Spring Samples Research Articles

Influence of an innovative IMTA system (Mediterranean Sea, Italy) on environmental and biological parameters: Seasonal analysis

The influence of benthic suspension feeders as bioremediating organisms on water column seston and their ability to mitigate fish farm waste was assessed by monthly analyses for one year. A monthly monitoring from July 2020 to October 2021 of physico-chemical and biochemical variables of the water column and the sediment was performed in an in-shore mariculture plant located in the Mar Grande of Taranto (Italy), comparing two adjacent areas that differ in type of farming. The first (reference site) is a fish monoculture, while the second consists of an innovative Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture system (IMTA site). The annual cycle of chlorophyll-a concentration showed values corresponding to mesotrophic/eutrophic conditions, with peak production in early fall (4.64 μg L−1). During the spring and summer sampling times, when the amount of aquaculture waste is greater than during the rest of the year, the reference site showed the highest lipid (151.73 μg L−1) and organic matter (189.00 mg g−1) values with respect to those at the IMTA site. The IMTA bioremediating organisms possibly acted as underwater gardens changing the seston quality and availability and providing protection and food for the zooplankton community, which showed higher abundance of individuals for most sampling times at the IMTA site, peaking during September and October in both 2020 and 2021 (max 232,985.20 ind m−3). Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the considered IMTA system in mitigating the negative impact of organic matter release into the environment due to fish farming activities. The influence of bioremediating organisms on seston composition and concentration opened up mitigation as well as restoration scenarios.

Impacts of Seasons and Regions on the Physicochemical, Microbiological and Sensory Characteristics of Kars Fresh Kashar Cheeses

This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensorial characteristics of Kars Kashar cheeses produced in different regions and seasons, elucidating the impact of these two variables on cheese quality. Significant differences were determined among samples in various parameters, including pH value, dry matter, fat in dry matter, salt, ash, total free fatty acids, water soluble nitrogen, 12% trichloroacetic acid-soluble nitrogen (% of total nitrogen), 5% phosphotungstic acid-soluble nitrogen (% of total nitrogen) contents, L*, a*, b* values, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and mold counts (p<0.05). Statistical results show that there were no considerable differences between cheeses in terms of sensory properties (p>0.05). In general, summer samples exhibited higher levels of dry matter, fat, ash, salt, and total free fatty acids compared to spring samples. However, the converse was observed regarding protein values, where spring samples demonstrated higher levels than those collected during summer.

Evaluation of potential human health risks associated with Li and their relationship with Na, K, Mg, and Ca in Romania's nationwide drinking water.

Increasing lithium (Li) demand worldwide due to its properties and role in renewable energy will raise water reservoir pollution and side effects on human health. Divergent results regarding Li concentration in water and affective disorders are found in the literature, which is why regional reports are expected. The present study evaluated the occurrence and human health risks resulting from oral exposure, respectively, and the relationship between alkali metals (Li, Na, and K) and minerals (Mg, Ca) in balanced purified water (bottled) and spring water. The ICP-MS technique was used to measure a national database with 53 bottled and 42 spring water samples randomly selected. One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and HCA analysis were applied to assess the possible relationship between metals in water. The possible side effects of Li poisoning of water resources on human health have been evaluated using the Estimated Daily Intake Index (EDI) and Total Hazard Quotient (THQ). The toxic metals (As, Hg, and Pb) were measured, and the results indicate values above the detection limit of 22.3% of samples in the case of lead but not exceeding the safety limits. Depending on the water sources, such as bottled and spring water, the Li concentration varied between 0.06-1,557 and 0.09-984% μg/L. We found a strong positive correlation between Li and Na and Mg, varying between bottled and spring waters (p% <%0.001). Li exceeded the limit set by the Health-Based Screening Level (HBSL) in 41.37 and 19% of bottled and spring water samples. The oral reference doses (p-RfDs) for the noncancer assessment of daily oral exposure effects for a human lifetime exceeded threshold values. The THQ index shows potential adverse health effects, requiring further investigations and remedial actions in 27.58% of approved bottled waters and 2.38% of spring waters. We can conclude that water is safe based on the Li concentration found in drinking water and supported by a gap in strict regulations regarding human Li ingestion. The present study can serve decision-makers and represent a starting database with metals of interest for further clinical studies. Decision-makers can also use it to find solutions for sustainable management of clean and safe drinking water.

