Reference Site Research Articles

ASSOCIATION OF BETA BLOCKER USE AND COPD MORTALITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) it is currently the third greatest cause of mortality worldwide and one of the main causes of morbidity Aims: This systematic review is to review the association of beta blocker use and COPD mortality. Methods: This study demonstrated compliance with all requirements by means of a comparison with the standards established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020. Thus, the specialists were able to guarantee that the research was as current as feasible. Publications released between 2014 and 2024 were considered for this search strategy. This was accomplished by utilizing a number of distinct online reference sites, including Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and SagePub. It was determined that reviews, previously published works, and partially completed works would not be included. Result: In the PubMed database, the results of our search brought up 249 articles, whereas the results of our search on SCIENCE DIRECT brought up 18.876 articles, our search on SAGEPUB brought up 4.844 articles. The results of the search conducted for the last year of 2014 yielded a total 131 articles for PubMed, 6.875 articles for SCIENCE DIRECT and 1.840 articles for SAGEPUB. In the end, we compiled a total of 8 papers, 5 of which came from PubMed, 2 of which came from SCIENCE DIRECT and 1 of which came from SAGEPUB. We included eight research that met the criteria. Conclusion: In summary, beta blockers showed the effect to reduce the exacerbation or exacerbation related mortality of COPD in some cases. More studies needed in the future for more evidence of the use of beta blockers as the treatments in patients with COPD.

Prediction of m6A and m5C at single-molecule resolution reveals a transcriptome-wide co-occurrence of RNA modifications

The epitranscriptome embodies many new and largely unexplored functions of RNA. A significant roadblock hindering progress in epitranscriptomics is the identification of more than one modification in individual transcript molecules. We address this with CHEUI (CH3 (methylation) Estimation Using Ionic current). CHEUI predicts N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in individual molecules from the same sample, the stoichiometry at transcript reference sites, and differential methylation between any two conditions. CHEUI processes observed and expected nanopore direct RNA sequencing signals to achieve high single-molecule, transcript-site, and stoichiometry accuracies in multiple tests using synthetic RNA standards and cell line data. CHEUI’s capability to identify two modification types in the same sample reveals a co-occurrence of m6A and m5C in individual mRNAs in cell line and tissue transcriptomes. CHEUI provides new avenues to discover and study the function of the epitranscriptome.

Homogenization of soil seed bank communities by fire and invasive species in the Mojave Desert

Soil seed banks help maintain species diversity through temporal storage effects and function as germination pools that can optimize fitness across varying environmental conditions. These characteristics promote the persistence of native plant communities, yet disturbances such as fire and associated invasions by non-native species can disrupt these reserves, fundamentally altering successional trajectories. This may be particularly true in deserts, where native plant communities are less adapted to fire. While studies of fire effects on desert plant communities are not uncommon, information regarding the short- and long-term effects of fire on seed banks is less available. To better understand the influence of fire and invasive species on desert seed banks, we investigated soil seed bank biodiversity from 30 wildfires that burned between 1972 and 2010 across the Mojave Desert ecoregion of North America. We assessed how characteristics of fire regimes (frequency, time since fire, and burn severity) interacted with climate and invasive plants on measures of α-, β-, and γ-diversities. Because β-diversity is a direct measure of community variability and reveals important information about biodiversity loss, we further examined the nestedness and turnover components of β-diversity. Mean α- and γ-diversities were generally higher for burned locations than in unburned reference sites, however individual fire variables had little influence on patterns of seed bank diversity. Burned area seed banks tended to be dominated by non-native invasive species, primarily two grasses, (Bromus rubens, Bromus tectorum), as well as an invasive forb (Erodium cicutarium). The most striking pattern we observed was a collective sharp decline in α-, β-, and γ-diversities with increased invasive species dominance, indicating the homogenization of seed bank communities with the colonization of invasive species after fire. Evidence of homogenization was further supported by reduced turnover and increased nestedness in burn areas compared to reference areas indicating potential biodiversity loss. Our findings highlight how biological processes such as plant invasions can combine with disturbance from fire to alter patterns of seed bank composition and diversity in desert ecosystems.

