bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Isolates and Comparison of Mutational Spectrum of Variants in Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Abeda , Banu Laila Anjuman , Hossain Mahmud , Azmin Nahid , Nila Nurun Nahar , Sinha Sharadindu Kanti , Hassan Zahid
Published: January 2025

The SARS-CoV-2-induced disease, COVID-19, remains a worldwide public health concern due to its high rate of transmission, even in vaccinated and previously infected people. In the endemic state, it continues to cause significant pathology. To elu- cidate the viral mutational changes and screen the emergence of new variants of concern, we conducted this study in Bangladesh. The viral RNA genomes extracted from 25 ran- domly collected samples of COVID-19-positive patients from March 2021 to February 2022 were sequenced using Illumina COVID Seq protocol and genomic data processing, as well as evaluations performed in DRAGEN COVID Lineage software. In this study, the percentage of Delta, Omicron, and Mauritius variants identified were 88%, 8%, and 4%, respectively. All of the 25 samples had 23,403 A>G (D614G, S gene), 3037 C>T (nsp3), and 14,408 C>T (nsp12) mutations, where 23,403 A>G was responsible for increased transmis- sion. Omicron had the highest number of unique mutations in the spike protein (i.e., sub- stitutions, deletions, and insertions), which may explain its higher transmissibility and immune-evading ability than Delta. A total of 779 mutations were identified, where 691 substitutions, 85 deletions, and 3 insertion mutations were observed. To sum up, our study will enrich the genomic database of SARS-CoV-2, aiding in treatment strategies along with understanding the virus’s preferences in both mutation type and mutation site for predicting newly emerged viruses’ survival strategies and thus for preparing to coun- teract them.
Approaches to Next-Generation Capripoxvirus and Monkeypox Virus Vaccines
Authors: Williamson Anna-Lise
Published: January 2025

Globally, there are two major poxvirus outbreaks: mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, and lumpy skin disease, caused by the lumpy skin disease virus. While vaccines for both diseases exist, there is a need for improved vaccines. The original vaccines used to eradicate smallpox, which also protect from the disease now known as mpox, are no longer acceptable. This is mainly due to the risk of serious adverse events, particularly in HIV-positive people. The next-generation vaccine for mpox prevention is modified vaccinia Ankara, which does not complete the viral replication cycle in humans and, therefore, has a better safety profile. However, two modified vaccinia Ankara immunizations are needed to give good but often incomplete protection, and there are indications that the immune response will wane over time. A better vaccine that induces a long-lived response with only one immunization is desirable. Another recently available smallpox vaccine is LC16m8. While LC16m8 contains replicating vaccinia virus, it is a more attenuated vaccine than the original vaccines and has limited side effects. The commonly used lumpy skin disease vaccines are based on attenuated lumpy skin disease virus. However, an inactivated or non-infectious vaccine is desirable as the disease spreads into new territories. This article reviews novel vaccine approaches, including mRNA and subunit vaccines, to protect from poxvirus infection.
Gold Nanoparticles as a Platform for Delivery of Immunogenic Peptides to THP-1 Derived Macrophages: Insights into Nanotoxicity
Authors: Zúñiga Eduardo , Contreras-Trigo Braulio , Buchert Jorge , Sáez-Ahumada Fabián , Hernández Leonardo , Fica-León Víctor , Nova-Lamperti Estefania , Kobe Bostjan , Guzmán Fanny , Diaz-García Víctor , Guzmán-Gutiérrez Enrique , Oyarzún Patricio
Published: January 2025

Background: Peptide-based nanovaccines have emerged as a promising strategy for combating infectious diseases, as they overcome the low immunogenicity that is inherent to short epitope-containing synthetic peptides. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) present several advantages as peptide nanocarriers, but a deeper understanding of the design criteria is paramount to accelerate the development of peptide-AuNPs nanoconjugates (p-AuNPs). Methods: Herein, we synthesized and characterized p-AuNPs of 23 nm (p-Au23) and 68 nm (p-Au68) with varying levels of peptide surface coverage and different peptide designs, investigating their effect on the cell viability (cell death and mitochondrial activity), cellular uptake, and cathepsin B activity in THP-1 macrophages. Results: p-Au23 proved no negative effect in the cell viability and high levels of nanoconjugate uptake, but p-Au68 induced strong toxicity to the cell line. The peptide sequences were successfully designed with spacer regions and a cell-penetrating peptide (pTAT) that enhanced cellular uptake and cathepsin B activity for p-Au23, while pTAT induced severe effects in the THP-1 viability (~40–60% cell death). Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insight into the design criteria of AuNPs and immunogenic peptides, along with nanotoxicity effects associated with AuNP size and surface charge in human monocyte-derived macrophages.
Immunosuppressive Therapy Modifies Anti-Spike IgG Subclasses Distribution After Four Doses of mRNA Vaccination in a Cohort of Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Juarez Ignacio , Pérez-Flores Isabel , Aiffil Meneses Arianne S. , Lopez-Gomez Ana , Calvo Romero Natividad , Rodríguez-Cubillo Beatriz , Moreno de la Higuera María Angeles , Peix-Jiménez Belén , Gonzalez-Garcia Raquel , Amorós-Pérez Beatriz , Rivas-Pardo Benigno , Baos-Muñoz Elvira , Arribi Vilela Ana , Gómez Del Moral Manuel , Sánchez-Fructuoso Ana Isabel , Martínez-Naves Eduardo
Published: January 2025

