bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Infection Rate of Rotavirus C during 1980–2022 and Analysis of Critical Factors in the Host Range Restriction of Virus VP4
Authors: Zhao Simiao , Jin Xinshun , Zang Lingling , Liu Ziwei , Wen Xiaobo , Ran Xuhua
Published: December 2022

Information on rotavirus C (RVC) infection is lacking, partly because the prevalence of RVC among humans and animals worldwide is undefined. Data on the characteristics of the P genotype among RVC strains are also required. We performed systematic searches on the infection rates of RVC since 1980 based on the literature and gene sequences of the PubMed and GenBank databases. A phylogenetic tree of VP4 genes was constructed to evaluate the distribution of the P genotype of RVC from various hosts. The specific mutation motifs in VP8* with P [2]/P [4]/P [5] specificity were analyzed to elucidate their roles in host range restriction. The rate of RVC infection in humans has fallen from 3% before 2009 to 1%, whereas in animals it has risen from 10% to 25%. The P genotype of RVC showed strict host species specificity, and current human RVC infections are exclusively caused by genotype P [2]. In the VP8* hemagglutinin domain of the P [4]/P [5] genotype of swine RVC, specific insertion or deletion were found relative to the human P [2] genotype, and these motifs are a possible critical factor for host range restriction. Our findings highlight the need for further epidemiological surveillance, preventive strategies, and elucidation of the factors involved in the specific host range restriction of RVC-circulating strains.
The Subunit AEC/BC02 Vaccine Combined with Antibiotics Provides Protection in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Infected Guinea Pigs
Authors: Guo Xiaonan , Lu Jinbiao , Li Junli , Du Weixin , Shen Xiaobing , Su Cheng , Wu Yongge , Zhao Aihua , Xu Miao
Published: December 2022

A latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a major source of active tuberculosis, and addressing an LTBI is crucial for the elimination of tuberculosis. The treatment of tuberculosis often requires a 6-month course of multidrug therapy, and for drug-resistant tuberculosis, a longer course of multidrug therapy is needed, which has many drawbacks. At present, vaccines are proposed as an adjunct to chemotherapy to protect populations with an LTBI and delay its recurrence. In this study, we analyzed the protective effect of a novel subunit vaccine, AEC/BC02, in a guinea pig latent infection model. Through the optimization of different chemotherapy durations and immunization times, it was found that 4 weeks of administration of isoniazid–rifampin tablets combined with three or six injections of the vaccine could significantly reduce the gross pathological score and bacterial load in organs and improve the pathological lesions. This treatment regimen had a better protective effect than the other administration methods. Furthermore, no drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected after 2 or 4 weeks of administration of the isoniazid–rifampin tablets, indicating a low risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria during short-term chemotherapy. The above results provided the foundation for an AEC/BC02 clinical protocol.
Safety of Live Immunization in DiGeorge Syndrome: A Retrospective Single-Center Study in Korea, 2005–2021
Authors: Lim Sung Min , Shin Je Hee , Baek Jee Yeon , Lee Ji Young , Kang Ji-Man , Ahn Jong Gyun
Published: December 2022

Live immunization is contraindicated in patients with DiGeorge syndrome (DGS). We retrospectively investigated the occurrence of adverse events after live immunization in patients with DGS in Korea. The data of patients matching the International Classification of Disease-10 code of DGS (D82.1) at Severance Hospital Seoul, Korea, were extracted; patients without genetically diagnosed DGS were excluded. Based on T cell immunity status, the included patients were categorized into group A (CD3 < 500 or CD8 < 200 cells/mm3); group B (CD3 ≥ 500 and CD8 ≥ 200 cells/mm3); or group C (unknown). Among 94 patients, 38 (~40%, group A: 8 [21%]; group B: 30 [79%]) underwent immunological testing and 73 (~80%) received at least one live immunization (measles–mumps–rubella vaccination was most common [66/94, ~70%]). Fifty adverse events (fever [n = 29], upper respiratory infection [n = 9], diarrhea [n = 4], rash [n = 3], thrombocytopenia [n = 3], injection site pus [n = 1], and febrile convulsion [n = 1]) were observed; 13 (26%) occurred in group A, with no significant difference in incidence between groups A and B. Serious adverse events, including intensive care unit hospitalization or death, or diseases due to vaccine strains were not observed. In this study, live immunization was well tolerated by patients with partial DGS.
Exploration of Correlations between COVID-19 Vaccination Choice and Public Mental Health Using Google Trend Search
Authors: Wang Shao-Cheng , Chen Yuan-Chuan
Published: December 2022

