Understanding vegetation phenology responses to easily ignored climate factors in china's mid-high latitudes.

Previous studies have primarily focused on the influence of temperature and precipitation on phenology. It is unclear if the easily ignored climate factors with drivers of vegetation growth can effect on vegetation phenology. In this research, we conducted an analysis of the start (SOS) and end (EOS) of the growing seasons in the northern region of China above 30°N from 1982 to 2014, focusing on two-season vegetation phenology. We examined the response of vegetation phenology of different vegetation types to preseason climatic factors, including relative humidity (RH), shortwave radiation (SR), maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin). Our findings reveal that the optimal preseason influencing vegetation phenology length fell within the range of 0-60 days in most areas. Specifically, SOS exhibited a significant negative correlation with Tmax and Tmin in 44.15% and 42.25% of the areas, respectively, while EOS displayed a significant negative correlation with SR in 49.03% of the areas. Additionally, we identified that RH emerged as the dominant climatic factor influencing the phenology of savanna (SA), whereas temperature strongly controlled the SOS of deciduous needleleaf forest (DNF) and deciduous broadleaf forest (DBF). Meanwhile, the EOS of DNF was primarily influenced by Tmax. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into how various vegetation types adapt to climate change, offering a scientific basis for implementing effective vegetation adaptation measures.

Very Rapid Improvement in Extended Nitric Oxide Parameters Is Associated With Clinical and Functional Improvement in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps Treated With Dupilumab.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dupilumab, an anti-IL-4 receptor a monoclonal antibody, was recently approved for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and moderate-to-severe asthma. Onset of its clinical effects is rapid. CRSwNP is characterized by extended type 2 inflammatory involvement that can be assessed using extended nitric oxide analysis. We investigated whether dupilumab was associated with a rapid improvement in extended nitric oxide parameters, lung function, and clinical outcomes in patients with CRSwNP. METHODS: Consecutive patients with CRSwNP and an indication for dupilumab were evaluated for extended nitric oxide analysis (exhaled, FeNO; bronchial, JawNO; alveolar, CalvNO; nasal, nNO) and lung function 15 and 30 days after initiation of treatment and for clinical outcomes (nasal polyps score [NPS], quality of life questionnaires, visual analog scale [VAS] for the main symptoms, and the Asthma Control Test [ACT]) 30 days after initiation of treatment. RESULTS: We enrolled 33 patients. All extended nitric oxide and lung function parameters improved significantly after 15 days of treatment, remaining stable at 30 days. Scores on the NPS, VAS for the main RSwNP symptoms, quality of life questionnaires, and the ACT improved significantly 30 days after initiation of treatment. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab is associated with very rapid improvement in type 2 inflammation in all airway areas. This is associated with improved lung function and clinical parameters in patients with CRSwNP.

Comparison between the high-definition 3D exoscope and the operating microscope in head and neck reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to compare the three-dimensional (3D) operating exoscope (OE) with the conventional operating microscope (OM) in head and neck reconstruction. A retrospective cohort study was performed including 50 consecutive patients with no history of previous surgery or irradiation (32 male, 18 female; mean age 59.2 ± 13.3 years), who underwent free flap head and neck reconstruction using a 3D OE (n = 25; OE group) or conventional OM (n = 25; OM group). The mean total operative time was 8.0 ± 1.53 h in the OE group and 7.6 ± 1.52 h in the OM group (P = 0.86). The median (interquartile range) anastomosis time was 78.0 (63.0-91.5) minutes in the OE group and 90.0 (75.5-115.0) minutes in the OM group (P = 0.06). The final free flap survival rate was 100%. Only seven patients experienced a free flap reconstruction-related complication, and they were similarly distributed between the two groups (four in the OE group, three in the OM group; P = 0.68). Secondary outcomes (length of hospital stay, tracheostomy dependence, feeding tube dependence) were comparable in the two groups (P > 0.05). The 3D OE is a viable alternative to the conventional OM for performing standard head and neck free flap reconstructive procedures.

Vegetation drought risk assessment based on the multi-weight methods in Northwest China.

