Spatial effects of renewable and fossil energy consumption on the ecological footprint for the EU Countries.

This study examines the spillover of pollution among the 26 European Union (EU) countries from 1995 to 2020. In order to quantify pollution spillovers among the countries, we estimated the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) using spatial econometric methods. Our research is unique in that it investigates ecological footprint spillovers for EU countries. This study also considers the direct and indirect effects of renewable and fossil energy consumption and globalization on environmental degradation in EU countries. The empirical results favor the validity of the EKC hypothesis. Our results support the presence of positive and significant ecological footprint spillovers among EU countries. Our spatial estimates also reveal the significant spillover impact of explanatory variables on the ecological footprint. The ecological footprint of the local country is declining owing to the consumption of renewable energy in neighboring countries. Furthermore, the fossil energy consumption of the local and neighboring countries has a positive impact on the ecological footprint. Evidence obtained from our spatial estimates provides useful insights to policymakers in developing appropriate environmental policies to combat climate change.

Associations between Urinary Phthalate Metabolites with BDNF and Behavioral Function among European Children from Five HBM4EU Aligned Studies.

Based on toxicological evidence, children's exposure to phthalates may contribute to altered neurodevelopment and abnormal regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We analyzed data from five aligned studies of the Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) project. Ten phthalate metabolites and protein BDNF levels were measured in the urine samples of 1148 children aged 6-12 years from Italy (NACII-IT cohort), Slovakia (PCB-SK cohort), Hungary (InAirQ-HU cohort) and Norway (NEBII-NO). Serum BDNF was also available in 124 Slovenian children (CRP-SLO cohort). Children's total, externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist at 7 years of age (only available in the NACII-IT cohort). Adjusted linear and negative binomial regression models were fitted, together with weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models to assess phthalate mixture associations. Results showed that, in boys but not girls of the NACII-IT cohort, each natural-log-unit increase in mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and Mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) was cross-sectionally associated with higher externalizing problems [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.42 and 1.26; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.55, respectively]. A suggestive mixture association with externalizing problems was also observed per each tertile mixture increase in the whole population (WQS-IRR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.36) and boys (IRR = 1.20; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.49). In NACII-IT, PCB-SK, InAirQ-HU and NEBII-NO cohorts together, urinary phthalate metabolites were strongly associated with higher urinary BDNF levels, with WQS regression confirming a mixture association in the whole population (percent change (PC) = 25.9%; 95% CI: 17.6, 34.7), in girls (PC = 18.6%; 95% CI: 7.92, 30.5) and mainly among boys (PC = 36.0%; 95% CI: 24.3, 48.9). Among CRP-SLO boys, each natural-log-unit increase in ∑DINCH concentration was associated with lower serum BDNF levels (PC: -8.8%; 95% CI: -16.7, -0.3). In the NACII-IT cohort, each natural-log-unit increase in urinary BDNF levels predicted worse internalizing scores among all children (IRR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.32). Results suggest that (1) children's exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites is associated with more externalizing problems in boys, (2) higher exposure to DINCH may associate with lower systemic BDNF levels in boys, (3) higher phthalate exposure is associated with higher urinary BDNF concentrations (although caution is needed since the possibility of a "urine concentration bias" that could also explain these associations in noncausal terms was identified) and (4) higher urinary BDNF concentrations may predict internalizing problems. Given this is the first study to examine the relationship between phthalate metabolite exposure and BDNF biomarkers, future studies are needed to validate the observed associations.

Facile synthesis of Eu3+-doped niobium carbide MXene quantum dots for parallel detection of hypoxanthine and fluoxetine via fluorescence quenching and enhancement mechanisms.

A hydrothermal synthetic method is established to produce blue fluorescent Eu3+-doped niobium carbide MXene quantum dots (Eu3+-Nb2C MQDs). The synthesized Eu3+-Nb2C MQDs demonstrated a quantum yield of 20.61% and a maximum emission intensity at 405 nm. The as-prepared Eu3+-Nb2C MQDs acted as a sensor for the rapid and sensitive detection of hypoxanthine through fluorescence quenching, and of fluoxetine through fluorescence enhancement mechanisms. The emission peak of Eu3+-Nb2C MQDs at 405 nm exhibited a linear response for hypoxanthine and fluoxetine in the ranges of 0.5-25 µM and 0.125-2.5 µM, with detection limits of 15.0 and 3.7 nM, respectively. The newly developed probe was effectively used for the selective detection of hypoxanthine and fluoxetine in biofluids and pharmaceutical samples. Remarkably, the Eu3+-Nb2C MQDs exhibited minimal cytotoxicity towards A549 lung cancer cells and showed great potential as imaging agent for imaging of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells.

