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This study investigated the potential of native rhizobacteria from the Lut Desert, one of the hottest and most arid regions on Earth, to enhance drought tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.). Bacterial isolates were screened for abiotic stress tolerance and plant growth-promoting traits. The selected strain, THU2, which demonstrated minimal growth inhibition under drought, heat, and salinity stress, was used in comprehensive greenhouse and field experiments under both optimal and water-deficit conditions. Results revealed that THU2 inoculation significantly improved maize growth and physiological performance, increasing shoot fresh weight by approximately 40-50% under optimal conditions and by over 100% under water-deficit conditions compared to mock. Key mechanisms identified included: (1) root and xylem modifications that improved water uptake and transport; (2) stomatal regulation leading to enhanced water-use efficiency and photosynthetic rate; and (3) biochemical protection through elevated proline content (up to 53% increase) and reduced oxidative damage (up to 35% reduction in MDA). Field trials confirmed the greenhouse findings, with THU2-inoculated plants showing superior growth, higher photosynthetic efficiency, and increased yield under drought stress. This research demonstrates that the extreme-adapted bacterium THU2 is a highly effective bio-inoculant, offering a sustainable strategy to improve crop resilience in water-limited environments.
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To evaluate the use of the Model Predictive Filtering (MPF) method to improve temporal resolution of magnetic resonance temperature imaging (MRTI) for monitoring laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) ablations. Using a Green's function method for solving differential equations, a treatment-specific power matrix Q was derived from a LITT heating and used in the Pennes bioheat equation (PBHE) to model a subsequent higher power heating and supplement subsampled k-space data. This MPF method was evaluated using both 3D segmented EPI data and a tissue mimicking phantom and clinical LITT treatment data after retrospective subsampling. Reconstruction accuracy was assessed via thermal dose and analysis of the hottest voxel and region-of-voxels over time. In the phantom data, temporal resolution equivalent to a 12-slice acquisition was produced with larger fields-of-view (24 and 36 slices, R = 2 and 3) with good hottest voxel-over-time accuracy and 240 CEM43 volume agreement (Dice similarity coefficient, DSC ≥ 0.7). In the in vivo data, MPF reconstruction showed excellent 240 CEM43 volume agreement for both orthogonal slices (DSC > 0.9 for R = 2 and 3). The sagittal and coronal slices showed excellent hottest voxel accuracy for subsampling of R ≤ 3, with an RMSE ≤ 1°C. Hottest voxel RMSE remained within 1°C-3°C up to a subsampling factor of 5. The MPF algorithm allowed for large field-of-view (FOV) volumetric temperature imaging without decreasing temporal resolution in phantom heatings. Bi-planar clinical treatment data reconstruction showed good accuracy for the application of MPF to in vivo data.
Urban tree canopy is known to mitigate ambient heat and improve physical and mental health but the longitudinal interactions and impacts of tree canopy, temperature, and mortality are not well understood. Using high resolution tree canopy estimates, temperature, mortality, and demographic data from 2011 to 2021, we implemented negative binomial generalized estimating equations to model all-cause and disease-specific mortality based on tree canopy cover, year-to-year changes in tree canopy cover, and maximum temperature, adjusting for area-level demographics in Chicago, IL. We used K-means clustering to identify patterns of canopy, temperature, and mortality disparities across Chicago community areas. There were 220,711 decedents during the study period (115,974 male, 104,734 female; mean age at death: 69.4 ± 19.9 years). Existing canopy coverage was not statistically significantly associated with mortality (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.995, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.984-1.007). However, each year-to-year percent increase in canopy was associated with around a 10% reduction in mortality (IRR = 0.902, [0.871-0.935]) with significant associations for cause-specific cardiovascular (IRR = 0.908, [0.869-0.948]), mental health (IRR = 0.836, [0.784-0.892]), musculoskeletal (IRR = 0.907, [0.832-0.989]), and respiratory (IRR = 0.887, [0.833-0.945]) diseases. Cluster analysis identified that neighborhoods on Chicago's South and West sides were characterized by high temperatures, greater absolute canopy loss despite elevated baseline canopy levels, and increased mortality. Among the hottest neighborhoods, canopy-temperature interaction models demonstrated that areas experiencing larger year-to-year canopy losses had higher yearly mortality. Protecting tree canopy cover from losses over time, particularly in vulnerable areas with higher temperatures, may present a key opportunity to reduce mortality and mitigate impacts of climate change. Trees in cities do more than provide shade, they can also protect health. Many studies have looked at how one measurement of tree canopy cover relates to health. But few have examined how year‐to‐year changes in tree canopy affect mortality over time. We studied Chicago from 2011 to 2021 to see how tree canopy cover, summer heat, and deaths were connected. Using data on temperature, tree canopy cover, demographics, and mortality, we found that neighborhoods with increasing year‐to‐year tree canopy had lower associated death rates. We also found that these increases in tree canopy cover were associated with less risk of dying from heart, lung, mental health, and musculoskeletal diseases. In addition, we found that within the hottest neighborhoods, which clustered on Chicago's South and West sides, mortality increased more as year‐to‐year tree canopy losses increased. Therefore, planting and maintaining trees, particularly in hotter neighborhoods, could lower mortality and make communities more resilient to rising temperatures.
