bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking Public Health Monitoring to Dialogue-based Decision-making During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences from a Participatory Pilot in the Netherlands
Authors: Dückers Michel , Jansen Noortje , Horst Sam Ter , Haagen Joris
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

In the Netherlands, a nationally coordinated research program has been initiated to monitor the immediate and long-term public health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This contribution describes the design and early results of a continuous dialectic process to involve national and local public health authorities and professionals in monitor-driven decision-making to anticipate the health impact of viral infections and mitigation measures.

Method:

An ongoing series of dialogue sessions was organized upon the release of quarterly and annual results of the monitoring program. Apart from supporting public health decision-making, the stepwise dialectic process aimed to ensure multi-sectoral learning and co-creation and nurture a sense of ownership among stakeholders from policy, practice and science. National and regional public health authorities served as hub coordinators and participated in determining and approaching relevant stakeholders. Whenever considered relevant, new stakeholders were invited to participate.

Results:

In the first year, three dialogue sessions were organized, with an emphasis on youth and young adults. Representatives from ministries, municipalities, health organizations, experiential experts and knowledge institutes attended the sessions. Based on the exchange, policy recommendations were formulated and shared among participants. The themes prioritized included mental health issues, overburdened healthcare services, involvement of vulnerable groups in policy development and understanding the complex myriad of risk factors. Moreover, several factors were identified that might facilitate or hinder the implementation and uptake of monitoring findings.

Conclusion:

The dissemination and discussion of monitoring data proved to be of added value in developing evidence-informed solutions and areas of attention for future monitoring, including the need to track progress of local and national implementation of recommendations. More broadly, the methodology piloted during the program requires further testing as a community engagement strategy and might be meaningful in other crises or problem contexts as well.
Group Psychological First Aid: Toward a New Model for Group-Based Disaster Mental Health Intervention
Authors: Nitza Amy , Lefforge Noelle , O'Meara Andrew
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

As the number of individuals impacted by disasters rises, an adaptation of Psychological First Aid (PFA) into a group intervention is warranted. Such a model would allow for more people to receive the support they need, while harnessing the power of group interventions. Groups have established effectiveness that is equivalent, if not superior, to individual treatment. Additionally, the five essential elements of early intervention for mass trauma (safety, calm, efficacy, connectedness, and hope) are closely related to the established mechanisms of change in groups. Groups are particularly well-suited to promote connectedness, the element with the strongest empirical link to recovery. Nevertheless, groups are underutilized in disasters and caution is warranted as some models have been shown to cause potential harm by over-exposing those involved to one another’s trauma and attempting to process the trauma when the focus should be on stabilization. This presentation proposes a model for group-based PFA that incorporates the known risks and benefits of disaster response and group interventions.

Method:

Literature on group interventions for disaster was reviewed and compared to established best practices in disaster mental health including PFA, Skills for Recovery, and related interventions. This literature was combined with the clinical and training experience of the presenters to develop an initial model for adapting PFA into a group intervention.

Results:

The model proposed involves dissemination of PFA’s general tenets among large groups and then utilizing small groups to provide the PFA core skills most applicable to each group. The model also incorporates group processes known to promote recovery that are not available in individual interventions, emphasizing the role of group cohesion to create connectedness and social support.

Conclusion:

This proposal is conceptualized as a tabletop presentation to allow for discussion, with a goal of advancing Group PFA and recommending next steps in its development and dissemination.
Active Versus Comforting Aid: The SIX C's Model for Psychological First Aid: Empirical Evaluation. A Retrospective Study
Authors: Farchi Moshe , Gidron Yori
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Compassion, calming down and providing aid are common ways of helping people in need soon after traumatic events. However, such forms of help were seldom tested and other research suggests that active coping may have more positive long-term effects. The SIX C's model was created to provide simple and effective evidence-based Psychological First Aid guidelines that help shift the person from helpless into active and effective activation in a very short time. The model emphasizes the need for cognitive communication as well as effective activation in contrast to the previous concepts of calming and emotional communication

Method:

This retrospective cross-sectional study examined empirically the SIX C's Model's basic concepts. We checked the association between whether people received activating versus more passive forms of aid during crises, their self-efficacy and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. 428 participants completed scales on the type of aid received during past traumatic events including activating aid (encouraging active and effective responses) versus passive aid (receiving compassion, calming down and general aid), as well as their current general self-efficacy (GSE) and PTSD symptoms

Results:

Results revealed that passive aid was not related to PTSD while activating aid correlated inversely with PTSD. Importantly, both resilience and GSE emerged as mediators and moderators between activating aid and PTSD. The moderation showed that receiving activating aid was associated with less PTSD only in people low on resilience or GSE

Conclusion:

The study revealed a major role for self-efficacy in protecting people from PTSD. Self-efficacy not only statistically mediated the relationship between active aid and PTSD but also moderated this relationship. The findings underline the importance of encouraging the person to act effectively during the event and to maintain cognitive communication. This type of aid leads to increased self-efficacy and contributes to the reduction of risk for PTSD.
Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child Care Programs in Michigan: A Mixed-Methods Analysis
Authors: Bradin Stuart , Budnik Elizabeth , Hashikawa Andrew , Cator Allison , Mangus Courtney
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Historically, the child care industry has been unprepared for emergencies. A previous study identified gaps in Michigan’s child care programs’ emergency plans. Study objectives were to reassess programs’ preparedness plans after the introduction of state-mandated emergency plans and to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on programs’ operations.

