bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological risk assessment for contaminated sites in Italy: Guidelines and path forward
Authors: Bizzotto Elisa Chiara , Semenzin Elena , Giubilato Elisa , Frisario Silvia , Zaninetta Luciano , Bonfedi Guido , Villani Federico , Marcomini Antonio 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Ecological risk assessment (ERA) is defined as an iterative process that evaluates the likelihood of adverse ecological effects resulting from exposure to one or more stressors. Although ERA is recognized as a valuable procedure to better address efforts and strategies for site remediation, in Europe a common framework for the implementation of ERA in the management of contaminated sites is lacking. In Italy, there are no legally binding provisions regulating the direct assessment of potential likelihood of ecological risks. In this context, the main objective of this article was to develop a guideline to facilitate ERA application in support of an effective and sustainable management of contaminated sites in Italy and to facilitate a multistakeholder dialogue. The work was based on a critical review of existing ERA guidelines in the international context, as well as other regulatory documents and technical approaches dealing with the evaluation of ecological effects of chemical contaminants in different environmental compartments. Approaches and tools available in these documents were then used to prepare a proposed guideline for the Italian context; the proposed ERA guideline is meant to represent a flexible but robust approach that can be useful in evaluating existing data (e.g., from past investigations) as well as in the planning of site-specific investigations. To facilitate the direct application of the ERA procedure, the guideline was prepared including several templates of summary tables, checklists, and examples. The proposed ERA guideline could facilitate the decision-making process for contaminated sites with ecological values, although its application would necessarily require, at least in the initial phase, testing of its suitability to the Italian context and setting-up of a close dialogue and collaboration with local authorities and other stakeholders. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:913–919. © 2022 SETAC
Biallelic KIF24 Variants Are Responsible for a Spectrum of Skeletal Disorders Ranging From Lethal Skeletal Ciliopathy to Severe Acromesomelic Dysplasia
Authors: Reilly Madeline Louise , Ain Noor ul , Muurinen Mari , Tata Alice , Huber Céline , Simon Marleen , Ishaq Tayyaba , Shaw Nick , Rusanen Salla , Pekkinen Minna , Högler Wolfgang , Knapen Maarten F. C. M. , van den Born Myrthe , Saunier Sophie , Naz Sadaf , Cormier-Daire Valérie , Benmerah Alexandre , Makitie Outi 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT
Skeletal dysplasias comprise a large spectrum of mostly monogenic disorders affecting bone growth, patterning, and homeostasis, and ranging in severity from lethal to mild phenotypes. This study aimed to underpin the genetic cause of skeletal dysplasia in three unrelated families with variable skeletal manifestations. The six affected individuals from three families had severe short stature with extreme shortening of forelimbs, short long-bones, and metatarsals, and brachydactyly (family 1); mild short stature, platyspondyly, and metaphyseal irregularities (family 2); or a prenatally lethal skeletal dysplasia with kidney features suggestive of a ciliopathy (family 3). Genetic studies by whole genome, whole exome, and ciliome panel sequencing identified in all affected individuals biallelic missense variants in KIF24, which encodes a kinesin family member controlling ciliogenesis. In families 1 and 3, with the more severe phenotype, the affected subjects harbored homozygous variants (c.1457A&gt;G; p.(Ile486Val) and c.1565A&gt;G; p.(Asn522Ser), respectively) in the motor domain which plays a crucial role in KIF24 function. In family 2, compound heterozygous variants (c.1697C&gt;T; p.(Ser566Phe)/c.1811C&gt;T; p.(Thr604Met)) were found C-terminal to the motor domain, in agreement with a genotype–phenotype correlation. In vitro experiments performed on amnioblasts of one affected fetus from family 3 showed that primary cilia assembly was severely impaired, and that cytokinesis was also affected. In conclusion, our study describes novel forms of skeletal dysplasia associated with biallelic variants in KIF24. To our knowledge this is the first report implicating KIF24 variants as the cause of a skeletal dysplasia, thereby extending the genetic heterogeneity and the phenotypic spectrum of rare bone disorders and underscoring the wide range of monogenetic skeletal ciliopathies. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Respiratory virus testing and clinical outcomes among children hospitalized with pneumonia
