bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Metabolome and Microbiome Analysis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Insights into the Carnosine–Histidine Metabolic Pathway
Authors: Wu Binxiong , Xu Yuntian , Tang Miaomiao , Jiang Yingtong , Zhang Ting , Huang Lei , Wang Shuyang , Hu Yanhui , Zhou Kun , Zhang Xiaoling , Chen Minjian
Published: December 2023

Metabolism underlies the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and can be influenced by gut microbiota. However, the specific metabolic changes in different tissues and the role of gut microbiota in AML remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed the metabolome differences in blood samples from patients with AML and healthy controls using UPLC-Q-Exactive. Additionally, we examined the serum, liver, and fecal metabolome of AML model mice and control mice using UPLC-Q-Exactive. The gut microbiota of the mice were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Our UPLC-MS analysis revealed significant differences in metabolites between the AML and control groups in multiple tissue samples. Through cross-species validation in humans and animals, as well as reverse validation of Celastrol, we discovered that the Carnosine–Histidine metabolic pathway may play a potential role in the occurrence and progression of AML. Furthermore, our analysis of gut microbiota showed no significant diversity changes, but we observed a significant negative correlation between the key metabolite Carnosine and Peptococcaceae and Campylobacteraceae. In conclusion, the Carnosine–Histidine metabolic pathway influences the occurrence and progression of AML, while the gut microbiota might play a role in this process.
The Influence of Airborne Particulate Matter on the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Large Retrospective Study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zeng Xiaoling , Zhan Yu , Zhou Wei , Qiu Zhimei , Wang Tong , Chen Qing , Qu Dandan , Huang Qiao , Cao Jia , Zhou Niya
Published: December 2023

Emerging research findings suggest that airborne particulate matter might be a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the concentration–response relationships and the susceptible time windows for different types of particulate matter may vary. In this retrospective analysis, we employ a novel robust approach to assess the crucial time windows regarding the prevalence of GDM and to distinguish the susceptibility of three GDM subtypes to air pollution exposure. This study included 16,303 pregnant women who received routine antenatal care in 2018–2021 at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Chongqing, China. In total, 2482 women (15.2%) were diagnosed with GDM. We assessed the individual daily average exposure to air pollution, including PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO based on the volunteers’ addresses. We used high-accuracy gridded air pollution data generated by machine learning models to assess particulate matter per maternal exposure levels. We further analyzed the association of pre-pregnancy, early, and mid-pregnancy exposure to environmental pollutants using a generalized additive model (GAM) and distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs) to analyze the association between exposure at specific gestational weeks and the risk of GDM. We observed that, during the first trimester, per IQR increases for PM10 and PM2.5 exposure were associated with increased GDM risk (PM10: OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.07~1.33; PM2.5: OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.15~1.50) and isolated post-load hyperglycemia (GDM-IPH) risk (PM10: OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.09~1.39; PM2.5: OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.18~1.61). Second-trimester O3 exposure was positively correlated with the associated risk of GDM, while pre-pregnancy and first-trimester exposure was negatively associated with the risk of GDM-IPH. Exposure to SO2 in the second trimester was negatively associated with the risk of GDM-IPH. However, there were no observed associations between NO2 and CO exposure and the risk of GDM and its subgroups. Our results suggest that maternal exposure to particulate matter during early pregnancy and exposure to O3 in the second trimester might increase the risk of GDM, and GDM-IPH is the susceptible GDM subtype to airborne particulate matter exposure.
Occupational and Environmental Asbestos Exposure and Survival of Patients with Asbestos-Related Cancer: A Follow-Up Study on Patients with Malignant Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer in Korea
Authors: Kang Min-Sung , Chae Woo-Ri , Lee Yong-Jin , Moon Kyong Whan
Published: December 2023

Malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer are typically associated with a poor prognosis. However, it has been observed that some patients with these cancers survive significantly longer than the average survival period. While many preliminary studies have investigated factors influencing patient survival, the specific impact of asbestos exposure has not been thoroughly explored. We followed up with 546 patients with malignant mesothelioma and 902 patients with asbestos-related lung cancer, all identified as asbestos victims between 2009 and 2021. In both malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer, patients with occupational asbestos exposure exhibited not only shorter median survival times but also lower 3- and 5-year survival rates compared to those with environmental exposure. Additionally, a longer duration of occupational exposure and closer proximity to the source of asbestos were linked to shorter survival times and lower survival rates. Among the patients with occupational asbestos exposure, the highest hazard ratios (HRs) were observed in those who worked in the production of asbestos-containing products across both cancer types. In contrast, significant HRs were only noted in mesothelioma patients who lived near asbestos industries, slate houses, and redevelopment areas, within the environmentally exposed group.
Virological Findings and Treatment Outcomes of Cases That Developed Dolutegravir Resistance in Malawi’s National HIV Treatment Program
Authors: Kanise Hope , van Oosterhout Joep J. , Bisani Pachawo , Songo John , Matola Bilaal W. , Chipungu Chifundo , Simon Katherine , Cox Carrie , Hosseinipour Mina C. , Sagno Jean-Batiste , Hoffman Risa M. , Wallrauch Claudia , Phiri Sam , Steegen Kim , Jahn Andreas , Nyirenda Rose , Heller Tom
Published: December 2023

