Northwestern Area Research Articles

Borrelia burgdorferi infections in children and adolescents in Switzerland - a seroprevalence study 2023/2024 (BOBUINCA).

Lyme borreliosis is one of the most prevalent tick-borne diseases in Europe. Studies on seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi IgG antibodies in children are rare. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi IgG antibodies in children and adolescents residing in North-Western Switzerland and neighbouring countries. Prospective cross-sectional observational single-centre study using left-over plasma of asymptomatic paediatric patients. Included were children aged 1-17 years living in North-Western Switzerland and bordering areas of France and Germany. Excluded were children with symptoms of Lyme borreliosis or a chronic disease possibly affecting plasma antibodies (immunodeficiency syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus) or with such medication (e.g., intravenous immunoglobuline treatment, allogenic stem cell transplantation, immunosuppressive treatment) as well as refugees seeking asylum. IgG antibodies against B. burgdorferi were measured by ELISA and positive or borderline results by line blot. Positivity was defined as scenario 1: ELISA positive/line blot positive or borderline OR ELISA borderline/line blot positive. Scenario 2: ELISA positive or borderline/line blot positive. A multivariable logistic regression model for seropositivity was applied. 962 children were included (mean age 9.63 years, standard deviation 5.01, 54.5% males). Seroprevalence for scenario 1 was 13.3% (95% CI: 11.2-15.6) and for scenario 2 11.2% (95% CI: 9.3-13.4). Seroprevalence (scenario 1) was comparable for age groups, sex and rural versus urban residence. This study shows an increased seroprevalence for B. burgdorferi in the paediatric age compared to previous childhood studies. We also found an increased risk for B. burgdorferi infection at young age.

Indoor air pollutants and microbes in mass rapid transit (MRT) trains of north-western area of Bangkok, Thailand: Impact on indoor air quality and human health

Most modern cities suffer from urban air pollution caused by human activity such as traffic and other sources. Various pollutants in the environment may pose a threat to the health of commuters. The objective of this study is to assess the indoor air quality (IAQ) in MRT purple line trains serving the north-western area of Bangkok in order to determine any potential impacts on human health. The monitored parameters include total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), ozone (O3), formaldehyde (CH2O), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The indoor air pollutant concentrations in the MRT remained within the permissible thresholds. The results of the correlation analysis reveal that relative humidity (RH) and PM2.5 are positively correlated in both the wintertime and summertime measurement campaigns. In contrast, CO2 correlated with temperature in the wintertime and CO in the rainy season. Bacterial and fungal loads were estimated during various measurement campaigns in MRT. Fungi and bacterial loads were higher in the MRT trains during the wintertime and rainy season campaigns. The IAQ of MRT train in Bangkok is within the satisfactory and excellent category of air quality index (AQI). The inhaled doses of PM2.5, CO, and VOCs were also estimated to identify their health effects on commuters. The inhaled dose of PM2.5 was comparatively higher than other pollutants. In this study, a general perspective of the IAQ in the MRT system was provided. It is recommended to conduct more research studies on various MRT lines in Bangkok to further investigate the levels of bacteria, fungi, TVOCs, O3, and PM. Additionally, the ventilation mode in MRT needs to be investigated as it is the main factor affecting the IAQ.

Spatial and temporal variability of the freezing level in Patagonia's atmosphere

Abstract. The height of the 0 °C isotherm (H0), which commonly signals the freezing level, denotes the lowest altitude within the atmosphere where the air temperature reaches 0 °C. This can be used as an indicator of the transition between rain and snow, making it useful for monitoring and visualizing the height of freezing temperatures in the atmosphere. We study the spatial and temporal variability of H0 across Patagonia (41–54° S) for the 1959–2021 period using reanalysis data from ERA5. Our results indicate that the average isotherm in Patagonia is 1691 m above sea level (m a.s.l.). The spatial distribution of the annual mean field highlights the contrast in the region, with an average maximum of 2658 m a.s.l. in the north and minimum of 913 m a.s.l. in the south. Regarding seasonal variability in the region, H0 ranges from 575 m a.s.l. (winter) to 3346 m a.s.l. (summer). Further, the significant trends calculated over the period show positive values in the whole area. This indicates an upward annual trend in the H0, between 8.8 and 36.5 m per decade from 1959–2021, with the higher value observed in northwestern Patagonia. These upward trends are stronger during summer (8–61 m per decade). Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis was performed on H0 anomalies. The first EOF mode of H0 variability accounts for 84 % of the total variance, depicting a monopole structure centred in the northwestern area. This mode exhibits a strong and significant correlation with the spatial average H0 anomaly field (r=0.85), the Southern Annular Mode (SAM; r= 0.58), temperature at 850 hPa in the Drake Passage (r=0.56), and sea surface temperature off the western coast of Patagonia (r=0.66), underscoring the significant role of these factors in influencing the vertical temperature profile within the region. The spatial distribution of the second (8 %) and third (4.4 %) EOF modes depicts a dipole pattern, offering additional insights into the processes influencing the 0 °C isotherm, especially on the western slope of Patagonia.