Integration of a battery of biomarkers to evaluate the health status of field-collected frogs of Leptodactylus luctator living in ecosystems with different anthropogenic disturbances

Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates because they have certain biological and ecological characteristics that make them sensitive to environmental changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of field-collected adult frogs of Leptodactylus luctator (Amphibia, Anura) living in sites with different anthropogenic disturbances (florihorticulture, petrochemical industry and sewage discharges) and a reference site without any detectable influence of such activities. To this end, a battery of 21 biomarkers (hematological, biochemical and individual biomarkers) was studied using a multivariate approach that allows us to evaluate the relationship between them and provide information on their usefulness. The frogs at the florihorticulture, petrochemical and sewage discharges sites exhibited several biomarkers far from homeostasis. In addition, we identified 11 of 21 biomarkers that were useful indicators of the health status of the frogs and allowed discrimination between study sites in the following order: lymphocytes (98 %), neutrophils (45 %), hemoglobin (42 %), monocytes (41 %), fat body index (35 %), eosinophils (35 %), hepatosomatic index (33 %), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (32 %), thrombocytes (27 %), catalase in liver (26 %), and GST in liver (26 %). The results suggest that hematological biomarkers contribute the most to site separation, whereas biochemical biomarkers contribute the least. The integral interpretation of the results also allowed us to diagnose the different health status of L. luctator: The frogs from the petrochemical industry were the most negatively affected, followed by the frogs from the sewages discharges and finally the frogs from the florihorticulture and reference sites. This is the first field study with anurans in which so many biomarkers were examined.

Exploring Wilton microlithic technologies: New analyses from Rose Cottage Cave, South Africa

The Later Stone Age of southern Africa sees the succession of varied lithic traditions. The Wilton (8ka BP – second millennium AD) corresponds to the last techno-complex of the LSA in South Africa. It has been typologically recognised over vast geographical areas and seems to last until the progressive disappearance of stone tool industries, while experiencing chronological and geographical variations. While Wilton formal tools, mainly small scrapers and microliths, have received much attention, the ways in which the stone tools themselves were produced are still unknown. This paper provides keys to describe mid-Holocene Wilton microlithic productions at the reference site of Rose Cottage Cave (Free-State). The lithic technological analysis highlights the integrated production of ‘ready-made’ blanks from one volume, including bladelets. The scraper and backed piece typologies are analysed and reveal an interesting diversity. These results provide a foundation for the building of the technological understanding of the Wilton in southern Africa. This paper ultimately aims to facilitate the exploration of regional and chronological variations at Wilton sites, and, by contrast, to differentiate other lithic traditions in southern Africa.

Relation between solid phase speciation and oral/lung bioaccessibility of metal(loid)s polluted soils in inhabited area: Contribution of synchrotron-based experiment

The presence of contaminated sites/soils in or near cities can pose significant risks to public health. The city of Viviez (France) was taken in reference site bears significant industrial responsibility, particularly in zinc metallurgy, with the presence of a now rehabilitated smelter. This has led to soil contamination by zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd), with concentrations reaching up to 4856 mg kg−1, 1739 mg kg−1, 195 mg kg−1, and 110 mg kg−1, respectively. The aim of this study is to comprehend the contamination patterns of the site post-rehabilitation, the geochemical behavior of each element, and their speciation (analyzed through BCR, XRD, and XANES) in relation to associated health risks due to metals accessibility for oral ingestion and inhalation by the local population. The findings revealed that elements inducing health risks were not necessarily those with the highest metal contents. All results are discussed in terms of the relationship between element speciation, stability of bearing phases, and their behavior in different media. XANES is an important tool to determine and estimate the Pb-bearing phases in garden soils, as well as the As speciation, which consist of Pb-goethite, anglesite, and Pb-humate, with variations in proportions (the main phases being 66 %, 12 % and 22 % for Pb-goethite, anglesite, and Pb-humate, respectively) whereas As-bearing phase are As(V)-rich ferrihydrite-like. A new aspect lies in the detailed characterization of solid phases before and after bioaccessibility tests, to qualify and quantify the bearing phases involved in the mobility of metallic elements to understand the bioaccessibility behavior. Ultimately, the health risk associated with exposure to inhabitants, in terms of particle ingestion and inhalation, was assessed. Only ingestion-related risk was deemed unacceptable due to the levels of As and Pb.

