Search Results (466)

This study aimed to assess the extent of vitamin B₁ and B₆ vitamer loss during a single peritoneal dialysis (PD) session using a combination of chromatographic techniques and chemometric analysis. Dialysis effluent samples were collected from 41 PD patients (22 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 19 on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD)) during a standardised peritoneal equilibration test. Concentrations of thiamine monophosphate, thiamine diphosphate (ThDP), pyridoxine, pyridoxal (PL), and pyridoxamine were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. The analytical method was validated in terms of sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and recovery. Multiple regression analysis was employed to identify potential clinical and demographic predictors of vitamin washout. All vitamers except pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP) were detectable in dialysis effluents. ThDP exhibited the greatest loss among the B₁ forms (ca. 0.05–0.57 mg/24 h), while PL exhibited the most significant loss among the B₆ forms (ca. 0.01–0.19 mg/24 h). Vitamin losses varied depending on the dialysis modality (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, or CAPD, versus automated peritoneal dialysis, or APD) and the peritoneal transport category. Regression analysis identified body weight, haemoglobin, and haematocrit as independent predictors of ThDP washout (R² = 0.58). No statistically robust models were established for the other vitamers. Even short medical procedures (such as single PD) can result in measurable losses of water-soluble vitamins, particularly ThDP and PL. The results emphasise the importance of personalised vitamin supplementation for PD patients and suggest that body composition and haematological parameters significantly influence the loss of thiamine. Full article

This study analyzes 209 dog skeletons from two sites in Wolin (9th–mid-13th century AD) using 100 standard metric variables covering cranial, mandibular, and postcranial elements. Estimated withers height, body mass, age at death, and sex were derived using established methods. The results indicate the presence of at least two to three morphotypes: small spitz-like dogs (40–50 cm, 4–6 kg), medium brachycephalic forms (50–60 cm, 10–15 kg), and larger mesocephalic individuals (up to 65 cm, 20–40 kg). Dogs lived 3–10 years, with both sexes represented. Signs of cranial trauma and dental wear suggest utilitarian roles such as guarding. The size range and morphological diversity point to intentional breeding and trade-based importation. Small dogs likely served as companions or city guards, while medium and large types were used for herding, hunting, or transport. These findings highlight Wolin’s role as a dynamic cultural and trade center, where human–dog relationships were shaped by anthropogenic selection and regional exchange. Full article

Retired chemically polluted sites in southern Jiangsu Province, China, are characterized by dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) and extremely thick aquifers (>30 m), which pose substantial challenges for determining investigation and remediation depths during redevelopment and exploitation. This study constructed a 2D groundwater transport model using TMVOC to systematically investigate the migration, diffusion, and natural attenuation processes of two typical DNAPLs—1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC)—under three scenarios: individual transport, mixed transport, and heterogeneous aquifer conditions, with a simulation period of 35 years. In individual transport scenarios, DCE and CTC showed distinct migration behaviors. DCE achieved a maximum vertical transport distance of 14.01 m and a downstream migration distance of 459.58 m, while CTC reached 13.57 m vertically and 453.51 m downstream. When transported as a mixture, their migration was inhibited: DCE’s vertical and downstream distances decreased to 13.76 m and 440.46 m, respectively; and CTC’s to 13.23 m and 420.32 m, likely due to mutual solvent effects that altered their physicochemical properties such as viscosity and solubility. Under natural attenuation conditions, both DNAPLs ceased downstream transport by the end of the 6th year. DCE concentrations dropped below its risk control value (0.81 mg/L) by the 14th year, and CTC (with a risk control value of 0.23 mg/L) by the 11th year. By the 10th year, DCE’s downstream plume had retreated to 48.65 m, and CTC’s to 0.95 m. In heterogeneous aquifers, vertical upward transport of DCE and CTC increased to 14.82 m and 14.22 m, respectively, due to the partial absence of low-conductivity silt layers, while their downstream distances decreased to 397.99 m and 354.11 m, constrained by low-permeability lenses in the migration path. These quantitative results clarify the dynamic differences in DNAPL transport under varying conditions, highlighting the impacts of multicomponent interactions, natural attenuation, and aquifer heterogeneity. They provide critical references for risk management, scientific determination of remediation depths, and safe exploitation of retired chemically polluted sites with similar hydrogeological characteristics. Full article

