bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural History of Sudan ebolavirus to Support Medical Countermeasure Development
Authors: Carbonnelle Caroline , Moroso Marie , Pannetier Delphine , Godard Sabine , Mély Stéphane , Thomas Damien , Duthey Aurélie , Jourjon Ophélie , Lacroix Orianne , Labrosse Béatrice , Raoul Hervé , Osman Karen L. , Salguero Francisco J. , Hall Yper , Sabourin Carol L. , Merchlinsky Michael J. , Long James P. , Parish Lindsay A. , Wolfe Daniel N.
Published: June 2022

Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) is one of four members of the Ebolavirus genus known to cause Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in humans, which is characterized by hemorrhagic fever and a high case fatality rate. While licensed therapeutics and vaccines are available in limited number to treat infections of Zaire ebolavirus, there are currently no effective licensed vaccines or therapeutics for SUDV. A well-characterized animal model of this disease is needed for the further development and testing of vaccines and therapeutics. In this study, twelve cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were challenged intramuscularly with 1000 PFUs of SUDV and were followed under continuous telemetric surveillance. Clinical observations, body weights, temperature, viremia, hematology, clinical chemistry, and coagulation were analyzed at timepoints throughout the study. Death from SUDV disease occurred between five and ten days after challenge at the point that each animal met the criteria for euthanasia. All animals were observed to exhibit clinical signs and lesions similar to those observed in human cases which included: viremia, fever, dehydration, reduced physical activity, macular skin rash, systemic inflammation, coagulopathy, lymphoid depletion, renal tubular necrosis, hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis. The results from this study will facilitate the future preclinical development and evaluation of vaccines and therapeutics for SUDV.
Manifestation of Subclinical Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis after COVID-19 Vaccination as Supraclavicular Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Cha Han Gyu , Kim Dong Gyu , Choi Joon Ho
Published: June 2022

Lymphadenopathy after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is a common side effect that usually resolves within several days to weeks, and only observation is recommended. However, for prolonged lymphadenopathy, other possibilities, including malignancy or other lymphoproliferative diseases, may be considered. Herein, we report the case of a 66-year-old woman who experienced prolonged ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node enlargement after the second dose of the ChAdOx1 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccine, which was eventually diagnosed as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Promising Efficacy of a Third Dose of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients Treated with Anti-CD20 Antibody Who Failed 2-Dose Vaccination
Authors: Funakoshi Yohei , Yakushijin Kimikazu , Ohji Goh , Hojo Wataru , Sakai Hironori , Watanabe Marika , Kitao Akihito , Miyata Yoshiharu , Saito Yasuyuki , Kawamoto Shinichiro , Yamamoto Katsuya , Ito Mitsuhiro , Koyama Taiji , Imamura Yoshinori , Kiyota Naomi , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Mori Yasuko , Minami Hironobu
Published: June 2022

Anti-CD20 antibodies react with CD20 expressed not only on malignant B cells, but also on normal B cells. It has been reported that patients treated with anti-CD20 antibodies had an insufficient response to two-dose mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. To investigate the efficacy of a third dose in these patients, we investigated serum IgG antibody titers for the S1 protein after a third vaccination in 22 patients treated with the anti-CD20 antibody who failed two-dose vaccination. Results showed that overall, 50% of patients seroconverted. Although no patient who received the third dose within 1 year of the last anti-CD20 antibody administration showed an increase in S1 antibody titer, 69% of patients who received the third dose more than 1 year after the last anti-CD20 antibody administration seroconverted. Our data show that a third dose of vaccination is effective in improving the seroconversion rate in patients treated with the anti-CD20 antibody who failed standard two-dose vaccination.
Opposing Role of Trust as a Modifier of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in an Indigenous Population
Authors: Juarez Ruben , Phankitnirundorn Krit , Okihiro May , Maunakea Alika K.
Published: June 2022

Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and remain significantly under-vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. To understand vaccine hesitancy, we surveyed 1124 adults residing in a region with one of the lowest vaccination rates in Hawaii during our COVID-19 testing program. Probit regression analysis revealed that race/ethnicity was not directly associated with the probability of vaccine uptake. Instead, a higher degree of trust in official sources of COVID-19 information increased the probability of vaccination by 20.68%, whereas a higher trust in unofficial sources decreased the probability of vaccination by 12.49% per unit of trust. These results revealed a dual and opposing role of trust on vaccine uptake. Interestingly, NHPIs were the only racial/ethnic group to exhibit a significant positive association between trust in and consumption of unofficial sources of COVID-19 information, which explained the vaccine hesitancy observed in this indigenous population. These results offer novel insight relevant to COVID-19 mitigation efforts in minority populations.
Early IgE Production Is Linked with Extrafollicular B- and T-Cell Activation in Low-Dose Allergy Model
Authors: Chudakov Dmitrii Borisovich , Kotsareva Olga Dmitrievna , Konovalova Maryia Vladimirovna , Tsaregorodtseva Daria Sergeevna , Shevchenko Marina Alexandrovna , Sergeev Anton Andreevich , Fattakhova Gulnar Vaisovna
Published: June 2022

