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Armed conflicts have, in addition to severe impacts on human lives and infrastructure, also impacts on the environment, which needs to be assessed and documented. On September the 26th 2022, unknown perpetrators deliberately ruptured the two gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2 with four coordinated explosions near a major chemical munition dump site near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. While the massive release of natural gas into atmosphere raised serious concerns for climate, this paper assesses the overlooked direct impact of this sabotage on marine ecosystem. Seals and porpoises within a radius of four km would be at high risk of being killed by the shockwave, while temporary impact on hearing would be expected up to 50 km away. As the Baltic Proper population of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) is critically endangered, the loss or serious injury of even a single individual is considered a significant impact on the population. The rupture resulted in the resuspension of 250.000 metric tons of heavily contaminated sediment from deep-sea sedimentary basin for over a week, resulting in unacceptable risks towards fish and other biota in 11 km3 water for more than a month.

The stabilization of uranyl(v) (UO21+) by Fe(ii) in natural systems remains an open question in uranium chemistry. Stabilization of UVO21+ by Fe(ii) against disproportionation was also demonstrated in molecular complexes. However, the relation between the Fe(ii) induced stability and the change of the bonding properties have not been elucidated up to date. We demonstrate that U(v) - oaxial bond covalency decreases upon binding to Fe(ii) inducing redirection of electron density from the U(v) - oaxial bond towards the U(v) - equatorial bonds thereby increasing bond covalency. Our results indicate that such increased covalent interaction of U(v) with the equatorial ligands resulting from iron binding lead to higher stability of uranyl(v). For the first time a combination of U M4,5 high energy resolution X-ray absorption near edge structure (HR-XANES) and valence band resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (VB-RIXS) and ab initio multireference CASSCF and DFT based computations were applied to establish the electronic structure of iron-bound uranyl(v).

Highlights: • Effects of microplastic on marine biota reflect the quality of experimental research. • The quality of published experiments can be quantified from an “ideal” experiment. • Previously published experiments have significantly deviated from “ideal”. • Implementation of proposed criteria can improve future microplastic experiments. Abstract: This article presents a novel conceptual blueprint for an ‘ideal’, i.e., ecologically relevant, microplastic effect study. The blueprint considers how microplastics should be characterized and applied in laboratory experiments, and how biological responses should be measured to assure unbiased data that reliably reflect the effects of microplastics on aquatic biota. This ‘ideal’ experiment, although practically unachievable, serves as a backdrop to improve specific aspects of experimental research on microplastic effects. In addition, a systematic and quantitative literature review identified and quantified departures of published experiments from the proposed ‘ideal’ design. These departures are related mainly to the experimental design of microplastic effect studies failing to mimic natural environments, and experiments with limited potential to be scaled-up to ecosystem level. To produce a valid and generalizable assessment of the effect of microplastics on biota, a quantitative meta-analysis was performed that incorporated the departure of studies from the ‘ideal’ experiment (a measure of experimental quality) and inverse variance (a measure of the study precision) as weighting coefficients. Greater weights were assigned to experiments with higher quality and/or with lower variance in the response variables. This double-weighting captures jointly the technical quality, ecological relevance and precision of estimates provided in each study. The blueprint and associated meta-analysis provide an improved baseline for the design of ecologically relevant and technically sound experiments to understand the effects of microplastics on single species, populations and, ultimately, entire ecosystems.

Case report (retrospective). These two cases of paralysis secondary to aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) demonstrated complete neurologic recovery following decompression and posterior spinal fusion. Although neurologic injury from ABCs has been described, information about the prognosis in the pediatric population is limited. We review two cases of paralysis caused by ABCs in the thoracic spine in pediatric patients. Two patients (aged 12 and 13 years) presented to our emergency department with inability to ambulate and 0/5 strength in their lower extremities due to spinal cord compression from ABCs in their thoracic spine. Both patients had been unable to ambulate (case 1: nonambulatory for 2 weeks before presentation; case 2: nonambulatory for 1 week before presentation). The second patient also had loss of bowel and bladder control. They were managed with decompression and posterior spinal fusion. Both patients made complete neurologic recoveries. It is unclear whether age, chronicity of compression, or other factors contributed; nevertheless, the recovery in these two similar patients far exceeded initial expectations, especially in the case that presented as an American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale class A. Level V.