Dipole acoustic remote detection (ARD) logging and its application in fracture-cave reservoir

Abstract Oil and gas from deep reservoirs are mostly enriched in the fracture-cave reservoirs. For this reason, fine evaluation of large-scale fracture-cave and effective detection of small scale fracture-cave are the key issues to be solved in the exploration of fracture-cave type carbonate reservoirs. The acoustic remote detection logging technology is based on acoustic reflection method to continuously image the formation around the well. The cross dipole array sonic data can be processed to image geological anomalies within a range of about 20 meters outside the well. Dipole S wave remote detection has the remarkable advantages of low emission frequency and larger investigation depth, but it has 180 degrees’ azimuthal ambiguity. This study is based on previously developed far field dipole S wave remote detection tool, finite difference is performed on formation models with and without are obtained for representative fracture-cave formations and remote detection processing and interpretation software is updated. These are applied on a well in the northwestern area. Through the comprehensive analysis of remote logging, conventional logging, electrical imaging logging and seismic data of the fracture-cave geological anomalies, a fine picture of the morphology and development of the geological anomalies from the near wellbore to the far end is formed

The impact of COVID-19 on livelihood assets: a case study of high-value crop farmers in North-West Bangladesh

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on public health, extending to the food system and people's livelihoods worldwide, including Bangladesh. This study aimed to ascertain the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on livelihood assets in the North-Western areas (Rajshahi and Rangpur) of Bangladesh. Primary data were collected from 320 farmers engaged in high-value agriculture using a multistage sampling method. The data were analysed using first-order structural equation modelling. The findings reveal a significant impact (p < 0.01) of the pandemic on all livelihood assets in Bangladesh. Notably, human assets exhibited the highest impact, with a coefficient of 0.740, followed sequentially by financial (0.709), social (0.684), natural (0.600), physical (0.542), and psychological (0.537) assets. Government-imposed lockdowns and mobility restrictions were identified as the major causes of the pandemic's negative effects on livelihoods, which included lost income, rising food prices, decreased purchasing power, inadequate access to food and medical supplies, increased social insecurity, and a rise in depression, worry, and anxiety among farmers. The effects of COVID-19 and associated policy measures on the livelihoods of high-value crop farmers have reversed substantial economic and nutritional advances gained over the previous decade. This study suggests attention to the sustainable livelihoods of farmers through direct cash transfer and input incentive programs to minimize their vulnerability to a pandemic like COVID-19 or any other crisis in the future.

Surface carbonate dynamics in a temperate coastal system in the Northern Yellow Sea, China

The carbon sink/source in estuaries and coastal seas may have significant implications for regional climate change. This study investigated seawater carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), aragonite saturation state (Ωarag), and related carbonate parameters in the Yalu River estuary and the adjacent Northern Yellow Sea, China, in September 2023. The results indicate that seawater pCO2 ranged from 261 to 1121 μatm, while Ωarag ranged from 0.49 to 3.34 in the study area. High pCO2 were observed in the estuarine and northwestern areas, whereas low pCO2 were found in the southern offshore area. In the estuarine area, high pCO2 levels were attributed to the input of diluted water from the Yalu River. In the southern areas, low pCO2 were a result of primary production, while community respiration played an important role in increasing seawater pCO2 in the northwestern area. On the other hand, seawater Ωarag was extremely low in the estuarine area, and greater than 1.5 in the southern offshore area. Ωarag in the study area was mainly controlled by water mixing and temperature. The study area acted as a source of atmospheric CO2 with an average air-sea CO2 flux of 6.2 mmol m−2d−1 in autumn, which was relatively high compared with other marginal seas. The high pCO2 and low Ωarag associated with diluted water inputs and community respiration could weaken the ability of coastal oceans to uptake CO2. Therefore, it is crucial to explore ways to reduce CO2 levels in riverine and adjacent coastal seas.

