Morphometric Indices Research Articles

Morphological variability and vitality of Rindera tetraspis (Boraginaceae) in the South Urals and Western Kazakhstan

Population studies of Rindera tetraspis Pall., a rare endemic species of the steppe zone of the European part of Russia and Kazakhstan, were carried out. The study of the habitats of 11 populations in the Orenburg Region and the Republic of Kazakhstan has shown that the species is confined to various variants of calciphyte steppes on chalk substrates or sandstones. In terms of most morphometric indicators, the northern coenopopulation “Rodnichny” is the leader; the minimum values are noted in the coenopopulation “Verkhnechebendinskie Chalk Mountains, northern extremity”. The discriminant analysis has revealed morphostructural differences between individuals from the majority of coenopopulations. In terms of vitality, four coenopopulations are prosperous, seven ones are depressed. The optimal conditions for the species growth are in the northern part of its range, in more favorable climatic conditions in terms of temperature and humidity, mainly on soils of sand origin. When moving southward, a decrease in size parameters of individuals is observed, associated with insufficient moisture, while their morphological diversity increases. The state of R. tetraspis coenopopulations is stable, but the species is not provided with proper protection measures, so further monitoring of its habitats and improvement of conservation measures are necessary.

An evaluation of morphometrical trends in a population of Woodringina hornerstownensis Olsson, 1960 (Foraminifera) reveals the role of intraspecific variations for paleoceanographical studies

The foraminiferal species Woodringina hornerstownensis is stratigraphically limited between the stages Danian and Selandian and was adapted to inhabit the mixed layer water column. We present a case study based on morphometry of W. hornerstownensis recovered in upper Danian strata (biozone P2) in the Pernambuco-Paraiba Basin at the Poty quarry. The morphometric data, associated with abundance and geochemical indicators, point to (i) an increase in size towards the top of the studied interval, associated with the shallowing-upward trend of the Maria Farinha Formation, and (ii) an increase in size directly related to the increase in abundance. By integrating and incorporating a specific variation of W. hornerstownensis into abundance parameters, we conclude that the shell increase appears to be consistent. Our results suggest that the increase in size responds to environmental optimum conditions for the species W. hornerstownensis. In a broader context, our work demonstrates the usefulness of morphometric indicators and the significance of intraspecific variation when interpreting macroecological patterns. Keywords: planktic foraminifera, paleoceanography, intraspecific variation, upper Danian, South Atlantic Ocean.

Comprehensive Morphometric Analysis to Identify Key Neuroimaging Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Adult Hydrocephalus Using Artificial Intelligence.

Hydrocephalus involves abnormal cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in brain ventricles. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely intervention and preventing progressive neurological deterioration. The aim of this study was to identify key neuroimaging biomarkers for the diagnosis of hydrocephalus using artificial intelligence to develop practical and accurate diagnostic tools for neurosurgeons. Fifteen 1-dimensional (1-D) neuroimaging parameters and ventricular volume of adult patients with non-normal pressure hydrocephalus and healthy subjects were measured using manual image processing, and 10 morphometric indices were also calculated. The data set was analyzed using 8 machine, ensemble, and deep learning classifiers to predict hydrocephalus. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) feature importance analysis identified key neuroimaging diagnostic biomarkers. Gradient Boosting achieved the highest performance, with an accuracy of 0.94 and an area under the curve of 0.97. SHAP analysis identified ventricular volume as the most important parameter. Given the challenges of measuring volume for clinicians, we identified key 1-D morphometric biomarkers that are easily measurable yet provide similar classifier performance. The results showed that the frontal-temporal horn ratio, modified Evan index, modified cella media index, sagittal maximum lateral ventricle height, and coronal posterior callosal angle are key 1-D diagnostic biomarkers. Notably, higher modified Evan index, modified cella media index, and sagittal maximum lateral ventricle height, and lower frontal-temporal horn ratio and coronal posterior callosal angle values were associated with hydrocephalus prediction. The results also elucidated the relationships between these key 1-D morphometric parameters and ventricular volume, providing potential diagnostic insights. This study highlights the importance of a multifaceted diagnostic approach incorporating 5 easily measurable 1-D neuroimaging biomarkers for neurosurgeons to differentiate non-normal pressure hydrocephalus from healthy subjects. Incorporating our artificial intelligence model, interpreted through SHAP analysis, into routine clinical workflows may transform the diagnostic landscape for hydrocephalus by standardizing diagnosis and overcoming the limitations of visual evaluations, particularly in early stages and challenging cases.

