Decrease In Sedimentation Rate Research Articles

Nature‐based shoreline protection in newly formed tidal marshes is controlled by tidal inundation and sedimentation rate

AbstractMany tidal marshes have been lost by past land use changes, but are nowadays increasingly restored and created to provide valuable ecosystem services such as nature‐based flood and erosion protection along estuarine shorelines. To be functional for flood and shoreline erosion protection, restored and created tidal marshes should develop erosion resistant sediment beds. Here, we investigated which factors drive the spatial variations in sediment strength and erosion resistance in a developing tidal marsh restoration site. Our results show that decreasing tidal inundation frequency, decreasing sedimentation rate, and better drainage led to stronger consolidation in deeper sediment layers. This consolidation resulted in greater sediment strength, quantified here by shear strength and penetration resistance. Generally, sediment strength was greater when sediment had higher bulk density, while a higher water and fine fraction (= clay and silt) content decreased sediment strength. Overall, all measurement locations were relatively erosion resistant, likely caused by the dense root network and cohesive sediment. To restore or create resilient tidal marshes for nature‐based flood and shoreline erosion protection, we should thus aim for sites with relatively low tidal inundation frequency, moderate sedimentation rates, and cohesive sediment mixtures of clay, silt, and sand, which are well drained and have potential for vegetation establishment. These conditions have a high likelihood of resulting in restored or created tidal marshes that contribute to nature‐based flood and shoreline erosion protection.

Miocene climate cooling and aridification of Antarctica may have enhanced syn-extensional magmatism in the western Ross Sea

Continental rift systems are commonly characterized by volcanism with parental basaltic magmas sourced from the mantle. Erosion of the rift shoulders and sedimentation in the adjacent basins can affect the stress and thermal fields at depth, thereby affecting partial mantle melting. However, the sensitivity of magmatic activity to such surface forcing is elusive. Geological observations from the western Ross Sea, Antarctica, suggest rift onset in the Cretaceous with a transition from wide-rifting to narrow-rifting at the boundary between the Antarctic craton and the Transantarctic Mountains. Miocene climate cooling during rifting in the western Ross Sea, in addition, leads to an abrupt decrease in sedimentation rate, synchronous to the emplacement of the McMurdo Volcanic Group. This represents the largest alkali province worldwide, extending both inland and offshore of Transantarctic Mountains and western Ross Sea, respectively. Here, we use coupled thermo-mechanical and landscape evolution numerical modeling to quantify melt production in slowly stretching rift basins due to changes in erosion/deposition rates. The model combines visco-elasto-plastic deformation of the lithosphere and underlying mantle during extension, partial rock melting, and linear hillslope diffusion of the surface topography. The parametric study covers a range of slow extension rates, crustal thicknesses, mantle potential temperatures and diffusion coefficients. Numerical simulations successfully reproduce the ∼150–200-km-wide extension of western Ross Sea and Miocene-to-present asthenospheric melt production (McMurdo Volcanic Group). Results further show that slow rifts magmatism is highly sensitive to sediment deposition within the basin, which inhibits mantle decompression melting and delays the crustal breakup. Regional climate-driven sedimentation rate changes are thus likely to have affected the syn-rift magmatic history of the western Ross Sea, Antarctica, supporting the relevance of interactions between surface and deep-seated processes across extensional settings.

Efficacy and safety of levilimab in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Evaluation in real clinical practice of the effectiveness and safety of levilimab therapy in patients with highly and moderately active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A prospective observational study (6 months) involving 35 patients with RA (29 women and 6 men, mean age 53.17±13.2 years) who were treated at the Ochapovsky Regional Clinic Hospital of Krasnodar Region. All patients included in the study were prescribed the drug levilimab (Ilsira). After 1 month of observation, there was a decrease in the clinical and laboratory activity of the process in the form of a decrease in the number of painful joints - 17.0 (14.0; 20.0) vs 8.0 (6.0; 10.0); p=0.000001, number of swollen joints - 3.0 (2.0; 4.0) vs 0.0 (0.0; 0.0); p=0.000002, reduction in pain intensity according to visual analog scale - 60.0 (60.0; 70.0) mm vs 30.0 (20.0; 40.0) mm (p=0.000001). Also, by the end of the first month of therapy, there was a decrease in clinical activity indices DAS28-ESR by 43%, SDAI by 60%, CDAI by 55%. Positive dynamics of laboratory parameters were noted - a decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate by 76%, a decrease in C-reactive protein level by 98%. By the 6th month of therapy, a decrease in RF by 36% and ACCP by 11% was recorded, but the dynamics of these indicators did not reach statistical significance. By the end of 4 weeks of treatment, 24 (68.6%) patients showed an increase in the level of total blood cholesterol - 5.1 (3.91; 6.0) mmol/L vs 6.1 (4.99; 7.07) mmol/L (p=0.000006), while 11 (45.8%) patients from this group had initially elevated cholesterol levels (6.4±0.6 mmol/L). In 5 (14.3%) patients, an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was recorded in the 4th week - 17.0 (11.0; 25.0) U/L vs 32.0 (22.0; 43.0) U/L (p=0.000062) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) - 19.0 (14.0; 24.0) U/L vs 25.0 (18.0; 36.0) U/L (p=0.000171), in 1 (2.85%) of the patient, an increase in ALT and AST above normal was noted (ALT 144 U/L, AST 52 U/L), which required discontinuation of levilimab. In 2 (5.7%) patients, by the end of the 4th week a decrease in the absolute number of neutrophils was registered - 3.2 (2.6; 4.0)×10E9/L vs 2.3 (2.0; 2.5)×10E9/L (p=0.002), which did not require discontinuation of treatment, since the number of cells remained more than 1×10E9/L. During treatment with levilimab 162 mg subcutaneously once a week, the proportion of patients taking prednisolone decreased from 46% at the start of therapy to 11% at the end of 6 months of therapy. Levilimab is a highly effective drug for the treatment of patients with highly and moderately active RA and has a favorable tolerability and safety profile.

