Potential Changes Research Articles

PH-responsive composite nanomaterial engineered from silica nanoparticles and luminescent mitochondrion-targeted Pt(II) complex as anticancer agent

The present work introduces a pH-dependent adsorption of water-soluble Pt(II) complex with diimine and alkynylphosphonium ligands ([Pt]2+) onto a surface of silica nanoparticles (SN-OH) as a strategy to develop a carrier function with an acidification-driven release of the complex. The adsorption of the complex onto a negatively charged silica surface shifts the equilibrium between dimeric and monomeric complex forms. The surface loading of [Pt]2+ is efficient at pH 7.0, and the acidification to pH 4.5 triggers the complex release. The interaction of [Pt]2+ with bovine serum albumin (BSA) influences the cell internalization and intracellular pathway of the complex, as well as the formation of the [Pt]2+-loaded SN-OH protein corona. The cytotoxicity data for the series of cancer and normal cell lines reveal the loading of [Pt]2+ into SN-OH as an efficient route for lower cytotoxicity and greater anticancer specificity of the nanoparticles compared to the complex. The flow cytometry and confocal microscopy methods reveal similarities in the cell internalization and intracellular pathway of [Pt]2+ and the [Pt]2+-loaded nanoparticles. The mitochondrial localization of [Pt]2+ and the [Pt]2+-loaded SN-OH does not cause noticeable changes in the membrane potential of mitochondria, and the cytotoxicity of [Pt]2+ in both forms is due to a non-apoptotic mechanism of cell death. Both the cytotoxicity and increased anticancer specificity of nanoparticles are associated with their carrier function, which is more pronounced in cancer cells with overdeveloped lysosomal compartments compared to normal ones.

Retinoblastoma Incidence in Taiwan Over a Recent 20-Year Period: A Comprehensive Nationwide Study.

Continuous advancements in medical diagnostic technology and the growing availability of resources suggest a potential for fluctuations in the incidence rate of retinoblastoma (Rb). This study aimed to analyze incidence data of Rb patients in Taiwan from 1999 to 2018, utilizing the nationwide Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR) database. Additionally, we investigated the treatment modalities used for these Rb patients and compared them with those observed in other countries. We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the TCR database. The study cohort comprised individuals who were newly diagnosed with Rb between 1999 and 2018. The incidence of Rb was calculated as the number of patients with Rb per million live births, both for the entire population and for different gender groups and time periods. The trends in Rb incidence from 1999 to 2018 across various age groups and sexes were presented with the linear trend test. From 1999 to 2018, a total of 248 cases of Rb were identified. The overall incidence rate over this 20-year period was 60.20 cases per million live births, corresponding to 1 case per 16,611 live births. Incidence rates for each 5-year period between 1999 and 2018 exhibited no significant differences. The study cohort was predominantly male, with 134 cases (54.03%) being males and 114 cases (45.97%) being females, resulting in an overall male-to-female sex ratio of 1.18. Females had lower relative risk than males (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.72-1.19). Primary surgical intervention was the preferred treatment modality for over 75% of the cases. This retrospective epidemiology study, using TCR from 1999 to 2018, indicated that no discernible trend of retinoblastoma incidence in Taiwan. Nevertheless, continuous monitoring of incidence rates and exploration of treatment strategies for retinoblastoma within the Taiwanese population are important to address potential changes in developing medical practices.

The hydromorphological effects of dams in an extreme desert environment - The Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Arid ecohydrology relies on sporadic rainfall and flooding to sustain linear river oases, crucial for supporting flora and fauna during the long dry season and drought years. Growing water demands have led to large reservoir constructions, severely impacting the fragile arid ecosystems. We analyse the hydro-geomorphological impacts of the large Neckartal Dam (completed in 2019) on the Fish River oasis based on existing dams, regional studies, field surveys, hydrological data, and modelling. The Neckartal Dam, along with three smaller dams, impounds 80 % of the desert oasis basin (1235 Mm3, 55,870 km2), exceeding the average annual runoff threefold. A gradient of dam-induced changes was identified, varying with distance from the dam wall. Immediate downstream, hydromorphological impacts include channel narrowing (⁓15 %) and reduce mean annual sediment yield (⁓20 %). Also, water distribution losses create chronic low flows, favour for invasive flora and fauna to spread, significantly disrupting the pristine nature of the desert ecosystem. This phenomenon has been observed over a 70 km stretch below the Hardap Dam. This situation is irreversible, as the invasive flora can withstand even large floods. As the distance increases, the dam suppresses low to moderate annual floods and prolongs droughts from months to years or even decades. Based on our flood routing model, only the largest floods (recurrence interval, RI >25 years) can exceed the dam storage, continue downstream, transport sediment and maintain the pool-bar morphology along 245 km of the oasis. The lack of significant flows between major floods means that sediment from smaller, lower arid basins accumulates in the Fish River valley, filling pools and further reducing water availability during dry periods. The Neckartal Dam's impact assessment demonstrates potential changes in arid river systems globally.

Climatology of the Elevated Mixed Layer over the Contiguous United States and Northern Mexico Using ERA5: 1979–2021

Abstract Elevated mixed layers (EMLs) influence the severe convective storm climatology in the contiguous United States (CONUS), playing an important role in the initiation, sustenance, and suppression of storms. This study creates a high-resolution climatology of the EML to analyze variability and potential changes in EML frequency and characteristics for the first time. An objective algorithm is applied to ERA5 to detect EMLs, defined in part as layers of steep lapse rates (≥8.0°C km−1) at least 200 hPa thick, in the CONUS and northern Mexico from 1979 to 2021. EMLs are most frequent over the Great Plains in spring and summer, with a standard deviation of 4–10 EML days per year highlighting sizable interannual variability. Mean convective inhibition associated with the EML’s capping inversion suggests many EMLs prohibit convection, although—like nearly all EML characteristics—there is considerable spread and notable seasonal variability. In the High Plains, statistically significant increases in EML days (4–5 more days per decade) coincide with warmer EML bases and steeper EML lapse rates, driven by warming and drying in the low levels of the western CONUS during the study period. Additionally, increases in EML base temperatures result in significantly more EML-related convective inhibition over the Great Plains, which may continue to have implications for convective storm frequency, intensity, severe perils, and precipitation if this trend persists. