Neoplasia has been reported in lizards, but more research is needed to accurately document the prevalence and prognosis of the various known neoplasms that affect lizards. This study reviewed medical records from an online database, the Exotic Species Cancer Research Alliance (ESCRA), and reviewed published literature to determine the prevalence of neoplasia, malignancy, metastasis, treatment strategies, and outcomes by species and sex. Records from 55 individual lizards, 20 different species, and 37 different tumors were identified. In the literature, 219 lizards, 59 species, and 86 unique tumors were identified from 72 published case reports. Potential signalment factors such as age, sex, and species were evaluated to see if they affected case outcome. Additional factors including neoplasia type, presence of metastasis, and types of pursued treatments were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed to determine whether a factor was significantly associated with animal death due to the identified neoplasia or with animal survival or death due to other causes (non-neoplastic outcomes). Komodo dragons and savannah monitors were more likely to die from neoplasia compared to other lizard species. Cases where the status of metastasis was unknown were significantly associated with death due to neoplasia. Having an unknown status of male versus female was significantly associated with non-neoplastic outcomes of death. Leukemia and islet cell carcinoma were significantly associated with death due to neoplastic causes. Chondrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma were significantly associated with non-neoplastic outcomes of death. Surgery alone and radiation therapy alone each were significantly associated with non-neoplastic outcomes of death, while lizards not receiving treatment were significantly associated with death due to neoplasia. Benign neoplasia was significantly associated with non-neoplastic outcomes of death. These results will aid in the improved diagnosis and management of neoplasia in lizard species, as well as expanding our understanding of prognostic indicators of neoplasia in lizards. Full article

We analysed the licences issued by British local government authorities under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which regulates the private keeping of wild animals categorised as “dangerous”, to assess the scope and scale of private keeping of dangerous wild animals in Great Britain. Results are compared with historical data from England and Wales, showing that there has been an overall decrease both in the total population of dangerous wild animals privately kept under licence and the number of licences, resulting primarily from a decrease in the farming of wild boar and ostrich, and from certain other species no longer requiring a licence to be kept. Nonetheless, the private keeping of dangerous wild animals remains prevalent, with a total population of 3950 animals kept under licence, and at least one-third of local authorities in Britain licensing keepers of one or more such animals. The population of non-farmed dangerous taxa has increased by 59% in 20 years, with notable increases in crocodilians (198%), venomous snakes (94%), and wild cats (57%). We present evidence that the average cost of a licence to keep dangerous wild animals has fallen over time, and that there is a negative association between cost and licensing. The current schedule of species categorised as dangerous is compared to a formally recognised list of species kept in zoos assessed by risk to the public. Problems with the legislation, enforcement of the licensing system, and animal welfare for privately kept dangerous wild animals are identified and discussed. Full article

Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have emerged as prominent gene delivery vehicles for gene therapy. AAV capsid proteins determine tissue specificity and immunogenicity and play important roles in receptor binding, the escape of the virus from the endosome, and the transport of the viral DNA to the nuclei of target cells. Therefore, the comprehensive characterization of AAV capsid proteins is necessary for a better understanding of the vector assembly, stability, and transduction efficiency of AAV gene therapies. Glycosylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications (PTMs) and may affect the tissue tropism of AAV gene therapy. However, there are few studies on the characterization of the N- and O-glycosylation of AAV capsid proteins. In this study, we identified the N- and O-glycosylation sites and forms of AAV9 capsid proteins generated from HEK293 cells using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based glycopeptide mapping and identified free N-glycans released from AAV9 capsid proteins by PNGase F using hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) LC-MS and HILIC LC-fluorescence detection (FLD) methods. This study demonstrates that AAV9 capsids are sprinkled with sugars, including N- and O-glycans, albeit at low levels. It may provide valuable information for a better understanding of AAV capsids in supporting AAV-based gene therapy development. Full article

The causative agent of Chagas disease is Trypanosoma cruzi, which is widely distributed throughout the South American continent and extends into North America. Its occurrence in bats is poorly described and may impact the disease’s maintenance and epidemiology. The aim of this study was to detect the agent by PCR assays targeting kDNA and nuclear DNA in the organs of 203 urban bats and rural vampire bats from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, São Paulo state, during the pandemic period from 2020 to 2022. In total, 6 of the 203 bats (2.97%) were positive for T. cruzi. Infection was detected in 2% (2/101) of Desmodus rotundus, 33% (1/3) of Nyctinomops laticaudatus, 25% (1/4) of Artibeus lituratus, 4% (1/24) of Eumops glaucinus and in 2% (1/41) of Molossus molossus. The gene sequences obtained were assessed for quality and deposited in a public repository. Fruit bats were statistically associated with positivity for T. cruzi. To our knowledge, this study detected T. cruzi for the first time in bats from São Paulo state and in N. laticaudatus and E. glaucinus species. Full article