Pliocene–Pleistocene warm-water incursions and water mass changes on the Ross Sea continental shelf (Antarctica) based on foraminifera from IODP Expedition 374

Abstract. International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 374 sailed to the Ross Sea in 2018 to reconstruct paleoenvironments, track the history of key water masses, and assess model simulations that show warm-water incursions from the Southern Ocean led to the loss of marine-based Antarctic ice sheets during past interglacials. IODP Site U1523 (water depth 828 m) is located at the continental shelf break, northeast of Pennell Bank on the southeastern flank of Iselin Bank, where it lies beneath the Antarctic Slope Current (ASC). This site is sensitive to warm-water incursions from the Ross Sea Gyre and modified Circumpolar Deep Water (mCDW) today and during times of past warming climate. Multiple incursions of subpolar or temperate planktic foraminifera taxa occurred at Site U1523 after 3.8 Ma and prior to ∼ 1.82 Ma. Many of these warm-water taxa incursions likely represent interglacials of the latest Early Pliocene and Early Pleistocene, including Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) Gi7 to Gi3 (∼ 3.72–3.65 Ma), and Early Pleistocene MIS 91 or 90 (∼ 2.34–2.32 Ma) and MIS 77–67 (∼ 2.03–1.83 Ma) and suggest warmer-than-present conditions and less ice cover in the Ross Sea. However, a moderately resolved age model based on four key events prohibits us from precisely correlating with Marine Isotope Stages established by the LR04 Stack; therefore, these correlations are best estimates. Diatom-rich intervals during the latest Pliocene at Site U1523 include evidence of anomalously warm conditions based on the presence of subtropical and temperate planktic foraminiferal species in what likely correlates with interglacial MIS G17 (∼ 2.95 Ma), and a second interval that likely correlates with MIS KM3 (∼ 3.16 Ma) of the mid-Piacenzian Warm Period. Collectively, these multiple incursions of warmer-water planktic foraminifera provide evidence for polar amplification during super-interglacials of the Pliocene and Early Pleistocene. Higher abundances of planktic and benthic foraminifera during the Mid- to Late Pleistocene associated with interglacials of the MIS 37–31 interval (∼ 1.23–1.07 Ma), MIS 25 (∼ 0.95 Ma), MIS 15 (∼ 0.60 Ma), and MIS 6–5e transition (∼ 0.133–0.126 Ma) also indicate a reduced ice shelf and relatively warm conditions, including multiple warmer interglacials during the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT). A decrease in sedimentation rate after ∼ 1.78 Ma is followed by a major change in benthic foraminiferal biofacies marked by a decrease in Globocassidulina subglobosa and a decrease in mud (< 63 µm) after ∼ 1.5 Ma. Subsequent dominance of Trifarina earlandi biofacies beginning during MIS 15 (∼ 600 ka) indicate progressive strengthening of the Antarctic Slope Current along the shelf edge of the Ross Sea during the mid to Late Pleistocene. A sharp increase in foraminiferal fragmentation after the MPT (∼ 900 ka) and variable abundances of T. earlandi indicate higher productivity, a stronger but variable ASC during interglacials, and/or corrosive waters, suggesting changes in water masses entering (mCDW) and exiting (High Salinity Shelf Water or Dense Shelf Water) the Ross Sea since the MPT.