Vegetation makes an outstanding contribution to the stability of ecosystems and to a certain extent reflects the state of the terrestrial ecosystem. Drought conditions greatly affect the growth and development process of vegetation due to its remarkable stochasticity and complexity. Due to the complex coupling mechanism between vegetation and drought, the research on vegetation drought risk is still limited. In this work, we focus on Northwest China and use the improved vegetation health index (VHI) and other multi-source data. We selected indicator factors based on both hazard and vulnerability, and adopt three weight determination methods, namely entropy method, critic method, and coefficient of variation method, to construct the corresponding index model, and also to establish a vegetation drought risk assessment model to quantitatively evaluate the drought risk of vegetation in northwest China. Results show that the percentage of each drought category remarkably changed during the period encompassing 1981-2020, and the vegetation drought shows deterioration in more areas of northwest China. The vegetation drought risks derived from the three weight determination methods were generally consistent, but differed for a particular vegetation type. The overall spatial distribution pattern of vegetation drought risk in Northwest China is higher in the west and lower in the east, and the vegetation in southern Qinghai and northwestern Xinjiang presents higher drought risk. This study may be used as a tool to provide quantitative basis for vegetation protection and vegetation drought management.

Drought characteristics and dominant factors across China: Insights from high-resolution daily SPEI dataset between 1979 and 2018.

Drought, a complex phenomenon exacerbated by climate change, is influenced by various climate factors. The escalating global temperatures associated with climate change, impact precipitation patterns and water cycle processes, consequently intensifying the occurrence and severity of droughts. To effectively address and adapt to these challenges, it is crucial to identify the dominant climate factors driving drought events. In this study, we utilized the 1979-2018 Chinese meteorological forcing dataset to calculate the daily Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). The Theil-Sen and Mann-Kendall (M-K) tests were employed to analyze the spatial and temporal trends of drought severity and duration. Additionally, partial correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between climate factors (precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (PET)) and drought characteristic (drought severity and duration). Through this comprehensive analysis, we aimed to identify the primary factors influencing drought severity and duration. The findings revealed the following key results: (1) Over the 40-year period from 1979 to 2018, drought trends in China and its seven climate divisions exhibited an increasing pattern. (2) During drought periods, most regions exhibited a positive correlation between PET and drought severity and duration, while precipitation demonstrated a negative correlation. However, certain areas experiencing severe drought displayed a negative correlation between PET and drought severity and duration, precipitation demonstrated a positive correlation with drought severity and duration. (3) PET emerged as the dominant climatic factor for meteorological drought in the majority of China. These findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers in the development of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. By understanding the dominant climate factors driving drought events, policymakers can implement effective measures to mitigate the adverse socioeconomic and environmental impacts associated with climate change.

An improved global vegetation health index dataset in detecting vegetation drought.

Due to global warming, drought events have become more frequent, which resulted in aggravated crop failures, food shortage, larger and more energetic wildfires, and have seriously affected socio-economic development and agricultural production. In this study, a global long-term (1981-2021), high-resolution (4 km) improved vegetation health index (VHI) dataset integrating climate, vegetation and soil moisture was developed. Based on drought records from the Emergency Event Database, we compared the detection efficiency of the VHI before and after its improvement in the occurrence and scope of observed drought events. The global drought detection efficiency of the improved high-resolution VHI dataset reached values as high as 85%, which is 14% higher than the original VHI dataset. The improved VHI dataset was also more sensitive to mild droughts and more accurate regarding the extent of droughts. This improved dataset can play an important role in long-term drought monitoring but also has the potential to assess the impact of drought on the agricultural, forestry, ecological and environmental sectors.

Very rapid improvement of extended nitric oxide parameters, associated with clinical and functional betterment, in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) treated with Dupilumab.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Background: Dupilumab, an anti-IL-4 receptor alpha monoclonal antibody, has been recently approved for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and moderate to severe asthma, demonstrating a rapid onset of clinical effects. CRSwNP is characterized by an extended type-2 inflammatory involvement that can be assessed by extended nitric oxide analysis. Objective: In this study we investigated whether Dupilumab is associated with a rapid improvement in extended nitric oxide parameters, lung function and clinical outcomes in patients with CRSwNP. METHODS: : Consecutive patients with CRSwNP and indication to be treated with Dupilumab were evaluated for extended nitric oxide analysis (exhaled, FENO; bronchial, JawNO and alveolar, CalvNO components; nasal, nNO) and lung function 15 and 30 days after treatment initiation, and for clinical outcomes (nasal polyps score, NPS; quality of life questionnaires; visual analogue scales, VAS, for main symptoms, asthma control test, ACT) after 30 days of treatment initiation. RESULTS: 33 patients were enrolled. All extended nitric oxide and lung function parameters significantly improved after 15 days of treatment remaining stable at 30 days. NPS, VAS for main CRSwNP symptoms, quality of life questionnaires and ACT significantly improved after 30 days of treatment initiation. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab is associated with very rapid improvement in type 2 inflammation in all airway districts and this is associated with improved lung function and clinical parameters in patients with CRSwNP.

Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index and Frailty: One Part of the Whole.