Despite its paramount importance, the predominant association of early IgE production with harmless antigens, via germinal-center B- and T-cell subpopulations or extrafollicular activation, remains unresolved. The aim of this work was to clarify whether the reinforced IgE production following the subcutaneous immunization of BALB/c mice with low antigen doses in withers adipose tissue might be linked with intensified extrafollicular or germinal-center responses. The mice were immunized three times a week for 4 weeks in the withers region, which is enriched in subcutaneous fat and tissue-associated B cells, with high and low OVA doses and via the intraperitoneal route for comparison. During long-term immunization with both low and high antigen doses in the withers region, but not via the intraperitoneal route, we observed a significant accumulation of B220-CD1d-CD5-CD19+ B-2 extrafollicular plasmablasts in the subcutaneous fat and regional lymph nodes but not in the intraperitoneal fat. Only low antigen doses induced a significant accumulation of CXCR4+ CXCR5- CD4+ extrafollicular T helpers in the withers adipose tissue but not in the regional lymph nodes or abdominal fat. Only in subcutaneous fat was there a combination of extrafollicular helper accumulation. In conclusion, extrafollicular B- and T-cell activation are necessary for early IgE class switching.
Effectiveness of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Coronavirus Vaccine (CovishieldTM) in Preventing SARS-CoV2 Infection, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 2021
Authors: Murali Sharan , Sakthivel Manikandanesan , Pattabi Kamaraj , Venkatasamy Vettrichelvan , Thangaraj Jeromie Wesley Vivian , Shete Anita , Varghese Alby John , Arjun Jaganathan , Kumar Chethrapilly Purushothaman Girish , Yadav Pragya D , Sahay Rima , Majumdar Triparna , Dudhmal Manisha , Sivalingam Azhagendran , Dhanapal Sudha Rani , Durai Samy Augustine , Radhakrishnan Vijayaprabha , Muni Krishnaiah Murali Mohan , Arunachalam Suresh , Gandhi Punita Muni Krishna , Govindasamy Elavarasu , Chinnappan Prabhakaran , Sekar Dhana Priya Vadhani , Marappan Prakash , Pounraj Ezhil , Ganeshkumar Parasuraman , Jagadeesan Murugesan , Narnaware Manish , Bedi Gagandeep Singh , Kaur Prabhdeep , Murhekar Manoj
Published: June 2022

We estimated the effectiveness of two doses of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Covishield) vaccine against any COVID-19 infection among individuals ≥45 years in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. A community-based cohort study was conducted from May to September 2021 in a selected geographic area in Chennai. The estimated sample size was 10,232. We enrolled 69,435 individuals, of which 21,793 were above 45 years. Two-dose coverage of Covishield in the 18+ and 45+ age group was 18% and 31%, respectively. Genomic analysis of 74 out of the 90 aliquots collected from the 303 COVID-19-positive individuals in the 45+ age group showed delta variants and their sub-lineages. The vaccine’s effectiveness against COVID-19 disease in the ≥45 age group was 61.3% (95% CI: 43.6–73.4) at least 2 weeks after receiving the second dose of Covishield. We demonstrated the effectiveness of two doses of the ChAdOx1 vaccine against the delta variant in the general population of Chennai. We recommend similar future studies considering emerging variants and newer vaccines. Two-dose vaccine coverage could be ensured to protect against COVID-19 infection.
Cellular and Humoral Immunity after the Third Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Thümmler Laura , Koldehoff Michael , Fisenkci Neslinur , Brochhagen Leonie , Horn Peter A. , Krawczyk Adalbert , Lindemann Monika
Published: June 2022

Protecting vulnerable groups from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is mandatory. Immune responses after a third vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 are insufficiently studied in patients after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). We analyzed immune responses before and after a third vaccination in HSCT patients and healthy controls. Cellular immunity was assessed using interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) ELISpots. Furthermore, this is the first report on neutralizing antibodies against 11 variants of SARS-CoV-2, analyzed by competitive fluorescence assay. Humoral immunity was also measured by neutralization tests assessing cytopathic effects and by ELISA. Neither HSCT patients nor healthy controls displayed significantly higher SARS-CoV-2-specific IFN-γ or IL-2 responses after the third vaccination. However, after the third vaccination, cellular responses were 2.6-fold higher for IFN-γ and 3.2-fold higher for IL-2 in healthy subjects compared with HSCT patients. After the third vaccination, neutralizing antibodies were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in healthy controls, but not in HSCT patients. Healthy controls vs. HSCT patients had 1.5-fold higher concentrations of neutralizing antibodies against variants and 1.2-fold higher antibody concentrations against wildtype. However, half of the HSCT patients exhibited neutralizing antibodies to variants of SARS-CoV-2, which increased only slightly after a third vaccination.
Analysis of the Expression of Neurotrophins and Their Receptors in Adult Zebrafish Kidney
Authors: Cacialli Pietro , Lucini Carla
Published: June 2022

