Numerical model schematization of a complex hydrostructural Cretaceous groundwater basin for the purpose of protection zone evaluation

One of the major projects in regional hydrogeological investigations in Poland is a multi-annual cycle of studies on the implementation of programs and documentation in relation to the establishment of protection areas for the Major Groundwater Basins (MGBs). Depending on the size of the area and complexity of the selected aquifer system, the work on the numerical model becomes adequately demanding. The model must in this case be designed as a three-dimensional, multi-layered, taking into account the role of a near the surface aquifer in the potential rate of migration of contaminants. It is particularly difficult to design models of the basins located in the older Mesozoic hydrogeological structures of dual-porosity characteristic, covered by Neogenic and Quaternary sediments. One of these basins is MGB No. 317 (ed. Kleczkowski 1990) identified within the northern Sudetic trough. The boundaries of the MGB are associated with the occurrence of structural aquifer limits, including the relatively large area of outcrops of the upper Cretaceous sediments with a narrow zone of Triassic outcrops. The paper presents the main assumptions of the model schematization, especially regarding the parameterization of hydrostructural conditions in integration with geoinformatic tools and MODFLOW modules. This study is focused on the problems associated with the proper schematization of the multilayer groundwater system on a regional scale, particularly with regard to the first aquifer and its hydraulic contact with the Mesozoic water-bearing horizons of the MGB. Model simulations, together with a semi-analytical analysis of the rate of flow in the vadose zone, finally allowed to determine the protection area of the MGB that is presented

Integration of numerical models and geoinformatic techniques in the delimitation of a protection zone for the MGB 319 complex multi-aquifer system in southwest Poland

The study area, situated near the city of Wrocław in southwest Poland, is part of the hydrogeological system of the Qua- ternary/Neogene MGB 319, inclusive of a buried valley of high water potential, named the Bogdaszowice structure. This structure is an alternative source of water supply for the Wrocław city area. Numerical modelling is the most effec- tive tool in establishing a groundwater protection strategy for Major Groundwater Basins (MGBs) in complex aquifer systems. In the present study, the first step was to assess the hydrodynamic conditions of the Radakowice groundwater intake by analyses of head contours, pathlines, average flow times and capture zones of particular wells. Subsequently, these results were used in combination with other data and compiled as GIS layers. The spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity was based on the lithology of surface sediments. Other data sets such as the thickness of the unsaturated zone, average soil moisture and infiltration rate were taken either directly from the model or were calculated. Based on the input data obtained, vertical flow time calculations for every model cell were made. The final outcome is a map of the protection zone for the aquifer system of the MGB 319

Retinopathy of prematurity screening at ≥30 weeks: urinary NTpro-BNP performance

Aim: Urinary N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide NTproBNP levels are associated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants <30 weeks of gestation. The incidence of ROP in more mature infants who meet other ROP screening criteria is very low. We therefore aimed to test whether urinary NTproBNP predicted ROP development in these infants. Methods: Prospective observational study in 151 UK infants ≥30 + 0 weeks of gestation but also <32 weeks of gestation and/or <1501 g, to test the hypothesis that urinary NTproBNP levels on day of life (DOL) 14 and 28 were able to predict ROP development. Results: Urinary NTproBNP concentrations on day 14 and day 28 of life did not differ between infants with and without ROP (medians 144 vs 128 mcg/mL, respectively, p = 0.86 on DOL 14 and medians 117 vs 94 mcg/mL, respectively, p = 0.64 on DOL28). Conclusion: The association previously shown for infants <30 completed weeks between urinary NTproBNP and the development of ROP was not seen in more mature infants. Urinary NTproBNP does not appear helpful in rationalising direct ophthalmoscopic screening for ROP in more mature infants, and may suggest a difference in pathophysiology of ROP in this population

Comparative analysis of GOLPH3 expression in lymph node-positive prostate cancer: immunohistochemistry staining patterns and clinical significance