In HIV medicine, the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) index is associated to some geriatric syndromes and has also been recently used as a proxy of frailty. However, using it as a proxy for the frailty phenotype may inadvertently interchange two different concepts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate to what extent the frailty phenotype may be explained by the index. Cross-sectional analysis included 393 participants with HIV aged 50 or older. Somers' delta (d) was calculated, and a multinomial logistic regression model was run to determine to what extent the VACS index scores explained the probability of being prefrail or frail. Mean age was 57.6 (standard deviation 6.5) years and 87.3% men. A weak, but positive association between the VACS 2.0 index score and the frailty phenotype was established (Somers' d = 0.120, p < .001). The multinomial logistic regression showed that prefrail and frail participants had higher probabilities for greater VACS index scores [OR = 1.05, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.01-1.09; p = .006 and OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.09-1.26; p < .001, respectively]; however, VACS index only explained <12% of the variability observed in the frailty phenotype. High VACS index scores were associated with a greater probability of being frail; however, with a weak association. Thus, we should be cautious when using the VACS index as a general proxy of frailty, particularly for the frailty phenotype. However, the VACS index may be used as a means to identify persons who might benefit from further comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Objective and subjective evaluation of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction (VPD) following surgical repair of the cleft palate using the furlow palatoplasty - A new tool.

Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) diagnosis and speech surgery outcomes are currently based solely on subjective evaluation criteria consisting of perceptual speech assessment and functional imaging. This study describes an objective and comparable method in VPD assessment and investigates the concurrence between the objective and subjective evaluations. The present study included 20 paediatric patients presenting with VPD after primary repair (intravelar veloplasty) of cleft palate. Our protocol was based on computerized analysis of voice parameters by means of an objective tool, spectrography integrated with Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP). The protocol also included perceptual evaluation by speech therapist and phoniatrician (consensus listening), and parents. This is a single surgeon, single centre experience and all patients underwent a secondary Furlow's palatoplasty. Assessments were performed pre- and postoperatively and upon completion of speech therapy. Results were compared using the two-tailed t student test for paired data. Statistical significance was set for p-values <0.05. Data analysis confirmed an improvement in velopharyngeal closure after surgery and speech therapy consistently with the results of perceptual evaluations. The results of the study confirmed the availability and reliability of an objective method for VPD evaluation based on the analysis of voice parameters with investigations that are simple and easily available in a hospital setting.

Persistence versus dynamical seasonal forecasts of cereal crop yields.

Climate change is expected to have impacts on the balance of global food trade networks and food security. Thus, seasonal forecasts of precipitation and temperature are an essential tool for stakeholders to make timely choices regarding the strategies required to maximize their expected cereal yield outcomes. The availability of state-of-the-art seasonal forecasts such as the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) system 5 (SEAS5) may be an asset to help decision making. However, uncertainties and reduced skill may hamper the use of seasonal forecasts in several applications. Hence, in this work, we aim to understand the added value of such dynamical forecasts when compared to persistent anomalies of climate conditions used to predict the production of wheat and barley yields. With that in mind, empirical models relating annual wheat and barley yields in Spain to monthly values of precipitation and temperature are developed by taking advantage of ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis. Then, dynamical and persistence forecasts are issued at different lead times, and the skill of the subsequent forecasted yield is verified through probabilistic metrics. The results presented in this study demonstrate two different outcomes: (1) wheat and barley yield anomaly forecasts (dynamical and persistent) start to gain skill later in the season (typically from April onwards); and (2) the added value of using the SEAS5 forecast as an alternative to persistence ranges from 6 to 16%, with better results in the southern Spanish regions.

Infrahyoid myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyse the literature on the infrahyoid myocutaneous flap (IHMCF) and evaluate its clinical outcomes. The MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched (inception to December 31, 2021). Meta-analyses were then conducted to estimate the overall rates of partial flap loss, total flap loss, salivary fistula, and surgical revision. The 21 studies that met the inclusion criteria included 768 patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction with 773 IHMCF. The oral cavity (77.7%) and oropharynx (13.0%) were the most reconstructed sites. The meta-analyses estimated a pooled partial flap loss rate of 10.4% (99% confidence interval (CI) 5.4-16.7%), total loss rate of 1.8% (99% CI 0.8-3.2%), salivary fistula rate of 3.0% (99% CI 1.3-5.3%), and surgical revision rate of 1.9% (99% CI 0.7-3.7%). Fast flap harvesting and low donor site morbidity were other flap features. Previous thyroid surgery or neck dissection and advanced lymph nodal stage were considered contraindications to IHMCF reconstruction by most authors, while prior neck radiotherapy was reported as a relative contraindication. This pedicled cervical flap is a versatile and reliable reconstructive option for medium-sized head and neck defects. Careful preoperative assessment of the neck condition allows for its safe use.

