Capture Site Research Articles

Visible-light photoreduction of Cr(VI) over CdIn2S4/MOF-808 composites

Although solar-light driven photocatalysis is a promising route to reduce Cr(VI) from wastewater, its challenge is to construct highly efficient and muti-functional photocatalysts. Herein, CdIn2S4 combined with MOF-808 (CIS/MOF-808) composites were prepared for boosting solar-light induced photoreduction of Cr(VI). The close contact between MOF-808 and CdIn2S4 was favorable for the separation and transfer of electron-hole pairs, and provided sufficient vacant sites of Cr(VI) adsorption and photon capture. The removal activity of Cr(VI) over CIS/MOF-808 hybrids was higher than pristine MOF-808 and CdIn2S4. CdIn2S4 content, pH, and inorganic salts affected the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) and the concentration of Cr3+ in aqueous solution. The removal efficiency of Cr(VI) over 4-CIS/MOF with a nominal CdIn2S4 content of 16 wt. % was 95.45 %, and declined to 88.17 % after five cycles. The acidic medium induced to the fast reaction between Cr(VI) and e− to form Cr(III), while deteriorated the metal leaching as well as photo-corrosion to restrain the photocatalytic activity.

Safety and efficacy of very high-power short ablation in superior vena cava isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Backgrounds The superior vena cava (SVC) plays an important role in non-pulmonary vein (PV) foci to trigger atrial fibrillation (AF) and thus are occasionally isolated. A major complication in SVC isolation is phrenic nerve injury, and a shallower ablation depth might be less likely to cause complications. Recently, very high power short ablation (vHPSD) has been demonstrated to be effective in PV isolation. On the other hand, vHPSD has been reported to have shallower depth than the low-power ablation strategies, suggesting concerns about insufficient ablation in thicker myocardial sites. The vHPSD might be effective and safe in SVC isolation thinner than myocardium, however, the details were not elucidated. Purpose This study was aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of vHPSD strategy in SVC isolation, compared retrospectively with low power ablation strategies. Methods Patients with AF who were undergoing first-time SVC isolation were included. An activation map was performed from the SVC to the right atrium during sinus rhythm, and a circumferential isolation line was designed by the CARTO system at a height of 1.5cm above the earliest site. The site and extent of capture of the phrenic nerve by pacing on the circumferentially designed ablation line were recorded. The first step was to perform circumferential ablation except for the sites where the phrenic nerve was captured. If the SVC isolation was completed, the procedure was completed. If the isolation was inadequate, the sites of capture of the phrenic nerve were also ablated. Two groups of patients were analyzed: those performing vHPSD (n=27, vHPSD group) with a power of 90 watts for 3 seconds or those using lower-power (n=20, LP group) limited to 20-40 watts. Results Forty-seven patients who underwent the initial SVC isolation were evaluated. We analyzed all 351 points in the vHPSD group and all 364 points in the LP group with ablation of SVC. No differences were found in the distance of the SVC circumference on the isolation line (vHPSD: 71±10 vs. LPLD: 71±11mm, p=0.95) or the extent of phrenic nerve capture (12±7 vs. 12±9mm, p=0.82). All patients in the vHPSD group were successfully isolated first-pass; the first-pass isolation rate tended to be higher than in the LP group (100% vs. 85%, p=0.07). Differences were observed in temperature rise (49±4 vs. 28±4 degrees, p<0.001) and impedance drop (12±4 vs. 7±5Ω, p<0.001), although there were no differences in the contact force (15±8 vs. 15±7g, p= 0.73). The vHPSD group achieved SVC isolation with a shorter procedure time (9±4 vs. 17±5 min, p<0.001) and fewer ablation points (13±4 vs. 18±4, p<0.001) compared to the LP group. In the vHPSD cases, ATP was administered after isolation, but no dormant conduction was observed. Only in one case in the LP group, transient phrenic nerve injury was observed. Conclusion The vHPSD for SVC isolation might be safe and result in shorter procedure time and fewer ablation points.

Regional Intraspecific Differences of Thermal Biology in a Marsupial Hibernator.