Since the global COVID-19 pandemic has great impact on human health and life style, the vaccination is the most effective method for disease control and prevention. However, not all people are willing to be vaccinated because some critical factors affect vaccination aspiration and vaccine choice of the public population. Among these factors, public mental health belongs to a political issue. In this study, Google Trend Search was used to explore the correlation between COVID-19 vaccination choice and public mental health during the period from August/2020 to December/2021. The results suggested that the main public concerns of COVID-19-related mental illnesses are positively correlated with the new cases amount but are negatively correlated with total cases and vaccinated cases amount. Moreover, the results support that the public population took more interest in the Pfizer/BNT COVID vaccine and Moderna COVID vaccine than the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine. Our study shows that investigations of the public mental health should be set up and conducted widely. A complete vaccination program combined with a policy for the improvement of public mental health are very effective for the control and prevention of COVID-19.
Neutralizing Antibody and T-Cell Responses against SARS-CoV-2 Wild-Type and Variants of Concern in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Subjects after ChAdOx-1/ChAdOx-1 Homologous Vaccination: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chaiwong Warawut , Takheaw Nuchjira , Laopajon Witida , Pata Supansa , Duangjit Pilaiporn , Inchai Juthamas , Pothirat Chaicharn , Bumroongkit Chaiwat , Deesomchok Athavudh , Theerakittikul Theerakorn , Limsukon Atikun , Tajarernmuang Pattraporn , Niyatiwatchanchai Nutchanok , Trongtrakul Konlawij , Chuensirikulchai Kantinan , Cheyasawan Passaworn , Liwsrisakun Chalerm , Kasinrerk Watchara
Published: December 2022

Data on immunogenicity of adenovirus-vectored vaccine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is limited. Therefore, we aimed to determine the humoral and cellular immune responses after homologous ChAdOx-1 vaccination in subjects with COPD. COPD subjects and age- and sex-matched healthy elderly receiving ChAdOx-1 homologous vaccination were included. The levels of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) and specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 wild-type (WT) and variants of concern (VOCs: Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron) were measured. Eight COPD patients were matched with eight control participants. After vaccination for 4 and 12 weeks, % inhibition of NAb against Alpha, Beta, and Delta in both groups were comparable and significantly higher than baseline. The percentage inhibition of NAb at the 12th week was significantly dropped from the 4th week in each group. The NAb against the Omicron variant, however, were much lower than Alpha, Beta, Delta variants. The increasing trend in the number of CD4 T-cells producing TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, and FasL upon stimulation with spike peptides of WT and VOCs was observed in COPD patients compared to the healthy group. These responses were not observed in CD8 T-cells. Homologous ChAdOx-1 vaccination could induce comparable NAb against the SARS-CoV-2 WT, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants between COPD and healthy elderly. The CD4 T-cell responses did not differ between COPD patients and healthy control.
Prone Positioning: A Safe and Effective Procedure in Pregnant Women Presenting with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Osmundo Gilmar de Souza , Paganotti Cristiane de Freitas , da Costa Rafaela Alkmin , Silva Thiago Henrique dos Santos , Bombonati Paula Carolina , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sa , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira
Published: December 2022

Prone positioning (PP) improves oxygenation and survival in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Data regarding feasibility and effectiveness of PP in pregnancy are lacking. This subgroup analysis of a cohort study that included mechanically ventilated pregnant women presenting with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced ARDS who underwent PP aims to assess the efficacy and safety of PP. Ventilatory and gasometric parameters were evaluated at baseline (T0) and in prone (T1) and supine (T2) positions. Obstetric outcomes were also assessed. Sixteen cases at an average of 27.0 (22.0–31.1) gestational weeks of pregnancy were included. Obesity and hypertension were frequent comorbidities. PP was associated with a >20% increase in PaO2 levels and in PaO2/FiO2 ratios in 50% and 100% of cases, respectively. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased 76.7% (20.5–292.4%) at T1 and 76.9% (0–182.7%) at T2. PP produced sustained improvements in mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio (p < 0.001) and PaCO2 level (p = 0.028). There were no cases of emergency delivery or suspected fetal distress in pregnancies ≥25 weeks during the 24 h period following PP. PP is safe and feasible during pregnancy, improving PaO2/FiO2 ratios and helping to delay preterm delivery in severe ARDS.
The Role and Application of Exosomes and Their Cargos in Reproductive Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Zhi , Wang Xiangguo
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the incidence of the reproductive diseases is increasing year-by-year, leading to abortion or fetal arrest, which seriously affects the reproductive health of human beings and the reproductive efficiency of animals. Exosomes are phospholipid bilayer vesicles that are widely distributed in living organisms and released by the cells of various organs and tissues. Exosomes contain proteins, RNA, lipids, and other components and are important carriers of information transfer between cells, which play a variety of physiological and pathological regulatory functions. More and more studies have found that exosomes and their connotations play an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases. A systematic review was conducted in this manuscript and then highlights our knowledge about the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of exosomes to reproductive diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, premature ovarian failure (POF), preeclampsia, polycystic, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate gland cancer.
Parametrical Study for the Effective Removal of Mordant Black 11 from Synthetic Solutions: Moringa oleifera Seeds’ Extracts Versus Alum
Authors: Hadadi Amina , Imessaoudene Ali , Bollinger Jean-Claude , Cheikh Sabrina , Assadi Aymen Amine , Amrane Abdeltif , Kebir Mohamed , Mouni Lotfi
Published: December 2022