Investigation of red-emitting CaMoO4: Eu3+ phosphor by partitioning of substitutional PO4 3- ions via solid-state reaction method.

To investigate the impact of PO4 3- anionic groups, the trivalent europium ion-doped calcium molybdate (CaMoO3-PO4:xEu3+, where x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mol%) phosphors were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method. The detailed study of the phosphor materials was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), optical diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The XRD results indicate that the substitution of PO4 3- anion and Eu3+ dopant ion did not affect the crystal structures of the CaMoO4 phosphors. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption analysis revealed the change of absorption edge of both un-doped and Eu3+-doped CaMoO4-PO4 phosphors. Under the 394 nm UV-excitation, the recorded PL spectra showed an intense peak at 615 nm corresponding to the Eu3+: 5D0 → 7F2 transition. The results of the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) diagram reported that the color of the emissions lies in the red color zone and there is no change in the CIE coordinates of the overall emission for Eu3+-doped CaMoO4-PO4 as Eu concentration changes. Thus, these observations led to finding the best red components for white light-emitting diode applications.

Realizing Excellent Infrared Nonlinear Optical Performance in Eu-Based Chalcogenides via Rational Cross Substitution Strategy.

In recent years, rare-earth-based chalcogenides have gained attention promising materials in the field of infrared nonlinear optical (IR-NLO) applications owing to their exceptional physicochemical properties. However, they frequently encounter challenges such as adverse two-photon absorption and low laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDTs) caused by narrow optical band gaps (Eg), which limit their practical utility. In this study, we started with the centrosymmetric (CS) parent compound EuGa2S4 to develop two new noncentrosymmetric (NCS) Eu-based chalcogenides, namely, EuZnSiS4 and EuCdSiS4, employing a rational cross-substitution strategy. Despite having identical stoichiometry, both compounds crystallize in distinct NCS orthorhombic space groups [Fdd2 (no. 43) vs Ama2 (no. 40)], as confirmed by single-crystal structure analysis. Their crystal structures feature highly distorted tetrahedral motifs interconnected via corner-sharing, forming unique two-dimensional layers that host Eu2+ cations. Furthermore, both compounds exhibit robust phase-matching second-harmonic generation (SHG) intensities of 1.5 × AgGaS2 for EuZnSiS4 and 2.8 × AgGaS2 for EuCdSiS4 under 2050 nm excitation. They also demonstrate high LIDTs (approximately 14-17 × AgGaS2), wide Eg (>2.5 eV), and transparency windows extending up to 18.2 µm. Particularly noteworthy, EuCdSiS4 stands out as a pioneering example in the Eu-based IR-NLO system for successfully combining a broad Eg (>2.56 eV, equivalent to that of AgGaS2) with a significant SHG effect (>1.0 × AgGaS2) simultaneously. Structural analyses and theoretical insights underscore that the reasonable combination of asymmetric functional units plays a pivotal role in driving the CS-to-NCS structural transformation and enhancing the NLO and linear optical properties of these Eu-based chalcogenides. This study presents a promising chemical pathway for advancing rare-earth-based functional materials and suggests exciting opportunities for their future applications in IR-NLO technologies.

Guidance on the assessment of learning outcomes for those designing procedures and projects - Report of an ETPLAS Working Group.

This document provides assessment criteria for evaluation of each of the Learning Outcomes of the Modules specified (in addition to the Core Modules) for those designing procedures and projects in the Education and Training Framework guidance document by the European Commission and endorsed by the Member States Competent Authorities. This Working Group was tasked to produce these criteria by the Education & Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science, which was funded by the European Commission to this aim. The assessment criteria address knowledge and skills (including critical thinking) expected to be acquired during education and training of persons preparing to design research procedures and projects using animals under the scope of Directive 2010/63/EU. Recognizing the diversity of expertise and experiences of those being educated and trained, we provide two levels of attainment, an ideal response and one that would be acceptable for each Learning Outcome. The balance between ideal and acceptable could be decided by the particular course providers and/or assessors, according to their local requirements. We envisage that the use of these assessment criteria by training providers and accrediting or approving bodies will help harmonize the education and training for those who will design procedures and projects using animals for scientific purposes. In Europe, this may also contribute to mutual recognition of training, and facilitate free movement of scientists.

