bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a bioavailability-based acute effects assessment method for nickel
Authors: Nys Charlotte , Middleton Elizabeth , Garman Emily , Schlekat Chris , Van Sprang Patrick , De Schamphelaere Karel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study aimed to develop a bioavailability-based effects assessment method for nickel (Ni) to derive acute freshwater environmental thresholds in Europe. The authors established a reliable acute freshwater Ni ecotoxicity database covering 63 different freshwater species, and the existing acute Ni bioavailability models for invertebrates were revised. A single average invertebrate bioavailability model was proposed, in which the protective effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on Ni2+ toxicity were integrated as a single-site competition effect at the Ni biotic ligand. The biotic ligand stability constants for Ca2+ and Mg2+ (log KCaBL = 3.80 and log KMgBL = 3.32) were derived by averaging these parameters from three existing cladoceran models. A pH extension was also integrated into the average invertebrate bioavailability model to reflect the increase in free Ni2+ toxicity observed greater than pH 8.0. The proposed invertebrate model has further been validated using an extensive dataset of acute toxicity data covering 15 different invertebrate species. Evaluating the extrapolation of the invertebrate model to plant species revealed significant uncertainty about the applicability of the acute Ni bioavailability models for plants. The newly developed acute invertebrate model was used alongside the existing acute fish and algae bioavailability models to support an acute bioavailability normalization approach for Ni. By combining these bioavailability models with the acute toxicity dataset for Ni, a normalized species sensitivity distribution approach is proposed to derive site-specific acute environmental thresholds, expressed by the HC5L(E)C50 (i.e., dissolved Ni concentration resulting in at least 50% effect for 5% of the species). The applicability ranges of the acute Ni bioavailability normalization approach are estimated to be valid for approximately 70% of European freshwaters. The proposed approach serves as a basis to incorporate bioavailability into the compliance evaluation relative to acute environmental threshold values for Ni in Europe.
Reproductive effects of the insecticide acephate on a springtail and an enchytraeid in a subtropical soil
Authors: Oliveira Filho Luís Carlos Iuñes , Alexandre Douglas , Camargo Letícia Scopel , Klauberg-Filho Osmar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The widespread use of acephate, a common insecticide, raises concerns about its potential impacts on nontarget soil organisms. This study investigated the chronic effects of acephate on the reproduction of two key soil fauna species, the springtail Folsomia candida and the enchytraeid Enchytraeus crypticus. We exposed these organisms to acephate in both natural Cambisol soil and tropical artificial soil (TAS) to assess potential impacts under different environmental conditions. Our results revealed significant reductions in reproduction for both species, with effects ranging from 38% to 49% (based on control and lowest observed effect concentration values). Furthermore, the observed effects were dependent on both the organism and the soil type. Springtails exhibited greater sensitivity in TAS than in Cambisol (0.09 and 15.0 mg a.i. kg−1 soil dry wt, respectively), whereas enchytraeids were more sensitive in Cambisol than in TAS (1 and 100 mg a.i. kg−1 soil dry wt, respectively). These findings highlight the importance of considering species-specific responses and soil properties when evaluating the ecological risks of pesticides on soil fauna communities.
Inferring atmospheric sources of gaseous organophosphate esters from spatial patterns
Authors: Li Yuening , Zhan Faqiang , Shunthirasingham Chubashini , Lei Ying Duan , Oh Jenny , Weng Chunwen , Ben Chaaben Amina , Lu Zhe , Lee Kelsey , Gobas Frank A P C , Hung Hayley , Wania Frank 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants, with concentrations often exceeding those of traditional flame retardants and plasticizers by orders of magnitude. Here, we present concentrations of OPEs in the atmospheric gas phase collected using passive air samplers deployed in the coastal regions of Quebec and British Columbia in southern Canada. Four OPEs, i.e., tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), and tris (phenyl) phosphate (TPhP) were reliably and ubiquitously detected, with TCPP showing the highest level, followed by TBP. Concentration levels of TCPP and TCEP are correlated with each other and with population, possibly indicating emission from consumer products. Spatial patterns of TBP and TPhP are more indicative of industrial usage, with airports possibly being a major source for TBP. The positive relationships between atmospheric OPEs and population are influenced by ambient temperature, whereby the size of the populated area around a sampling site influencing the air concentration appears to be decreasing at higher temperatures.
BrWRKY8: A Key Regulatory Factor Involved in Delaying Postharvest Leaf Senescence of Pakchoi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) by 2,4-Epibrassinolide
Authors: Liu Xuesong , Xu Yinghao , Zhang Yujun , Chen Xiaofei , Li Pengxia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Brassinosteroids (BRs) are extensively distributed in plants and play crucial roles throughout all stages of plant growth. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism through which BRs influence postharvest senescence in pakchoi remains elusive. Previous studies have demonstrated that application of 1.5 μM of the BRs analog 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBR) delayed the leaf senescence in harvested pakchoi. In this study, we constructed the EBR-delayed senescence transcriptome in pakchoi leaves and discovered that EBR modulates the expression of genes involved in the chlorophyll (Chl) metabolism pathway and the BRs pathway in pakchoi. Notably, we identified and characterized an EBR-suppressed, nucleus-localized WRKY transcription factor (TF) called BrWRKY8. BrWRKY8 is a highly expressed transcriptional activator in senescent leaves, targeting the promoters of the Chl degradation associated gene BrSGR2 and the BRs degradation associated gene BrCHI2, thereby promoting their expression. Overexpression of the BrWRKY8 gene accelerated the senescence process in Arabidopsis leaves, while EBR treatment mitigated the leaf senescence phenotype induced by BrWRKY8 overexpression. Conversely, silencing of BrWRKY8 through the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) extended the postharvest storage period of pakchoi. In conclusion, the newly discovered BRs-BrWRKY8 regulatory model in this study provides novel insights into BRs-mediated leaf senescence in pakchoi.
A systematic review of ecosystem services in the Rabanal páramo (Colombia)