Enhanced antitumor effect of L-buthionine sulfoximine or ionizing radiation by copper complexes with 2,2´-biquinoline and sulfonamides on A549 2D and 3D lung cancer cell models.

Two ternary copper(II) complexes with 2,2'-biquinoline (BQ) and with sulfonamides: sulfamethazine (SMT) or sulfaquinoxaline (SDQ) whose formulae are Cu(SMT)(BQ)Cl and Cu(SDQ)(BQ)Cl·CH3OH, in what follows SMTCu and SDQCu, respectively, induced oxidative stress by increasing ROS level from 1.0 µM and the reduction potential of the couple GSSG/GSH2. The co-treatment with L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), which inhibits the production of GSH, enhanced the effect of copper complexes on tumor cell viability and on oxidative damage. Both complexes generated DNA strand breaks given by-at least partially-the oxidation of pyrimidine bases, which caused the arrest of the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. These phenomena triggered processes of apoptosis proven by activation of caspase 3 and externalization of phosphatidylserine and loss of cell integrity from 1.0 µM. The combination with BSO induced a marked increase in the apoptotic population. On the other hand, an improved cell proliferation effect was observed when combining SDQCu with a radiation dose of 2 Gy from 1.0 µM or with 6 Gy from 1.5 µM. Finally, studies in multicellular spheroids demonstrated that even though copper(II) complexes did not inhibit cell invasion in collagen gels up to 48 h of treatment at the higher concentrations, multicellular resistance outperformed several drugs currently used in cancer treatment. Overall, our results reveal an antitumor effect of both complexes in monolayer and multicellular spheroids and an improvement with the addition of BSO. However, only SDQCu was the best adjuvant of ionizing radiation treatment.

To return or not to return: on post-Anthropocene and the pandemic.

Some studies indirectly link the pandemic to the Anthropocene. However, this brief essay identifies the Anthropocene as a Western-bred phenomenon, which has evolved from Europe's colonial past. Pandemics are not new to settler colonialism, for instance. In this broader framework, the Covid-19 pandemic comes at a time when the West is confronting a new challenge to its global influence, i.e. the climate emergency resulting from a long history of colonial experiments, successes and failures.

Tourism, shamanism and the pandemic.

There can be no doubt that tourism has contributed to the popular understanding of folk Christianity, including shamanistic practices that, since colonial times, have formed part of the dominant Filipino faith. However, faced with the pandemic, the island's co-existence with tourism risks losing vital economic lifeblood through commerce-driven spaces for cultural exchange and the psycho-noetic conditions that sustain the spiritual structure of folkloric practices threatened by the existential risks of Covid-19.

High sensitivity tool for geophysical applications: a geometrically locked ring laser gyroscope.

We demonstrate that a middle sized ring laser gyroscope (RLG) can be a very sensitive and robust instrument for rotational seismology, even if it operates in a quite noisy environment. The RLG has a square cavity, 1.60×1.60m 2, and it lies in a plane orthogonal to the Earth's rotational axis. The Fabry-Perot optical cavities along the diagonals of the square were accessed, and their lengths were locked to a reference laser. Through a quite simple locking circuit, we were able to keep the sensor fully operative for 14 days. We verified that the prototype properties are compatible with the seismic requirements. The obtained long term stability is of the order of 3 nanorad/s, and the short term sensitivity is close to 2n a n o r a d/s⋅H z -1/2. These results are limited only by the noisy environment; our laboratory is located in a building downtown.

Plants, public health and the pandemic.

At the onset of the pandemic, people resort to coping mechanisms to lessen the impact of social distancing enforced through quarantine protocols. Confined to their homes, despite recent relaxation of mobility and travel sanctions, many people find comfort and psychological reassurance in plant tending and gardening. Plants have been known for their medicinal and recreational purposes and their psychological therapeutic value. In the case of the Philippines, plant parenting has become a viral phenomenon.

The impact of climate change in wheat and barley yields in the Iberian Peninsula.

The impact of climate change on wheat and barley yields in two regions of the Iberian Peninsula is here examined. Regression models are developed by using EURO-CORDEX regional climate model (RCM) simulations, forced by ERA-Interim, with monthly maximum and minimum air temperatures and monthly accumulated precipitation as predictors. Additionally, RCM simulations forced by different global climate models for the historical period (1972-2000) and mid-of-century (2042-2070; under the two emission scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) are analysed. Results point to different regional responses of wheat and barley. In the southernmost regions, results indicate that the main yield driver is spring maximum temperature, while further north a larger dependence on spring precipitation and early winter maximum temperature is observed. Climate change seems to induce severe yield losses in the southern region, mainly due to an increase in spring maximum temperature. On the contrary, a yield increase is projected in the northern regions, with the main driver being early winter warming that stimulates earlier growth. These results warn on the need to implement sustainable agriculture policies, and on the necessity of regional adaptation strategies.