Climate change has intensified public health challenges in coastal Bangladesh, particularly increasing the prevalence of diarrheal diseases. This study assesses the vulnerability to diarrheal diseases in four coastal districts-Satkhira, Jhalakathi, Barguna, and Gopalganj-by examining the relationship between climate variability and disease occurrences. A mixed-methods approach was used, integrating hospital admission records (n = 46,741 diarrheal cases identified from 361,265 patients) from five government health facilities between January 2017 and December 2022 with meteorological data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted in all four districts. A total of 28 KIIs and 9 FGDs were conducted across the selected upazilas to collect field-level information. Findings indicate a significant positive correlation between maximum temperature and diarrheal incidence (r = 0.228, p = 0.0012). Diarrhea cases were more prevalent at maximum temperatures of 30-35 °C. In contrast, rainfall showed no statistically significant association with diarrheal trends (r = 0.094, p = 0.235), although descriptively fewer cases were observed at rainfall levels above 60 mm. Seasonal analysis revealed peak diarrheal cases between March and May, coinciding with the hottest months of the year. Age-specific analysis showed that children aged 0-3 years accounted for 37.6% of total cases, and females represented 52.7% of reported cases (χ2 test, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings from KIIs and FGDs highlighted salinity intrusion, flooding, waterlogging, inadequate sanitation, and limited healthcare resources as key drivers of vulnerability in the study districts. Vulnerable groups, including children under five and women, are disproportionately affected due to exposure to contaminated water and healthcare access constraints. To mitigate climate-induced diarrheal diseases, the study recommends improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure, enhanced healthcare services, and community-based awareness programs. Integrating climate resilience into public health policies is essential to reducing disease vulnerability in coastal regions.Findings indicate a significant positive correlation between maximum temperature and diarrheal incidence (r = 0.228, p = 0.0012). Diarrhea cases were more prevalent at maximum temperatures of 30-35 °C. In contrast, rainfall showed no statistically significant association with diarrheal trends (r = 0.094, p = 0.235), although descriptively fewer cases were observed at rainfall levels above 60 mm. Seasonal analysis revealed peak diarrheal cases between March and May, coinciding with the hottest months of the year. Age-specific analysis showed that children aged 0-3 years accounted for 37.6% of total cases, and females represented 52.7% of reported cases (χ2 test, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings from KIIs and FGDs highlighted salinity intrusion, flooding, waterlogging, inadequate sanitation, and limited healthcare resources as key drivers of vulnerability in the study districts. Vulnerable groups, including children under five and women, are disproportionately affected due to exposure to contaminated water and healthcare access constraints. To mitigate climate-induced diarrheal diseases, the study recommends improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure, enhanced healthcare services, and community-based awareness programs. Integrating climate resilience into public health policies is essential to reducing disease vulnerability in coastal regions.