Authors: Vergara Buitrago Paulina , De Pellegrin Llorente Irene 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Colombian páramos, strategic ecosystems of the northern Andes, provide a broad range of ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil protection. The department of Boyacá in Colombia contains the largest area of páramo ecosystems, with the Rabanal páramo serving as the primary water source for the capital city of Tunja. Despite scientific studies on the diversity of flora and fauna, páramos remain among the least studied ecosystems regarding their services. No study has yet addressed a detailed systematic review assessing the range of ecosystem services in the Rabanal páramo. We systematically reviewed 162 documents published between 1992 and 2022 to assess the progress of ecosystem services knowledge, identify biases, and define research priorities. Most of the studies (60%) focused on regulating services, followed by cultural services (24%) and provisioning services (16%). In the category of regulating services, biodiversity maintenance is the most studied service with 60 studies (37%), followed by vegetation cover with 22 studies (14%). In provisioning services, fresh water has the most studies 18 (11%), while environmental education, with 16 studies (10%), is the cultural service with the most publications. Likewise, we identified 21 different research methods in the documents. The most employed was environmental assessment (23%), followed by stakeholder engagement and environmental planning (10%) and inventory (7%). We conclude that there is a significant research gap in prioritizing the understanding of cultural services and the impacts of conservation initiatives on páramo communities. This unique ecosystem, which is not only a source of livelihood for local farmers but also deeply connected with their cultural identity and heritage, underscores the need to address these gaps to sustain the Rabanal páramo ecosystem.
Positionality and Knowledge Production on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence against Men and Boys in (Counter-) Terrorism
Authors: Njoku Emeka Thaddues , Akintayo Joshua , Mohammed Idris 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
What happens to knowledge production when African-based researchers studying intersections between terrorism and wartime sexual violence interrogate prevailing heteronormative socio-norms? As the influence of socio-political bias in reflexive methodology in international relations (IR) continued to be discussed, critics argue that reflexive discourses have yet to address their entrenched racial and colonial logic, which centers on Western voices. Thus, African-based researchers’ fieldwork experiences in the research process are poorly reflected in IR or terrorism studies. We reflect on our experiences studying fellow nationals on issues of sexual violence victimization of men and boys in areas affected by terrorism. We argue that irrespective of shared national/ethnic identity, researcher–researched relations are strained when researchers pose vexing questions that interrogate heteronormative social norms. This leads to researchers’ feelings of vulnerability, anxiety, and physical harm as their gender and sexuality become open to social scrutiny. We also argue that study participants strategically silence ethnographic encounters, demonstrating their power when researchers disregard existing social norms and study participants’ sense of existential security. Our study embodies the Feminist-Informed Researchers’ Commitment to IR, which addresses the politics of field research, nuances the methodology of uneasiness concept on wartime sexual violence, and advocates flexibility to mitigate methodological messiness.
The Alia Camel of Jordan: a genetically distinct dromedary breed
Authors: Haddad Nizar J , Al-Araishi Mohamad A , Awabdeh Sami , Patidar Rajesh , Bell Ryan , Jawasreh Khaleel , Alhurani Heba , Elharbid Leqaa J , Sweidan Rawad , Al-Anaswah Eman N , Brake Mohammad , Sadder Monther T , Blanco Omar A , Sbeih Loai , Uduman Mohamed , Lakhani Saquib A , Khokha Mustafa K , Weir Ahmed 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Dromedary camel has a remarkable history amongst cultures across Asia and northern Africa, serving multiple purposes ranging from providing milk, textiles, racing, and acting as pack animals. Recent genetic studies have revealed that many dromedaries are genetically homogenous, indicating that they do not represent different breeds, advocating for camel ‘type’ over camel ‘breed’. In this study, we leveraged whole genome sequencing (WGS) to sequence 15 Jordanian Alia camels for the first time, alongside 9 Jordanian mixed camels from diverse locations within the country. Additionally, we analyzed 48 publicly available whole genomes of dromedary camels from the Arabian Peninsula for comparison. We demonstrate that the Alia camel is a distinct breed of camel, carefully bred in Jordan for racing and milk production. Compared to other dromedary camels, the Alia is genetically distinct and a unique breed that should be conserved. Our data further suggest that WGS of different camel populations may identify additional breeds and inform approaches to optimize traits and preserve genetic diversity.
A reparatory account of health inequities
Authors: Thomson Michael 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Colonialism has left biological and social legacies that damage health. The resulting racialized health inequities re-enact past harms and are a profound social injustice. In response, this article brings together reparatory justice and health equity. Understandings of reparatory justice have evolved from a focus on compensation for past wrongs to the need for a more sustained and expansive politics of repair. This seeks to recognize the history and legacies of harm while diminishing the likelihood that such harms are repeated. Addressing racialized health inequities in the UK, and working with this articulation of reparatory justice, this article argues for the repair of bodies that continue to be damaged by historically rooted harms. Social determinants of health research has long linked socio-economic inequalities to poor health outcomes, and promoting health equity by addressing these inequalities can be an important element of the work to repair the past. This response acknowledges the moral case for both reparatory justice and health equity, while potentially addressing problems faced by traditionally articulated reparatory claims. Finally, exploring law’s role in addressing racialized health inequities can help us better understand how law is a determinant of health and its role in advancing health equity.
Longitudinal Patterns in Smoking Abstinence in Trials of E-cigarettes for Smoking Cessation: Secondary Analysis of Data From a Systematic Review, With Meta-Analyses
Authors: Hartmann-Boyce Jamie , Chan Jazmine , Zhitnik Eliza , Pesola Francesca , Hajek Peter , Lindson Nicola 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
We set out to better understand patterns of smoking abstinence and relapse in trials of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.