Using isotope-geochemical criteria for Olympiadinskoye gold deposit gas system genesis diagnosis

The authors studied modern gas manifestations spatially associated with the ore deposits in the Kaitbinskaya lithological-facies zone of the Yenisei Ridge. The purpose of the research is to obtain scientifically based data on the genesis of gaseous and vaporous fluids in various sampling environments of the Vostochny open-pit mine of the Olympiadinskoye gold deposit: rocks, natural waters, free-flowing gases from blastholes and air of the surface atmosphere. It has been conducted a complex of field and analytical works including degassing, gas chromatography, pyrolysis of the organic substance of lithified and metamorphosed deposits, analysis of carbon isotopic composition in carbon dioxide and methane in fluidal systems. In order to study normal gas-geochemical field (natural background) of the work area an atmospheric geochemical survey was carried out at the reference site – an “environmentally friendly” site with the minimal influence of technogenic factors. It has been determined that the surface atmosphere of the site had been formed due to the landscape and geomorphological conditions of the Kaitbinskaya lithological-facies zone as well as fluidal systems of deep horizons. The latter, due to the presence of an extensive network of disruptive disturbances and diffusion-filtration processes of mass transfer reached the zone of exploratory geochemical sounding. The conducted pyrolytic studies of rocks have proved that within the open section of the Vostochny open-pit mine the organic substance of the Kordinskaya series of the lower Riphean deposits has implemented its oil and gas generation potential and cannot serve the formation source of abnormal gas fields of the Olympiadinskoye gold deposit. The studied gas systems are polygenic in nature and, being allochthonous to the host sediments, are formed without the participation of gases from the upper generating (bio) zone. According to isotope-geochemical criteria, these are mainly endogenous and naphthidogenic fluids identical to the gas condensate accumulations of the Yurubcheno-Tokhomskaya oil and gas accumulation zone.

MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN LOW INCOME COUNTRIES : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is complicated and recurring. It usually first appears in early childhood and might persist throughout maturity. Aims : This systematic review is to review the management and outcome of atopic dermatitis in primary health care in low income countries. Methods: This study demonstrated compliance with all requirements by means of a comparison with the standards established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020. Thus, the specialists were able to guarantee that the research was as current as feasible. Publications released between 2014 and 2024 were considered for this search strategy. This was accomplished by utilizing a number of distinct online reference sites, including Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and SagePub. It was determined that reviews, previously published works, and partially completed works would not be included. Result: In the PubMed database, the results of our search brought up 539 articles, whereas the results of our search on SCIENCE DIRECT brought up 9.462 articles, our search on SAGEPUB brought up 1.264 articles. The results of the search conducted for the last year of 2014 yielded a total 425 articles for PubMed, 5.474 articles for SCIENCE DIRECT and 613 articles for SAGEPUB. In the end, we compiled a total of 5 papers, 3 of which came from PubMed, 1 of which came from SCIENCE DIRECT and 1 of which came from SAGEPUB. We included five research that met the criteria. Conclusion: In summary, atopic dermatitis is still a major global public health problem, especially for women and young children as well as in high-income nations. It is important to recognize the profound effects on patients, their families, and economies as well as the financial ramifications.

MANAGEMENT OF MULTI DRUG RESISTANT IN TREATMENT OF GONORRHEA : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: A significant worldwide public health issue, gonorrhea is made worse by antibiotic resistance. Aims : This systematic review is to review the treatment of gonorrhea in patients with multi drug resistant of antimicroba. Methods: This study demonstrated compliance with all requirements by means of a comparison with the standards established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020. Thus, the specialists were able to guarantee that the research was as current as feasible. Publications released between 2014 and 2024 were considered for this search strategy. This was accomplished by utilizing a number of distinct online reference sites, including Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and SagePub. It was determined that reviews, previously published works, and partially completed works would not be included. Result: In the PubMed database, the results of our search brought up 4.511 articles, whereas the results of our search on SCIENCE DIRECT brought up 1.110 articles, our search on SAGEPUB brought up 1.738 articles. The results of the search conducted for the last year of 2014 yielded a total 1.464 articles for PubMed, 265 articles for SCIENCE DIRECT and 684 articles for SAGEPUB. In the end, we compiled a total of 5 papers, 3 of which came from PubMed, 1 of which came from SCIENCE DIRECT and 1 of which came from SAGEPUB. We included five research that met the criteria. Conclusion: In summary, globally, the prevalence of gonococcal infections is growing quickl. Most concerningly, N. gonorrhoeae is a significant contributor to the bacterial population that disseminates resistance to antibiotics.