Prevalence and distribution of dissolved paralytic shellfish toxins in seawater in the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea, China

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) could be secreted by PSTs-producing microalgae or released by ruptured cells in seawater. In this study, the distribution of dissolved PSTs in the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea, China, was investigated by two cruises in April and July 2023. Seawater samples were collected from the surface, middle and bottom layers, and the profiles of PSTs were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the spatial distribution characteristics of dissolved PSTs and their correlation with environmental factors were explored. Results showed that C1/2, GTX1/4, GTX2/3 and dcGTX2/3, were detected in seawater samples in both spring and summer, with the detection rates 100 % and 97.6 %, respectively. The total PST (ΣPSTs) concentrations ranged in 12 ∼ 590 pmol L−1, 9.3 ∼ 546 pmol L−1, 12 ∼ 2,452 pmol L−1, and not detected (nd) ∼ 188 pmol L−1 in seawater samples collected from the surface, middle and bottom layers in spring, and the surface layer in summer, respectively. Concentrations of PSTs markedly varied in the vertical water column in different sea regions. Generally, concentrations of ΣPSTs in the bottom seawater were higher than those in the surface and middle layers in the Bohai Sea and the North Yellow Sea, but no significant difference in the different water layers in the South Yellow Sea. In addition, concentrations of ΣPSTs in surface waters were much lower in summer than those in spring. In both spring and summer, dissolved PSTs in surface seawater were mainly distributed in the South Yellow Sea. These results indicate that PSTs were prevalent in the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea, of which the potential hazard to marine organisms should be highly concerned.

Microbial profiling of oysters from a processing plant and retail products: Analysis based on culture-dependent methods and 16S rRNA gene sequencing

Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are one of the most consumed shellfish globally. However, there is a lack of comprehensive microbiome studies that include the processing and distribution stages of oysters. The present study used both culture-based methods and 16S rRNA sequencing to produce comprehensive microbial profiles of oysters in two parts: (1) an oyster processing plant that processes raw and frozen oysters (n = 57) and (2) retail oyster products across two seasons (winter and spring) (n = 112). In the processing plant, shucking increased the aerobic plate count (APC) from 1.86 log CFU/g in freshly harvested oysters to 3.95 log CFU/g in shucked oysters. Controlling the washing process is important, as the APCs decreased after washing and remained level until the final products, raw and frozen oysters (2.54 and 2.34 log CFU/g, respectively). After desalting in the frozen oyster plant, the bacterial community shifted to be dominated by the family Spirochaetaceae, Mycoplasma, and Shigella taxa, indicating a need to control problematic bacteria in the desalting process. SourceTracker analysis revealed that raw materials contributed more to the microbiota of final products than environmental samples. In retail oyster products, APCs were marginally higher in spring (3.58 log CFU/g) than in winter (3.05 log CFU/g) samples. While bacterial count differences were not dramatic, the proportions of taxa in the microbial community differed by season. In winter retail products, Photobacterium (27.91 %) and Aliivibrio (20.42 %) dominated, while spring samples showed a diverse distribution of the family Vibrionaceae (19.90 %), Photobacterium (14.20 %), Psychromonas (11.84 %), and Aliivibrio (7.20 %). These findings contributed to our understanding of oyster microorganisms and identified food safety control points and cross-contamination sources. This in-depth understanding is expected to inform the development of fishery and seafood safety management measures.

Antimicrobial Resistance in the Terrestrial Environment of Agricultural Landscapes in Norway.

The abundance and diversity of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in agricultural landscapes may be important for the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. The aim of this study was to apply screening methods for ARB and ARGs to investigate the impact of farming on the prevalence of AMR in a country with low antibiotic usage. We have analyzed samples (n = 644) from soil and wild terrestrial animals and plants (slugs, snails, mice, shrews, earthworms, and red clover) collected over two years in agricultural fields accompanied by nearby control areas with low human activity. All samples were investigated for the occurrence of 35 different ARGs using high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR) on a newly developed DNA array. In addition, samples from the first year (n = 415) were investigated with a culture-based approach combined with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify antimicrobial-resistant E. coli (AREC). ARGs were detected in 59.5% of all samples (2019 + 2020). AREC, which was only investigated in the 2019 samples, was identified in 1.9% of these. Samples collected in the autumn showed more ARGs and AREC than spring samples, and this was more pronounced for organic fields than for conventional fields. Control areas with low human activity showed lower levels of ARGs and a lack of AREC. The use of livestock manure was correlated with a higher level of ARG load than other farming practices. None of the soil samples contained antibiotics, and no association was found between AMR and the levels of metals or pesticides. High qualitative similarity between HT-qPCR and WGS, together with the positive controls to the validation of our 35 ARG assays, show that the microfluid DNA array may be an efficient screening tool on environmental samples. In conclusion, even in a country with a very low consumption of antimicrobials by production animals, our results support the hypothesis of these animals being a source of AREC and ARGs in agricultural environments, primarily through the use of manure.

