Multi-methodological Approach Research Articles

Endocervical adenocarcinomas and HPV genotyping in an HIV endemic milieu – a retrospective study

BackgroundCervical cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Mozambique, with endocervical adenocarcinoma accounting for approximately 5.5% of cases. Knowledge regarding the most prevalent HPV genotypes in endocervical adenocarcinoma is limited, within this setting. This study aimed to investigate human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and genotypes within a cohort of endocervical adenocarcinoma patients in the context of Mozambique’s recently introduced vaccination programme, considering the country's HIV-endemic setting.MethodsForty consecutive cases of endocervical adenocarcinoma diagnosed at Maputo Central Hospital between 2017 and 2018, with limited clinical data available, were included. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status was determined through serological data or in situ hybridisation on histopathological slides. HPV detection was performed using a multi-methodological approach, including Anyplex II, in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and chromogenic and fluorescent in situ hybridisation techniques.ResultsAll 40 cases exhibited HPV-dependent morphology. Fourteen of the 40 patients were HIV-positive. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, stage, or histopathological type. hrHPV16, 18, or 45 were detected in all cases. Notably, multiple hrHPV infections were identified exclusively in HIV-negative cases (10/26, p = 0.0075), with hrHPV18/45 co-infection being the most common (n = 8).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the newly implemented quadrivalent vaccination programme has the potential to prevent morbidity and mortality from endocervical adenocarcinoma, irrespective of HIV infection status, in Mozambique's HIV-endemic environment.

Geochemical and mineralogical differences between supergene and hypogene gold mineralization and influence on gold recovery: A case study of the Faina gold deposit, Pitangui greenstone belt, Brazil

The Faina gold deposit, located in the Pitangui Greenstone Belt, NW of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil, has produced gold from the oxidized portion of the deposit between June 2010 and June 2013. However, the deeper hypogene (sulfide-rich) section of the deposit has shown lower-than-expected recovery rates after direct leaching, leading to the interruption of gold production. This research presents a multi-methodological approach (drill core description, multi-element geochemical analyses and mineral characterization using microscopy and X-ray diffraction) to investigate describe the Faina gold deposit and identify the cause of low recoveries from the hypogene zone. The stratigraphy at Faina consists of a sequence of meta-mafic and meta-sedimentary rocks, with a thick (>40m) saprolite horizon (oxidized portion). Both the meta-mafic rocks and saprolite host gold mineralization, which is identified by distinct geochemical and mineral signatures: 1) Au-As-W in the hypogene zone, with gold associated with sulfides or as disseminations in silicates and 2) Au-As-W in the oxide-rich shallower section with free-milling gold associated with quartz, iron oxide-hydroxides and clay minerals. Geochemical, mineral and textural relationships in the hypogene zone show that submicroscopic gold particles associated with minerals, that consume leaching solution minerals (arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite and berthierite) may cause refractoriness during direct leaching. Separation of gold from these mineral phases, in addition to concentration methods during ore processing may increase gold recovery. The results presented in this research emphasize the importance of a detailed geochemical and mineral characterization to reveal the contrasting mineral and chemical compositions between hypogene and oxidized zone, which may influence gold recovery.

Unlocking the key to HPV prevention: Exploring factors influencing HPV vaccination decisions among young people and their parents.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a recognised preventive measure against HPV-related cancers. Despite the availability of vaccines, challenges persist, including limited awareness and gender disparities in vaccination. Addressing the challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach involving knowledge advancements, understanding societal needs and cultural beliefs, and improving vaccine communication. This study aimed to determine young people's information needs, facilitators and barriers, influential messages, and thoughts on improving vaccine communication between youth & healthcare professionals (HCPs) and parents regarding HPV vaccination. Qualitative SWOT analysis. This report is part of Work Package 2.1 within the EU4Health project PROTECT-EUROPE. A multi-methodological approach involved data collection through open-ended questionnaires disseminated to European youth organisations. The data underwent content and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. The SWOT analysis of HPV vaccination communication efforts highlighted strengths, such as using educational institutions to disseminate information and vaccination. Primary obstacles to HPV vaccination include a lack of awareness among key demographics and logistical challenges for youth accessing vaccination services. Weaknesses included barriers created by the use of technical jargon. Opportunities were seen in HCPs engaging directly with students in educational settings and open dialogue, ensuring confidentiality to the target population. Threats encompassed cultural sensitivities to HPV. These insights underscore the importance of developing communication strategies that are effective and sensitive to cultural contexts and of creating accessible and adaptable vaccination programs. The findings suggest that targeted education and active engagement strategies can mitigate these issues. Moreover, prioritising open communication between HCPs and young individuals is critical for increasing vaccination uptake.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SUPERMARKET BUILDING PERFORMANCE UNDER CURRENT AND FUTURE WEATHER CONDITIONS IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL (AMAC), ABUJA-NIGERIA