Authors: Shapiro Daniel J. , Thurm Cary W. , Hall Matthew , Lipsett Susan C. , Hersh Adam L. , Ambroggio Lilliam , Shah Samir S. , Brogan Thomas V. , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Blaschke Anne J. , Cogen Jonathan D. , Neuman Mark I. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite the increased availability of diagnostic tests for respiratory viruses, their clinical utility for children with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains uncertain.ObjectiveTo identify patterns of respiratory virus testing across children's hospitals prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic and to determine whether hospital‐level rates of viral testing were associated with clinical outcomes.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsMulticenter retrospective cohort study of children hospitalized for CAP at 19 children's hospitals in the United States from 2010‐2019.Main Outcomes and MeasuresUsing a novel method to identify the performance of viral testing, we assessed time trends in the use of viral tests, both overall and stratified by testing method. Adjusted proportions of encounters with viral testing were compared across hospitals and were correlated with length of stay, antibiotic and oseltamivir use, and performance of ancillary laboratory testing.ResultsThere were 46,038 hospitalizations for non‐severe CAP among children without complex chronic conditions. The proportion with viral testing increased from 38.8% to 44.2% during the study period (p < .001). Molecular testing increased (27.2% to 40.0%, p < .001) and antigen testing decreased (33.2% to 7.8%, p < .001). Hospital‐specific adjusted proportions of testing ranged from 10.0% to 83.5% and were not associated with length of stay, antibiotic use, or antiviral use. Hospitals that performed more viral testing did not have lower rates of ancillary laboratory testing.ConclusionsViral testing practices varied widely across children's hospitals and were not associated with clinically important process or outcome measures. Viral testing may not influence clinical management for many children hospitalized with CAP.
Implication of Cerebral Small‐Vessel Disease on Perihematomal Edema Progress in Patients With Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Guo Wenliang , Meng Lanxi , Lin Aiyu , Lin Yi , Fu Ying , Chen WanJin , LI Shaowu 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundPerihematomal edema (PHE) is an important determinant of outcome in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) due to cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). However, it is not known to date whether the severity of CSVD is associated with the extent of PHE progression in the acute phase.PurposeTo investigate the association between the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) marker of severe chronic‐ischemia cerebral small vessel changes (sciSVC) and PHE growth or hematoma absorption among ICH patients with hypertension.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationThree hundred and sixty‐eight consecutive hypertensive ICH patients without surgical treatment.Field Strength/Sequence3 T; spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging‐diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI); T2‐weighted, fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), T2*‐weighted gradient‐recalled echo and T1‐weighted.AssessmentThe hematoma and PHE volumes at 24 hours and 5 days after symptom onset were measured in 121 patients with spontaneous ICH who had been administered standard medical treatment. Patients were grouped into two categories: those with sciSVC and those without. The imaging marker of sciSVC was defined as white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) Fazekas 2–3 combined cavitating lacunes.Statistical TestsUnivariable analyses, χ2 test, Mann–Whitney U test, and multiple linear regression.ResultsThe presence of sciSVC (multiple lacunes and confluent WMH) had a significant negative influence on PHE progress (Beta = −5.3 mL, 95% CI = −10.3 mL to −0.3 mL), and hematoma absorption (Beta = −3.2 mL, 95% CI = −5.9 mL to −0.4 mL) compared to that observed in the absence of sciSVC, as determined by multivariate linear regression analysis.Data ConclusionsThe presence of sciSVC (multiple lacunes and confluent WMH) negatively influenced hematoma absorption and PHE progress in ICH patients.Level of Evidence4Technical EfficacyStage 3
Epidemiological features and sociodemographic factors associated with mumps in mainland China from 2004 to 2018
