bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Liver Transplant Recipients: The Role of Immunosuppression Reduction
Authors: Cheng Chih-Hsien , Hung Hao-Chien , Lee Jin-Chiao , Huang Po-Wei , Gu Po-Wen , Lai Yin , Wang Yu-Chao , Wu Tsung-Han , Lee Chen-Fang , Wu Ting-Jung , Chou Hong-Shiue , Chan Kun-Ming , Huang Chung-Guei , Lee Wei-Chen
Published: October 2022

Liver transplant recipients on chronic immunosuppression show an attenuated antibody response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Adjusting immunosuppressants during vaccination remains debated. We enrolled 380 liver transplant recipients receiving 2 doses of a protein subunit, mRNA, or a vector vaccine. The patients were informed to temporarily suspend immunosuppression for 2 weeks for both vaccination doses. We measured anti-live-SARS-CoV-2 spike neutralizing antibody levels at 1–2 months after the second vaccination; 83.9% of patients had humoral responses (SARS-CoV-2 NT50 ≥ 9.62 IU/mL) to 2 doses of vaccines. The mRNA (86.7%) and protein subunit vaccines (85%) yielded higher response rates than the vector vaccines (40.9%). Immunosuppression suspension during the two vaccinations yielded a higher response rate (91.5% vs. 57.7%). Only eight patients (2.1%) experienced transaminase level elevation of thrice the normal value (>110 IU/L) after the second vaccination. Most recovered spontaneously after resuming immunosuppression. Multivariate analysis revealed ABO incompatibility, white blood cell count <4000, lymphocyte count <20%, tacrolimus trough level >6.5 ng/mL, and no immunosuppression adjustment as independent risk factors to nonresponse. The mRNA and protein subunit vaccines yielded a higher response rate. Immunosuppression suspension for 2 weeks enhanced the antibody response. ABO incompatibility, leukopenia, lymphopenia, a high tacrolimus trough level, and no immunosuppression adjustment are associated with nonresponse.
Parent’s Hesitation with COVID-19 Vaccinations in Infants and Children Aged 6 Months to 5 Years
Authors: Temple Austin M. , Schendler Evelyn , Harrington John
Published: October 2022

We implemented an in-person survey of parents/guardians concerning COVID-19 vaccine for a predominantly African-American Medicaid pediatric patient population between the ages of 6–59 months at a Children’s Hospital General Pediatric Clinic in Norfolk, VA. Vaccine hesitancy was predominantly based on concerns surrounding safety and overall need for the vaccine.
Laboratory Indicators for Identifying Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Severity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xie Yaqi , Hu Quanman , Jiang Wenjie , Ji Wangquan , Chen Shuaiyin , Jin Yuefei , Duan Guangcai
Published: October 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study is to study laboratory indicators for the identification of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) severity. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science for literature that was published before May 2022. The main results are presented as forest plots. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias were also performed. Results: Our study indicated that white blood cells (WBC) (95%CI: 0.205–0.778), blood glucose (95%CI: 0.505–0.778), lymphocytes (95%CI: 0.072–0.239), creatinine (95%CI: 0.024–0.228), interleukin (IL)-2 (95%CI: 0.192–1.642), IL-6 (95%CI: 0.289–0.776), IL-8 (95%CI: 0.499–0.867), IL-10 (95%CI: 0.226–0.930), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (95%CI: 0.193–2.584), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (95%CI: 1.078–2.715), and creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) (95%CI: 0.571–1.459) were associated with an increased risk of HFMD severity, and the results of the sensitivity analysis of these indicators were stable and free of publication bias. Conclusions: Our results suggest that various deleterious immune and metabolic changes can increase the risk of HFMD severity, which can provide a basis for predicting the prognosis and useful evidence for clinicians to manage patients efficiently.
A Third Dose COVID-19 Vaccination in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients
Authors: Watanabe Marika , Yakushijin Kimikazu , Funakoshi Yohei , Ohji Goh , Ichikawa Hiroya , Sakai Hironori , Hojo Wataru , Saeki Miki , Hirakawa Yuri , Matsumoto Sakuya , Sakai Rina , Nagao Shigeki , Kitao Akihito , Miyata Yoshiharu , Koyama Taiji , Saito Yasuyuki , Kawamoto Shinichiro , Yamamoto Katsuya , Ito Mitsuhiro , Murayama Tohru , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Minami Hironobu
Published: October 2022

We previously reported that a second dose of BNT162b2 was safe and effective for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients. Here, we investigated the safety and efficacy of a third dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in allogeneic HSCT patients. Antibody titers against the S1 spike protein were measured using the QuaResearch COVID-19 Human IgM IgG ELISA kit. The previous study included 25 allogeneic HSCT patients who received two doses of BNT162b2. Following the exclusion of three patients because of the development of COVID-19 (n = 2) and loss to follow-up (n = 1), the study evaluated 22 allogeneic HSCT patients who received a third dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2 [n = 15] and mRNA-1273 [n = 7]). Median age at the time of the first vaccination was 56 (range, 23–71) years. Five patients were receiving immunosuppressants at the third vaccination, namely calcineurin inhibitors (CI) alone (n = 1), steroids alone (n = 2), or CI combined with steroids (n = 2). Twenty-one patients (95%) seroconverted after the third dose. None of our patients had serious adverse events, new-onset graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), or GVHD exacerbation after vaccination. A third dose of the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines was safe and effective for allogeneic HSCT patients.
Impact after the Change from Voluntary to Universal Oral Rotavirus Vaccination on Consecutive Emergency Department Visits for Acute Gastroenteritis among Children in Kobe City, Japan (2016–2022)
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Nozu Kandai , Hanafusa Hiroaki , Nambu Yoshinori , Kido Takumi , Kondo Atsushi , Tamura Akihiro , Awano Hiroyuki , Morioka Ichiro , Nagase Hiroaki , Ishida Akihito
Published: October 2022