Prior studies have examined the ability of Moringa oleifera (MO) seed extract, among other natural coagulants, to remove several types of dyes. MO has been proven to have a high capacity to remove some anionic dyes. The aim of the present study is to explore the possible use of aqueous and saline extracts of MO as biocoagulants for the removal of Mordant Black (MB11) from aqueous solution. Their performances were compared to that of aluminum sulfate (alum). To do so, various operating parameters were investigated such as coagulant dose (100–600 mg/L), pH (3–11), initial dye concentration (100–350 mg/L), sodium chloride concentration (0.2–2 M), and sedimentation time (15–90 min). The maximum percentages of MB11 removal were found to be 98.65%, 80.12%, and 95.02% for alum, aqueous extract of MO (MOPW), and saline extract of MO (MOPS), respectively, at around pH 6.5 and for coagulant doses of 400 mg/L (alum) and 500 mg/L (MOPW and MOPS). The coagulation-flocculation mechanism of biocoagulants was hypothesized to be adsorption and charge neutralization. The two biocoagulants (MOPW and MOPS) showed an interesting versatility towards pH counter to alum which was very sensitive to this parameter. pH variations were measured for the three coagulants and proven to be negligible for the biocoagulants. Faster sedimentation time was recorded when MOPW and MOPS were used, suggesting the existence of larger quickly settleable flocs. Considering their high coagulative capacity, rapid and cost-effective preparation, and eco-friendly character, MO extracts can be considered as powerful alternatives to aluminum sulfate in the remediation of MB11 from wastewaters.
Temp-Spatial Heterogeneity of Water Recharge and Its Stable Mechanisms of the Mountainous Rice Terraces in East Asia Monsoon Region
Authors: Liu Chengjing , Jiao Yuanmei , Xu Qiue , Liu Zhilin , Ding Yinping
Published: December 2022

The paddy field water recharge system and the mechanism of its stability are key scientific issues related to reducing the threat to global food security and enhancing the well-being of humans. In this study, we sampled the field water, precipitation, and groundwater in the Hani terrace areas and measured the values of hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes. The results indicated that precipitation and groundwater were the main sources of terrace water recharge in the Hani terrace area. Spatially, the terrace areas were divided into rain-fed terraces, which were mainly recharged by precipitation, and spring-fed terraces, where groundwater was the primary source of recharge. Temporally, there were two different recharge periods: the rain-fed season (>70% recharge from precipitation) and the spring-fed season (>30% recharge from groundwater). The temporally alternating recharge periods of the spring-fed and rain-fed seasons and the interconnected spatial distribution of rain-fed and spring-fed types were essential to maintain stable water sources in the Hani terraces. Meanwhile, the spatial heterogeneity of groundwater recharge and the timing of agricultural cultivation adjusted the system to some extent. Rice cultivation will be sustainable if the changes in monsoonal precipitation due to global climate change align with the anthropogenic agricultural cultivation cycle, including land preparation, planting, growing, and harvesting. This is the key reason that the mountainous rice cultivation systems of the Hani terraces have lasted for thousands of years under the influence of the East Asian monsoon.
Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Karst Areas: A Case Study of Dongzhuang Reservoir Area in Jinghe River
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Zhan Jiang , Wan Weifeng , Wang Junzhi
Published: December 2022

Karst leakage is the key problem that restricts the construction of reservoir areas. In this article, the hydrogeochemical origin and hydraulic connection of the river water, pore water, fissure water, and karst water in Jinghe Dongzhuang Reservoir, which is located in a karst area, are analyzed to determine the possibility of karst leakage in the reservoir area. Piper diagram, Gibbs diagram, ion proportion coefficient, and cluster analysis were comprehensively used to systematically study the hydrogeochemical characteristics and formation mechanism of the study area. The research results show that the water in the study area is weakly alkaline, with complex hydrogeochemical types, including SO4−Na, HCO3·SO4−Na, and HCO3·SO4−Na·Mg. Affected by evaporation and concentration, Jinghe River and shallow pore water have high TDS content, and the content of Na+(including K+), Cl− and SO42− is significantly higher than that of fissure water and karst water. Fissure water and karst water are significantly weathered by rocks, and their Ca2+ and Mg2+ mainly come from carbonate rock dissolution. In the process of groundwater evolution, cation exchange occurs more or less in the three groundwater bodies, resulting in different cation contents in different water bodies. In general, Jinghe River is similar to most of the pore water, but its hydrogeochemical characteristics are obviously different from those of fissure water and karst water, so it has little hydraulic connection with fissure water and karst water, indicating that the leakage in the reservoir area is not significant.
Impacts of Precipitation Type Variations on Runoff Changes in the Source Regions of the Yangtze and Yellow River Basins in the Past 40 Years
Authors: Hu Yingying , Zhou Yuyan , Wang Yicheng , Lu Fan , Xiao Weihua , Hou Baodeng , Yu Yuanhui , Liu Jianwei , Xue Wei
Published: December 2022

Variations of precipitation type can exert substantial impacts on hydrological processes, yet few studies have quantified the impacts of precipitation type variations on runoff changes in high−altitude regions. In this study, we attempted to examine the potential impacts of precipitation type variations induced by the warming climate on the runoff changes of the source regions of the Yangtze River and Yellow River basins from 1979 to 2018, where the mean elevation is over 4000 m. A modified precipitation type identification method using the wet-bulb temperature, and a runoff change attribution method based on a modified Budyko framework has been applied. Results showed that fluctuations of precipitation contributed to the majority of the runoff variations in the source regions of the Yangtze River basin, which accounted for 51.64%. However, the changes of characteristic parameter n, which indicates the impacts of the underlying surface, explained 56.22% of the runoff changes in the source regions of the Yellow River. It was shown that the trend of shifting from snowfall to rainfall due to a warming climate could result in runoff decreasing, which contributed to 24.06% and 11.29% of the runoff changes in the two source regions, comparatively.
Numerical Simulation of the Wormhole Propagation in Fractured Carbonate Rocks during Acidization Using a Thermal-Hydrologic-Mechanics-Chemical Coupled Model
Authors: Liu Piyang , Huang Chaoping , Jia Lijing , Ji Weijing , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Kai
Published: December 2022