This study investigates the energy performance and carbon emissions of LIDL supermarket buildings in Abuja, Nigeria, under current and future climate conditions. Using a multi-methodological approach, the research evaluates three construction models—Model P1 (steel columns with cladding panels), Model P2 (Poroton blocks), and Model P3 (precast concrete columns with glulam beams)—to understand the impacts of construction techniques and materials on building energy efficiency and sustainability. The study employs Thermal Analysis Software (TAS) v9.5.0 to simulate energy consumption and emissions under different scenarios, utilizing dynamic weather data from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) for both present and future climate projections (2050s and 2080s). The methodology integrates critical building elements, including floor area, thermal properties, and heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and incorporates site-specific data from Jabi, Abuja, to analyze regional climate effects. Key simulation assumptions include construction details, U-values, and infiltration rates, while databases from ASHRAE are used to model thermal properties and heat transfer. Results highlight the energy demand changes and carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling across seasonal extremes. This research provides actionable insights into optimizing supermarket energy performance and sustainability in response to climate change, offering valuable guidance for building designs in urbanizing and climate-vulnerable regions like Nigeria.

Deformation mechanisms and geometries of superposed fault zones in dolostones

Understanding how heterogeneous rock volumes deform is crucial in structural geology, and several studies have addressed this issue by focusing on the impact that the mechanical stratigraphy of a layered stratigraphic sequence has on deformation. However, mechanical layering can also develop subparallel to fault surfaces within the upper crust, and how these anisotropies affect subsequent deformation has been much less explored. This work addresses this aspect by structurally and mechanically characterizing superposed fault zones developed in Triassic dolostones that crop out in the fold-and-thrust belt of the southern Apennines. We investigate how layering associated with an early, reservoir-scale, normal fault zone (F1), inherited from Upper Triassic−Lower Jurassic pre-orogenic extension, influenced the deformation mechanisms and the geometry of younger strike-slip faults (F2) that formed at an angle to it in the early Pliocene in association with out-of-sequence tectonics during the Apennine orogeny. We combined field surveys and laboratory analyses using a multiscalar and multimethodological approach. Meso- and microstructural observations and geomechanical, laboratory, and in situ tests were employed to describe fault rock attributes. We found that the architecture of the F1 normal fault primarily consists of four tens-of-meters-thick, subparallel fault rock units. They have a cataclastic core, and are bounded in the hanging wall by cemented micromosaic breccia, and in the footwall by high-strain and low-strain fault rocks. The younger F2 strike-slip faults developed alternatively as either cataclastic shear bands or compaction bands and occur in either localized or anastomosing geometries. By combining data, we demonstrate that the particle size distribution, porosity, and rock strength of the fault rock units related to older normal faults are the main controls on the deformation mechanisms (i.e., cataclasis versus compaction) and geometry (i.e., localized anastomosed) of the subsequent strike-slip faults. Our study highlights that preexisting highly porous fault rocks favor the development of compaction deformation bands. Conversely, low rock strength facilitates the formation of discrete and diffuse slip surfaces. These results can have significant implications for assessing fluid flow in multifaulted dolomite reservoirs.