Impact of dental caries and Self-perceived oral health on daily lives of children and mothers in rural Egypt: a household survey

BackgroundThe present study assessed the impact of oral health on the daily lives of children and mothers living in a rural area in Northwestern Egypt.MethodsA cross-sectional household survey including children between 6 and 12 years old and their mothers was conducted in rural Egypt, 2019–2020. Data were collected using clinical examination and interview-based questionnaires of children and mothers. Three binary logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the dependent variables (oral health impact (yes, no) on avoiding smiling, chewing problems, and missing school (children) and avoiding social events (mothers)), and the explanatory variables: oral health (clinically-assessed caries experience and self-reported oral health) controlling for sociodemographic profile (child age and sex, mother’s education), daily toothbrushing and village of residence.ResultsA total of 211 households with 355 children and 211 mothers were included (91.5% response rate). About 54% of the children were girls, mean (SD) age = 8.7 (2.05) years and 82.3% did not brush their teeth daily. Mother’s mean (SD) age was 31.70 (5.45) years. Because of dental problems, 31.3% of children reported chewing difficulties, 31% avoided smiling compared to 76.3% and 43.6% of mothers. Also, 30.4% of children missed school and 76.8% of mothers reported reduced participation in social activities. In children, the number of decayed anterior teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of avoiding smiling (AOR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.44). In mothers, a greater number of posterior missing teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of chewing difficulties (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.45), and a greater number of all missing teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of reduced participation in social events (AOR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.30, 1.57). Good/ very good reported oral health in children and mothers was associated with lower odds of avoiding smiling and chewing problems (p < 0.05).ConclusionDecayed anterior teeth in children have a negative impact on smiling whereas missing teeth in mothers affect the ability to chew food and socialize. The psychological, functional, and social impacts of caries in this rural setting needs to be mitigated by improving oral health literacy and access to care.

Predicting the Invasion Range of the Common Myna, Acridotheres tristis Linnaeus, 1766 in Egypt under Climate Change

The common myna bird (Acridotheres tristis Linnaeus, 1766) is widely recognized as one of the most formidable invasive avian species globally. The bird poses significant challenges due to its ability to outcompete a variety of native cavity-nesting birds. Additionally, the common myna is a notable agricultural pest and a substantial threat to indigenous biodiversity. The current study is focused on understanding the distribution pattern of the common myna (Acridotheres tristis Linnaeus, 1766) in Egypt and the significant favorable conditions to predict the invasion scale of the bird to the Egyptian fauna. To determine the environmental variables influencing the invasion range of the common myna in Egypt, a Species Distribution Model (SDM) was employed. The current work documented 117 invasion sites of the species from February to December 2023. The predicted habitats are mainly concentrated close to the Nile Delta of Egypt, the Suez Canal region, North and South Sinai, in addition to scattered areas on the Red Sea coast, along the riverbanks of Upper Egypt, in addition to a few northwestern areas of the Western Desert. The most significant environmental factors affecting the establishment were the Minimum Temperature of the Coldest Month, the Mean Temperature of the Coldest Quarter, and Elevation. The current invaded areas comprise about 0.8% of Egypt (8240 km2 out of roughly one million km2). We found that this is significant and of concern due to the expectation of increasingly favourable conditions due to global warming; this will turn this invasive species into a real threat to Egyptian ecosystems due to its aggressive competition with native cavity-nesting birds, its impact as an agricultural pest, and its potential to disrupt local biodiversity.

Evaluation of Food Security in North China Based on Food Production Level.