AbstractDuring periods of torpor, hibernators can reduce metabolic rate (MR) and body temperature (Tb) substantially. However, to avoid physiological dysfunction at low temperatures, they defend Tb at a critical minimum, often between ~0°C and 10°C via an increase in MR. Because thermoregulation during torpor requires extra energy, individuals with lower Tb's and thus minimal MR during torpor should be selected in colder climates. Such inter- and intraspecific variations occur in some placental mammals, but for the evolutionary separate marsupials, available information is scarce. Marsupial eastern pygmy possums (Cercartetus nanus; ~22 g body mass), widely distributed along the Australian southeastern coast including subtropical to alpine areas, were used to test the hypothesis that the defended Tb of torpid individuals is related to the climate of their habitat. Possums were captured from five regions, 1,515 km apart, with midwinter (July) minimum environmental temperatures (min Tenv's) ranging from -3.9°C to 6.6°C. Captive possums in deep torpor were slowly cooled with ambient temperature (Ta), while their MR was measured to determine the minimum torpor metabolic rate (TMR), the Ta at which their MR increased for thermoregulation (min Ta), and the corresponding minimum Tb (min Tb). Partial least squares regression analysis revealed that Ta and Tenv were the strongest explanatory variables for the min Tb. The min Tb and Ta were also correlated with latitude but not elevation of the capture sites. However, the best correlations were observed between the min Tenv and the min Tb and Ta for individuals experiencing min ; these individuals thermoconformed to min Ta's between -0.8°C and 3.7°C, and their min Tb ranged from 0.5°C to 6.0°C and was 0.5°C-2.6°C below the min Tenv at the capture site. In contrast, individuals experiencing a min Tenv of -3.9°C regulated Tb at or 4.5°C above the Tenv. The minimum TMR of all possums did not differ with Ta and thus did not differ among populations and was 2.6% of the basal MR. These data provide new evidence that thermal variables of marsupials are subject to regional intraspecific variation. It suggests that min Tb is a function of the min Tenv but only above 0°C, perhaps because the differential for torpid possums in the wild, at a min Tenv of -3.9°C, remains small enough to be compensated by a small increase in MR and does not require the physiological capability for a reduction of Tb below 0°C.

Passive well monitoring systems and carbon, capture and storage (CCS) application

With an increasing number of ageing subsea wells and a tightening of global regulations for well management, assuring well integrity is a key feature of risk management for oil and gas operators. Baker Hughes, in collaboration with Sentinel Subsea, has successfully deployed patented passive well monitoring systems able to detect a range of subsea emissions and alert well owners. This early detection and warning technology harnesses the natural forces and processes of chemistry and physics but does not use any electrical power for the monitoring and detection of fluids. Static mechanical structures and the natural buoyancy of escaping fluids of interest are used to gather fluids in the subsea environment where they are detected chemically using specially developed Triggers. By using fluid-specific Triggers, systems respond only to the fluid(s) of interest, not to other fluids typically encountered around subsea assets. When the target fluid has been detected passively, a coded signal beacon (previously dormant) is mechanically released to the ocean surface using self-buoyancy where an alarm is transmitted via satellite and the responsible party alerted. Systems are currently supporting multiple major and independent operators mitigate the risks associated with subsea wells globally. Based on these experiences, this paper discusses the development process of a passive well integrity monitoring system with application for carbon, capture and storage (CCS) sites.

Irradiation multi-scale damage and interface effects of 3D braided carbon fiber/epoxy composites subjected to high dose γ-rays

The serious damage caused to 3D braided carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy (EP) composites in high-energy irradiation environments is a pressing research topic that has not yet been reported. This study analyzed the γ-irradiation multi-scale damage of the matrix, interfaces, and near-interface regions in 3D braided CF/EP composites with three different braiding angles (18°, 28°, 38°) at atomic, microscopic, and macroscopic scales. The molecular structure and atomic charge information alterations of epoxy matrix were characterized using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS). When the irradiation dose reached 1000 KGy, the compressive strength of composites decreased by 20.88 %, 18.07 %, and 16.60 %, respectively, with an increase in the braiding angle. Micro-CT observation, along with statistical computing, confirmed that irradiation causes interface damage and increases the defect volume of 3D braided composites. Nanoindentation was used to compare the modulus of carbon fiber, interface, near-interface regions and matrix in irradiated composites and the function of CF/resin interface as an irradiation defect capture site in the irradiation resistance of resin-matrix composites has been newly established. In addition, the mechanism behind the effect of braiding angle on macroscopic properties was also analyzed.