The 2022 NYC Marathon was the hottest on record. At several hospitals near the race's finish, a larger volume of heat stress-related kidney injury was observed. We sought to examine the incidence of post-marathon rhabdomyolysis observed with respect to race day temperature and humidity. All charts of patients who had a creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level >5,000 U/L on the date of the marathon and subsequent 4 days for the years 2017-2023 at four NYC hospitals were reviewed. Patients were included for analysis if marathon participation was indicated in the chart and no other causes of rhabdomyolysis were evident. Race day heat was measured as heat index to capture the effects of both temperature and humidity. In 2022, there were 24 runners with post-marathon rhabdomyolysis, compared to 15 total patients for the other 5 marathons combined. Cases of post-marathon rhabdomyolysis strongly correlated to race day heat index. In addition to record heat, the 2022 NYC Marathon had the largest change in heat as compared to the previous 14-day average. The 2022 cohort skewed male (20 male: 4 female), was on average 32.2 years of age, and presented within 2 days of the marathon. The average peak CPK was 21,426 IU/L (range 5,177 to 88,430 IU/L). All patients received intravenous fluids. Only 1 patient had a further rise in creatinine, reaching a peak of 8.69 mg/dL (from 5.81 on arrival) before starting hemodialysis. The 2022 NYC Marathon was the hottest on record, and was found to have the highest incidence of post-marathon rhabdomyolysis. Cases of rhabdomyolysis correlated with the race day heat index. Additionally, 2022 had the largest change in race day temperature, which may present an additional risk.
BACKGROUND: Striatal specific binding ratios (SBR) are widely used to support the interpretation of dopamine transporter SPECT scans. Automatic SBR computation often involves using affine transformations to map the individual SPECT images to an anatomical reference space for ROI analysis using predefined standard masks. This does not account for differences in volumetric scaling between brain structures since, by definition, affine transformations preserve volume ratios. However, striatal volume has been reported to scale proportional to (intracranial volume)0.4, indicating particularly pronounced “negative” allometric scaling. This study aimed to investigate the impact of disregarding allometric scaling on putamen SBR, and to propose an easy-to-implement method to avoid this issue. 656 [123I]FP-CIT SPECT (67.2 ± 11.4y, 44.2% females, 52.1/47.9% with reduced/normal striatal signal according to visual interpretation by an expert reader) were spatially normalized by affine transformation to the anatomical reference space of the Montreal Neurological Institute. Unilateral putamen SBR were estimated using hottest voxels analysis in large putamen masks predefined in the reference space. For conventional hottest voxels analysis, the number of hottest voxels was fixed at 1,250 (equivalent to 10 ml, the mean putamen volume in healthy adults). For allometry correction, the number of hottest voxels was determined separately for each subject as 1,250*DET(1−0.4), where DET is the Jacobian determinant of the affine transformation. To characterize the impact of the allometry correction on diagnostic performance, a data-driven Gaussian mixture model was employed. RESULTS: Linear regression in the visually normal SPECT revealed a positive correlation between uncorrected putamen SBR and DET (Pearson’s R = 0.509, 95%-CI 0.422–0.587). The correlation was significantly (p < 0.00005) weaker when allometry-corrected ROI analysis was used (R = 0.285, 95%-CI 0.180–0.383). The effect size of the distance between reduced and normal putamen SBR as determined by the Gaussian mixture model was significantly larger with than without allometry correction (3.979 versus 3.335, one-sided p < 0.0001). When using the visual expert reading as diagnostic reference standard, the overall accuracy of the dichotomized SBR was significantly improved by allometry correction (from 94.4% to 96.2%, one-sided p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic performance of semi-quantitative SBR analyses involving affine transformations to an anatomical reference space can be enhanced through the application of the proposed allometry correction.
The summer of 2025 has been the hottest in Spain since records began, 2022registering temperatures one tenth of a degree Celsius higher than the hottest on record to date, i.e., the summer of 2022. However, mortality attributable to heat wave temperatures in 2025 was 908 deaths fewer than in 2022. Of the many factors that may have influenced the reduction in attributable mortality in 2025 with respect to 2022, this study sought to analyse the possible impact of an improvement made to heat-wave prevention plans in the form of enhancing the geographical resolution of health alerts. Using the annual heat wave intensity registered and the annual mortality attributable to these heat waves, a linear adjustment between these two variables was performed for all Spanish provinces in the above two periods. The results indicated that whereas the increase in annual mortality for every one-degree rise in annual heat wave intensity (mean slope of the lines of fit for Spain as a whole) from 2015 to 2023 was 1.74 deaths/⁰C, in the period 2024-2025 it was 1.66 deaths/⁰C. This result translates as follows: if annual attributable mortality in Spain were calculated for 2025 using the values of the slopes for the first period, this would yield a total of 4,082 attributable deaths, but if this same attributable mortality were calculated using the values of the slope corresponding to the 2024-2025 period, this would yield a total of 3,894 deaths. In conclusion, although this analysis has not taken into account many factors that could relate heat wave intensity to temperature-attributable mortality, the activation of heat wave thresholds in prevention plans at a smaller geographical scale could lead to a reduction in attributable mortality.