Authors: Fu Xiaofang , Ge Minjie , Xu Wucheng , Yu Min , Ju Jiangang , Zhong Yonghong , Huang Huaqiong 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMumps is an acute infectious disease that spreads widely around the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological features and sociodemographic factors associated with mumps in mainland China from 2004 to 2018. Incidence data for mumps during the period 2004–2018 were collected from the Public Health Sciences Data Center of China. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to explore the trends of mumps. Space–time clustering analysis was conducted to spatial and temporal aggregation areas of mumps. A generalized linear model was used to explore sociodemographic factors associated with the incidence of mumps. The average annual incidence of mumps was 21.44/100 000 in mainland China. It was increased dramatically during 2004–2012 (annual percentage change​ [​​​​​​APC] = 7.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28–13.00). After 2012, it remained stable, however, significantly increased in intermediately developed regions from 2015 to 2018 (APC = 25.84, 95% CI: 3.59–52.86). The first‐level spatial and temporal aggregation areas were distributed in Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia and Shaanxi, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and Guangxi, with gathering times from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2012 (relative risk [RR] = 1.87, p < 0.001). The percentage of the population aged 0–14 years, number of health workers per capital, and number of passengers were found to be positively associated with the incidence of mumps. Overall, after 2012, the incidence of mumps in mainland China remained stable. High‐risk periods, clusters of regions, and sociodemographic factors for mumps were identified, which will help the government develop the disease‐ and location‐specific interventive measures.
Climatology and variability of wind speeds along the southwest coast of India derived from Climate Forecast System Reanalysis winds
Authors: Abdulla Cheriyeri Poyil , Aboobacker Valliyil Mohammed , Shanas Puthuveetil Razak , Vijith Vijayakumaran , Sajeev Raveendran , Vethamony Ponnumony 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWind climate along the southwest coast of India (Kerala coast) has been analysed using 41 years of Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) winds to delineate long‐term trends and variability. The study reveals significant decreasing trends in annual mean wind speeds, of the order of −2.0 to −2.5 cm·s−1·year−1, for the period 1979–2019. Southwest monsoon has contributed the highest weakening trends (−3.0 to −4.0 cm·s−1·year−1) due to significant decrease in the southwesterly/westerly wind speeds. The wind climate and trends during the northeast monsoon and premonsoon seasons have been characterized largely by the prevalence of sea breeze and shamal–makran wind systems. We find that the intensity of both sea breeze and shamal–makran wind systems reduces from north to south along the Kerala coast, which is in consistent with the earlier studies. Decadal oscillations in wind speeds, driven by the decadal variability in large‐scale atmosphere–ocean circulations, are evident. Recent changes in the frequency of occurrence of Indian Ocean Dipole in the Indian Ocean have determined the overturning trends since 2010, and resulted in increasing trends in the current decade along the central and northern coasts of Kerala. Furthermore, interannual variability in wind speeds has been linked to the El Niño–Southern Oscillations (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
Determination of sediment transport capacity by hydrodynamic variables considering subsurface water flow
Authors: Tao Tingting , Li Yanhai , Chen Shiqi , Chen Xiaoyan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSubsurface water flow can cause serious soil erosion on sloping farmland. Sediment transport capacity (Tc) data at different subsurface water flow depths are limited. The objective of this study was to develop a new equation that can accurately determine Tc under subsurface water flow impacts. Subsurface water flows were arranged at three depths: 15, 10, and 5 cm. Three flow discharges (2, 4, and 8 L min−1) and four slope gradients (5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°) were designed to conduct flume scouring experiments. The results indicate that flow velocity, shear stress, and unit energy with linear equations and stream power with power equations can be used to determine Tc, but those using the unit stream power perform relatively poorly under the different subsurface water flow depths. Among these parameters, the shear stress is the preferred predictor of Tc. The addition of prediction parameters, subsurface water flow depth, in response to Tc equations can improve the accuracy of Tc modeling. The power‐exponential equation of shear stress combined with the subsurface water flow depth best described the Tc of rill flow under subsurface water flow impacts. Subsurface water flow can increase the soil erodibility, and thus decrease the critical shear stress, resulting in a lower critical flow velocity at which sediment transport capacity can be achieved. This research provides a new equation for directly determining Tc in subsurface water flow‐impacted rill flow on purple soil slopes.