Modification of boron nitride aerogels with APTES for enhanced iodine capture performance

Development of effective iodine capture materials and techniques is crucial for addressing the diverse applications of iodine and its significance in various contexts, including nuclear pollution control. This study presents the creation of a new 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-modified boron nitride (BN) aerogel designed for effective iodine capture. The internal structural units of BN aerogel, specifically the one-dimensional BN fibers, have been successfully functionalized with amine groups, resulting in the formation of an amine-rich SiOx capping layer on the surface of these fibers. The APTES modification not only establishes a stable connection within the internal BN fibers network but also imparts the material with a significant number of iodine capture sites. The resulting aerogel demonstrates an impressive iodine vapor capture capacity of 313.64 wt% at 350 K and atmospheric pressure, and up to 1028.96 mg/g in iodine/n-hexane solution, surpassing the capabilities of pure BN aerogel and most existing iodine capture materials. The excellent iodine capture performance of APTES-modified BN aerogel suggests its promising potential for future applications in iodine capture.

Impact of river capture on erosion rates and offshore sedimentation revealed by geological and in situ 10Be cosmogenic data (Corsica, western Mediterranean)

Quantitative analysis of fluvial topography and sediment yield changes are often independently used to detect major river capture events and episodes of drainage reorganization. Here we use a unique set of geological and in situ 10Be cosmogenic data from Corsica, Western Mediterranean, to provide evidence of major river capture events affecting the former Paleo-Ostriconi river catchment during the Pliocene, and to illustrate how the landscape of Corsica is still reacting to the disequilibrium caused by the late Miocene uplift of Alpine Corsica. We found that ∼1280 km2 of basin area originally draining towards the Ligurian Sea were abruptly connected to the Tyrrhenian Sea by the capturing Tavignano and Golo rivers, which led to the formation of a large Pliocene-Quaternary submarine fan offshore the Tyrrhenian coast. The increased sediment yield towards the Tyrrhenian margin after river capture in the Pliocene was three times greater than the average sediment yield in the same source-to-sink system during the Holocene (410±100 t·km−2·a−1 vs ∼131±8 t·km−2·a−1) and greater magnitude than any subsequent peaks in sediment yield during late Pleistocene glaciations. 10Be-derived denudation rates reveal that focused erosion still affects retreating knickpoints near the sites of former river capture in central Corsica, suggesting persistence of landscape disequilibrium for several millions of years. Our results demonstrate the potentially large impact of river capture on the stratigraphic record and highlight the importance of full consideration of landscape response times to onshore disturbances for any reliable interpretation of the offshore sedimentary archive.

Decline in the Conception Rate of Wild Japanese Monkeys after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident

We examined the conception rate of wild Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) in Fukushima City that were exposed to radiation as a result of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011. The conception rate in the year of delivery from 2009 to 2022 was estimated by dissecting individuals that were euthanized by the government for population control as a countermeasure against crop damage. To evaluate the effects of exposure, the cumulative exposure dose for each individual was calculated using the concentration of radiocesium deposited in the soil at the capture site and the concentration of radiocesium in muscle estimated from the aggregated transfer factor. There were no significant differences in conception rates across all age classes over time. In terms of conception rates by age class, there was a significant decrease post-exposure compared with pre-exposure in the age class ≥ 8 years, but no significant differences in the age class 5–7 years. The non-ovulation rate did not significantly differ between the pre- and post-exposure periods for any age class. Body fat index, which can affect fertility, was compared between the pre- and post-exposure periods, and no significant differences were found in either age class. In contrast, the median total cumulative exposure (cumulative internal exposure + cumulative external exposure) was significantly higher in the age class ≥ 8 years compared with the age class 5–7 years. These results suggest that the total cumulative exposure dose may be one of the reasons for the lower conception rate in the post-exposure period among the age class ≥ 8 years.