Method:

A 29-question survey was sent to ~500 child care programs across Michigan in 2020 to assess emergency plans and response to COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative methods.

Results:

Overall, 346 programs (70%) responded. Most (92%) reported having a written plan, but one-third reported having no infectious outbreak plan pre-pandemic. One-third of programs lacked plans for special needs children (vs. 40% in 2014); 62% lacked plans for child reunification (vs. 60% in 2014); 46% reported staff received no preparedness training. COVID-19 impacted programs substantially: 59% closed, 20% decreased capacity, and 27% changed disinfecting protocols. Several themes related to the pandemic’s effect on programs were identified: 1) changes in learning 2) changes in socialization 3) increased family burden 4) financial challenges 5) lack of guidance.

Conclusion:

Significant preparedness gaps remain among Michigan’s child care programs, suggesting the need for increased support and the addition of emergency preparedness to programs’ quality ratings.
Development and Validation of a Novel "Luminescent Guidewire“ for more Efficient and Safer Guidance During Endovascular Rescue Procedures
Authors: Plass Andre , Gaetani Patrick , Babicki Josef , Emmert Maximilian
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Endovascular procedures in emergencies like the implantation of tubes for a life support system are increasing. Guidewires are the essential basis for the regularly used Seldinger Technique. We present a novel concept that may further optimize the safety and efficacy of guidewire handling and navigation during endovascular procedures.

Method:

Using specifically designed luminescent particles, a novel, clinical-grade coating protocol was created to develop a new luminescent guidewire. Different prototypes were designed and tested for their luminescent capacity following a short exposure to any light-source. Chemical-analysis, hemocompatibility, hemolysis and cytotoxicity testing of the new guidewire was performed. The usability of the new prototype was compared to regular guidewires by application into needles, catheters and tubes which are used during percutaneous procedures.

Results:

The engineered guidewires demonstrated a luminescent capacity of at least 20 minutes after less than ten seconds of exposure to a light source. Chemical analysis, cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and hemocompatibility indicated a biocompatibility profile of the guidewire. Good usability, safe and rapid handling was demonstrated when simulating endovascular procedures. Under dimmed-light conditions, the luminescent guidewire demonstrated substantially enhanced visibility when compared to the standard-of-care.

Conclusion:

We present a new, luminescent guidewire that may enhance the safety and efficacy of endovascular procedures, especially where light conditions are suboptimal or for emergency situations when procedures have to be as fast and efficient as possible.
Factors Associated with International Humanitarian Aid Appeal: Analysis of Disasters from 1995 to 2015
Authors: Cheng Lenard , Hertelendy Attila , Hart Alexander , Law Lawrence , Hata Ryan , Nouaime Georgina , Issa Fadi , Echeverri Lina , Voskanyan Amalia , Ciottone Gregory
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

International humanitarian aid is crucial in disasters but must be needs-driven and coordinated with requests from local authorities. We identify disaster and population factors associated with international aid appeal during disasters and hence guide preparation by international humanitarian aid providers.

Method:

In this retrospective database analysis, we searched the Emergency Events Database for all disasters from 1995 to 2015. Disasters with and without international aid appeals were compared by location, duration, type of disaster, deaths, number of people affected, and total estimated damage. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of each factor with international aid appeal.

Results:

Of 13,961 disasters recorded from 1995 to 2015, 168 (1.2%) involved international aid appeals. Aid appeals were more likely to be triggered by disasters which killed more people (OR 1.29 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.64] log10 persons), affected more people (OR 1.85 [95%CI 1.57-2.18] / log10 persons), and occurred in Africa (OR 1.67 [95%CI 1.06-2.62). Earthquakes (OR 4.07 [95%CI 2.16-7.67]), volcanic activity (OR 6.23 [95%CI 2.50-15.53]), and insect infestations (OR 12.14 [95%CI 3.05-48.35]) were more likely to trigger international aid appeals. International aid appeals were less likely to be triggered by disasters which occurred in Asia (OR 0.46 [95%CI 0.29-0.73]) and which were transport accidents (OR 0.12 [95%CI 0.02-0.89]).

Conclusion:

International aid appeal during disasters was associated with greater magnitude of damage, disasters in Africa, and specific types of disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and insect infestations. Humanitarian aid providers can focus preparation on these identified factors.
The Role of Diagnostic Medical Imaging Community in Responding to Nuclear and Radiological Events in Urban Environments
Authors: Naeem Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

To understand the role of medical providers in general and the radiology community in the prevention, management, and aftermath of a radiological or nuclear event.

Method:

Using a power point presentation, the author will describe in detail the role diagnostic medical imagers can play in responding to the radiological or nuclear MASCAL events.