Comparison of outcomes for balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube under local vs general anesthesia
Authors: Toivonen Joonas , Dean Marc , Kawai Kosuke , Poe Dennis 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BDET) under local versus general anesthesia in the treatment of obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD).Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsConsecutive patients ages ≥18 with persistent OETD having failed adequate medical therapy underwent BDET between 2013 and 2018 under local or general anesthesia. Inclusion criteria were persistent type B or C tympanograms with symptoms or type A with symptoms upon barochallenge. Objective outcome measures were tympanometry, otoscopy and the need for additional subsequent intervention (revision dilation and tympanostomy tube). Primary outcome (failure) was defined as no change or worse in tympanogram.ResultsThe 191 patients (332 ETs), ages 18–88 years (mean 58.0) underwent BDET. The 112 patients (59%) were female. The 107 procedures (32%) were performed under local anesthesia. Mean duration of follow‐up was 3.1 years (SD 1.9). Tympanograms improved to type A in 88% for BDET under local and 74% for general anesthesia at 12 months. Probability of being failure‐free at 5 years was 70% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 52%–82%) in the local anesthesia group versus 65% (95% CI: 55%–73%) in the general anesthesia group. Risk of failure did not significantly differ between the groups (HR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.27–1.31; p = .20).ConclusionBDET under local anesthesia is effective in treating OETD and results in sustained improvements over 2 years. The procedure was successfully performed in all but one case utilizing a precise anesthesia protocol, and results are comparable with the procedure performed under general anesthesia.Level of evidence4
Basin‐scale estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from the Mara River, Kenya: Importance of discharge, stream size, and land use/land cover
Authors: Mwanake Ricky M. , Gettel Gretchen M. , Ishimwe Clarisse , Wangari Elizabeth G. , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus , Kiese Ralf 
Published: June 2022

AbstractGreenhouse gas fluxes (CO2, CH4, and N2O) from African streams and rivers are under‐represented in global datasets, resulting in uncertainties in their contributions to regional and global budgets. We conducted year‐long sampling of 59 sites in a nested‐catchment design in the Mara River, Kenya in which fluxes were quantified and their underlying controls assessed. We estimated annual basin‐scale greenhouse gas emissions from measured in‐stream gas concentrations, modeled gas transfer velocities, and determined the sensitivity of up‐scaling to discharge. Based on the total annual CO2‐equivalent emissions calculated from global warming potentials (GWP), the Mara basin was a net greenhouse gas source (294 ± 35 Gg CO2 eq yr−1). Lower‐order streams (1–3) contributed 81% of the total fluxes, and higher stream orders (4–8) contributed 19%. Cropland‐draining streams also exhibited higher fluxes compared to forested streams. Seasonality in stream discharge affected stream widths (and stream area) and gas exchange rates, strongly influencing the basin‐wide annual flux, which was 10 times higher during the high and medium discharge periods than the low discharge period. The basin‐wide estimate was underestimated by up to 36% if discharge was ignored, and up to 37% for lower stream orders. Future research should therefore include seasonality in stream surface areas in upscaling procedures to better constrain basin‐wide fluxes. Given that agricultural activities are a major factor increasing riverine greenhouse gas fluxes in the study region, increased conversion of forests and agricultural intensification has the possibility of increasing the contribution of the African continent to global greenhouse gas sources.
Seasonal Movement Patterns and Summertime Use of Thermal Refuge Areas by Muskellunge in the Nontidal Potomac River, Maryland
Authors: Henesy Joshua , Goetz Daniel , Mullican John E. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The nontidal Potomac River is Maryland's most popular freshwater fishery, largely due to the multiple angling opportunities and accessibility. Increasing popularity of the Muskellunge Esox masquinongy fishery has prompted further investigation of Muskellunge seasonal movement patterns and summer habitat use during thermally stressful periods. Radiotelemetry was used to investigate seasonal movement and summertime habitat use by Muskellunge in the Potomac River from 2017 to 2020. Movement was greatest during spring, with reduced movement during summer, fall, and winter. Potomac River main-stem temperatures during summer often exceeded levels considered stressful to Muskellunge. During thermally stressful periods, Muskellunge sought thermal refugia and movements ceased. A generalized linear mixed model predicted that (1) when daily average temperatures reached 24.0°C, over 50% of the Muskellunge habitually occupied thermal refugia and (2) at 26.0°C, greater than 90% of tagged Muskellunge were located in refuge sites. Aggregation of Muskellunge in thermal refugia during summer has implications for increased angling vulnerability and fishing mortality in a warming climate, which could potentially limit the quality of these sport fisheries in southern river systems.