The Late Holocene deglaciation of James Ross Island, Antarctic Peninsula: OSL and 14C-dated multi-proxy sedimentary record from Monolith Lake

Lentic waterbodies provide terrestrial sedimentary archives of palaeoenvironmental change in deglaciated areas of the Antarctic. Knowledge of the long-term evolution of Antarctic palaeoenvironments affords important context to the current marked impacts of climate change in the Polar regions. Here, we present a comprehensively dated, multi-proxy sedimentary record from Monolith Lake, a distal proglacial lake in one of the largest ice-free areas of the Antarctic Peninsula region. Of the two defined sedimentary units in the cores studied, the lower Unit 1 exhibits a homogeneous composition and unvarying proxy data profiles, suggesting rapid clastic deposition under uniform, ice-proximal conditions with a sedimentation rate of ∼1 mm yr−1. 14C and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating bracket the deposition interval to 1.5–2.5 ka BP, with the older age being more probable when compared to independent dating of the local deglaciation. The uppermost 11 cm of the record spans the last ∼2.2 ka BP (maximum age), suggesting a markedly decreased sedimentation rate of ∼0.05 mm yr−1 within Unit 2. Whereas Unit 1 shows only scarce evidence of biological activity, Unit 2 provides an uninterrupted record of diatoms (with 29 species recorded) and faunal subfossils, including the fairy shrimp Branchinecta gaini. Concentrations of organically-derived elements, as well as diatoms and faunal remains, are consistent, implying a gradual increase in lake productivity. These results provide an example of long-term Antarctic ‘greening’ (i.e. increasing organic productivity in terrestrial habitats) from a palaeolimnological perspective. The boundary between Units 1 and 2, therefore, marks the timing of local deglaciation at the final stages of a period of negative glacier mass balance, i.e. the Mid-Late Holocene Hypsithermal. Subsequent Neoglacial cooling is evidenced by the abated influence of glacial meltwater streams and turbidity decline linked to reduced glacier runoff, although most proxy responses mirror the natural proglacial lake ontogeny.

Palaeogeographic heterogeneity of large-amplitude changes in marine sedimentation rates during the Carnian Pluvial Episode (Late Triassic)

Major environmental changes marked the Carnian (Late Triassic), including global warming and enhanced hydrological cycling linked to multiple carbon cycle perturbations. These perturbations occurred in an interval called the Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE), between the Julian 1–Julian 2 boundary and the base of the Tuvalian 2 (late early to middle late Carnian). The CPE is linked to pronounced changes in terrestrial and marine sedimentary basins, with abrupt switches in the sedimentation style and a widespread crisis of carbonate systems. In this study, we have quantified changes in sedimentation rate and the relative variations in sedimentation rate through well age-constrained successions spanning the CPE in different marine basins. Relative to background (pre-CPE) Julian 1 values, during the CPE interval sedimentation rates rose by 142%–3400% in the Julian 2, and then decreased in the Tuvalian 1 in the marine sequences of Western Tethys and Panthalassa. By contrast, in the successions of Eastern Tethys sedimentation rates dropped by 50%–100% across the CPE interval. In the Western Tethys, the high increases in sedimentation rates were coupled with a shift from prevailing carbonate to siliciclastic sedimentation, but a similar lithological shift is associated with a decrease in sedimentation rates in Eastern Tethys. In Panthalassa, higher Julian 2 sedimentation rates can be linked to mineralogical and geochemical evidence of increased input of aeolian dust under arid environmental conditions. The heterogenous changes in sedimentation rate across different basins/regions during the CPE interval indicate that sedimentation was likely controlled by the interplay of different, sometimes local phenomena such as synsedimentary tectonism, sea-level oscillations and climate. However, they could ultimately be related to palaeogeographically different responses to the pronounced environmental changes implied by the Carnian carbon cycle perturbations.

Archive for the East Australian Current: carbonate contourite depositional system on the Marion Plateau, Northeast Australia