Background: IgG4 is the least immunogenic subclass of IgG. Immunization with mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, unlike other vaccines, induces an increase in IgG4 against the spike protein in healthy populations. This study investigated whether immunosuppressive therapy affects the immune response, focusing on IgG subclass changes, to four doses of mRNA vaccine in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Methods: This study includes 146 KTRs and 23 dialysis patients (DPs) who received three mRNA-1273 vaccine doses and a BNT162b2 booster. We evaluated anti-spike IgG titers and subclasses, T-CD4+ and T-CD8+ cellular responses, and serum neutralizing activity (SNA). Results: At the fourth dose, 75.8% of COVID-19 naïve KTRs developed humoral and cellular responses (vs. 95.7% in DPs). There was a correlation between anti-spike IgG titers/subclasses and SNA (p < 0.001). IgG subclass kinetics after the third/fourth dose differed between COVID-19 naïve KTRs and DPs. Immunosuppressive therapy influenced IgG subclasses: mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) positively influenced IgG1 and IgG3 (p < 0.05), while mycophenolic acid negatively affected IgG1, IgG3, and IgG4 (p < 0.05). SNA is correlated with breakthrough infections after four doses of vaccine in KTRs. mTORi was the only factor associated with SNA > 65% in naïve KTRs [4.29 (1.21–15.17), p = 0.024]. Conclusions: KTRs show weaker cellular and humoral immune responses to mRNA vaccines and a class shift towards non-inflammatory anti-S IgG4 upon booster doses. IgG subclasses show a positive correlation with SNA and are influenced by immunosuppression. Increased SNA after four doses of vaccine is protective against infection. mTORi may benefit non-responding KTRs.
Emerging Immunotherapies for Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wolf Emily , Sacchi de Camargo Correia Guilherme , Li Shenduo , Zhao Yujie , Manochakian Rami , Lou Yanyan
Published: January 2025

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, with nearly half of all patients diagnosed at an advanced stage. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) harness the host immune system to combat malignant cells. ICIs, which target programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), and cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte-4 (CTLA-4), have transformed the treatment landscape for advanced NSCLC. While a subset of patients experiences a long-term durable response, most patients will develop disease progression. New drugs targeting novel pathways are being tested in clinical trials to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy and overcome resistance patterns. This review aims to summarize the currently available ICIs for advanced NSCLC and describe emerging immunotherapies with recently published data from phase I/II clinical trials.
The Budget Impact of Adopting Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention: A Rapid Review
Authors: Moyo Enos , Moyo Perseverance , Barham Leela , Mangoya Derek , Mhango Malizgani , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa
Published: January 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention in 2015. Although the number of countries with national PrEP recommendations increased from 2 in 2015 to 121 in 2019, there has been slow progress in Africa. The reason for this slow progress is that developing countries have budgetary constraints. Budget impact analysis (BIA) is an economic analysis that can help explore the affordability of oral PrEP. A rapid review was conducted to summarise the existing literature on the budget impact of adopting oral PrEP for HIV prevention. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant studies. Studies included in the review utilised primary data. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. This review reveals that most studies took a healthcare service provider perspective, targeted men who have sex with men (MSM), had time horizons of more than 10 years, used macro-costing, and performed univariate sensitivity analysis and discounting. If countries wish to perform a budget impact analysis of adopting oral PrEP for HIV prevention, we recommend that they select a target population that is most at risk of acquiring HIV. In addition, a time horizon of ten years or more should be used, and accurate values of the cost of oral PrEP and antiretroviral therapy (ART) and adherence to oral PrEP should be researched. Furthermore, deterministic sensitivity analysis should be carried out instead of probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA), as the degree of variability and the extent of the correlation among the parameters may not be known.
Green Synthesis of nZVI-Modified Sludge Biochar for Cr(VI) Removal in Water: Fixed-Bed Experiments and Artificial Neural Network Model Prediction
Authors: Zhao Hao , Ma Fengfeng , Ren Xuechang , Zhao Baowei , Jiang Yufeng , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2025

The contamination of aquatic environments with hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) poses significant environmental and public health risks, necessitating the development of high-performance adsorbents for its efficient removal. This study evaluates the potential of green-synthesized nanoscale zero-valent iron-modified sludge biochar (TP-nZVI/BC) as an effective adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal through isothermal adsorption experiments, fixed-bed column studies, and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. Fixed-bed experiments demonstrated that breakthrough time, exhaustion time, and unit adsorption capacity increased with bed height. Conversely, these parameters decreased with higher influent concentrations and flow rates. Breakthrough curve analysis revealed that the Thomas model provided the best fit for the experimental data (R2 = 0.992–0.998). An ANN model, developed using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm, employed a single hidden layer with six neurons and exhibited excellent predictive performance (R2 = 0.996, MSE = 0.520). The ANN model was validated for its ability to predict adsorption behavior under untested conditions, demonstrating its applicability for process optimization. This study highlights the superior performance of TP-nZVI/BC as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) and establishes a theoretical basis for optimizing and scaling up fixed-bed adsorption systems using ANN modeling. The findings provide valuable insights into the practical application of sustainable materials in environmental remediation.
Piping Material Selection in Water Distribution Network Using an Improved Decision Support System
Authors: Wei Xing , Wang Ming , Wei Qun , Ma Xiangmeng
Published: January 2025