The Complementarity of Programme Logic and Critical Systems Heuristics: Critical Systems Practice for the Evaluation of Emergency Relief in Australia

ABSTRACTThe research aim was to improve the outcomes of Australia's Emergency Relief programme by applying the multiperspective multimethodological critical systems thinking and practice. Emergency Relief was designed as a short‐term intervention to assist people facing a financial crisis; however, it was evident and considered problematic that many beneficiaries had an ongoing reliance on the programme. The application of programme logic, the prevailing best practice approach to social services design and evaluation in Australia, demonstrated its strength by revealing opportunities to improve service delivery models through staff training, referral systems, colocation and case management. The application of critical systems heuristics revealed that unintended adverse consequences could result from ‘payment by outcomes’ commissioning and welfare conditionality. The research makes a methodological contribution to systems and evaluation literature by demonstrating the complementarity of programme logic and critical systems heuristics, and the strength in the multiperspective multimethodological approach of critical systems thinking and practice.

The burden of venous thromboembolism in ten countries: a cost-of-illness Markov model on surgical and ICU patients

Aim The objective of this study was to assess the burden of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE) on healthcare systems and patients across ten countries. Methods A multi-methodological approach was taken to estimate the burden of hospital-acquired VTE across five key clinical specialties and ten countries (Australia, Brazil, China, France, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom). Surveys with healthcare professionals (surgeons, hematologists, and hospital management) were conducted to identify clinical specialties of interest. A systematic literature review and interviews were conducted to identify data for incidences and costs. A health-economic model was developed, using a decision tree and Markov model to estimate 1-year costs. Costs are presented in 2022 USD. Results Orthopedics, oncology, long-term ICU, cardiology, and obstetrics and gynecology were identified as the clinical specialties of interest. The total cost burden of hospital-acquired VTE was estimated to be $41,280 million, which equals $503 per patient at risk. Expressed as a share of 2022 GDP, an average spending per country of 0.05% to 0.18% was observed. The VTE-associated mortality was substantial, accounting for 150,081 deaths in a 74.2 million population, translating into an average mortality rate of 2.02 (0.64–3.05) per 1,000 patients at risk. Limitations There were limited data available concerning VTE incidences in some countries and clinical specialties. Where data were available, there was heterogeneity of incidence definitions across the identified studies. Generalizations, imputations, and the country-agnostic structure of the model might have contributed to biases. Conclusions The burden of hospital-acquired VTE is substantial both from an economic and from a patient perspective in all countries evaluated.

Unveiling the Bluish Green Chalcedony Aquaprase™—The Study of Its Microstructure and Mineralogy

A bluish green chalcedony (a micro to crypto polycrystalline form of silica) from Africa has been marketed with the trademark AQUAPRASETM. A multimethodological approach, combining gemological analyses, thin section examination, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and trace elements chemical analyses by LA–ICP–MS, was carried out to characterize this material from a gemological and mineralogical point of view. The chalcedony samples consist of a mixture of quartz and moganite, as shown by the X-ray powder diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. “Aquaprase” showed a strong microstructural zoning in terms of grain size, from macrocrystalline to micro and crypto, and morphology. Trace element variations correlated well with the different colored areas of the samples. In particular, the main chromophore ion present in the bluish green areas of the “aquaprase” chalcedony was chromium, followed by iron and nickel, so this chalcedony could be included in the group of chromium-bearing chalcedony. Rayleigh light scattering contributed to the blue hue of the gems.

Depositional and diagenetic heterogeneities in sequence stratigraphic framework of a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic reservoir: A case study from Oligocene–Miocene Asmari Formation in the Persian Gulf