This paper focuses on county-level grain production and food security in North China; selects 17 indicators from both climatic conditions and human activities; applies yield fluctuation coefficients, spatial econometric modelling, the random forest method, and factor analysis to study the characteristics of grain production in North China and the influencing factors; and evaluates the situation of food security in North China based on grain production capacity. The following results were obtained: (1) The spatial and temporal changes in grain production located in North China from 2000 to 2020 are obvious. The grain output in North China from 2000 to 2020 maintains fluctuating growth at a rate of 0.38 × 1011 kg/10a. The east and south are the key areas for grain production in North China. Grain output was relatively stable except for 2003. with the cold spots of grain production being mainly in the northwestern area and the hot spots in the central and southern areas. (2) The changes in grain production in North China from 2000 to 2020 were less affected by climate and mainly influenced by human activity indicators. (3) As time progresses, the area of food shortage zones decreases in size, becoming evenly distributed and dispersed from the initial concentration in northern Hebei and most of Shanxi; the change in the supply-demand equilibrium zones is not obvious; and the area of surplus grain zones increases markedly in size, with a tendency to expand from the south and centre of the study area to the west and north. The grain production capacity of counties in the northwest and north is generally low, and even counties located in surplus grain areas have potential food security risks. However, in the east and south, due to their high grain production capacity, the per capita grain supply situation may be alleviated even in counties located in grain shortage areas. This study can deepen the understanding of the characteristics of food production in North China and enrich the research on food security. Analyses of factors influencing food production will improve a deeper understanding of food security. Food security evaluation based on food production capacity will contribute to a more precise and comprehensive understanding of the food security pattern in North China.

The influence of climatic and human-induced factors on the spatial distribution of invasive plant species richness across the Loess Plateau

Biological invasion poses a critical global issue, leading to substantial detrimental impacts on biodiversity, the environment, and the economy. The objective of the study is to offer a thorough understanding of how both climatic and human-induced elements impact the geographic richness of invasive plant species across the Loess Plateau. We evaluate the distribution of invasive plant species at the county level across the Loess Plateau by examining herbarium records from China. We incorporate 16 climatic and anthropogenic variables to depict the local environmental settings. Furthermore, we apply a classification and regression tree approach to investigate the correlation between the richness of invasive plant species and the identified factors. Our study demonstrates that a total of 401 invasive plant species are identified, which are spread across 249 genera and 61 families. Among these, the Asteraceae family stands out as the most prevalent, trailed by Poaceae and Fabaceae. The spatial distribution of invasive plant species richness reveals a notable trend, with the highest frequencies found in the southeastern parts of the region and the lowest in the northwestern areas. It is noteworthy that regions with higher levels of economic advancement tend to harbor a more significant abundance of invasive plant species. The richness of invasive plant species on the Loess Plateau is predominantly shaped by a combination of climatic and human variables, such as annual precipitation, gross domestic product, maximum temperature of warmest month, and minimum temperature of coldest month. To fully comprehend the ecological and biological mechanisms underlying the diversity of invasive plant species on the Loess Plateau, a pioneering conceptual framework has been established. Our study suggests that achieving a harmonious equilibrium among development, conservation, and invasion mitigation is essential for recognizing emerging risks associated with habitat alterations, climate change, and socio-economic advancements in arid regions.

A NEW MID-MIOCENE WOOD FROM OCNA DEJ SALT MINE

Ocna Dej is an iconic locality for salt mining in Transylvania, being located in the north - north-western area of the Middle Miocene sedimentary basin of Transylvania. In this salt the fossils are rare and refer strictly to plant remains (fragments of wood, pine cones, etc.). A sample of charred wood collected from the area of Ocna Dej salt deposit of Middle Badenian age (Wielician) was submitted to a microscopic study for a taxonomic assignation. It was identified as Cupressinoxylon sp. aff. Thujoxylon sp. as a remain of the synchronous vegetation. This wood type is found for the first time in Ocna Dej salt and could contributes to the paleo-environmental reconstruction of this area. Obviously, wildfires occurred at that time around the marine sedimentary basin of Transylvania.

Integrating Passive Biomonitoring and Active Monitoring: Spider Web Silk and Portable Instruments for Air Quality in Urban Areas

