Lead, Zinc and Iron Pollutants Load Assessment in Selected Rivers in Southern Nigeria: Implications for Domestic Uses

The aim of the study is to comparatively assess the concentrations of lead, zinc and iron in Rivers Ase, Warri and Ethiope, in Nigeria. Monthly water samples were collected from six randomly selected sites along the rivers course. 72 water samples were collected from each river at 0 - 15 cm depths. Samples were analysed based on the standard methods recommended by the WHO for testing lead, zinc and iron. The assessment of the water quality was done using the Water Quality Index (WQI) of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME-WQI). While hypotheses were tested using ANOVA. Findings indicated that CCME-WQI values were 47.3, 66.52 and 78.7. This meant that the water quality of River Ase is impaired and departed from desirable levels, while that of Warri and Ethiope were considered to occasionally be impaired and depart from desirable levels. The ANOVA model showed that there is a significant variation in heavy metal load in the selected rivers at P < 0.05. River water was put to domestic uses such as drinking (20.5%) preparing food (17.8%), bathing (19.8%), washing clothes and dishes (21.3%), brushing teeth (13.3%), and catering for domestic animals (7.5%). Poverty (49.5%) was the major reason for the use of river water for domestic purposes. The locals highlighted that they usually suffer from cholera (26.8%), diarrhoea (25.8%), dysentery (24%) and typhoid (23.5%) as a result of using the river water. The study recommended routine monitoring of anthropogenic and geologic activities, testing of the water regularly amongst others.

Efficiency and effectiveness of systems for the treatment of domestic wastewater based on subsurface flow constructed wetlands in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic

Constructed wetlands(CwW)are well known nature-based systems for water treatment.This study evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of seven domestic wastewater treatment systems based on horizontal flow CWs in Jarabacoa,the Dominican Republic.The results showed that the CWs were efficient in reducing the degree of contamination of wastewater to levels below the Dominican wastewater discharge standards for parameters such as the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand(BOD5)and chemical oxygen demand,but not for the removal of phosphorus and fecal coliforms.In addition,a horizontal flow subsurface wetland in the peri-urban area El Dorado was evaluated in terms of the performance of wastewater treatment in tropical climatic conditions.The concentrations of heavy metals,such as zinc,copper,chromium,and iron,were found to decrease in the effluent of the wetland,and the concentrations for nickel and manganese tended to increase.The levels of heavy metals in the effluent were lower than the limit values of the Dominican wastewater discharge standards.The construction cost of these facilities was around 200 USD per population equivalent,similar to the cost in other countries in the same region.This study suggested some solutions to the improved performance of CWs:selection of a microbial flora that guarantees the reduction of nitrates and nitrites to molecular nitrogen,use of endemic plants that bioaccumulate heavy metals,combination of constructed wetlands with filtration on activated carbon,and inclusion of water purification processes that allow to evaluate the reuse of treated water.

Clinical manifestations,diagnosis and long-term prognosis of adult autoimmune enteropathy:Experience from Peking Union Medical College Hospital

BACKGROUND Autoimmune enteropathy(AIE)is a rare disease whose diagnosis and long-term prognosis remain challenging,especially for adult AIE patients.AIM To improve overall understanding of this disease’s diagnosis and prognosis.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical,endoscopic and histopathological characteristics and prognoses of 16 adult AIE patients in our tertiary medical center between 2011 and 2023,whose diagnosis was based on the 2007 diagnostic criteria.RESULTS Diarrhea in AIE patients was characterized by secretory diarrhea.The common endoscopic manifestations were edema,villous blunting and mucosal hyperemia in the duodenum and ileum.Villous blunting(100%),deep crypt lymphocytic infiltration(67%),apoptotic bodies(50%),and mild intraepithelial lymphocytosis(69%)were observed in the duodenal biopsies.Moreover,there were other remarkable abnormalities,including reduced or absent goblet cells(duodenum 94%,ileum 62%),reduced or absent Paneth cells(duodenum 94%,ileum 69%)and neutrophil infiltration(duodenum 100%,ileum 69%).Our patients also fulfilled the 2018 diagnostic criteria but did not match the 2022 diagnostic criteria due to undetectable anti-enterocyte antibodies.All patients received glucocorticoid therapy as the initial medication,of which 14/16 patients achieved a clinical response in 5(IQR:3-20)days.Immunosuppressants were administered to 9 patients with indications of steroid dependence(6/9),steroid refractory status(2/9),or intensified maintenance medication(1/9).During the median of 20.5 months of followup,2 patients died from multiple organ failure,and 1 was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.The cumulative relapse-free survival rates were 62.5%,55.6%and 37.0%at 6 months,12 months and 48 months,respectively.CONCLUSION Certain histopathological findings,including a decrease or disappearance of goblet and Paneth cells in intestinal biopsies,might be potential diagnostic criteria for adult AIE.The long-term prognosis is still unsatisfactory despite corticosteroid and immunosuppressant medications,which highlights the need for early diagnosis and novel medications.