The recently emerged actinide (An) M4,5-edge high-energy resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (HR-XANES) technique has proven to be very powerful for oxidation state studies of actinides. In this work, for the first time, Np M5-edge HR-XANES was applied to study Np sorption on illite. By improving the experimental conditions, notably by operation of the spectrometer under He atmosphere, it was possible to measure Np M5-edge HR-XANES spectra of a sample with ≈ 1 μg Np/g illite (1 ppm). This is 30–2000 times lower than Np loadings on mineral surfaces usually investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. A newly designed cryogenic configuration enabled sample temperatures of 141.2 ± 1.5 K and successfully prevented beam-induced changes of the Np oxidation state. The described approach paves the way for the examination of coupled redox/solid-liquid interface reactions of actinide ions via An M4,5-edge HR-XANES spectroscopy at low metal ion concentrations, which are of specific relevance for contaminated sites and nuclear waste disposal studies.

The recently emerged actinide (An) M

In view of safe management of the nuclear wastes, a sound knowledge of the atomic-scale properties of U

Purpose: To evaluate the metabolic relevance of type of locomotion in anaerobic testing by analyzing and comparing the metabolic profile of the Bosco Continuous Jumping Test (CJ30) with the corresponding profile of the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). Methods: A total of 11 well-trained, male team-sport athletes (age = 23.7 [2.2] y, height = 184.1 [2.8] cm, weight = 82.4 [6.4] kg) completed a CJ30 and WAnT each. During the WAnT, power data and revolutions per minute were recorded, and during the CJ30, jump height and jumping frequency were recorded. In addition, oxygen uptake and blood lactate concentration were assessed, and metabolic profiles were determined via the PCr-LA-O2 method. Results: In the CJ30, metabolic energy was lower (109.3 [18.0] vs 143.0 [13.1] kJ, P d = −2.302), while peak power (24.8 [4.4] vs 11.8 [0.5] W·kg−1, P d = 3.59) and mean power (20.8 [3.6] vs 9.1 [0.5] W·kg−1, P d = 4.14) were higher than in the WAnT. The metabolic profiles of the CJ30 (aerobic energy = 20.00% [4.7%], anaerobic alactic energy [WPCr] = 45.6% [4.5%], anaerobic lactic energy = 34.4% [5.2%]) and the WAnT (aerobic energy = 16.0% [3.0%], anaerobic alactic WPCr = 34.5% [5.0%], anaerobic lactic energy = 49.5% [3.3%]) are highly anaerobic. Absolute energy contribution for the CJ30 and WAnT was equal in WPCr (49.9 [11.1] vs 50.2 [11.2] kJ), but anaerobic lactic energy (37.7 [7.7] vs 69.9 [5.3] kJ) and aerobic energy (20.6 [5.7] vs 23.0 [4.0] kJ) were higher in the WAnT. Mechanical efficiency was substantially higher in the CJ30 (37.9% [4.5%] vs 15.6% [1.0%], P d = 6.86), while the fatigue index was lower (18.5% [3.8%] vs 23.2% [3.1%], P d = −1.38) than in the WAnT. Conclusions: Although the anaerobic share in both tests is similar and predominant, the CJ30 primarily taxes the WPCr system, while the WAnT more strongly relies on the glycolytic pathway. Thus, the 2 tests should not be used interchangeably, and the type of locomotion seems crucial when choosing an anaerobic test for a specific sport.