Urban areas worldwide face significant challenges from increasing air pollution, posing health risks and environmental concerns. Lahore, a major city in Pakistan, is particularly affected by severe air pollution due to rapid industrial growth, high vehicle emissions, and various human activities. Traditional air quality monitoring methods, while effective, are often costly and complex, limiting their widespread use. This study investigates a dual monitoring system combining passive biomonitoring with spider web silk and active measurements using portable instruments to assess airborne pollutants in urban environments. Spider webs, collected from various sites in Lahore, were analyzed for heavy metals, while portable instruments simultaneously measured PM2.5, PM10, total volatile organic contents, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide at the same locations. A spatial distribution analysis using GIS and statistical analysis revealed a pattern with significant changes as per land use in the urban environment related to anthropogenic activities. The Principal Component Analysis revealed three distinct clusters of pollutants origins consisting of: I) effluent drains and landfills, II) construction sites, and III) residential areas. The concentrations of Hg in spider silk (average ~ 2.66 mg/kg) were found to be significantly higher in the northeastern part of Lahore, with a similar trend observed in Cd, Cu, Ni, and As levels (average ~ 15.45, 102.87, 31.72, and 6.64, respectively). Several-fold changes in levels and spatial distribution of Pb (15.12 to 356.41 mg/kg) showed a higher concentration in the northern and northeastern parts of Lahore. The spatial variation pattern of Cr (average~ 57.04 mg/kg) registered a higher concentration in southwestern Lahore. Ambient air levels of measured pollutants followed almost similar patterns in spatial distribution. PM2.5 and PM10 measured higher levels (195 and 226 μg/m3, respectively) in the southwestern and northwestern areas, with a similar pattern of variation observed in TVOC (average ~ 0.14 μg/m3). The concentration of HCHO (average ~ 0.003 μg/m3) was higher in the southwest of Lahore. All measured pollutants registered higher values than air quality standards. Particulate matter is the most dominant pollutant contributing to air pollution (up to 20x higher than WHO guidelines). The findings support the use of a dual monitoring system, integrating passive spider web silk biomonitoring and active portable instruments, as a scalable and sustainable solution for air quality management. This approach holds potential for global application in diverse urban environments, with future research focusing on further validation and integration with advanced remote sensing technologies to enhance air quality monitoring and contribute to improved public health and environmental management worldwide. Hence, this research work points to the potential use of spider silk as a biomonitoring tool in combination with instrumental measurement of ambient air pollutants.

The Mousterian in North-Western Tuscany: publishing fieldwork documentation leads to a new stratigraphical interpretation of the Piano di Mommio sites

Background The Mousterian technocomplex is commonly associated with Neanderthals and therefore serves as a proxy for their presence across Europe. Stratified archaeological sites are the most informative because they can yield information about artefacts' spatial distribution and dating. Only a few of the Mousterian sites in Tuscany (Italy) met these conditions and most of these sites are concentrated in the North-Western area, with three specific sites situated in proximity to the village of Piano di Mommio, on the slopes of a small river canyon. Nevertheless, research on the sites stopped early on due to their small extent and complete excavation, which does not allow for additional fieldwork. Methods This article presents previously unpublished field notes, reports, and images, which are then correlated with recent archaeological surveys. Results This combination of historical and contemporary data aims to provide a more detailed understanding of the context in which the assemblages at these sites were found. The insights gained from this research shed light on the arrangement and positioning of artefacts at these locations, offering valuable information to guide future investigations on the assemblages. Conclusions The proposed stratigraphical interpretation adheres to the available information and therefore contributes to a future baseline for new research on the sites and on Neanderthal presence in the area.

Hot Spots of Bitter Compounds in the Roots of Gentiana lutea L. subsp. aurantiaca: Wild and Cultivated Comparative

Gentiana lutea L. subsp. aurantiaca M. Lainz is a plant endemic to the north-western mountainous areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Its roots are widely used mainly because of the high content of bitter compounds. The occurrence of these valuable bitter compounds in the roots is rather inhomogeneous, resulting in fluctuating root quality. Methanolic extracts obtained from different parts and tissues of wild and cultivated gentian, in and out of its natural environment, were analysed using HPLC chromatography to investigate the variation in the concentration of amarogentin, gentiopicroside, sweroside and swertiamarin. The distribution patterns of these compounds in the different analysed fractions showed that the concentration of bitter compounds varies significantly. Amarogentin is much more highly concentrated in the secondary roots, and all of the analysed compounds were found in a significantly higher content in the root cortex than in the vascular tissues. Roots cultivated in the natural habitat showed much higher concentrations in amarogentin and more biomass, while in those cultivated out of the natural environment, sweroside concentration was higher. These results allow us to understand that, when cultivated, the variability in the concentration of the different bitter compounds is linked with the edaphoclimatic conditions, but more importantly that it is linked with the dominating kind of tissues and the root system structure, especially when analysing the content of amarogentin and sweroside. The selection of plants with an optimal root system structure for breeding may increase the yield in bitter compounds and contribute to developing the commercial cultivation of this protected plant.

A novel variant in the FLNB gene associated with spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome.