Rotavirus (RV) is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE), particularly in infants. In 2006, the high efficacy of oral RV vaccines (RVVs, RotarixTM and RotaTeqTM) was demonstrated. Voluntary RVV started in Japan in 2011, and in October 2020 were launched as universal oral RVVs in Japan. However, the impact of changes from voluntary to universal RVVs has not been studied in a primary emergency medical center in Japan. We investigated changes in the number of pediatric patients with AGE after introducing universal RVVs in our center. A clinical database of consecutive patients aged <16 who presented to Kobe Children’s Primary Emergency Medical Center between 1 April 2016 and 30 June 2022 was reviewed. After implementing universal RVVs, fewer children presented with RV-associated AGE (the reduction of proportion of the patients in 2022 was −61.7% (all ages), −57.9% (<1 years), −67.8% (1–<3 years), and −61.4% (3–<5 years) compared to 2019). A similar decrease in those of age who were not covered by the universal RVV was observed. There was a significant decline in the number of patients with AGE during the RV season who presented to the emergency department after implementing universal RVVs.
SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Levels in Women with IBD Vaccinated during Pregnancy
Authors: Avni Biron Irit , Maayan Yair , Mishael Tali , Hadar Eran , Neeman Michal , Plitman Mayo Romina , Sela Hen Y. , Yagel Simcha , Goldenberg Rosalind , Ben Ya’acov Ami , Grisaru Granovsky Sorina , Ollech Jacob E. , Edelman-Klapper Hadar , Rabinowitz Keren Masha , Pauker Maor H. , Yanai Henit , Goren Sophy , Cohen Dani , Dotan Iris , Bar-Gil Shitrit Ariella
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Regulatory agencies supported vaccination of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, including patients with IBD. No data exist regarding these vaccines in IBD during pregnancy. Aim: To assess the serologic response to two doses of the mRNA SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine in pregnant women with IBD vaccinated during pregnancy, compared to that of pregnant women without IBD, and non-pregnant women with IBD. Methods: Anti-spike antibody levels were assessed in all women and in cord blood of consenting women. Results: From December 2020 to December 2021, 139 women were assessed: pregnant with IBD—36, pregnant without IBD—61, and not pregnant with IBD—42. Antibodies were assessed in cords of two and nine newborns of women with and without IBD, respectively. Mean gestational ages at administration of the second vaccine doses were 22.0 weeks in IBD and 23.2 weeks in non-IBD, respectively. Mean (SD) duration from the second vaccine dose to serology analysis in pregnant women with IBD, without IBD, and in non-pregnant women with IBD was 10.6 (4.9), 16.4 (6.3), and 4.3 (1.0) weeks, respectively. All women mounted a serologic response. In multivariable analysis, no correlation was found between the specific group and antibody levels. In both pregnancy groups, an inverse correlation between antibody levels and the interval from the second vaccine dose was demonstrated. Cord blood antibody levels exceeded maternal levels in women with and without IBD. Conclusion: All patients with IBD mounted a serologic response. The interval between vaccine administration to serology assessment was the most important factor determining antibody levels. A third vaccine dose should be considered in pregnant women with IBD vaccinated at early stages of pregnancy.
Vaccination Confidence among Healthcare Workers: Results from Two Anamnestic Questionnaires Adopted in the COVID-19 and Influenza Campaign
Authors: Mansour Ihab , Collatuzzo Giulia , De Pasquale Vittoria , Mirra Ilenia , Ciocan Catalina , Godono Alessandro , Pira Enrico , Boffetta Paolo
Published: October 2022

Background: Following the announcement of the development of COVID-19 vaccines, hesitancy about the safety of vaccinations and their side effects have spread, despite having the approval of international drug agencies. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that concern about side effects may have led people to fill out the COVID-19 anamnestic vaccine questionnaire with greater attention compared to the similar instrument used for the influenza vaccination. Methods: We analyzed vaccination questionnaires of 218 healthcare workers (HCWs) who underwent both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines in 2020/2021. Outcomes included self-reported allergies, chronic pharmacological treatments, and chronic diseases. We tested the difference in prevalence, analyzed differences using the kappa statistics and concordance correlation, and explored factors associated with differences in reporting. Results: HCWs reported more allergies to substances other than drugs and a higher prevalence of chronic drug intake in the COVID-19 questionnaires than in the influenza ones. Technical staff reported more drug allergies than physicians, and other HCWs reported more outcomes than physicians in the COVID-19 questionnaire. Conclusions: We found that this population of HCWs reported higher conditions during the 2020 COVID-19 vaccination campaign compared to that of the influenza vaccine. The identification of socio-demographic characteristics of the less vaccine-confident HCWs could help in planning targeted interventions to enhance vaccine adherence.
Evaluation of the Delivery of a Live Attenuated Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus as a Unit Solid Dose Injectable Vaccine
Authors: Hayhurst Ellie , Rose Emily , Pedrera Miriam , Edwards Jane C. , Kotynska Natalia , Grainger Daisy , Sadigh Yashar , Flannery John , Bonnet Ludo , Ritwik Ritwik , Dulal Pawan , Howard M. Keith , Graham Simon P.
Published: October 2022