S-type heterojunction enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2/AgBr/Ag using loofah sponge as template towards ciprofloxacin degradation

Photocatalyst TiO2/AgBr/Ag (TBA) composites using loofah sponge as a template were successfully prepared for the first time. The photocatalytic activities of the TBA composites were evaluated by removing ciprofloxacin (CIP) under visible light. The PDOS shows that the valence band edge of TBA-30 is primarily composed of Ti 3d atom states, with small contributions from O 2p atom states. The conduction band edge is dominated by Ag 4d and O 2p atom states, with minor contributions from Br 4p atom states. TBA-30 composites demonstrate outstanding photocatalytic performance, degrading 87% of the target within 180 min. The degradation rate of CIP decreased to 70.19% after five runs, Furthermore, the TOC removal efficiency of CIP reached 84.2% in the end. CIP intermediates and degradation pathway were determined by GC-MS. Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectra (3D EEM) were used to study the degradation of CIP molecules. Trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) characterisation identified superoxide (·O2-) and photogenerated holes (h+) as the primary active radicals. Furthermore, formed S-type heterojunction and Ag as the electron capture site enhanced the separation efficiency of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. The DFT calculation was used to study the electron transport performance of TBA-30 by calculating the charge density difference.

Geographical distribution and species variation of gut microbiota in small rodents from the agro-pastoral transition ecotone in northern China.

The gut microbiota of rodents is essential for survival and adaptation and is susceptible to various factors, ranging from environmental conditions to genetic predispositions. Nevertheless, few comparative studies have considered the contribution of species identity and geographic spatial distance to variations in the gut microbiota. In this study, a random sampling survey encompassing four rodent species (Apodemus agrarius, Cricetulus barabensis, Tscherskia triton and Rattus norvegicus) was conducted at five sites in northern China's farming-pastoral ecotone. Through a cross-factorial comparison, we aimed to discern whether belonging to the same species or sharing the same capture site predominantly influences the composition of gut microbiota. Notably, the observed variations in microbiome composition among these four rodent species match the host phylogeny at the family level but not at the species level. The gut microbiota of these four rodent species exhibited typical mammalian characteristics, predominantly characterized by the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla. As the geographic distance between populations increased, the number of shared microbial taxa among conspecific populations decreased. We observed that within a relatively small geographical range, even different species exhibited convergent α-diversity due to their inhabitation within the same environmental microbial pool. In contrast, the composition and structure of the intestinal microbiota in the allopatric populations of A. agrarius demonstrated marked differences, similar to those of C. barabensis. Additionally, geographical environmental elements exhibited significant correlations with diversity indices. Conversely, host-related factors had minimal influence on microbial abundance. Our findings indicated that the similarity of the microbial compositions was not determined primarily by the host species, and the location of the sampling explained a greater amount of variation in the microbial composition, indicating that the local environment played a crucial role in shaping the microbial composition.

OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE THE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF CO2 USE PROJECTS

Against the background of structural problems of the oil and gas industry, an increase in the share of hard-to-recover reserves, an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, and an unstable macroeconomic situation, the issue of improving the efficiency of field development, both from a technological and economic point of view, is acute. The results of the studies show that without the use of modern methods of improving oil recovery, maintaining stable production levels across the industry is becoming more difficult. Today, the efficiency of oil extraction by the main development methods is considered unsatisfactory, given the growing global consumption of petroleum products.Over the years, global interest in enhanced oil recovery has increased, and research is underway to find a scientifically sound approach to selecting the most efficient oil field development technologies.Despite the large number of experiments and the accumulated practical experience in using enhanced oil recovery methods, there is currently a wide gap between the needs of oil field stakeholders and the supply of services to implement these methods.Environmental issues are also important. Significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and the need for their disposal suggest the search for optimal ways to use them. Reducing СО2 emissions is a complex process involving capturing it in industrial plants, transporting it from capture sites to use sites, and locating it in geological sites.The subject of the study is to assess the feasibility of using СО2 as a method of increasing oil recovery.The article presents the results of a technical and economic assessment of the feasibility of using СО2 in an injection agent to improve oil recovery using the example of one of the fields in the West Siberian oil and gas province. The assessment showed that from a technological point of view, it is advisable to use the method, additional oil production is 3–7 %. However, additional tax incentives are required for interventions to become economically effective, as the interventions are highly capital intensive. The authors proposed an incentive option to ensure a positive economic effect, as well as to avoid a decrease in tax revenues compared to the basic option with water injection.