Migration and controlling factors of rare earth elements in geothermal systems on the southern Tibetan Plateau

Rare earth elements (REE) serve as effective tracers of water-rock interactions, a crucial process in the evolution of geothermal systems. However, the geochemical behavior of REE during their migration within geothermal systems, particularly the fractionation mechanism, remains poorly understood. In this study, we focus on the geochemical characteristics of REE in hot springs, host rocks, and sinters from various hot spring systems in the Yadong-Gulu rift (YGR), the largest extensional rift in the southern Tibetan Plateau. The objective is to explore the factors that control REE concentrations in hot springs and elucidate the fractionation of REE during their migration. The concentrations of REE are significantly influenced by pH, Fe oxides (oxyhydroxides), and HCO3− concentrations in central and southern hot springs, whereas high reservoir temperatures contribute to higher ΣREE concentrations in northern hyperthermal springs. REE speciation calculations show that LnO2− and LnO2H are dominant complexes in northern alkaline hot springs, while carbonate complexes (LnCO3+ and Ln(CO3)2−) prevail in central and southern spring samples. Additionally, weakly acidic hot springs exhibit a prevalence of Ln3+, LnF2+, and LnSO4+ species. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns of all hot spring samples display enrichment in MREE, which is significantly distinct from the patterns observed in host rocks and sinters enriched in LREE. The fractionation of REE in the YGR hot spring systems is primarily controlled by the following processes: (1) Temperature, pH, and relative abundance of complexing agents influence the complexation of REE and further regulate their fractionation in hot springs; (2) During water-rock interaction, preferential leaching of HREE and MREE from host rocks can lead to their enrichment in alkaline hot springs. The dissolution of iron-rich sediments plays a significant role in generating the distinctive MREE bulge pattern in acid-neutral hot springs compared to host rocks; (3) The higher stability of MREE and HREE complexes in water, as well as the preferential coprecipitation of unstable LnCO3+ complexes formed by LREE with carbonates, are key factors responsible for LREE enrichment in sinters.

Effects of spatial versus seasonal sources of environmental variability in springs: a case study of microcrustaceans (Ostracoda, Harpacticoida) in a calcareous helocrene

The cold temperate helocrenes are usually attributed to high biodiversity because of environmental heterogeneity. Their temporal stability of environmental conditions reduces seasonal changes in assemblage composition. However, the within-site patterns and processes have been only rarely studied in springs, thus our knowledge remains limited. In this study, we investigated a microcrustacean assemblage of a helocrenic calcareous spring at a high spatial resolution. We tested differences among visually distinct mesohabitats, and related the assemblage composition variation to environmental variables and seasonal changes by a repeated sampling in spring, summer and autumn. At this single site, we recorded 26 species of ostracods and harpacticoids, accounting for almost 50% of the whole known regional species pool. Species richness and composition varied significantly between the mesohabitats, the latter mainly due to differences in environmental variables (mainly water depth and temperature). The occurrence of cold-adapted species was restricted to the spring source, but species inhabiting other mesohabitats had clearly broader ecological niches. Despite significant temporal changes in water temperature, microcrustaceans showed almost negligible seasonal changes in species composition, suggesting that their microdistribution remains stable throughout the year. Our findings have important implications for sampling design of large-scale ecological studies and spring conservation.