Acidizing is a widely adopted approach for stimulating carbonate reservoirs. The two-scale continuum (TSC) model is the most widely used model for simulating the reactive process in a carbonate reservoir during acidizing. In realistic cases, there are overburden pressure and pore pressure at present. When the injected acid reacts with the rock, the dissolution of the rock and the consumption of the acid in the pore will break the mechanical balance of the rock. Many experimental studies show that cores after acidizing have lower strength. However, it is still not clear how the deformation of rocks by the change of ground stress influences the acidizing dynamics. For fractured carbonate reservoirs, fractures play a leading role in the flow of injected acid, which preferentially flows into the fractures and dissolves the fracture walls. The effect of the combined action of rock mechanical balance broken and fracture wall dissolution on the formation of wormholes in fractured carbonate reservoirs remains to be studied. To address the above-mentioned issues, a thermal-hydrologic-mechanical-chemical coupled model is presented based on the TSC model for studying the wormhole propagation in fractured carbonate reservoirs under practical conditions. Linear and radial flow cases are simulated to investigate the influences of fracture distribution, reaction temperature, and effective stress on acidizing dynamics. The simulation results show that more wormhole branches are formed by acidizing if the fractures are perpendicular to the flow direction of acid. Temperature is a key parameter affecting the acidification dissolution patterns, so the influence of temperature cannot be ignored during the acidification design. As the effective stress of the formation increases, the diameter of the wormhole gradually decreases, and the branching decreases. More acid is needed for the same stimulation result under higher effective stress.
Prioritizing Water Resources for Conservation in a Land of Water Crisis: The Case of Protected Areas of Iran
Authors: Sobhani Parvaneh , Esmaeilzadeh Hassan , Sadeghi Seyed Mohammad Moein , Wolf Isabelle D. , Deljouei Azade
Published: December 2022

This study examines the distribution of water resources in Protected Areas in Iran and their priority for conservation. The results show that most of the water resources are located in the north and northwest of Iran due to favorable climatic conditions, topography, ambient temperature, and annual rainfall levels. Conversely, the lowest amount of water resources are located in the center and southeast of the country. Water resources were prioritized based on expert ratings of indicators to determine their value for conservation. The wetland with the highest priority for conservation is the Anzali Wetland (Gilan province), which is an international Ramsar Wetland. Conversely, Namak Lake (Qom province) was deemed the least important due to its geographical location, biological sensitivity, and conservation status. Protected Areas were found to support more surface water resources and provide space for the largest percentage of water resources, demonstrating their great value for protecting water resources in Iran. However, the level of protection of these critical resources, although located in Protected Areas, was shown to be insufficient. Therefore, appropriate planning and integrated management approaches are urgently needed to protect water resources and aquatic habitats in Protected Areas in Iran to address the current water crisis.
Deterministic and Stochastic Generation of Evaporation Data for Long-Term Mine Pit Lake Water Balance Modelling
Authors: Mandaran Kristian , McIntyre Neil , McJannet David
Published: December 2022

Lakes commonly form in mine pits following the end of mining. A good understanding of the pit lake water balance over future decades to centuries is essential to understand and manage environmental risks from the lake. Evaporation is often the major or only outflow from the lake, thus being an important determinant of equilibrium lake level and environmental risks. A general lack of in situ measurements of pit lake evaporation has meant that estimates have usually been based on pan coefficients derived for other contexts or on alternative unvalidated evaporation models. Our research used data from an evaporation pan and weather station that were floated on a pit lake in semi-arid central Queensland, Australia. A deterministic aerodynamic evaporation model was developed from these data to infill missing values, and an adjusted aerodynamic model was used to reconstruct long-term historical daily evaporation data. With an average bias of 6.5% during the measurement period, this long-term model was found to be more accurate than alternative simple models (e.g., using the commonly used pan coefficient of 0.7 gave a bias of 45%). The reconstructed data were then used to fit and assess a stochastic model for the generation of future evaporation and rainfall realisations, assuming a stationary climate. Fitting stochastic models at a monthly time step was found to accurately represent the monthly evaporation statistics. For example, the cross-correlation between historical rainfall and evaporation was within the 25 and 75 percentiles of the modelled values in 11 of 12 months and always within the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles. However, the stationary nature of the model presented limitations in capturing interannual anomalies, with continuous periods of up to 6 years, where the modelled annual rainfall was consistently lower and modelled annual evaporation consistently higher than the historical values. Fitting stochastic models at a daily time step had problems capturing a range of statistics of both rainfall and evaporation. For example, in 6 of the 12 months, the cross-correlation between historical rainfall and evaporation was outside the modelled 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles. This likely arises from the complex patterns in transitions from wet to dry days in the semi-arid climate of the case study. While the long-term model and monthly stochastic model are promising, further work is needed to understand the significance of the observed errors and refine the models.
Differentiating Nitrate Origins and Fate in a Semi-Arid Basin (Tunisia) via Geostatistical Analyses and Groundwater Modelling
Authors: Ncibi Kaouther , Mastrocicco Micòl , Colombani Nicolò , Busico Gianluigi , Hadji Riheb , Hamed Younes , Shuhab Khan
Published: December 2022