Correlation between ultrasonographic and cytologic features of thyroid nodules: a single-center cross-sectional study.

A thyroid nodule is managed according to the clinical context, ultrasound (US) findings, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) results. Most thyroid nodules are benign; however, nodule classification is crucial to avoid unnecessary thyroid surgery. We conducted this study to compare the findings of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) expressed using the Bethesda system with the features of thyroid US classified using the EU-TIRADS classification to assess the risk of malignancy. A descriptive and analytical study involving 99 patients with thyroid nodules followed up in the Department of Endocrinology-Diabetology and Nutrition. Data were collected from medical records and analyzed using SPSS software V21. FNA was performed on 121 nodules using the BETHESDA system. These nodules were classified as malignant, suspicious for follicular neoplasm, and suspicious for malignancy in 5.8%, 5%, and 1.7% of cases, respectively. As for the EU-TIRADS 2017 classification, 59.5% of benign nodules were classified as EU-TIRADS III, whereas 66.7% of malignant nodules were classified as EU-TIRADS V and significantly related to malignant prediction (P = 0.000). The size of nodules was significantly correlated to the risk of malignancy (P = 0.013). Seventy-five percent of nodules with central vascularity were malignant (P = 0.012). Irregularity of nodule contours was significantly associated with the risk of malignancy, as 30% of nodules with irregular contours were Bethesda VI (P = 0.003). Hypoechogenicity was found in 77.8% of malignant nodules (P = 0.004). Additionally, only 9.2% of the nodules were taller than wide, of which 37.5% were malignant (P = 0.012). For a safe management strategy, US-guided FNAC should be performed on each suspicious thyroid nodule, given the correlation between EU-TIRADS classification features and the risk of malignancy.

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis - update from 2017 to 2023.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern. A previous systematic review showed that migrants in Europe are at increased risk of AMR. Since the COVID-19 pandemic there have been rapid changes in patterns of antibiotic use, AMR, and migration. We aimed to present an updated evidence synthesis on the current distribution of AMR among migrants in Europe. Methods: We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022343263). We searched databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and Scopus) from 18 January 2017 until 18 January 2023 to identify primary data from observational studies reporting any laboratory-confirmed AMR among migrants in the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Union-15 (EU-15) countries using over 7 key search terms for migrants and over 70 terms for AMR and countries in Europe. Outcomes were infection with, or colonisation of AMR bacteria. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Observational Studies. We meta-analysed the pooled-prevalence of infection and/or colonisation of AMR organisms. Findings: Among 630 articles, 21 observational studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The pooled prevalence for any detected AMR was 28.0% (95% CI 18.0%-41.0%, I 2  = 100%) compared to a 25.4% seen in the previous review; gram-negative bacteria 31.0% (95% CI 20.0%-44.0%, I 2  = 100%), and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus 10.0% (95% CI 5.0%-16.0%, I 2  = 99%). Drug-resistant bacteria were more prevalent in community settings in large migrant populations (pooled prevalence: 41.0%, 95% CI 24.0%-60.0%, I 2  = 99%) than in hospitals (21.0%, 95% CI 12.0%-32.0%, I 2  = 99%). AMR estimates in 'other' migrants were 32.0%, (95% CI 12.0%-57.0%, I 2  = 100%) and 28.0% (95% CI 18.0%-38.0%, I 2 = 100%) in forced migrants. No firm evidence of AMR acquisition with arrival time or length of stay in the host country was found. Interpretation: Studies investigating AMR in migrants are highly heterogenous. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, migrants may be at higher risk of acquiring resistant bacteria, particularly gram-negative bacteria, within community settings such as refugee camps and detention centres in Europe. Our study highlights the importance of infrastructure and hygiene measures within these settings, to mitigate transmission of resistant pathogens. Policy-makers should screen for AMR in migrants prior to departure from countries of origin, where feasible, and upon arrival to a new country to ensure optimal health screening, infection control and effective treatment. Funding: There was no funding source for this study.

Energy commodities spillover analysis for assessing the functioning of the European Union Emissions Trading System trade network of carbon allowances.