Solid dose vaccine formulation and delivery systems offer potential advantages over traditional liquid vaccine formulations. In addition to enhanced thermostability, needle-free delivery of unit solid dose injectable (USDI) vaccines offers safe, rapid, and error-free administration, with applicability to both human and animal health. Solid dose formulation technologies can be adapted for delivery of different vaccine formats including live attenuated vaccines, which remain the ‘gold standard’ for many disease targets. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSV) cause one of the most economically important diseases affecting the global pig industry. Despite several shortcomings, live attenuated vaccines are widely used to control PRRSV. We optimised a freeze-dried USDI formulation of live attenuated PRRSV-1, which fully retained infectious titre, and evaluated its immunogenicity in comparison to virus delivered in liquid suspension via intramuscular and subcutaneous needle inoculation. Pigs vaccinated with the USDI formulation displayed vaccine viraemia, and PRRSV-specific antibody and T cell responses comparable to animals immunised with the liquid vaccine. The USDI vaccine formulation was stable for at least 6 months when stored refrigerated. These data demonstrate the potential for a solid dose vaccine delivery system as an alternative to conventional needle-syringe delivery of live attenuated PRRSV vaccines.
Serological Immune Response Following ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine (Covishield®) in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Goel Amit , Verma Alka , Tiwari Prachi , Katiyar Harshita , Aggarwal Amita , Khetan Dheeraj , Mayank  , Kishore Ravi V. Krishna , Kumar Pankaj , Singh Thakur Prashant , Sheikh Sabreena , Vaishnav Manas , Pathak Piyush , Shalimar
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Data are limited on antibody response to the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222; Covishield®) in cirrhosis. We studied the antibody response following two doses of the ChAdOx1 vaccine, given 4–12 weeks apart, in cirrhosis. Methods: Prospectively enrolled, 131 participants (71% males; age 50 (43–58); alcohol-related etiology 14, hepatitis B 33, hepatitis C 46, cryptogenic 21, autoimmune 9, others 8; Child–Turcott–Pugh class A/B/C 52/63/16). According to dose intervals, the participants were grouped as ≤6 weeks (group I), 7–12 weeks (group II), and 13–36 weeks (group III). Blood specimens collected at ≥4 weeks after the second dose were tested for anti-spike antibody titre (ASAb; positive ≥ 0.80 U/mL) and neutralizing antibody (NAb; positive ≥20% neutralization) using Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S (Roche) and SARS-CoV-2 NAb ELISA Kit (Invitrogen), respectively. Data are expressed as number (proportion) and median (interquartile range) and compared using non-parametric tests. Results: Overall, 99.2% and 84% patients developed ASAb (titre 5440 (1719–9980 U/mL)) and NAb (92 (49.1–97.6%)), respectively. When comparing between the study groups, the ASAb titres were significantly higher in group II than in group I (2613 (310–7518) versus 6365 (2968–9463), p = 0.027) but were comparable between group II and III (6365 (2968–9463) versus 5267 (1739–11,653), p = 0.999). Similarly, NAb was higher in group II than in group I (95.5 (57.6–98.0) versus 45.9 (15.4–92.0); p < 0.001), but not between the groups II and III (95.5 (57.6–98.0) versus 92.4 (73.8–97.5); p = 0.386). Conclusion: Covishield® induces high titres of ASAb and NAb in cirrhosis. A higher titre is achieved if two doses are given at an interval of more than six weeks.
Tag-Free SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD), but Not C-Terminal Tagged SARS-CoV-2 RBD, Induces a Rapid and Potent Neutralizing Antibody Response
Authors: Lin Ting-Wei , Huang Ping-Han , Liao Bo-Hung , Chao Tai-Ling , Tsai Ya-Min , Chang Shih-Chung , Chang Sui-Yuan , Chen Hui-Wen
Published: October 2022

Recombinant proteins are essential in the development of subunit vaccines. In the design of many recombinant proteins, polyhistidine residues are added to the N- or C-termini of target sequences to facilitate purification. However, whether the addition of tag residues influences the immunogenicity of proteins remains unknown. In this study, the tag-free SARS-CoV-2 RBD and His-tag SARS-CoV-2 RBD proteins were investigated to determine whether there were any differences in their receptor binding affinity and immunogenicity. The results showed that the tag-free RBD protein had a higher affinity for binding with hACE2 receptors than His-tag RBD proteins (EC50: 1.78 µM vs. 7.51 µM). On day 21 after primary immunization with the proteins, the serum ELISA titers of immunized mice were measured and found to be 1:1418 for those immunized with tag-free RBD and only 1:2.4 for His-tag RBD. Two weeks after the booster dose, tag-free-RBD-immunized mice demonstrated a significantly higher neutralizing titer of 1:369 compared with 1:7.9 for His-tag-RBD-immunized mice. Furthermore, neutralizing antibodies induced by tag-free RBD persisted for up to 5 months and demonstrated greater cross-neutralization of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. Evidence from Western blotting showed that the serum of His-tag-RBD-immunized mice recognized irrelevant His-tag proteins. Collectively, we conclude that the addition of a polyhistidine tag on a recombinant protein, when used as a COVID-19 vaccine antigen, may significantly impair protein immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2. Antibody responses induced were clearly more rapid and robust for the tag-free SARS-CoV-2 RBD than the His-tag SARS-CoV-2 RBD. These findings provide important information for the design of antigens used in the development of COVID-19 subunit vaccines.
Framework for Building Low-Cost OBD-II Data-Logging Systems for Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Ramai Clarence , Ramnarine Veeresh , Ramharack Shankar , Bahadoorsingh Sanjay , Sharma Chandrabhan
Published: October 2022