Despite efforts to protect the hydrosystems from increasing pollution, nitrate (NO3−) remains a major groundwater pollutant worldwide, and determining its origin is still crucial and challenging. To disentangle the origins and fate of high NO3− (>900 mg/L) in the Sidi Bouzid North basin (Tunisia), a numerical groundwater flow model (MODFLOW-2005) and an advective particle tracking (MODPATH) have been combined with geostatistical analyses on groundwater quality and hydrogeological characterization. Correlations between chemical elements and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) suggested that groundwater quality was primarily controlled by evaporite dissolution and subsequently driven by processes like dedolomitization and ion exchange. PCA indicated that NO3− origin is linked to anthropic (unconfined aquifer) and geogenic (semi-confined aquifer) sources. To suggest the geogenic origin of NO3− in the semi-confined aquifer, the multi-aquifer groundwater flow system and the forward and backward particle tracking was simulated. The observed and calculated hydraulic heads displayed a good correlation (R2 of 0.93). The residence time of groundwater with high NO3− concentrations was more significant than the timespan during which chemical fertilizers were used, and urban settlements expansion began. This confirmed the natural origin of NO3− associated with pre-Triassic embankment landscapes and located on domed geomorphic surfaces with a gypsum, phosphate, or clay cover.
Preparation of Magnetic Dummy Molecularly Imprinted Meso-Porous Silica Nanoparticles Using a Semi-Covalent Imprinting Approach for the Rapid and Selective Removal of Bisphenols from Environmental Water Samples
Authors: Chen Jing , Sun Xiaoli , Wang Muhua , Wang Yan , Wu Qinyao , Wu Shurong , Fang Sisi
Published: December 2022

Bisphenol compounds (BPs) are a severe threat to humans and creatures; hence it is critical to develop a quick and simple approach for removing trace BPs from water. This research synthesized a novel template–monomer complex, phenolphthalein-(3-isocyanatopropyl)triethoxysilane (PP-ICPTES), as a dummy template, and a molecularly imprinted polymer for bisphenol was made via a semi-covalent approach. By successfully coating the imprinted layer on the Fe3O4@SiO2@mSiO2 structure, a magnetic dummy molecularly imprinted mesoporous silica nanoparticles (m-DMI-MSNPs) with a core-shell structure and superefficient aqueous phase selectivity for bisphenols was synthesized. The morphology and structure of the m-DMI-MSNPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The prepared m-DMI-MSNPs presented excellent water compatibility and magnetic separation abilities. The m-DMI-MSNPs showed excellent recognition selectivity towards BPs with imprinting factors of 7.6, 8.2, and 7.5 for bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol E (BPE), and bisphenol A (BPA), respectively. Fast binding kinetics (equilibrium time < 1 min) and a high rebinding capacity (maximum adsorption capacity, 38.75 mg g–1) were observed in the adsorption experiments. More importantly, the m-DMI-MSNPs, which combine good water compatibility, class selectivity, and magnetic separation performance, exhibited excellent performance for the removal of BPF, BPE, and BPA from tap water, mineral water, and sewage water samples, with removal efficiencies in the ranges of 96.6–97.8, 95.6–97.1, and 93.1–95.3%, respectively.
Occurrence and Removal of Priority Substances and Contaminants of Emerging Concern at the WWTP of Benidorm (Spain)
Authors: Alexa Edmond Tiberius , Bernal-Romero del Hombre Bueno María de los Ángeles , González Raquel , Sánchez Antonio V. , García Héctor , Prats Daniel
Published: December 2022

This work is part of the European research project LIFE15 ENV/ES/00598 whose objective was to develop an efficient and sustainable methodology to eliminate Priority Substances (PS) and Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC), in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP). The aim was to achieve reduce the concentration of PSs until their concentration was below the quality limit established in the DIRECTIVE 2013/39/EU, and to achieve reductions of 99% of the initial concentration for the selected CECs. The plant selected for the experimentation was the Benidorm WWTP (Spain). This publication studied the appearance and elimination, in the conventional treatment of this plant, of 12 priority substances (EU) and 16 emerging pollutants (5 of them included in the EU watch lists) during a year of experimentation. The analytical methods of choice were High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a Mass Spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography coupled to a Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS/MS). Results showed that the PSs atrazine, brominated diphenyl ether, isoproturon, octylphenol, pentachlorobenzene, simazine, terbutryn, tributyltin, and trifluralin, and the CECs 17-α-ethinylestradiol, 17-β-estradiol, imazalil, orthophenylphenol, tertbutylazine, and thiabendazole, were not detected. The micropollutants with the highest a-verage percentages of removal (>90%) are: chloramphenicol (100%), estriol (100%) and ibuprofen (99%). Partially removed were ketoprofen (79%), chlorpyrifos (78%), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (78%), estrone (76%), sulfamethoxazole (68%), and fluoxetine (53%). The compounds with the lowest average percentage of removal (<50%) are diclofenac (30%), erythromycin (1%), diuron (0%) and carbamazepine (0%). For the micropollutants chlorpyrifos, diclofenac, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, fluoxetine, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen, complementary treatments will be necessary in case there is a need to reduce their concentrations in the WWTP effluent below a certain standard. The presence of the different micropollutants in the samples was not regular. Some of them were presented continuously, such as carbamazepine; however, others sporadically such as chloramphenicol and others were associated with seasonal variations or related to remarkable periods of time, such as sulfamethoxazole.
Quantifying Groundwater Infiltrations into Subway Lines and Underground Car Parks Using MODFLOW-USG
Authors: Sartirana Davide , Zanotti Chiara , Rotiroti Marco , De Amicis Mattia , Caschetto Mariachiara , Redaelli Agnese , Fumagalli Letizia , Bonomi Tullia
Published: December 2022