Neurotrophins and their receptors are involved in the development and maintenance of neuronal populations. Different reports have shown that all neurotrophin/receptor pathways can also play a role in several non-neuronal tissues in vertebrates, including the kidney. These signaling pathways are involved in different events to ensure the correct functioning of the kidney, such as growth, differentiation, and regulation of renal tubule transport. Previous studies in some fish species have identified the neurotrophins and receptors in the kidney. In this study, for the first time, we compare the expression profiles (mRNA and protein) of all neurotrophin/receptor pathways in the kidney of the adult zebrafish. We quantify the levels of mRNA by using qPCR and identify the expression pattern of each neurotrophin/receptor pathway by in situ hybridization. Next, we detect the proteins using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Our results show that among all neurotrophins analyzed, NT-3/TrkC is the most expressed in the glomerule and tubule and in the hematopoietic cells, similar to what has been reported in the mammalian kidney.
Spreading of Pasteurella multocida Infection in a Pet Rabbit Breeding and Possible Implications on Healed Bunnies
Authors: D’Amico Francesco , Casalino Gaia , Bozzo Giancarlo , Camarda Antonio , Lombardi Roberto , Dimuccio Michela Maria , Circella Elena
Published: June 2022

The number of pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and parrots has increased in European families. Social benefits to owners such as decreasing feelings of loneliness and anxiety are provided by pets which are also used in Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT). Nevertheless, human-animal interactions are also associated with health problems including allergies, asthma, and zoonosis. Rabbits may carry potential pathogens for humans. One of the most common bacteria that colonizes the oro-pharynx and the upper respiratory tract of rabbits is Pasteurella (P.) multocida. Transmission of the infection to humans results from scratches, licks, and bites but it also can occur from the inhalation of air particles containing the microorganism. Immunocompromised people or persons with pulmonary disorders are particularly susceptible to the infection. Infected rabbits may carry P. multocida with or without clinical signs. In this paper, the sensitivity to antibiotics and the invasiveness ability of P. multocida identified in a farm of pet rabbits affected by severe pasteurellosis were investigated. The strain was P. multocida belonging to capsular type A which is the type most often detected in humans. The identified strain was susceptible to the tested antibiotics, but it appeared equipped with several virulence genes which are responsible for fimbriae production, adhesion processes to host cells, enzyme production, and are involved in iron acquisition processes. These findings are of particular interest because rabbits recovered from pasteurellosis very often become carriers of the bacteria. Therefore, we suggest considering P. multocida screening in the routine medical checks of rabbits, especially if they are meant to be companion animals for children and elder people, given that the transmission of the pathogen cannot be excluded.
Detection of Water Leaks in Suburban Distribution Mains with Lift and Shift Vibro-Acoustic Sensors
Authors: Bykerk Lili , Valls Miro Jaime
Published: June 2022

Leaks in Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) account for a large proportion of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) for utilities worldwide. Typically, a leak is only confirmed once water surfaces, allowing the leak to be traced; however, a high percentage of leaks may never surface, incurring large water losses and costs for utilities. Active Leak Detection (ALD) methods can be used to detect hidden leaks; however, the success of such methods is highly dependent on the available detection instrumentation and the experience of the operator. To aid in the detection of both hidden and surfacing leaks, deployment of vibro-acoustic sensors is being increasingly explored by water utilities for temporary structural health monitoring. In this paper, data were collected and curated from a range of temporary Lift and Shift (L&S) vibro-acoustic sensor deployments across suburban Sydney. Time-frequency and frequency-domain features were generated to assess the performance and suitability of two state-of-the-art binary classification models for water leak detection. The results drawn from the extensive field data sets are shown to provide reliable leak detection outcomes, with accuracies of at least 97% and low false positive rates. Through the use of such a reliable leak detection system, utilities can streamline their leak detection and repair processes, effectively mitigating NRW and reducing customer disruptions.
Desalination and Transboundary Water Conflict and Cooperation: A Mixed-Method Empirical Approach
Authors: Walschot Maureen , Katz David
Published: June 2022

The impact of the adoption of desalination on relations between parties in transboundary settings is unclear. The previous literature has indicated that the effect of desalination on conflict and cooperation is an empirical matter. By reducing scarcity and variability, the adoption of desalination is likely to reduce the potential for conflict, though it may also create new conflicts, for instance, over water of marginal quality or over issues of equity. Its effect on cooperation is even more ambiguous, as it both offers parties more flexibility, which is likely to increase cooperation, but can be implemented unilaterally, which may reduce the need for cooperation. The little empirical work that has been published investigating these impacts has been largely based on anecdotal evidence or individual case studies. This paper presents a more systematic look at these impacts, using a mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) analysis of interstate interactions before and after the adoption of large-scale seawater desalination. The results support the contention that while desalination has the potential to reduce conflict and increase cooperation, the impact of desalination on hydropolitics cannot be assumed a priori. Rather, it is largely context-dependent, and as such, it should not be viewed as a technological fix for transboundary water relations.
Possibility for Water Quality Biocontrol: Observation of Microcystin Transfer in the “Cyanobacteria–Cladohorn–Fish” Food Chain
Authors: Xie Qin-Ming , Zhang Yan-Wei , Chu Ta-Jen
Published: June 2022