Experimental investigation of integrated CO2 capture and conversion to syngas via calcium looping coupled with dry reforming of CH4

Calcium looping integrated with dry reforming of CH4 is a promising strategy for CO2 capture and in situ conversion to syngas. This intensified process is usually conducted with bifunctional materials that combine CO2 capture (CaO) and catalytic (Ni) active sites. Herein, the integrated calcium looping/dry reforming process was examined by investigating various bifunctional materials and operating conditions. The Ni loading of materials affected the interaction between active and inert phases, while adding a CaZrO3 promoter enhanced the CO2 capture and catalytic activities and the resistance toward sintering. Conducting experiments with a fluidized bed reactor (700 °C, 3% CH4 in feed) led to nearly complete CH4 conversion and ∼52% utilization of captured CO2 toward syngas production with steady H2/CO ratio close to unity. Temperature comprised a decisive parameter, with low values enabling high degrees of CO2 conversion up to ∼80%. The increase of CH4 concentration in the gas feedstock enhanced the rate of calcination and the conversion of CO2 over its desorption in the gas phase. Co-feeding O2 with CH4 was proposed to mitigate the energy demand, which reduced the reforming selectivity for the partial oxidation reaction and increased the H2/CO ratio of syngas.

Atomically isolated Sb(CN)3 on sp2-c-COFs with balanced hydrophilic and oleophilic sites for photocatalytic C-H activation.

Activation of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds is of utmost importance for the synthesis of vital molecules. Toward achieving efficient photocatalytic C-H activation, our investigation revealed that incorporating hydrophilic C≡N-Sb(CN)3 sites into hydrophobic sp2 carbon-conjugated covalent organic frameworks (sp2-c-COFs) had a dual effect: It simultaneously enhanced charge separation and improved generation of polar reactive oxygen species. Detailed spectroscopy measurements and simulations showed that C≡N-Sb(CN)3 primarily functioned as water capture sites, which were not directly involved in photocatalysis. However, the potent interaction between water molecules and the Sb(CN)3-modified framework notably enhanced charge dynamics in hydrophobic sp2-c-COFs. The reactive species ·O2- and ·OH (ad) subsequently combined with benzyl radical, leading to the formation of benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, and lastly benzyl benzoate. Notably, the Sb(CN)3-modified sp2-c-COFs exhibited a 54-fold improvement in reaction rate as compared to pristine sp2-c-COFs, which achieved a remarkable 68% conversion rate for toluene and an 80% selectivity for benzyl benzoate.

New Insights in Lifetime Migrations of Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga, Bonnaterre, 1788) between the Southwest Indian and the Southeast Atlantic Oceans Using Otolith Microchemistry

To clarify potential trans-oceanic connectivity and variation in the natal origin of albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) from the southwest Indian Ocean (SWI) and the southeast Atlantic (SA), lifetime otolith elemental signatures were assessed from 46 adults sampled from Reunion Island, and 26 juveniles(group 2+) sampled from two locations along the Atlantic coast of South Africa. LA-ICP-MS analysis was used to assess the multi-elemental composition in B, Ba, Mg, P, Sr, and Zn along the otolith edge (chemical signatures of the capture area), but also near the otolith primordium (spawning origin) and in an area located at 1400–1600 µm from it (nursery origin). Two groups of distinct near-primordium multi-elemental signatures, denoting potentially discrete spawning origins (SpO), were identified using hierarchical clustering. Each of the two SpO was found to contribute to the albacore stocks from all the areas sampled, suggesting a common spawning origin in some fish from the SWI and from the SA, and complex migrations between the two oceans. Three potentially discrete primary nursery sites were identified, each contributing to SA juvenile and SWI adult capture sites differently. The timing for the trans-oceanic movements observed for each albacore capture zone and its implications for local stock management are discussed.

Morphological variation of the European Pond Turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus 1758), on the island of Menorca

The European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a widely distributed species in Menorca (Balearic Islands,western Mediterranean) and it likely was introduced in historical times. In this study, we evaluated sexual dimorphismand morphological variation of E. orbicularis on the island from a sample of 455 individuals captured at ten surveysites. In these individuals, we measured seven linear traits related to body size. In addition, we measured two shapedescriptors (carapace and plastron shape) and iris and plastral coloration. The results showed very pronounced sexualdimorphism, with females being larger than males and also having longer and broader plastra with higher carapaces.The site of capture had significant effects on carapace, plastral shape, and coloration. Both males and females had darkorlight-colored plastra, but some males had almost completely dark plastra (to 99% dark), whereas in females, themaximum extent of black plastra was lower (79%). The sexes also differed in iridal chromatic attributes, with femalesmore frequently having yellow and males having red or orange irises. However, this was not diagnostic of sexual identity,as 13% of females had red irises and 15% of males had yellow irises.