The modern East Australian Current (EAC) sweeps across the Marion Plateau, forming a widespread contourite depositional system. The history of the EAC is recorded in the contourite drifts that have evolved through time as topographic, sea level, and oceanographic changes have influenced the current flow. During the Miocene, five isolated carbonate platforms on the Marion Plateau formed obstacles for the EAC, leading to the development of a complex contourite drift system in which drift types and non-depositional/erosional features transition laterally and temporally because of continuously evolving platform-current interactions. The significant topographic changes are caused by two episodes of platform drowning in the Middle and Late Miocene. We reinterpreted 2D seismic, well, and core data from ODP Legs 133 and 194 and updated the ages of the seismic sequences. The updated ages enable the reconstruction of the evolution of the EAC since the Miocene. The influence of the EAC in the study area began at 13.5 Ma, with five significant phases of change identified by shifts in contourite drifts' geometry and thickness. During the first phase (13.5 Ma – 11 Ma), strong currents carried sediment across platforms and deposited as periplatform drifts (Marion Drift B6), previously identified as a lowstand platform. In Phase 2 (11 Ma – 7 Ma), strong EAC caused the formation of Marion Drift C, characterized by thick, confined, and elongated mounded drifts separated by the wide moats and a marginal valley along the drowned Northern Marion Platform. At 7.5 Ma, a major re-arrangement of the contourite depositional system documents the influence of EAC across the drowned platforms. The subsequent Marion Drift D smoothed out some of the antecedent topography. However, the Marion Reef and Southern Marion Platform still presented obstacles to the EAC, leading to the deposition of multi-crested drifts. Phase 4 (5.7 Ma – 3.3 Ma) is marked by decreased sedimentation rates, possibly due to sea level fall at Mi-7 and the restriction of the Indonesian Throughflow. The youngest and currently active depositional phase began at around 3.3 Ma with a change in drift geometry from multi-crested to elongated mounded, coinciding with the onset of the Northern Hemisphere Glaciation and further reduction of the Indonesian Throughflow.

Colchicine is an effective therapeutic agent in erosive hand osteoarthritis

Background/Aim: The efficacy of colchicine has been assessed in hand osteoarthritis; however, no studies have investigated its use in the more severe subtype of hand osteoarthritis, known as erosive hand osteoarthritis (EHOA). This retrospective cohort study investigated whether colchicine therapy could provide symptomatic relief and improve inflammation markers in patients with EHOA. Methods: The study included a total of 43 EHOA patients using colchicine (2×0.5 mg) + paracetamol (3×500 mg) daily (colchicine group) and 43 EHOA patients using only paracetamol (3×500 mg) (standard therapy group). Both groups were evaluated for various parameters. Results: The groups were similar in terms of age, sex distribution, and other sociodemographic variables. The decreases in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels from baseline were significantly greater in the colchicine group (P<0.001). Additionally, the visual analog scale (VAS) and Australian Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN) scores, which include pain, stiffness, function, and total score, were significantly better in the colchicine group at 3 months compared to the standard therapy group (P<0.001). Furthermore, although both groups showed significant improvements in these parameters, the amount of improvement was significantly greater in the colchicine group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The combined use of colchicine and paracetamol improved CRP and ESR levels, VAS score, and all AUSCAN scores in patients with EHOA. Moreover, these benefits were significantly greater than standard therapy with paracetamol alone. Colchicine appears to be an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of EHOA.

Assessing global-scale organic matter reactivity patterns in marine sediments using a lognormal reactive continuum model

Abstract. Organic matter (OM) degradation in marine sediments is largely controlled by its reactivity and profoundly affects the global carbon cycle. Yet, there is currently no general framework that can constrain OM reactivity on a global scale. In this study, we propose a reactive continuum model based on a lognormal distribution (l-RCM), where OM reactivity is fully described by parameters μ (the mean reactivity of the initial OM bulk mixture) and σ (the variance of OM components around the mean reactivity). We use the l-RCM to inversely determine μ and σ at 123 sites across the global ocean. The results show that the apparent OM reactivity (〈k〉=μ⋅exp⁡(σ2/2)) decreases with decreasing sedimentation rate (ω) and that OM reactivity is more than 3 orders of magnitude higher in shelf than in abyssal regions. Despite the general global trends, higher than expected OM reactivity is observed in certain ocean regions characterized by great water depth or pronounced oxygen minimum zones, such as the eastern–western coastal equatorial Pacific and the Arabian Sea, emphasizing the complex control of the depositional environment (e.g., OM flux, oxygen content in the water column) on benthic OM reactivity. Notably, the l-RCM can also highlight the variability in OM reactivity in these regions. Based on inverse modeling results in our dataset, we establish the significant statistical relationships between 〈k〉 and ω and further map the global OM reactivity distribution. The novelty of this study lies in its unifying view but also in contributing a new framework that allows predicting OM reactivity in data-poor areas based on readily available (or more easily obtainable) information. Such a framework is currently lacking and limits our abilities to constrain OM reactivity in global biogeochemical or Earth system models.

Method of 210Pb geochronological to estimate sedimentation rate in water reservoir in the Brazilian semiarid region

Dams are important reservoirs in semiarid regions providing the needs of the population and agricultural activities in an area in which intermittent rivers predominate. These reservoirs are subject to erosion processes that can cause sedimentation and affect the quality of the water in them. The method of dating sediments using 210Pb is well known and is used to establish a precise chronology of the sediments in places where abrupt changes in sedimentation conditions do not occur. The work aims to determine the sedimentation rate in five main tributary points of the dam located in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, using the geochronologic dating of the sediments by measuring 210Pb activity. The method used was the Constant Rate of Supply (CRS) model. Dating coincides with the date of the conclusion of the construction of the dam. The sedimentation rate grew with the increase in depth and presented a decline in both the rate and flow of the sediments over time. The most recent results presented a decrease in sedimentation rates. The greatest occurrence of the sedimentation rate was identified at points located at the entrance of the dam, which could be justified by the reduction in the average speed of final drainage due to the existence of the reservoir itself.