Millions of Africans are on dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), but few detailed descriptions of dolutegravir resistance and its clinical management exist. We reviewed HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) testing application forms submitted between June 2019 and October 2022, data from the national HIVDR database, and genotypic test results. We obtained standardized ART outcomes and virological results of cases with dolutegravir resistance, and explored associations with dolutegravir resistance among individuals with successful integrase sequencing. All cases were on two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)/dolutegravir, and had confirmed virological failure, generally with prolonged viremia. Among 89 samples with successful integrase sequencing, 24 showed dolutegravir resistance. Dolutegravir resistance-associated mutations included R263K (16/24), E138K (7/24), and G118R (6/24). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, older age and the presence of high-level NRTI resistance were significantly associated with dolutegravir resistance. After treatment modification recommendations, four individuals (17%) with dolutegravir resistance died, one self-discontinued ART, one defaulted, and one transferred out. Of the 17 remaining individuals, 12 had follow-up VL results, and 11 (92%) were <1000 copies/mL. Twenty-four cases with dolutegravir resistance among 89 individuals with confirmed virological failure suggests a considerable prevalence in the Malawi HIV program. Successful management of dolutegravir resistance was possible, but early mortality was high. More research on the management of treatment-experienced individuals with dolutegravir resistance is needed.
Structural Determination of the Australian Bat Lyssavirus Nucleoprotein and Phosphoprotein Complex
Authors: Donnelly Camilla M. , Stewart Murray , Roby Justin A. , Sundaramoorthy Vinod , Forwood Jade K.
Published: December 2023

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) shows similar clinical symptoms as rabies, but there are currently no protein structures available for ABLV proteins. In lyssaviruses, the interaction between nucleoprotein (N) and phosphoprotein (N) in the absence of RNA generates a complex (N0P) that is crucial for viral assembly, and understanding the interface between these two proteins has the potential to provide insight into a key feature: the viral lifecycle. In this study, we used recombinant chimeric protein expression and X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of ABLV nucleoprotein bound to residues 1–40 of its phosphoprotein chaperone. Comparison of our results with the recently generated structure of RABV CVS-11 N0P demonstrated a highly conserved interface in this complex. Because the N0P interface is conserved in the lyssaviruses of phylogroup I, it is an attractive therapeutic target for multiple rabies-causing viral species.
Cross-Reactivity of Human, Wild Boar, and Farm Animal Sera from Pre- and Post-Pandemic Periods with Alpha- and Βeta-Coronaviruses (CoV), including SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hulst Marcel , Kant Arie , Harders-Westerveen José , Hoffmann Markus , Xie Yajing , Laheij Charlotte , Murk Jean-Luc , Van der Poel Wim H. M.
Published: December 2023

Panels of pre- and post-pandemic farm animals, wild boar and human sera, including human sera able to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, were tested in serological tests to determine their cross-reactivity with β- and α-CoV originating from farm animals. Sera were tested in neutralization assays with high ascending concentrations (up to 1 × 104 TCID50 units/well) of β-CoV Bovine coronavirus (BCV), SARS-CoV-2, and porcine α-CoV-transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). In addition, sera were tested for immunostaining of cells infected with β-CoV porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis (PHEV). Testing revealed a significantly higher percentage of BCV neutralization (78%) for sera of humans that had experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection (SARS-CoV-2 convalescent sera) than was observed for human pre-pandemic sera (37%). Also, 46% of these human SARS-CoV-2 convalescent sera neutralized the highest concentration of BCV (5 × 103 TCID50/well) tested, whereas only 9.6% of the pre-pandemic sera did. Largely similar percentages were observed for staining of PHEV-infected cells by these panels of human sera. Furthermore, post-pandemic sera collected from wild boars living near a densely populated area in The Netherlands also showed a higher percentage (43%) and stronger BCV neutralization than was observed for pre-pandemic sera from this area (21%) and for pre- (28%) and post-pandemic (20%) sera collected from wild boars living in a nature reserve park with limited access for the public. High percentages of BCV neutralization were observed for pre- and post-pandemic sera of cows (100%), pigs (up to 45%), sheep (36%) and rabbits (60%). However, this cross-neutralization was restricted to sera collected from specific herds or farms. TGEV was neutralized only by sera of pigs (68%) and a few wild boar sera (4.6%). None of the BCV and PHEV cross-reacting human pre-pandemic, wild boar and farm animal sera effectively neutralized SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Preexisting antibodies in human sera effectively neutralized the animal β-CoV BCV in vitro. This cross-neutralization was boosted after humans had experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection, indicating that SARS-CoV-2 activated a “memory” antibody response against structurally related epitopes expressed on the surface of a broad range of heterologous CoV, including β-CoV isolated from farm animals. Further research is needed to elucidate if a symptomless infection or environmental exposure to SARS-CoV-2 or another β-CoV also triggers such a “memory” antibody response in wild boars and other free-living animals.
Machine-Learning-Based Design Optimization of Chassis Bushings
Authors: Töpel Eric , Fuchs Alexander , Büttner Kay , Kaliske Michael , Prokop Günther
Published: December 2023