Detection of morphometric indicators of the soil surface of a grape plantation using spectral bands of satellite images

Introduction. Soils play an important role in the approximately 30-year period of operation of a grape planting, influencing plant growth, their yield and the quality of the grapes. In this study, the morphometric parameters of the surface soil layer of a grape plantation were studied using spectral channels of satellite images.Methodology. The methodology included the use of a “random forest” algorithm to classify soil cover using spectral channels and normalized satellite image indices and analyze the main physicochemical properties of soils. Accuracy was assessed using RMSD and confidence intervals calculated via bootstrapping.Results. The study revealed significant differences in the spectral reflectivity of different site options, which was due to carbonate content, humidity levels and the amount of humus. Areas with high carbonate and moisture content showed higher standard deviation values in the spectral channels. Studying the spectral characteristics of the soil surface makes it possible to effectively classify different areas based on remote sensing data. Analysis of combinations of spectral channels revealed an optimal set of three channels (B12, B11, B8A) with a minimum standard deviation when classifying an image into six soil variants of areas. For classification, a composition of five normalized indices can also be used, but in this case the calculation time increases significantly with a larger standard deviation and a larger confidence interval range. Using machine learning, six distinct soil surface types were segmented, demonstrating the complexity of the field›s soil mosaic. These results are critical for improving vineyard management and productivity

Clinical and morphometric features in cervical spine pathology in humans and animals

Background. The neck, its bone-cartilaginous and muscle apparatus, etc. high activity is well known. Cervical spine degenerative-dystrophic processes are considered to be an urgent problem. The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and morphometric changes of the cervical spine in humans and animals with neck pain based on a clinical and neurological examination, determination of the vertebral body density, their configuration, and ratio for timely correction and prognosis of this patho­logy. Materials and methods. Pain intensity was studied in humans and animals using the adapted visual-analogue scale. The inde­xes of computer tomography with measurement of vertebral body density, and morphometric indexes with an emphasis on C5-C7 le­vel were also studied. All studies were conducted following existing bioethical standards. Results. The pathology of spine configuration was registered in 84.6 % of the examined patients in the form of angular kyphosis or straightened lordosis, more often in women. It was observed in 34.7 % of cases in dogs and cats. The normal configuration is more common: in cats — 78.6 % and in dogs of small breeds — 78.5 %, in large breed dogs — only 26.3 %, and deformations were more frequent than in cats and small dogs (2.7 times more). The cervical vertebrae bodies density in all groups decreased toward the caudal direction with a difference of 18.1 % in humans. In cats — 2.7 %, in dogs of small breeds, it was higher (7.5 %), and in large breed dogs, it reached 14.3 %. The maximum deviations of the studied indicators were found in humans and maximally coincided with those in dogs of large breeds. Conclusions. Thus, animals, especially dogs of large breeds, can serve as a model for studying etiopathogenetic factors, the course, prognosis of degeneration of the bone-cartilage apparatus.

Inferring the feeding history of the castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus from lipid and body measurements.

The ability to determine when ticks last fed and assign them to a specific feeding cohort is important in attempts to explain their population dynamics; the biochemical measurement of stored lipid, has been widely used for this purpose. However, when relating feeding history to behaviour or infection status, a non-destructive approach to its assessment would be of value and, to this end, previous studies have attempted to use morphometric indices. Within any instar, the sclerotised scutal components of the body will not vary with increasing starvation while the alloscutal components will, and the resulting ratio should provide a measure of time since feeding. Here, the aim was to determine whether such a morphological ratio (described here as the hunger index) changed predictably with starvation in Ixodes ricinus L. (Ixodida: Ixodidae). For this a cohort of 300 I. ricinus nymphs was collected from the field in February 2021 and starved in a humidified incubator at 15°C and 80% relative humidity (RH). Every 2 weeks, 50 nymphs selected at random were removed and killed by freezing; morphometric measurement was followed by the measurement of lipid using a standard spectrophotometric approach. Both hunger index and stored lipid changed significantly with increasing starvation and were positively correlated with each other. However, the change in morphometric ratio was relatively slight (11%) over 9 weeks and the variation was high. The data suggest therefore that morphological measurements could be used to provide, at best, only broad categorisation of the hunger status of individual I. ricinus ticks in the field.