Results:

The purpose is to educate the civilian radiology audience about their role amidst the changing nature of current nuclear threats and asymmetric and hybrid warfare in urban settings. It is very likely that in the future the civilian radiology community may be involved and respond to a nuclear crisis or a radiation accident or its aftermath before the military gets involved because it will most likely be initially a MASCAL event in a civilian setting, not immediately under the purview of the military.

Conclusion:

Radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians will play a very critical and central role in the event of a nuclear detonation or a radiation dispersal device detonation due to their inherent knowledge of the principles of radiation, contamination, exposure and radiation protection.
Handover Between Prehospital and Intra-hospital Physicians–Utility of Simulation in Enhancing Quality of Transmission
Authors: Chermiti Ines , Ghazali Hanene , Bakir Amira , Arbaoui Amal , Jamli Slim , Chortani Naziha , Souissi Sami
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Handover is of big value in preserving continuity of the medical services chain when managing patients. Simulation is well accepted as a good learning method to acquire non-technical skills. Actual studies dealing with this issue are performed on paramedics. Studies involving physicians are rare and usually focus on interviews or questionnaires describing practical situations.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of simulation in enhancing the quality of handover between both pre-hospital and intra-hospital physicians.

Method:

We conducted a prospective pre-test/post-test study in a regional Emergency Medical System (EMS) on the handover topic.

We included voluntary physicians who signed participation consent. The study was designed as a three-step project: theoretical training with pre-test and post-test, 1st simulation session, 2nd simulation session with post-test. The two simulation sessions were evaluated according to a specific score. We evaluated the progression of knowledge (tests means) and skills (percentages of good answers): before and after theoretical training and before and after simulation sessions.

Results:

Sixteen EMS physicians were enrolled. Thirteen were under 40 years old and ten were emergency medicine physician specialists. Theoretical training made progression in means and percentage good answers (post-test 1 vs. pré-test : 9.5±3.3 vs 6.9±2 ; p=0.008 et 22 vs. 10% ; p=0,001 respectively). Progression of means after simulation was noticed (2nd session vs. 1st session) (16.3±0.9 vs. 12.3±2.5 ; p<0.001). Simulation enhanced significant quality of handover. Means and percentage of good answers in tests was better after simulation sessions (post-test 2 vs. post-test 1 vs. pre-test : 10.7±2.8 vs. 9.5±3.3 vs. 6.9±2 ; p=0.01 et 29% vs. 22% vs. 10% ; p<0.001 respectively).

Conclusion:

Our study showed the utility of simulation in enhancing handover between pre-hospital and intra-hospital physicians. Simulation as an active learning method, combined with theoretical training, can improve knowledge and enhance skills.
Preparing Hospitals for CBRN Emergencies in Israel–A Review
Authors: Hertzog Diana
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

The mission of the medical department in the Home Front Command is to support the preparedness of Israel’s health system for emergencies, both in day-to-day routine and during wartime. This is achieved by practicing emergency scenarios in all general hospitals, including biological, chemical, and radiological mass-casualty events.

Method:

Implementing an annual drill plan in all general hospitals and practicing emergency scenarios, including non-conventional events such as mass toxicological events and radiological mass casualty events.

Results:

The presentation describes the hospital radiological and chemical mass casualty event doctrine and the drills performed in hospitals to achieve better preparedness.

Conclusion:

The drills conducted in the general hospitals in Israel enable better preparation for CBRN emergency scenarios.
Identifying Core Competencies for Medical Command and Control Teams Managing Covid-19
Authors: Jonson Carl-Oscar , Pettersson Jenny , Friberg Marc , Björnqvist Anton , Berggren Peter , Johansson Björn , Prytz Erik
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

The Covid-19 pandemic strained most of the world’s health care organizations to, and sometimes beyond, their limits. To anticipate, coordinate, mobilize, and prioritize hospital resources, Sweden’s health care regions established regional medical command and control teams according to the medical major incident structure. This command structure was initially developed based on an all-hazards approach focused primarily on sudden mass casualty incidents with a relatively short time frame. Covid-19 management was active for several months with a most intense operations period during the spring of 2020. This study aimed at identifying competence needs by employing a co-creative approach with members of the staff involved in the pandemic management.

Method:

Data was collected and analyzed using a modified Delphi consensus method. The respondents were subject matter experts serving in the regional medical command and control teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. One workshop was held to gather opinions, which were included as statements in a consensus survey and answered by the participants after the first workshop. A second workshop was held to discuss statements that did not reach initial consensus in the survey and establish final consensus.

Results:

The consensus agreed statements were sorted into five themes, which constituted the collective agreement of medical command and control core abilities. The five core competence themes were: Situation report, Team organization, Co-operation, Competence management, and Analysis. The consensus agreed statements highlighted competencies needed for creating situation reports, organizing medical command and control teams, effective cross-organization co-operation, decision-making, and medical intelligence analysis.