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial strain FP607^T was isolated from the rhizosphere of beets in Wuhan, China. Strain FP607^T exhibited significant antagonism toward several phytopathogenic bacteria, indicating that FP607^T may produce antimicrobial metabolites and has a stronger biocontrol efficacy against plant pathogens. Growth-promoting tests showed that FP607^T produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), NH₃, and ferritin. The genome sequence of strain FP607^T was 6,590,972 bp long with 59.0% G + C content. The optimum temperature range was 25–30 °C, and the optimum pH was 7. The cells of strain FP607^T were Gram-negative, short, and rod-shaped, with polar flagella. The colonies on the King’s B (KB) agar plates were light yellow, smooth, and circular, with regular edges. A phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence and a multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) showed that strain FP607^T was most closely related to the type of strain Pseudomonas farris SWRI79^T. Based on a polyphasic taxonomic approach, strain FP607^T was identified as a novel species within the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas wuhanensis sp. nov. was proposed. The type of strain used was FP607^T (JCM 35688, CGMCC 27743, and ACCC 62446). Full article

African swine fever virus (ASFV) poses a significant threat to the global pig industry, necessitating accurate and efficient diagnostic methods for its infection. Previous studies have often focused on a limited number of epitopes from a few proteins for detecting antibodies against ASFV. Therefore, the current study aimed to use multiple B-cell epitopes in developing an indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for enhanced detection of ASFV antibodies. For the expression of recombinant protein, k3 derived from 27 multiple peptides of 11 ASFV proteins, such as p72, pA104R, pB602L, p12, p14.5, p49, pE248R, p30, p54, pp62, and pp220, was used. To confirm the expression of the recombinant protein, we used the Western blotting analysis. The purified recombinant K3 protein served as the antigen in our study, and we employed the indirect ELISA technique to detect anti-ASFV antibodies. The present finding showed that there was no cross-reactivity with antibodies targeting Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), Pseudorabies virus (PRV), Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and Classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Moreover, the current finding was sensitive enough to find anti-ASFV in serum samples that had been diluted up to 32 times. The test (k3-iELISA) showed diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of 98.41% and 97.40%, respectively. Moreover, during the present investigation, we compared the Ingenasa kit and the k3-iELISA to test clinical pig serum, and the results revealed that there was 99.00% agreement between the two tests, showing good detection capability of the k3-iELISA method. Hence, the current finding showed that the ELISA kit we developed can be used for the rapid detection of ASFV antibodies and used as an alternative during serological investigation of ASF in endemic areas. Full article

Thermal comfort is a complex issue in the built environment due to the physiological and psychological differences of each individual in a building. There is a growing worry over the environmental implications of energy use as a result of the warming of the global climate and the growth in the number of instances of extreme weather events. Many review articles have been written, but these reviews have focused on a specific aspect of occupant behavior and thermal comfort. To research the trends of thermal comfort and energy, this research adopted mixed reviews, i.e., quantitative and qualitative, to understand the state-of-the-art factors affecting the thermal comfort of occupants concerning energy, different occupant modeling approaches, functions, and limitations. The in-depth qualitative discussion provides deeper insights into the impacts of occupant behaviors, factors affecting thermal comfort, and occupant behavior modeling approaches. This study classified occupant behaviors into five categories: occupant characteristics, perceptions of the occupant, realistic behaviors, heat gain, and occupant interactions with the system. It also went further to classify the factors affecting the thermal comfort of users based on past works of literature. These include structural, environmental, and human factors. It was concluded that factors that have the most significant impact on energy are human, structural, and environmental factors, respectively. In addition, most of the occupant behavior modeling approaches that have been used in past studies have pros and cons and cannot accurately predict human behaviors because they are stochastic. Future research should be conducted on thermal comfort for different building functions by examining the varied activity intensity levels of users, especially in educational or commercial buildings. Additionally, a proper investigation should be carried out on how thermal insulation of structural members influences thermal comfort. These should be compared in two similar buildings to understand occupant behavioral actions and energy consumption. Full article