The urban heat island effect poses considerable risks for public health, especially during prolonged heat events. Urban green spaces can help reduce temperatures through evapotranspiration and shading, yet their cooling performance under extreme meteorological conditions remains poorly understood. This study examines the cooling efficiency of urban green spaces in a compact Belgian city using a three-year (2022-2024), quality-controlled dataset from 125 consumer grade citizen science weather stations. We quantified daily day- and night-time cooling efficiency as the slope between green space cover (trees versus grasses and shrubs) and mean temperatures and related these efficiencies to weather variables describing heat intensity, heat excess, humidity, radiation, and soil moisture. Models were run for the full growing season and for the 25% hottest days. As expected, tree cooling was strongest during the day, while grasses and shrubs cooled most at night. However, daytime tree cooling declined under humid atmospheric conditions and limited soil moisture, and in combination with high solar radiation and low heat intensity. Night-time cooling by grasses and shrubs weakened under humid atmospheric and cloudy conditions, and with higher heat intensity. Across the hottest days, high soil moisture was essential to sustain cooling. These novel insights show that green space cooling efficiency is highly context-dependent and highlight the need for soil-water management to maintain cooling benefits under increasing climate extremes.
Thermococcales, sulfur-reducing archaea inhabiting the hottest parts of hydrothermal vents, have evolved to thrive in environments rich in iron and sulfide species. In this study, using experimental analogues of sulfur-rich hydrothermal chimneys, we confirm previous suggestions that the precipitation of iron sulfide minerals promoted by Thermococcales contributes to a population-wide adaptation to reactive species induced by the presence of high levels of iron. In parallel with mineral phases identification, cellular metabolic activity was monitored during mineralization, revealing a mechanism in which a subpopulation of cells does not survive mineralization and becomes encrusted in pyrite, while the remaining living cells exhibit a gene expression profile focused on DNA repair and metal excess associated detoxification. Compared to abiotic conditions, Thermococcales induce a faster precipitation of dissolved iron, immobilising excess metal. Our results clarify the role of mineralizing cells in this survival mechanism, suggesting that this biomineralization process allows resilience to extreme chemical stress. Upon drastic levels of toxic dissolved iron, thanks to a population of mineralizing cells, the surviving Thermococcales are thus more likely to endure those still harsh environments. This complex mechanism is likely a key factor in the adaptation of microorganisms to the hottest environments of hydrothermal vents.
To determine the accuracy of radioisotope, blue dye and implanted fiducial marker for identification of the histopathologically positive percutaneous/previously biopsied lymph node (PBLN) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Detection of the PBLN is critical for monitoring disease response and guiding subsequent treatment decisions. However, conventional sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) techniques have shown unacceptable false negative rates. Recommendations for improvement suggest using dual tracers, removing more lymph nodes and implantable markers in the PBLN. This study evaluated the accuracy of PBLN identification using each of the 3 most common localization techniques: blue dye (lymphazurin), radioisotope (Technetium-99m sulfur colloid), and implanted fiducial marker (SAVI SCOUT). Patients with PBLN marked with a SAVI SCOUT, with or without a metallic clip, and who received NAC were identified from our breast cancer surgery database. The accuracy of the 3 localizing techniques was evaluated. Secondary outcomes included total number of lymph nodes retrieved and number of sampling events per patient for each technique. We identified 65 patients who underwent percutaneous lymph node biopsy prior to NAC. The clip marking the PBLN was identified in 64 patients (98%). The PBLN was identified by the SAVI SCOUT in 61 (95%) of 64 patients, radioisotope in 44 (71%) of 62 patients and blue dye in 28 (64%) of 44 patients. A SAVI SCOUT was placed at the time of biopsy instead of a clip in 13 patients and identification of the PBLN was 100% for those patients. The mean number of lymph nodes removed with the SAVI SCOUT was 2.7, with radioisotope was 4.3 and with blue dye was 3.6 (P = .004). The mean number of SLN sampling events with the SAVI SCOUT was 1, with radioisotope was 2.0 (range: 0-6) and with blue dye was 1.8 (range: 0-5) (P < .005). When radioisotope was used, the clip was found in the hottest lymph node 40% of the time, in the second and third hottest lymph node 5% and 11% of the time, respectively. The clipped node was not hot in 29% of cases. This study demonstrates that the most accurate method for identifying the PBLN is with placement of a fiducial marker. Furthermore, the addition of radioisotope and blue dye may result in an excessive number of lymph nodes removed and more retrieval events during SLNB following NAC. Placement of the SAVI SCOUT marker at the time of percutaneous lymph node biopsy may subsequently obviate the need for additional mapping techniques of blue dye and radioisotope during sentinel lymph node surgery.