Neurological Manifestations of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: About a Case

The authors report a case of deficient sensory neuropathy secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency, diagnosed in the neurology department of the Sino-Central African Friendship University Hospital in Bangui. The diagnosis was made possible by electroneuromyography which showed subclinical neurological damage associated with hematological damage (anemia). Through this observation, we recall the diagnostic criteria of the disease in a context of difficult medical practice. .

Domestication of Marama Bean in Arid Namibia: Challenges and Opportunities in a Climate Changing Agroecology

Tylosema esculentum (Burch.) A. Schreib. (Marama bean), referred to as marama in sections of this article, is an obligate outcrossing native plant with a yield potential of 2 ton/hectare which grows naturally in the deep sandy soils of the Kalahari Desert. It has adapted to the low precipitation levels in that agro-ecosystem. Marama serves as a staple food for the San and Bantus in that area. In Namibia, in the past you could find wild stands of marama in the Khomas region, Omaheke region, and the Otjozondjupa region without must struggle. It is renowned for its brown seeds, which are rich in high-quality oils and proteins. The tuberous root contains a significant amount of starch. The objective of domesticating orphaned marama is to provide farmers in this climate change-prone region with a viable alternative for food and nutrition security. This program, initiated in 2008 with an open-minded mindset, required swift implementation using harsh and occasionally unconventional methods. To introduce indigenous tools for resource-poor farmers, the domestication program prioritized the utilization of farmer-participatory methodologies. It was crucial to integrate old and new approaches to ensure learning from past and present experiences, leading to innovative solutions. There is little research and development of native crops in Africa because most of the currently cultivates crops were brought for use from abroad. Only a few numbers of indeginous African crops can be named. The arid Kalahari region, susceptible to climate change, necessitates the revival of indigenous crops like marama, which are resilient and well-adapted to the region’s conditions and have thrived for centuries. In many discussions regarding the health and nutrition of Africa, the recommendation to consume traditional foods to avoid exposure to modern foods, which may not be genetically compatible, is frequently emphasized. Regardless of their validity, these opinions must be acknowledged, and steps need to be taken to ensure a positive legacy for future generations. However, this chapter will address the limitations and challenges that exist in this regard. This article will summarize the progress made in the domestication program of the marama bean in Namibia thus far. Furthermore, this article will highlight the challenges that have been faced during the domestication journey for marama bean and other orphaned crops. The domestication program commenced with a broad germplasm collection, characterization, and preselection for breeding. Crop selection in this program was influenced by climate change-related concerns of shorter and uncertain rain seasons, and recurrent droughts. Selection included but was not limited to identifying marama genotypes with superior characteristics, early germination and many seeds per pod were among some of the identified and selected characteristics. The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has compiled a list of potential marama bean varieties and is currently testing marama seeds in anticipation of their introduction as a new crop alternative with good adaptation to the effects of climate change, since conventional crops like maize underperform due to persistent droughts. Marama bean, if properly developed, holds significant potential to address issues of hunger and malnutrition in arid regions of Southern Africa and other similar territories. The findings presented here are the result of ongoing field research and experiments conducted at multiple sites using superior marama bean varieties.

