On 18 September 2020, the Karditsa prefecture of Thessaly region (Greece) experienced a catastrophic flood as a consequence of the IANOS hurricane. This intense phenomenon was characterized by ...rainfall records ranging from 220 mm up to 530 mm, in a time interval of 15 h. Extended public infrastructure was damaged and thousands of houses and commercial properties were flooded, while four casualties were recorded. The aim of this study was to provide forensic research on a reconstruction of the flood event in the vicinity of Karditsa city. First, we performed a statistical analysis of the rainfall. Then, we used two numerical models and observed data, either captured by satellites or mined from social media, in order to simulate the event a posteriori. Specifically, a rainfall–runoff CN-unit hydrograph model was combined with a hydrodynamic model based on 2D-shallow water equations model, through the coupling of the hydrological software HEC-HMS with the hydrodynamic software HEC-RAS. Regarding the observed data, the limited available gauged records led us to use a wide spectrum of remote sensing datasets associated with rainfall, such as NASA GPM–IMREG, and numerous videos posted on social media, such as Facebook, in order to validate the extent of the flood. The overall assessment proved that the exceedance probability of the IANOS flooding event ranged from 1:400 years in the low-lying catchments, to 1:1000 years in the upstream mountainous catchments. Moreover, a good performance for the simulated flooding extent was achieved using the numerical models and by comparing their output with the remote sensing footage provided by SENTINEL satellites images, along with the georeferenced videos posted on social media.
Fungi are among the most abundant and diverse organisms on Earth. However, a substantial amount of the species diversity, relationships, habitats, and life strategies of these microorganisms remain ...to be discovered and characterized. One important factor hindering progress is the difficulty in correctly identifying fungi. Morphological and molecular characteristics have been applied in such tasks. Later, DNA barcoding has emerged as a new method for the rapid and reliable identification of species. The nrITS region is considered the universal barcode of Fungi, and the ITS1 and ITS2 sub-regions have been applied as metabarcoding markers. In this study, we performed a large-scale analysis of all the available Basidiomycota sequences from GenBank. We carried out a rigorous trimming of the initial dataset based in methodological principals of DNA Barcoding. Two different approaches (PCI and barcode gap) were used to determine the performance of the complete ITS region and sub-regions.
For most of the Basidiomycota genera, the three genomic markers performed similarly, i.e., when one was considered a good marker for the identification of a genus, the others were also; the same results were observed when the performance was insufficient. However, based on barcode gap analyses, we identified genomic markers that had a superior identification performance than the others and genomic markers that were not indicated for the identification of some genera. Notably, neither the complete ITS nor the sub-regions were useful in identifying 11 of the 113 Basidiomycota genera. The complex phylogenetic relationships and the presence of cryptic species in some genera are possible explanations of this limitation and are discussed.
Knowledge regarding the efficiency and limitations of the barcode markers that are currently used for the identification of organisms is crucial because it benefits research in many areas. Our study provides information that may guide researchers in choosing the most suitable genomic markers for identifying Basidiomycota species.
This article relates to the envisioning of museums in popular videogames as a possible indicator of how museums may or may not function in the future. In terms of popular videogames, data were ...collected from the ‘The Museums in Popular Videogames' research project at the Museology Lab, Ionian University, Corfu, Greece. Taking into consideration that science fiction literature is strongly linked with visualising aspects of the future, we use its genres to classify the museums in videogames. Twenty-nine videogames with forty-two museum settings were identified and discussed. Museums were grouped and analysed by four museum-oriented aspects to further understand their nature in future settings: location; the museum as a building and as an institution; the museum exhibits, their nature and their state of care or preservation; museum visitors that the game character may encounter. This research has indicated that the speculative creativity of videogame developers concerning museums in the future is likely to be diverse, within cityscapes, into the ocean or in the sky, fully functional with different interiors, preserving objects of the past and offering shelter to humans, or destroyed because of natural disasters, external attacks and/or human actions.