Microcystins appear to be considered one of the most dangerous cyanobacterial toxins in the world. The accumulation and change of microcystins MC-LR and MC-RR in the “cyanobacteria–cladocera–fish” food chain were studied. Microcystis aeruginosa was fed to Moina macrocopa at three densities, 5.0 × 103, 5.0 × 105, and 5.0 × 106 cells/mL, and then passed to Cyprinus flammans. The total amount of MCs in the cyanobacteria cell extract increased with increasing density. The content of MCs in M. macrocopa increased with the feeding density of M. aeruginosa. In the final stage of experiments, MC-RR was the only MC that could be transmitted by M. macrocopa and persisted in red carp. In this study, changes in the concentrations of MC-LR and MC-RR in the liver of red carp seem to indicate some kind of transformation or degradation mechanism. It shows the possibility of MCs concentration-controlled biodefense in eutrophic waters.
Impact of Depuration Plants on Nutrient Levels in the North Adriatic Sea
Authors: Fanelli Matteo , Girolametti Federico , Truzzi Cristina , Illuminati Silvia , Ajdini Behixhe , Susmel Sabina , Celussi Mauro , Šangulin Jadranka , Annibaldi Anna
Published: June 2022

Macronutrients (nitrogen—N; phosphorus—P; silicon—Si) play a crucial role in ocean surface waters stimulating the planktonic primary production; in fact, their concentrations are fundamental for the evaluation of the trophic status of the water body and eutrophication phenomena. Loads of nutrients into the sea are mainly represented by river runoff and depuration plant outflows. For this purpose, in the framework of the AdSWiM project, “Managed use of treated urban wastewater for the quality of the Adriatic Sea” levels of N-NO3, N-NO2, N-NH4, Si-Si(OH)4, P-PO4 (dissolved inorganic phosphorus—DIP) and total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) were determined colorimetrically at two sites in the Gulf of Trieste: Lignano Sabbiadoro and San Giorgio di Nogaro. For each site, during the bathing seasons of 2019 and 2020, a sample from the depuration plant (DP) outflow and another one in the bottom seawater near the discharging pipelines were collected. Results showed a strong dilution effect on nutrient levels passing from DPs to the sea, from one to three orders of magnitude and a low and not harmful concentration in seawater. The outflow composition of the two DPs showed that the main fraction of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) was represented by N-NO3 for Lignano, while in San Giorgio the major contribution came from N-NH4. Concerning phosphorus, Lignano showed a higher content (about 3 times) of P levels than San Giorgio, but a similar percentage composition, DIP:DOP (77:23), compared to the seawater site one DIP:DOP (2:98). Despite the difference between the DPs, no substantial differences were found in the sea sites, demonstrating the negligible effect of the DP outflows in the nutrient levels in the study area.
Agricultural Irrigation Effects on Hydrological Processes in the United States Northern High Plains Aquifer Simulated by the Coupled SWAT-MODFLOW System
Authors: Dangol Sijal , Zhang Xuesong , Liang Xin-Zhong , Miralles-Wilhelm Fernando
Published: June 2022

Groundwater use for irrigation has a major influence on agricultural productivity and local water resources. This study evaluated the groundwater irrigation schemes, SWAT auto-irrigation scheduling based on plant water stress (Auto-Irr), and prescribed irrigation based on well pumping rates in MODFLOW (Well-Irr), in the U.S. Northern High Plains (NHP) aquifer using coupled SWAT-MODFLOW model simulations for the period 1982–2008. Auto-Irr generally performed better than Well-Irr in simulating groundwater irrigation volume (reducing the mean bias from 86 to −30%) and groundwater level (reducing the normalized root-mean-square-error from 13.55 to 12.47%) across the NHP, as well as streamflow interannual variations at two stations (increasing NSE from 0.51, 0.51 to 0.55, 0.53). We also examined the effects of groundwater irrigation on the water cycle. Based on simulation results from Auto-Irr, historical irrigation led to significant recharge along the Elkhorn and Platte rivers. On average over the entire NHP, irrigation increased surface runoff, evapotranspiration, soil moisture and groundwater recharge by 21.3%, 4.0%, 2.5% and 1.5%, respectively. Irrigation improved crop water productivity by nearly 27.2% for corn and 23.8% for soybean. Therefore, designing sustainable irrigation practices to enhance crop productivity must consider both regional landscape characteristics and downstream hydrological consequences.
Effects of Protein Level on the Production and Growth Performance of Juvenile Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and Environmental Parameters in Paddy Fields
Authors: Yu Yilin , Wan Jiwu , Liang Xiaochen , Wang Yuquan , Liu Xueshen , Mei Jie , Sun Na , Li Xiaodong
Published: June 2022