Formation of tributary junction fans of Spiti Valley cold desert, NW Himalaya: morphometric analysis of geomorphology and influencing factors

ABSTRACT Morphometric analysis of previously unresearched tributary junction fans (TJFs) of the Spiti valley cold desert, India, was conducted to understand the factors influencing their development. An integrated remote sensing and field approach was employed, including the development of multi-method morphometric indices viz. fan conicality (FCI), sweep angle (SA ), fan width-to-length ratio (W/L), feeder stream-order and valley floor width-to-height ratio (Vf ). Such TJFs, which are the most suitable cultivation and settlement sites in this region, were found to be largely polygenic and planimetrically confined, with many being multi-staged in terms of their development. The results of morphometric analyses reveal that the TJFs are relatively smaller but steeper than their counterparts in other settings, with high relative topographic confinement causing the construction of smaller and steeper fans. The competence of the feeder stream, along with associated processes, notably influences fan morphology using differential sediment transporting capacity. TJFs created by more competent streams are less steep, more influenced by topographic confinement and more vulnerable to truncation by the trunk stream. Furthermore, tectonically induced base-level fall and resultant downcutting in confined environments have caused the formation of truncated, multi-staged and entrenched fans and are primarily responsible for coupling between TJF catchments and trunk stream in the study area.

Morphometric indices and carpal tunnel syndrome: aradiological study in female patients.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy syndrome of the upper extremities. The carpal tunnel is an osteofibrous canal that is medially bordered by hamulus ossis hamati and pisiform bone, and laterally by scaphoid and trapezoid bones. In this retrospective case-control study, we investigated the relationship between radiologically measured morphometric indices and CTS in female patients. Clinical, radiological, and demographic data were collected for 55 hands of 40 female patients diagnosed with CTS and 58 hands of control subjects. Radiological measurements included various morphometric parameters derived from wrist and hand X-rays. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess associations between morphometric indices and CTS. Significant associations were observed between CTS and several morphometric indices, including carpal height, capitate length, palm length, and others. Notably, these values were lower in CTS patients, suggesting a potential link between reduced carpal tunnel volume and increased pressure due to synovial hypertrophy. Additionally, a newly introduced index, Scaphoid Pisiform Width Index (SPWI), showed promise in assessing the proximal part of the carpal tunnel. It was found that the values for Capitate length, Carpal height, Palm length, SPWI, and Palmar ratio were lower in the patient group. These results suggested that decreasing volume of the carpal tunnel allows for an easier increase in carpal tunnel pressure due to increased synovial hypertrophy and the carpal bone configuration affects the proximal part of the carpal tunnel, and influences the compression of the median nerve, in female patients.

Biological active compounds from edible mushroom: Effect on hela cells

Background: Mushrooms are unique organisms rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, which allows them to be used not only as a source of nutrition but also in cosmetics and medicine. The fungus P. ostreatus possesses two strong enzymatic complexes – lignin-decaying and cellulose-decaying. Objective: The research aimed to study the antitumor activity of treated mm-wave mycelial extracts of mushrooms on the HeLa cell line. Research on edible mushrooms against tumors is very actual and important for the field of functional food science and bioactive compounds field. Methods: The effect of the fungal culture extract on the cyto-photometric and morphometric indices of the HeLa cell line culture was studied according to the nature of proliferation and transcription of malignant tissues. Using high-resolution liquid chromatography, the amino acid composition of acid-soluble proteins in mycelial extracts of a mushroom culture treated with mm waves was studied. Results: Extracts of P. ostreatus mycelial culture significantly suppressed the growth of proliferative activity of human tumor cultures and completely suppressed the mitotic activity of continuous HeLa cell cultures to 72 hours. Our study revealed a significant increase in glutamic and aspartic acids in mycelial culture extracts treated by mm-waves. Conclusion: Based on HPLC analysis, we suggest polyfunctional peroxidase as the candidate for the role of biologically active compound in the composition of aqueous extracts of the mycelial culture. So, the polyfunctional peroxidase plays an active role in the therapeutic properties of the oyster mushroom. Keywords: anticancer activity, ant-inflammation activity, mm-waves, mushroom`s, mycelial extracts, HPLC of acid-soluble proteins, HeLa cell line.