Background: The use of wetting solutions (WSs) during high-volume liposuction is standard; however, the optimal amount of WS and its components and their effect on postoperative complications are unclear. We evaluated the effect of a WS and its components, calculated according to ideal body weight (IBW), on postoperative complications. Methods: High-volume liposuction with a WS containing 0.5 g of lidocaine and 0.5 mg of epinephrine in each liter was performed in 192 patients. Patients who received ≤90 mL/kg of WS were designated as group I and those who received >90 mL/kg of WS as group II. Postoperative complications and adverse events that occurred until discharge were recorded. Results: The mean total amount of epinephrine in the WS was significantly higher for group II (3.5 mg; range, 3.0–4.0 mg) than for group I (2.0 mg; range, 1.8–2.5 mg; p < 0.001), as was the mean total amount of lidocaine (3.5 g [range, 3.5–4.3 gr] vs. 2.0 g [range, 1.8–2.5 g], respectively; p < 0.001). No major cardiac or pulmonary complications occurred in either group. Administration of >90 mL/kg of WS increased the median risk of postoperative nausea 5.3-fold (range, 1.8- to 15.6-fold), that of hypertension 4.9-fold (range, 1.1- to 17.7-fold), and that of hypothermia 4.2-fold (range, 1.1- to 18.5-fold). The two groups had similar postoperative pain scores and blood transfusion rates. Conclusions: The risks of postoperative nausea, vomiting, hypothermia, and hypertension may increase in patients who receive >90 mL/kg of WS calculated according to IBW during high-volume liposuction. Full article

Ticks are involved in the transmission a plethora of pathogens. To effectively control ticks and mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne diseases, it is important to implement tick control measures. These may include the use of acaricides as well as the development and implementation of an alternative, environmentally friendly tick management program that include practices such as habitat modification or establishing biological control. Ixodiphagus hookeri Howard is a tick-specific parasitoid wasp that predates on several species of ixodid ticks and could contribute to the control of the tick population. This work aimed to detect the presence of parasitoid wasps in ticks (Ixodidae) using genetic approaches. Several tick species of the genera Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, and Dermacentor, with a sympatric occurrence in the Slovak Karst National Park in southeastern Slovakia, were screened for the presence of wasps of the genus Ixodiphagus. The DNA of the parasitoids was detected in four tick species from three genera. This work presents the first molecular detection of parasitoids in two Dermacentor tick species, as well as the first molecular identification of Ixodiphagus wasps in Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna ticks from the Karst area. In the given area, it was observed that I. ricinus and H. concinna ticks are hyper-parasitized by wasps. Moreover, it was observed that wasps here can parasitize several tick species, some of which are of less significance for human and animal health (as they transmit fewer pathogens). Full article

Aluminum–magnesium (Al–Mg) alloys, known for their lightweight properties, are extensively utilized and crucial in the advancement of wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) for direct high-quality printing—a focal point in additive manufacturing research. This study employed 1.2 mm ER5356 welding wire as the raw material to fabricate two sets of 30-layer thin-walled structures. These sets were manufactured using two distinct welding modes, speed-twin pulse (STP) and twin pulse (TP). Comparative evaluations of the surface quality, microstructures, and mechanical properties of the two sets of samples indicated that both the STP and TP modes were suitable for the WAAM of Al–Mg alloys. Analyses of grain growth in the melt pools of both sample sets revealed a non-preferential grain orientation, with a mixed arrangement of equiaxed and columnar grains. The STP mode notably achieved a refined surface finish, a reduced grain size, and a slight increase in tensile strength compared to the TP mode. From the comparison of the tensile data at the bottom, middle, and top of the two groups of samples, the additive manufacturing process in the STP mode was more stable. Full article