To gain insight into the poorly understood pathophysiology of the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs), we have determined the gene expression profiles of the CD34+ cells of 55 patients with MDS by using ...a comprehensive array platform. These profiles showed many similarities to reported interferon-γ-induced gene expression in normal CD34+ cells; indeed the 2 most up-regulated genes, IFIT1 and IFITM1, are interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Alterations in the expression of ISGs may play a role in the hematologic features of MDS, such as peripheral blood cytopenias. Up-regulation of IFIT1 is a potential diagnostic marker for MDS. We determined whether distinct gene expression profiles were associated with specific FAB and cytogenetic groups. CD34+ cells from patients with refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS) showed a particular gene expression profile characterized by up-regulation of mitochondrial-related genes and, in particular, of those of heme synthesis (eg, ALAS2). CD34+ cells from patients with the del(5q) had a distinct gene expression profile, characterized by down-regulation of genes assigned to 5q, and up-regulation of the histone HIST1 gene cluster at chromosome 6p21 and of genes related to the actin cytoskeleton. This study provides important and new insights into the pathophysiology of MDS. (Blood. 2006;108:337-345)
Inflammation plays a central role in the development of asthma, which is considered an allergic disease with a classic Th2 inflammatory profile. However, cytokine IL-17 has been examined to better ...understand the pathophysiology of this disease. Severe asthmatic patients experience frequent exacerbations, leading to infection, and subsequently show altered levels of inflammation that are unlikely to be due to the Th2 immune response alone. This study estimates the effects of anti-IL-17 therapy in the pulmonary parenchyma in a murine asthma model exacerbated by LPS. BALB/c mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal ovalbumin and repeatedly exposed to inhalation with ovalbumin, followed by treatment with or without anti-IL-17. Twenty-four hours prior to the end of the 29-day experimental protocol, the two groups received LPS (0.1 mg/ml intratracheal OVA-LPS and OVA-LPS IL-17). We subsequently evaluated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, performed a lung tissue morphometric analysis, and measured IL-6 gene expression. OVA-LPS-treated animals treated with anti-IL-17 showed decreased pulmonary inflammation, edema, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix remodeling compared to the non-treated OVA and OVA-LPS groups (
< 0.05). The anti-IL-17 treatment also decreased the numbers of dendritic cells, FOXP3, NF-κB, and Rho kinase 1- and 2-positive cells compared to the non-treated OVA and OVA-LPS groups (
< 0.05). In conclusion, these data suggest that inhibition of IL-17 is a promising therapeutic avenue, even in exacerbated asthmatic patients, and significantly contributes to the control of Th1/Th2/Th17 inflammation, chemokine expression, extracellular matrix remodeling, and oxidative stress in a murine experimental asthma model exacerbated by LPS.
In this study, five fungal strains (Aspergillus niger SCBM1 – Ni, Aspergillus fumigatus SCBM6 – Fu, Trametes versicolor 561 – Tr, Ganoderma lucidum 601 – Ga and Pleurotus ostreatus PL06 – Pl) were ...cultivated individually and in consortium for biosynthesis of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes by solid-state fermentation (SSF). The enzyme production was investigated using a 25−1 fractional factorial design, with a total of 16 experiments (F1–F16) using raw sugarcane bagasse and raw wheat bran as substrates. Among the enzymatic extracts produced, Ni (F1) exhibited the highest production of endoglucanase (82.70 U/gds) (units per gram of dry substrate), exoglucanase (80.48 U/gds), β-xylosidase (145.01 U/gds) and manganese peroxidase (3.38 U/gds). For filter paper cellulase, Tr cocktail (F5) was the one that stood out (9.45 U/gds). Among the extracts produced in consortium, Ni + Tr + Pl (F6) presented the highest production of β-glucosidase (171.09 U/gds), β-xylosidase (139.99 U/gds) and manganese peroxidase (3.29 U/gds). For FPase, Ni + Fu + Ga (F12) exhibited the best production (10.46 U/gds). The highest xylanase biosynthesis (2582.38 U/gds) was obtained in Ni + Fu + Pl extract (F4). For laccase, the maximum biosynthesis (25.27 U/gds) was obtained in Tr + Ga + Pl (F13). The cocktails that presented the best enzyme production were: Ni (F1), Ni + Fu + Pl (F9), Ni + Tr + Pl (F6) and Ni + Ga + Pl (F10), demonstrating that the use of microbial consortium can be a promising alternative to obtain enzymatic cocktails with high synergism.