Methods
Secondary analysis of studies from a Cochrane review. Studies had to test any type of e-cigarette intervention for smoking cessation. They had to follow up for at least 6 months and report either abstinence at multiple timepoints, abstinence using multiple definitions or relapse. We narratively synthesized data and conducted meta-analyses.

Results
We included 15 studies (n = 7233 participants). Using the Cochrane risk of bias tool v1, five were judged to be at high risk of bias, eight were at low risk, and two were at unclear risk. Absolute continuous abstinence rates tended to decline over time, but varying slopes. For absolute point prevalence abstinence, three studies demonstrated a shallow decline over time, two a steep decline, and three the opposite—an increase in abstinence over time. Data on relative abstinence rates (e-cigarettes vs. control) were mixed. There were multiple instances of differences between point prevalence and continuous/sustained abstinence rates, both in trajectories over time and in terms of relative abstinence. The few studies addressing relapse highlighted mixed demographic and behavioral characteristics associated with relapse rates.

Conclusions
Smoking trajectories vary between trials of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. Risk ratios may not be stable over time and may increase or decrease in favor of e-cigarettes depending on the study. Further data are needed, especially on relapse rates in early quitters who use e-cigarettes versus those who use other or no stop-smoking aids.

Implications
While some have posited e-cigarettes might increase smoking relapse when used as a cessation tool, others have posited that combustible cigarette quit rates may increase over time in the same studies due to “accidental quitting.” We set out to investigate this empirically and found considerable variation in smoking trajectories in e-cigarette trials. Data suggest risk ratios may not be stable over time and may increase or decrease in favor of e-cigarettes depending on the study. Further data are needed, especially on relapse rates in early quitters who use e-cigarettes versus those who use other or no stop-smoking aids.
Aberrant Cortical Morphological Networks in First-Episode Schizophrenia
Authors: Fan Fengmei , Jin Suhui , Lv Yating , Tan Shuping , Liao Yuqing , Luo Zhenzhen , Ruan Jingxuan , Wang Zhiren , Fan Hongzhen , Han Xiaole , Zou Qihong , Xiang Hong , Guo Hua , Yang Fude , Tan Yunlong , Wang Jinhui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis
Population-based morphological covariance networks are widely reported to be altered in schizophrenia. Individualized morphological brain network approaches have emerged recently. We hypothesize that individualized morphological brain networks are disrupted in schizophrenia.