In this work, a method is developed for the component design of chassis bushings with contoured inner cores, aided by artificial neural networks (ANNs) and design optimization. First, a model of a physical chassis bushing is generated using the finite element method (FEM). To determine the material parameters of the material model, a material parameter optimization is conducted. Based on the bushing model, different samples for a design study are generated using the design of experiments method. Due to invalid areas of the geometrical model definitions, constraints are established and the design parameter space is cleaned up. From the cleaned design parameter space, a database of several design parameter samples and three associated quasi-static stiffnesses, calculated with FEM simulations, is generated. The database is subsequently used for the training and hyper-parameter optimization of the ANN. Subsequently, the feed-forward ANN is employed in a design study, where stiffnesses are prescribed and design parameters identified. The design process is inverted with the help of a constrained design parameter optimization (DO), based on particle swarm optimization (PSO). Two usecases are defined for the evaluation of the design accuracy of the entire method. The design parameters found are validated by corresponding FEM simulations.
Development and Validation of PCR Diagnostic Assays for Detection of Avibacterium paragallinarum and Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale
Authors: Krylova Ekaterina , Bogomazova Alexandra , Kirsanova Nataliya , Putintseva Anastasiya , Gorbacheva Natalia , Prasolova Olga , Soltynskaya Irina , Ivanova Olga
Published: December 2023

PCR is the most effective method for detecting difficult-to-cultivate pathogens and pathogens that are part of mixed infections in animals, such as Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, which causes bird ornithobacteriosis, or Avibacterium paragallinarum, which causes infectious coryza. In this work, we developed and validated two efficient and sensitive diagnostic assays for the rapid and accurate detection of A. paragallinarum and O. rhinotracheale DNA in bacterial isolates and clinical samples using real-time PCR with TaqMan-like probes. When designing the PCR assays, we performed in silico analysis, optimized DNA isolation methods and PCR conditions, and assessed the analytical and diagnostic performance of PCR. We designed primers and probes that have no mismatches with published whole-genome sequences of bacteria. The optimization of conditions showed that the PCR assays are sufficiently robust to changes in temperature and oligonucleotide concentration. The validation showed that the developed assays have high analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. These assays are expected to improve the differential diagnosis of respiratory diseases in chickens and turkeys.
Laminaria japonica Polysaccharides Improves the Growth Performance and Faecal Digestive Enzyme Activity of Weaned Piglets
Authors: Wang Chengwei , Chen Wenning , Xu Yun , Fu Shaomeng , Fu Jiamin , Huang Xiaohong , Xiao Junfeng , Liu Tao , Jiang Xianren
Published: December 2023

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP) supplementation at levels of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg on the growth performance, faecal digestive enzyme activity, and serum biochemistry and amino acids of weaned piglets. One hundred and twenty weaned piglets (Barkshire × Licha Black, 21 days old, 6.13 ± 0.16 kg) were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates of six piglets in each group based on body weight. Piglets were fed with different levels (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of LJP for a 21-day trial. On day 21, faecal and blood samples were collected from one piglet per pen. The results showed that the supplementation of the 200 and 400 mg/kg LJP significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to the control group (p = 0.007; p = 0.002), and dietary LJP linearly increased ADG and ADFI (p = 0.002; p < 0.001). In addition, the supplementation of the 200 and 400 mg/kg LJP significantly increased faecal amylase activity (p < 0.001) compared to the control group, and dietary LJP linearly increased faecal amylase and lipase activities (p = 0.001; p = 0.037). Moreover, dietary LJP at 400 mg/kg increased serum histidine content compared to the other groups (p = 0.002), and dietary LJP linearly increased the contents of serum histidine and asparagine in piglets (p < 0.001; p = 0.046). In conclusion, supplementation of 200 and 400 mg/kg LJP could enhance growth performance and faecal digestive enzyme activity and modulate the serum amino acid content of weaned piglets, potentially contributing to the health of weaned piglets.
The Impact of Land Use and Biological Invasions on Ecological Service Values of Coastal Wetland Ecosystems: A Case Study in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Jiang Yuhan , Yao Yipeng , Mustafa Ghulam , Ren Xinxin , Chen Cheng , Wu Weize , Liu Jiayuan , Liu Yuhong
Published: December 2023