Analysis of the Effect and Influencing Factors of Rural Domestic Sewage Treatment Based on A^(2)O-MBBR Integrated Process

[Objectives] This study was conducted to solve the prominent problems in the treatment of domestic sewage in southern rural areas of China. [Methods] An integrated process treatment mode of anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic moving bed biofilm reactor (A 2O-MBBR) was proposed to analyze and study its operating effect and influencing factors. [Results] The A^(2)O-MBBR mode had good COD removal efficiency and nitrogen and phosphorus removal performance, and the water quality index of the effluent met the Class A standard of GB181918-2002. This mode is suitable for treating rural domestic sewage, and has high treatment effects in different operating periods. In spring, the average removal rates of COD, NH_(4)^(+)-N, TN, TP and SS reached (83.53 ± 2.15)%, (89.44 ± 4.97)%, (67.36±18.53)%, (88.22±11.21)% and (91.73±2.25)%, respectively;In the autumn period, the average removal rates of COD, NH_(4)^(+)-N, TN, TP and SS were (83.49±2.64)%, (89.26±9.19)%, (66.05±17.00)%, (87.48±9.68)%, and (91.13±2.35)%. [Conclusions] This study provides theoretical reference and technical support for the popularization and application of A^(2)O-MBBR integrated process.

Go-Ahead Element of Domestic Architecture:Socio-Economic and Cultural Characteristics of the Residents in Benin

The domestic architecture of a traditional settlement is greatly influenced by the socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics of its residents.Benin City which is the focus of the paper is a case of a traditional settlement undergoing domestic architectural evolution with the changing times influenced by factors of growth and development.The paper has examined the effect of socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics as factors that partly determine the design,style,pattern,space use,organization,location and meaning as well as land use of the domestic architecture of Benin.The study employed the use of questionnaire administered to residents across the cross-section of the city.In the end,descriptive frequency tables were used to analyse the data collected from the residential zones in Benin.The research has been able to corroborate the theory that socio-economic and socio-cultural factors are some of the determinants/elements of domestic architecture of a people.

Comparison of Oral Manifestations in Hospitalized COVID-19 Positive Patients and COVID-19 Negative Dental Outpatients. A Case Series Study and Literature Review

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infectious disease, also named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which can cause various systemic manifestations that pose a threat to human life. Oral lesions in patients with COVID-19 may appear during or after the illness and may or may not be a consequence of the viral infection. Objective: In this case series we compare the oral manifestations in hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients and COVID-19 negative dental outpatients. Methods: 60 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 41 control patients, were examined for oral signs and symptoms. The controls were dental patients who visited the hospital for dental care without complaining of any problems related to the oral cavity itself. Results: We have observed a strong association between certain clinical findings and COVID-19, including alterations in taste (ageusia, dysgeusia, and hypogeusia), anosmia, hairy tongue, tongue imprints, red tongue, erythematous candidiasis, pseudomembranous candidiasis, and exfoliative cheilitis. A trend but not statistically significant association at the level of 5% was also noted for colored tongue, linea alba, and pale mucosa. On the contrary, fissured tongue and oral mucosa pigmentation were more frequent in the controls, statistically significant at the level of 5%. Conclusion: COVID-19 has been found to impact the oral cavity, resulting in various oral lesions that can be attributed to either the direct action of the virus or the patient’s immune response.

The Application of the Domestication and Foreignization Translation Strategies in the Context of the Dissemination of Chinese Culture:A Case Study of the English Translation of Long

In January 2024,the Chinese Year of the Loong,how to translate the Chinese character Long went viral on the Internet.Taking the English translation of Long as an example,this study tends to make a tentative analysis of the application of translation strategies in the macro context of the dissemination of Chinese culture.Moreover,it probes into the phenomenon of Chinese cultural aphasia by analyzing the domestication and foreignization of Long in three aspects.The three attitudes provided ought to be addressed in the Chinese-English translations.This study emphasizes enhancing translators’cultural awareness and their cultural confidence in the process of translating the source language to the target language.