Rice–crab co-culture systems represent integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems developed in China over the last 30 years. The rice–crab co-culture area comprised approximately 1.386 × 105 hm2 in 2019. However, there is no specific feed designed for Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) cultured in this system until now. In this study, we investigated feed formulae for the nutritional requirements of Chinese mitten crab in this mode. The control group was not fed with any artificial feed (Co), and the experimental groups were fed with three different feeds of 15% (T15), 30% (T30), or 45% (T45) protein content, respectively. Growth performance variations in E. sinensis were investigated along with water quality, phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic vascular plants, and benthic animals in the paddy fields to determine the effect of crabs and their diet on the paddy ecosystem. Dietary protein levels had no significant effect on water quality. The biomass and species of phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic vascular plants, and zoobenthos in the paddy field were affected by crabs and their diet. Morphological parameters of crabs were significantly more pronounced in the high-protein group than in the other groups. However, the T45 diet negatively affected production by increasing feed costs, causing precocious puberty and inducing water eutrophication. In conclusion, adding a 15% protein compound feed can meet the nutritional needs of crabs, reduce culture costs, and improve water quality. The discharged water had low ammonia nitrogen and nitrite content and no eutrophication occurred, so the water could be recycled. These findings provide a scientific reference for supporting rice and fish co-cultivation.
Influence of Cascade Hydropower Development on Water Quality in the Middle Jinsha River on the Upper Reach of the Yangtze River
Authors: Xu Tianbao , Chang Fengqin , He Xiaorong , Yang Qingrui , Ma Wei
Published: June 2022

In recent decades, there has been unprecedented development of hydropower in China, especially in the Yangtze River Basin, which has changed the hydrological and hydraulic conditions of natural rivers and has an impact on water quality. However, the spatial-–temporal extent, factors, and the reasons behind the influence of cascade hydropower development are not clear. The six hydropower stations on the main course of the middle reach of the Jinsha River in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces have been in joint operation for seven years, and the impact of cascade hydropower development on water quality has begun to appear. In this paper, in order to accurately determine the causal relationship between cascade hydropower development and water quality changes on the middle reaches of the Jinsha River and their trends using regression discontinuity analysis, we collected monitoring data on water quality from 2004 to 2019. The results show that cascade hydropower development on the middle reach of the Jinsha River led to a decrease in TP concentration in that section of the river and an increase in the concentration of CODMn and NH3-N. Furthermore, increase in sedimentation following the impoundment of cascade hydropower development is the main reason for the decrease in TP concentration, and the regional economic and social development driven by cascade hydropower development are external sources of the increase in the concentration of CODMn and NH3-N. In addition, influenced by rainfall, the concentrations of CODMn and TP are higher in the rainy season and lower in the dry season, which is directly related to the input of non-point-source pollutants in the basin during the former. This study established a model to accurately judge the causal relationship between cascade hydropower development and water quality changes in the basin, which was then used to assess the impact of cascade hydropower development on water quality. Our results provide a basis for the formulation and implementation of a water quality protection plan for the middle reach of the Jinsha River and can also provide a basis for the development of cascade hydropower in other river basins.
Mitochondrial Lineage Diversity and Phylogeography of Daphnia (Daphnia) (Crustacea: Cladocera) in North-East Russia
Authors: Zuykova Elena I. , Sleptzova Lana P. , Bochkarev Nikolai A. , Kuchko Yaroslav A. , Sheveleva Natalia G. , Zakharov Evgeny S. , Pestryakova Lyudmila A. , Kotov Alexey A.
Published: June 2022

The variability of the 12S gene fragment of the mtDNA for taxa belonging to subgenus Daphnia (Daphnia) O.F. Müller, 1776 (Crustacea: Cladocera) in NE Russia is studied, and their phylogenetic analysis performed. We identified (based both on morphological and molecular data) nine species belonging to four species complexes, namely: (A) D. longispina s.l.: (1) D. longispina O.F. Müller, 1776; (2) D. dentifera Forbes, 1893; (3) D. galeata Sars, 1864; (4) D. umbra Taylor, Hebert et Colbourne, 1996; (B) D. cristata s.l.: (5) D. cristata Sars, 1862; (6) D. longiremis Sars, 1862; (C) D. curvirostris s.l.: (7) D. curvirostris Eylmann, 1887; (D) D. pulex s.l.: (8) D. pulex Leydig, 1860; (9) D. middendorffiana Fischer, 1851. Rare arcto-mountainous taxon D. umbra was found in the mountains of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic for the first time. Species diversity in NE Asia is relatively low, and the most revealed taxa are trans-Beringian. We also performed a phylogeographic analysis of D. dentifera and D. pulex s.l., the two most common species in NE Russia. Our new data allow us to assume that the daphniids of NE Asia have undergone various evolutionary scenarios during the Pleistocene period: survival is within some local refugia, and re-colonization from these areas and from North America through the Beringian land bridge, etc. We agree with previous authors who revealed that the patterns in the studied species groups are relatively recent (of Late Pleistocene or even Holocene age), although the main phylogenetic daphniid lineages (mainly congruent with the biological species) are very old. Our results provide convincing evidence for the hypothesis that NE Russia is a very important source of modern haplotypic diversity for the cladocerans.
Sorption of Perfluorinated and Pharmaceutical Compounds in Plastics: A Molecular Simulation Study
Authors: Khumalo Siphesihle Mangena , Lasich Matthew , Bakare Babatunde Femi , Rathilal Sudesh
Published: June 2022