With the electrification of transport (BEVs) and the growing benefits of smart vehicles, there is a need for a simple solution to perform real-time monitoring of the BEV and its battery for diagnostics and coordinated charging. The On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system, originally designed for internal combustion engine cars (ICE), can be used to extract the necessary BEV data. This paper presents a developed framework for a low-cost solution to online monitoring of BEVs. A Raspberry Pi Zero W, along with other auxiliary components, was installed in two Hyundai Ioniq Battery Electric cars to communicate with the vehicles via the OBD-II port. A python script was developed to periodically request the vehicle data by sending various Parameter IDs to the vehicles and storing the raw response data. A web server was created to process the hexadecimal encoded data and visualize the data on a dashboard. The key parameters, such as the battery state of health (SOH), state of charge (SOC), battery temperature, cell voltages and cumulative energy consumption, were successfully captured and recorded, which can now facilitate trending for battery diagnostics and future integration with smart chargers for coordinated charging.
The Use of Oncept Melanoma Vaccine in Veterinary Patients: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Pellin MacKenzie A.
Published: October 2022

The Oncept melanoma vaccine is xenogeneic DNA vaccine targeting tyrosinase. It is USDA approved for treatment of stage II to III canine oral melanoma and is also used off-label for melanomas arising in other locations and in other species. While the vaccine appears safe, the published data is mixed as to whether it provides a survival benefit, and the use of the vaccine is somewhat controversial in the veterinary oncology community. In this paper, the published literature describing the use of Oncept is reviewed and evaluated.
Postnatal Dynamics of Circulating Steroid Hormones in Mule and Equine Neonates
Authors: Boakari Yatta Linhares , Legacki Erin , Alonso Maria Augusta , dos Santos Ana Carolina Francisco , Nichi Marcilio , Conley Alan J. , Fernandes Claudia Barbosa
Published: October 2022

It is necessary to study hormonal patterns from mules to recognize alterations and neonatal maladaptation. Our objective was to evaluate concentrations of hormones in mule (n = 6) and equine foals (n = 6). Blood was collected at T0, 1, 6 and 12 h after birth. Hormone concentrations were evaluated using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Effects of time, group and interactions and regression analysis were evaluated (p < 0.05). There was a cubic and quadratic decline in mule and equine foals, respectively, for 3β,20α-dihydroxy-DHP. Mule foals were born with lower circulating 3β,20α-dihydroxy-DHP concentrations, which might be related to progestogen concentrations in mares with a hybrid placenta. Corticosterone and cortisol concentrations remained unchanged for the first hour post-foaling then declined in mule and equine foals (p < 0.0001). Dehydroepiandrosterone was the main androgen present. There was a decrease in dihydrotestosterone at 12 h (p = 0.002). Differences in the temporal patterns of secretion within each steroid class, pregnanes, corticoids, and androgens, suggest they were derived from different tissue sources, presumptively the placenta, adrenals and gonads of the fetus/neonate, respectively. Mule and horse foals were born without evidence of testosterone secretion. For the first time, steroid hormone levels were measured in neonatal mules, and this will provide insight into neonatal physiology that differs from equine and allow us to gain an understanding of mules that have rarely been studied. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of hybrid pregnancies in the steroid endocrinology of neonates.
Ultrasound Diagnosis in Small Ruminants: Occurrence and Description of Genital Pathologies
Authors: Balaro Mário Felipe Alvarez , Cosentino Isabel Oliveira , Ribeiro Ana Clara Sarzedas , Brandão Felipe Zandonadi
Published: October 2022

This study reports the occurrence and appearance of various reproductive tract pathologies of small ruminants diagnosed using ultrasound. An eight-year retrospective study of collected ultrasound data was carried out in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil from September 2012 to July 2020. A total of 3463 animals from 16 sheep flocks and 10 dairy goat flocks, raised under extensive and intensive management systems, respectively, were used in the study. All animals were submitted to an ultrasound examination of their reproductive tract. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.05), to compare disorder frequencies within and between species. Ewes (4.14%) had fewer reproductive disorders than does (8.98%), while rams (43.63%) and bucks (56.25%) presented no significant differences. Hydrometra was the most frequent finding in does, represented by 50.98% of cases; while, in ewes, recent fetal loss (22.85%) and cystic endometrial hyperplasia (20.00%) were the most frequent. In bucks, the findings showed no clear differences; while, for rams, the most frequent finding was testicular microlithiasis (75.00%). Ultrasonography offers clinically useful information about the reproductive tract via the images it provides; knowledge of which makes it possible to improve the diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of genital pathologies.
Identification of a 5-Methylcytosine Site (mC-7) That May Inhibit CXCL11 Expression and Regulate E. coli F18 Susceptibility in IPEC-J2 Cells
Authors: Shi Xiaoru , Yu Luchen , Huang Rufeng , Bao Wenbin , Wu Shenglong , Wu Zhengchang
Published: October 2022