Regulating CHO* intermediate pathway towards the significant acceleration of photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CH4 through rGO-coated ultrafine Pd nanoparticles

Tailoring catalytic reaction pathways by using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to tune the electron-hole separation channels in the active sites of noble metals for achieving ideal yield and selectivity in photocatalytic CO2 reduction of hydrocarbon fuels remains a challenge. Herein, ternary catalyst of rGO-coated SnO2-supported noble metal Pd nanoparticles (Pd4/SnO2@rGO) has been prepared by coassembly between negatively charged graphene oxide and positively charged Pd nanoparticles. By coating with ultrathin rGO, the selectivity can be shifted from CO (44.69 % for Pd4/SnO2) toward CH4 as the prevalent species, in which the Pd nanoparticles acted as catalytic sites and electron capture sites. The rGO coating reduced the recombination of the photogenerated carriers as well as optimized the band gap and reduction potential of the catalyst. The in situ spectroscopic tests and density functional theory calculations revealed that CO2 adsorbed on Pd nanoparticles selectively formed dominant low-energy CHO* intermediates because of the generation of HCOOH* intermediates, thus providing a unique reaction pathway for the reduction of CO2 to CH4. Therefore, under sunlight irradiation, the CH4 selectivity of the catalyst is enhanced to 94.1 % with a production rate of up to 77.8 μmol·g−1·h−1. This work demonstrated the prospect to tune the electronic structure of Pd using rGO, which provided a strategy for enhancing the carbon dioxide reduction reaction and selectively obtaining CH4 products in photocatalytic systems.

High capacity and selective adsorption of Congo red by cellulose-based aerogel with mesoporous structure: Adsorption properties and statistical data simulation

Large quantities of organic dyes are discharged into the environment, causing serious damage to the ecosystem. Therefore, it is urgent to develop inexpensive adsorbents to remove organic dyes. A novel cellulose-based aerogel (MPPA) with 3D porous structure was prepared by using cassava residue (cellulose) as basic construction blocks, doping ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) for magnetic separation, and applying polyethyleneimine (PEI) as functional material for highly efficient and selective capture of Congo red (CR). MPPA exhibited porous network structure, numerous active capture sites, nontoxicity, high hydrophilicity, and excellent thermal stability. MPPA showed superior adsorption property for CR, with an equilibrium adsorption capacity of 2018.14 mg/g, and still had an adsorption property of 1189.31 mg/g after five recycling procedures. In addition, MPPA has excellent selectivity for CR in four binary dye systems. The adsorption behavior of MPPA on CR was further explored using a multilayer adsorption model, EDR-IDR hybrid model and AOAS model. Electrostatic potential and independent gradient models were used to further verify the possible interaction between MPPA and CR molecules. In conclusion, MPPA is a promising adsorbent in the field of treating anionic dyes.

Hematological analysis as a method of monitoring physiological status of medium carnivorous mammals in the Russian Far East

Clinical blood analysis is considered not only a method of assessing the health status of individuals, but also their fitness and welfare, although the interpretation of the obtained data is complicated by the combined influence of various factors. For most wild carnivore species, there is insufficient information about the effect of environmental factors on hematological parameters. Mammals in the Far East are exposed to hard seasonal climate changes, and therefore have physiological adaptations that enable them to survive the cold season. The aim of this study was to estimate the hematological parameters of three widespread species of medium carnivorous mammals in this region, namely Meles leucurus amurensis, Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura, and Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis, taking into account such factors as sex, age and season in the Ussuriisky State Nature Reserve (Russia), as well as to identify the most informative blood indicators of the animal physiological status. In spring and autumn of 2014–2023, blood samples were collected from 103 individuals of the studied carnivores. The animals were captured, immobilised, blood-sampled and released in the wild at the capture site. The number of leucocytes was counted in the field, and their ratio was detected on the blood smears in the lab. The absence of sex differences and the presence of age differences in the studied species were revealed, which corresponds to the already known data on the parameters of mammalian blood. In spring, Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis had higher leucocyte count (14.77 ± 1.76 mln/ml and 12.33 ± 1.08 mln/ml (hereinafter, in spring vs. autumn, respectively)), the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (4.87 ± 0.47 and 3.02 ± 0.28), and the percentage of segmented neutrophils (73.12 ± 1.77% and 62.95 ± 2.29%), and the lower percentage of lymphocytes (20.35 ± 1.45% and 25.64 ± 1.49%) compared to autumn. Similar blood patterns were observed in two other species. This may be the result of a decrease in body mass and poor condition of animals, i.e. physiological stress after a long winter period and a lack of food resources. In addition, Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis had higher percentages of eosinophils, basophils, and band neutrophils (7.85 ± 1.61%, 3.69 ± 1.26%, 2.15 ± 0.34%, respectively) than Meles leucurus amurensis (2.55 ± 1.09%, 0.45 ± 0.17%, 0.55 ± 0.18%, respectively) and Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura (1.48 ± 0.59%, 0.30 ± 0.16%, 1.74 ± 0.47%, respectively). These differences are probably determined by the biological characteristics of Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis, since this species is an ideal host and carrier of various diseases, and it also has specific morphological features of blood cells. Thus, our results demonstrate the importance of systematic blood tests and the necessity of considering both species-specific characteristics and environmental factors for assessing animal health.