Creating respectful workplaces for nurses in regional acute care settings: A quasi‐experimental design
Authors: Hawkins Natasha , Jeong Sarah Yeun‐Sim , Smith Tony , Sim Jenny , Clapham Matthew 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimTo examine self‐reported exposure and experiences of negative workplace behaviour and ways of coping of nursing staff before and after educational workshops.DesignA Quasi‐experimental design.Method/Setting/ParticipantsData were collected pre‐ /postworkshops using a structured questionnaire. Nurses (N = 230) from 12 units in four regional acute care hospitals were invited to complete a pre‐intervention survey. Educational workshops were then implemented by the organization at two of the hospitals, after which, follow‐up surveys were undertaken.ResultsThere were 74 responses in the pre‐intervention and 56 responses in the postintervention time period. There were 111 participants who attended the educational intervention, 20% (n = 22) completed the follow‐up survey. Participants were more likely exposed to work‐related bullying acts and they used problem‐focused coping strategies and sought social support as a way of coping when exposed to the negative behaviours. Overall, there was a decrease in both bullying and incivility experienced by participants; however, our findings were unable to establish that a statistically significant difference was made due to the implementation of the intervention.Study RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Registration No. ACTRN12618002007213; December 14, 2018).
An energy‐based approach to study the aggregation/agglomeration phenomenon in polymer nanocomposites: Dispersion force against inter‐particle cohesion
Authors: Sharifzadeh Esmail , Maleki Meysam 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this study, a novel method was proposed to predict the size and content of the nanoparticle aggregates/agglomerates in polymer nanocomposites based on the characteristics of the mixer, cohesion energy between nanoparticles and their content in the system. The internal energy equilibrium was evaluated by calculating the induced mixing energy by the mixer, aggregation, and agglomeration energies. An analytical model was designed to predict the tensile modulus of the system based on dispersion content and size of the aggregates/agglomerates. In addition, the tensile modulus of the aggregates/agglomerates was defined by developing Wacke's empirical equation. Two sets of PP and PA6 nanocomposite samples, containing 1–3 vol% of silica nanoparticles, were prepared and tested to verify the theoretical results. The applied nanoparticles were subjected to surface modification processes to maximize their compatibility with their surrounding polymer matrix. Different tests, including FE‐SEM, contact‐angle and tensile, were used to determine the mechanical/physical characteristics of the samples. The predicted results for the size of the aggregated/agglomerated domains were very close to those defined using FE‐SEM tests. On the other hand, the predicted tensile moduli based on the content, size and mechanical characteristics of the aggregated/agglomerated domains were acceptably accurate considering the tensile test results.
Design of short fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites: A review
Authors: Jiang Lijuan , Zhou Yinzhi , Jin Fengnian 
Published: June 2022

AbstractShort fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic (SFRT) composites are drawing increasing academic and industrial interest owing to their outstanding mechanical properties, good economic efficiency, excellent designability, and recyclability. This review primarily introduces several common SFRT manufacturing methods and analyzes their advantages and disadvantages. The stress transfer and damage mechanisms in the SFRT, as well as the effects of the fiber length, fiber volume fraction, fiber orientation, fiber kinds, matrix, and interface, are discussed in depth. The review also discusses the most widely applied rule of mixture for elastic modulus prediction, the Kelly–Tyson model and the Bowyer–Bader model for strength prediction. Overall, this review summarizes the latest research developments on SFRT composites with the aim of providing literary support for their future development.