Conclusion:

The core competencies of medical command and control identified in the present study can be used to further affirm current learning objectives and to formulate future learning objectives for education and exercises. The evaluation approach could potentially be used as a post-incident review to fine-tune an organization’s training plan.
Low‐Frequency Wave Activity in the Ocean—Ross Ice Shelf—Atmosphere System
Authors: Zabotin N. , Godin O. A. , Bromirski P. D. , Jee G. , Lee W. S. , Yun S. , Zabotina L.
Published: June 2023

The main subject of this study is the low‐frequency (with the periods longer than 2 hr) wave processes in the coupled regional system of the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS), the Ross Sea and the atmosphere above them. We investigate possible causal relationships between the wave activity in the three media using a unique set of geophysical instruments: a hydrophone measuring pressure variations on the seafloor, a network of seismometers measuring vertical displacements of the RIS surface, and a Dynasonde system measuring wave characteristics at the ionospheric altitudes. We present an extension of the previously introduced theoretical model of the coupled resonance vibrations of the RIS that quantifies the connection between the ocean tide and the resonance vibrations of the RIS. The ocean tide is confirmed as the most significant source of excitation of the resonances. Analysis of average power spectra in year‐long data sets reveals multiple harmonics of the tide (eight) detected by the RIS seismometers while only three are detected by the seafloor sensor. This may represent a confirmation of the effect of resonance‐related broadband amplification predicted by the model. Several peaks in the spectrum of RIS vibrations have periods different from the periods of nearby tidal constituents and may be associated with broad‐scale resonance RIS vibrations. Resonances may play a role in maintaining the coupled atmosphere‐ocean wave activity. Our results reveal a statistically significant correlation between the spectra of the vertical displacements of the RIS and the spectra of the atmospheric waves.
Were Wildfires Responsible for the Unusually High Surface Ozone in Colorado During 2021?
Authors: Langford Andrew O. , Senff Christoph J. , Alvarez Raul J. , Aikin Ken C. , Ahmadov Ravan , Angevine Wayne M. , Baidar Sunil , Brewer W. Alan , Brown Steven S. , James Eric P. , McCarty Brandi J. , Sandberg Scott P. , Zucker Michael L.
Published: June 2023

Ground‐level ozone (O3) was unusually high in northern Colorado in the summer of 2021 with maximum daily 8‐hr average (MDA8) concentrations 6 to 8 parts‐per‐billion by volume (ppbv) higher than in 2019, 2020, or 2022. One or more of the monitors on the Colorado Front Range exceeded the 2015 U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 70 ppbv on 66 of the 122 days from 1 June to 30 September, and this record number of exceedances coincided with the near daily presence of dispersed smoke haze from wildfires in Arizona, California, and the Pacific Northwest. In this paper, we use regulatory and non‐regulatory surface O3 and PM2.5 measurements in conjunction with ground‐based lidar observations to estimate how much O3 was associated with the wildfire smoke. Analyses of the surface measurements suggest that pyrogenic O3 transported to northern Colorado with the smoke increased the surface concentrations in northern Colorado by an average of 8 ppbv in July, 3 ppbv in August, and 2 ppbv in September. Analysis of the lidar measurements showed these contributions to be as large as 12 ppbv on some days. Production of O3 from reactions of pyrogenic VOCs and locally emitted NOx appears to have been minimal (<3 ppbv) in the Boulder area, but may have been much larger in the suburbs southwest of downtown Denver.
Source Apportionment of Cloud Nuclei at 260 m and Ground Level in Urban Beijing
Authors: Jiang Sihui , Ren Jingye , Chen Lu , Cheng Yiling , Zhao Jian , Sun Yele , Zhang Fang
Published: June 2023

Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) is a critical parameter for simulating aerosol‐cloud interaction and aerosol indirect effects. Here we characterize the vertical differences of CCN number concentration (NCCN) between ground level and 260 m based on field measurements on a meteorological tower in Beijing. The observed ground aerosol number concentration was about 16% higher than 260 m, unexpectedly, the ground NCCN was on average 20% lower than 260 m within the atmospheric typical supersaturation (S) range of 0.1%–0.4%. Using positive matrix factorization analysis, we clarified that the higher NCCN at 260 m was primarily due to increased contributions from both regional transport and secondary processes. The aerosol particles from the regional transport contributed 20%–50% and 31%–57% of CCN respectively at ground and 260 m within typical S, with higher proportions at smaller S. The secondary processes contributed generally about the equal amount CCN between ground (42%–55%) and 260 m (37%–52%). The total contribution of regional transport and secondary processes, as the main sources, contributed 72%–94% CCN during the campaign. While, nucleation events and local primary sources accounted for the smallest proportion of NCCN at both heights. Under polluted conditions, the vertical difference was further enlarged. The results suggest that surface observations under clean conditions may well represent cloud nuclei aloft. However, the NCCN measured at ground may be unexpectedly much lower than the tower height in polluted conditions, likely leading to an underestimation on cloud nuclei aloft during the field campaign.
Chromium on Mercury: New Results From the MESSENGER X‐Ray Spectrometer and Implications for the Innermost Planet's Geochemical Evolution
Authors: Nittler Larry R. , Boujibar Asmaa , Crapster‐Pregont Ellen , Frank Elizabeth A. , McCoy Timothy J. , McCubbin Francis M. , Starr Richard D. , Vorburger Audrey , Weider Shoshana Z.
Published: June 2023