Identification of the Ideal Reference Site and Pain Threshold Values for the Placement of Electric Pulp Testers in Permanent Upper and Lower Anterior Teeth: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Electric pulp testers (EPTs) are widely used diagnostic tools for diagnosing traumatized teeth. Several factors can affect the result of an electric pulp test. One such factor that will affect the diagnosis is the electrode tip placement. Hence, the current study aims to identify the most painful site and response time threshold in healthy anterior teeth. A total of 90 individuals, 48 male and 42 female, aged 19 to 25 years,were recruited. An EPT was placed on three different sites: the cervical, middle, and incisal third of the labial surface of both upper and lower anterior teeth (central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine) with an appropriate electrolyte as a conducting medium. Later, the threshold values were recorded, and pain assessment was done using the Memojis pain scale (MPS). Finally, the data was analyzed statistically using the Mann-Whitney U test. Mean and standard deviation values of reaction time were collected from 540 EPT readings (three sites from 180 teeth).Among the three sites tested, the difference between the upper and lower central incisors was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Similarly, when upper and lower lateral incisors and canines were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed among the three sites (p<0.05). There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the pain scores only on the incisal and cervical thirds of the upper and lower central incisors. Only the incisal third showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the pain scores in the upper and lateral incisors. At the same time, a statistically significant difference in the pain scores was observed among the three tested sites between the upper and lower canines (p<0.05). Conclusion: Lower threshold values were appreciated at the incisal third of all the upper and lower anterior teeth for placing the EPT. Most individuals have experienced a score of 2 (hurts little bit) for the perceived pain using EPTs for both the upper and lower anterior teeth.

A cautionary tale from the Adriatic Palaeolithic: reassessing the stratigraphic reliability of Šandalja II cave (Istria, Croatia)

Šandalja II has been a reference site for numerous decades for the definition and study of the Eastern Adriatic Upper Palaeolithic and corresponding techno-complexes. This is due both to its extensive material record, and the purported presence of some otherwise elusive techno-complexes in the area, such as the Aurignacian and the Early Epigravettian. In this paper, we present two new series of C14-AMS dates (from layers H, E, C/d and A/d) to assess the validity of its archaeological sequence, together with previously obtained radiocarbon dates, both AMS and conventional. The results show, unambiguously, the lack of reliability of the stratigraphy defined for the site during the excavation. A simple chronometric deconstruction reveals, at the very least, that the assemblages from Šandalja II can no longer be considered and used as an example of the diachronic evolution within the Aurignacian and Epigravettian of the Eastern Adriatic, thus calling for a further re-evaluation of features defined for the Adriatic Upper Palaeolithic on the basis on the assemblages from Šandalja II. Hence Šandalja II joins an increasing list of so-called reference sites which must not be considered as “referential” anymore.

Soil pollution of the city with machine-building production by heavy metals and arsenic and epidemiological risk to public health