The primary pathogen causing post-weaning diarrhea in piglets is Escherichia coli F18 (E. coli F18), hence it is essential to investigate the mechanism governing E. coli F18 resistance in native pig breeds. Based on the previous RNA-seq results of the duodenum from E. coli F18-resistant and -susceptible Meishan piglets, CXCL11, an important functional gene, was preliminarily screened. In this investigation, in order to further examine the expression regulation mechanism of E. coli F18 in intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) against E. coli F18 infection, CXCL11 gene expression on IPEC-J2 cells infected by E. coli F18 was detected, which was significantly downregulated (p < 0.01). Secondly, the overexpression on the IPEC-J2 cell line was successfully structured, and a relative quantification method of the PILIN, bacteria enumeration, and immunofluorescence assay indicated that the CXCL11 overexpression significantly reduced the ability of E. coli F18 to interact with IPEC-J2 in vitro. The promoter region of the CXCL11 gene was predicted to contain a CpG island (−619 ~ −380 bp) of which 13 CpG sites in the sequencing region were methylated to varying degrees, and the methylation level of one CPG site (mC-7) positively linked negatively with the expression of the CXCL11 gene (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, a dual luciferase assay detected the mutation of the mC-7 site that significantly inhibited the luciferase activity of the CXCL11 gene promoter (p < 0.01). Transcription factor prediction and expression verification indicated that mC-7 is located in the OSR1-binding domain, and that its expression level is related to E. coli F18 susceptibility. We speculated that methylation modification of the mC-7 site of the CpG island in the promoter region of the CXCL11 gene might inhibit the binding of transcription factor OSR1 with the mC-7 site, and then affect its expression level to regulate the susceptibility to E. coli F18.
Erosion Failure of Slope in a Dump with Ground Fissure under Heavy Rain
Authors: Li Yexin , Lv Gang , Wang Daohan , Su Wenxuan , Wei Zhongping
Published: October 2022

The dump, with the compact rock platform and high and steep loose slope that is formed during coal mining, is the most serious area of soil erosion in a surface coal mine. Ground fissures are a typical geological hazard in coal mining areas. However, the effect of ground fissures on soil erosion remains unclear. Rainfall experiments were conducted to determine the varying characteristics of wetting front, runoff and sediment production, and soil denudation rate, as well as the effects of ground fissures on these factors in a platform-slope system of a dump. Ground fissures could significantly enhance wetting front and soil erosion. Rill erosion was formed as the rainfall and runoff flushed the soil, which eventually developed into erosion gullies. Erosion failure modes with platform-slope systems in the dump could be divided into the surface erosion stage, fissure deformation stage, rill erosion stage, fissure collapse-rapid increase stage, and stable stage. Runoff power and flow shear stress had the greater influence on soil denudation rate, which indicated that erosion energy of concentrated flow had important influence on soil erosion. Moreover, shallow mudflow induced by rainfall was one of the forms of soil slope instability; it occurred in a short time with great soil erosion. Soil erosion in the dump with ground fissures was mainly shallow mudflow and rill erosion, resulting from the combined effect of hydraulic erosion and gravity erosion.
The Municipal Water Quality Investigations Program: A Retrospective Overview of the Program’s First Three Decades
Authors: Hutton Paul H. , Roy Sujoy B. , Krasner Stuart W. , Palencia Leslie
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the history and evolution of the California Department of Water Resources’ Municipal Water Quality Investigations (MWQI) program. This program tracks source water quality in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (Delta) for drinking water supply for nearly two-thirds of California. The program provides early warning of changing conditions in source water quality, provides data and knowledge-based support for operational decision making, and provides scientific support to a variety of urban water users. This retrospective (i) documents program formation, (ii) describes its evolution in response to regulations and technological advances in water treatment and field monitoring, and (iii) notes how the development of federal drinking water quality regulations such as the Disinfection By-Products Rule impacted the program. The MWQI program is believed to be the first drinking water supply program in the United States to conduct continuous, real-time monitoring of organic carbon, bromide, and other anions and to report these data on the internet. In addition to its regular use for operational decision making, the data may be used for evaluating long-term trends and responses to specific changes in the Delta and its watershed. Future program directions will likely be guided by factors that may trigger changes in treatment plant processes and operations, such as emerging contaminants, changes in land and water management practices, permanent Delta island flooding, sea level rise, and climate change. While this retrospective focuses on one region, its multi-decade interplay of science, treatment and monitoring technology, and regulations (as well as practical aspects of managing such a large-scale program) are broadly relevant to professionals engaged in drinking water quality management in other urbanized and developed regions of the world.
Catalytic Ozonation of Atrazine Enhanced by Mesoporous CeO2: Morphology, Performance and Intermediates
Authors: Zhang Jianlin , Zhuang Tao , Liu Shanjun , Sun Shan , Wang Yongxin , Liu Xinyu , Wang Jin , Liu Rutao
Published: October 2022

Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation is an alternative approach for the removal of refractory pollutants from water, and the fabrication of mesoporous materials with high dispersibility would enhance the catalytic efficiency. A mesoporous CeO2 was prepared by the nanocasting method with SBA-15 as a hard template, and was investigated in the catalytic ozonation of atrazine. The synthetical CeO2 nanorods have a specific surface area of 95.08 m2/g, a diameter of 10.16 nm, and a spacing of 2.18 nm. The removal rate of atrazine was 85.5%, 64.8%, and 46.4% in the order of catalytic ozonation by synthetical CeO2 > single ozonation > catalytic ozonation by commercial CeO2, respectively. The superior activity of the synthetical CeO2 could be attributed to the well-ordered mesoporous structure, the high surface area, and the redox Ce3+/Ce4+ cycling. Moreover, eight organic intermediates were identified after one minute of catalytic ozonation of atrazine, and the cleavage of the ethylamino group was proposed as the main pathway of atrazine degradation.
A Review on Cadmium and Lead Contamination: Sources, Fate, Mechanism, Health Effects and Remediation Methods
Authors: Bouida Leila , Rafatullah Mohd , Kerrouche Abdelfateh , Qutob Mohammad , Alosaimi Abeer M. , Alorfi Hajer S. , Hussein Mahmoud A.
Published: October 2022

Cadmium and lead soil contamination is a widespread environmental problem that requires profound and sustainable solutions. These toxic elements can be naturally occurring on the Earth’s crust or from man-made origins. Cadmium and lead could accumulate and translocate in soil over the long term. Thus, their risk of entering the food chain is extremely elevated and their effects on the living organisms in the food web are of great concern. The main purpose of this review study is to emphasize the risk to human health of cadmium and lead as an environmental contaminant in soil and plants. Human exposure to cadmium and lead can cause severe illness; for instance, long-term exposure to cadmium can alter kidney health and cause dysfunction. Additionally, lead threatens the nervous system and causes countless diseases. Hence, the remediation of cadmium and lead from soil before they enter the food chain remains essential, and regular monitoring of their principal sources is crucially needed for a sustainable soil ecosystem.
Oil-Based Drilling Cuttings from Shale Gas Wells Treated with CO2 Switchable Hydrophilic Solvents: Priority Pollutant Migration and Produced Wastewater Assessment
Authors: Huang Junhan , Zhao Guoguang , Zhang Yibo , Wu Zheng , Tang Quanwu
Published: October 2022

The exploitation of shale gas resources brings in abundant hazardous oil-based drilling cuttings (ODBCs). Herein, N, N-Dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA) acted as the CO2 switchable hydrophilic solvents (SHSs), and the OBDCs treated with DMCHA were studied, especially priority pollutant migration and produced wastewater assessment during the extraction process. The petroleum hydrocarbon content of OBDCs decreased from 10.73 to 0.84 wt% after the DMCHA extraction was conducted at a DMCHA/OBDCs liquid–solid ratio of 20:1, 35 °C, and 200 rpm for 30 min. Using the CO2 switchability of SHSs, the petroleum hydrocarbon and DMCHA were recovered. There was wastewater, which was produced after recovering DMCHA, and the produced wastewater assessment showed that chemical oxygen demand, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total organic carbon, and petroleum were 561.00, 238.00, 40.60, 309.00, and 0.27 mg/L, respectively. Meanwhile, phenols (0.0031 mg/L), naphthalene (0.0000129 mg/L), phenanthrene (0.000059 mg/L), anthracene (0.000058 mg/L), as well as heavy metal ions such as Cu (0.01 mg/L) could be detected in the produced wastewater. As a result, a priority pollutant migration mechanism from ODBCs to the produced wastewater was proposed. This would be helpful for the better management policy making of the ODBCs treated by using CO2 SHSs and the produced wastewater.
Evaluating Three Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms (LM, BR, and SCG) for Daily Pan Evaporation Estimation in a Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Aghelpour Pouya , Bagheri-Khalili Zahra , Varshavian Vahid , Mohammadi Babak
Published: October 2022

Evaporation is one of the main components of the hydrological cycle, and its estimation is crucial and important for water resources management issues. Access to a reliable estimator tool for evaporation simulation is important in arid and semi-arid areas such as Iran, which lose more than 70% of their received precipitation by evaporation. Current research employs the Bayesian Regularization (BR) and Scaled Conjugate Gradient (SCG) algorithms for training the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) model (as MLP-BR and MLP-SCG) and comparing their performance with the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm (as MLP-LM). For this purpose, 16 meteorological variables were used on a daily scale; including temperature (5 variables), air pressure (4 variables), and relative humidity (6 variables) as input data sets, and pan evaporation as the target variable of the MLP model. The surveys were conducted during the period of 2006–2021 in Fars Province in Iran, which is a semi-arid region and has many natural lakes. Various combinations of input-target pairs were tested by several learning algorithms, resulting in seven input scenarios: (1) temperature-based (T), (2) pressure-based (F), (3) humidity-based (RH), (4) temperature–pressure-based (T-F), (5) temperature–humidity-based (T-RH), (6) pressure–humidity-based (F-RH) and (7) temperature–pressure–humidity-based (T-F-RH). The results indicated the relative superiority of the three-component scenario of T-F-RH, and a considerable weakness in the single-component scenario of RH compared with others. The best performance with a root mean square error (RMSE) equal to 1.629 and 1.742 mm per day and a Wilmott Index (WI) equal to 0.957 and 0.949 (respectively for validation and test periods) belonged to the MLP-BR model. Additionally, the amount of R2 (greater than 84%), Nash-Sutcliff efficiency (greater than 0.8) and normalized RMSE (less than 0.1) all indicate the reliability of the estimates provided for the daily pan evaporation. In the comparison between the studied training algorithms, two algorithms, BR and SCG, in most cases, showed better performance than the powerful and common LM algorithm. The obtained results suggest that future researchers in this field consider BR and SCG training algorithms for the supervised training of MLP for the numerical estimation of pan evaporation by the MLP model.
Antarctic Bottom Water Jets Flowing from the Vema Channel
Authors: Morozov Eugene G. , Zuev Oleg A. , Frey Dmitry I. , Krechik Viktor A.
Published: October 2022