Mercury, the innermost planet, formed under highly reduced conditions, based mainly on surface Fe, S, and Si abundances determined from MESSENGER mission data. The minor element Cr may serve as an independent oxybarometer but only very limited Cr data have been previously reported for Mercury. We report Cr/Si abundances across Mercury's surface based on MESSENGER X‐Ray Spectrometer data throughout the spacecraft's orbital mission. The heterogeneous Cr/Si ratio ranges from 3.6 × 10−5 in the Caloris Basin to 0.0012 within the high‐magnesium region, with an average southern hemisphere value of 0.0008 (corresponding to about 200 ppm Cr). Absolute Cr/Si values have systematic uncertainty of at least 30%, but relative variations are more robust. By combining experimental Cr partitioning data along with planetary differentiation modeling, we find that if Mercury formed with bulk chondritic Cr/Al, Cr must be present in the planet's core and differentiation must have occurred at log fO2 in the range of IW‐6.5 to IW‐2.5 in the absence of sulfides in its interior and a range of IW‐5.5 to IW‐2 with an FeS layer at the core‐mantle boundary. Models with large fractions of Mg‐Ca‐rich sulfides in Mercury's interior are more compatible with moderately reducing conditions (IW‐5.5 to IW‐4) owing to the instability of Mg‐Ca‐rich sulfides at elevated fO2. These results indicate that if Mercury differentiated at a log fO2 lower than IW‐5.5, the presence of sulfides whether in the form of a FeS layer at the top of the core or Mg‐Ca‐rich sulfides within the mantle would be unlikely.
Ensemble Estimation of Historical Evapotranspiration for the Conterminous U.S.
Authors: Reitz M. , Sanford W. E. , Saxe S.
Published: June 2023

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the largest component of the water budget, accounting for the majority of the water available from precipitation. ET is challenging to quantify because of the uncertainties associated with the many ET equations currently in use, and because observations of ET are uncertain and sparse. In this study, we combine information provided by available ET data and equations to produce a new monthly data set for ET for the conterminous U.S. (CONUS). These maps are produced from 1895 to 2018 at an 800 m spatial scale, marking a finer resolution than currently available products over this time period. In our approach, the relative performance of a suite of ET equations is assessed using water balance, flux tower, and remotely sensed ET estimates. At the observation locations, we use error distributions to quantify relative weights for the equations and use these in a modified Bayesian model averaging weighted ensemble approach. The relative weights are spatially generalized using a random forest regression, which is applied to wall‐to‐wall explanatory variable maps to generate CONUS‐wide relative weight maps and ensemble estimates. We assess the performance of the ensemble using a reserved subset of the observations and compare this performance against other national‐scale map products for historical to modern ET. The ensemble ET maps are shown to provide an improved accuracy over the alternative comparison products. These ET maps could be useful for a variety of hydrologic modeling and assessment applications that benefit from a long record, such as the study of periods of water scarcity through time.
Thank You to Our 2022 Peer Reviewers
Authors: Trumbore Susan , Barros Ana , Becker Thorsten , Cardenas M. Bayani , Davidson Eric , Gruber Nicolas , Hofmann Eileen , Hudson Mary , Illangasekare Tissa , Kang Sarah , Montanari Alberto , Moreno Marcos , Nimmo Francis , Paxton Larry , Salters Vincent J. M. , Schimel David , Stevens Bjorn , Su Hang , Wuebbles Donald , Zeitler Peter , Zhang Binzheng
Published: June 2023

The editorial board of AGU Advances thanks the individuals who reviewed for the journal in 2022.
The Intra‐Seasonal Oscillation of Precipitation δ18O Over the Asian Equatorial and Monsoon Regions
Authors: Wang Xuejie , Tian Lide , Yan Hongming , Mao Jiangyu , Cai Zhongyin , Wang Di , Cheng Yiliang , Liu Feng
Published: June 2023

Water isotopes‐climate correlations are used to reconstruct paleoclimate from various natural archives. Intra‐seasonal oscillation is one of the major atmospheric patterns that modulate the ratio of precipitation isotope in low latitudes, yet their spatial and temporal distribution patterns are unclear. Here we presented a detailed analysis of how the intra‐seasonal oscillations (MJO, Madden‐Julian Oscillation, and BSISO, Boreal Summer Intra‐seasonal Oscillation) modulate precipitation δ18O and vapor δ18O over the Asian monsoon region and the equatorial region. This analysis found consistent intra‐seasonal variations between the ISO and rain δ18O. We interpret it as the ISO regulating the active and inactive convective systems on the regional scale, leading to the intra‐seasonal oscillations in precipitation δ18O, with amplitudes from 4‰ up to 15‰. The MJO (BSISO) leads to eastward (northeastward) propagation of δ18O intra‐seasonal oscillations in the Asian equatorial (monsoon) region, coinciding with the spatial patterns of OLR oscillations, reflecting the response of precipitation/vapor δ18O to the oscillation of large‐scale convective activity or accumulated depletion of regional precipitation. We proved that the amplitudes of intra‐seasonal variation of precipitation δ18O are comparable to seasonal variations, and both of them are the main patterns for precipitation δ18O in study regions. Our results are conducive to the accurate interpretation of δ18O in climate proxies such as precipitation, ice cores, tree cellulose, cave stalagmites, et al. on the intra‐seasonal scale in this region.
Comment on “Potential Evaporation and the Complementary Relationship” by Tu et al. (2023)
Authors: Szilagyi Jozsef
Published: June 2023