Land use/land cover changes (LULCCs) and biological invasions significantly impact coastal wetlands (CWs) and their ecosystem services and functions. The exact impacts, however, are difficult to quantify and are often neglected in policymaking. The evaluation of ecological service value (ESV) is conducive to clarifying the ecological and environmental changes caused by LULCCs and biological invasions. The objective of this study was to investigate their impact on CWs in Jiangsu Province, China, and provide useful information and advice for policymakers concerned with sustainable development. In this paper, basic data were obtained through geographic information system technology, and CW ecosystems’ services were calculated via the ESV coefficients per unit area of different wetland types. Accordingly, this study found the current land use methods responsible for significant ecosystem disruption and reductions in the area of natural vegetation. Currently, the area of natural vegetation only accounts for 43% of the total area recorded in 1987. In 2018, the total ESV of wetland vegetation (Spartina, Phragmites, and Suaeda) was estimated to be USD 14.10 million, while that of farmland was USD 8.58 million, and that of forests was USD 2.09 million. Natural vegetation only covered 9% of the total land area but produced 60% of the total ESV. Spartina alterniflora exhibited the highest ESV per unit area, with USD 1.35 million. However, the CWs of Jiangsu Province have recently shown a shift in vegetation composition due to the invasion of Spartina alterniflora. Currently, the dominant species in these CWs are Spartina alterniflora and Phragmites australis, while the local population of Suaeda salsa has significantly declined. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the preservation and restoration of wetland vegetation, control the invasive potential of Spartina alterniflora, and consider the implementation of suitable protective measures for native plants.
River Ice Regime Recognition Based on Deep Learning: Ice Concentration, Area, and Velocity
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Zong Jun , Zhu Yuelong , Liu Xiuheng , Tao Ran , Yu Yufeng
Published: December 2023

The real-time derivation of the concentration, area, and velocity of river surface ice based on camera imagery is essential for predicting the potential risks related to ice blockages in water routes. The key lies in the continuous tracking and velocity measuring of river ice, and reliable ice motion detection is a prerequisite for the dynamic perception of tracking targets. Previous studies did not utilize motion tracking for measuring ice velocity, and particle image velocimetry and feature point matching were used. This study aimed to use deep learning methods to address the challenging problems of deriving the ice concentration, area, and velocity based on camera imagery, and the focus was on measuring the ice velocity and drawing trajectories using the particle video tracking algorithm. We built a dataset named IPC_RI_IDS and collected information during the ice cover break-up process in the Nenjiang River (China). Our suggested approach was divided into four steps: (1) image preprocessing, where the camera image was calibrated to real-world coordinates; (2) determining the ice and water pixels in the camera image using the lightweight semantic segmentation network and then calculating the ice concentration and area; (3) enhancing and optimizing motion detection using the semantic segmentation results; and (4) adapting the particle video tracking algorithm to measure ice velocity using the proposed tracking points generation strategy. Finally, we analyzed the surface ice data in the study area and attempted to predict the stage of the ice break-up process to provide support for the real-time short-term forecasts of ice floods.
A Comprehensive Radiological Survey of Groundwater Resources in Artisanal Mining Communities in the Eastern Region of Ghana: Water Quality vs. Mining Activities
Authors: Akuo-ko Esther Osei , Otoo Francis , Glover Eric Tetteh , Amponsem Eunice , Tettey-Larbi Lordford , Csordás Anita , Kovács Tibor , Shahrokhi Amin
Published: December 2023

In recent times, groundwater has emerged as an alternative drinking water source for populations in Ghana’s gold mining communities due to high pollution levels in surface water resources caused by artisanal miners. This study presents the findings on different radioactivity levels in groundwater, their sources, the characteristics of aquifers in the study area, and the impact of radionuclides on human health as a factor of water quality. The mean activity concentrations of radionuclides in groundwater samples were 0.1 ± 0.04 Bq/L for Ra-226, 0.36 ± 0.05 Bq/L for Ra-228, and 1.41 ± 0.10 Bq/L for K-40. The activity concentration of 228Ra exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline level of 0.1 Bq/L. The elevated levels of Ra-228 in groundwater were found to be of natural origin, emanating from the aquifer rocks in the study area. Groundwater resources near mining zones showed higher radioactivity levels. The corresponding committed effective dose from consuming such groundwater was estimated to be higher than the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) recommended value of 0.3 mSv/y for children and infants, indicating potential health risks.
Integrated Assessment and Geostatistical Evaluation of Groundwater Quality through Water Quality Indices
Authors: Naz Iram , Ahmad Ijaz , Aslam Rana Waqar , Quddoos Abdul , Yaseen Andaleeb
Published: December 2023

This study undertook an assessment of 24 physiochemical parameters at over 1094 sites to compute the water quality index (WQI) across the upper and central Punjab regions of Pakistan. Prior to the WQI calculation, an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to assign specific weights to each water quality parameter. The categorization of WQI into distinct classes was achieved by constructing a pairwise matrix based on their relative importance utilizing Saaty’s scale. Additionally, the groundwater quality status for irrigation and drinking purposes across various zones in the study area was delineated through the integration of WQI and geostatistical methodologies. The findings revealed discernible heavy metal issues in the Lahore division, with emerging microbiological contamination across the entire study region, potentially attributed to untreated industrial effluent discharge and inadequately managed sewerage systems. The computed indices for the Lahore, Sargodha, and Rawalpindi divisions fell within the marginal to unfit categories, indicating water quality concerns. In contrast, the indices for other divisions were in the medium class, suggesting suitability for drinking purposes. Scenario analysis for developing mitigation strategies indicated that primary treatment before wastewater disposal could rehabilitate 9% of the study area, followed by secondary (35%) and tertiary (41%) treatments. Microbiological contamination (27%) emerged as the predominant challenge for water supply agencies. Given the current trajectory of water quality deterioration, access to potable water is poised to become a significant public concern. Consequently, government agencies are urged to implement appropriate measures to enhance overall groundwater quality for sustainable development.
Rainfall Pattern Construction Method Based on DTW-HCA and Urban Flood Simulation: A Case Study of Nanchang City, China
Authors: Wu Yuze , Tang Ming , Zhou Zuhao , Chu Junying , Zeng Yanlin , Zhan Mingjin , Xu Wenbin
Published: December 2023