Effect of adjunct Vitamin D treatment in vitamin D deficient pulmonary tuberculosis patients: A randomized, double blind, active controlled clinical trial

BackgroundSince, Vitamin D [1α,25(OH)2D)] enhances antimicrobial activity of Innate immunity and modulate Adaptive immune responses, simultaneously, so it play a potential role for balanced immune activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and restricting tissue injuries within the TB patients.(Chun et al., 2011) 9 We aimed to determine the role of adjunct Vitamin D treatment on the outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis patients and evaluated the effect of Vitamin D administration on Differential Leucocyte Count, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, serum Adenosine deaminase, serum C- reactive protein, Oxygen saturation (SpO2) and Body Weight in Vitamin D deficient pulmonary tuberculosis patients. MethodsWe conducted a prospective, interventional, randomized, double blind, parallel group, active controlled clinical trial. Newly diagnosed Vitamin D deficient pulmonary tuberculosis patients were randomly assigned to intervention group (received standard anti-tubercular treatment with adjunct Vitamin D3) and control group (received standard anti-tubercular treatment without adjunct Vitamin D3). Total four doses [each dose of 2.5 mg (100000 IU)] of Vitamin D3 were given, orally. First dose was given within 7 days of starting anti-tubercular treatment and second, third, fourth dose were given at 2, 4 and 6 weeks respectively. At the time of enrollment, we measured all baseline characteristics. During follow-up, we measured the study variables and monitored adverse events at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks. Our safety parameter was serum corrected calcium level to assess the risk of hypercalcemia. ResultsTotal 130 pulmonary TB patients, 65 patients in each group, were analyzed. Our study results showed that decrease in Neutrophil count was statistically significant with small effect sizes at every time point of measurement and increase in Lymphocyte count was statistically significant with small and moderate effect sizes at 4, 6 and 8 week for intervention group than for control group. Decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate was statistically significant with small effect sizes at 6 and 8 week, decrease in serum adenosine deaminase and serum C- reactive protein was statistically significant with moderate effect sizes at 4, 6 and 8 week for intervention group than for control group. Increase in Oxygen saturation was statistically significant at 4 week with small effect size and increase in body weight was statistically significant with small effect sizes for intervention group than for control group. No case of hypercalcemia was reported. ConclusionOur findings suggest a potential role of adjunctive Vitamin D3 to accelerate resolution of inflammatory responses and improvement in clinical outcomes of pulmonary TB patients. Trial registrationThis trial is registered with Clinical Trials Registry - INDIA (http://ctri.nic.in) with CTRI Number - CTRI/2021/11/037914. Place of studyRoom Number 27, first floor out-patients department (OPD) and inpatient Wards, fourth floor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah (U.P.), INDIA.

INFLUENCE OF POST‐DANIAN SEA‐LEVEL CHANGES AND VARIATIONS IN SEDIMENTATION RATE ON OVERPRESSURE BUILD UP IN THE CLAY‐RICH OVERBURDEN IN THE DANISH SECTOR OF THE NORTH SEA CENTRAL GRABEN

Overpressure build up in the clay‐rich succession between sea floor and the top of the Chalk Group in the area around wells North Jens‐1 and Fasan‐1 in the Danish sector of the Central Graben, North Sea was examined by forward modelling. “Overpressure”, i.e. fluid pressure higher than hydrostatic pressure, is expressed here in terms of both the difference between pore pressure and hydrostatic pressure at a given depth and the ratio between these pressures. Pore pressure changes over time were estimated by numerical simulation of post‐Danian depositional processes, incorporating sea level changes and variations in sedimentation rate. Results show that the deposition of the post‐Danian (“overburden”) succession led to overpressure build up both in the overburden itself and in the underlying sediments (the so‐called “underburden”). The largest estimated present‐day overpressures (4.9‐5.6 MPa, 23‐26% above hydrostatic) occur at the base of the overburden, while an overpressure of up to 5.5 MPa was calculated to occur in the underburden. Variations in sedimentation rate appeared to have influenced the build‐up of overpressure in the overburden, although no significant effect was found in the underburden.The results indicate that more than 50% of the present‐day overpressure in the overburden was generated in the last 5.3 million years, i.e. during the Pliocene and the Quaternary. When variations in sedimentation rate during the Miocene were included in the modelling calculation, this proportion increased to nearly 70%. A decrease in sedimentation rate in the mid‐Miocene (Serravallian, 15‐11.2 Ma) and the late Miocene (Messinian, 7.5‐5.3 Ma) resulted in the dissipation of overpressures generated previously when the sedimentation rate was higher. About 60% of the overpressure generated in the Miocene developed during the Tortonian but only 14% during the Messinian.Water depth appears to influence the overpressure magnitude. Sea level changes played a minor and short‐lived role in overpressure build up. The influence of water depth was most pronounced when it was significantly greater than the thickness of the deposited sediments.The method of overpressure estimation used in this paper may be a valuable alternative to methods based on porosity trend analysis which are widely used in the oil and gas industry. Both the methods used here and the results may be useful in subsurface evaluations related to carbon storage in the Danish Central Graben (e.g. project Green Sand).