Entamoeba histolytica in Different Water Sources of Niğde Province of Turkey

SummaryPurposeThis study was carried out to determine the presence of Entamoeba histolytica in water sources of Niğde province in Turkey, between June and November 2021.MethodsA total of 90 water samples were taken from 15 different water sources (drinking water, well water, spring water, wastewater and dam water) every month and the presence of E. histolytica antigens in the samples was examined by ELISA.ResultsThe positivity for E. histolytica was determined in 7 (7.7%) of 90 samples. While no antigens were found in any of the samples in June and September, E. histolytica was positive for three samples (20%) in July, one sample (6.6%) in August and October and two samples in November (13.3%). One of 24 dam samples (4.1%), 1 of 12 wastewater samples (8.3%), 1 of 12 well samples (8.3%), and 4 of 24 fountain samples (16.6%) that examined by ELISA were found positive. On the other hand, none of the examined 18 spring samples were positive. In addition, 4 (8.8%) of 45 samples that examined in summer and 3 (6.6%) of 45 samples that examined in autumn were detected positive by using ELISA. Entamoeba histolytica positivity in samples was statistically insignificant in terms of months, water resources and seasons (P > 0.05).ConclusionAs a result, the presence of E. histolytica, which is an important public health problem in water sources, was determined for the first time in Niğde province of Türkiye with this study.

Characterization and source apportionment of pharmaceuticals in surface water of the Yangtze Estuary and adjacent sea.

Pharmaceuticals, which are closely linked to human activities, have attracted global attention. This study investigated the occurrence characteristics of 20 pharmaceuticals in surface water of the Yangtze Estuary and adjacent sea. A total of 14 targeted pharmaceuticals were detected in both spring and summer sampling campaigns. The mean concentrations of sulfonamides and non-sulfonamides were 36.60 ± 19.43ng·L-1 and 50.02 ± 41.07ng·L-1, respectively. As for non-antibiotics, their concentrations were in the range of 24.34 ± 916.8ng·L-1 with caffeine accounting for 6.17 ~ 86.70% (average percentage of 42.22%). Meanwhile, spatial distribution patterns showed similarities between antibiotics and non-antibiotics, with high levels occurring near the upper estuary, aquaculture areas, wastewater treatment plants, and the maximum turbidity zone. This phenomenon could be related to the sources of pharmaceuticals and the physicochemical properties of water bodies. Obviously, the first three areas are highly impacted by human activities or serve as important sources of terrestrial contaminants entering the East China Sea. The last area retains high amounts of suspended particles which may exert strong trapping effects on hydrophobic chemicals. Principal component analysis revealed the presence of three potential sources for pharmaceuticals in the Yangtze Estuary, with a relatively high percentage originating from incompletely treated municipal sewage. As for the temporal trend, pharmaceutical contamination was found to be higher in spring compared to summer, potentially due to variations in pharmaceutical consumption patterns, local rainfalls, and water temperatures. These findings provide fundamental data support for implementing appropriate local management strategies for pharmaceutical usages.

Spatiotemporal distribution of environmental microbiota around animal farms adjacent to produce fields in central coast California

This study aimed to identify different environmental microbiota in animal farms adjacent to produce fields and to understand their potential flow pattern. Soil and water samples were collected from 16 locations during the winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons. In addition, a high-resolution digital elevation model helped to create a stream network to understand the potential flow of the microbiome. Metagenomic analysis of the 16 S rRNA gene revealed that soil and water samples from the four seasons harbor diverse microbiome profiles. The phylogenetic relationship of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) is separated by a maximum of 0.6 Bray-Curtis distance. Similarly, the Principal Component Analysis (P = 0.001) demonstrated the soil and water microbiome clustering across different locations and seasons. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes was higher in the water samples than in the soil samples. In contrast, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi was higher in the soil compared to the water samples. Soil samples in summer and water samples in spring had the highest abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, respectively. A unique microbial community structure was found in water samples, with an increased abundance of Hydrogenophaga and Solirubrobacter. Genera that were significantly abundant at a 1% false discovery rate (FDR) among seasons and soil or water samples, include Nocardioides, Gemmatimonas, JG30-KF-CM45, Massilia, Gaiellales, Sphingomonas, KD4-96, Bacillus, Streptomyces, Gaiella, and Gemmatimonadaceae. The relative abundance of pathogenic genera, including Mycobacterium, Bacteroides, Nocardia, Clostridium, and Corynebacterium, were significantly (at 1% FDR) affected by seasons and environmental type. The elevation-based stream network model suggests the potential flow of microbiomes from the animal farm to the produce fields.