Study Design
We constructed single-subject morphological brain networks for 203 patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) and 131 healthy controls separately based on regional cortical thickness (CT), fractal dimension (FD), gyrification index, and sulcal depth (SD) by dividing the cerebral cortex into 360 regions in terms of the Human Connectome Project Multi-Modal Parcellation atlas.

Results
Compared with the controls, the patients exhibited morphological similarity reductions in all types of networks while increases in FD- and SD-based networks. The altered morphological similarities were commonly involved in cingulo-opercular and default mode networks. Interestingly, the altered morphological similarities accounted for clinical symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in the patients and distinguished the patients from controls, with better performance than altered local morphology. In addition, graph-based analysis revealed that global organization was intact while nodal centrality was altered in the patients as characterized by decreased degree and efficiency in the left inferior parietal cortex and increased efficiency in left area superior temporal gyrus for the CT-based networks, decreased degree and efficiency in the left Posterior Insular Area 2 for the FD-based networks, and decreased betweenness in the left Area 52 for the SD-based networks.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that FES is accompanied by characteristic disruptions in single-subject cortical morphological networks, which provide novel insights into neurobiological mechanisms underlying schizophrenia.
Atypical Fibroxanthoma and Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcoma: A Retrospective Review and Survival Analysis at a Single Academic Institution
Authors: Franzetti Michael , Hendrickson Landon , Knackstedt Thomas , Collins Lindsey 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND
Prognostication of atypical spindle cell neoplasms, including atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS), is challenging; outcomes vary widely, and further identification of prognostic features is crucial.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate prognostic factors that may portend worse outcomes in patients with AFX and PDS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective chart review of patients with AFX and PDS was conducted. Data were analyzed using Pearson chi square and T-test. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier estimate. A stepwise cox proportional hazards model was created to identify variables associated with increased risk of poor outcomes.

RESULTS
Thirty-four patients with AFX and 10 patients with PDS were identified. PDS had a 60% overall mortality rate (vs 26.5% in AFX), a larger preoperative size of 8.9 cm2 (vs 2.4 cm2) (p < .0001), and a 50% recurrence rate (vs 5.9%) (p = .0039). Female gender (HR 22.18 95% CI 2.54–194.13; p = .001), immunosuppression (HR 5.02 95% CI 1.32–19.12; p = .0044), and perineural invasion (PNI) (HR 78.46 3.97–1,549.56; p = .0091) were associated with increased risk of poor outcomes.

CONCLUSION
Few large studies have examined clinical features that portend worse outcomes. The authors identify female gender, immunosuppression, and PNI as variables associated with increased risk of recurrence or death.
Chronic Use of Benzodiazepine in Older Adults and Its Relationship with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rivas Juan , Hernández Mauricio , Erazo Jose Miguel , Martínez María Juliana , González Carlos , Cortés María Paulina , Muñoz Jhonny , Miranda Carlos 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Learning Objective
After participating in this CME activity, the psychiatrist should be better able to:
• Explain current understanding of the relationship between chronic benzodiazepine use and dementia.

Background
Chronic use of benzodiazepines (BZ) for managing conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorders, and other chronic diseases is widespread; yet, there is considerable controversy regarding its potential links to dementia risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to clarify this relationship by synthesizing and analyzing the available evidence to provide a clearer understanding of whether prolonged BZ use contributes to developing dementia.

Methods
This study adheres to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO to ensure methodological rigor and transparency. The research strategy incorporated terms such as “benzodiazepines” OR “benzodiazepine” AND “cognitive dysfunction” OR “dementia” AND “adult” OR “elderly” OR “aged.” We included prospective and retrospective observational studies, as well as case-control studies. Data were meticulously extracted regarding chronic BZ use and dementia risk. Each study’s risk of bias was assessed to ensure result validity. Statistical analysis was performed using hazard ratios (HR) as the primary meta-analysis summary measure to provide a precise evaluation of associated risk.

Results
Analysis of five studies showed that chronic BZ use was associated with a nonsignificant risk of dementia—without specification of cause—with an HR of 1.17 (95% CI: 0.96-1.43). Regarding Alzheimer’s disease, three studies found no significant association with an HR of 1.00 (95% CI: 0.87-1.15).

Conclusions
Our findings did not reach statistical significance, suggesting no strong link between chronic BZ use and dementia. Further research is needed to clarify this potential association.