volumetric modulated arc therapy pre‐treatment verifications
Authors: Russo Serenella , Saez Jordi , Esposito Marco , Bruschi Andrea , Ghirelli Alessandro , Pini Silvia , Scoccianti Silvia , Hernandez Victor 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundStatistical process control (SPC) is a powerful statistical tool for process monitoring that has been highly recommended in healthcare applications, including radiation therapy quality assurance (QA). The AAPM TG‐218 report described the clinical implementation of SPC for Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) pre‐treatment verifications, pointing out the need to adjust tolerance limits based on plan complexity. However, the quantification of plan complexity and its integration into SPC remains an unresolved challenge.PurposeThe primary aim of this study is to investigate the incorporation of plan complexity into the SPC framework for VMAT pre‐treatment verifications. The study explores and evaluates various strategies for this incorporation, discussing their merits and limitations, and provides recommendations for clinical application.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 309 VMAT plans from diverse anatomical sites using the PTW OCTAVIUS 4D device for QA measurements. Gamma Passing Rates (GPR) were obtained, and lower control limits were computed using both the conventional Shewhart method and three heuristic methods (scaled weighted variance, weighted standard deviations, and skewness correction) to accommodate non‐normal data distributions. The ‘Identify‐Eliminate‐Recalculate’ method was employed for robust analysis. Eight complexity metrics were analyzed and two distinct strategies for incorporating plan complexity into SPC were assessed. The first strategy focused on establishing control limits for different treatment sites, while the second was based on the determination of control limits as a function of individual plan complexity. The study extensively examines the correlation between control limits and plan complexity and assesses the impact of complexity metrics on the control process.ResultsThe control limits established using SPC were strongly influenced by the complexity of treatment plans. In the first strategy, a clear correlation was found between control limits and average plan complexity for each site. The second approach derived control limits based on individual plan complexity metrics, enabling tailored tolerance limits. In both strategies, tolerance limits inversely correlated with plan complexity, resulting in all highly complex plans being classified as in control. In contrast, when plans were collectively analyzed without considering complexity, all the out‐of‐control plans were highly complex.ConclusionsIncorporating plan complexity into SPC for VMAT verifications requires meticulous and comprehensive analysis. To ensure overall process control, we advocate for stringent control and minimization of plan complexity during treatment planning, especially when control limits are adjusted based on plan complexity.
Medication recommendations for treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy: A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Price Morgan R. , Mead Kaelyn E. , Cowell Diana M. , Troutner Alyssa M. , Barton Tyler E. , Walters Sheryl A. , Daniels Clinton J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this systematic review was to ascertain guideline‐recommended pharmaceutical approaches to lumbosacral radicular symptoms, assess the quality of the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool, and qualitatively synthesize the guideline recommendations.Literature SurveyLiterature searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Index to Chiropractic Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). We included guidelines published between January 1, 2017, and January 9, 2022, written in the English language, related to radiculopathy, sciatica, and/or low back pain with leg pain, and that provided recommendations on oral medication.MethodologyThe review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) and the protocol was pre‐registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Eligibility screening, full‐text review, extraction of information pertaining to pharmacological management, and synthesis of results were performed independently by two authors and a third investigator was recruited to arbitrate any disagreements. The AGREE II tool was administered by four authors to appraise CPG quality.SynthesisAfter screening 413 citations and assessing 37 full‐text articles, 11 CPGs met the inclusion criteria. They represented seven countries (Belgium, Canada, England, France, Japan, Korea, and United States) and three continents (Asia, Europe, and North America), as well as the Global Spine Care Initiative aimed at a worldwide presence. The mean overall AGREE II score was 87.1% (standard deviation [SD] 12.6%), generally reflecting high‐quality CPGs. The highest domain mean score was for Clarity of Presentation (96.7%, SD 4.4%), and the lowest was Applicability (75.6%, SD 22.8%). Five classes of medications were recommended by at least one CPG: anticonvulsants, antidepressants, oral corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids.ConclusionsThe most common medication class recommended by the CPGs for lumbar radiculopathy was antidepressants. No CPGs recommended prescribing acetaminophen, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, or antibiotics. There was very little agreement between the CPGs, and all the medication classes had at least one CPG recommended against its use. Three guidelines reviewed did not recommend any medications due to lack of supporting literature, and instead recommended nonpharmacologic therapy.
The effect of cold plasma seed treatments on nodulation and plant growth in pea (Pisum sativum) and lentil (Lens culinaris)
Authors: Abeysingha Dhanuja N. , Dinesh Shifa , Roopesh M. S. , Warkentin Thomas D. , Thilakarathna Malinda S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCold plasma enhances various biological processes in plants. This study assessed the impact of cold plasma seed treatments on nodulation, root, and shoot growth in pea and lentil under controlled environmental conditions. Seeds were treated with cold plasma generated by a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and a pin electrode reactor (PER), with three different exposure durations (3, 6, and 12 min). At 4 weeks, notable enhancements were observed in nodule number and dry weight, root dry weight, length, volume, surface area, and shoot dry weight. The 3‐ and 6‐min exposure using the DBD and the 3‐min exposure using the PER system demonstrated the most significant increases or upward trends in these traits, highlighting the intricate nature of seed–plasma interactions.