Urodelean amphibians can regenerate the tail and the spinal cord (SC) and maintain this ability throughout their life. This clearly distinguishes these animals from mammals. The phenomenon of tail and SC regeneration is based on the capability of cells involved in regeneration to dedifferentiate, enter the cell cycle, and change their (or return to the pre-existing) phenotype during de novo organ formation. The second critical aspect of the successful tail and SC regeneration is the mutual molecular regulation by tissues, of which the SC and the apical wound epidermis are the leaders. Molecular regulatory systems include signaling pathways components, inflammatory factors, ECM molecules, ROS, hormones, neurotransmitters, HSPs, transcriptional and epigenetic factors, etc. The control, carried out by regulatory networks on the feedback principle, recruits the mechanisms used in embryogenesis and accompanies all stages of organ regeneration, from the moment of damage to the completion of morphogenesis and patterning of all its structures. The late regeneration stages and the effects of external factors on them have been poorly studied. A new model for addressing this issue is herein proposed. The data summarized in the review contribute to understanding a wide range of fundamentally important issues in the regenerative biology of tissues and organs in vertebrates including humans. Full article

This paper explores the integration of intelligent digital twin technology with PID regulators in industrial process control utilizing smart meter data. It presents a novel approach involving the creation of mathematical models to simulate real-time system behavior, thereby enhancing the PID control loop. The focus is on the development of specialized IT infrastructure to support this integration, which includes data acquisition, processing, and control optimization. This integration aims to not only improve control system efficiency but also introduce a robust predictive maintenance framework, offering significant benefits across a wide range of industrial applications. Full article

The Youjiang Basin in China is the world’s second-largest concentrated area of Carlin-type Au deposits after Nevada, USA, boasting cumulative Au reserves nearing 1000 t. This study examined the recently unearthed Lintan Carlin-type Au deposit within the Youjiang Basin. Factor analysis and association rule algorithms were used to identify exploration vectors and indicators essential for navigating this promising geological territory. In the Lintan mining area, the geological strata encompass the Triassic Bianyang, Niluo, and Xuman formations comprised clastic rocks, followed by the deeper Permian Wujiaping Formation with massive carbonate rocks. The orebodies are restricted to the F₁₄ inverse fault, cutting through the Xuman Formation, with an additional F₇ fault between the Wujiaping and Xuman formations. A total of 125 rock samples from the F₁₄ fault and a representative cross-section were analyzed for 15 elements (Au, Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, W, and Zn). The elements were divided into four groups based on cluster and factor analysis. Group 1 (Co, Cu, Zn, Ni, Tl, W, and Bi) was mainly enriched in the Xuman, Niluo, and Bianyang formations controlled by sedimentary diagenesis. Group 2 (Au, As, Hg, and Sb) was concentrated in the F₁₄ and F₇ faults, representing Au mineralization. Group 3 (Pb, Ag, and Mo) was mostly enriched near the F₁₄ and F₇ faults, displaying a peripheral halo of Au mineralization, and was probability controlled by ore-forming hydrothermal activities. Group 4 (Cd and Mo) exhibited extreme enrichment along the periphery of the F₇ fault. This pattern indicates the presence of a substantial hydrothermal alteration zone surrounding the fault, likely influenced by ore-forming hydrothermal processes. Additionally, Pb, Ag, Cd, Mo, and W are considered essential indicators for ore formation besides Au, As, Sb, Hg, and Tl. Twelve effective association rules were derived using the association rule algorithm, which can aid in discriminating Au mineralization. The spatial distributions of the 15 elements indicated that the F₁₄ fault is the main ore-bearing fracture zone, while the F₇ fault serves as the ore-conducting structure, channeling ore-forming fluids into the F₁₄ fault. Faults between the Wujiaping and Xuman formations, along with their associated reverse faults, present potential prospecting targets both within and outside the Lintan Au deposit in the Youjiang Basin. Exploration geochemical data can be fully utilized by combining factor analysis and association rule algorithms, offering key guidance for prospecting Carlin-type gold and similar deposits. Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential raw materials for modern industries but mining them has caused severe environmental issues, particularly the recovery of heavy REEs (HREEs) from ion-adsorption deposits (IADs). Very recently, an emerging technology, electrokinetic mining (EKM), has been proposed for the green and efficient recovery of REEs from IADs. However, the conduction mechanism of the weathering crust soil, which is also a prerequisite for EKM, remains unclear, making the EKM process unpredictable. Here, we systematically investigated the conductivity of weathering crust soil in the presence of light REEs (LREEs, i.e., La³⁺ and Sm³⁺) and HREEs (Er³⁺ and Y³⁺), respectively. Results suggested that the voltage was dynamically and spatially redistributed by the movement of REEs and water during EKM, and the conventional assumption of the linear distribution of voltage leads to an inaccurate description of soil voltage. We proposed an improved Archie’s equation by coupling the mechanisms of liquid phase and solid-liquid interface conduction, which can predict soil conductivity more precisely. Moreover, the extended Archie’s equation is able to recalculate the voltage distribution at distinct times and spaces well during EKM. More importantly, the water content in field-scale weathered-crust soils can be retrieved by the newly proposed Archie’s equation, which helps optimize the leaching wells and improve the recovery rate of REE. This study focuses on the conduction mechanism of weathering crust soil, which provides a theoretical basis for better use of the EKM technology and promotes mining efficiency fundamentally. Full article