The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of temperature and degree of polymerisation on the thermodynamic interaction of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) into plastics. The occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern such as pharmaceutical drugs, PFCs, microplastics (MPs), etc., in sources of drinking water have posed significant health risks to aquatic life and humans in recent years. These organic pollutants can interact with MPs and pose much higher health risks; consequently, MPs become a transport vector and thus alter their migration as well as occurrence in the environment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the adsorption mechanism of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and sulfamethazine (SMT)—relative to water—on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) using an extended Flory–Huggins approach. The results suggest that in an aqueous environment, both PFOA and PFOS may be taken up preferentially by PP and PE, although less strongly by PE. The degree of polymerisation of PE and PP did not significantly influence the observed behaviour. In terms of sorption affinity, the observed affinity was PFOA>PFOS>SMT which was consistence for both PE and PP.
Effects of Water and Fertilizer Flow Rates on the Mixing Process and Fertilization Uniformity of Cotton under Mulch Drip Irrigation
Authors: Ma Xiao , Zhang Lixin , Fu Changxin , Wang Wendong , Yan Yongchun
Published: June 2022

Water and fertilizer flow rates are the most convenient variable to control in the process of drip irrigation under mulch. Suitable water and fertilizer flow rates are beneficial to improve water and fertilizer uniformity. Nine groups of water and fertilizer rate combinations were set in the common water and fertilizer rate range to study the influence of the water and fertilizer rate on fertilization uniformity. The numerical simulation of the mixing process in the main pipe was first carried out based on the multiphase flow theory, and then the field experiment for the different water and fertilizer rate combinations in the machine-picked cotton-planting pattern (one film, three tubes and six rows) was conducted. Through the numerical simulation of the mixing process in the pipeline and the analysis of water and fertilizer uniformity field experiment results, it was found that the uniform mixing length is related to the water and fertilizer flow rate, and the water and fertilizer flow rate had some effect on fertilizer uniformity. In the irrigation system with a main pipe diameter of 100 mm and a fertilizer injection pipe diameter of 20 mm, the water fertilizer flow rate ratio should be between 3–8 to ensure the effect of the mixing process and fertilization uniformity. A water flow rate of 2 m s−1 and fertilizer flow rate of 0.35 m s−1 is recommended during the fertilizer process in northern Xinjiang. This paper shows the feasibility of numerical simulation in the study of cotton water and fertilizer mixing processes, and the results can provide some reference for cotton planting.
Water Consumption Pattern Analysis Using Biclustering: When, Why and How
Authors: Silva Miguel G. , Madeira Sara C. , Henriques Rui
Published: June 2022

Sensors deployed within water distribution systems collect consumption data that enable the application of data analysis techniques to extract essential information. Time series clustering has been traditionally applied for modeling end-user water consumption profiles to aid water management. However, its effectiveness is limited by the diversity and local nature of consumption patterns. In addition, existing techniques cannot adequately handle changes in household composition, disruptive events (e.g., vacations), and consumption dynamics at different time scales. In this context, biclustering approaches provide a natural alternative to detect groups of end-users with coherent consumption profiles during local time periods while addressing the aforementioned limitations. This work discusses when, why and how to apply biclustering techniques for water consumption data analysis, and further proposes a methodology to this end. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work introducing biclustering to water consumption data analysis. Results on data from a real-world water distribution system—Quinta do Lago, Portugal—confirm the potentialities of the proposed approach for pattern discovery with guarantees of statistical significance and robustness that entities can rely on for strategic planning.
Effect of Consistency Limit on the Strength of Cement-Solidified Dredged Sludge: Modelling and Micro-Mechanism
Authors: Wang Shiquan , He Xingxing , Li Jiangshan , Li Shenzhen , Qin Huajin , Ma Yuanyuan , Ma Hongrui , Gong Shunmei , Niu Zhiyong
Published: June 2022

The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of sludge with different consistency limits solidified by cement was investigated. The results showed that under the condition of constant initial water content, a higher liquid index of soil resulted in higher UCS. A novel strength-evaluation model based on the ratio of the liquid index to the cement content was developed, and the prediction deviation of the model was within 30%. The influence mechanism of the consistency limit of sludge on the cement solidification was revealed by scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, X-ray diffractometer and thermogravimetric analysis. For the cement-solidified dredged sludge (CDS) with a lower liquid index, a large amount of hydrate was interlaced with each other and wrapped soil particles, promoting the formation of a dense structure. For the CDS with a higher liquid index, hydrates such as C-S-H and ettringite challenged each other to play the role of “cementing particles” and “filling pores”, resulting in the formation of the porous structure. The mineralogical analyses confirmed that more C-S-H gels and ettringites were generated in the CDS with a lower liquid index, but less calcite was formed due to its denser structure. In engineering applications, reducing the liquid index by adjusting the consistency limit can improve the strength performance of CDS.
Start-Up and Performance of a Full Scale Passive System In-Cluding Biofilters for the Treatment of Fe, as and Mn in a Neutral Mine Drainage
Authors: Jacob Jérôme , Joulian Catherine , Battaglia-Brunet Fabienne
Published: June 2022