Morphodynamic Preservation of Fluvial Channel Belts

The fluvial sedimentary record is largely composed of deposits from relatively common flow events, rather than more catastrophic scour-and-fill events. At the scales of bedforms, such deposits are preserved within the stratigraphic record because they rapidly accumulate within, and are protected by, morphodynamic topographic depressions that occur naturally in the fluvial system as a result of feedbacks between flow, sediment transport, and topography. Examples include the preservation of ripples in front of dunes, dunes in front of bars, and bars within channels. Here, we used 3D seismic data that images preserved channel belts to test the hypothesis that alluvial-ridge basins, morphodynamic depressions formed between raised channel beds due to decreasing sedimentation rates away from channels in alluvial settings, are a source of topography driving channel-belt-scale preservation. Using the 3D seismic data, we measured the stratigraphic positions of channel belts, as well as their lengths, widths, sinuosities, and centerline orientations in the 3D seismic dataset. Results are consistent with well-preserved channel belts steered by alluvial-ridge-basin topography. Further, the thickness of the channel-belt interval exceeds the relief of any one alluvial-ridge basin, suggesting the volume records the filling of multiple alluvial-ridge basins and that the process is common. Characterizing the stratigraphic signature of alluvial-ridge basins is necessary for understanding contrasting fluvial architectures where external forcings prevented their formation.

Studies on haematological changes in GI nematodes in cattle and buffalo in Udaipur, district (Rajasthan)

A study on prevalence of for gastrointestinal nematode in the infected and non-infected cattle and buffalo of Udaipur district (Rajasthan) from Sept. 2020 to January 2021 by haematological parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), total leucocyte Count (TLC) and differential leucocyte count (DLC). The highly significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration innematode infected and non-infected buffalo (8.65±0.2335 and 10.12±0.1077) and (8.63±0.2886 and 09.84±0.1411) in infected and in non-infected cattle, respectively. The packed cell volume showed highly significant decrease in nematode infected and non-infected buffalo (28.98±0.2101 and 32.94±0.2477) and (27.64±0.5337 and 30.65±0.3956) in infected and non-infected cattle, respectively. The highly significant decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate in nematode infected and non-infected buffalo (0.80±0.0245 and 1.00±0.0167) and in cattle was found to be in infected (0.63±0.0287) and in non-infected (0.97±0.0240), respectively.Total leukocyte count (TLC) value significant increase for infected and noninfected buffalo and cattle buffalo (8.53±0.2784 and 10.45±0.2538) and (8.36±0.2582 and 10.49±0.1689), respectively. In the infected buffalo neutrophils (32.96±0.3084), eosinophils (5.50±0.2049).Basophils (0), lymphocytes (62.36±0.2948) and monocytes (5.48±0.1831). However, in non-infected buffalo neutrophils (37.21±0.3701), eosinophils (4.60±0.2196), basophils (0), lymphocytes (57.21±0.2802) and monocytes (4.99±0.2094). Whereas, in infected cattle neutrophils (28.02±0.2914), eosinophils (5.74±0.1942) basophils (0), lymphocytes (67.48±0.2979) and monocytes (5.57±0.1547). However, in non-infected cattle neutrophils (32.15±0.3088), eosinophils (3.88±0.1836) basophils (0), lymphocytes (61.59±0.3475) and monocytes (5.23±0.1832).There is reduction in haemoglobin, packed cell volume and ESR in the GI nematode infected cattle and buffalo. In total leukocyte count in buffalo and cattle lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocyte showed increased in infected group.

Canakinumab as first-line biological therapy in Still's disease and differences between the systemic and the chronic-articular courses: Real-life experience from the international AIDA registry.