•Fungal species were cultivated for biosynthesis of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes.•A total of 16 solid-state fermentations (SSF) were carried out.•Highest productions were obtained in Ni, Ni + Fu + Pl, Ni + Tr + Pl and Ni + Ga + Pl enzymatic cocktails.•The fungal consortia can be a promising alternative to obtain cocktails with high synergism.
Myelodysplastic syndromes are heterogeneous bone marrow diseases with a variable pathogenetic background. Cytomorphological alterations in peripheral blood films as well as bone marrow aspirates and ...histological findings in trephine biopsies result from cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities, epigenetic dysregulation and immune dysfunction and are key elements for setting the diagnosis of MDS. Whereas diagnosis can be made quite easily in advanced MDS this is much more difficult in early MDS, especially in cases with cytopenias or dysplasias of uncertain significance (ICUS and IDUS). Recommendations, illustrated by case reports for a stepwise annealing to the final diagnosis and exclusion of differential diagnoses are given. Furthermore, the problem of correct counting and identification of blasts is covered and features defining dysplasia in all three cell lineages are recapitulated thoroughly. Histopathology is not mandatory but has a distinct diagnostic and prognostic value especially in cases with hypoplasia or fibrosis and when the TP53 mutational status is of relevance. In up to 70% of patients with MDS clonal chromosome abnormalities can be identified which have a high impact on setting the correct diagnosis and estimation of prognosis. Incidence, type, molecular background and clinical relevance of distinct anomalies as well as cytogenetic subgroups are presented in detail and the development of the new cytogenetic prognostic scoring system as part of the IPSS-R is explained. The value of FISH-Analysis as a complementary tool for chromosome analysis in MDS is demonstrated with special emphasis on the possibility to perform frequent cytogenetic monitoring by CD34-FISH examination of peripheral blood. Finally the evolution of MDS-classification systems from FAB to WHO with a critical discussion of their shortcomings like degree of dysplasia, blast thresholds, inclusion/exclusion of CMML, and the lack of dynamic information is presented.
Flash floods are common manifestations of extreme weather events and one of the most severe natural hazards. In Europe, they have been responsible for 359 fatalities and an economic loss totalling 67 ...million USD in the past decade (EM-DAT), while their increasing severity is linked to climate change. Nevertheless, flash floods remain a poorly documented natural phenomenon due to the lack of flow intensity data in many of the affected watersheds. Based on a thorough field investigation, including UAV-based 3D mapping and material characterization with on-site testing, we carry out a numerical study of a notable flood that caused the collapse of bridges and buildings in Central Greece, following a recent Mediterranean hurricane. Focusing on a carefully selected case study, we combine 3D modelling of flow–structure interaction with detailed mechanical modelling of the nonlinear structural response to reproduce the flood-induced fracture of a bridge abutment. Back-analysis of this failure responds to the fundamental problem of estimating the undocumented magnitude of this extreme event. The paper estimates a lower bound value of the flow velocity at the studied location. This can be valuable input for the interpretation of the extensive damage that took place downstream and for the re-assessment of flood risk in a region where similar events are expected to become more frequent because of climate change. The approach, where disaster forensics and engineering analysis are used to fill the gap of missing real-time measurements, can be implemented for the a posteriori estimation of flood intensity in similar events. The well-documented case study of a bridge failure due to extreme flooding can also be used for validation of future numerical and experimental methods and motivate investigations of the mechanisms governing flow–soil–structure interaction in river crossings.