Thanks to the authors' detailed discussion of the complementary relationship of evaporation and the processes involved, one is compelled to get a clearer picture of how to correctly interpret it.
Integrative scATAC-seq and scRNA-seq analyses map thymic iNKT cell development and identify Cbfβ for its commitment
Authors: Wang Jie , Adrianto Indra , Subedi Kalpana , Liu Tingting , Wu Xiaojun , Yi Qijun , Loveless Ian , Yin Congcong , Datta Indrani , Sant’Angelo Derek B. , Kronenberg Mitchell , Zhou Li , Mi Qing-Sheng
Published: June 2023

Unlike conventional αβT cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells complete their terminal differentiation to functional iNKT1/2/17 cells in the thymus. However, underlying molecular programs that guide iNKT subset differentiation remain unclear. Here, we profiled the transcriptomes of over 17,000 iNKT cells and the chromatin accessibility states of over 39,000 iNKT cells across four thymic iNKT developmental stages using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) to define their developmental trajectories. Our study discovered novel features for iNKT precursors and different iNKT subsets and indicated that iNKT2 and iNKT17 lineage commitment may occur as early as stage 0 (ST0) by two distinct programs, while iNKT1 commitments may occur post ST0. Both iNKT1 and iNKT2 cells exhibit extensive phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, while iNKT17 cells are relatively homogenous. Furthermore, we identified that a novel transcription factor, Cbfβ, was highly expressed in iNKT progenitor commitment checkpoint, which showed a similar expression trajectory with other known transcription factors for iNKT cells development, Zbtb16 and Egr2, and could direct iNKT cells fate and drive their effector phenotype differentiation. Conditional deletion of Cbfβ blocked early iNKT cell development and led to severe impairment of iNKT1/2/17 cell differentiation. Overall, our findings uncovered distinct iNKT developmental programs as well as their cellular heterogeneity, and identified a novel transcription factor Cbfβ as a key regulator for early iNKT cell commitment.
PACS plus criteria: a retrospective cohort review of 612 consecutive patients treated with bilateral YAG peripheral iridotomies
Authors: Young Su Ling , Cheng Kelvin K. W. , O’ Connell Niamh , Sanders Roshini , Agarwal Pankaj K.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

With an ageing population and better life expectancy, the prevalence of angle closure disease is expected to increase by 20% per decade. In 2022, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) issued a guideline on managing angle closure disease. Hospital eye service (HES) referral and prophylactic treatment are recommended only for primary angle closure suspect (PACS) with “Plus” features only. We aimed to examine patients previously treated with YAG peripheral iridotomies (YAG PI) for the presence of “PACS Plus” features.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients treated with YAG PI between 2015 and 2019 at a tertiary referral NHS eye centre was reviewed. Cases were examined to identify and classify patients into Primary Angle Closure (PAC), PACS, and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG). Patients with PACS were studied for “Plus” features.

Results

Six hundred twelve patients with gonioscopy-confirmed angle closure (defined as a minimum 180 degrees iridotrabecular contact) treated with YAG PI from years 2015 to 2019 were included in the analysis. The mean age of patients presenting with angle closure disease was 68.5 years (SD 11.3). There were 390 (63.7%) patients with PACS, 102 (16.6%) with PAC and 120 (19.7%) with PACG. Of the PACS patients, 159(40.8%) patients had no “Plus” features. 181 (40.2%) patients had 1 “Plus” feature, 37 (9.5%) had 2 “Plus” features and 13 (3.3%) patients had 3 “Plus” features.

Conclusion

In our cohort, a considerable proportion (40.8%) of PACS patients treated with YAG PI did not have Plus features and therefore that would not meet the proposed criteria for HES referral and YAG PI. With the proposed guidance, we expect a considerable reduction in HES referrals. Nonetheless, community optometry services should be supported and trained to provide monitoring for patients with PACS not referred to the HES.
Pangolin-inspired untethered magnetic robot for on-demand biomedical heating applications
Authors: Soon Ren Hao , Yin Zhen , Dogan Metin Alp , Dogan Nihal Olcay , Tiryaki Mehmet Efe , Karacakol Alp Can , Aydin Asli , Esmaeili-Dokht Pouria , Sitti Metin
Published: June 2023

Untethered magnetic miniature soft robots capable of accessing hard-to-reach regions can enable safe, disruptive, and minimally invasive medical procedures. However, the soft body limits the integration of non-magnetic external stimuli sources on the robot, thereby restricting the functionalities of such robots. One such functionality is localised heat generation, which requires solid metallic materials for increased efficiency. Yet, using these materials compromises the compliance and safety of using soft robots. To overcome these competing requirements, we propose a pangolin-inspired bi-layered soft robot design. We show that the reported design achieves heating > 70 °C at large distances > 5 cm within a short period of time <30 s, allowing users to realise on-demand localised heating in tandem with shape-morphing capabilities. We demonstrate advanced robotic functionalities, such as selective cargo release, in situ demagnetisation, hyperthermia and mitigation of bleeding, on tissue phantoms and ex vivo tissues.
The contribution of inflammatory astrocytes to BBB impairments in a brain-chip model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: de Rus Jacquet A. , Alpaugh M. , Denis H. L. , Tancredi J. L. , Boutin M. , Decaestecker J. , Beauparlant C. , Herrmann L. , Saint-Pierre M. , Parent M. , Droit A. , Breton S. , Cicchetti F.
Published: June 2023