The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is designed to promote carbon reduction in a cost-effective and economically efficient manner. To meet their compliance requirements, participants within the EU ETS can either invest in carbon abatement, thereby improving their environmental performances, or purchase carbon allowances from the market. Our analysis aims to investigate the structural features of the EU ETS trade network of allowances and assess its robustness to spillovers propagated from energy commodities. We build the EU ETS trade network of allowances on a daily basis by leveraging a granular dataset comprising over 32k accounts that performed approximately 720k trades, involving more than 127 billion of allowances from 2005 to 2020. Importantly, our analysis is able to cover entirely the first three phases of the EU ETS, thus providing an updated view on the functioning of the EU ETS. We find that the EU ETS trade network of allowances is disassortative and characterized by very active nodes belonging to the energy sector. Moreover, we detect that energy commodity transmission channels can be substantial and may shape the way nodes transfer allowances, with the configuration of the EU ETS often being a net receiver of spillovers. These findings are robust even when we analyze extreme quantiles of the distribution to account for distressed periods. Our study shows how the functioning of the EU ETS can be influenced by spillovers imported from energy commodity markets. We discuss how investors can build portfolios that either hedge or amplify the impact of such spillovers, depending on their risk appetite. Given that energy commodities are significant inputs in the production processes of energy firms-who are highly active participants in the trade network of allowances-analyzing market responses to shocks in energy commodities is crucial for the effective implementation of the policy.

Study on the preservation effect of 60Co-γ ray irradiation on potatoes.

To evaluate the effect of irradiation on the preservation of potatoes, fresh potatoes were selected as the irradiation objects, and irradiated with 60Co-γ radiation source for 0, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Gy, respectively. During the irradiation, the well-packaged Y1.79Bi0.01Eu0.2MgTiO6 novel thermoluminescence dosimeter material was placed together with the potatoes at the same position. Then, the potatoes were stored in the same temperature and humidity environment, and the quality changes of the potatoes were observed. The Y1.79Bi0.01Eu0.2MgTiO6 material had good performance indicators, and was used to measure the irradiation dose of the potatoes. The experiment showed that irradiation could appropriately extend the storage time of potatoes, and gamma irradiation of about 1000 Gy could achieve the best preservation effect. The main pathogenic fungi that cause dry rot of potatoes were Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum, and the appropriate dose of 60Co-γ irradiation could effectively inhibit the spread and growth of these fungi.

Assuring reclaimed water quality using a multi-barrier treatment train according to the new EU non-potable water reuse regulation.

In this study, we evaluated the ability of various pilot-scale treatment train combinations to meet the microbial requirements of the new European non-potable water reuse regulation 2020/741. The study utilized non-disinfected secondary effluent from the wastewater treatment plant in Schweinfurt, Germany, as feedwater for two pilot-scale treatment trains. The first, a reference treatment train (Train A), consisted of filtration and UV disinfection as specified for reclaimed water class A in the EU regulation. The second, an advanced treatment train (Train B), included ceramic ultrafiltration (UF), ozonation, biological activated carbon filtration (BAC), and final UV disinfection. Based on a Monte Carlo simulation for Train A, the EU requirements for pathogen removal were not met when an average UV dose of 400-600 J m-2 was applied. This shortcoming was likely due to a moderate transmittance range (50-65 %), resulting in decreased UV fluence. These findings suggest that operational conditions for disinfection should be more clearly specified to ensure consistent pathogen inactivation both during validation and regular operation. In contrast, treatment train B successfully met the requirements of the EU regulations by reducing pathogens to below the detection limit. The UF membrane demonstrated a positive effect on the overall log reduction values (LRVs) throughout the water reclamation system. It also enhanced the efficiency of downstream processes, such as ozonation and UV disinfection, by lowering total suspended solids and turbidity. However, even without the UF membrane, treatment train B was still able to meet the pathogenic EU requirements for non-potable reuse applications. Furthermore, the study observed that the inclusion of biologically activated carbon (BAC) filtration requires a final disinfection step (e.g., UV disinfection) to prevent the potential occurrence of heterotrophic bacteria that proliferate in the BAC filter. For process validation it is recommended to use at least two different virus surrogates (MS2 and PhiX174), rather than just one or total coliphage as required in the EU regulation.

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (2024): Implications for healthcare.

In August 2024, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) entered into force. This legally binding instrument sets rules for the development, the placing on the market, the putting into service, and the use of AI systems in the European Union. As the world's first extensive legal framework on AI, it aims to boost innovation while protecting individuals against the harms of AI. Since healthcare is one of the top sectors for AI deployment, the new rules will significantly reform national policies and practices on health technology. In this article, we highlight the implications of the AI Act for the healthcare sector. We give a comprehensive overview of the new legal obligations for various healthcare stakeholders (tech developers; healthcare professionals; public health authorities). We conclude that, due to its horizontal approach, it is necessary to adopt further guidelines to address the unique needs of the healthcare sector. To this end, we make recommendations for the upcoming implementation and standardization phase.