Urbanization is a worldwide process that recently has culminated in wider use of the subsurface, determining a significant interaction between groundwater and underground infrastructures. This can result in infiltrations, corrosion, and stability issues for the subsurface elements. Numerical models are the most applied tools to manage these situations. Using MODFLOW-USG and combining the use of Wall (HFB) and DRN packages, this study aimed at simulating underground infrastructures (i.e., subway lines and public car parks) and quantifying their infiltrations. This issue has been deeply investigated to evaluate water inrush during tunnel construction, but problems also occur with regard to the operation of tunnels. The methodology has involved developing a steady-state groundwater flow model, calibrated against a maximum groundwater condition, for the western portion of Milan city (Northern Italy, Lombardy Region). Overall findings pointed out that the most impacted areas are sections of subway tunnels already identified as submerged. This spatial coherence with historical information could act both as validation of the model and a step forward, as infiltrations resulting from an interaction with the water table were quantified. The methodology allowed for the improvement of the urban conceptual model and could support the stakeholders in adopting proper measures to manage the interactions between groundwater and the underground infrastructures.
A Case Study of a 10-Year Change in the Vegetation and Water Environments of Volcanic Mires in South-Western Japan
Authors: Haraguchi Akira
Published: December 2022

Variations in the groundwater environments and dominant species of volcanic mire vegetation were monitored for 10 years in a volcanic area in south-western Japan. The correlation between changes in groundwater environments and vegetation revealed that changes in water environments determine the dominant species of volcanic mire vegetation. The amount of spring water supplied to the mire vegetation determines the water-table depth and the subsequent nutrient supply. The Sphagnum spp. coverage decreased with increasing base cation concentrations, particularly the Ca2+ concentration up to 40 mg/L. The Moliniopsis japonica coverage increased with the decreasing Sphagnum spp. coverage. The nutritional variables of water supplied to vegetation affected by volcanic activity changed the type of dominant species. A 10-year change in vegetation in the volcanic mires revealed that vegetation succession in volcanic mires evolved from ombrogenous to minerogenous and from minerogenous to ombrogenous communities. The water environment promoted changes in the dominant species.
Synthesis of Fumed-Pr-Pi-TCT as a Fluorescent Chemosensor for the Detection of Cyanide Ions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Afshar Sepideh Saberi , Ziarani Ghodsi Mohammadi , Mohajer Fatemeh , Badiei Alireza , Iravani Siavash , Varma Rajender S.
Published: December 2022

In this research, fumed silica scaffolds modified via treatment with (3-chloropropyl)-triethoxysilane, piperazine, and trichlorotriazine groups were deployed for the specific detection of cyanide ions, thus paving the way for the detection of environmental hazards and pollutants with high specificity. Fumed-propyl -piperazine-trichlorotriazine (fumed-Pr-Pi-TCT) was synthesized in three steps starting from fume silica. It was functionalized subsequently using 3-(choloropropyl)-trimethoxysilane, piperazine, and trichlorotriazine, and then, the product was characterized through several methods including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fumed-Pr-Pi-TCT was exposed as a nanoparticle sensor to a range of different anions in aqueous media. This novel sensor could detect cyanide ions as a hazardous material, with the limit of detection being 0.82 × 10−4 M.
Advanced Treatment of Laundry Wastewater by Electro-Hybrid Ozonation–Coagulation Process: Surfactant and Microplastic Removal and Mechanism
Authors: Luo Jiahao , Jin Xin , Wang Yadong , Jin Pengkang
Published: December 2022

Laundry wastewater is supposed to be one of the most important sources of surfactants and microplastics in the wastewater treatment plant. Consequently, the aim of the study was evaluating the performance and mechanism of the electro-hybrid ozonation–coagulation (E-HOC) process for the removal of surfactants and microplastics. In this study, the efficiency of the E-HOC process for surfactant and microplastic removal was examined at different current densities and ozone dosages. Under the optimal reaction conditions (current density 15 mA·cm−2, ozone dosage 66.2 mg·L−1), both the removal efficiency of surfactant and microplastic can reach higher than 90%. Furthermore, the mechanism of surfactant and microplastic removal was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results showed that the E-HOC (carbon fiber cathode) system can produce more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can significantly improve the removal of the contaminants. In addition, the shape, size and abundance of the microplastics were analyzed. It was found that the shape of the microplastics in laundry wastewater is mainly fiber. Microplastics less than 50 μm account for 46.9%, while only 12.4% are larger than 500 μm. The abundance of microplastics in laundry wastewater ranges between 440,000 and 1,080,000 items per 100 L. The analysis of microplastics by FT-IR showed that most of the microplastics in laundry wastewater were polyethylene, nylon and polyester. These results indicated that the E-HOC process can effectively remove surfactants and microplastics from laundry wastewater.
Equilibrium, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies for the Adsorption of Metanil Yellow Using Carbonized Pistachio Shell-Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Adnan Adnan , Omer Muhammad , Khan Behramand , Khan Inkisar , Alamzeb Muhammad , Zada Farah Muhammad , Ullah Ihsan , Shah Rahim , Alqarni Mohammed , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: December 2022