Astrocyte dysfunction has previously been linked to multiple neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Among their many roles, astrocytes are mediators of the brain immune response, and astrocyte reactivity is a pathological feature of PD. They are also involved in the formation and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but barrier integrity is compromised in people with PD. This study focuses on an unexplored area of PD pathogenesis by characterizing the interplay between astrocytes, inflammation and BBB integrity, and by combining patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells with microfluidic technologies to generate a 3D human BBB chip. Here we report that astrocytes derived from female donors harboring the PD-related LRRK2 G2019S mutation are pro-inflammatory and fail to support the formation of a functional capillary in vitro. We show that inhibition of MEK1/2 signaling attenuates the inflammatory profile of mutant astrocytes and rescues BBB formation, providing insights into mechanisms regulating barrier integrity in PD. Lastly, we confirm that vascular changes are also observed in the human postmortem substantia nigra of both males and females with PD.
Structural basis of α1A-adrenergic receptor activation and recognition by an extracellular nanobody
Authors: Toyoda Yosuke , Zhu Angqi , Kong Fang , Shan Sisi , Zhao Jiawei , Wang Nan , Sun Xiaoou , Zhang Linqi , Yan Chuangye , Kobilka Brian K. , Liu Xiangyu
Published: June 2023

The α1A-adrenergic receptor (α1AAR) belongs to the family of G protein-coupled receptors that respond to adrenaline and noradrenaline. α1AAR is involved in smooth muscle contraction and cognitive function. Here, we present three cryo-electron microscopy structures of human α1AAR bound to the endogenous agonist noradrenaline, its selective agonist oxymetazoline, and the antagonist tamsulosin, with resolutions range from 2.9 Å to 3.5 Å. Our active and inactive α1AAR structures reveal the activation mechanism and distinct ligand binding modes for noradrenaline compared with other adrenergic receptor subtypes. In addition, we identified a nanobody that preferentially binds to the extracellular vestibule of α1AAR when bound to the selective agonist oxymetazoline. These results should facilitate the design of more selective therapeutic drugs targeting both orthosteric and allosteric sites in this receptor family.
Green synthesis of stable hybrid biocatalyst using a hydrogen-bonded, π-π-stacking supramolecular assembly for electrochemical immunosensor
Authors: Huang Wei , Yuan Haitao , Yang Huangsheng , Ma Xiaomin , Huang Shuyao , Zhang Hongjie , Huang Siming , Chen Guosheng , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: June 2023

Rational integration of native enzymes and nanoscaffold is an efficient means to access robust biocatalyst, yet remains on-going challenges due to the trade-off between fragile enzymes and harsh assembling conditions. Here, we report a supramolecular strategy enabling the in situ fusion of fragile enzymes into a robust porous crystal. A c2-symmetric pyrene tecton with four formic acid arms is utilized as the building block to engineer this hybrid biocatalyst. The decorated formic acid arms afford the pyrene tectons high dispersibility in minute amount of organic solvent, and permit the hydrogen-bonded linkage of discrete pyrene tectons to an extended supramolecular network around an enzyme in almost organic solvent-free aqueous solution. This hybrid biocatalyst is covered by long-range ordered pore channels, which can serve as the gating to sieve the catalytic substrate and thus enhance the biocatalytic selectivity. Given the structural integration, a supramolecular biocatalyst-based electrochemical immunosensor is developed, enabling the pg/mL detection of cancer biomarker.
Bayesian-optimization-assisted discovery of stereoselective aluminum complexes for ring-opening polymerization of racemic lactide
Authors: Wang Xiaoqian , Huang Yang , Xie Xiaoyu , Liu Yan , Huo Ziyu , Lin Maverick , Xin Hongliang , Tong Rong
Published: June 2023

Stereoselective ring-opening polymerization catalysts are used to produce degradable stereoregular poly(lactic acids) with thermal and mechanical properties that are superior to those of atactic polymers. However, the process of discovering highly stereoselective catalysts is still largely empirical. We aim to develop an integrated computational and experimental framework for efficient, predictive catalyst selection and optimization. As a proof of principle, we have developed a Bayesian optimization workflow on a subset of literature results for stereoselective lactide ring-opening polymerization, and using the algorithm, we identify multiple new Al complexes that catalyze either isoselective or heteroselective polymerization. In addition, feature attribution analysis uncovers mechanistically meaningful ligand descriptors, such as percent buried volume (%Vbur) and the highest occupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO), that can access quantitative and predictive models for catalyst development.
USP25 regulates KEAP1-NRF2 anti-oxidation axis and its inactivation protects acetaminophen-induced liver injury in male mice
Authors: Cai Changzhou , Ma Huailu , Peng Jin , Shen Xiang , Zhen Xinghua , Yu Chaohui , Zhang Pumin , Ji Feng , Wang Jiewei
Published: June 2023