Genetic disorders involved in skeleton system arise due to the disturbance in skeletal development, growth and homeostasis. Filamin B is an actin binding protein which is large dimeric protein which cross link actin cytoskeleton filaments into dynamic structure. A single nucleotide changes in the FLNB gene causes spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome, a rare bone disorder due to which the fusion of carpels and tarsals synostosis occurred along with fused vertebrae. In the current study we investigated a family residing in north-western areas of Pakistan. The whole exome sequencing of proband was performed followed by Sanger sequencing of all family members of the subject to validate the variant segregation within the family. Bioinformatics tools were utilized to assess the pathogenicity of the variant. Whole Exome Sequencing revealed a novel variant (NM_001457: c.209C>T and p.Pro70Leu) in the FLNB gene which was homozygous missense mutation in the FLNB gene. The variant was further validated and visualized by Sanger sequencing and protein structure studies respectively as mentioned before. The findings have highlighted the importance of the molecular diagnosis in SCT (spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome) for genetic risk counselling in consanguineous families.

Decoupling relationship between urban land use morphology and carbon emissions: Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta Region, China

The increasing impact of urban land use and associated socio-economic activities on carbon emissions is evident. Clarifying the relationship between urban land use morphology (ULUM) and carbon emissions can help formulating policies for managing urban land use and reducing carbon emissions. However, research in this filed is still limited. Therefore, from the perspective of decoupling, this study focuses on the dynamic and economically robust Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region in China and explores the decoupling relationship between ULUM and carbon emissions during 1990 to 2020, with a particular emphasis on the decoupling relationship before and after urban land use transition (ULUT), based on ULUM assessment, carbon emissions estimation, and the decoupling model. The results showed that: (1) ULUM in the YRD region exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, with variations observed among different cities, and the year of ULUT in the YRD region was around 2003. (2) Overall carbon emissions in the YRD region exhibited an upward trajectory, with a noticeable slowdown in growth after 2005, when disparities in carbon emissions among cities began to widen progressively. (3) A dynamic decoupling relationship was observed between ULUM and carbon emissions, characterized primarily by negative decoupling. The proportion of cities experiencing negative decoupling increased to 100% from 1990 to 2010. During 2010–2020, this percentage gradually decreased, accompanied by a rise in cities experiencing decoupling. Regarding spatial distribution, negative decoupling shifted toward the central areas in the region, while decoupling gradually moved toward the northwestern and northeastern coastal areas in the region. Subsequently, this suggests that effective ULUT serves to mitigate carbon emissions, although the carbon reduction effect of ULUT has a certain time lag.

Current status of Nosema spp. infection cases in apis mellifera in eurasian countries and Ptp3 gene haplotypes in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia.

The current status of Nosema spp. infections in A. mellifera throughout Eurasia was characterized using electronic databases. Although N. ceranae was predominantly detected in southwestern and south-central regions and N. apis in northwestern and north-central areas, most studies reported the occurrence of both species in Eurasia. In addition, the occurrence of Nosema spp. and Ptp3 gene haplotypes was investigated in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Most of the examined honey bees were infected with both N. apis and N. ceranae. N. apis and N. ceranae isolates were either heterozygous or belonged to different strains and showed infection with more than one strain. New haplotypes were found for N. apis and N. ceranae in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. This study expands the data regarding existing haplotypes of Nosema species: there are currently 9 shared and 56 unique Ptp3 nucleotide sequence haplotypes of N. ceranae, and 2 shared and 7 unique haplotypes of N. apis, respectively.

Influence of faults on late-stage migration of methane-rich gas in a major unconventional hydrocarbon accumulation: Montney Formation, western Canada

Faults are thought to act as barriers or conduits for intraformational hydrocarbon migration within unconventional low-permeability hydrocarbon accumulations. However, well-documented studies substantiating this phenomenon at the regional-scale are scarce. Here, we use an extensive molecular and isotopic dataset for produced-gas samples (n = 562) from the Montney unconventional hydrocarbon accumulation of northeast British Columbia to show that regional-scale secondary migration of methane-rich gas was significantly influenced by the distribution and orientation of faults. Cross-plots using iC4/nC4, δ13C ethane and δ13C propane exhibit single coherent distributions, suggesting that the C2+ components of most of these gases share interrelated histories of generation, maturation and primary migration. Conversely, cross-plots using gas dryness and δ13C methane against other selected gas parameters demonstrate geographic differentiation, with samples from the southeastern part of the study area generally exhibiting elevated molecular concentration and isotopic enrichment of methane compared to the samples from the northwestern part of the study area. The compositional and isotopic enrichment of methane in the southeastern samples signify significant late-stage secondary migration of highly mature methane-rich gas from deeper zones to shallower zones, and mixing with in-situ hydrocarbon fluids of lower thermal maturity. Previous structural mapping documents the presence of numerous subsurface thrust-faults related to the Cordilleran orogeny in the northwestern area, while these features are entirely absent in the southeastern area. Consequently, we conclude that thrust-faults, with accompanying clay-rich gouges, formed effective en-echelon barriers to the late-stage secondary migration of methane-rich gas in the northwestern area and prevented substantial mixing of hydrocarbon fluids.