Due to the different design standards of urban drainage and water conservancy facilities, numerous coordination and linkage issues arise when confronting extreme rainfall. In this paper, three clustering methods were used to cluster rainfall events, and the results demonstrate that the dynamic time warping-hierarchical clustering algorithm (DTW-HCA) effectively captures the temporal similarity of time series. Then, the Pilgrim and Cordery rainfall distribution method was utilized to extract the characteristics of eight clusters of rainfall events, and eight kinds of rainfall patterns were obtained. Last, after importing the rainfall patterns into the MIKE model of Qingshan Lake to conduct flood simulations, the impacts of different rainfall patterns on municipal systems and water conservancy systems were assessed by the depth and area of urban waterlogging, as well as the water levels and discharge of rivers. Based on this, three rainfall patterns are proposed as a designed rainfall pattern (DRP), an extreme rainfall pattern for urban drainage facilities verification (ERPUDFV) and an extreme rainfall pattern for water conservancy facilities verification (ERPWCFV), which aim to provide a reference basis for designing region-specific extreme rainfall patterns, as well as the verification of urban drainage and water conservancy facilities.
Effect of Teleconnection Patterns on the Formation of Potential Ecological Flow Variables in Lowland Rivers
Authors: Gurjazkaitė Karolina , Akstinas Vytautas , Meilutytė-Lukauskienė Diana
Published: December 2023

Climate is probably the most important factor affecting river discharge and flow dynamics. Low flows in rivers during the warm period cause stress to aquatic ecosystems and pose a challenge to sustainable water management. Previous research has shown that the average minimum discharge of the 30 driest continuous days, known as Q30, is a suitable measure for ecological flow estimation in Lithuania. This study aims to examine whether large-scale atmospheric processes, so-called teleconnections, can have an impact on Q30 during the warm period. Hydrological data for 1961–2020 from 25 water gauging stations were used to search for hydrological response signals with five selected climate indices (NAO, SCA, POL, EA/WR, and EA). Pearson correlation and Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test approaches were applied. The results suggested that the EA/WR and NAO had the strongest influence on Q30 in the studied region during the warm period. The positive phases of the indices tended to cause a greater decrease in Q30 values due to the prevailing easterly edge of the anticyclonic circulation over the studied region determined by the EA/WR and NAO indices, while the negative phases of the mentioned indices caused an increase and greater dispersion of Q30.
An Extended Quasi−Analytical Algorithm for Retrieving Absorption Coefficient Using 510–620 nm Bands from OLCI and MERIS Satellite Data
Authors: Shi Liangliang , Mao Zhihua , Zhang Yiwei , Wang Zheng , Tu Qianguang
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on deriving the total absorption coefficients based on field measurements and satellite data. An extended quasi−analytical algorithm (QAA−GRI) was developed based on the two in situ datasets collected from inland waters of Lake Qiandaohu (QDH) and oceanic waters of the East China Sea (ECS). The key model between absorption coefficients at 510 nm (a(510)) and green red index (GRI) was established using power function in the extended QAA−GRI algorithm. The results reveal that the extended QAA−GRI algorithm performs better than the original quasi−analytical algorithm (QAA−v5) and Garver–Siegel–Maritorena’s algorithm (GSM), and the red–green quasi−analytical algorithm (QAA−RGR), at least for the two in situ datasets from the ECS and QDH. For QAA−GRI, the averaged mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value of retrieved versus in situ total absorption coefficients is approximately 20%. Subsequently, the extended QAA−GRI algorithm was applied to the OLCI satellite imagery, which is the new successor of MERIS with three specific bands (510, 560, and 620 nm). The implementation of the extended QAA−GRI algorithm on OLCI imagery yielded similar results comparable to that of the QAA−v5 in the ECS region. Furthermore, the application of the algorithm on seasonal and annual MERIS satellite imagery help clarify the combined influences from Yangtze River discharge and coastal currents on the distribution of total absorption in the ECS waters. This study suggests that the extended QAA−GRI algorithm is an alternative for retrieving total absorption coefficient, although it is not recommended for highly turbid waters.
Study of a Tailings Dam Failure Pattern and Post-Failure Effects under Flooding Conditions
Authors: Gao Zhong , Liu Jinpeng , He Wen , Lu Bokai , Wang Manman , Tang Zikai
Published: December 2023