Emaciated enigma: Decline in body conditions of common dolphins in the Celtic Seas ecoregion

AbstractMonitoring the nutritional health of cetaceans has become increasingly important in a changing environment, where multiple stressors impact animals. Particularly for those species that require consumption of energy‐dense prey, such as the common dolphin. Thus far, no uniform measure for monitoring body condition has been recommended across cetaceans, and species‐specific measures may need to be developed if employed as a population condition indicator under Descriptor 1 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Here, nine morphometric body condition indices were applied to long‐term common dolphin stranding data sets originating from Ireland and the UK. We report a recent decline in the nutritional health of common dolphins in the Celtic Seas ecoregion comparing animals from 2017 to 2019 to animals from 1990 to 2006, with an increase in cases of animals dying due to starvation. Using ordinal regression trees, ventral blubber thickness (VBT) was identified as the most important index to predict nutritional status, defined at necropsy, followed by the scaled mass index (SMI). Using generalised linear models, both the VBT and SMI indices differentiated individuals that died from chronic and acute causes of death (i.e., bycatch), where animals in chronic conditions had significantly thinner VBT and lower SMI. Both significant temporal and seasonal patterns in VBT were identified, with poorer body conditions observed during the autumn and better body conditions observed during the spring, as well as an overall decline detected in VBT during the study period. While VBT was positively correlated with total body length, SMI showed the opposite trend. The VBT index is recommended for monitoring nutritional health within the species when total body length and season are considered. Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes for the observed decline, including shifts in prey availability and/or quality, to inform targeted conservation management strategies.

Changes in morphometric indicators of liver blood vessels under conditions of long-term ethanol exposure

Hyperdynamic splanchnic blood circulation is an important component of portal hypertension syndrome, which develops under conditions of chronic alcoholic hepatitis. Angiogenesis caused by alcohol consumption contributes to the development of splanchnic hyperemia and the development of portal-systemic collaterals. The purpose of the study is to study the morphometric indicators of the vascular bed of the liver of rats under the conditions of chronic alcoholic hepatitis modeling. Experiments were performed on 30 white, sexually mature male Wistar rats weighing 180–220 g. The animals were divided into 2 groups: I (control group) contained 6 rats; II – 24 rats that modeled chronic alcoholic hepatitis by the method of forced intermittent alcoholization for 5 days, with a repeat after two days by intraperitoneal injection of a 16.5% ethanol solution in a 5.0% glucose solution, at the rate of 4 ml/kg of body weight. Animals were removed from the experiment on days 35, 42, 49, and 56 by taking blood from the right ventricle of the heart under thiopental anesthesia. On the 35th day of simulation of chronic alcoholic hepatitis, the inner diameter of central veins, lobular arterioles and interlobular veins increased, and interlobular arteries and lobular venules decreased compared to the control. On the 42nd day of simulation of chronic alcoholic hepatitis, the internal diameter of central veins, lobular arterioles and interlobular veins increased, and interlobular arteries decreased compared to the control. On the 49th day of simulation of chronic alcoholic hepatitis, the inner diameter of the central veins, lobular arterioles, and interlobular veins increased, and the interlobular arteries decreased compared to the control. On the 56th day of simulation of chronic alcoholic hepatitis, the inner diameter of the central veins and lobular arterioles increased, and the interlobular arteries and lobular venules decreased compared to the control. Keywords: arteries, veins, arterioles, venules, sinusoidal capillaries.