This study introduces an integrated Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodology combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Entropy Weight Method (EWM), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to optimize the selection of municipal water supply pipeline materials. A comprehensive evaluation system encompassing thirteen criteria across technical, economic, and safety dimensions was developed to ensure balanced decision-making. The method employs a weight determination model based on Jaynes’ maximum entropy theory to harmonize subjective AHP-derived weights with objective EWM-derived weights, addressing inconsistencies in traditional evaluation approaches. This framework was validated in a case study involving a DN400 pipeline project in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China, where five materials—steel, ductile iron, reinforced concrete, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC)—were assessed using quantitative and qualitative criteria. Results identified HDPE as the most suitable material, followed by UPVC and reinforced concrete, with steel ranking lowest. Comparative analysis with alternative MCDM techniques demonstrated the robustness of the proposed method in balancing diverse factors, dynamically adjusting to project-specific priorities. The study highlights the flexibility of this approach, which can extend to other infrastructure applications, such as drainage systems or the adoption of innovative materials like glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) mortar pipes. By integrating subjective and objective perspectives, the methodology offers a robust tool for designing sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective municipal water supply networks.
Analyzing the Efficacy of Water Treatment Disinfectants as Vector Control: The Larvicidal Effects of Silver Nitrate, Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate, and Sodium Hypochlorite on Juvenile Aedes aegypti
Authors: Turner Sydney S. , Smith James A. , Howle Sophie L. , Hancock Patrick I. , Brett Karin , Davis Julia , Bruno Lorin M. , Cecchetti Victoria , Ford Clay
Published: January 2025

For communities without access to uninterrupted, piped water, household water storage (HWS) practices can lead to adverse public health outcomes caused by water degradation and mosquito proliferation. With over 700,000 deaths caused by vector-borne diseases annually, the objective of this study was to determine whether water disinfectants, at concentrations deemed safe for human consumption and beneficial for water treatment, are effective in reducing the emergence of adult mosquitoes that transmit disease. Laboratory bioassays, designed to resemble the context of treating HWS containers, were conducted to assess the larvicidal effects of chemicals at concentrations below regulatory limits for drinking water: silver (20, 40, 80 μg/L Ag), copper (300, 600, 1200 μg/L Cu), and chlorine (500, 1000, 2000 ug/L free chlorine). The water disinfectants demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce the population of juvenile Ae. aegypti. Sodium hypochlorite was found to be the most effective in decreasing the survival rate of late first instar larvae, while silver nitrate exhibited the highest effectiveness in inhibiting the emergence of late third instar larvae. Ultimately, this study highlights the potential of an integrated approach to Water, Sanitation, and Health (WASH) solutions with vector control management.
Characterizing and Modeling Infiltration and Evaporation Processes in the Shallow Loess Layer: Insight from Field Monitoring Results of a Large Undisturbed Soil Column
Authors: Tan Ye , Dai Fuchu , Zhao Zhiqiang , Cheng Cifeng , Huang Xudong
Published: January 2025

Frequent agricultural irrigation events continuously raise the groundwater table on loess platforms, triggering numerous loess landslides and significantly contributing to soil erosion in the Chinese Loess Plateau. The movement of irrigation water within the surficial loess layer is crucial for comprehending the mechanisms of moisture penetration into thick layers. To investigate the infiltration and evaporation processes of irrigation water, a large undisturbed soil column with a 60 cm inner diameter and 100 cm height was extracted from the surficial loess layer. An irrigation simulation event was executed on the undisturbed soil column and the ponding infiltration and subsequent evaporation processes were systematically monitored. A ruler placed above the soil column recorded the ponding height during irrigation. Moisture probes and tensiometers were installed at five depths to monitor the temporal variations in volumetric water content (VWC) and matric suction. Additionally, an evaporation gauge and an automatic weighing balance measured the potential and actual evaporation. The results revealed that the initially high infiltration rate rapidly decreased to a stable value slightly below the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). A fitted Mezencev model successfully replicated the ponding infiltration process with a high correlation coefficient of 0.995. The monitored VWC of the surficial 15 cm-thick loess approached a saturated state upon the advancing of the wetting front, while the matric suction sharply decreased from an initial high value of 65 kPa to nearly 0 kPa. The monitored evaporation process of the soil column was divided into an initial constant rate stage and a subsequent decreasing rate stage. During the constant rate stage, the actual evaporation closely matched or slightly exceeded the potential evaporation rate. In the decreasing rate stage, the actual evaporation rate fell below the potential evaporation rate. The critical VWC ranged from 26% to 28%, with the corresponding matric suction recovering to approximately 25 kPa as the evaporation process transitioned between stages. The complete evaporation process was effectively modeled using a fitted Rose model with a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.971). These findings provide valuable insights into predicting water infiltration and evaporation capacities in loess layers, thereby enhancing the understanding of water movement within thick loess deposits and the processes driving soil erosion.
Crues et structures souterraines de drainage des plateaux jurassiques du Nord-Est de la France
Authors: Fister Vincent , Losson Benoît , Lebaut Sébastien , Gille Emmanuel , Manceau Luc
Published: January 2025

Floods and underground structures of drainage of the jurassic plateaus of the Northeast of France.