Attributes of Domestic Spaces for Contemporary Habitation-A Secondary Publication

The domestic space can be defined as the sphere that articulates the needs for subjective containment and contextual stimuli.In this sense,questions arise about the indispensable attributes that spaces must possess for this articulation to take place adequately.Architecture,as the discipline in charge of satisfying the specific spatial needs of those who inhabit these spaces and,in a broader sense,as a concrete contribution to society,must address this relationship in all its complexity and generate concrete responses that incorporate the appropriate spatial attributes during the design processes.The design processes that shape living spaces confront this dialectic,and the manner in which they do so brings identity and character to them.It is believed that the higher the level of variables that are contemplated and weighted,the greater the adequacy of spaces to the changing dynamics of the people who inhabit them.This article focuses on a thorough analysis of these spatial attributes,in parallel to the definition of each one as a particular condition for design,based on their conceptualization,breakdown,and articulation.Conceptually,the following attributes are addressed:flexibility,adaptability,variability,versatility,multiplicity,plurality,integrality,gradualness,incrementality,progressiveness,independence,connectivity,intimacy,and privacy.Each of these attributes is valued as a contribution to creating adequate habitability in contextual terms,with consideration to possible integrations and combinations.

Transcending Domesticity:A Biographic Study on Sarah Orne Jewett

Following Showalter's division of the three phases in women's literary history, namely the"Feminine, Feminist and Female", this essay launches a biographic study on Sarah Orne Jewett, discussing how she transcends domesticity by embracing female friendship in life and writing a female culture in literature.

Re-manifestation of the Culture in the Bible--Domestication and Foreignization in Bible Translation

Translation is not only to transfer from one language to another;it is also a carrier between different cultures.The translators are responsible for transferring the cultural information of the source text for the target readers.The cultural feature can be frequently traced in the Bible.Both domesticating meuhod and foreignizing method have been applied in Bible translation.This paper explores the adequacy of domesticating method and foreignizing method in the re-manifestation of the culture in the Bible.It will be discussed from two aspects,namely,re-manifestation of the culture in words and re-manifestation of the culture in the naming of people and places.

A review of the pangenome:how it affects our understanding of genomic variation,selection and breeding in domestic animals?

As large-scale genomic studies have progressed,it has been revealed that a single reference genome pattern cannot represent genetic diversity at the species level.While domestic animals tend to have complex routes of origin and migration,suggesting a possible omission of some population-specific sequences in the current reference genome.Conversely,the pangenome is a collection of all DNA sequences of a species that contains sequences shared by all individuals(core genome)and is also able to display sequence information unique to each individual(variable genome).The progress of pangenome research in humans,plants and domestic animals has proved that the missing genetic components and the identification of large structural variants(SVs)can be explored through pangenomic studies.Many individual specific sequences have been shown to be related to biological adaptability,phenotype and important economic traits.The maturity of technologies and methods such as third-generation sequencing,Tel-omere-to-telomere genomes,graphic genomes,and reference-free assembly will further promote the development of pangenome.In the future,pangenome combined with long-read data and multi-omics will help to resolve large SVs and their relationship with the main economic traits of interest in domesticated animals,providing better insights into animal domestication,evolution and breeding.In this review,we mainly discuss how pangenome analysis reveals genetic variations in domestic animals(sheep,cattle,pigs,chickens)and their impacts on phenotypes and how this can contribute to the understanding of species diversity.Additionally,we also go through potential issues and the future perspectives of pangenome research in livestock and poultry.