Tailings dams are structures that store both tailings and water, so almost all tailings dam accidents are water related. This paper investigates a tailings dam’s failure pattern and damage development under flood conditions by conducting a 1:100 large-scale tailings dam failure model test. It also simulates the tailings dam breach discharge process based on the breach mode using FLOW-3D software, and the extent of the impact of the dam failure debris flow downstream was derived. Dam failure tests show that the form of dam failure under flood conditions is seepage failure. The damage manifests itself in the form of flowing soil, which is broadly divided into two processes: the seepage stabilization phase and the flowing soil development damage phase. The dam failure test shows that the rate of rise in the height of the dam saturation line is faster and then slower. The order of the saturation line at the dam face is second-level sub-dam, third-level sub-dam, first-level sub-dam, and fourth-level sub-dam. The final failure of the tailings dam is the production of a breach at the top of the dam due to the development of the dam’s fluid damage zone to the dam top. The simulated dam breach release results show that by the time the dam breach fluid is released at 300 s, the area of over mud has reached 95,250 square meters. Local farmland and roads were submerged, and other facilities and buildings would be damaged to varying degrees. Based on the data from these studies, targeted measures for rectifying hidden dangers and preventing dam breaks from both technical and management aspects can be proposed for tailings dams.
The Chemical Nature of Mercury and Copper Sulfides and Its Implication for Bioavailability Assessments in Sediments
Authors: Hsieh Yuch-Ping
Published: December 2023

Sulfur chemistry plays an important role in regulating the bioavailability of heavy metals (HMs) because HM sulfides are extremely insoluble in sediments. However, quantifying HM sulfides in sediments has been difficult because they are considered acid-extractable (AE). Previous studies also found that Hg and Cu behaved differently from other HMs in sediments. This study investigated the chemical nature of Hg and Cu sulfides and the causes of Hg and Cu anomalies in sediments. The results indicated that Hg and Cu sulfides are not mono-sulfides (HS− or S=) but bi-sulfides (S2=), which are non-acid-extractable (NAE) under nitrogen. These results explain the Hg and Cu anomalies compared to other HMs and facilitate a procedure to quantify Hg and Cu sulfides in sediments. We analyzed the AE and NAE fractions of Hg, Cu, and Zn under nitrogen in the sediments of Apalachicola Bay, North Florida. Zn was included for comparison because Zn sulfide is mono-sulfide. The NAE Hg and Cu were, on average, 97.9 ± 2.7% and 84.6%, respectively, of the total, much higher than that of Zn (24.3% of the total) in the sediments, as expected. The NAE fractions of Hg and Cu were sulfides and thus could be excluded from the bioavailability assessments.
Determination of Winter Irrigation Quotas for Corn and Oil Sunflower Considering Crop Salt Tolerance Threshold under Subsurface Pipe Drainage Technology
Authors: Wang Shengjie , Mo Yan , Li Jingling , Xiao Juan , Liu Xinwang
Published: December 2023

Subsurface pipe drainage (SPD) is an important technique for the improvement of saline–alkali lands in China. Winter irrigation after crop harvest is a key measure used in the Yellow River irrigation area in northwest China to reduce soil salinity in the root zone of crops. To optimize winter irrigation under SPD, the calibrated HYDRUS-2D model was utilized in this study to investigate the effects of soil texture (clay loam, silt loam, loam, and sandy loam), initial soil salinity (1, 3, 5 g/kg), and the winter irrigation quotas (80, 100, 120, 150, 180 mm) on the rate of soil desalination. In this study, soil salinity levels during the stable production of common crops such as sunflower and corn in the Yinbei Irrigation District in Ningxia, China, were taken as the thresholds, efficient utilization of irrigation water was considered, and suitable crops and appropriate winter irrigation quotas for different soil textures and levels of soil salinity were proposed. Soil with a salt content of 1~3 g/kg is suitable for the planting of corn with 80 mm of irrigation water. Sandy loam soil with a salt content of 3~5 g/kg is suitable for sunflower–corn intercropping with 120 mm of irrigation water. Sandy loam soil with a salt content exceeding 5 g/kg is suitable for the planting of sunflower with 80 mm of irrigation water. Other types of soils need to be improved by reducing the spacing between subsurface pipes, using desulfurized gypsum, biochar, and other additives. People engaged in agriculture can utilize this research to determine the appropriate volumes of irrigation water, crop types, planting systems, and subsurface pipe parameters based on local conditions.
Utilization of Modified Sunflower Seed as Novel Adsorbent for Nitrates Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Kristek Janković Antonija , Habuda-Stanić Mirna , Dong Huiyu , Tutić Ana , Romić Željka , Ergović Ravančić Maja , Landeka Dragičević Tibela , Šiljeg Mario
Published: December 2023