Prevalence and Diversity of Aphid-Vectored Yellow Dwarf Viruses in Oregon Perennial Grass Seed Crops

Oregon produces 70% of the world's cool-season grass seed, many species of which are susceptible to yellow dwarf viruses (YDVs). This virus complex has numerous defined virus species vectored by multiple aphid species. The diversity of YDVs associated with Oregon grass seed production has not been determined and is needed to provide insight to develop a risk prediction framework and improve management guidelines to mitigate disease severity. Commercial grass seed fields ( n = 57) across the Willamette Valley and central and eastern Oregon were surveyed across 2021 and 2022 to determine the incidence and diversity of YDVs associated with crop species (perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass) and the abundance and incidence of YDVs associated with aphid vectors. Virus incidence and diversity were determined using multiple previously published endpoint reverse-transcriptase multiplexes specific for YDV genera and species. Across commercial grass seed crop hosts and growing seasons, 82% of fields had at least one plant sample detection of a luteovirus-type YDV, and 65% had at least one detection of a polerovirus-type YDV. Both perennial ryegrass and tall fescue crops hosted diverse YDV populations, which was especially apparent during the spring sampling season, when similarly diverse YDV communities were found associated with alate aphids. Only polerovirus-type YDVs were detected in Kentucky bluegrass, reflecting a variable landscape compared to Oregon's western Willamette Valley. This study provides a current understanding of the spatial composition and diversity of the aphid–YDV virus–vector system in grasses grown for seed in Oregon. [Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2024.

Spatial distribution of lipophilic shellfish toxins in seawater and sediment in the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, China

Lipophilic shellfish toxins (LSTs) are widely distributed in marine environments worldwide, potentially threatening marine ecosystem health and aquaculture safety. In this study, two large-scale cruises were conducted in the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, China, in spring and summer 2023 to clarify the composition, concentration, and spatial distribution of LSTs in the water columns and sediments. Results showed that okadaic acid (OA), dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1) and/or pectenotoxin-2 (PTX2) were detected in 249 seawater samples collected in spring and summer. The concentrations of ∑LSTs in seawater were ranging of ND (not detected) –13.86, 1.60–17.03, 2.73–17.39, and 1.26–30.21 pmol L−1 in the spring surface, intermediate, bottom water columns and summer surface water layers, respectively. The detection rates of LSTs in spring and summer seawater samples were 97% and 100%, respectively. The high concentrations of ∑LSTs were mainly distributed in the north Yellow Sea and the northeast Bohai Sea in spring, and in the northeast Yellow Sea, the waters around Laizhou Bay and Rongcheng Bay in summer. Similarly, only OA, DTX1 and PTX2 were detected in the surface sediments. Overall, the concentration of ∑LSTs in the surface sediments of the northern Yellow Sea was higher than that in other regions. In sediment cores, PTX2 was mainly detected in the upper sediment samples, whereas OA and DTX1 were detected in deeper sediments, and LSTs can persist in the sediments for a long time. Overall, OA, DTX1 and PTX2 were widely distributed in the water column and surface sediments in the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, China. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of spatial distribution of LSTs in seawater and sediment environmental media and provide basic information for health risk assessment of phycotoxins.

A cryogenic forced oscillation apparatus to measure anelasticity of ice.

We have developed a new cryogenic uni-axial forced oscillation apparatus to measure the anelastic behavior of ice by adapting the design of a previous high-precision apparatus for use in low-temperature (<0 °C) conditions. With this new apparatus, Young's modulus and attenuation can be measured over a broad frequency range from 10-4 to 10Hz. We have performed calibration tests with standard materials (steel spring, stainless steel, and acrylic samples) under various conditions to assess the apparatus properties and correct the effects on the obtained raw data. Young's modulus and attenuation for an acrylic sample after all of the data corrections show good agreement with previously published values, demonstrating the validity of the data corrections and reliability of the obtained data. We further obtained a preliminary dataset of Young's modulus and attenuation for an ice polycrystalline sample under small median stress and small stress amplitude. The anelastic response was not strain amplitude-dependent, that is, the response is linear. Moreover, the attenuation data are consistent with the data measured for other polycrystalline materials under similarly small stress conditions in terms of the Maxwell frequency scaling, which is known as a scaling law applicable to linear anelasticity induced by the diffusionally accommodated grain boundary sliding mechanism. Although there is still room for improving the control of testing conditions, we show that the new forced oscillation apparatus is capable of systematic studies on the anelastic properties of ice, the subject of future studies.