Contribution to ecological environmental factors and the occurrence of haemosporidians in birds in Zhongar Alatau National Park, Kazakhstan

In addition to the presence of a suitable host and vector, the prevalence of haemosporidians is influenced by several important factors, including the environmental conditions of the habitat, which depend on broader geographic characteristics. The aim of this study is to perform a preliminarily assessment of the distribution of blood parasites in birds from the mountainous area of Zhongar Alatau NP and to find potential new sites for research on their ecology in Kazakhstan. The results of this research constitute the first report on the occurrence of blood parasites from this area. A total of 58 birds, from the order Passeriformes and one individual from the order Caprimulgiformes, were examined during the study. The overall prevalence of infections caused by haemosporidian parasites (Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon) was 18.6%. Neither the genus Plasmodium nor the presence of trypanosomes and microfilariae was detected in the birds examined. Three birds (5.1% prevalence) were infected with parasites of the genus Haemoproteus, in all eleven positive birds the analyses showed the presence of parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon (18.6% prevalence). The presence of parasites genus Haemoproteus was detected only in birds that were also infected with Leucocytozoon parasites. More infections with parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon are predicted due to the higher altitude and ecological factors at the capture sites, which are more favourable for the development of vectors of this genus. The species Haemoproteus majoris was detected in the host Emberiza cioides and species Haemoproteus minutus in host Turdus merula. Other species of this genus in the hosts Cyanistes cyanus and Turdus atrogularis were not determined. The species Leucocytozoon fringilinarum was detected in the hosts Cyanistes cyanus and Parus major, Leucocytozoon dubreuili was detected in Turdus atrogularis and Turdus merula. In the other host species Aegithalos caudatus, Emberiza cioides and Periparus aterus, it was not possible to dermine the species of the genus Leucocytozoon.

Iraqi household cockroaches collected from Diyala Province are potential vectors of medically-important parasites

Household cockroaches constitute a significant public health threat due to their capacity of transmitting medically-important parasites and other pathogens. The role of Iraqi household cockroaches as potential vectors of medically-important parasites was evaluated in the present study. Fifty cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) were collected from different dwelling places of Baquba City, Diyala Province during the period from October to December 2022. The contents of their guts and external body surfaces were examined for the presence of medically-important parasites. The overall prevalence rate of parasitic infestation on the external body surfaces was 60.0%, while the overall prevalence rate of parasitic infection in the guts was 56.0%. Based on capture sites, cockroaches trapped in the toilets had more parasites than those caught from kitchens and rooms. Four species of medically important parasites were isolated from the external body surfaces of the cockroaches; three species were identified as protozoa and only one species was helminth. The protozoan parasites were identified as Blastocystis spp. (36.0%), Giardia spp. (14.0%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (4.0%). In addition, five species of medically important parasites were isolated from the gut contents; four species were identified as protozoa and only one species was helminth. The protozoan parasites were identified as Blastocystis spp. (24.0%), Giardia spp. (10.0%), Cryptosporidium spp. (8.0%), and Entamoeba histolytica/ E. dispar (2.0%). Enterobius vermicularis was the only helminth parasite isolated from both gut contents (2.0%) and external body surfaces (2.0%). In conclusion, the results showed that cockroaches were found to harbor intestinal parasites of public health importance and awareness on the potential role of these insects in the transmission of human intestinal parasites needs to be established