Coagulation abnormalities and their relationship with bleeding manifestations in patients with dengue-A single center observational study

Objective:To evaluate coagulation abnormalities and their relationship with bleeding manifestations among patients with dengue.Methods:This observational study was conducted on 292 adult dengue patients who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital of Western India from July 2021 to June 2022.Coagulation tests including prothrombin time(PT),international normalized ratio(INR),activated partial thromboplastin time(aPTT),fibrinogen,and D-dimer were performed.Patients were monitored for bleeding manifestations.Results:Coagulation abnormalities were reported in 42.8%of the patients.Overall,prolonged aPTT was the most common coagulation abnormality(40.8%),followed by low fibrinogen(38.7%),raised D-dimer(31.2%),raised INR(26.0%)and prolonged PT(19.2%).Bleeding manifestations were present in 19.9%patients.PT,INR,aPTT and D-dimer levels were significantly higher(P<0.01)and fibrinogen level was significantly lower(P<0.001)in patients with bleeding compared to patients without bleeding.Patients with bleeding had a significantly higher rate of all coagulation abnormalities than patients without bleeding(P<0.01).Conclusions:Patients with bleeding showed a significantly higher frequency of coagulation abnormalities compared to patients without bleeding.Patients with dengue should be assessed for coagulation abnormalities.

Origins,timing and introgression of domestic geese revealed by whole genome data

Background Geese are among the most important poultry species in the world.The current generally accepted hypothesis is that the European domestic geese originated from greylag geese(Anser anser),and Chinese domestic geese have two origins,most of which originated from swan geese(Anser cygnoides),and the Yili goose originated from greylag geese.To explain the origin and demographic history of geese,we selected 14 goose breeds from Europe and China and wild populations of swan and greylag geese,and whole genome sequencing data were obtained for 74 samples.Results Population structure analysis and phylogenetic trees showed that the wild ancestor of Chinese domestic geese,except for Yili,is the swan geese,and the wild ancestor of Chinese Yili and European domestic geese is greylag geese.Analysis of the demographic history suggests that the domestication of Chinese geese occurred~3499 years ago and that of the European geese occurred~7552 years ago.Furthermore,gene flow was observed between domestic geese and their wild ancestors.Analysis of introgression showed that Yili geese had been introgressed by Chinese domestic geese,and the body size of Yili geese may be influenced by introgression events of some growthrelated genes,including IGF-1.Conclusions Our study provides evidence for the origin of geese at the genome-wide level and advances the understanding of the history of goose domestication and the traits affected by introgression events.

Mechanical and environmental properties of geopolymer-stabilized domestic waste incineration slag in an asphalt pavement base

Domestic waste incineration slag(WIS)includes fly ash and slag.Fly ash is classified as hazardous waste because it contains heavy metals.Most of slag are directly stacked or landfilled due to problems such as large output and low utilization rate.Harmless treatment is imminent.If WIS is used effectively in the road engineering,which can realize the high-quality and high-efficiency recycling of WIS,and it is of great significance to save resources and protect the environment.This study applies a geopolymer prepared from WIS fly ash as a stabilizing agent in WIS blending macadam for use as a pavement base mixture,and reports the mechanical properties(unconfined compressive strength,splitting strength,and resilience modulus)of the geopolymer-stabilized WIS blending macadam(GeoWIS).The leaching concentrations of harmful heavy metals of GeoWIS soaked in water were also investigated.Finally,the strength formation and heavy metal stability mechanisms were explored.The unconfined compressive strength,splitting strength,and compressive resilient modulus of GeoWIS all increased with increasing geopolymer content and decreasing WIS content.The strength of GeoWIS was derived from its geopolymerization and hydration products(C-S-H gel,N-A-S-H gel,and AFt).When the geopolymer content reached 12%–14%,the GeoWIS without natural macadam met the strength criterion of the asphalt pavement base.Through physical adsorption and chemical bonding,the geopolymer significantly reduced the leaching of harmful heavy metals.In GeoWIS with 50%WIS and stabilized with 10%geopolymer,the Cr,Ni,Cd,and Pb concentrations met the grade III groundwater standard.Concentrations of heavy metals leached from GeoWIS are low and exert little impact on environment.