Cell wall composition and nutritional quality through seasons of the saltgrass Distichlis laxiflora growing in halophytic and mesophytic meadows

The genus Distichlis comprises halophytic perennial C4 grasses which grow in very extreme conditions. It is distributed throughout almost the entire American continent. Despite these interesting characteristics, studies on these plants are relatively scarce, and their ecological and productive value deserves to be further explored. In this work, nutritional aspects, and composition of the cell walls of the aerial part (leaves and shoots) of D. laxiflora Hack were studied. Their changes over four samplings in different seasons, in two nearby sites: a halophytic meadow (H), and a mesophytic meadow (M), were analyzed. Photosynthetic efficiency and K/Na ratio were determined as stress indicators. Plants of sites H and M have similar cell wall content except for spring when plants from site H show lower values. Also, the spring samples present a markedly higher in vitro digestibility for site H. In agreement, samples from site H contain lower amounts of glucuronoarabinoxylans and β-glucans. The protein content is lower in site H, except for spring, and with a maximum in summer for site M. This work shows some changes in the cell walls of D. laxiflora in response to salinity, and these changes influence the digestibility of this material. Spring, coinciding with the regrowth cycle of this plant and with the worst stress indicators, is the season when plants of the halophytic site show the highest nutritional quality for grazing cattle.

Multi-omics insights into the function and evolution of sodium benzoate biodegradation pathway in Benzoatithermus flavus gen. nov., sp. nov. from hot spring

Biodegradation stands as an eco-friendly and effective approach for organic contaminant remediation. However, research on microorganisms degrading sodium benzoate contaminants in extreme environments remains limited. In this study, we report to display the isolation of a novel hot spring enriched cultures with sodium benzoate (400 mg/L) as the sole carbon source. The results revealed that the phylum Pseudomonadota was the potential sodium benzoate degrader and a novel genus within the family Geminicoccaceae of this phylum. The isolated strain was named Benzoatithermus flavus SYSU G07066T and was isolated from HNT-2 hot spring samples. Genomic analysis revealed that SYSU G07066T carried benABC genes and physiological experiments indicated the ability to utilize sodium benzoate as a sole carbon source for growth, which was further confirmed by transcriptomic data with expression of benABC. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) plays a significant role in acquiring sodium benzoate degradation capability among prokaryotes, and SYSU G07066T might have acquired benABC genes through HGT from the family Acetobacteraceae. The discovery of the first microorganism with sodium benzoate degradation function from a hot spring enhances our understanding of the diverse functions within the family Geminicoccaceae. This study unearths the first novel genus capable of efficiently degrading sodium benzoate and its evolution history at high temperatures, holding promising industrial applications, and provides a new perspective for further exploring the application potential of hot spring “microbial dark matter”.

Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in the peri-operative period is associated with survival outcome in colorectal cancer patients: a meta-analysis

AimSurgery had a significant impact on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D) levels. Uncertainty still existed regarding the effects of peri-operative 25(OH)D deficiency on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients’ prognosis. The purpose of the present study was to explore the potential association between the peri-operative 25(OH)D deficiency and the survival outcome of CRC.MethodsSeven electronic databases [including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, OvidMEDLINE(R), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wangfang data] were searched without language limitations. The primary outcomes were overall survival and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of 25(OH)D deficiency and risk variables for low 25(OH)D level in the peri-operative period.Results14 eligible studies were obtained with 9324 patients for meta-analysis. In the peri-operative period, the pooled incidence of blood 25(OH)D deficiency was 59.61% (95% CI: 45.74–73.48). The incidence of blood 25(OH)D deficiency post-operatively (66.60%) was higher than that pre-operatively (52.65%, 95% CI: 32.94–72.36). Male (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03–1.16), rectum tumor (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.03–1.47), spring and winter sampling (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.02–1.49) were the risk factors for the 25(OH)D deficiency. The association between the low 25(OH)D post-operatively and short-term overall survival (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24–0.77) was most prominent, while a low 25(OH)D pre-operatively (HR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.31–0.70) was more significantly associated with long-term all-cause mortality than that after surgery.ConclusionPeri-operative 25(OH)D impacted the CRC patients’ prognosis. Due to possible confounding effects of systemic inflammatory response (SIR), simultaneous measurement of vitamin D and SIR is essential for colorectal survival.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЕ ПАРАМЕТРЫ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА ВИНТОВЫХ ПРУЖИН ПОДВИЖНОГО СОСТАВА ЖЕЛЕЗНОДОРОЖНОГО ТРАНСПОРТА