Interleukin (IL)-1 inhibitors are largely employed in patients with Still's disease; in cases with refractory arthritis, IL-6 inhibitors have shown to be effective on articular inflammatory involvement. The aim of the present study is to assess any difference in the effectiveness of the IL-1β antagonist canakinumab prescribed as first-line biologic agent between the systemic and the chronic-articular Still's disease. Data were drawn from the retrospective phase of the AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) international registry dedicated to Still's disease. Patients with Still's disease classified according to internationally accepted criteria (Yamaguchi criteria and/or Fautrel criteria) and treated with canakinumab as first-line biologic agent were enrolled. A total of 26 patients (17 females, 9 males; 18 patients developing Still's disease after the age of 16 years) were enrolled; 16 (61.5%) patients suffered from the systemic pattern of the disease; 10 (38.5%) patients suffered from the chronic-articular type. No differences were observed between the systemic and the chronic-articular Still's disease in the frequency of complete response, of flares after the start of canakinumab (p = 0.701) and in the persistence in therapy (p = 0.62). No statistical differences were observed between the two groups after 3 months, 12 months and at the last assessment in the decrease of: the systemic activity score (p = 0.06, p = 0.17, p = 0.17, respectively); the disease activity score on 28 joints (p = 0.54, p = 0.77, p = 0.98, respectively); the glucocorticoid dosage (p = 0.15, p = 0.50, and p = 0.50, respectively); the use of concomitant disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (p = 0.10, p = 1.00, and p = 1.00, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed in the decrease of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.34), C reactive protein (p = 0.48), and serum ferritin levels (p = 0.34) after the start of canakinumab. Canakinumab used for Still's disease has been effective in controlling both clinical and laboratory manifestations disregarding the type of disease course when used as first-line biotechnological agent. These excellent results might have been further enhanced by the early start of IL-1 inhibition.

AN EFFECTIVENESS OF OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENTATION ON CLINICAL SYMPTOMS IMPROVEMENT AND CLINICAL PARAMETERS OF COVID-19

Abstract
 Background
 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. This viral infection can cause metabolic and clinical changes that affect the patient's condition. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs) are important mediators of anti-inflammatory and immune response. Thus, it can reduce clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients.
 Objective: To know the effect of omega 3 supplementation in improving clinical symptoms and clinical parameters of COVID 19.
 Methods: Article searches were conducted using advanced searching by combining MesH Terms and abstracts/titles in the Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. The search found two selected literatures to further conduct a critical assessment.
 Results:Two articles were selected based on the eligibility criteria and conformity with the Problem Intervention Comparison Outcome (PICO). Study conducted by Sedighiyan et al.,1 showed that there were significant changes in clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients such as pain, fatigue (p< 0.001), increased appetite (p=0.003), decreased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) values (p < 0.002), and decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) values ​​(p<0.001). Study conducted by Doaei et al.,2 showed that there was significant decrease in pH (p=0.001), HCO3 (p = 0.001), Be (p = 0.001), and creatinine (p = 0.002), thereby improving clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients.
 Conclusion:
 Omega 3 supplementation can improve clinical symptoms and clinical parameters of COVID 19. However, further research is needed with a larger sample, a longer duration, and with dose adjustment of omega 3 supplementation.
 Keywords:COVID-19, omega 3 fatty acids, clinical symptoms and clinical parameters improvement

Impact of type and dose of oral polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on disease activity in inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPolyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation has been reported to improve disease activity in inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). However, data are often conflicting and studies insufficiently large to draw conclusions. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed to better estimate the effect of oral supplementation with omega (n)-3 and n-6 PUFA on IRD activity in terms of duration, dose, type, and source.MethodsThe literature was searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases up to October 2020. Studies were reviewed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The effect of PUFA supplementation on disease activity was expressed as the standardized mean difference (95% CI). Metaregression and subgroup analyses involved type of IRD, Jadad score, PUFA source (animal or vegetable), and doses.ResultsWe obtained 42 references; 30 randomized controlled studies were included comparing the effects of PUFA versus control on disease activity (710 IRD patients receiving PUFA supplementation and 710 controls, most with rheumatoid arthritis). We found a significant improvement in pain, swollen and tender joint count, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, and Health Assessment Questionnaire score in IRD patients receiving PUFA supplementation as compared with controls, with a significant decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate but not C-reactive protein level. Although meta-regression revealed no difference by IRD type or source or dose of PUFA supplementation, subgroup analysis revealed more parameters significantly improved with animal- than vegetable-derived PUFAs and 3- to 6-month supplementation. Most studies examined high-dose supplementation (>2 g/day).ConclusionPUFA consumption, especially omega-3 from animal source >2 g/day, may improve IRD activity and might be an adjuvant therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.Trial registrationThe protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021253685).