Phosphorus (P) is a problematic waterborne pollutant, and considerable efforts have been taken to monitor its presence and transport in locales struggling with eutrophication. Most historical P datasets consist of intermittent grab samples, necessitating the construction of surrogacy models to explore P at high resolutions. In Iowa, models using historical data to relate turbidity to particulate P (PartP) have successfully been created. However, it is unknown how comprehensively historical datasets reflect Iowa’s hydrologic conditions and how well these models perform during flows not well represented within the existing data. In this study, we analyzed historical P datasets from 16 major Iowa rivers to determine how well they captured the rivers’ full range of streamflow conditions. While these datasets contained sufficient samples during low and average flows, they typically under-sampled high flows—containing few values above the 85–95th percentiles. Therefore, we collected new data in each river during wet conditions, with ~300 samples taken from 2021 to 2024. These new sampling results largely aligned with the existing surrogacy models and slightly improved model performance, suggesting that utilizing turbidity to predict PartP is appropriate in nearly all streamflow conditions. These findings may prove consequential for robustly modeling PartP due to its dynamic nature and disproportionately high transport during wet weather events. Full article

This study was realized in the frame of an IAEA Coordinated Research Project for the evaluation of sediment dynamics, applying in-situ radiometric methods accompanied with a theoretical model. The in-situ methods were validated using lab-based high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Sediment dynamics assessments were performed based on the measured and mapped activity concentrations of specific ²³⁸U progenies (²¹⁴Bi or ²¹⁴Pb), ²³²Th progenies (²⁰⁸Tl and ²²⁸Ac), and ⁴⁰K along the shoreline of the beach. The maps of the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were produced rapidly using software tools (R language v4.5). The sediment dynamics of the studied area were also investigated through numerical simulations, applying an open source model considering land–sea interactions and meteorological conditions and the corresponding sediment processes. The assessments, which were conducted utilizing the detailed data from the natural radioactivity maps, were validated by the simulation results, since both were found to be in agreement. Generally, it was confirmed that the distribution of radionuclides reflects the selective transport processes of sediments, which are related to the corresponding processes that occur in the study area. Legrena Beach in Attica, Greece, served as a pilot area for the comparative analysis of methods and demonstration of their relevance and applicability for studying coastal processes. Full article

Lakes are important sinks for antibiotics as suspended particulate matters (SPMs) in lakes have become significant carriers of antibiotic adsorption and migration. The light and heavy fractions of SPM are involved in the process of suspension and sedimentation in the aqueous environment. Combined with the adsorption behaviors of antibiotics onto SPM, a basis for the risk of antibiotic migration in lakes will be provided. In this study, SPM from Lake Taihu was collected and grouped according to density as light fraction (LF) and heavy fraction (HF), with heavy fraction including loosely bound humus (WLH) and tightly bound humus (TH). Adsorption studies were carried out with three typical antibiotics: tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), norfloxacin (NOR), and trimethoprim (TMP). The adsorption processes of all particulate fractions towards antibiotics were fast, which is consistent with pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption in the TC and NOR groups was much higher than that in the TMP group, which was mainly related to the properties of the antibiotics. The LF group was the special component with the fastest adsorption rate, the largest adsorption amount, and the lowest desorption ratio, regardless of antibiotics, which is related to the organic matter content and the rich-carbon-containing functional groups in the LF group, such as -C=O. These findings highlight the need for further attention to the high adsorptive transport effect of LF on antibiotics in lake ecosystems. Full article