Mixed siliciclastic–carbonate reservoirs, such as the Asmari Formation in the Zagros Basin, present significant heterogeneities that influence hydrocarbon exploration and production. This study examines the depositional and diagenetic heterogeneities of the Asmari Formation in the northwest Persian Gulf through a multi-methodological approach, including petrographic analysis, petrophysical measurements, core CT-scanning, X-ray diffraction, and sieve analysis. The primary goal is to identify the origins, scales, and predictability of these heterogeneities within a sequence stratigraphic framework to enhance reservoir characterization. Facies analysis reveals depositional environments ranging from sabkha to shoreface, peritidal, lagoonal, and shoal settings, with carbonate sedimentation interrupted by clastic influxes associated with sea-level fluctuations. Diagenetic processes, including dolomitization, dissolution, cementation, and fracturing, were identified through petrographic analysis, highlighting their effects on reservoir quality. To quantify these heterogeneities and delineate reservoir flow units, methods such as Winland classification, hydraulic flow unit (HFU) analysis, and Lorenz zonation were applied. Results show that depositional heterogeneities, predominantly driven by sea-level changes, range from small to large scales and can be predicted within a sequence stratigraphic context. Diagenetic modifications substantially affect porosity and permeability, with dolomitization improving reservoir potential, while compaction and cementation tend to reduce it. Fracturing, particularly in the lower Asmari carbonates, enhances permeability. The study concludes that accurately recognizing and modeling reservoir heterogeneities in three dimensions can significantly improve exploration and development strategies in the Persian Gulf. A better understanding of the spatial distribution of high-quality reservoir zones and impermeable baffle layers will facilitate more precise well placement, optimize hydrocarbon recovery, and mitigate exploration risks.

Risk Analysis of Level Crossing Element Failures in a Fuzzy Environment

The concept of risk analysis is especially important because it examines and analyses in a detailed manner the factors that affect the normal functioning of a system. In this paper, the level crossing is considered as one system, composed of several elements. The failures of those elements were analysed with the aim of showing which are the most frequent and most critical failures. A multi-methodological approach was used in the analysis. The failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) method was used to determine risk factors, after that a multi-criteria model was created in a fuzzy environment, and as output, it gave a ranking list of critical failures in the system. Through the discussion of the results, a comparison of the basic model with two other similar ones was made, and the comparative results were analysed. The main aim of this paper is to present one of the possible ways to analyse the risk of the system of level crossings with the aim of improving traffic safety at the crossing.

A multimethodological approach for vertebrate endemicity and potential priority regions for conservation in the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil

The selection of strategic conservation areas is a complex undertaking that requires the integration of various elements, including planning, indicators, and mapping. An extensive evaluation of vertebrate distribution patterns in Espírito Santo state, southern Brazil, revealed the existence of four consensus areas defined by two endemicity methods that can be designated as priority regions for multitaxa conservation. A brief remark is made regarding the importance of endemic areas and biogeographic units in the definition of priority areas for conservation.

Integrative biomarker discovery and immune profiling for ulcerative colitis: a multi-methodological approach

Background We aimed to pinpoint biomarkers, create a diagnostic model for ulcerative colitis (UC), and delve into its immune features to better understand this autoimmune condition. Methods The sequencing data for both the UC and the control groups were obtained from GEO, including both bulk and single-cell data. Using GSE87466 as training group, we applied differential analysis, WGCNA, PPI, LASSO, RF, and SVM-RFE for biomarker selection. A neural network shaped our diagnostic model, corroborated by GSE92415 as the validation cohort with ROC assessment. Immune cell profiling was conducted using CIBERSORT. Results 53 disease-associated genes were screened. Enrichment analysis highlighted roles in complement cascades and cell adhesion. Eight biomarkers were finally identified through multiple machine learning and PPI: B4GALNT2, PDZK1IP1, FAM195A, REG4, MTMR11, FLJ35024, CD55, and CD44. The diagnostic model had AUCs of 0.984 (training group) and 0.957 (validation group). UC tissues revealed heightened plasma cells, CD8 T cells, and other immune cells. Two unique UC immune patterns emerged, with certain T and NK cells central to immune modulation. Conclusion We identified eight biomarkers of UC by various methods, constructed a diagnostic model through neural networks, and explored the immune complexity of the disease, which contributes to the diagnosis and treatment of UC.