Introduction. The paper presents the results of a study for the assessment of the epidemiological risk to public health and the level of soil contamination with heavy metals and arsenic in the city of Kovrov, a large industrial center of the Vladimir region.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The objects of the study are the morbidity in the population of the Kovrovsky district of the Vladimir region and the soil cover of the city of Kovrov, whose industrial enterprises specialize in the production of machine-building products. Soil samples were taken in the area of industrial enterprises, highways, and residential areas. The soil cover was examined by X-ray fluorescence method to determine the content of heavy metals and arsenic.&#x0D; Results. The conducted study on the assessment of probable risk allowed establishing in the Kovrov district, relative to background regional values, children to have a very high risk for 10 classes of diseases, adults have a very high risk for 6 classes of diseases. Contamination of the Carpet city soil with heavy metals and arsenic has been established. The priority pollutants of the Kovrov soil are zinc, lead and arsenic, which belong to the first hazard class. There was a significant variation in the content of heavy metals within both industrial and residential zones. Extremely dangerous chemical contamination of the soil with heavy metals has been detected. The assessment of the level of chemical soil pollution, as an indicator of adverse effects on public health, showed the residential part of the city, where most of the residents live, to be located in the zone of moderately dangerous or dangerous category of soil pollution.&#x0D; Limitations. The limitations of the study are related to one-time sampling and a small number of reference sites, which limits the possibilities of a broader interpretation of the data obtained.&#x0D; Conclusion. The unfavourable state of the soil cover in the residential area of Kovrov requires the manaagement and conducting constant ecological and hygienic monitoring of this territory. To reduce pollutants in particular, heavy metals, entering the soil of the city and, it is necessary to improve the system for cleaning gas-air emissions of machine-building enterprises of the city, as well as to ensure the effective arrangement of sanitary protection zones. To reduce the content of heavy metals in the soil, it is necessary to carry out measures to detoxify contaminated soils.

Vegetation diversity and structure influence small‐mammal communities in native and restored northern mixed grasslands

AbstractCurrent grassland restoration strategies aim to recreate grassland vegetation communities, and often rely on high‐diversity native seeding to promote vegetation diversity. Questions remain concerning the influence of vegetation richness and diversity on grassland fauna. Small‐mammal communities are integral parts of grassland ecosystems, but their responses to restoration are often mixed or overlooked. During July 2014 to 2016, we used Sherman live traps to survey grassland small‐mammal communities of 24 study sites in northeastern South Dakota and southeastern North Dakota, USA, to better understand their responses to vegetation cover type, diversity, richness, and site‐specific vegetation structure. Sites represented a vegetation species richness gradient and 3 vegetation cover types including low‐diversity restorations planted with dense nesting cover (DNC) seed mix, high‐diversity seeded restorations, and unseeded reference grasslands. Small‐mammal abundance was highest at low‐diversity DNC restoration sites and lowest in reference grassland. Small‐mammal diversity was highest at high‐diversity restoration sites and lowest at low‐diversity DNC restoration sites. Models assessing the influence of vegetation structure on the abundance of focal taxa differed. Deer mice (Peromyscus spp.) were negatively influenced by percent native vegetation cover, and voles (Microtus spp.) showed yearly variation and were influenced positively by litter depth and negatively by vegetation richness. Small‐mammal communities of low‐diversity DNC restorations differed from reference sites, but high‐diversity restorations were not different from reference or low‐diversity DNC sites. Thirteen‐lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) abundance was higher at reference and high‐diversity restored sites, while low‐diversity DNC sites had higher deer mice abundance. Results indicate small mammals are unlikely to respond uniformly to vegetation characteristics, and diversity of seed mixes used in grassland restoration is likely to influence grassland small‐mammal communities.

Quantitative estimation of dust transport in the desert region of northwest China by plutonium isotopes

Dust is an important source of atmospheric pollution, and quantitative estimation of desert dust transport is crucial for air pollution control. In this study, five typical sandy soil profiles in the Tengger Desert were collected and analyzed for 239,240Pu concentration and 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratios in order to identify the source of 239,240Pu in this area and explore the sedimentary characteristics of dust in different profiles. The results revealed that the concentrations of 239,240Pu in the soil profiles were between 0.002 and 0.443 mBq/g with an exception of the deep layer soil at one site. The measured atomic ratios of 240Pu/239Pu are at the global atmospheric fallout level with a mean of 0.184 ± 0.020, indicating that global fallout is the dominant source of plutonium in this region. The total inventories of 239,240Pu in the reference sites in this area were estimated to be 39.2–44.6 Bq/m2, this is in agreement with the value from the global fallout of atmospheric nuclear weapon tests at the similar latitude (30–40 °N: 42 Bq/m2). The estimated erosion rate in the erosion profile utilizing soil erosion intensity mode is 2491 t/km2/yr and the soil erosion depth is 9.86 cm, While, the stacking rate of the accumulation profile is 1383 t/km2/yr, and the depth of accumulation is estimated to be 5.48 cm. The difference between the erosion and accumulation profiles indicated that approximately 1107 t/km2/yr of dust was exported from the Gobi landform area of the Tengger Desert, which might be transported long distance in the downwind direction.