Increasing diversity, precarity and prolonged periods of education in the transition from school to work in Britain
Authors: Pelikh Alina , Rowe Francisco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates whether the British pattern of an early transition from school to work persists. We apply sequence analysis to data from the British Household Panel Survey and the U.K. Household Longitudinal Study to study how education and employment trajectories of young adults born in 1974–1990 differ by 5‐year birth cohort, gender, and socioeconomic background. The distinctive British early transition from school to work is still prevalent, although trajectories have become more complex and precarious with an increase in part‐time employment and prolonged stays in education among the youngest cohorts. Occupational outcomes of highly educated men and women were similar. However, women who did not continue education were more likely to experience turbulent transitions with longer spells of part‐time work and inactivity. The proportion of university graduates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds has increased, yet their chances of being in professional and managerial occupations remain significantly lower.
Analyzing the factors affecting university contributions to achieving the sustainable development goals in European Union countries
Authors: Raimo Nicola , Nicolò Giuseppe , L'Abate Vitiana , Vitolla Filippo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a set of ambitious and interconnected goals adopted by the United Nations to address the most urgent global challenges. Among various institutions, universities play a vital role in advancing the SDGs, serving as significant catalysts for progress. The challenges associated with universities' engagement in accomplishing the SDGs have captured the attention of scholars. Nevertheless, an area that remains largely unexplored pertains to the factors that could potentially influence universities' contributions to the SDGs. This study, under the lens of legitimacy and stakeholder theories, seeks to address this significant gap by analyzing the factors driving the contributions of universities located in European Union countries towards the achievement of the SDGs. The econometric analysis, conducted on a sample of 210 European Union universities, shows that the size of the universities, the board size and the degree of gender diversity represent factors that positively affect the contribution that these institutions offer to the achievement of the SDGs.
Environment Benign Bismuth Based Catalysts for the Expedite Regioselective Ring Opening of Epoxides Under Solvent Free Microwave Condition
Authors: Gupta Deeksha , Singh Prabal P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBismuth‐based catalysts, namely Bi(PO4), (BiO)2CO3, BiF3, and Bi2(C2O4)3, are used as mild and efficient tools for the aminolysis of epoxides under solvent‐free conditions with microwave irradiation, which significantly reduced the reaction time. The catalysts employed are environment friendly, cost‐effective, and demonstrated high efficiency in terms of both high yields and regioselectivity.
Magnetic, Biocompatible and Biodegradable Carboxymethyl Cellulose‐Based Hydrogel for Cationic Dye Adsorption
Authors: Kurdtabar Mehran , Akhlaghi Fatemeh , Marandi Gholam Bagheri , Nakhjiri Mahdi Taghvay , Hasan Zargazi Mohammad 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEnsuring the availability of water resources that are both clean and safe is crucial for the preservation of environmental health and the well‐being of humans. Here, we fabricated carboxymethyl cellulose‐based hydrogel nanocomposite using acrylic acid (AA) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfuric acid (AMPS) monomers and Fe3O4 nanoparticles through a free radical crosslinking process for adsorption of dyes from contaminated water. The synthesized nanocomposite hydrogel was characterized using various techniques, including TEM, XRD, FTIR, SEM‐EDS, TGA, and AFM analysis. The swelling capacity of samples in an aqueous medium at multiple pH levels and the presence of different salts were investigated. The adsorption efficiency of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV), emphasizing the effect of hydrogel concentration and the medium's pH, was studied. It was concluded that the hydrogel sample containing 17 % AMPS and 51 % AA had better swelling capacity and dye removal efficiency. The dye adsorption kinetics data were fitted to pseudo‐first and second‐order kinetic models and the Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity for MB and CV was 53.97 and 53.57 mg/g, respectively. It was revealed that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model could best describe adsorption (qe=79.2 mg/g for MB and qe=65.8 mg/g for CV). The intra‐particle diffusion model was found to be the rate‐limiting mechanism of dye adsorption. Thermodynamic studies proposed that the adsorption of MB and CV was spontaneous and endothermic. Additionally, magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel‘s reusability up to four successive cycles further determines its probability of adsorption of dyes from wastewater.
Preparation and Study of Ti3C2Tx MXene–Deficient In Situ Anchored Fe−Co Alloy Nanoparticle Electrocatalyst for Hydrolysis and Hydrogenolysis
Authors: Zeng Xiancai , Liu Li , Sun Xianghua , Ma Yue , Li Wenhao , Ma Yan , Wu Keliang , Wang Xiaofei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe novel two–dimensional MXene material Ti3C2Tx has the advantages of a large specific surface area, adjustable band gap, good electrical conductivity, and high stability. However, the precipitation of hydrogen via electrolytic water splitting over Ti3C2Tx has unacceptably slow kinetics. In this paper, Co nanoparticles were incorporated on the Ti3C2TxMXene surface via electrostatic adsorption by utilizing the intrinsic MXene defects generated during the etching process. Next, a Fe−Co alloy structure was also constructed on the Ti3C2TxMXenesurface by wet chemical impregnation method using the principle of galvanic coupling substitution. The prepared catalyst had an overpotential of 118 mV at a current density of 10 mA‐cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 97.56 mV dec−1. The Fe−Co alloy structure accelerated the kinetic hydrogen precipitation step, and Fe−Co/Ti3C2Txshowed excellent stability when used in a water electrolysis process for 11 h. This work offers a promising strategy for the synthesis of intrinsically defective synthetic alloy MXene structures.