Laurel wilt, a fungal disease (Harringtonia lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich and Aghayeva) spread by the Asian redbay ambrosia beetle [Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)], presents an imminent threat to North American members of the Lauraceae family, having caused extensive mortality in several species, especially redbay (Persea borbonia L. Spreng). Varying levels of disease resistance have been recorded in redbay under controlled conditions. To investigate if previously monitored putatively resistant field redbays have influenced the regeneration and survival of conspecifics within the surrounding 0.08 ha, a survey was conducted in 2018-19 and compared to similar data collected years prior (2008-09, 2013) along the coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, United States. Plots were originally established at six disease-infested study sites around large redbay (>7.5-cm diameter at breast height (1.37 m) (DBH)) that had survived the initial laurel wilt disease epidemic that began in approximately 2007. In 2018-19, a subset of 61 plots within 16 m of the original “survivor” redbay were recorded and compared to previous surveys. Among the original redbay selected for resistance, 22 of 61 (36%) survivors across all sites were alive in 2018 with survival rates varying from 0 to 70% between survey periods (average mortality 3.6%/year). Trees that died in years since 2008-09 had their plots reclassified as susceptible or “suscepts”. Changes in mean quadratic diameter at 1.37 m of redbay plots near survivors were significantly greater than those near suscepts, and in 2018-19, the average diameter of redbay near survivors was 7.62 cm vs. 4.90 cm for suscepts. The diameter distribution of dead and live redbay in the whole population showed a decrease in live individuals surviving past 8 cm DBH in 2018–2019, but 20 of 22 survivor candidate trees were larger than 8 cm DBH. Regeneration was occurring both clonally and sexually and tended to be greater near suscepts, but midstory resprouts per hectare and understory seedlings interacted significantly with the site and the latter differed between sites. These findings indicate that redbay is regenerating in these ecosystems, and disease resistance may allow for increased average tree size for some individuals, but an upper size threshold of around 8 cm DBH may still exist for much of the population. In addition, the importance of site variables in regeneration was apparent, making either local genetic or environmental effects an important topic for future research. Continuing to monitor these survivors while locating new candidates for disease screenings and breeding, preventing the introductions of new strains of H. lauricola, shedding light on the nature of resistance and its heritability, and initiating outplanting trials with resistant germplasm are instrumental steps in bringing redbay back to prominence in its historical range. Full article

Carbon emissions pose a significant challenge to sustainable development, particularly for China, which is the world’s largest emerging economy and is under pressure to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce emissions amid escalating human activities. The variation in economic development levels and carbon sequestration capacities among its provinces poses a significant hurdle. However, previous research has not adequately examined this dual discrepancy from the perspective of spatial heterogeneity, resulting in a lack of differentiated management of forest carbon sinks across diverse regions. Therefore, to mitigate this discrepancy, this study presents an assessment methodology that analyzes over 100 types of natural and plantation forests using forest age and biomass expansion factors. This study presents a model that can significantly support the efforts of both China and the whole world to achieve carbon neutrality through the improved management of forest carbon sinks. This approach facilitates the assessment of carbon offsets required to meet reduction targets, the development of a provincial framework for carbon intensity and sequestration, and the exploration of their potential for trading markets. Analysis is conducted using MATLAB. Key achievements of this study include the following: (1) The collection of a comprehensive carbon stock dataset for 50 natural and 57 plantation forest types in 31 provinces from 2009 to 2018, highlighting the significant role of new forests in carbon sequestration. (2) The development of a provincial carbon status scoring system that categorizes provinces as carbon-negative, carbon-balancing, or carbon-positive based on local forest sink data and carbon credit demand. (3) The formulation of the carbon intensity–carbon sink assessment (CISA) model, which suggests that provinces with middle- to upper-middle-level economies may have a prolonged need for carbon sink credits during their peak carbon phase. Furthermore, the results show that carbon trading may benefit Guangxi and Yunnan, but may also bring opportunities and risks to Hunan and Hubei. To address regional imbalances, this study advocates tailored policies: carbon-negative and carbon-balancing provinces should enhance carbon sink management, while carbon-positive provinces must focus on energy structure transformation to achieve sustainable development goals. Full article