Thyroid hormones (THs) play a central role in cardiovascular and metabolic regulation, influencing lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity and resting energy expenditure. Inherited disorders of impaired sensitivity to THs—including resistance to thyroid hormone alpha (RTHα) and beta (RTHβ), monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) deficiency and selenoprotein deficiency—lead to complex, multisystemic clinical features. Although these conditions are rare, with RTHβ being the most common and affecting about 1 in 20,000 newborns, they share clinical features with more prevalent thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as neurological manifestations including muscle wasting and spasticity. These conditions present abnormal patterns of thyroid function and are associated with tissue-specific comorbidities such as arrhythmias, heart failure, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. To date, no targeted or controlled studies have evaluated the impact of lifestyle modifications in these patient populations. Therefore, this narrative review proposes plausible management strategies based on pathophysiological insights into the effects of thyroid hormones on target organs, combined with clinical reasoning and evidence extrapolated from related disorders. Physical exercise and diet may complement pharmacological treatments (e.g., levothyroxine or TRIAC) to improve cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. In RTHβ, aerobic exercise enhances cardiovascular health, while a Mediterranean diet supports lipid control and glycemic parameters. In RTHα, physical exercise may aid neuromotor development, and a fluid-rich, fiber-moderated diet can alleviate constipation. In MCT8 deficiency, physiotherapy may improve mobility and relieve contractures, while nutritional support (e.g., feeding tube, gastrostomy) can be necessary to tackle feeding difficulties and reduce pulmonary complications. In selenoprotein deficiency, low-to-moderate physical exercise and an antioxidant-rich diet may protect against oxidative stress at several tissue levels. Although quantitative evidence is limited, this narrative review synthesizes current insights, providing a meaningful basis for future validation and research. Full article

This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary proanthocyanidins (PACs) on growth performance, intestinal inflammation and barrier function, and bile acid metabolism-related genes in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 18 21-day-old castrated piglets (7.16 ± 1.66 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) CON (a basal diet), (2) LPS (a basal diet + LPS), (3) LPS + PAC (a basal diet + LPS + 250 mg/kg PAC), with each group consisting of six replicates of 1 piglet per treatment. The study lasted for 21 days. On the 14th and 21st days of the experiment, piglets in the LPS and LPS + PAC groups received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 µg/kg body weight of LPS, while the piglets in the CON group received an injection of 0.9% normal saline solution. The LPS + PAC group exhibited a significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) than the LPS group (p < 0.05). LPS stimulation resulted in a decreased (p < 0.05) villus height of the jejunum and ileum and an increased number of goblet cells. These effects were alleviated (p < 0.05) in the LPS + PAC group. The LPS + PAC group decreased the level of TNF-α and D-lactate in serum and the gene expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in the ileal tissue, compared with the LPS group, while increasing the gene expression of Occludin and ZO-1 in the ileal tissue (p < 0.05). LPS stimulation down-regulated the expression of genes regulating bile acid synthesis and transport, including hepatic CYP7A1 and ileum ASBT, whereas dietary PAC had no significant effect on the expression of these genes (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, supplementation with PAC significantly increased the expression levels of GLP-2R, GCG, and TGR5 in the ileum of piglets (p < 0.05). Additionally, piglets in the LPS + PAC group exhibited a significant increase in the level of glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) compared with the LPS group (p < 0.05). PAC generally improves the ADG, intestinal morphology, and intestinal barrier function of piglets by activating TGR5 to stimulate the intestinal secretion of GLP-2. Full article

