bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of responses of cultured benthic foraminiferal communities to copper pollution through environmental RNA metabarcoding analysis
Authors: Qiao Ling , Zhao Anran , Yuan Tao , Guo Yuanming , Chen Ye , Li Tiejun , Ren Chengzhe 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element and can accumulate in sedimentary environments. However, beyond a certain concentration threshold, Cu can pose toxicity risks to biota. Benthic foraminifera are widely distributed and exhibit characteristics such as high biodiversity, short life cycle, good preservation potential, and high pollutant sensitivity, making them good bioindicators. In this study, we investigated the responses of benthic foraminiferal communities to various Cu concentrations through environmental RNA metabarcoding under controlled laboratory conditions. Some foraminiferal genera—Glandulina, Pyrgo, Quinqueloculina, Sorites, and Vellaria—exhibited sensitivity to high Cu concentrations. Other genera—Ammonia, Operculina, Reophax, Bolivina, Glabratella, Miliammina, and Parasorites—displayed tolerance to high Cu concentrations. Moreover, high Cu levels led to reduced living benthic foraminifera abundance and interspecific interactions, albeit without inducing test deformities. Our findings provide a novel and efficient approach for exploring the responses of benthic foraminiferal communities to heavy metal pollution.
Chronic toxicity of dissolved barium and sodium chloride to the water flea Ceriodaphnia dubia: implications for unconventional gas flowback–produced waters
Authors: Willems Daniel J , Kumar Anupama , Nugegoda Dayanthi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Unconventional gas flowback–produced waters, particularly those of marine origin from shale gas, can contain elevated concentrations of barium (Ba) and sodium chloride (NaCl). There are limited Ba water quality guideline values to help assess the potential risk of Ba exposure to freshwater biota. Barium toxicity is heavily influenced by sulfate concentrations as Ba and sulfate react, forming the highly water-insoluble and thus less bioavailable Ba sulfate. To determine survival and reproductive impacts, the water flea Ceriodaphnia dubia was exposed to dissolved Ba, NaCl, and binary combinations of dissolved Ba and NaCl. No chronic lethal concentration (LC) endpoints could be determined for dissolved Ba-only exposure up to 16 mg/L due to near 100% parent survivorship across all treatments. The NaCl LC50 (95% credible intervals) = 708 (502–939) mg/L. The dissolved Ba reproductive effect concentration (EC) at EC20 was 0.95 (0.19–3.22) mg/L. Meanwhile, for NaCl, the EC10 and EC20 concentrations were 365 (149–651) mg/L and 510 (282–760) mg/L, respectively. The binary exposure of Ba and NaCl had limited meaningful data due to some experimental shortcomings (lack of Ba-only and NaCl-only controls). Despite this, at 410 mg/L NaCl, the dissolved Ba reproductive EC10 and EC20 were determined to be 8.87 [3.58–11.7] mg/L and 10.1 (5.64–11.8) mg/L, respectively. These results suggest that marginally increased NaCl concentrations alleviate Ba toxicity, particularly when Ba is at low concentrations. Further chronic studies are needed to account for Ba toxicity in dissolved and precipitated forms and derive a Ba guideline value for freshwater biota.
Bioconcentration, maternal transfer, and toxicokinetics of PFOS in a multi-generational zebrafish exposure
Authors: Gust Kurt A , Kimble Ashley N , Mylroie J Erik , Mayo Michael L , Wilbanks Mitch S , Steward Catherine S C , Chapman Kacy A , Lotufo Guilherme R , Garcia-Reyero Natalia , Moore David W 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
To enable risk characterization of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in extended chronic and multi-generational exposures, we assessed PFOS bioconcentration in zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed continuously to environmentally-relevant PFOS concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.6, 3.2, 20, and 100 µg/L PFOS) through 180 days postfertilization (dpf) in parental (P) and first filial generation (F1) fish. Exposures included five replicate tanks per treatment where whole-body PFOS concentrations were measured using 20–35 fish per replicate at 14 and 29 dpf in the P generation and one fish of each sex per replicate at 180 dpf for the P and F1 generations. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid accumulation reached an apparent steady state at ≤ 14 dpf where whole-body wet-weight concentrations remained constant through 180 dpf in the P and F1 generations. The median bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 934 L/kg was observed for all PFOS exposures with a range from 255 to 2,136 L/kg which varied with PFOS exposure concentration and sex of adult fish. Significantly lower BCFs were observed in 20 and 100 µg/L PFOS exposures versus 0.1 and 0.6 µg/L indicating exposure-concentration dependance. Additionally, males had significantly increased (∼2×) PFOS accumulation and BCFs versus females in both P and F1 generations. Maternal transfer of PFOS was observed from P females to F1 eggs where maternal whole-body and egg PFOS burdens were equivalent, suggesting PFOS transfer to eggs was not a depuration pathway. Finally, a toxicokinetic model was developed that reliably reproduced PFOS whole-body burdens (data within 1.64-fold of predicted values) across all exposure durations spanning the P and F1 generations, providing a tool for PFOS bioaccumulation predictions relevant for risk assessment of acute, chronic, and multi-generational exposures.
Effects of heavy metal accumulation mediated by floral rewards on key stages of growth and development of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris L.)