Medical overuse poses potential risks to patients and contributes to increasing healthcare costs, pediatric emergency departments (PED) in particular. Often, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases are viral-induced and self-limiting, and they do not require specific investigations or treatment. We conducted a retrospective study from 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022, thereby aiming to identify the common tests and factors influencing specific diagnostic and treatment decisions for URTI in PED. In total, 307 (74.9%) URTI cases underwent complete blood count (CBC) tests, 312 (76.1%) were subjected to C-reactive protein (CRP) tests, and 110 (26.8%) received urinalysis tests. Patients with a longer duration of fever and a physician‘s suspicion of bacterial infection were more likely to receive CBC, CRP, and/or urinalysis tests (p < 0.05). Moreover, 75.1% of the cases were classified as viral URTIs, 9.8% were bacterial URTIs, and 15.1% were unspecified. Notably, 86 (20.1%) children received antibiotics and antibiotic prescription correlated with age, tonsillitis diagnosis, CRP values higher than 30 mg/L, and a CBC of p < 0.05. Patients triaged in the second or third categories were three times more likely to be observed for 24 h compared to patients with URTI and the fourth triage category (p < 0.05). This study highlights the need for interventions to improve the appropriateness of emergency service utilization, thereby emphasizing the importance of judicious decision making in managing pediatric URTIs. Full article

(1) Background: the aim of the study was to demonstrate its usefulness in the field of imaging evaluation of plaque morphology in psoriasis vulgaris, with an emphasis on the use of confocal microscopy and other advanced skin-imaging techniques. (2) Methods: we conducted a prospective study over two years (July 2022–April 2024), on patients diagnosed with moderate or severe psoriasis vulgaris, treated in the dermatology department of our institution. We selected 30 patients, of whom 15 became eligible according to the inclusion and the exclusion criteria. A total of 60 psoriasis plaques were analyzed by dermatoscopy using a Delta 30 dermatoscope and Vidix 4.0 videodermoscope (VD), by cutaneous ultrasound (US) using a high-resolution 20 MHz linear probe, and by confocal microscopy, along with histopathological analysis. (3) Results: the study included fifteen patients with vulgar psoriasis, diagnosed histopathologically, of whom six were women and nine were men, with an average age of 55. Between two and six plaques per patient were selected and a total of sixty psoriasis plaques were analyzed by non-invasive imaging techniques. Twelve lesions were analyzed with ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM), compared to histology. US showed that the hyperechoic band and the lack of damage to the subcutaneous tissue were the most common criteria. The epidermis and dermis were found to be thicker in the area of psoriasis plaques compared to healthy skin. Dermatoscopy showed that the specific aspect of psoriasis plaques localized on the limbs and trunk was a lesion with an erythematous background, with dotted vessels with regular distribution on the surface and covered by white scales with diffuse distribution. The presence of bushy vessels with medium condensation was the most frequently identified pattern on VD. Good correlations were identified between the histological criteria and those obtained through confocal microscopy. (4) Conclusions: the assessment and monitoring of patients with psoriasis vulgaris can be conducted in a more complete and all-encompassing manner by incorporating dermatoscopy, ultrasonography, and confocal microscopy in clinical practice. Full article

Urban green spaces (UGSs) play a significant role in promoting public health by facilitating outdoor activities, but issues of spatial and socioeconomic inequality within UGSs have drawn increasing attention. However, current methods for assessing UGS inequality still face challenges such as data acquisition difficulties and low identification accuracy. Taking Harbin as a case study, this research employs various advanced technologies, including Python data scraping, drone imagery collection, and Amap API, to gather a diverse range of data on UGSs, including photos, high-resolution images, and AOI boundaries. Firstly, elements related to physical activity within UGSs are integrated into a supply adjustment index (SAI), based on which UGSs are classified into three categories. Then, a supply–demand improved two-step floating catchment area (SD2SFCA) method is employed to more accurately measure the accessibility of these three types of UGSs. Finally, using multiple linear regression analysis and Mann–Whitney U tests, socioeconomic inequalities in UGS accessibility are explored. The results indicate that (1) significant differentiation exists in the types of UGS services available in various urban areas, with a severe lack of small-scale, low-supply UGSs; (2) accessibility of all types of UGSs is significantly positively associated with housing prices, with higher-priced areas demonstrating notably higher accessibility compared to lower-priced ones; (3) children may be at a disadvantage in accessing UGSs with medium-supply levels. Future planning efforts need to enhance attention to vulnerable groups. This study underscores the importance of considering different types of UGSs in inequality assessments and proposes a method that could serve as a valuable tool for accurately assessing UGS inequality. Full article