Properties of the abyssal current of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) from the Vema Channel are studied based on temperature, salinity, and velocity profiler (CTD/LADCP) data. Previous studies over a period of almost 30 years revealed that very intense current of AABW exists in the Vema Channel. Later, it was found that this current consists of two branches. One branch spreads over the bottom of the channel; the other branch is elevated over the western wall of the channel. The deepest branch decays after it passes approximately 100 km while the upper one continues further to the North Atlantic and is the source of abyssal waters in the Canary and Cabo Verde basins of the North Atlantic. Data analysis suggested that the upper jet splits into two. One of these descends down a canyon at 24°30′ S, while the other (the third one) remains on the continental slope, and indications of its existence are also found at 24°00′ S. This research analyzes the existence and pathway of this third branch that can be traced up to latitude 24° S. Velocity measurements in 2022 allowed us to confirm the existence of this third branch.
Pesticide Contamination of Surface and Groundwater in an Ethiopian Highlands’ Watershed
Authors: Sishu Feleke K. , Tilahun Seifu A. , Schmitter Petra , Assefa Getachew , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: October 2022

Agricultural intensification in sub-Saharan African countries has significantly increased pesticide applications. Information on pesticide residues and their transport in groundwater and streams is needed to properly manage and reduce any harm to the ecosystem and environment. This information is lacking in the volcanic soils of Ethiopian highlands. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess pesticide concentrations in ground and surface water and their risk to humans and aquatic life. The 9 km2 rural watershed Robit Bata in the Lake Tana Basin was selected. Crops were grown under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Pesticide use was assessed, and groundwater samples were collected from eight wells and surface water samples at the outlet twice in the rain phase and once in the dry phase. Samples were analyzed for chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, (α and β) endosulfan, profenofos, NO3−, and pH. Chlorpyrifos and endosulfan, which are strongly adsorbed and slowly degrading pesticides, were found in nearly all surface and groundwater samples, with maximum concentrations in surface water of 8 µg L−1 for chlorpyrifos and 3 µg L−1 endosulfan. Maximum groundwater concentrations were only slightly lower. The weakly adsorbed and fast degrading pesticides, dimethoate, and profenofos were detected only in the rain phase after spraying in the groundwater, indicating preferential transport to groundwater at depths of up to 9 m. The average concentration was 0.38 μg L−1 for dimethoate in surface waters and 1.24 μg L−1 in groundwater. Profenofos was not detected in surface water. In the groundwater, the average concentration was 0.05 μg L−1. Surface water concentrations of chlorpyrifos and endosulfan were highly toxic to fish. The World Health Organization banned these pesticides worldwide. It should be phased out for use in Ethiopia to safeguard the ecological health of Lake Tana, which is rich in biodiversity and endemic fish species.
Macroinvertebrate-Based Biomonitoring of Coastal Wetlands in Mediterranean Chile: Testing Potential Metrics Able to Detect Anthropogenic Impacts
Authors: Coccia Cristina , Vega Carlos , Fierro Pablo
Published: October 2022

Coastal wetlands are suffering from anthropogenic alterations worldwide. Aquatic monitoring based on macroinvertebrates has been successfully used to assess the ecological condition of many aquatic systems worldwide. Nonetheless, studies are still insufficient for the coastal wetlands of the South Pacific. Here, we present a preliminary attempt to select metrics based on aquatic macroinvertebrates to incorporate into coastal wetlands biomonitoring in the Chilean Mediterranean ecoregion. We sampled 25 sites in ten coastal wetlands during the austral spring of 2019. We used an integrated index that considers both human activities at catchment and at local scales to identify sites less or more disturbed. We tested a total of 70 metrics (either traditional or new metrics) representing different aspects of community structure/composition, functions and tolerance to pollution. Two metrics were finally retained: detritivore abundance (traditional metric) and geometric mean body size (new metric). These metrics were able to detect sites impacted by human activities. Thus, they might be considered as candidate metrics for the biomonitoring of these systems and to develop future indices. Moreover, because of their generality, they might also be applicable to coastal wetlands in other Mediterranean regions, including sites where taxonomic identification is still a challenge.
Backward Trajectory Analysis Based on Specific Humidity Correction for the Influence of Moisture Sources on Precipitation Isotopes in the Western Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Yue Xiaobo , Zhang Mingjun , Qu Deye , Wang Shengjie , Chen Fenli , Zhang Yu , Tian Yuanyuan
Published: October 2022