Capsaicin is the primary active compound responsible for the pungency of hot chilies (Capsicum spp.), functioning both as a deterrent to predators and as the trigger for the burning sensation produced by the activation of sensory neurons. It is also widely used in food and is associated with multiple health benefits for humans. This research focuses on quantifying and comparing capsaicin levels in various chili peppers to address the limited quantitative understanding of their pungency. The main objective was to determine capsaicin content across seven chili pepper cultivars (Habanero, Thai chili, Serrano, Jalapeño, Shishito, Poblano, and Anaheim) to better understand variations in spiciness. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the peppers were ranked from hottest to mildest based on capsaicin content. Results showed that Habanero had the highest capsaicin content (4,777 ± 588 mg/kg dry weight), while Anaheim had the lowest (0.9 ± 0.04 mg/kg dry weight). The overall ranking from hottest to mildest was: Habanero > Thai chili > Serrano > Jalapeño > Shishito > Poblano > Anaheim. Capsaicin levels in Habanero were considerably higher than in other varieties-158% higher than Thai chili, 357% higher than Serrano, and approximately 29,000% higher than Jalapeño. For quantitative determination of capsaicin, we used reversed-phase HPLC with UV-Vis detection. Notably, dry-pepper extractions yielded 542%-1,110% more capsaicin than wet-pepper extractions. This finding highlights the significant impact of drying on capsaicin extraction efficiency. Comparative analysis showed that hot chili varieties such as Thai chili, Habanero, and Serrano have very high capsaicin levels compared to Jalapeño, Shishito, Poblano, and Anaheim. HPLC-based quantification offers an objective and reproducible alternative to the Scoville Heat Units (SHU) scale for assessing the pungency of peppers. The findings of this study enhance understanding of capsaicin extraction and provide additional information into characterizing pepper spiciness, helping farmers, researchers, and the public gain deeper insights into the factors that determine pepper pungency.
While the effects of prostate radiation therapy on erectile function are well documented, data on receptive anal intercourse (RAI) remain sparse, despite its prevalence among gay and bisexual men. This study investigated associations between radiation dose to RAI functional anatomy and problematic RAI to identify preliminary, clinically meaningful dosimetric parameters. Fourteen prostate cancer survivors who engaged in RAI and completed Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System questionnaires were retrospectively evaluated. RAI functional anatomy (anal canal, levator ani, erectile tissues, neurovascular bundles, and internal pudendal arteries [IPAs]) was delineated, and dosimetric parameters were extracted. Dose-outcome relationships were assessed using Spearman's correlation (ρ) and logistic regression. Anal canal maximum dose (Dmax; minimum dose to the hottest 0.03 cm3) and minimum dose tot he hottest 2 cm3 (D2cm3) were strongly associated with orgasm ability (ρ = -0.63), while mean dose (Dmean) showed a moderate association (ρ = -0.57); all anal canal parameters were moderately associated with orgasm pleasure (ρ range, -0.50 to -0.56). Levator ani Dmean and D2cm3 were moderately associated with orgasm ability and pleasure (ρ range, -0.48 to -0.58). Erectile tissue high-dose parameters were strongly associated with orgasm ability (ρ range, -0.61 to -0.68) but not with orgasm pleasure (ρ range, -0.39 to -0.46). IPA Dmax was moderately associated with orgasm ability (ρ = -0.52) and pleasure (ρ = -0.55). Neurovascular bundle dosimetry and anal pain showed no evidence of association. Exploratory dose thresholds corresponding to a 10% probability of dysfunction, in equivalent doses in 2 Gy fractions with an α/β ratio of 3 (EQD2[3]), were identified for the anal canal (Dmax, 40; Dmean, 9; D2cm3, 4), levator ani (Dmean, 31), erectile tissues (Dmax, 20; Dmean, 5), and IPA (Dmax, 35). This study provides the first evidence on the association between radiation dose to RAI functional anatomy and problematic RAI. While exploratory, these results may help guide future studies and inform counseling.