THE EFFECT OF LIFESTYLE ADVICE AND INTERVENTIONS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REDUCTION : A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in general and coronary heart disease in particular is significantly influenced by daily behaviors and actions. Methods: This study demonstrated compliance with all requirements by means of a comparison with the standards established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020. Thus, the specialists were able to guarantee that the research was as current as feasible. Publications released between 2014 and 2024 were considered for this search strategy. This was accomplished by utilizing a number of distinct online reference sites, including Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and SagePub. It was determined that reviews, previously published works, and partially completed works would not be included. Result: In the PubMed database, the results of our search brought up 217 articles, whereas the results of our search on SAGEPUB brought up 3898 articles, our search on SCIENCE DIRECT brought up 10195 articles. The results of the search conducted for the last year of 2014 yielded a total 107 articles for PubMed, 1992 articles for SAGEPUB and 5649 articles for SCIENCE DIRECT. In the end, we compiled a total of 7 papers, 4 of which came from PubMed, 1 of which came from SAGEPUB and 2 of which came from SCIENCE DIRECT. We included seven research that met the criteria. Conclusion: In summary, daily behaviors and habits have a significant impact on the risk of CVD. The major strategies that reduce the risk of CVD and improve quality of life include stress reduction, increased physical activity, healthy diet, weight control, and abstinence from tobacco.

Artisanal mining of monazite and cassiterite in the Amazon: Potential risks of rare earth elements for the environment and human health.

Artisanal mining is intensely carried out in developing countries, including Brazil and especially in the Amazon. This method of mineral exploration generally does not employ mitigation techniques for potential damages and can lead to various environmental problems and risks to human health. The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) and estimate the environmental and human health risks in cassiterite and monazite artisanal mining areas in the southeastern Amazon, as well as to understand the dynamics of this risk over time after exploitation. A total of 35 samples of wastes classified as overburden and tailings in active areas, as well as in areas deactivated for one and ten years were collected. Samples were also collected in a forest area considered as a reference site. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and ICP-MS. The results were used to calculate pollution indices and environmental and human health risks. REEs showed higher concentrations in anthropized areas. Pollution and environmental risk levels were higher in areas deactivated for one year, with considerable contamination factors for Gd and Sm and significant to extreme enrichment factors for Sc. Human health risks were low (< 1) in all studied areas. The results indicate that artisanal mining of cassiterite and monazite has the potential to promote contamination and enrichment by REEs.

Arsenic and mercury exposure in different insect trophic guilds from mercury mining areas in Mexico.

The exposure to arsenic and mercury in various insect trophic guilds from two mercury mining sites in Mexico was assessed. The two study sites were La Laja (LL) and La Soledad (LS) mines. Additionally, a reference site (LSR) was evaluated for LS. The terrestrial ecosystem was studied at LL, whereas both the terrestrial ecosystem and a stream called El Cedral (EC) were assessed at LS. The study sites are situated in the Biosphere Reserve Sierra Gorda (BRSG). Mercury vapor concentrations were measured with a portable analyzer, and concentrations of arsenic and mercury in environmental and biological samples were determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Both pollutants were detected in all terrestrial ecosystem components (soil, air, leaves, flowers, and insects) from the two mines. The insect trophic guilds exposed included pollinivores, rhizophages, predators, coprophages, and necrophages. In LS, insects accumulated arsenic at levels 29 to 80 times higher than those found in specimens from LSR, and 10 to 46 times higher than those from LL. Similarly, mercury exposure in LS was 13 to 62 times higher than LSR, and 15 to 54 times higher than in LL. The analysis of insect exposure routes indicated potential exposure through air, soil, leaves, flowers, animal prey, carrion, and excrement. Water and sediment from EC exhibited high levels of arsenic and mercury compared to reference values, and predatory aquatic insects were exposed to both pollutants. In conclusion, insects from mercury mining sites in the BRSG are at risk.