Natural and anthropogenic factors that determine the activity of geological processes of the Abakan agglomeration

Relevance. As a result of the construction and operation of buildings and structures within the Abakan agglomeration, there is an activation of existing and the formation of new engineering and geological processes accompanied by accidental destruction of constructions. In order to minimize economic and socio-environmental damage, timely development of scientifically sound urban planning and architectural planning solutions is necessary. It would take into account the results of design studies of engineering protection of the territory from dangerous manifestations of engineering and geological processes. Generalization of the available survey results in order to typify the engineering and geological conditions of the urban area will optimize the construction development of urban areas, develop reliable schemes of engineering protection against the manifestations of dangerous engineering and geological processes. Aim. To establish natural and anthropogenic factors that determine the activity of dangerous geological processes in the territory of the Abakan agglomeration. Methods. Collection, systematization and analysis of available territorial geological, hydrological, hydrogeological, environmental information, results of engineering surveys. Results and conclusions. At a qualitatively new level, a set of maps has been compiled on the factors that determine the development of dangerous geological processes. The authors have carried out a GIS analysis of morphometric indicators of the relief of the agglomeration territory: maps of the steepness and exposure of the slopes were constructed. The analysis of the collected data made it possible to establish the regional characteristics of the components of the geological environment and propose a zoning scheme for the territory for its construction development and engineering protection. The authors identified four taxa during zoning: territories favorable for construction that do not require significant engineering training; territories conditionally favorable for construction, requiring preliminary engineering training; territories conditionally unfavorable for construction, requiring significant costs for engineering training; territories unfavorable for construction. The boundaries of the taxa are based on the analysis of the geomorphological features of the territory. The conducted research was performed for the agglomeration territory for the first time.

Rhizosphere bacterial community influence on <i>Deschampsia antarctica</i> È Desv. adaptability in context of temperature near plants in local spatial scales of Galindez Island, Argentine Islands (the maritime Antarctic)

The effect of rhizosphere bacterial community index (Irbi) influence on the nine populations of Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) adaptability was studied in the Galindez Island (summer season 2017/18). Moreover, the corresponding influence indices Irbi (i=1÷9) and Irbpi (p=1÷5 for the most common bacteria) were evaluated as well. The objective was to compare the Irbi and Irbpi series with the united temperature influence index on plant populations (It1i(z)) series and the united quality latent index of adaptability Iq1i. The study used data on the rhizosphere metagenome composition based on 16S RNA analysis. Methods determining the plant number in populations, and measuring the morphometric indices of D. antarctica populations were used. Reserve and protective seed proteins spectra were studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Method of extreme grouping the spatial variables of these indices was applied for nine populations to obtain a Iq1I and It1i and Irbi, Irbpi. Sets of united indices were compared by regression technique. A comparative statistical analysis of the It1i and Irbi, Irbpi sets in this season was carried out. This possible influence appeared to be individual for each D. antarctica studied population. In each population, part of the plants reacted positively to the bacteria influence, while the other part either did not react or reacted negatively. Dependence of the plant adaptation indices on rhizospheric bacterial communities z(x) is shown in our data. This means that the rhizosphere bacterial community and temperature-dependent rhizosphere bacteria (x) can play an active role in plant adaptation of D. antarctica populations (z) to individual temperature conditions in the microscale of Galindez Island from a biological point of view.

Testing Green Tea Extract and Ammonium Salts as Stimulants of Physical Performance in a Forced Swimming Rat Experimental Model.

The study of drugs of natural origin that increase endurance and/or accelerate recovery is an integral part of sports medicine and physiology. In this paper, decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) and two ammonium salts-chloride (ACL) and carbonate (ACR)-were tested individually and in combination with GTE as stimulants of physical performance in a forced swimming rat experimental model. The determined parameters can be divided into seven blocks: functional (swimming duration); biochemistry of blood plasma; biochemistry of erythrocytes; hematology; immunology; gene expression of slow- and fast-twitch muscles (m. soleus, SOL, and m. extensor digitorum longus, EDL, respectively); and morphometric indicators of slow- and fast-twitch muscles. Regarding the negative control (intact animals), the maximum number of changes in all blocks of indicators was recorded in the GTE + ACR group, whose animals showed the maximum functional result and minimum lactate values on the last day of the experiment. Next, in terms of the number of changes, were the groups ACR, ACL, GTE + ACL, GTE and NaCl (positive control). In general, the number of identified adaptive changes was proportional to the functional state of the animals of the corresponding groups, in terms of the duration of the swimming load in the last four days of the experiment. However, not only the total number but also the qualitative composition of the identified changes is of interest. The results of a comparative analysis suggest that, in the model of forced swimming we developed, GTE promotes restoration of the body and moderate mobilization of the immune system, while small doses of ammonium salts, especially ammonium carbonate, contribute to an increase in physical performance, which is associated with satisfactory restoration of skeletal muscles and the entire body. The combined use of GTE with ammonium salts does not give a clearly positive effect.