3D modeling of the stratigraphic and structural architecture of the Crotone basin (southern Italy) using machine learning with Python

The 3D modeling and representation of geological data have experienced significant growth within last years, due to the use of new technologies derived from advancements in land representation methods. These technologies enable interactive, intuitive and clear geological visualizations. This paper shows how, by using the open-source Python software (operable with a simple internet browser) for machine learning (linear and KNN interpolations), together with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), it is possible to achieve interactive 3D visualizations of geological features in sedimentary basins. This study is performed in the onshore-offshore Crotone area (southern Italy) where a large amount of stratigraphic datasets are available from core perforation and seismic profiles due to the presence of a natural gas extraction field. Thanks to a database of 63 drilling lithologic records and 43 check points obtained from 9 interpreted seismic sections, several 3D HTML models were constructed defining three stratigraphic units (Pre-Messinian, Messinian, and Post-Messinian). An overlap of the Post-Messinian top surface and an erosional truncation of the Messinian top surface toward the N were observed, together with a rising of the Pre-Messinian top surface in the northwestern area. This stratigraphic architecture may indicate differential subsidence and/or uplifting due to syn-sedimentary fault kinematics in the whole studied area. The 3D models with the stratigraphic unit boundary surfaces obtained with KNN interpolation (showing stepped and abrupt edges) allowed the interpretation in terms of structural architecture and syn-sedimentary fault kinematics. Three main sets of faults were deduced: N–S; NNW-SSE, and ENE-WSW. A minorly represented E-W set was added to the main sets. These faults generated a horsts-grabens structure, and in many cases a determinate set of faults caused a progressive lowering or rising of some areas with an “en echelon” arrangement. According to previous works, these deduced sets of faults (most of them strike-slip faults) have a good agreement with the general structural architecture and defined faults in the area.

Effectiveness of human immunodeficiency virus prevention strategies by mapping the geographic dispersion pattern of human immunodeficiency virus prevalence in Nanning, China

BackgroundThe Guangxi government initiated two rounds of the Guangxi AIDS Conquering Project (GACP) in 2010 (Phase I) and 2015 (Phase II) to control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemics. However, the effectiveness of GACP in HIV prevention and treatment has rarely been reported. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the GACP implemented in Guangxi, China and provide data for strategy and praxis improvements to achieve Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95 targets.MethodsWe used spatial approaches to trace the spatiotemporal distribution properties, epidemic trends, and correlation between macroscopic factors and HIV incidence using data from the Chinese HIV/AIDS case reporting system to explore the effects of the GACP.ResultsDuring the GACP era, the HIV epidemic stabilized in urban centers, showing a downward trend in the Hengzhou and Binyang Counties in the eastern region, whereas it continued to increase in rural areas of the northwest region, such as the Long’an, Mashan, Shanglin, and Wuming Districts. The linear directional mean (LDM) of HIV infection reported cases displayed a southeast–northwest direction, with an LDM value of 12.52°. Compared with that in Phase I, Hengzhou withdrew from the high-high clustering area, and the west–north suburban counties pulled out the low-low clustering area during Phase II. Significant HIV clusters were identified in the eastern region during Phase I, whereas these clusters emerged in the northwestern areas during Phase II. Regarding HIV, socioeconomic status, population mobility, and medical care levels were the key social drivers of heterogeneous spatial distribution.ConclusionsThe GACP assisted in effectively managing the HIV epidemic in urban and eastern areas of Nanning City. However, prevention and control efforts in rural regions, particularly those located in the northwest, may not have yielded comparable outcomes. To address this disparity, allocating additional resources and implementing tailored intervention measures for these rural areas are imperative.