The hydrodynamic functioning of an outlet during floods is governed by the external precipitation forcing and internal control imposed by the drainage structure. Observe and analyze the floods returns to "zoom in" on the drainage characteristics of the monitored systems and, consequently, to refine the understanding of water circulations. It is in this perspective that we decided to follow up hydroclimatic and geochemical variables during various floods the level of four outlets in order to identify and quantify the components of the flow in the low limestones plateaus of the Northeast of France. Through characteristics times, types of water and volumes that illustrate the propagation of the flood wave during hydrological crisis, this is the organization of the rainfall-runoff relationship in the underground drainage structures that is seen at a fine scale. Following the analyses, two types of hydrodynamic behavior are identified :

-in the case where the outlet is supplied in part by rapid infiltration morphologies. Infiltration is concentred and benefits to the drainage structuring in unsaturated zone and satured zone. The karst porosity is proved by sudden hydrogeochemical variations during major rainfall ;

-in the case where the outlet is exclusively supplied by diffuse infiltration. The structures of drainage are not very functional, and flood processes are very slow in response to horizontal and vertical transits which occur in narrow discontinuities systems.
3D stochastic simulation of caves: application to Saint-Sébastien case study (SE, France)
Authors: Viseur Sophie , Jouves Johan , Fournillon Arnaud , Arfib Bruno , Guglielmi Yves
Published: January 2025

Karst networks are complex structures that are difficult to observe or survey. However, they have a major impact on fluid flows and water resources as well as on petroleum reservoir behaviour. In such applications, geostatistical approaches are generally used to simulate several 3D models of geological structures, on which risk assessment analyses are performed in terms of reserve assessment or flow behaviour. In this paper, such an approach is proposed to simulate karst networks. The approach is based on the classical method Sequential Indicator Simulation (SIS). It relies on the decomposition of the karst network into conduit families, depending on their orientation and dimensions. Conduit shapes are characterized by variograms and are simulated sequentially from the first to the last family. Conditioning points are randomly simulated to assert the connectivity between each conduit family. Moreover, special attention is paid to the integration of geological and hydrogeological knowledge into the karst network simulation. The proposed approach is applied to the case study of Saint-Sébastien (Gréoux-les-Bains, Provence) to illustrate the possibility of integrating analogue and geological information.
Méthodologie d’instrumentation hydrologique d’un réseau karstique : application au réseau de Francheville (Côte d’Or, France)
Authors: Schneider Vincent , Monvoisin Gaël , Fécheroulle Fabien , Ginguené Julien , Le Bihan Bernard
Published: January 2025

Methodology of hydrological instrumentation of a karst system : application on the Réseau de Francheville (Côte d’Or, France).

Understanding the hydrological functioning of a karstic system requires a strategy of global scientific study on the scale of a massif or a watershed. This approach allows introducing elements of understanding on the functioning of the karst system which is interesting for water resource managers, natural environment managers, and of course for cavers who explore and document the underground environment. A study project has been set up on the cave system of Francheville, supported by a group of various speleological structures from the Ile-de-France, the Champagne and the Burgundy regions. This study focuses on the behaviour of the underground river of the Francheville system, in the penetrable part between the two shafts “Combe aux Prêtres” and “Rochotte”. One of the axes of this study is to install a network of high-density measurements in the system with a precise definition of the techniques and protocols of measurements in order to optimize the reliability and the exploitability of the obtained results. In particular, it uses the “Reefnet” Sensus pressure sensors, inexpensive and widely used in recent years [Cailhol, 2014 ; Collectif, 2012 ; CDS Doubs, 2010 ; Richard, 2008 ; Stage EFS, 2014 ; Zappelli et Arfib, 2015]. We present here the methodology used specifically for this project to allow other teams of speleologists to use these devices in other cavities or on other networks. Particularly, we focus on identifying the amplitude and duration of phenomena to adapt the materials and techniques used, as well as the study strategy.
Benoît Dumolin et la grotte de la Cailleverdière à Blanot (Saône-et-Loire) : un précurseur de la spéléologie et de la karstologie en 1739
Authors: Barriquand Lionel , Gardette Françoise , Guillot Ludovic , Vergnaud Daniel
Published: January 2025