Pathogenesis,clinical manifestations,diagnosis,and treatment progress of achalasia of cardia

Achalasia cardia,type of esophageal dynamic disorder,is a relatively rare primary motor esophageal disease characterized by the functional loss of plexus ganglion cells in the distal esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter.Loss of function of the distal and lower esophageal sphincter ganglion cells is the main cause of achalasia cardia,and is more likely to occur in the elderly.Histological changes in the esophageal mucosa are considered pathogenic;however,studies have found that inflammation and genetic changes at the molecular level may also cause achalasia cardia,resulting in dysphagia,reflux,aspiration,retrosternal pain,and weight loss.Currently,the treatment options for achalasia focus on reducing the resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter,helping to empty the esophagus and relieve symptoms.Treatment measures include botulinum toxin injection,inflatable dilation,stent insertion,and surgical myotomy(open or laparoscopic).Surgical procedures are often subject to controversy owing to concerns about safety and effectiveness,particularly in older patients.Herein,we review clinical epidemiological and experimental data to determine the prevalence,pathogenesis,clinical presentation,diagnostic criteria,and treatment options for achalasia to support its clinical management.

Management practices and technologies for efficient biological sample collection from domestic animals with special reference to Indian field conditions

Management strategies and the use of advanced technologies are equally important for determining the sample number and sampling frame for successful field sampling for animal disease prevalence studies.The quality of the biological samples collected in the field has a direct bearing on the integrity of the data generated,prevalence estimates and subsequent policy decisions on disease control.Hence,compromising the quality of biological samples collected in the field could potentially undermine the priority setting principles in disease control strategies.Biological samples collected from domestic animals in the field are precious materials and require meticulous planning for sample collection,sample storage in the field,transportation,and storage in the laboratory.Poorly managed field sampling has a significant detrimental impact on the sample quality and quantity and directly affects the accuracy of disease prevalence data.A bad choice of sampling tools,containers,storage and transport all have a negative impact on the integrity of the sample and consequently have an impact on the outcome.Over the last two years,as part of our one health animal sampling work in ndia,we have observed challenges and opportunities in the field sampling of animals for disease prevalence studies.This paper aims to provide information on management practices and technologies for efficient biological sample collection from the field and ensure that good quality samples are available fortesting.

International visibility of Armenian domestic journals:the role of scientific diaspora

Purpose:Nearly 122 scientific journals are currently being published in Armenia-of which only six are indexed by WoS and/or Scopus databases.The majority of the national journals are published in the Armenian language,solely possessing abstracts written in English,although there are also English-language and multi-language journals with articles not only in Armenian but also in other foreign languages.The aim of this article is to study the visibility of the(non-indexed)national Armenian journals in the WoS database through citation analysis.In consideration of the existence of a relevant Armenian“diaspora”in the world,this article also attempts to estimate its impact in terms of citation statistics.Design/methodology/approach:For this end,we have identified citations to the national/domestic Armenian journals in the WoS database in comparison with the share of citations received from“diaspora”researchers(researchers of Armenian origin born in foreign countries and those originally from Armenia who have emigrated to foreign countries).Findings:Among the 116 Armenian domestic journals analyzed(not indexed by WoS),only 47 were found to be cited in WoS.Of these journals,almost 12%are citations by“diaspora”researchers,most of which concern Social Science and Humanities journals.Research limitations:Although the surnames of Armenians end with-i(y)an,sometimes,the Diaspora Armenians,surnames are changed or modified or they are not ending with-i(y)an,in this case we may fail to identify them.Practical implications:This study can help to build new,more deep and comprehensive relations with scientific diasporas.Originality/value:This study offers a new understanding of multifaced research collaboration with scientific diasporas and their role in internationalization of domestic journals.

Liver manifestations in COVID-19 patients:A review article

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)initially presented as a disease that affected the lungs.Then,studies revealed that it intricately affected disparate organs in the human body,with the liver being one of the most affected organs.This review aimed to assess the association between COVID-19 and liver function,shedding light on its clinical implication.However,its exact pathophysiology remains unclear,involving many factors,such as active viral replication in the liver cells,direct cytotoxic effects of the virus on the liver or adverse reactions to viral antigens.Liver symptoms are mild-to-moderate transaminase elevation.In some patients,with underlying liver disease,more serious outcomes are observed.Thus,liver function should be meticulously considered in patients with COVID-19.