IntroductionProstate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Lymph node metastasis is a poor prognostic factor for PCa. Previous studies have found that Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is overexpressed in various cancers, including PCa. We examined GOLPH3 expression in PCa cells from primary tumor and, as the first, also in metastatic lymph nodes to assess its potential as a new risk factor for PCa progression.MethodsThe study included 78 patients diagnosed with lymph node-positive PCa confirmed in the postoperative material. All the patients underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) with extended lymphadenectomy. The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed, and their histopathological specimens were selected for further analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed and the expression of GOLPH3 was assessed by an experienced uropathologist using an immunoreactive scale (IRS). A correlational analysis of the obtained data with the clinicopathological data of patients was performed.ResultsA positive IHC reaction for GOLPH3 was observed in all samples. IRS score for GOLPH3 expression was higher in the metastatic lymph nodes than in the prostate (not statistically significant; p=0.056). Several significant correlations were identified in connection with GOLPH3 expression levels in the prostate and metastatic lymph node tissues. No significant correlations were found between GOLPH3 expression and patient characteristics (e.g. BMI, EAU risk group, or preoperative PSA level), pathological features, or postoperative outcomes. However, we found that lymphovascular invasion (LVI) tended to be more common in patients with a higher percentage of GOLPH3-positive cells (p=0.02). We also found a positive association between the intensity of GOLPH3 staining in metastatic lymph nodes and the EAU classification. Finally, we found a significant negative correlation between the GOLPH3 expression and the efficacy of RP – the higher the expression of GOLPH3, the lower the efficacy of RP was (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionGOLPH3 is expressed in both prostate and metastatic lymph nodes, with higher expression in metastatic lymph nodes. High GOLPH3 expression was associated with the occurrence of LVI, higher-risk group in the EAU classification, and lower efficacy of the RP, but there was no significant correlation with other pathological features or postoperative outcomes

Prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa

Importance Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a substantial burden. Standardized global prevalence estimates and data on associated sociodemographic and risk factors are lacking. Objective To estimate the global prevalence of HS and study differences in prevalence by age, sex, geographical location, body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), smoking status, gross domestic product (GDP), and Human Development Index (HDI). Data Sources and Study Selection Included studies were conducted using the standardized Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas methodology with finalized data collection before May 19, 2023. Studies were required to use a population-based sampling method and conduct clinical confirmation of HS diagnosis following a screening questionnaire. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data were independently extracted from relevant studies by 2 reviewers (D.B. and C.E.M.) using a standardized form. Extracted variables included geographic location, age, sex, BMI (median and BMI >30), smoking status, HS prevalence estimates (with 95% CIs), GDP, and HDI. A proportional meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted on the included studies. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the point prevalence of HS, confirmed by clinical examination. Secondary outcomes included differences in HS prevalence by sex, age, BMI category, smoking status, and country-level socioeconomic indicators (GDP and HDI). All outcomes were prespecified before data analysis. Results The sample included 22 743 participants, identifying 247 patients with HS, across 25 studies in 23 countries spanning 6 continents. The median proportion of female patients with HS was 55.6%, and the median age was 34.5 years. While the prevalence estimates showed considerable inconsistency (I2 > 75%; τ2 = 0.747), the overall random-effects global prevalence of HS was 0.99% (95% CI, 0.67%-1.46%). Female sex was the only factor observed to be associated with the prevalence estimates (β = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03). Conclusions and Relevance In this meta-analysis, an estimated global prevalence of HS between 0.67% and 1.46% surpassed previous global estimates. Substantial global variations in HS prevalence were also observed. Female sex was the only factor associated with prevalence in this sample. Future studies assessing genetic, environmental, and etiological factors are warranted to explain the heterogeneity in prevalence

Groundwater hazard regarding environmental impact assessment of renaturalisation of the Turawa reservoir

Opracowane studium wykonalności wraz z oceną oddziaływania na środowisko dotyczące renaturalizacji zbiornika retencyjnego Turawa, zostało wykonane na podstawie multidyscyplinarnego projektu badawczego stanu ekologicznego zbiornika z lat 2003–2004, w ramach którego prowadzono kilkuletnie obserwacje w sieci monitoringu wód podziemnych. Były one podstawą do przeprowadzenia analizy uwarunkowań środowiskowych i zagrożenia w zakresie wód podziemnych. W artykule przedstawiono krótką charakterystykę koncepcji rekultywacji zbiornika i związanych z tym zagrożeń, w celu wskazania znaczenia monitoringu hydrogeologicznego w trakcie i po zakończeniu prac związanych z renaturalizacją.A complex feasibility study including an environmental impact assessment of renaturalisation concept was made on the basis of the multidisciplinary research project for assessing ecological conditions of the Turawa reservoir that was completed in 2003/2004. An important aspect of investigations was to develop a groundwater monitoring network in the vicinity of the lake which gives opportunity to analyse environmental conditions with respect to groundwater hazard and protection. The concept of recultivation is briefly presented and the role and significance of continuing hydrogeological monitoring during and after technical works and treatments are emphasized