Benoît Dumolin est né en 1713 à Cluny. Il devient docteur de l’abbaye et de l’Hôtel-Dieu de cette ville en 1739 après des études de médecine à Montpellier. Il restera à ces postes jusqu’à la Révolution Française. Pendant cette période il décrit la flore de la région qui servira de base à la première flore de Bourgogne et propose une nouvelle nomenclature pour celle-ci. Il décrit avec précision la ville de Cluny et son abbaye. Ses écrits sont aujourd’hui les références pour toutes les reconstitutions archéologiques de cette dernière. En 1739, il explore la grotte de la Cailleverdière à Blanot, située à quelques kilomètres de Cluny. Il en laisse un écrit qui est recopié par la suite par P. Bruys des Gardes. Dumolin explore la grotte-gouffre de Cailleverdière. Pour aller au fond de celle-ci, il utilise des cordes et devient ainsi un des précurseurs de la spéléologie. Il réfléchit à la formation de la cavité et écarte les théories en cours au XVIIIe siècle pour évoquer le rôle de l’eau dans la karstogenèse. Il donne également une description détaillée des concrétions et là encore évoque le rôle de l’eau dans leur formation. Par ses écrits, Benoît Dumolin est un précurseur de la spéléologie et de l’étude du karst avec des idées très innovantes pour le XVIIIe siècle. Après Dumolin, dès la fin du XVIIIe siècle, la grotte fera l’objet de visites. De véritables aménagements sont mis en place au début du XXe siècle et l’exploitation touristique connaîtra son apogée entre les années 1950 et 1970.
Typologie des karsts de la côte d’Île-de-France entre Sézanne et Reims
Authors: Damien Thibaud , Pierre Guillaume , Devos Alain , Lejeune Olivier , Javaux Boris
Published: January 2025

The karst systems of the Côte d’Île-de-France between Sézanne and Reims.

Calcareous formations of the eastern Paris basin are largely karstified and exhibit primokarst (ghost rock karstification), paleokarst, cryptokarst and karst of lithostratigraphic contact. The latter is mainly encountered on the backslope of the cuestas, where its spatial development is controlled by the withdrawal of the sediment cover. Conversely, along the Côte d’Île-de-France, locked on the unconformity between Cretaceous and Tertiary formations, karst system, confined to the escarpment, is rather discontinuous and nevertheless highly varied. Over a distance of some sixty kilometers, between Reims and Sézanne, the conditions of the karstification that affects various ranges of lithologies and formations of Eocene, Paleocene and Cretaceous ages are examined. The aim is to put the karstification processes in a morphostructural context which is strongly influenced by the Paleogene (paleo) topographies that controlled the depositional systems. The repartition of detrital (continental or littoral) deposits and of carbonated marine deposits both determine the actual landscape morphology and the potential for karstification as a result of the Pleistocene valley downcutting and the correlative increasing hydraulic gradient. As regards water resources, the transfer of water from one drainage basin to another assisted by the karst benefit the anaclinal streams.
Fantômisation et spéléogenèse : implications et questionnement
Authors: Quinif Yves
Published: January 2025

Ghost rock karstification and speleogenesis, implications and questions.

The concept of the ghostrock karstification could be demonstrated through three groups of observations. (1) The paleokarsts in Carboniferous carbonates of Hainaut seen in the quarries of Soignies and Tournai constitute ghost-rocks largely still filled with their residual alterite in subterranean forms having strong ties of kinship with traditional endokarstic forms. (2) The “improbable” cave in the Clypot quarry (Soignies) contains a river sedimentary series that erodes the in situ residual alterite of an endokarstic ghost-rock. This series is dated from the Dano-Montien. We have thus the passage between a ghosttype karst to a cave. (3) The observed visual emptying of an endokarstic ghost-rock in the Nocarcentre (Ecaussinnes) quarry was caused by the erosion of residual alterite due to an underground river from the water table surrounding this quarry-pit. This phenomenon constitutes a real experience of the passage from the ghost-rock to the speleological cave. The phenomenon being no longer in doubt, it remains to demonstrate in each case the origin of the speleological karst : does it come from a ghost-rock or a karstification by total removal ? Several facts are striking, notably the genesis of several subterranean microforms characteristic in a context of ghost-rock karstification, thus requiring great caution in their genetic interpretation : can we keep a causal link between the genetic factors and the resulting forms on the basis of traditional concepts ? Here we examine examples of caves where the search for ghost-rocks may have led to their discovery despite the violent and prolonged erosion of galleries by underground river flows (Han-sur-Lesse, Azé cave, Entre-deux-Mers, Charente’s karst). Then, karstification by ghost-rock karstification in Belgium is put back into regional geological history by evoking the application to other karstic systems. We end by the possible generalization of the ghost-rock karstification to all the karstic systems.
Les paysages karstiques du parc national de Tazekka (Moyen Atlas nord oriental, province de Taza, Maroc) : inventaire, évaluation et valorisation pour un développement territorial durable et intégré
Authors: Hili Aïman , El Khalki Yahia
Published: January 2025

Au Maroc, les formes et processus géologiques/ géomorphologiques et notamment karstiques sont souvent remarquables, du point de vue scientifique et esthétique, mais ils ne sont pas reconnus au niveau législatif et restent méconnus du grand public. Le domaine de la protection et de la valorisation du patrimoine géo(morpho) logique (dynamique, fragile, non renouvelable et méconnu) est souvent délaissé ; par conséquent, il reste encore beaucoup d’efforts à faire dans ce sens, surtout en termes d’inventaire, d’évaluation, de protection et de valorisation. Comme la plupart des pays, le Maroc est doté de plusieurs réglementations et lois en matière de la protection de l’environnement et de la nature, mais elles ne touchent ni la protection des objets géologiques et géomorphologiques, ni leur valorisation. Le parc national de Tazekka est un territoire caractérisé par une géodiversité remarquable marquée par divers processus morphogénétiques (karstiques, fluviatiles, gravitaires, anthropiques et structuraux) qui induisent une grande diversité des formes notamment karstiques. La plupart de ses géomorphosites ont un intérêt scientifique important et possèdent également une valeur écologique, esthétique, économique et/ ou historico-culturelle assez élevées. Ce travail a pour objectifs i) de procéder à un inventaire exhaustif des différents géomorphosites du parc national de Tazekka, ii) d’évaluer ce patrimoine, surtout les cinq géosites karstiques, via des techniques d’évaluation dont l’application a été déjà testée par différents auteurs, iii) de valoriser ces biens géomorphologiques et géologiques par la proposition d’un certain nombre de circuits touristiques dans une perspective de développement local et intégré, dans une nouvelle approche de «Paysage culturel intégré » qui prend en compte à la fois la géodiversité, la biodiversité et la diversité culturelle du territoire.
Les aménagements préhistoriques de l’aven de Sot Manit (Saint-Maurice-Navacelles, Hérault)
Authors: Bigot Jean-Yves
Published: January 2025