The food processing waste, sunflower seed shells (SS), were chemically modified and tested as adsorbents for nitrate removal from water and wastewater. Chemical modification of the SS implied a quaternization reaction. Efficiency and mechanisms of nitrate removal from water by modified sunflower seed shells (MSS) were examined using model nitrate solution (MS) and samples of real wastewater (RW) in batch adsorption experiments while the regeneration capacity was tested by fixed bed adsorption column and regeneration experiments. The MSS had the highest nitrate adsorption capacity of 12.98 mg g−1 for model nitrate solution, 12.16 mg g−1 for model wastewater, 13.70 mg g−1 for the wastewater generated by the confectionery industry (CI), and 12.52 mg g−1 for the wastewater generated from the meat industry (MI). Equilibrium data were analyzed, and results demonstrated a better fit for the Freundlich isotherm model, while kinetic models showed that the adsorption has pseudo-second-order kinetics. Adsorption and desorption experiments in fixed bed columns showed good MSS regeneration performances and efficiency after a minimum of three cycles. Lower efficiencies of regenerated MSS were noted when real confectionery and meat industry effluent were treated. Environmental toxicity of nitrate saturated MSS was tested using an acute toxicity test with freshwater plankton Daphnia magna. SS showed very good properties and could be competitive among already known and existing “low-cost” adsorbents as potential adsorbents for nitrate removal from water and wastewater.
Optimization Design of the Elbow Inlet Channel of a Pipeline Pump Based on the SCSO-BP Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Libin , Luo Yin , Shen Zhenhua , Ye Daoxing , Li Zihan
Published: December 2023

A vertical pipeline pump is a type of single-stage, single-suction centrifugal pump with a curved elbow input. The inhomogeneous flow of the impeller inlet coexists with the unique elbow inlet channel, making it simple to generate the inlet vortical secondary flow. This paper aimed to optimize elbow inlet channel performance using a backpropagation (BP) neural network enhanced by the Sand Cat Swarm algorithm. The elbow flow channel’s midline and cross section shapes were fitted with a spline curve, and the parametric model of the curve was then constructed. Nine initial variables were filtered down to four optimization variables using the partial factor two-level (P2) and Plackett-Burman (P-B) experimental designs and multivariate analysis of variance. The sample space was generated by 50 groups of experiment samples, and the Sand Cat Swarm algorithm to optimize the BP (SCSO-BP) neural network and the approximation model of four variables were built. A genetic algorithm (GA) was applied to determine the optimal parameters among the approximate models in the sample space, and the ideal parameter combination of the elbow inlet channel was achieved. The findings demonstrated a strong agreement between the experimental and numerical simulation results. With reduced error fluctuation in inaccuracy and a more consistent fluctuation range, the approximate prediction model based on the optimized Sand Cat Swarm algorithm performed better. The optimized inlet model minimized the impact loss on the inlet wall, improved the velocity distribution uniformity of the inlet impeller, increased the pump efficiency by about 5% and the head by about 7.48% near the design flow, and broadened the efficient region of the pump.
Mechanistic Modeling of the Variability of Methane Emissions from an Artificial Reservoir
Authors: Lomov Victor , Stepanenko Victor , Grechushnikova Maria , Repina Irina
Published: December 2023

The mechanistic model LAKE2.3 was tested for its capability to predict of methane (CH4) emissions from reservoirs. Estimates of CH4 emissions from the Mozhaysk reservoir (Moscow region) provided by the model showed good agreement with instrumental in situ observations for several parameters of the water ecosystem. The average CH4 flux calculated by the model is 37.7 mgC-CH4 m−2 day−1, while according to observations, it is 34.4 mgC-CH4 m−2 day−1. Ebullition makes the largest contribution to the emissions from reservoirs (up to 95%) due to low methane solubility in water and the high oxidation rate of diffusive methane flux. During the heating period, an increase in methane emission is observed both in the model and empirical data, with a maximum before the onset of the autumn overturn. An effective parameter for calibrating the diffusive methane flux in the model is the potential rate of methane oxidation. For ebullition flux, it is the parameter q10 (an empirical parameter determining the relationship between methane generation and temperature) because methane production in bottom sediments is the most important. The results of this research can be used to develop mechanistic models and provide a necessary step toward regional and global simulations of lacustrine methane emission using LAKE2.3.
Do Irrigation Water Requirements Affect Crops’ Economic Values?
Authors: Scatolini Paolo , Vaquero-Piñeiro Cristina , Cavazza Francesco , Zucaro Raffaella
Published: December 2023

The irrigation water requirements of different crops are becoming a pivotal driver for the governance strategies of water allocation and management. This paper estimates the impact of irrigation water requirements on economic value in terms of the yields and gross saleable production of 13 different crops cultivated in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) over the 2010–2020 period by exploiting a generalized propensity score matching approach. Results show that the overall irrigation water requirements affect crops’ economic value. There is a causal effect of water irrigation on economic value: positive only for high levels of water irrigation in the case of yields, while it reverses and assumes a concave shape for gross saleable production. However, the effect is mediated by the irrigation water requirements of different crops. In water scarcity conditions, the allocation of water to arboreal crops, given the effect of water irrigation on gross saleable production, is also positive for small quantities of water. This paper can help guide the design of more sustainable water management strategies and agricultural development policies to face climate change.
Groundwater Responses of Foundation Subjected to Water Level Fluctuation of Reservoir Considering Variability of Layered Structure
Authors: Tang Ruixuan , Wen Tao , Bao Zhenyan , Wang Yankun , Hu Mingyi
Published: December 2023