Wide Range Near-Zero Thermal Quenching of Orange-Yellow Phosphor via Impeding Self-Oxidation of Eu2+ for Versatile Optoelectronic Applications.

Li2SrSiO4:Eu2+ is a promising substitute for traditional Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce3+) owing to its strong orange-yellow emission of 4f-5d transition originating from Eu2+ dopant, covering the more red-light region. However, its inevitable luminescence thermal quenching at high temperatures and the self-oxidation of Eu2+ strongly impede their applications. Their remediation remains highly challenging. Herein, an anti-self-oxidation(ASO) concept of Eu2+ in Li2SrSiO4 substrate by adding trivalent rare-earth ions (A3+: A = La, Gd, Y, Lu) for highly efficient and stable orange-yellow light emission have been proposed. A significantly increased orange-yellow emission (202% improvement) from Li2Sr0.95A0.05SiO4:Eu2+ with a wide range near-zero thermal quenching is obtained, superior to other Eu2+ activated phosphors. The presence of A3+ ions with various radii modifies the ASO degree of Eu2+ ions, achieving the tunable chemical state, composition, electronic configuration, crystal-field strength, and luminescent characteristics of the developed phosphors. For the proof of the concept, a W-LED device and a PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) luminescent film are fabricated, endowing excellent luminescence performance and thermal stability and the huge application prospects of Li2SrSiO4:Eu2+ in lighting and display fields.

Managing constraint: frugal opposition to European fiscal solidarity.

The management of the COVID-19 crisis and, in particular, the Next Generation EU fund have shown that European leaders can find integrationist policy solutions despite increasing politicisation at home where democratic constraints may lead to a feared 'multilevel politics trap'. Therefore, we ask whether and how national governments can manage such constraints and thus spring or avoid the trap. Theoretically, we argue that the agency of governments is a crucial factor for understanding the varying dynamics of politicisation in regional integration, as governments can raise or lower domestic audience costs by strategically interacting with their parliament or media. Empirically, we probe the plausibility of our theoretical propositions by examining constraint management and position-taking in Austria and the Netherlands in the context of European fiscal solidarity. Our results show that there is no inevitably self-reinforcing multilevel politics trap but that the effects of domestic constraint are, to a considerable extent, contingent on the agency of national governments.

African swine fever: implications for the Italian pork trade.

In early 2022, the confirmed presence of African swine fever (ASF) circulating in wild boars in mainland Italy and subsequently found in domestic pigs led to several changes regarding the export of pork and pork products to countries outside the European Union (non-EU). The sector suffered the complete and immediate closure of the markets of some countries, often without the measure being communicated in the forms stipulated by international agreements. Indeed, compliance with the current EU regulations does not guarantee the possibility of exporting to non-EU countries. Knowledge of the animal health status requirements of the country (Italy in this case) is essential for food business operators (FBOs) wishing to enter markets outside the EU according to the 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures'. In cases where a sanitary protocol and a model of an official certificate with the importing country exist, the market is officially accessible according to the agreed sanitary requirements. Where no agreement exists, requirements are detailed in the 'import permit' issued to individual FBOs or may be known by directly accessing national regulations through the client/importer. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to briefly outline the conditions imposed by the main non-EU countries for pork products, especially in light of the new epidemiological situation created by the spread of the ASF into a country previously free of the disease.

Operationalizing data-driven campaigning: designing a new tool for mapping and guiding regulatory intervention.

Since the Cambridge Analytica scandal, governments are increasingly concerned about the way in which citizens' personal data are collected, processed and used during election campaigns To develop the appropriate tools for monitoring and controlling this new mode of "data-driven campaigning" (DDC) regulators require a clear understanding of the practices involved. This paper provides a first step toward that goal by proposing a new organizational and process-centred operational definition of DDC from which we derive a set of empirical indicators. The indicators are applied to the policy environment of a leading government in this domain - the European Union (EU) - to generate a descriptive "heat map" of current regulatory activity toward DDC. Based on the results of this exercise, we argue that regulation is likely to intensify on existing practices and extend to cover current "cold spots". Drawing on models of internet governance, we argue that this expansion is likely to occur in one of two ways. A "kaleidoscopic" approach, in which current legislation extends to absorb DDC practices and a more "designed" approach that involves more active intervention by elites, and ultimately the generation of a new regulatory regime.