Modelling runoff components and hydrological processes in glaciated catchments of the inner Tien-Shan, Kyrgyzstan

Accurately quantifying runoff sources and understanding hydrological processes in glaciated mountain basins is essential for effective water resource management in the face of climate change. This study aimed to determine the contributions from various runoff sources in glaciated basins within the inner Tien-Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan by utilizing integrated land surface, glacier energy-mass balance, and river routing models. To account for local topographic influences on solar radiation and cloud transmissivity processes, gridded meteorological forcing data were downscaled. The integrated models were then evaluated against observed discharge, glacier mass balance, and snow water equivalent, with a focus on the Kara-Batkak glacier reference site. Shortwave radiation correction was particularly important for improving the accuracy of model simulations. The results indicate that the peak glacier melt contribution occurs in July and August, with some basins reaching up to 54%. On an annual basis, the average contribution from glaciers across the basins was found to be 19%, while the ratios of snowmelt and rainfall were 58% and 23%, respectively. This study highlights the utility of integrated modelling approaches in understanding and quantifying runoff components in data-scarce high mountain regions. The incorporation of observed glacier data proved to be crucial for accurately representing hydrological processes under current climatic conditions. These findings underscore the significance of considering glacier dynamics and their influence on water resources to inform effective water management strategies in glaciated mountain basins.

Speciation and Possible Origins of Organosulfur Compounds in Rice Paddy Soils Affected by Acid Mine Drainage.

Although sulfur cycling in acid mine drainage (AMD)-contaminated rice paddy soils is critical to understanding and mitigating the environmental consequences of AMD, potential sources and transformations of organosulfur compounds in such soils are poorly understood. We used sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy to quantify organosulfur compounds in paddy soils from five AMD-contaminated sites and one AMD-uncontaminated reference site near the Dabaoshan sulfide mining area in South China. We also determined the sulfur stable isotope compositions of water-soluble sulfate (δ34SWS), adsorbed sulfate (δ34SAS), fulvic acid sulfur (δ34SFAS), and humic acid sulfur (δ34SHAS) in these samples. Organosulfate was the dominant functional group in humic acid sulfur (HAS) in both AMD-contaminated (46%) and AMD-uncontaminated paddy soils (42%). Thiol/organic monosulfide contributed a significantly lower proportion of HAS in AMD-contaminated paddy soils (8%) compared to that in AMD-uncontaminated paddy soils (21%). Within contaminated soils, the concentration of thiol/organic monosulfide was positively correlated with cation exchange capacity (CEC), moisture content (MC), and total Fe (TFe). δ34SFAS ranged from -6.3 to 2.7‰, similar to δ34SWS (-6.9 to 8.9‰), indicating that fulvic acid sulfur (FAS) was mainly derived from biogenic S-bearing organic compounds produced by assimilatory sulfate reduction. δ34SHAS (-11.0 to -1.6‰) were more negative compared to δ34SWS, indicating that dissimilatory sulfate reduction and abiotic sulfurization of organic matter were the main processes in the formation of HAS.

Promoting safe and appropriate use of miltefosine to treat tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil: A best practice quality improvement project.

Miltefosine is a new drug that was recently approved for the treatment of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) by the Brazilian health system. It has a teratogenic potential and requires follow-up of patients undergoing treatment. Improving compliance with best practices is essential to ensure the safe and appropriate use of this drug. This project aimed to implement best practices for the safe and appropriate use of miltefosine in the treatment of TL in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This project was guided by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. Five best practice criteria were established based on the best available evidence. A baseline audit was conducted to measure current practice against best practice. Barriers to best practice were then identified and a follow-up audit was conducted to evaluate changes after the implementation of improvement strategies. Two sites were analyzed: a leishmaniasis reference service in Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, and the 28 regional offices. The baseline audit evaluated data from 197 miltefosine requests distributed across 13 regional sites. All requests from the reference service were compliant (100%). This is in contrast to the 60% compliance rate at the regional offices. The improvement strategies included intensifying direct communication with the regional health professionals, which increased the average compliance rate to 79.5%, 6 months after the interventions were introduced. This best practice implementation project effectively increased the compliance rate for the audited procedures. Communication from the reference site with the regional health professionals successfully increased compliance with best practices and promoted the safe and appropriate use of miltefosine. These strategies should analyzed and applied to improve other programs. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A184.