Elective neck irradiation in the management of esthesioneuroblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus about the optimal management of the neck in clinically node negative esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). The aim of this study is to assess the impact of elective neck irradiation (ENI) in terms of regional disease control and survival. METHODS: The study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines searching on Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases. The primary outcome was the regional recurrence rate (RRR), that was reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Secondary outcomes were the overall survival (OS), and the distant-metastases free survival (DMFS), that were reported as logarithm of the hazard ratios (logHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 489 clinically node negative patients were included from 9 retrospective studies. ENI significantly reduced the risk of regional recurrence compared to no treatment. No difference was measured between ENI and observation, according to both OS and DMFS. No stratified analysis could be performed based on Kadish stage and Hyams grade. CONCLUSIONS: ENI should be recommended to improve the regional disease control. No advantage was measured in terms of survival or distant metastases with a low quality of evidence. Further prospective studies should be designed to understand if ENI could be avoided in early stage and low-grade tumors.

Factores de riesgo preoperatorios en pacientes con pielonefritis xantogranulomatosa sometidos a nefrectomía.

OBJETIVO: Identificar factores de riesgo asociados a complicaciones mayores en pacientes con pielonefritis xantogranulomatosa sometidos a nefrectomía. MÉTODO: Análisis retrospectivo de expedientes clínicos de pacientes con pielonefritis xantogranulomatosa sometidos a nefrectomía. Se analizaron el sexo, el índice de masa corporal, el índice de comorbilidad de Charlson, la clasificación del estado físico de la American Society of Anesthesiologists, la etapa de Malek, el conteo leucocitario y los valores de creatinina. Las complicaciones se estratificaron en menores y mayores según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. Se realizó análisis univariado y bivariado usando las pruebas exacta de Fisher y ji al cuadrado de Pearson, y se establecieron medidas de riesgo utilizando la odds ratio (OR). RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 72 pacientes con una edad media de 50 años, el 83% mujeres, el 58.3% con urocultivo positivo y el 66% con litiasis renal. El 32% tuvieron alguna complicación mayor y el 15% requirieron admisión a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Los valores elevados de creatinina (OR: 3.8; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1.1-13; p = 0.02) y la etapa Malek II-III (OR: 4.5; IC95%: 1.2-17.5; p = 0.02) se asociaron con complicaciones mayores. CONCLUSIÓN: El estadio de Malek y los valores elevados de creatinina incrementan el riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones mayores en los pacientes con pielonefritis xantogranulomatosa sometidos a nefrectomía. OBJECTIVE: To identify preoperative risk factors associated with major complications in patients with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis undergoing total nephrectomy. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of patient's charts with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis who underwent nephrectomy. Risk factors included for analysis were gender, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, Malek's stage, leukocyte count and creatinine levels. Postoperative complications were stratified in minor and major according to Clavien-Dindo's classification. Univariate and bivariate analysis using Fisher's exact test, Pearson's chi-squared and odds ratio (OR) was performed. RESULTS: 72 patients were analyzed, 83% women, mean age of 50 years, 58.3% positive urine cultures and 66% kidney stones. Major complications were present in 32% of cases, and 15% were admitted to the intensive care unit. Elevated creatinine (OR: 3.8; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.1-13; p = 0.02) and Malek's stage II to III (OR: 4.5; 95%CI: 1.2-17.5; p = 0.02) were associated with major complications. CONCLUSION: The Malek Stage and elevated creatinine increases the risk of major complications in patients undergoing nephrectomy due to xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis.

Cytotoxicity and DNA damage evaluation of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles. Uptake in lung cells in culture.

The cytotoxicity and DNA damage of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 and ZnO NPs) have been studied in a human lung carcinoma cell line (A549) after 24 h exposure. TiO2 and ZnO NPs had mean diameters of 12.9 ± 2.8 and 24.1 ± 8.0 nm, respectively. ZnO NPs reduced cell viability from 250 µg/mL, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased GSH/GSSG ratio. The comet assay detected DNA damage from 50 µg/mL. TiO2 NPs induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage from 50 to 100 µg/mL, respectively, along with a decrease of the GSH/GSSG ratio. Both particles were found inside the cells, within membrane-bound vesicles. The internalization mechanism is promoted partially by caveolae-mediated endocytosis and, in the case of TiO2 NPs, also by macropinocytosis.