Retinal Proteome Profiling of Inherited Retinal Degeneration Across Three Different Mouse Models Suggests Common Drug Targets in Retinitis Pigmentosa

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a leading cause of blindness among the population of young people in the developed world. Approximately half of IRDs initially manifest as gradual loss of night vision and visual fields, characteristic of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Due to challenges in genetic testing, and the large heterogeneity of mutations underlying RP, targeted gene therapies are an impractical largescale solution in the foreseeable future. For this reason, identifying key pathophysiological pathways in IRDs that could be targets for mutation-agnostic and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) is warranted. In this study, we investigated the retinal proteome of three distinct IRD mouse models, in comparison to sex- and age-matched wild-type mice. Specifically, we used the Pde6βRd10 (rd10) and RhoP23H/WT (P23H) mouse models of autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant RP, respectively, as well as the Rpe65-/- mouse model of Leber's congenital amaurosis type 2 (LCA2). The mice were housed at two distinct institutions and analyzed using LC-MS in three separate facilities/instruments following data-dependent and data-independent acquisition modes. This cross-institutional and multi-methodological approach signifies the reliability and reproducibility of the results. The large-scale profiling of the retinal proteome, coupled with invivo electroretinography recordings, provided us with a reliable basis for comparing the disease phenotypes and severity. Despite evident inflammation, cellular stress, and downscaled phototransduction observed consistently across all three models, the underlying pathologies of RP and LCA2 displayed many differences, sharing only four general KEGG pathways. The opposite is true for the two RP models in which we identify remarkable convergence in proteomic phenotype even though the mechanism of primary rod death in rd10 and P23H mice is different. Our data highlights the cAMP and cGMP second-messenger signaling pathways as potential targets for therapeutic intervention. The proteomic data is curated and made publicly available, facilitating the discovery of universal therapeutic targets for RP.

Spatiotemporal Climatology of Georgia Tropical Cyclones and Associated Rainfall

Tropical cyclones (TCs), often characterized by high wind speeds and heavy rainfall, cause widespread devastation, affecting millions of people and leading to economic losses worldwide. TC-specific research in Georgia is scarce, likely due to the minimal geographical extent of its coast and the infrequency of direct landfalls. Research on Georgia TCs does not account for storms that make landfall in other southeastern states (e.g., Florida) and continue north, northeast, or northwest into Georgia. This study used the North Atlantic Basin hurricane database (HURDAT2) to quantify the spatiotemporal patterns of direct and indirect landfalling of Georgia tropical cyclones (>16 ms−1) from 1851 to 2021. TC-induced rainfall was also quantified using rainfall data (nClimGrid-Daily and nClimGrid) from 1951 to 2021 to estimate the proportion of Georgia’s total annual and monthly rainfall attributed to TCs. A multi-methodological approach, incorporating statistics and mapping, is employed to assess the trends of Georgia’s tropical cyclones and the associated rainfall. The study analyzed 113 TCs and found that, on average, less than one TC annually (x¯ = 0.66) traverses the state. September averaged the highest percentage (25%) of TC-induced rainfall, followed by October (14%), and August (13%). This pattern aligns with the TC season, with the highest frequency of TCs occurring in September (n = 35), followed by August (n = 25), and October (n = 18). We found that 10% of tropical storms make landfall on the coastline, while the remaining 91% enter Georgia by making landfall in Florida (92%), Louisiana (7%), or South Carolina (1%) first. A threat of TCs during the peak of the season emphasizes the importance of heightened awareness, increased planning practices, and resource allocation during these periods to protect Georgia’s history and natural beauty, and its residents.

India-Nepal Relations in the Modi Era: Dynamics, Challenges, and Prospects

The India-Nepal relationship, marked by shared historical, cultural, and geographical ties, has seen both cooperation and discord. Despite a foundation of mutual respect, these South Asian neighbors have occasionally faced strains and disagreements in their bilateral relations. This research aims to thoroughly examine the dynamics, challenges, and prospects of India-Nepal relations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure from 2014 to 2024. It has three primary objectives: firstly, to understand the dynamics influencing the relationship; secondly, to identify and analyze challenges in maintaining and strengthening bilateral ties; and thirdly, to explore potential opportunities shaping their future relationship. The study considers historical, cultural, and political factors affecting the evolving dynamics, including recent border disputes, and employs a multi-methodological approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex bilateral relationship under Modi's leadership.