Fig. A novel approach for a posteriori assessment of the intensity of an extreme flood event. Display omitted
•Extreme weather event•Failure•Flooding•Numerical modelling•UAV survey
Lately, cocoa pod husk (CPH) has received some attention from researchers due to its significant content of cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectin, antioxidant capacity, potential for energy ...generation, physicochemical characteristics and possibility to be used as adsorbent material or activated carbon. In this work, alkaline (NaOH 2.3% w/v) and enzymatic treatment Cellic® CTec 2 (2.4% v/v) were developed before propionic acid (PA) production using fermentable sugars derived from cocoa pod husk hydrolysate (CPHH). The physical, structural and morphological characteristics of raw and treated samples of CPH lignocellulosic matrix were assessed using tools such as scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The results of these analyses revealed the effectiveness of CPH sequential alkaline and enzymatic treatment for glucose production, reaching maximum concentration of 60.5 g·L
−1
and a yield of 275 mg glucose·g
−1
CPH. Subsequently, a medium composed by glucose from CPHH (7.5 g·L
−1
), as low-cost feedstock, glycerol (7.5 g·L
−1
) and yeast extract (10 g·L
−1
), was prepared to obtain PA using
Propionibacterium jensenii
DSM 20274. PA concentration reached a maximum of 10.28 ± 1.05 g·L
−1
and a productivity of 0.08 ± 0.01 g·L
−1
·h
−1
after 72 h of fermentation. To the best of our knowledge, there is no literature available on the bioconversion of CPH for the specific production of PA or other organic acids. Thus, the potential of CPH to be used as substrate for PA production was demonstrated with good perspectives.
Graphic abstract
Abstract This article analyzes shamanic drawings based on research of two ethnographic collections gathered between 1978 and 2004 among the Wauja Indians of the Upper Xingu. The drawings present a ...visual interpretation of animal-spirits (the apapaatai) and their transformations, as seen by Wauja shamans in tobacco-induced trances and dreams. This article argues that drawing on paper allowed the shamans to broadly express their understanding of the many potential bodily forms the apapaatai can take, either voluntarily or involuntarily. The lack of a visual canon for visual representation of the apapaatai on paper gave the shamans the freedom to produce drawings which reflect an extraordinary diversity of singular perspectives. These singularities, when associated with the narratives of myths and dreams, potentiate the drawings as a kind of visual exegesis of Wauja cosmology. Further analysis considering material culture objects shows that the appropriation of pencil and paper by Wauja shamans channelled their creative energy towards an unexpected expansion in the conceptual boundaries of shamanic translation.
Resumo Este artigo apresenta uma análise de desenhos xamânicos baseada na pesquisa de duas coleções etnográficas coletadas entre 1978 e 2004 entre os índios Wauja do alto Xingu. Os desenhos apresentam uma interpretação visual dos espíritos-animais (os apapaatai) e de suas transformações, tal como são vistos pelos xamãs Wauja em seus transes e sonhos induzidos pelo consumo de tabaco. O artigo argumenta que a experiência de desenhar em papel permitiu aos xamãs expressarem de modo amplo seus entendimentos sobre as muitas e possíveis formas corporais que os apapaatai podem, voluntária ou involuntariamente, assumir. A inexistência de cânones visuais para a representação dos apapaatai em papel deixou os xamãs livres para produzirem uma extraordinária diversidade de perspectivas singulares. Tais singularidades, quando associadas às narrativas de mitos de sonhos, potencializam os desenhos como um tipo de exegese visual da cosmologia Wauja. O aprofundamento dessa análise à luz de objetos da cultura material demonstra que a apropriação do lápis e do papel pelos xamãs Wauja canalizou sua energia criativa para uma inusitada expansão das fronteiras conceituais da própria tradução xamânica.
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