Intrinsic properties of a compound (e.g., electronic structure, crystallographic structure, optical and magnetic properties) define notably its chemical and physical behavior. In the case of nanomaterials, these fundamental properties depend on the occurrence of quantum mechanical size effects and on the considerable increase of the surface to bulk ratio. Here, we explore the size dependence of both crystal and electronic properties of CeO

Cruise AL534/2 is part of a multi-disciplinary research initiative as part of the JPI Oceans project HOTMIC and sought to investigate the origin, transport and fate of plastic debris from estuaries to the oceanic garbage patches. The main focus of the cruise was on the horizontal transfer of plastic debris from major European rivers into shelf regions and on the processes that mediate this transport. Stations were originally chosen to target the outflows of major European rivers along the western Europe coast between Malaga (Spain) and Kiel (Germany), although some modifications were made in response to inclement weather. In total, 16 stations were sampled along the cruise track. The sampling scheme was similar for most stations, and included: 1) a CTD cast to collect water column salinity and temperature profiles, and discrete samples between surface and seafloor, 2) sediment sampling with Van Veen grab and mini-multi corer (mini-MUC), 3) suspended particle and plankton sampling using a towed Bongo net and vertical WP3 net, and 4) surface neusten sampling using a catamaran trawl. At a subset of stations with deep water, suspended particles were collected using in situ pumps deployed on a cable. During transit between stations, surface water samples were collected from the ship’s underway seawater supply, and during calm weather, floating litter was counted by visual survey teams. The samples and data collected on cruise AL534/2 will be used to determine the: (1) abundance of plastic debris in surface waters, as well as the composition of polymer types, originating in major European estuaries and transported through coastal waters, (2) abundance and composition of microplastics (MP) in the water column at different depths from the sea surface to the seafloor including the sediment, (3) abundance and composition of plastic debris in pelagic and benthic organisms (invertebrates), (4) abundance and identity of biofoulers (bacteria, protozoans and metazoans) on the surface of plastic debris from different water depths, (5) identification of chemical compounds (“additives”) in the plastic debris and in water samples.

The Tonaia or “binding” on Samos has traditionally been interpreted as a pre- marriage ceremony (e.g., Varro ap. Lactant. Div. inst. 1.17.8) or, more recently, as a New Year’s ritual in which the normally chained cult image was set free. This article argues that a dichotomy between autochthonous and colonial narratives can recontextualize these theories. According to Menodotus of Samos (BNJ 541 F 1 ap. Ath. 15.672), the celebrants of the Tonaia bring the statue of Hera to the beach, purify her and then reenthrone her in her temple. This ritual is a reflection of the myth where Argive pirates attempted to steal the image of Hera (ἁρπάσαι τὸ βρέτας), and the superstitious, barbarian Karians could not trust that the goddess did not leave of her own free will (αὐτόματον) so they fastened her tight to a mat of willow shoots (πρός τι λύγου θωράκιον ἀπερείσασθαι). The performance of the Tonaia mediated the complex relationship between the belief in the autochthonous ori- gin of the Heraion, the Argive ancestry of the cult of Hera, and the inclusion of the Karian population from the Ionian coast. The removal, binding and final loosening and reconsecra- tion of her bretas represented the possibility of the goddess’ forcible theft or repatriation back to Argos, as well as the aition for the Karian’s marginal status in the festival.