Assessing Ecosystem Services through a multimethodological approach based on multicriteria analysis and cost-benefits analysis: A case study in Turin (Italy)

Ecosystem Services (ESs) are benefits that humans derive from nature, including climate regulation, air and water purification, soil formation, and recreation. Currently, ESs are at the center of green city policies tackling sustainability challenges. Traditionally, ESs have been assessed using monetary estimations, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). These methods are useful for integrating environmental aspects in land use planning but have practical limitations since they focus on analyzing biophysical values and economic benefits. Due to the value pluralism of the ESs concept, intangible/extra-economic elements and the plurality of perspectives of the different stakeholders involved need to be included. Within this context, Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) allows the consideration of multiple problem dimensions and accommodates value pluralism. Based on these premises and limitations, the present paper proposes the integration of CBA and MCDA to evaluate alternative project solutions for green roof installation. The multidimensional outputs from CBA and MCDA are combined in a common aggregation procedure called COSIMA. Starting from a real case in Turin (Northern Italy), this article illustrates the application of COSIMA from the point of view of the best trade-off on the preferences of users and investors. The study results show the suitability of COSIMA for integrating all ESs values (i.e., biophysical, sociocultural, and economic) in urban governance processes.

Understanding the drivers of PM2.5 concentrations in Chinese cities: A comprehensive study of anthropogenic and environmental factors

Understanding the factors that drive PM2.5 concentrations in cities with varying population and land areas is crucial for promoting sustainable urban population health. This knowledge is particularly important for countries where air pollution is a significant challenge. Most existing studies have investigated either anthropogenic or environmental factors in isolation, often in limited geographic contexts; however, this study fills this knowledge gap. We employed a multimethodological approach, using both multiple linear regression models and geographically weighted regression (GWR), to assess the combined and individual effects of these factors across different cities in China. The variables considered were urban built-up area, land consumption rate (LCR), population size, population growth rate (PGR), longitude, and latitude. Compared with other studies, this study provides a more comprehensive understanding of PM2.5 drivers. The findings of this study showed that PGR and population size are key factors affecting PM2.5 concentrations in smaller cities. In addition, the extent of urban built-up areas exerts significant influence in medium and large cities. Latitude was found to be a positive predictor for PM2.5 concentrations across all city sizes. Interestingly, the northeast, south, and southwest regions demonstrated lower PM2.5 levels than the central, east, north, and northwest regions. The GWR model underscored the importance of considering spatial heterogeneity in policy interventions. However, this research is not without limitations. For instance, international pollution transfers were not considered. Despite the limitation, this study advances the existing literature by providing an understanding of how both anthropogenic and environmental factors, in conjunction with city scale, shape PM2.5 concentrations. This integrated approach offers invaluable insights for tailoring more effective air pollution management strategies across cities of different sizes and characteristics.

Study of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects induced in human fibroblasts by exposure to pulsed and continuous 1.6 GHz radiofrequency.

The widespread use of radiofrequency (RF) sources, ranging from household appliances to telecommunications devices and military equipment, raises concerns among people and regulatory agencies about the potential health risks of RF exposure. Consequently, several in vitro and in vivo studies have been done to investigate the biological effects, in particular non-thermal, of this non-ionizing radiation. To date, this issue is still being debated due to the controversial results that have been reported. Furthermore, the impact of different RF signal modulations on biological systems remains poorly investigated. The present in vitro study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of continuous or pulsed 1.6 GHz RF in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). HDF cultures were exposed to continuous and pulsed 1.6 GHz RF, for 2 h, with Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 0.4 W/kg. The potential biological effects of 1.6 GHz RF on HDF were assessed with a multi-methodological approach, analyzing the effects on cell cycle, ultrastructure, protein expression, mitotic spindle, CREST stained micronuclei, chromosome segregation and γ-H2AX/53BP1 foci. 1.6 GHz RF exposure modified proteins expression and morphology of HDF. Specifically, the expression of different heat-shock proteins (HSP) (i.e., HSP-90, HSP-60, and HSP-25) and phospho-AKT were affected. In addition, both continuous and pulsed RF modified the cytoskeletal organization in HDF and increased the number of lysosomes, while the formation of autophagosomes was observed only after pulsed RF exposure. Mitotic spindle anomalies were also found after exposure. However, no significant effect was observed on cell cycle, chromosome segregation, CREST-stained micronuclei and γ-H2AX/53BP1 foci. The results of the present study show the absence of genotoxic damage in 1.6 GHz RF exposed HDF and, although mitotic spindle alterations were observed, they did not have an aneugenic effect. On the other hand, changes in some proteins expression and cell ultrastructure in exposed HDF suggest that RF can potentially induce cell alterations at the morphological and molecular levels.