Morphometric and Gonadosomatic Index Studies of Some Fish species Collected from Lake Alau Maiduguri Borno state Nigeria

Morphometric and Gonadosomatic Index Studies of Some Fish species Collected from Lake Alau Maiduguri Borno state Nigeria

Morphometric and morphotectonic characteristics of a Tropical River Basin, North Kerala, India using geospatial technology

ABSTRACT This study delves into morphometric and morphotectonic analyses to unveil the evolutionary trajectory of Kerala's Korapuzha river basin. Employing advanced GIS and remote-sensing techniques, we explore the basin's geomorphological evolution and landform development. Our approach integrates data from a 1:50,000 scale toposheet and a 30 m resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM), facilitating a detailed evaluation of basin characteristics. Through subdivision into KB-1 and KB-2 sub-basins, distinct morphometric patterns and morphotectonic features are discerned. The elongated basin configuration suggests ongoing tectonic activity, profoundly shaping its unique geomorphic evolution. To unravel tectonic influences, we employ morphometric indices, including the Relative Active Tectonic Index (IRAT), revealing neo-tectonic activity and dynamic landscape changes. Our study enriches our understanding of the Korapuzha river basin's evolution, illuminating the interplay between tectonic forces and geomorphic processes. Offering insights into tropical river systems, it contributes to broader landscape dynamic comprehension and informs sustainable land management practices. The IRAT calculation for the Korapuzha basin is based on the average of five geomorphic index classes, with resulting classifications indicating varying levels of tectonic activity. KB-1 and KB-2 sub-basins’ IRAT values enumerated as 2.2 and 2, respectively hence fall into classes 4 and 3, indicating low and moderate tectonic activity, respectively. The presence of tectonism in the study area revealed from geomorphic indices and IRAT, was acknowledged and evinced precisely by following the analysis of the SL index and GLA index method.

Morphometric indices assessment: Implications for active tectonics in the upper Narmada Basin, central India

During the Palaeoproterozoic era, the Northern and Southern cratonic blocks of the Indian Plate came together and amalgamated. Farther, facilitated by the East-West trending central Tectonic Suture Zone, characterized by the Son-Narmada Fault/Lineament (SNF/L) and Central Shear (CIS) Zone, has long intrigued researchers due to its implications for active tectonics, particularly in the Narmada basin. In this study, we employ geomorphic and morphotectonic indices to elucidate the neotectonic activity in the Upper Narmada basin (UNB) of central India. Utilizing SRTM-DEM data, we analyze morphometric and morphotectonic parameters to shed light on the development of drainage patterns and active tectonics within the basin. Our findings reveal a pronounced influence of tectonics on basin evolution, as evidenced by high bifurcation ratios indicative of intense tectonic activity and elevated ruggedness values suggestive of heightened erosion susceptibility. The predominant ENE-WSW orientation of the Son Narmada South Fault (SNSF) and Son Narmada North Fault (SNNF), aligned with major lineament trends, exerts control over the Narmada River drainage network. Additionally, the high value (<50) of the asymmetric factor reveals the significant tectonic influence on the Upper Narmada basin, while the transverse asymmetric factor and stream length index values further corroborate the basin's susceptibility to active tectonics. Notably, the abrupt elevation changes (200–600 m asl) reflected by Dhuandhar, Kapildhara and other falls along the course of Narmada provide compelling evidence of neotectonic activity. Thus, we assert that morphotectonic analyses employing Digital Elevation Maps, satellite imagery, and SRTM-DEM data represent an efficacious approach for investigating complex basin morphotectonics.