The cost-effective adsorbents of carbonized pistachio shell magnetic nanoparticles (CPSMNPs) were synthesized. SEM, EDX, and BET characterized the prepared CPSMNPs. The CPSMNPs were used as adsorbents to remove Metanil Yellow (MY) dye. The adsorption of MY was investigated with the effect of pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, and temperature. The SEM image of CPSMNPs reveals fine particles with an average size of 400–700 nm and a substantial surface area increase (112.58 m2/g). The EDX analysis confirms the carbonization of PS to CPS and the successful impregnation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. CPSMNPs showed excellent adsorption efficiency, i.e., 94% for adsorption of MY of 10 mL of 100 ppm MY at optimum conditions. Kinetics data fit pseudo-second-order kinetics. The Langmuir isotherm better represents the equilibrium data with the spontaneous sorption process. This study investigates that the synthesized nanoparticles have an excellent texture and can be used as a special adsorbent for the adsorption of wastewater pollutants like MY.
Waste Gasification Technologies: A Brief Overview
Authors: Santos Santa Margarida , Assis Ana Carolina , Gomes Leandro , Nobre Catarina , Brito Paulo
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to briefly overview gasification technologies of biomass and heterogeneous wastes as a means for syngas production. For this purpose, an overview of the existing technologies, their main advantages, limitations, and costs, as well as commercial plants and projects (lower TRL) operating with these technologies and syngas applications is presented. The type of technology and operating parameters should be selected considering the quality of the syngas as it will dictate its end use. Syngas quality is determined by the combination of feedstock properties, type of technology and process operating conditions, and the scale of operation. For smaller projects with a capacity of up to 10 MWth, fixed-bed technologies have been a recurring choice, while fluidized bed reactors can have an installed capacity above 100 MWth and are, therefore, more suitable for medium- and large-scale projects. Fluidized bed gasification technology supports feedstock flexibility, has scale-up potential, and presents relatively low cost, making it a suitable solution and a frequent choice for heterogeneous waste gasification in medium- or large-scale projects. Commercializing waste gasification technology is already a reality. However, more efforts need to be made so that pilot and demonstration projects can overcome the technological and economic problems and move towards commercialization.
Stan ubezpieczeń obowiązkowych w Polsce w latach 2016–2021
Authors: Ziemiak Michał
Published: December 2022

W polskiej nauce prawa ubezpieczeniowego co najmniej kilkukrotnie podejmowano już próby ustalenia aktualnej liczby ubezpieczeń obowiązkowych, a także nakreślenia podstawowych problemów odnoszących się do rodzimej legislacji we wskazanym zakresie. Materia normatywna ubezpieczeń obowiązkowych jest jednak wyjątkowo „plastyczna” i podatna na zmiany. Inaczej mówiąc, badania dotyczące problematyki ubezpieczeń obowiązkowych wymagają okresowych aktualizacji, zarówno pod względem ilościowym, jak i jakościowym. Stąd celem niniejszego artykułu jest przedstawienie stanu ubezpieczeń obowiązkowych w Polsce za lata 2016–2021. W artykule prezentowane są wyniki analiz dotyczące nie tylko rodzimego prawa, ale także ustawodawstw innych państw członkowskich UE, w szczególności w kontekście komunikatu Komisji Europejskiej dotyczącego ubezpieczeń obowiązkowych w państwach członkowskich UE z dnia 18 października 2019 roku.
Health Care Resource Utilization and Costs of Persistent Severe Acute Kidney Injury (PS-AKI) Among Hospitalized Stage 2/3 AKI Patients
Authors: Koyner Jay L. , Mackey Rachel H. , Rosenthal Ning A. , Carabuena Leslie A. , Kampf J. Patrick , Echeverri Jorge , McPherson Paul , Blackowicz Michael J. , Rodriguez Toni , Sanghani Aarti R. , Textoris Julien
Published: December 2022

Key Points

Among hospitalized patients with stage 2/3 AKI, persistent severe acute kidney injury (PS-AKI) is associated with significantly longer length of stay (LOS) and higher costs during index hospitalization and 30 days postdischarge.

Relative differences in LOS and costs for PS-AKI versus NPS-AKI were similar for intensive care (ICU) and non-ICU patients.

Preventing PS-AKI among patients with stage 2/3 AKI may reduce hospital LOS and costs.

Background

Persistent severe acute kidney injury (PS-AKI) is associated with worse clinical outcomes, but there are no data on costs of PS-AKI. We compared costs and health care resource utilization for inpatients with PS-AKI versus not persistent severe AKI (NPS-AKI) overall and by ICU use.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 126,528 adult US inpatients in the PINC AI Healthcare Database (PHD), discharged from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019, with KDIGO stage 2 or 3 AKI (by serum creatinine [SCr] criteria) during hospitalization, length of stay (LOS) ≥3 days, and ≥3 SCr measurements. Patients were categorized as PS-AKI (defined as stage 3 AKI lasting ≥3 days or with death within 3 days or stage 2/3 AKI (by SCr criteria) with dialysis within 3 days) or NPS-AKI. Generalized linear model regression compared LOS and costs during index hospitalization (total cohort) and 30 days postdischarge (survivors of index hospitalization), adjusted for patient, hospital, and clinical characteristics.