Authors: Wu Lei , Sun Qi , Zhao Jimin , Wang Xing , Wang Deli , Zhang Yanwen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Whether soil heavy metal pollution contributes to the decline in pollinator populations remains inconclusive. Based on the detection of heavy metals in the nectar, pollen, and bodies of pollinating insects in areas affected by heavy metal pollution, this study aimed to investigate the impact of adding four heavy metals—zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni)—at realistic concentrations to the diet on the pre-oviposition period, larval development period, production of adult bees, and weight of worker bees. The study sought to evaluate the influence of heavy metal accumulation mediated by floral rewards on key stages of growth and development of bumblebee (Bombus terrestris L.). Results revealed that Zn, Pb, and Cu significantly extended the pre-oviposition period of queen bees, with Pb doubling the time at high concentrations and Ni showing no significant effect at moderate to low concentrations. Lead, Cu, and Ni significantly extended the larval development period at medium and high concentrations, whereas Zn only had a significant effect at high concentrations. The four heavy metals significantly reduced the adult bee yield and the body weight of worker bees at different concentrations, among which the high concentrations of Pb and Cu significantly reduced the adult bee yield by 25%–40%. The effect of a high concentration of copper on the body weight of worker bees was the most obvious, a reduction by 30%. Our findings support the hypothesis that heavy metal pollution, mediated by floral rewards, can have serious impact on some key stages of growth and development of bumblebees.
Advancing the quantitative understanding of adverse outcome pathways: current status, methodologies, and future directions
Authors: Jeong Jaeseong , Gasparyan Manvel , Choi Jinhee 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
An adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework maps the sequence of events leading to adverse outcomes from chemical exposures, providing a mechanistic understanding often absent in traditional methods. The quantitative AOP (qAOP) advances AOP by integrating quantitative data and mathematical modeling, thereby providing a more precise comprehension of relationships between molecular initiating events, key events, and adverse outcomes. This review critically examines three primary methodologies: systems toxicology, regression modeling, and Bayesian network modeling, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and specific data requirements within toxicology. Through an analysis of current methodologies and challenges, this review emphasizes the integration of experimental and computational approaches to elucidate key event relationships and proposes strategies for overcoming limitations through standardized protocols and advanced computational tools. By outlining future research directions and the potential of qAOPs to transform chemical risk assessment, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of regulatory science and the protection of public health and the environment.
Identifying potential trace metal contamination impacts of a coal ash landfill on the largest Chesapeake Bay tributary (Chester, VA, USA)
Authors: Frankel Tyler E , Crowell Catherine , Orledge Summer , Giancarlo Leanna , Odhiambo Ben Kisila 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Coal fly ash is a highly heterogeneous waste product that becomes concentrated with metals after combustion that have been shown to act as neurotoxins and/or carcinogens in both wildlife and humans. As such, increased understanding of the presence, concentrations, and potential ecosystem impacts is needed. The Chesterfield power station contains more than 15 million tons of ash and is located adjacent to the James River, which serves as a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. Our study investigated (1) the presence and concentrations of aluminum (Al), aresnic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in surface water, deep water, and sediment samples obtained from the surrounding area and (2) the presence of various teleost species, using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. Universal cokriging was used to estimate the spatial variability of metals in sediments and the extent of pollution interpreted using enrichment factors (EF). Little contamination was observed in water samples compared to sediment samples. Elevated concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb, and Zn were observed in areas immediately adjacent to the coal ash landfills. Arsenic, Cd, and Pb showed increased EF in sites adjacent to the landfills, suggesting that the contamination observed is due to anthropogenic factors. Environmental DNA analyses revealed the presence of 22 teleost species, several of which have been identified as threatened, endangered, diadromous, and/or consumed by anglers who use the James River. Collectively, our results provide novel insight regarding the impacts of coal ash on an important Chesapeake Bay watershed and guidance for future risk assessment.
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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 &lt; .001, effect size = 0.34), attitudes improved from 37.49 to 39.73 (P &lt; .001, effect size = 0.29), and ANC visits rose from 3.27 to 4.21 (P &lt; .001, effect size = 0.50). Institutional childbirth rates increased from 0.52 to 0.71 (P &lt; .001, effect size = 0.18). ANC attendance (B = 0.082, P = .002) and positive attitudes (B = 0.055, P &lt; .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

Abstract
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

Abstract

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 &lt; .001), and supporting (P &lt; .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.