A model-based characterization of confined meandering rivers

In this paper we analyze the dynamics of meandering rivers that flow in geologically confined floodplains. We use a state of art meander morphodynamic model in which the floodplain erodibility can be spatially variable, and can thus be highly reduced where nearly unerodible lateral walls are simulated. We propose a hybrid empirical and model-based indicator to estimate the degree of confinement relative to the potential, unconfined meander belt. Together with commonly used meander morphometric indicators, we propose two novel planform metrics to represent the observed tendency of confined meanders (i) to develop long reaches attached to the geological boundaries, and (ii) to develop more frequent crossing of the floodplain central axis. Results reproduce realistic planforms of confined meanders, quantitatively support previously suggested qualitative classifications of confined meandering rivers, and provide a rational framework to compare meandering rivers having different degree of confinement (strong, moderate, unconfined), as well as different hydro-morphological conditions. Good agreement between model predictions and the few existing field observations support the proposed approach.

Experimental study of toxic effects of cadmium against background of physical exercise

Introduction. Nowadays, working conditions in industry are often associated with chemical exposure along with manual labour. Given the evidence of the combined effect of heavy metals and muscular work, an increase in cadmium toxicity can be expected. However, an experimental study and actual assessment of exposure to both factors are necessary to avoid underestimation or overestimation of real risks. The purpose of our study was to establish health effects of subchronic cadmium toxicity against background of physical exercise. Materials and methods. In a subchronic animal experiment, four groups of outbred male rats, 14 animals each, were exposed to cadmium chloride at a single dose of 0.77 mg/kg body weight, forced physical exercise (treadmill running), both factors combined, or acted as a control group. Hematological, biochemical, and morphometric indices in rodents were assessed at the end of the experiment. The statistical significance of differences between the groups was established using Student’s t-test (p&lt;0.05). For mathematical modelling, we used the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the construction of Loewe isoboles. Results. We observed significant unfavorauble shifts in 27.5% of the assessed morphometric, hematological, biochemical, cytological, and histomorphometric indices in rats following the exposure to cadmium only and in combination with exercise. The mathematical analysis based on the response surface modelling showed the typology of the combined impact of chemical and physical factors to vary depending on the specific effect by which it is assessed, as well as on the dose and level of effect. Limitations. Laboratory animals of only one biological species and sex were used for the experiment, exposed to a single concentration of cadmium and physical exercise of only one intensity level. Conclusion. The principles of health effects of cadmium and physical stress as risk factors of the workplace environment specified in the in vivo experiment may serve as a basis for scientific justification of risk assessment criteria to avoid under- or overestimation of real risks in the occupational setting.

ВПЛИВ МІКОТОКСИНУ Т-2 НА ІХТІОЛОГІЧНІ ПОКАЗНИКИ КОРОПОВИХ РИБ

Mycotoxins are particularly dangerous for both animals and humans. Their toxic effects manifest even in ultra-minimal doses, which are often impossible to detect even with modern methods. The response mechanism of hydrobionts to toxic pollution in the aquatic environment is revealed through biochemical and physiological reactions aimed at restoring damaged functions. Increased human impact on aquatic ecosystems has exacerbated the survival challenges for aquatic organisms under stressful conditions. A study was conducted to investigate the impact of mycotoxin T-2 on ichthyological indicators in carp fish. Even ultra-low doses of mycotoxins can have toxic effects, and their presence is often difficult to detect with modern methods. Changes in morphometric indicators and metabolic processes are integral components of complex nonspecific reactions that occur in response to any stress factors. During long-term exposure or at high intensity, serious and irreversible damage can occur, potentially leading to various pathologies or even death of the organism. Based on this, the aim of the study was to examine the effect of mycotoxin T-2 on the ichthyological indicators of carp fish. A laboratory experiment showed that exposure to mycotoxin T-2 led to a slight increase in the fatness ratio of fish, which could be explained by tissue swelling. A similar trend was observed regarding the liver index in carp. In the case of crucians, the liver index remained unchanged. Additionally, no significant changes were found in the indicators of body height, head height, and compactness. This can be attributed to the relatively short two-week experimental period, which may not be sufficient to detect differences in morphological parameters. During the experiment, when mycotoxin T-2 was introduced into laboratory aquariums, changes were detected in the protein metabolism components in the blood of fish. Total protein levels decreased by 29% in carp and 32% in crucian carp exposed to mycotoxin T-2. The study of ALT and AST activity in the blood under the influence of mycotoxin revealed an increase in the activity of aminotransferases in both carp and crucian carp. From the blood, free amino acids are transferred to the liver, where in response to ALT and AST, their transamination increases, explaining the heightened activity of these enzymes.