The effect of the variability in a layered structure, characterized by the spatial variability of the saturated hydraulic conductivity, on the distribution of a pressure head p in a foundation subjected to water level fluctuation in a reservoir is investigated with the aid of the random field theory, Karhunen–Loève (K-L) expansion, first-order moment approach, and cross-correlation analysis. The results show that the variability in the foundation structure has significant impacts on the groundwater response to the reservoir’s water level fluctuations. Regions with relatively large uncertainties of the p and σp values in the foundation are those around the initial water level at the reservoir side, and those at the distal end away from the reservoir. In addition, there is a larger variance of Ks, denoted as σlnKs2, a larger correlation scale in the horizontal direction λh, a larger correlation scale in the vertical direction λv, and a larger one-way time consumption of fluctuations T to a larger uncertainty in p. Moreover, the four factors (σlnKs2, λh, λv, and T) all have positive correlations with σp. σlnKs2 has the largest impact on σp in the foundation, λv has the second largest impact, and λh has the smallest impact. A foundation with small Ks values around the initial water level at the reservoir side and large Ks values around the highest water level at the reservoir side may produce larger p values in the foundation. These results yield useful insight into the effect of the variability in a layered structure on the distribution of the pressure head in a foundation subjected to water level fluctuation in a reservoir.
A Conceptual Model to Quantify the Water Balance Components of a Watershed in a Continuous Permafrost Region
Authors: Lubini Tshumuka Alain , Fuamba Musandji
Published: December 2023

In regions characterized by continuous permafrost, hydrological modeling remains a complex activity, primarily due to constraints related to the prevailing climatic conditions and the specific behavior of the active layer. High-latitude regions receive less solar radiation; thus, most creeks are active only during summertime and stay frozen in the winter. To realistically simulate watersheds underlain by continuous permafrost, the heat transfer through the soil needs to be accounted for in the modeling process. In this study, a watershed located in a continuous permafrost zone in Russia is investigated. A model is proposed to integrate this heat transfer into an existing conceptual rain-flow transformation model, Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV), to calculate the seasonal thaw depth and determine the components of water balance. The proposed integration is a novelty compared to the standard model, as it enables the physical and thermal properties of the soil to be taken into account. It was found that the proposed model, HBV-Heat, performs better than the stand-alone HBV model. Specifically, the average Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) increases by 30% for the whole calibration period. In terms of the water balance components, the results are consistent with previous studies, showing that surface runoff represents 64% of the observed precipitation.
Experience in implementing a new model of a medical organization providing primary health care in The North Caucasus Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Institution «North Caucasus Federal Scientific and Clique Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency», Essentuki, Russia, Ter-Akopov G. N. , Slatvinskaya E. A ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution «North Caucasus Federal Scientific and Clique Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency», Essentuki, Russia, Kaysinova A. S. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution «North Caucasus Federal Scientific and Clique Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency», Essentuki, Russia, Bayburin S. F. ,   Coordination center of the FMBA of Russia for the implementation of the federal project «Development of the system of primary health care», Moscow, Russia, Molyavchikova O. V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution «North Caucasus Federal Scientific and Clique Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency», Essentuki, Russia
Published: December 2023

The article presents the experience of introducing a new model of a medical organization that provides primary health care in the Federal State Budgetary Institution of the SKFNCC of the FMBA of Russia as part of the implementation of the federal project «Development of a system of primary health care.
December 1st — International Neurologist's Day
Authors:   SBHI RR Kerch City Children's Hospital, Rybachok Oksana Aleksandrovna
Published: December 2023

Every person, even not related to medicine, knows that the first day of winter all over the world is the official World AIDS Day. However, few people know that on this day representatives of another medical specialty celebrate their professional holiday. Surely each of us is familiar with the expression “all illnesses come from nerves”, and some have even applied it to themselves. And there is a fair amount of truth in this, since the nervous system, indeed, takes part in the control of almost all life processes. By regulating internal organs, the nervous system takes part in ensuring motor activity and sensitivity, digestion and hematopoiesis, the functioning of secretory glands and urination. The science of the physiological and pathological state of the organs of the nervous system is called neurology, and on December 1, all doctors, representatives of this specialty, celebrate their professional holiday - World Neurologist’s Day.
Application of positron emission tomography in molecular imaging
Authors:   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Trujillo-Yeremenko A.D. , Zavadsky S. P. ,   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University)
Published: December 2023

The authors have conducted an exploratory study in the field of application of positron emission tomography in molecular imaging. The main areas of application of the method and its advantages and limitations are identified and described according to the literature data. Conclusions have been drawn regarding the informative value of the radiation diagnostic method that in one study allows assessing the stage of the disease and obtaining an image of the primary tumor and regional and distant metastases, including previously unforeseen ones, which often radically changes the patient’s management tactics.