The prehistoric installations of the Aven de Sot Manit (Saint-Maurice-Navacelles, Hérault).

The Aven de Sot Manit is a cave on the southern border of the Causse du Larzac. The shaft cave, visited in prehistoric times, was explored in 1937 and partially looted in the years after its (re) discovery. The authorities in charge of archeology then ordered the last pots to be removed. This is why today, there are almost no (removable) traces of human occupancy of the cave from neolithic times. The presence of spectacular floor notches led to speculations about a second entrance, however, some more throrough research revealed artificial installations to retain or divert water into different recipients, either ceramics or natural or artificial basins. In the cave, the water drops from the ceiling as rain and forms two small rivulets that follow the natural gradient. They had been deviated by different structures, such as a large basin that is blocked by a large speleothem block. From that place, the water has been redirected to a lower basin which was dammed by the ancient explorers. Detailed observation of the broken rim of the natural basins permitted ideas on the emptying technique used. The presence of a path leading from the bottom of the shaft towards the basins points to a complete equipment of the cave.
La gestion d’une grotte ornée : l’exemple de la grotte aux Points
Authors: Galant Philippe , Touron Stéphanie
Published: January 2025

Du fait de la fragilité des équilibres naturels entre une grotte et son environnement, la gestion des interventions humaines contemporaines dans une cavité ornée doit être coordonnée dans un but conservatoire. Cette planification concertée entre tous les acteurs du milieu souterrain, depuis la découverte jusqu’aux études scientifiques, permet de respecter l’intégrité du site et d’en assurer la pérennité ainsi que la transmission aux générations futures. La gestion de la grotte aux Points, mise en place dès sa découverte, s’intègre dans cette politique et contribue à sa valorisation par l’encadrement des recherches et des visites qui y sont effectuées. Par ailleurs, des outils de gestion et des actions ont été mis en place afin d’assurer un suivi quant à son évolution interne. À cet effet, des témoins de mouvement ont notamment été mis en place le long des nombreuses fracturations observables au-dessus de l’un des panneaux ornés. Le choix des matériaux a fait l’objet d’une évaluation préalable en laboratoire afin de sélectionner les plus performants et les plus compatibles chimiquement avec un environnement souterrain. Un mortier de chaux naturelle hydraulique et des lamelles de verre ont été choisis et placés au niveau de la zone fracturée. Depuis leur mise en place, aucun signe de mouvement n’a été constaté. Leur surveillance régulière permet d’anticiper un éventuel effondrement, assurant ainsi la sécurité des visiteurs et l’intégrité des oeuvres.
Hydrologie du karst en bande nummulitique du système de la Lare (Saint-Benoît, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) Interprétation de traçages et de suivis hydrologiques
Authors: Audra Philippe , Bigot Jean-Yves , Nobécourt Jean-Claude
Published: January 2025

Hydrology of the stripe karst of the lare system (Saint-Benoît, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France). interpretation of dye tracings and hydrological monitoring.

The Lare karst system (Saint-Benoît, Alpes-de-
La grotte du Pont d’Arcole (Hastière, Belgique) Dépôts et relation avec l’enfoncement de la Meuse
Authors: Quinif Yves , Blockmans Sabine , Verheyden Sophie , Delaby Serge , Cheng Hai , Edwards Laurence R.
Published: January 2025

The cave of the Pont d’Arcole

(Hastière). Deposits and relation with the sinking of the Meuse.

The Pont d’Arcole cave develops in the limestones of the Dinant basin. The strata are positioned vertically. The cave is located in the valley of the Féron River, tributary of the Meuse River, where it constitutes an underground autocapture of the river. Two galleries connect the upper and lower parts of the cave through a topographically complex zone with a vertical dominance. The upper gallery is a rather straight tunnel between two openings ; it consists of an underground meander cut-off that follows the vertical bedding planes. The walls are carved with scallops and longitudinal channels on the vault. The lower gallery is hollowed out either at the expense
Les gorges de la Cèze. Élaboration d’un modèle chronologique à partir des données géologiques : conséquences sur l’hydrogéologie
Authors: Chapuis Hervé , Ré-Bahuaud Jordan , Jolivet Joël , Graillot Didier
Published: January 2025

The gorges of the river Cèze -Development of a chronological model based on geological data : implications for hydrogeology.