This study evaluates the utility of quantitative imaging biomarkers derived from whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI (WB-DWMRI) and [68Ga]GaPSMA-PET/CT in predicting lesion-level response to [177Lu]LuPSMA therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Twenty-two patients with mCRPC who underwent WB-DWMRI and [68Ga]GaPSMA-PET/CT within three months before [177Lu]LuPSMA therapy were identified. The PSMA SUV (SUVmean, SUVSD, SUVpeak) and corresponding diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) parameters (ADCmean, ADCkurtosis, ADCvol) were extracted from five hottest lesions (highest SUVmean) on PSMA-PET/CT. Lesion response was assessed using modified PERCIST and MET-RADS-P criteria. Multilevel logistic regression and area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) analyses identified predictive biomarkers. 65 bone lesions and 30 lymph nodes were analysed pre- and post-therapy. Forty-four (68%) bone and 16 (53%) lymph nodes lesions responded to treatment. SUVmean and SUVpeak were almost identical (rank-correlation = 0.97) and had high predictive performance for response with AUROC of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.62-0.86) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.61-0.88) respectively. Lesion volume showed good performance (AUROC = 0.69, 95% CI 0.57-0.82) and moderately correlated with SUVmean (rank-correlation = 0.43). Neither ADCmean (AUROC = 0.45, p = 0.47) or ADCkurtosis (AUROC = 0.49, p = 0.171) were predictive. On regression modelling, a 1-unit volume increase, raised response odds by 4.3 (95% CI 0.7-27) in bone lesions, and 6.2 (95% CI 0.6-67) in lymph nodes (p = 0.06). A 1-unit SUVmean increase raised response odds by 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-2.0) in bone lesions and 1.2 (95% CI 1.0-1.4) in lymph nodes (p < 0.01). No evidence suggested combining volume with SUVmean enhanced predictive performance over SUVmean alone (p = 0.58). Baseline PSMA SUVmean, SUVpeak, and volume are promising predictive biomarkers for lesion-level response to [177Lu]LuPSMA therapy. Combining functional and structural imaging biomarkers could improve treatment stratification and response assessment. Further validation in larger studies, alongside patient-level analysis, and expansion beyond the five lesions is needed to refine predictive models for clinical application.
With 2024 as the hottest year on record and 2025 also a scorcher, the effects of extreme heat are felt by all of us but particularly those at higher risk, including pregnant women. Evidence on the consequences of extreme heat on maternal health and birth outcomes and the disproportionate burden of heat on communities of color and low-resourced communities is building. In this column, I review the research on the health effects of extreme heat; the need for systems-level mitigation strategies and the implications for research, policy, and practice. I conclude with information from professional organizations and the need for specific and actionable recommendations that address extreme heat. Note from theJOGNNEditors. The first column authored by Dr. Hawkins, "Cannabis Use During Pregnancy," appeared in the November 2022 issue of JOGNN. The current column is her last, and we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge her significant contributions. Her columns represent timely and relevant contributions to JOGNN and to the nursing literature. We thank her for this work and wish her the best in her future endeavors.
Prey activity patterns are believed to be influenced by, among others, daily and seasonal weather conditions and predation risk. Similarly, predator activities may also be influenced by the same daily and seasonal weather conditions and behavior of prey. Yet there is little research on activity patterns and temporal overlap of predators and prey in tropical regions with strong seasonality and high predator density. To (1) assess the temporal overlap in activity patterns between an apex predator and its main prey in an area of high predator density, and (2) examine the effects of seasonality and prey body size on this overlap, we analyzed data from a 5-year camera trap survey. We estimated daily activity patterns and assessed temporal overlap between the Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), an apex predator, and their primary prey: chital (Axis axis), sambar (Rusa unicolor), muntjac (Muntiacus muntjac), and hog deer (Axis porcinus) in Bardia National Park (BNP), a protected area in Nepal with a high density of tigers. We collected camera trap data from May 2019 to April 2024 using 50 camera traps deployed vertically in a 1.4 km × 1.4 km grid in BNP. Our findings indicate that tigers and sambar showed cathemeral activity patterns, whereas hog deer exhibited diurnal patterns, and muntjac and chital displayed crepuscular patterns. Both tigers and deer species, except hog deer, reduced their activity during the hottest parts of the day. There was substantial overlap in activity patterns between tigers and deer, which presents challenges for deer in avoiding predation. This lack of temporal segregation is likely driven by high tiger density. The activity patterns of tigers were consistent across the seasons, whilst those of the deer species were not, suggesting that predator-prey interactions are shaped by ecological factors as well as seasonal weather conditions. These insights of tiger-prey interactions have management implications for the conservation of tigers in Nepal.