Passive mine drainage treatment plants are the scene of many chemical and biological reactions. Here, the establishment of iron (Fe), arsenic (As), and manganese (Mn) removal was monitored immediately after the commissioning of the Lopérec (Brittany, France) passive water treatment plant, composed of aeration cascades and settling ponds followed by pozzolana biofilters. Iron and As were almost completely removed immediately after commissioning, while Mn removal took more than 28 days to reach its maximum performance. Investigations were performed during two periods presenting strong variations in feeding flow-rates: from 2.8 m3.h−1 to 8.6 m3.h−1 and from 13.2 m3.h−1 to 31.3 m3.h−1. Design flow rate was reached during the first week of the second period. Dissolved Fe and As were not affected by the decrease in residence time while Mn was only slightly affected. Microbial communities in biofilter presented similarities with those of the pond sludge, and genera including Mn-oxidizing species were detected. Proportion of bacteria carrying the aioA gene encoding for As(III)-oxidase enzyme increased in communities during the second period. Results suggest Mn removal is mainly associated with bio-oxidation whereas removal of Fe and As could be mainly attributed to chemical oxidation and precipitation of Fe, possibly helped by As(III) bio-oxidation.
A Comprehensive Model for Hydraulic Analysis and Wetting Patterns Simulation under Subsurface Drip Laterals
Authors: Zamani Saeid , Fatahi Rouhollah , Provenzano Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

In the absence of suitable specialized models to simulate the soil wetting patterns in subsurface drip irrigation systems considering the hydraulic conditions along the laterals, a new model was developed and named a “comprehensive model” in this study. This model couples the subsurface drip irrigation lateral characteristics with the soil hydraulic properties and utilizes the Hydrus-3D software as a complementary section of the model to simulate the wetting front beneath the lateral. To evaluate the model, three 16 mm drip-line pipes of 62 m length with 20, 40, and 50 cm spacing emitters and 2 to 5 L/h discharge were buried at 0.2 m depth in a soil box containing clay loamy soil. Then, the experiments were conducted at 50, 100, and 150 kPa pressures, and the wetting pattern geometry associated with each lateral was measured at 1, 2, 3, and 24 h and compared with the model simulations. Moreover, the values of the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the refined index of agreement of the wetting depth beneath the lateral ranged from 0.013 to 0.03 m, 0.002 to 0.004 m, and 0.886 to 0.927 m, respectively. In addition, the mentioned indexes values at the first and the last cross-sections of the laterals varied between 0.001 and 0.004 m, 0.011 and 0.035 m, 0.814 and 0.942 m, respectively. These results proved that the differences between measured and predicted dimensions of the wetting pattern are not significant and comprehensive model provides good estimations of the emitter flow rates, as well as realistic wetting patterns.
Multivariate Simulation of Offshore Weather Time Series: A Comparison between Markov Chain, Autoregressive, and Long Short-Term Memory Models
Authors: Eberle Sebastian , Cevasco Debora , Schwarzkopf Marie-Antoinette , Hollm Marten , Seifried Robert
Published: June 2022

In the estimation of future investments in the offshore wind industry, the operation and maintenance (O&M) phase plays an important role. In the simulation of the O&M figures, the weather conditions should contain information about the waves’ main characteristics and the wind speed. As these parameters are correlated, they were simulated by using a multivariate approach, and thus by generating vectors of measurements. Four different stochastic weather time series generators were investigated: Markov chains (MC) of first and second order, vector autoregressive (VAR) models, and long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks. The models were trained on a 40-year data set with 1 h resolution. Thereafter, the models simulated 25-year time series, which were analysed based on several time series metrics and criteria. The MC (especially the one of second order) and the VAR model were shown to be the ones capturing the characteristics of the original time series the best. The novelty of this paper lies in the application of LSTM models and multivariate higher-order MCs to generate offshore weather time series, and to compare their simulations to the ones of VAR models. Final recommendations for improving these models are provided as conclusion of this paper.
Living with and Breaking a Cycle of Illness: A Secondary Qualitative Data Analysis of Women’s Experiences with Long COVID
Authors: Jackes Alison , Malfesi Michael , Curnow Eleanor , Tyagi Vaibhav , Bulley Cathy
Published: June 2022

Long COVID is an emerging condition, with early evidence suggesting it impacts women at a greater rate than men. As we seek to understand long COVID, it is important to consider the holistic impacts of this condition. Therefore, a qualitative perspective was used to explore the experience of those living with long COVID. Eight people from Scotland, who presented as women and Caucasian, participated in this study. A thematic analysis, from a phenomenological perspective, was conducted on data collected during two semi-structured focus groups. Five central themes emerged including: (1) a prolonged, varied, and debilitating illness; (2) barriers to care; (3) predominantly negative experiences of care; (4) fighting to carry the burden; and (5) looking to the future. These themes are linked through an explanatory theory describing a cycle of illness, the work required to break the cycle, and participant’s aims to regain their health and advocate for their condition. The thematic results are consistent with two prior qualitative studies on long COVID, creating a relatively consistent picture of individuals’ experiences during the pandemic. Additionally, the developed theory shares commonalities with individuals living with chronic illness, providing further insight into participants’ experiences.
CRISIS 2022–...: POTENTIAL SCOPE AND EXPECTED CONSEQUENCES
Authors: Lyakin Alexander N.
Published: June 2022