Based on the precipitation samples collected in Minxian in the western Loess Plateau from 2019 to 2021, this study analyzes the influence of moisture sources on precipitation isotopes. Through the specific humidity correction of the backward trajectory, it is found that Xinjiang and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River may be the main moisture sources. Through cluster analysis of backward trajectories, it is found that in the summer half-year, the water vapor from the east and northeast leads to the precipitation with a depleted isotope ratio, while the water vapor from the south and northwest leads to the precipitation with an enriched isotope ratio; in the winter half, water vapor from the east leads to precipitation with enriched isotope ratios, while water vapor from the northwest and northeast leads to precipitation with depleted isotope ratios. In addition, the precipitation isotope values showed a tendency to deplete with the duration of water vapor transport in the summer half-year, but this tendency was not obvious in the winter half-year. The relationship between precipitation isotopes and water vapor transport height showed a positive correlation in both the winter half-year and summer half-year. Using the Potential Source Contribution Factor analysis methods and the backward trajectory after the specific humidity revision, it was found that the potential evaporation source areas in the summer half-year are larger in extent, mainly distributed in the eastern and southern regions of the sampling site, and the contribution of local recycled vapor to precipitation is 32.17%; while the potential evaporation source areas in the winter half-year are smaller in extent, they are only distributed in the southern region of the sampling site, and the contribution of local recycled vapor to precipitation is 24.66%.
Analysis of Monthly Recorded Climate Extreme Events and Their Implications on the Spanish Mediterranean Coast
Authors: Portillo Juan Nerea , Negro Valdecantos Vicente , del Campo José María
Published: October 2022

Due to climate change, hydroclimatic extremes are becoming more frequent and intense and their characterization and analysis is essential for climate modelling. One of the regions that will be most affected by these extremes is the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Therefore, this paper analyses the significant wave height (Hs), peak wave period (Tp) and sea level (SL) extremes and their correlation along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. After conducting this analysis, it is finally concluded that and adjustment of the extreme long-term distribution of Tp is urgently needed to create accurate models and projections, which must be considered in combination with the intense extremes happening in the Levantine basin when modelling this area and designing new projects.
Thermally Enhanced Biodegradation of TCE in Groundwater
Authors: Najmanová Petra , Steinová Jana , Czinnerová Marie , Němeček Jan , Špánek Roman , Knytl Vladislav , Halecký Martin
Published: October 2022

In situ remediation is usually restricted by temperature, lack of substrate for reductive dechlorination (anaerobic respiration), the presence of dehalogenating microorganisms, and specific bedrock conditions. In this work, trichloroethene (TCE) degradation was studied by a number of methods, from physical–chemical analyses to molecular biological tools. The abundance changes in dechlorinating bacteria were monitored using real-time PCR. The functional genes vcrA and bvcA as well as the 16S rRNA specific for representatives of genera Dehalococcoides, Dehalobacter, and Desulfitobacterium were monitored. Furthermore, the sulfate-reducing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria were observed by amplifying the functional genes apsA and nirK. The elevated temperature and the substrate (whey) addition significantly affected TCE dechlorination. The chlorine index decreased after nine weeks from 2.5 to 0.1 at 22 °C, to 1.1 at 17 °C and 1.7 at 12 °C and complete dechlorination was achieved at 22 °C with whey addition. The achieved results of this work show the feasibility and effectiveness of biological dechlorination of TCE enhanced with elevated temperature and whey addition.
Spatial-Temporal Variations of Active Accumulated Temperature and Its Impact on Vegetation NDVI in the Source Region of China’s Yellow River
Authors: Gu Henan , Luo Jian , Li Guofang , Yao Yueling , Huang Yan , Huang Dongjing
Published: October 2022

Global climate change has greatly influenced the ecosystems in the Tibetan Plateau. Many studies focused on the direct effects of climate warming on the headwater regions by mean temperature, while less investigating its implication for the eco-environment. To address this, the study discussed the spatial-temporal variations of the bio-related climate indicators ≥0 °C annual accumulated temperature AAT0 and its lasting days LDT0, and corresponding ≥5 °C indicators AAT5 and LDT5 on the source region of the Yellow River (SRYR). The stationarity of indicators during 1979–2018 were tested by Pettitt test, and trends checked by linear regression analysis and Mann-Kendall test. Normalized difference vegetation index NDVI (2001–2016) was adopted to detect the correlation between vegetation activities and indicators. Results show that the AAT and LDT0 exhibited significant increasing trend over the SRYR, while the LDT5 significantly increased mainly under 4000 m. Most LDT extended due to the combined efforts of the early onset and late termination of the given temperature. 1997 was detected in the abrupt change analysis of AAT0 both on the basin scale and most area, and was adopted to divide the period into two stages. The regional mean AAT0 linearly grew at a rate of 96 °C decade−1 during the entire period, and 104 °C decade−1 during the second stage. Except for a drastic jump in the areal mean values, there was a distinct upward-shift of isoline in elevation between stages. NDVI showed strong correlativity with ≥0 °C indicators on the basin scale, according to the Pearson, Spearman and Kendall correlation coefficients, ranging from 0.5 to 0.7. Spatially, the overlap area between Pearson’s γ ≥ 0.5 and linearly rising AAT0 reached 50%, which was fully covered with significantly increasing AAT0 during the recent stage. Thus the rapid growth of ≥0 °C indicators would effectively accelerate NDVI over this major alpine grasslands, especially around the eastern low regions, where indicators are higher and grow faster.