Climate-linked heatwaves and dust storms can exacerbate non-communicable disease (NCD) morbidity, yet quantitative evidence from displacement settings remains limited. We assessed short-term impacts of heat and dust events on symptom burden among Syrian refugees with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Jordan's Zaatari Camp. We conducted a prospective study of 660 adults receiving care at King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Clinics (KS-Relief) clinics in Zaatari across three periods aligned to seasonal heatwaves. Self-reported symptoms following heatwaves and dust storms were collected via structured interviews. Repeated measures were analyzed using generalized linear mixed-effects models and generalized estimating equations with prespecified covariates. Heatwaves and dust storms were associated with increased symptom burden among participants with NCDs. Symptom burden was highest in Phase 1, the hottest period of 2024 in the Mafraq region (mean daily max 37.8°C; peak 43°C; multiple heatwave events and dust storm days), with more dyspnea, fatigue, and hypertension symptoms, especially among those with asthma or hypertension. Phase 2 (moderate heat with intermittent dust; mean daily max 34.1°C; peak 37°C) had lower odds of heatwave- and dust storm-related impacts than Phase 1 (odds ratio 0.54 and 0.62, respectively) with similar symptom profiles. Phase 3 (moderate heat; fewer dust storms; mean daily max 32.6°C) showed no significant change compared to Phase 2. Across phases, women, larger households, and asthma were associated with higher odds of adverse health impacts. In a displaced, low-resource setting, heatwaves and dust storms impose measurable, recurrent symptom burdens on adults living with NCDs, with heightened vulnerability among those with asthma and in larger households, and generally higher reported impacts among women. Camp-appropriate adaptation (improved cooling, shading, dust- mitigation) and targeted patient education and surveillance may reduce climate- sensitive NCD morbidity. This study looked at how very hot weather and dust storms affect the health of Syrian refugees with long‐term illnesses (such as asthma, high blood pressure, and diabetes) living in Zaatari Camp in Jordan. We followed 660 adults receiving care at KS‐Relief clinics during three time periods that matched the hot summer months. Refugees were asked about their symptoms after heatwaves and dust storms, and the information was analyzed using statistical models. The results showed that both heatwaves and dust storms caused more health problems for people with chronic illnesses. Heatwaves, especially in mid‐summer, were linked to increased breathing difficulties, tiredness, and worsening of asthma and high blood pressure. Dust storms mostly affected people with asthma, allergies, and breathing problems. Women and people living in bigger households reported more health impacts. Overall, the findings highlight that refugees with chronic diseases are at higher risk during extreme weather events. Practical solutions such as better shading and cooling, ways to reduce dust exposure, and special health education and follow‐up are needed to protect vulnerable patients.
Vertical stratification and climatic seasonality influence the structuring of butterfly communities in tropical forests. This study assessed how vertical stratification (canopy vs. understory) and seasonal variation affect fruit-feeding butterfly (Nymphalidae) assemblages in a Brazilian tropical dry forest (TDF), and how these patterns relate to climatic variables and food resource availability. Sampling was conducted monthly over one year in the northern Espinhaço Range, within the Caatinga domain. Twenty 25 × 4 m plots were established, each with two Van Someren-Rydon traps (understory at 1 m and canopy at ≥ 6 m). Monthly measurements included temperature, humidity, light, precipitation, and zoochoric fruit availability. We recorded 2,166 individuals from 51 species, with Biblidinae and Satyrini representing over 70% of the community. Hamadryas februa was dominant in the understory, while Biblis hyperia nectanabis prevailed in the canopy. Species composition differed between vertical strata, indicating niche partitioning likely driven by microclimatic variation. Temporal patterns also influenced diversity: species richness peaked during the hottest months, and abundance peaked in the driest month, about two months after the rainy season's peak. Subfamilies and tribes showed distinct seasonal peaks, suggesting temporal niche partitioning and reduced intergroup competition. Our findings highlight that vertical and seasonal gradients shape butterfly communities in TDFs. The high diversity and spatial-temporal dynamics observed emphasize the ecological value of the Caatinga and the need to consider vertical structure and seasonality in conservation strategies for TDFs, highly threatened and understudied ecosystems in Brazil.