Results

Among 126,528 patients with stage 2/3 AKI, 30,916 developed PS-AKI. In adjusted models, compared with NPS-AKI, patients with PS-AKI had 32% longer total LOS (+3.3 days), 45% longer ICU LOS (+2.6 days), 46% higher total costs (+$13,143), 58% higher ICU costs (+$15,908), and during 30 days postdischarge 13% longer readmission LOS (+1.0 day), 22% higher readmission costs (+$4049), and 12% higher outpatient costs (+$206) (P<0.005 for all). Relative LOS and cost differences for PS-AKI versus NPS-AKI were similar for ICU (n=57,947) and non-ICU (n=68,581) patients.

Conclusions:

Among hospitalized patients with stage 2/3 AKI, PS-AKI was associated with significantly longer LOS and higher costs during index hospitalization and 30 days postdischarge, overall, and in ICU and non-ICU patients. Preventing PS-AKI among patients with stage 2/3 AKI may reduce hospital LOS and costs.
Current Status of Renal Xenotransplantation and Next Steps
Authors: Tector Alfred J. , Adams Andrew B. , Tector Matt
Published: December 2022

Renal transplantation is the preferred treatment of ESKD, but the shortage of suitable donor kidneys from the cadaver pool means that many patients with ESKD will not receive a kidney transplant. Xenotransplantation has long represented a solution to the kidney shortage, but the occurrence of antibody-mediated rejection has precluded its clinical development. Developments in somatic cell nuclear transfer in pigs and gene editing tools have led to the creation of new donor pigs with greatly improved crossmatches to patients. In addition, improvements in preclinical kidney xenotransplant survival using new anti-CD40/CD154–based immunosuppression have pushed xenotransplantation to the point where it is reasonable to consider initiating a clinical trial to evaluate this potential therapy in patients.
EFEITOS DA TOSQUIA NO CONFORTO TÉRMICO E DESEMPENHO PRODUTIVO DE COELHOS (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domesticus)
Authors: Da Silva Anne Karoline Mendes , De Oliveira Natan Dias , Fernandes Fernanda Cristine Figueiredo , Dias Júlio César Oliveira
Published: December 2022

O coelho é uma das espécies mais sensíveis às condições do meio que vivem, sendo a temperatura e umidade os fatores que mais têm influência no seu ambiente. O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar a tosquia como alternativa para melhorar o conforto térmico e o desempenho produtivo de coelhos criados de forma intensiva em uma região de clima semiárido. Foram utilizados 26 coelhos mestiços, sadios e em fase de engorda, sendo divididos em gaiolas individuais em dois grupos: treze animais submetidos a tosquia (G1) e treze sem tosquia (G2). O conforto térmico foi avaliado todos os dias pelo cálculo de Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITH) e pela análise e comparação dos parâmetros: frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura retal (TR) e temperatura superficial (TS). A temperatura e umidade do ambiente foram verificadas em todos os dias do experimento, às 6:00, 9:00, 12:00, 15:00 e 18:00 horas, com um termo-higrômetro. O desempenho dos animais foi avaliado pela pesagem nos dias 0, 10, 20 e 30 do experimento. Como resultado, a FR e TS apresentaram diferença estatística (P<0,05), o grupo dos animais tosquiados apresentou média inferior de FR (221,6 ± 15,4) em relação aos não tosquiados (240,2 ± 26,1). Em relação à TS, houve menores temperaturas nos animais tosquiados (33,8°C ± 0,3) quando comparados com os não tosquiados (35,0°C ± 0,2). Quanto à TR, ficou próximo de 39,5 ºC, inferindo assim que os mecanismos de regulação térmica interno dos animais conseguiram manter a homeotermia desejada. O ganho de peso obteve média de 771,4 gramas no grupo dos animais tosquiados, e 705,2 gramas no grupo dos não tosquiados. Em relação à TR e desempenho dos animais, não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas (P > 0,05). De acordo com os dados obtidos, conclui-se que a tosquia pode ser um meio de melhorar o conforto térmico de coelhos.
THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR SENIOR FALL PREVENTION USING NORTHERN WALKING
Authors: Andrejeva Julija , Bokunaite Grazina , Strazdauskaite Dainora , Kasradze Mindia , Pociene Monika
Published: December 2022

Falling is one of the main problems in the lives of older people. Falls experienced affect the further life of seniors and limit their physical activity. Nordic walking can be used as a means of preventing repeated falls and promoting physical activity. Nordic walking in Lithuania is still a new and completely unexplored methodology, the full benefits of walking have not yet been proven, and little research has been done. Aim of the research was to investigate the improvement of physical activity and fall prevention in the elderly using Nordic walking. Methods of the research: Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire; Berg Balance Scale and balance samples of Schmitz; The quality of life Questionnaire (SF-36). Results: After 7 weeks of exercises, the risk of fall decreased for all subjects. Physical activity increased statistically after doing Nordic walking, the average physical activity of the study group increased. Control groups results also improved. Conclusions: Physical activity improved statistically significantly (p 0.05) The frequency of falls decreased statistically significantly (p 0.05). The static and dynamic balance of the elderly improved statistically significantly (p 0.05). The risk of falling after NW was statistically significantly reduced (p;0.05).