Exclusive enteral nutrition remodels the intestinal flora in patients with active Crohn's disease

BackgroundAlthough there are many hypotheses, the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) is not completely clear so far. Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is a routine measure in the treatment of active CD. We aimed at investigating the impact of EEN on patients with active CD from microbial metabolomics.Methods16S-rDNA sequencing technology and gas chromatography–mass spectrometer analysis were employed to investigate the modification of the intestinal flora and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) during the EEN.ResultsSeven patients with CD, who conducted EEN, were followed up successfully in the present study. The 8-week EEN resulted in a remission of the condition of subjects with active CD, as revealed by a significant decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P = 0.018), C-reactive protein (CRP) (P = 0.028), and Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) (P = 0.018). The nutrition of the subjects was improved after an 8-week treatment course with EEN, which was associated with an increase in body mess index (BMI) (P = 0.018) and serum albumin (ALB) (P = 0.018) levels. Furthermore, our investigations revealed a significantly increased abundance of Firmicutes paralleled by decreased levels of Proteobacteria. With respect to the genus, five species of bacteria including Ruminococcus (P = 0.01), Lachnospiraceae (P = 0.02), Anaerotruncus (P = 0.04), Flavonifractor (P = 0.04), and Novosphingobium (P = 0.05) showed significantly increased abundance. This was accompanied by relative changes in fecal short-chain fatty acids levels. Moreover, we successfully constructed a stable model by combining these five significantly different genera to predict the therapeutic effect of EEN on patients with CD (AUC = 0.9598).ConclusionsThe findings indicated that EEN can alleviate the condition and the nutrition of patients with active CD by regulating the intestinal flora and influencing the expression level of fecal short-chain fatty acids.

NT-proBNP and sRAGE levels in early rheumatoid arthritis

Objective Several biomarkers of cardiovascular function are found to be increased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with some suggesting a relationship with disease activity and improvement with adequate anti-rheumatic treatment. Promising biomarkers include N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the soluble receptor form of advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE). The objective of this study was to investigate associations between NT-proBNP and sRAGE levels and markers of inflammation and disease activity in early RA patients and their changes during (effective) anti-rheumatic treatment. Method Data from 342 consecutive early RA patients participating in the ‘Parelsnoer’ cohort were used. At baseline and after 6 months’ disease activity, NT-proBNP and sRAGE levels were assessed. Results After 6 months, NT-proBNP decreased from 83 pmol/L (mean) at baseline to 69 pmol/L at follow-up (p < 0.001), while sRAGE increased from 997 pg/mL to 1125 pg/mL (p < 0.001). A larger decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) was associated with larger changes in NT-proBNP and sRAGE. For every point decrease in ESR, there was a 1.7-point decrease in NT-proBNP and a 2.2-point increase in sRAGE. For CRP, these values were 1.7 and 2.7, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion Suppressing inflammation, independently of achieving remission, increases sRAGE levels and decreases NT-proBNP levels significantly. Whether this translates into a decrease in incident cardiovascular disease remains to be elucidated.

Climatic and vegetational dynamics in southern Brazil between 47.8 and 7.4 cal ka BP: a palynological analysis

Vegetation and climate changes in southern Brazil are described based on the palynological analysis from marine core SIS 188, collected on the continental slope, which records the interval between 47.8 and 7.4 cal ka BP. The pollen record indicates that the grasslands dominated the landscape in southern Brazil throughout the studied period. During the last glacial period, the forests were reduced. Between 32.8 and 20.2 cal ka BP, there is an increase in grassland and reduction of arboreal palynomorphs, coinciding with colder and drier climatic conditions of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). From 30 to 25.2 cal ka BP, an increase in the sedimentation rate and concentration of most pollen indicators is observed. This change could be related to low sea level, which exposed the continental shelf to eolian erosion and fluvial inputs that transported sediments and palynomorphs to the ocean. A significant decrease in sedimentation rate is recorded between 19.5 and 12.6 cal ka BP, probably related to sea-level rise during deglaciation. During deglaciation and beginning of the Holocene, the increase in arboreal pollen indicates the expansion of forests, reflecting warmer and wetter climate. Heinrich event 1 is marked by a peak in the percentages of the arboreal vegetation at 15.9 cal ka BP. Around 8.5 cal ka BP, there seems to be another interval of higher moisture, indicated by the composition of the palynological association, formed by pteridophytes Blechnum, Huperzia, Polypodiaceae, Pteridaceae and Cyatheaceae. These results show that the palynological record from the SIS188 marine core is sensitive to global climatic changes and can provide a reliable paleovegetational reconstruction for the continental environment. Keywords: Pelotas Basin, paleoclimate, palynomorphs, palynology, Quaternary.