The content presented in this article is an integral part of the research work carried out with the aim of characterizing, evaluating and modeling the exchanges between the Cèze River and its karstic system that it crosses in the middle part of the valley [ Chapuis, 2017]. This paper presents the Cèze watershed with a lithological description of the terrain to lead to a chronological model in order to better understand the implication on the flow of water. Geological analysis reveals a significant diversity of watershed-wide formations in its downstream portion, leading to the identification of shifting hydrological boundaries over time. Through the threedimensional representation of the study area as a chronological model, there is a structural evolution of the lower Cretaceous limestone from its setting up to the orogenic phases of the Miocene. The analysis of this complex geology, combined with successive tectonic deformations, provides a better understanding of the current arrangement of karst aquifers in the studied area. From the western edge of the Alès graben to the upper Cretaceous formations east of the plateau of Méjannes-le-Clap, geological formations capable of infiltrating surface waters are emerging. These infiltrated waters can be directly connected to the exutory of karst springs by the karstic network itself. However, it is possible that these springs do not return all of the infiltrated waters. This groundwater could therefore have flow beyond the boundaries of the study area and reaches the eastern Rhone Valley.
Évolution des altérites du Crétacé supérieur à l’Éocène depuis la surface continentale vers l’endokarst Garrigues septentrionales du Gard et du sud Ardèche
Authors: Jolivet Joël , Graillot Didier , Van den Broeck Erik
Published: January 2025

Le propos de cet article est de caractériser uniquement sur un plan géochimique (éléments majeurs, mineurs et traces), les processus d’altération et leurs conséquences sur les karsts des garrigues septentrionales du département du Gard et ceux du sud de l’Ardèche dont les cavités conservent des dépôts de sédiments du Crétacé supérieur et du Paléogène provenant de leur surface. Le protocole de caractérisation fondé sur une analyse des échantillons par ICP-AES consiste à comparer les éléments constitutifs des terrains référencés sur les cartes géologiques avec ceux retrouvés dans différentes dépressions et anfractuosités épikarstiques et hypogées de l’endokarst. Ce protocole permet d’évaluer les différentes signatures chimiques et de rattacher des critères géologiques connus à des échantillons jusque-là inédits. Ces échantillons ont été prélevés de part et d’autre d’un axe NE-SO allant de la Dent de Rez au Mont Bouquet. Certains ont été extraits au SO de Bagnols-sur-Cèze ou dans la région d’Euzet. La caractérisation géochimique des altérites prélevées dans les différentes séquences stratigraphiques du Crétacé inférieur jusqu’à l’Éocène supérieur permet de déduire que seules les altérites de l’Éocène inférieur et moyen ont laissé leurs empreintes dans le karst. À partir de l’étude de leurs propriétés chimiques, la provenance de ces formations altéritiques via des systèmes lacustres carbonatés à salinité variable dont certaines traces sont encore visibles, peut être mise en évidence. Il est également possible d’en déduire leur contribution à la mise en place des structures aquifères karstiques du Barrémo-Bédoulien.
Karsts of sedimentary basins: A comparison between the Paris and Aquitaine Basins / Karsts des bassins sédimentaires : comparaison entre les Bassins parisien et aquitain
Authors: Dandurand Grégory , Devos Alain , Husson Eglantine , Berthe Julien , Bollot Nicolas , Fronteau Gilles , Lejeune Olivier , Losson Benoît
Published: January 2025

The Paris and Aquitaine Basins share a number of common characteristics both in their architectural and geological evolution, hence our consideration of similar karstification processes for the two sedimentary basins. However, specific regional features appear and will be detailed in this brief synthetic overview.
Routes of Well-Being, Spiritual Harmony and Recovery in Mental Health: The Community as a Policy-maker
Authors: Agudelo-Hernández Felipe , Giraldo-Álvarez Ana Belén
Published: January 2025

Background: The participatory approach in policy construction is a historical debt to communities. An example of the above is the definition that Colombian Indigenous communities give to mental health or spiritual harmony. Spiritual harmonies are a collective good that implies being in harmony with the spirit and with thought, which is why it is related to the community context, with the territory, identity, autonomy, spirituality, worldview, diverse cultural uses, practices, and customs. The objective of this study was to analyze the process of building a mental health recovery path with multiple community representatives in a Colombian territory. Methods: Through a co-production method based on Participatory Action Research, focus groups were developed with representatives of children, youth, indigenous peoples, migrant populations, as well as government sectors such as health, education and decision-makers in the territory. This study was carried out in 2023 in the District of Riohacha, Colombia, in the last quarter of 2023, within the framework of the construction of a mental health route, led by the District Mayor's Office. 59 people participated in the focus groups. Results: The necessity of living in safe and supportive environments was emphasized. The route built with the community was based on the definition of the necessary steps to generate a real approach to the context and their perceptions of wellbeing, mental health and spiritual harmonies. Three main themes were identified: 1) Mental health: a construct of wellbeing, care and identity, 2) Barriers to an integral approach and ideals of joint construction, and 3) the proposal for a comprehensive mental health route. Conclusion: Co-productive methodologies strengthen community autonomy and empowerment, and make the implementation of mental health programs more feasible. In public policies, it is increasingly necessary to have communities that are strengthened in the production of knowledge and in the proposals for implementation.
What Policies Do Local Governments Use to Promote Physical Activity? A Comparative Analysis of Municipalities From 4 EU Countries and Japan
Authors: Messing Sven , Racine Antoine Noël , Takeda Noriko , Onatsu Tanja , Tuunanen Katariina , Papiu Antonia , Birkholz Leonie , Garbarino Jean-Marie , Oguma Yuko , Saito Yoshinobu , Mocan Dan , Cherecheș Răzvan Mircea , Vuillemin Anne , Gelius Peter , Sandu Petru
Published: January 2025