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor responsible for mounting an anti-oxidation gene expression program to counter oxidative stress. Under unstressed conditions, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), an adaptor protein for CUL3 E3 ubiquitin ligase, mediates NRF2 ubiquitination and degradation. We show here that the deubiquitinase USP25 directly binds to KEAP1 and prevents KEAP1’s own ubiquitination and degradation. In the absence of Usp25 or if the DUB is inhibited, KEAP1 is downregulated and NRF2 is stabilized, allowing the cells to respond to oxidative stress more readily. In acetaminophen (APAP) overdose-induced oxidative liver damage in male mice, the inactivation of Usp25, either genetically or pharmacologically, greatly attenuates liver injury and reduces the mortality rates resulted from lethal doses of APAP.
Epistatic interactions between the high pathogenicity island and other iron uptake systems shape Escherichia coli extra-intestinal virulence
Authors: Royer Guilhem , Clermont Olivier , Marin Julie , Condamine Bénédicte , Dion Sara , Blanquart François , Galardini Marco , Denamur Erick
Published: June 2023

The intrinsic virulence of extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli is associated with numerous chromosomal and/or plasmid-borne genes, encoding diverse functions such as adhesins, toxins, and iron capture systems. However, the respective contribution to virulence of those genes seems to depend on the genetic background and is poorly understood. Here, we analyze genomes of 232 strains of sequence type complex STc58 and show that virulence (quantified in a mouse model of sepsis) emerged in a sub-group of STc58 due to the presence of the siderophore-encoding high-pathogenicity island (HPI). When extending our genome-wide association study to 370 Escherichia strains, we show that full virulence is associated with the presence of the aer or sit operons, in addition to the HPI. The prevalence of these operons, their co-occurrence and their genomic location depend on strain phylogeny. Thus, selection of lineage-dependent specific associations of virulence-associated genes argues for strong epistatic interactions shaping the emergence of virulence in E. coli.
The vacuolar iron transporter mediates iron detoxification in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Aghabi Dana , Sloan Megan , Gill Grace , Hartmann Elena , Antipova Olga , Dou Zhicheng , Guerra Alfredo J. , Carruthers Vern B. , Harding Clare R.
Published: June 2023

Iron is essential to cells as a cofactor in enzymes of respiration and replication, however without correct storage, iron leads to the formation of dangerous oxygen radicals. In yeast and plants, iron is transported into a membrane-bound vacuole by the vacuolar iron transporter (VIT). This transporter is conserved in the apicomplexan family of obligate intracellular parasites, including in Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we assess the role of VIT and iron storage in T. gondii. By deleting VIT, we find a slight growth defect in vitro, and iron hypersensitivity, confirming its essential role in parasite iron detoxification, which can be rescued by scavenging of oxygen radicals. We show VIT expression is regulated by iron at transcript and protein levels, and by altering VIT localization. In the absence of VIT, T. gondii responds by altering expression of iron metabolism genes and by increasing antioxidant protein catalase activity. We also show that iron detoxification has an important role both in parasite survival within macrophages and in virulence in a mouse model. Together, by demonstrating a critical role for VIT during iron detoxification in T. gondii, we reveal the importance of iron storage in the parasite and provide the first insight into the machinery involved.
EEG repetition and change detection responses in infancy predict adaptive functioning in preschool age: a longitudinal study
Authors: Deguire Florence , López-Arango Gabriela , Knoth Inga Sophia , Côté Valérie , Agbogba Kristian , Lippé Sarah
Published: June 2023

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are mostly diagnosed around the age of 4–5 years, which is too late considering that the brain is most susceptive to interventions during the first two years of life. Currently, diagnosis of NDDs is based on observed behaviors and symptoms, but identification of objective biomarkers would allow for earlier screening. In this longitudinal study, we investigated the relationship between repetition and change detection responses measured using an EEG oddball task during the first year of life and at two years of age, and cognitive abilities and adaptive functioning during preschool years (4 years old). Identification of early biomarkers is challenging given that there is a lot of variability in developmental courses among young infants. Therefore, the second aim of this study is to assess whether brain growth is a factor of interindividual variability that influences repetition and change detection responses. To obtain variability in brain growth beyond the normative range, infants with macrocephaly were included in our sample. Thus, 43 normocephalic children and 20 macrocephalic children were tested. Cognitive abilities at preschool age were assessed with the WPPSI-IV and adaptive functioning was measured with the ABAS-II. Time–frequency analyses were conducted on the EEG data. Results indicated that repetition and change detection responses in the first year of life predict adaptive functioning at 4 years of age, independently of head circumference. Moreover, our findings suggested that brain growth explains variability in neural responses mostly in the first years of life, so that macrocephalic children did not display repetition suppression responses, while normocephalic children did. This longitudinal study demonstrates that the first year of life is an important period for the early screening of children at risk of developing NDDs.