In Turkish literature, hajj travelogues have been written since the 13th century, conveying Muslims’ experiences during the pilgrimage and explaining how to perform hajj. With the development and widespread use of the modern means of transportation in Türkiye from the 1940s onward, the pilgrims increasingly started to travel by air to avoid the hardships and duration of long journeys. However, this shift led to a decrease in visits to historical places along the traditional pilgrimage route from Türkiye to Mecca and Medina, consequently changing the content and nature of Hajj narratives. In spite of these changes, Mehmet Barut, a mufti (cleric), offered a unique response through his travelogue Hicaz Yolları [Hijaz Roads], which can be seen as a reaction to the rise in modern means of transportation. In 1965, Barut began his hajj journey from Tokat, within the border of the Republic of Türkiye, and travelled to Mecca and Medina by bus. Along the way, he visited Ankara, Konya, Tarsus, Iskenderun, Reyhanlı, Aleppo, Damascus, Jerusalem, Halilurrahman, Amman, Tabuk, Khaybar, and Medina before finally reaching Mecca. Barut’s travelogue is a contemporary non-fiction work, yet it was written in classical Turkish. In choosing to follow the historical pilgrimage route—established during the Ottoman period and beginning in Anatolia—Barut sought to revive and preserve the spiritual and cultural destinations and hajj journeys. His travelogue not only demonstrates his own travel experiences, but also reflects examples from the travelogue menazil-i hajj, offering insights into the historical significance of the cities and stopovers along the route. This study examines Hicaz Yolları from two key perspectives. First, it compares Barut’s chosen route with the historical Ottoman hajj route, highlighting key service areas and stopovers. Second, it explores the literary value of Barut’s work and its significance in contemporary Turkish literature. Ultimately, this study reveals that Barut’s travelogue not only kept the memory of traditional hajj pilgrimages alive, but also revived a fading tradition in an era dominated by modern means of transportation. Full article

With the increasing development of 6th-generation (6G) air-to-ground (A2G) communications, the combination of millimeter-wave (mmWave) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technologies can offer unprecedented bandwidth and capacity for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications. The introduction of new technologies will also make the UAV channel characteristics more complex and variable, posing higher requirements for UAV channel modeling. This paper presents a novel predictive channel modeling method based on Transformer architecture by integrating data-driven approaches with UAV air-to-ground channel modeling. By introducing the mmWave and MIMO into UAV communications, the channel data of UAVs at various flight altitudes is first collected. Based on the Transformer network, the typical UAV channel characteristics, such as received power, delay spread, and angular spread, are then predicted and analyzed. The results indicate that the proposed predictive method exhibits excellent performance in prediction accuracy and stability, effectively addressing the complexity and variability of channel characteristics caused by mmWave bands and MIMO technology. This method not only provides strong support for the design and optimization of future 6G UAV communication systems but also lays a solid communication foundation for the widespread application of UAVs in intelligent transportation, logistics, and other fields in the future. Full article

Air exposure stress during live transport and subsequent reoxygenation are factors in the development of molecular/pathological and compensatory/adaptive responses. They affect the physiological functions and survival of economically important invertebrate species, in particular, crustaceans. In this study, we consider the effects of anoxia and subsequent reoxygenation on the physiological responses, signaling pathways involved in stress, and cell apoptosis in the central nervous system (CNS) of the horsehair crab, Erimacrus isenbeckii. The results showed that 1 day of air exposure stress and 1 subsequent day of reoxygenation cause the immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) to change, suggesting that these changes may be associated with adaptive responses, which are presumably employed to avoid oxidative damage and provide the initial mechanism for survival. Caspase-3 immunoreactive neurons increased eight-fold in the brain and 7.2-fold in the VNC after 1 day of reoxygenation, and the TUNEL-positive cell percentage rose from 0% (control) to 8.4% in the brain and from 1.7% (control) to 13% in the VNC. The results of our study provide evidence that anoxia and reoxygenation can activate caspase-3 and facilitate apoptosis in the CNS of crabs. These results provide evidence that even short-term air exposure stress followed by reoxygenation can trigger significant apoptotic cell death in crustacean neural tissue, which is important for developing better live transport practices. Full article