Tillage practices govern crop quality and quantity through soil nutrient availability and crop root systems. A deeper knowledge of the impact of conservation tillage on soil chemical characteristics (such as pH, soil organic carbon, macro and micronutrient storage and distribution) is required for both the promotion of agricultural sustainability and environmental preservation. This study assesses the changes in soil features and properties in the context of a long-field experiment with different tillage systems and straw management practices. Research findings revealed that compared with conventional tillage (CT) conservative tillage with partial straw retention (MT) and no-tillage with straw mulching (NT) substantially boosted the organic carbon (OC) (by 6–19%), total nitrogen (TN) (by 2–12%), and available potassium content (AK) (by 2–5%), in 0–30 cm soil depth. However, the stratification trend was observed for available macro and micronutrient content (Zn, Fe, Mn) in both conservative management practices. The concentration of Cu indicates a constant pattern through a 0–30 cm soil profile with a higher concentration under MT (1.41 mg kg⁻¹) compared to NT (1.10 mg kg⁻¹). In particular, the results failed to establish if conservation tillage can increase the total phosphorus (TP) and potassium content (TK), where only in surface 0–10 cm an increase was observed. This research also suggested that the X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) of total micronutrient content (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) is minimal or unpredictable with no substantial differences between the tillage systems and straw return management practices. These findings suggest that conservation tillage in north-eastern Romania might be optimal to maintain soil quality status and sustain high yields. Full article

The design of hydraulic structures in the Arctic is complicated by shallow relief, which cause unique runoff processes that promote snow-damming and refreeze of runoff. We discuss the challenges encountered in modeling snowmelt runoff into two coastal freshwater lagoons in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. Stage-frequency curves with quantified uncertainty were required to design two new discharge gates that would allow snowmelt runoff flows through a proposed coastal revetment. To estimate runoff hydrographs arriving at the lagoons, we modeled snowpack accumulation and ablation using SnowModel which in turn was used to force a physically-based hydraulic runoff model (HEC-RAS). Our results demonstrate the successful development of stage-frequency curves by incorporating a Monte Carlo simulation approach that quantifies the variability in runoff timing and volume. Our process highlights the complexities of Arctic hydrology by incorporating significant delays in runoff onset due to localized snow accumulation and melting processes. This methodology not only addresses the uncertainty in snow-damming and refreeze processes which affect the arrival time of snowmelt inflow peaks, but is also adaptable for application in other challenging environments where secondary runoff processes are predominant. Full article

Understanding and modeling the timing and magnitude of groundwater recharge from rainfall infiltration through vadose-zone percolation is important for many reasons but especially because the flux is being acted on by root-zone evapotranspiration (ET), and very little rainfall infiltration ever becomes water-table recharge. This study elaborates on the considerable time of the wetting front’s arrival and ultimate bulk recharge of rainfall infiltration in the shallow water table with fine-sandy soil typical of coastal plain environments such as Florida. Calibrated Hydrus-1D modeling of Florida (Myakka) soil was evaluated at varying depths of the water table and hydraulic conductivities to bracket the timing of arrival of the wetting front and bulk fluxes. Useful normalized timing parameters are defined. In addition, this research further quantifies the concept of “wet equilibrium”, and the considerable vadose-zone storage potential over and above the hydrostatic pressure equilibrium that must be overcome to achieve any significant water-table recharge in typical seasonal hydrologic timescales. The results indicate recharge timescales for water-table depths of 1 m are approximately 1 day but are considerably longer for 2 m (2 weeks), 3 m (1 month), and 4 m (50 days) conditions. Given that daily vadose-zone potential ET demand can exceed 0.5 cm/day in this environment, estimating recharge from rainfall infiltration is likely unreliable unless this timescale and the plant-root-zone uptake processes are properly modeled in surface-groundwater models. Full article