This article analyzes the features of the current crisis in Russian economy and estimates its impact on the upcoming institutional changes nature. The conclusion about the potential trajectory of the downturn is made based on the comparison of external shocks, stabilization policy measures and the reaction of economic agents during this and two previous crises. A shock of demand, caused by a sharp increase in the interest rates, triggers a rapid fall, the necessity of solving structural problems will take a long time. Changes of economic ties and transportation schemes, import substitution development in the industries important for ensuring the sovereignty of the national economy, will lead to a long period of economic recovery. An inflationary processes analysis has shown that the price increase acceleration, which is common for recessions in Russia, caused by external shocks and the exchange rate pass-through to trade prices, is being replaced by cost-push inflation, which requires an adequate change in the Bank of Russia policy. This article highlights the main problems in the field of employment during the current recession: the growth of structural unemployment and the need in the large-scale reorientation and requalification of workers. The fundamental changes in the institutional changes direction, due to the current crisis, are highlighted in this article. For the large backbone corporations state regulation will be strengthened to ensure the implementation of the structural planning goals, up to bringing a number of target indicators. Industrial policy is becoming the focal area of managing structural shifts. Debureaucratization in all spheres of economic and social life is pointed out as the most important requirement of the accelerated economy adaptation to new conditions especially for small and medium-size enterprises.
Patient safety, self-injection, and B12 deficiency: a UK cross-sectional survey
Authors: Tyler Natasha , Hodkinson Alexander , Ahlam Naeem , Giles Sally , Zhou Andrew , Panagioti Maria
Published: June 2022

Background

Individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency (including pernicious anaemia) often report being ‘let down’ or stigmatised by general practice systems and policy, and choose instead to self-medicate via injection; the association between this and perceptions of safe primary care in this group of people is unknown.

Aim

To examine the association between self-medication for vitamin B12 deficiency and patient-reported safety in primary care.

Design and setting

A UK cross-sectional online survey.

Method

The survey consisted of the three components: demographics; the validated Primary Care Patient Measure of Safety; and questions about self-medication for vitamin B12 deficiency. Multivariable logistic regression analyses and thematic synthesis were undertaken.

Results

Responses from 1297 participants indicated 508 (39.2%) self-medicated via injection. Perceived primary care safety was low. Those who self-medicated via injection reported a significantly lower level of patient safety in primary care including adverse patient-related factors (odds ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.73 to 0.92), and patients >34 years of age were significantly more likely to self-medicate via injection. Many reported that treatment under the guidance of a clinician was preferable to self-medication, but felt they had no other choice to regain quality of life. Almost half felt that the doctor did not always consider what they wanted for their care.

Conclusion

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the largest study to date examining patient safety and vitamin B12 deficiency. It found that four out of 10 patients with B12 deficiency self-medicate via injection. Patients who self-medicated perceived primary care as less safe. Providing patient-centred care and treating these patients with dignity and respect is a policy priority to reduce unsafe health behaviours.
Anoreksiya Nervoza ve Karaciğer Sağlığı
Authors: UÇAR Kübra , AÇIKGÖZ PINAR Aylin
Published: June 2022

Sinirsel iştah kaybı anlamına gelen Anoreksiya Nervoza (AN), düşük vücut ağırlığı, devam eden besin kısıtlaması ve bozuk beden algısı ile karakterize psikiyatrik bir hastalıktır. Her yaş grubunda görülebilen AN, genellikle erken ve orta ergenlik döneminde başlamakta olup, kadınlarda erkeklere göre daha sık görülmektedir. Anoreksiya nervoza tanılı bireyler, enerji alımının kısıtlanması veya alınan enerjinin telafi edilmesi için birtakım davranışlar (kendini kusturma, laksatif-diüretik kullanma, aşırı egzersiz yapma gibi) sergilemektedir. Bunun sonucunda, vücut ağırlığı kaybıyla doğrudan ilişkili olarak tüm organları etkileyebilecek tıbbi komplikasyonlar gelişebilmektedir. Literatürde, AN’ya özgü hepatik komplikasyonların artış gösterdiği belirtilmektedir. Açlıkla uyarılan, hepatosit hasarına ve ölümüne neden olan otofajinin, AN’da karaciğer fonksiyon bozukluğuna neden olan temel mekanizma olduğu ileri sürülmektedir. Aminotransferaz düzeylerinin artması ve karaciğer hasarının ilerlemesi, ciddi bir komplikasyon olan hipoglisemiye neden olmaktadır. Anoreksiya nervoza tedavisinde, psikiyatri, beslenme ve tıbbi uzmanlardan oluşan ekiple ortak bir yaklaşım uygulanmalıdır. Tıbbi beslenme tedavisi, enerji alımını ve ağırlık kazanımını sağlayacak şekilde bireyin ihtiyaçlarına uygun olarak planlanmalıdır. Ayrıca, davranış değişikliği ve düzenli yeme alışkanlığı kazandırmak için bireye beslenme eğitimi verilmesi faydalı olmaktadır. Yapılan çalışmalar, AN tanılı bireylerde karaciğer fonksiyon bozuklukları ve hepatik komplikasyonlarla ilişkili tıbbi durumların iyileştirilebilmesinde tıbbi beslenme tedavisinin etkili olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu derlemede, AN’da yaygın olarak görülen hepatik komplikasyonlar ve tıbbi beslenme tedavisinin karaciğer fonksiyon bozukluğu üzerine etkileri incelenmiştir.