Background: As public policies have the potential to change the entire system of physical activity (PA) promotion and to create conducive environments, they are particularly relevant to address the persistently low levels of PA across the world. Furthermore, WHO’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity highlights the relevance of local governments as important partners for policy action. However, our knowledge on how local PA promotion policy compares across countries remains limited. Methods: We conducted an exploratory study as part of the LoGoPAS project to compare the status quo of local PA policies across five municipalities in five different countries. Using purposive sampling, Jyväskylä (Finland), Nice (France), Erlangen (Germany), Fujisawa (Japan) and Cluj-Napoca (Romania) were selected. Data were collected and analysed via desk research and expert consultation using the CAPLA-Santé, a validated tool designed to assess relevant aspects of local PA promotion policies. Results: The analysis showed that the main responsibility for PA promotion varied between municipalities, resting either with the sport or the health sector. A total of 50 relevant PA policy documents were identified, focusing on multiple settings and target groups. Budgets for PA promotion differed across municipalities. Research on PA was reported to have informed policy development in some but not all cases. Across countries, political support was identified as a key driver of local PA promotion. Conclusion: LoGoPAS is the first study to apply the CAPLA-Santé outside of France and the first to use it for an international comparative analysis. Results highlight the ability of the tool to provide insights into local PA policy development, contents, and implementation worldwide. While this study provided a cross-sectional in-depth analysis of the status quo in select municipalities, future research could also aim to assess policies at a large scale, i.e. for multiple municipalities and/or on a regular basis.
Determinants of Socioeconomic Inequalities in Well-being in Canada: Evidence for Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey
Authors: Keays Daniel , Hajizadeh Mohammad
Published: January 2025

There are relatively few studies that have measured and explained socioeconomic inequalities in the wellbeing of populations. Using unique information available in the 2019 Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey (NSQL, n=9,388), this study provides analysis of the determinants of socioeconomic inequalities in wellbeing of adults aged 18 and above in Nova Scotia, Canada. The population's wellbeing was measured using the Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW), which encompasses quality of life across eight domains. The Concentration index (C) approach was utilized to quantify and identify factors explaining socioeconomic inequality in wellbeing. A positive value of the C (0.0294; 95% confidence interval: 0.0267 to 0.0321) indicated pro-rich inequality in wellbeing among Nova Scotian residents. Results of the decomposition analysis indicated that the concentration of favorable mental health, education levels, and income among high socioeconomic status groups accounted for over 86% of the observed socioeconomic inequality in the population's wellbeing. Our findings demonstrated that inequalities in mental health, education, and income are significant obstacles to reducing inequality in wellbeing in Nova Scotia, Canada. Thus, policies aimed at alleviating inequalities in these factors may help to reduce socioeconomic inequality in wellbeing in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Palestine Is Freeing Us All Before Palestine Is Free Comment on "The Rhetoric of Decolonizing Global Health Fails to Address the Reality of Settler Colonialism: Gaza as a Case in Point"
Authors: Ge Yipeng
Published: January 2025

This commentary piece on the editorial piece by Eivind Engebretsen and Mona Baker entitled "The Rhetoric of Decolonizing Global Health Fails to Address the Reality of Settler Colonialism: Gaza as a Case in Point" explores the interconnected contexts of settler colonialism affecting health in occupied Turtle Island (also known as Canada) to Palestine. Addressing true and authentic health equity work means sharpening our politics and rhetoric beyond decolonizing "global health" as epistemically colonial and towards meaningful solidarity work and framings of liberatory or revolutionary health. There is a moral obligation to contextualize and historicize, rather than depoliticize. This ultimately means supporting through unwavering solidarity for collective liberation through the Indigenous resistance and resurgence movements in Turtle Island to Palestine if we are serious about decolonizing global health. Moving towards rhetoric and actions for collective liberation must be the focused goal of all who care deeply about true and authentic health equity work towards just and life-affirming systems for health for all.
GERMATRANOL – HYDRATE AS A STIMULATING FACTOR PROLIFERATIVE-REPARATIVE PROCESSES UNDER CONDITIONS BURN SKI N LESIONS
Authors: Solupaeva L.V.
Published: January 2025

In experimental conditions on rabbits with burn skin lesions, it was found that when applying a solution of germatranol — hydrate at a concentration of 10 vol% in a 30% aqueous solution of dimethyl sulfoxide, stimulation of proliferative and reparative processes occurs, acceleration of wound healing by 46.6% compared to the similar effect of only 30% dimethyl sulfoxide. Accelerated healing of burn lesions with applications of 10 vol% germatranol — hydrate in a 30% solution of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) leads to a multiple reduction in the number of post-burn keloid scars.