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollution poses a major threat to human physical and mental health. Smart cities (SCs) provide innovative paths for PM_2.5 pollution prevention and control through Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, intelligent transportation optimization, and other technological means. Based on the panel data of 2,141 counties in China between 2006 and 2021, this paper constructs a difference-in-differences with multiple time periods (MDID) to systematically assess the impact of SC on PM_2.5 concentration and analyze its mechanism of action by combining the satellite remote sensing PM_2.5 concentration (PM_2.5C) and the list of smart city pilots. This study finds the following: (1) SC significantly reduced the PM_2.5 concentration in the test area by about 3.58%. This conclusion was verified through rigorous robustness testing; (2) SC can effectively reduce PM_2.5C through the innovation effect; (3) High-quality economic development can strengthen the emission reduction effect of SC on PM_2.5C; (4) The environmental benefits of SC show significant spatial heterogeneity, with the largest PM_2.5 reductions occurring in the western regions (4.3% reduction), followed by regions with mature digital infrastructure and cities in high administrative level cities. The results of this study provide a reference for the regional differentiated implementation of the “14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of Innovative Smarter Cities”, and make targeted recommendations for the synergistic management of air quality under the “dual-carbon” goal. Full article

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause a broad range of neurological birth defects, collectively named Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). We have previously shown that infection with the Puerto Rican isolate PRVABC59 (ZIKV-PR) results in abnormal oxygen transport in the placenta due to villous damage and uterine vasculitis in a nonhuman primate model. To investigate whether this type of damage occurs with endemically circulating strains in Thailand, we investigated a CZS case isolate, MU1-2017 (ZIKV-TH), in pregnant rhesus macaques. Pregnant animals (n = 3 per group) were infected subcutaneously with either ZIKV-PR or ZIKV-TH at ~50 days gestation (GD) and monitored for 40 days post-infection (GD90). Similar courses of viremia and immune activation were observed for both viruses when compared to uninfected controls. In addition, both viruses induced changes to the placental architecture, including spiral artery remodeling and the development of infarctions. Similar levels of viral RNA were detected at necropsy in maternal and fetal tissues. Overall, our results show that the ZIKV-TH strain MU1-2017 behaves similarly to the ZIKV-PR strain, and, importantly, provide evidence of in-utero infection with an additional contemporary strain of ZIKV. Full article

The natural flow of sediment in the Ebro River has been altered by a variety of factors that have impacted the geomorphic and ecological balance of the delta. Ongoing restoration efforts in the delta would benefit if the flow of sediment in the river could be increased. Understanding the dynamics of sediment flow in the Ebro River is an important component in the design of effective management strategies for the Ebro Delta. This study estimates the sediment transport potential of the Ebro River under current and future conditions through numerical simulation. Historical data from the late 19th century indicate that the river once transported up to 28.1 million tons of sediment per year. However, due to water abstractions and flow regulations, the current sediment transport capacity is limited to 9 million tons annually, a reduction of 67%. Future projections suggest further decreases in flow and sediment transport potential, with reductions of up to 30% by 2060 and 50% by 2100, depending on climate conditions and water management practices. The findings underscore the need for integrated management strategies to mitigate the impacts of reduced sediment flow, emphasizing the importance of restoring sediment transport as a crucial component of the delta restoration efforts. Full article

The use of binders in construction dates back to antiquity, with lime-based materials historically playing a significant role. However, the 20th century brought the widespread replacement of lime with Portland cement (PC), for its superior mechanical strength, durability, and faster setting time. Despite these advantages, the restoration of historic masonry structures has revealed the incompatibility of PC with traditional materials, leading to damage due to increased brittleness, stiffness, and reduced permeability. Consequently, lime mortars remain the preferred choice for heritage conservation. To enhance their durability while maintaining compatibility with historic materials, the incorporation of carbon-based nanoparticles has gained attention. This study investigated the impact of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) additive on two types of lime-based mortars, calcium lime (CL) and hydraulic lime (HL), evaluating structural and mechanical properties, heat transport characteristics, and hygric properties after modification by CNTs with dosages of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% binder weight. Incorporation of CNTs into CL mortar resulted in an increase in mechanical strength and slight reduction in heat transport and water absorption due to changes in porosity. The addition of CNTs into HL mortars reduced porosity, pore size distribution, and other depending characteristics. The utilisation of CNTs as an additive in the investigated lime-based composites has been identified as a potentially effective approach for the reinforcement and functionalisation of these composite materials, as they exhibited enhanced mechanical resistance while preserving their other engineering properties, making them well suited for use as compatible mortars in building heritage repairs. Full article