Study design This is a retrospective review. Objectives To validate the concept of "non-locality" to explain cases of Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality (SCIWORA) previously deemed inexplicable. To investigate and challenge the source data for the SCIWORA hypothesis which has the built-in assumption that a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can only be caused by a local or adjacent spinal column injury and which, therefore, postulates that the pediatric spinal column is inherently more flexible than the spinal cord to explain SCI whenever a local spinal column injury is not detected. Setting A National Rehabilitation Center, one of fourteen which reports to the Spinal Cord Injury Model System. Methods We examined all residual SCIWORA cases over a 5-year period. In addition, we performed an extensive literature search to trace the evidence supporting the SCIWORA hypothesis that children's spinal columns are inherently lax and may stretch more than the spinal cord prior to disruption. Results Six SCI patients with a residual diagnosis of SCIWORA were identified, 3 pediatric and 3 adult. All had injuries fitting non-locality. None were an actual SCIWORA. Source data do not appear to support the SCIWORA hypothesis. Conclusion Borrowing from quantum mechanics, we reveal non-locality as a real entity in the spine. The assumption of locality-only is invalid and likely contributed to the SCIWORA hypothesis for the pediatric spine. Misdiagnosis and misunderstanding of SCIWORA may lead to improper treatment and increased cost. Awareness may facilitate search for adequate explanations for difficult cases rather than mere assignment as SCIWORA.

A 26-year-old otherwise healthy male presents to the clinic with right knee pain after a skiing accident 3 days ago. The patient landed awkwardly after attempting a jump and experienced the immediate onset of right knee pain necessitating ski patrol to bring him down the mountain. The patient reports hearing a “popping” noise when landing. Shortly after he noticed swelling around his knee, he was still able to bear weight on his leg. Today in clinic, the patient can ambulate with a single crutch on a slightly flexed knee without the knee buckling. On physical exam, a large effusion is present over his anterior knee. There is mild warmth and tenderness to palpation around the medial joint line. Muscle compartments in the leg are soft and pulses are 2+. Neurologic exam reveals normal motor and sensory function distal to the knee. The patient is able but hesitant to perform active or passive knee range of motion secondary to pain. There is increased knee laxity of 1 cm when an anterior force is applied to the tibia at 30° and 90°. There is no laxity with varus or valgus stress applied to the knee. Compression and axial rotation across the knee joint while extending it from a fully flexed position produces neither pain nor a palpable or audible snap.

A 12-year-old African-American boy presents with right groin pain and a limp. He states that the pain is worse with walking and relieved by rest. The pain begins in his right groin and radiates to his right knee. The pain began about 1 month ago without antecedent trauma and has progressively worsened. He has no pain in any other joints or extremities. He denies any recent infections and reports no associated fevers, chills, or malaise. He participates in physical education at school, but is otherwise not involved in sports. He has no recent travel or camping trips and lives in an urban area. He takes no medications. There is no family history of joint problems. On physical examination, the patient is afebrile and appears to be moderately obese. The right lower extremity appears to be slightly externally rotated and he resists internal rotation. There is no leg length discrepancy. Neurologic and vascular exam are normal.

Background The quality and stability of anti-malarial drugs in the Global South has long been of significant concern. Drug quality can be affected by poor or fraudulent manufacturing processes, while drug stability is affected by temperature and humidity. Knowledge of drug quality and stability is often the unique contribution of pharmacists volunteering on short-term medical mission trips. Objective To determine the quality and stability of artemether-lumefantrine 20/120 mg under ambient storage conditions in rural Mali. Methods One unopened blister pack of artemether-lumefantrine 20/120 mg (IPCA Laboratories, Mumbai) was stored under ambient conditions in a warehouse in a Malian village for one year. A second pack from the same lot number was stored under temperature and humidity controlled conditions in a university laboratory. The active ingredients of tablets from both packages were analysed using thin layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy. The IPCA samples were referenced for drug identity and content to an identical American made product (Coartem ®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals). Results Thin layer chromatographs, nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy results were identical for both IPCA samples and the reference product. Conclusions The IPCA products contained the same drugs in the same amount as on their package label and were identical to the reference product. It is concluded that they were of good quality. Spectroscopy results demonstrate the sample stored in Mali was stable for one year. Pharmacists volunteering on medical mission trips may dispense this product with confidence. At the end of a mission trip, pharmacists may store left over artemether-lumefantrine under ambient conditions for up to one year without concern for significant degradation of the active ingredients.