Clinical, ultrasound and anatomopathological concordance of thyroid nodules in Kinshasa: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The European Thyroid Association Thyroid Imaging Data and Reporting Systems (EU-TIRADS) is widely used in the risk stratification of thyroid nodule malignancy. However, data on the subject in Sub-Saharan Africa are limited. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical, sonographic and histopathological concordance of thyroid nodules in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study that examined the clinical, ultrasound and pathological data of 61 patients from 4 hospitals in the city province of Kinshasa over a period of 24 months, from June 01, 2020 to May 31, 2022. RESULTS: Of the 61 patients, their mean age was 47.38 ± 8.8 years. The mean clinical score of the patients was 3.4 ± 0.84 with the extremes ranging from 1 to 5. The majority of the patients were classified as having an intermediate risk, ie 85.2% of the cases. It was noted that 41% of the nodules had a high risk according to the EU-TIRADS score and 8.2% of the nodules were malignant after histopathological analysis. The ROC curves reported at the diagnosis of malignancy show an area under the curve of 0.709 with 95% CI (0.486-0.931), a Youden index of 0.769 for the clinical score, and an area under the curve of 0.830 with 95% CI (0.605-0.995), a Youden index of 0.772 for the EU-TIRADS score. CONCLUSION: In a low-income country, a well-performed thyroid ultrasound and the well-applied clinical score could be an important tool in the selection of thyroid nodules suspected of malignancy and requiring histopathological examination to avoid excessive acts in the patient.

Determination of Dipicolinic Acid through the Antenna Effect of Eu(III) Coordination Polymer.

Bacillus anthracis is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause acute infection and anthracnose, which is a serious concern for human health. Determining Bacillus anthracis through its spore biomarker dipicolinic acid (DPA) is crucial, and there is a strong need for a method that is rapid, sensitive, and selective. Here, we created Eu(III)-coordination polymers (Eu-CPs) with surfaces that have abundant carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. This was achieved by using citric acid and europium nitrate hexahydrate as precursors in a straightforward one-pot hydrothermal process. These Eu-CPs were then successfully utilized for highly sensitive DPA determination. The fluorescence (FL) emission of Eu-CPs, which is typically weak due to the coordination of Eu(III) with water molecules, was significantly enhanced in the presence of DPA. This enhancement is attributed to the competitive binding between DPA's carboxyl or hydroxyl groups and water molecules. As a result, the absorbed energy of DPA, when excited by 280 nm ultraviolet light, is transferred to Eu-CPs through an antenna effect. This leads to the emission of the characteristic red fluorescence of Eu3+ at 618 nm. A strong linear relationship was observed between the enhanced FL intensity and DPA concentration in the range of 0.5-80 µM. This relationship allowed for a limit of detection (LOD) of 15.23 nM. Furthermore, the Eu-CPs we constructed can effectively monitor the release of DPA from Bacillus subtilis spores, thereby further demonstrating the potential significance of this strategy in the monitoring and management of anthrax risk. This highlights the novelty of this approach in practical applications, provides a valuable determination technique for Bacillus anthracis, and offers insights into the development cycle of microorganisms.

Challenges and opportunities in managing biodegradable plastic waste: A review.

Biodegradable plastics have certain challenges in a waste management perspective. The existing literature reviews fail to provide a consolidated overview of different process steps of biodegradable plastic waste management and to discuss the support provided by the existing legislation for the same. The present review provides a holistic overview of these process steps and a comprehensive relative summary of 13 existing European Union (EU) laws related to waste management and circular economy, and national legislations plus source separation guidelines of 13 countries, to ensure the optimal use of resources in the future. Following were the major findings: (i) numerous types and low volumes of biodegradable plastics pose a challenge to developing cost-effective waste management infrastructure; (ii) biodegradable plastics are promoted as food-waste collection aids, but consumers are often confused about their proper disposal and are prone to greenwashing from manufacturers; (iii) industry-level studies demonstrating mechanical recycling on a full scale are unavailable; (iv) the existing EU legislation dealt with general topics related to biodegradable plastics; however, only the new proposal on plastic packaging waste and the EU policy framework for bioplastics clearly mentioned their disposal and (v) clear disparities were observed between disposal methods suggested by national legislation and available source separation guidelines. Thus, to appropriately manage biodegradable plastic waste, it is necessary to develop waste processing and material utilization infrastructure as well as create consumer awareness. In the end, recommendations were provided for improved biodegradable plastic waste management from the perspective of systemic challenges identified from the literature review.