The issues of ensuring stable quality of coil springs of passenger rolling stock and environmental cleanliness of the heat treatment are considered. As a solution, a new technology of intensive quenching cooling is proposed – volumetric water spraying of spring steels – 60X2HA, 60X2HFA, 51CrV4 using process water instead of oil as a quenching medium. A number of spring samples are experimentally studied, which have passed the proposed version of quenching cooling. It is found out that the quality indicators of the obtained springs meet the basic requirements of regulatory documents for the products. To implement the technological process of quenching cooling by volumetric water spraying, an experimental equipment has been developed that allows proceeding to the development of an industrial quenching cooling system.

Seasonality of submarine groundwater discharge to an Arctic coastal lagoon

AbstractSupra‐permafrost submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in the Arctic is potentially important for coastal biogeochemistry and will likely increase over the coming decades owing to climate change. Despite this, land‐to‐ocean material fluxes via SGD in Arctic environments have seldom been quantified. This study used radium (Ra) isotopes to quantify SGD fluxes to an Arctic coastal lagoon (Simpson Lagoon, Alaska) during five sampling periods between 2021 and 2023. Using a Ra mass balance model, we found that the SGD water flux was substantial and dependent on environmental conditions. No measurable SGD was detected during the spring sampling period (June 2022), when the lagoon was partially ice‐covered. During ice‐free periods, the main driver of SGD in this location is wind‐driven lagoon water level changes, not tides, which control surface water recirculation through sediments along the lagoon boundary. A combination of wind strength and direction led to low SGD fluxes in July 2022, with an SGD flux of (6 ± 3) × 106 m3 d−1, moderate fluxes in August 2021 and July 2023, which had an average flux of (17 ± 9) × 106 m3 d−1, and high fluxes in October 2022, at (79 ± 16) × 106 m3 d−1. This work demonstrates how soil and environmental conditions in the Arctic impact Ra mobilization, laying a foundation for future SGD studies in the Arctic and shedding light on the major processes driving Ra fluxes in this important environment.

Benefit of the nutritional and mineral composition of sea lettuce from a traditional salina: Implications for human consumption

The proximal composition and its seasonal variation of the green seaweed Ulva sp. harvested in a traditional saline (earthen ponds used for marine salt extraction) from Cadiz Bay (Southern Spain) was evaluated. Ulva sp. was also collected in a reference location within the Bay in order to compare and evaluate the effects of the particular characteristics of the saline in the composition of the macroalgae. Moisture, protein, lipid, ash, carbohydrate, fiber and macro- (Na, K, Ca, Mg), micro-mineral contents (Fe, Zn, Cu) and heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sn) of harvested biomass samples as well as environmental parameters of seawater (temperature, salinity, pH, DO, NH4+, NO3−, NO2− and PO43−) were measured. The results showed that Ulva sp. from the earthen ponds in the traditional salina was a better source of proteins, lipids, K and Mg, highlighting in summer with values of 27.54 % versus 6.11 %; 6.71 % versus 3.26 %; 26.60 mg g−1 versus 14.21 mg g−1 and 23.13 mg g−1 versus 17.79 mg g−1, respectively. It also had Na/K and Ca/Mg ratios of less than one, suggesting a healthy food source. Considering the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2018/464 as a working reference, Ulva sp. did not exceed the limit of toxic metals for human consumption.A season and site-season significant interaction on the composition of the seaweeds was observed. The proximal and mineral composition of Ulva sp. was influenced by the special features and environmental conditions of the earthen ponds. Hence, significant differences were observed in the macroalgae collected in the earthen ponds in summer and autumn, in contrast to the winter and spring samples, whose characteristics were similar to those from the inner bay. The closure of the lock-gates in summer to favor the production of salt significantly modified the environmental characteristics of the saline, affecting the physiological capacity of Ulva sp. to assimilate and storage nutrients, and therefore its tissue composition. As a consequence, the highest contents of lipid, ash, Ca, K, Mg and Fe were estimated in the macroalgae.