Environmental relevance monitoring and assessment of ochreous precipitates, hydrochemistry and water sources from abandoned coal mine drainage

This study investigated the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of ochreous precipitates and mine water samples from abandoned Upper Carboniferous hard coal mines in an extensive former mining area in western Germany. Mine water characteristics have been monitored and assessed using a multi-methodological approach. Thirteen mine water discharge locations were sampled for hydrochemical analysis, with a total of 46 water samples seasonally collected in the whole study area for stable isotopic analyses. Mineralogical composition of 13 ochreous precipitates was identified by a combination of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM/EDS). Results showed that abandoned mine drainage was characterized by circumneutral pH, Eh values ranging from 163 to 269 mV, relatively low concentrations of Fe and Mn, and was dominated by HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > NO3− and Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+. Goethite and ferrihydrite were the dominant precipitated Fe minerals, with traces of quartz, dolomite, and clay minerals. Some metal and metalloid elements (Mn, Al, Si, and Ti) were found in the ochreous sediments. The role of bacteria in the formation of secondary minerals was assessed with the detection of Leptothrix ochracea. The δ18O and δ2H values of mine water plotted on and close to the GMWL and LMWLs indicated local derivation from meteoric water and represented the annual mean precipitation isotopic composition. Results might help to develop strategies for the management of water resources, contaminated mine water, and public health.

A neutron diffraction study of the hydrous borate inderborite, CaMg[B3O3(OH)5]2(H2O)4·2H2O

Abstract The crystal chemistry of inderborite, a B-rich mineral (B2O3 ~41 wt%) with ideal formula CaMg[B3O3(OH)5]2·6H2O or CaMg[B3O3(OH)5]2(H2O)4·2H2O from the Inder Deposit, Kazakhstan, was re-investigated by a multi-methodological approach (single-crystal X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron probe micro-analysis in wavelength-dispersive mode, laser ablation multi-collector inductively mass spectrometry). The experimental findings show that the real chemical formula of inderborite from the Inder Deposit is virtually identical to the ideal one: the fraction of potential isomorphic substituents is insignificant. Boron is, therefore, the only industrially relevant element occurring in this mineral. The in situ B isotope composition of the Inder inderborite shows enrichment in the heavy 11B isotope, giving a weighted mean δ11BNIST951 of +35.15 ± 0.49 ‰ (2σ, N = 6). Such a positive δ11B value falls within the range of values in which the source of boron is ascribable to marine reservoirs rather than to terrestrial ones. X-ray (at 293 K) and neutron (at 20 K) structure refinements confirm that the principal building block unit of the structure is a [B3O3(OH)5]2– ring, consisting of two BO2(OH)2 tetrahedra (B-ion in sp3 electronic configuration) and one planar-triangular BO2OH group (B-ion in sp2 electronic configuration). In the [B3O3(OH)5]2– ring, all the oxygen atoms that are not shared between two boron atoms are protonated. The building units share corners with the CaO2(OH)4(OH2)2 polyhedra and Mg(OH)4(OH2)2 octahedra, forming hetero-polyhedral sheets parallel to (100). Subsequent hetero-polyhedral sheets are mutually connected only by H-bonding interactions, even mediated by the zeolitic (“interstitial”) H2O molecules. Ten out of 11 independent oxygen sites in the structure of inderborite are involved in H-bonds as donors or acceptors, and this reflects the pervasive effect of the H-bonding network. The role played by the complex H-bond network is expected to be substantial on the stability of the crystalline edifice, having effects within the single hetero-polyhedral sheet, between subsequent sheets, and in the bonding with the interstitial zeolitic H2O molecules. Finally, the potential utilizations of inderborite, as a B-bearing mineral, are discussed.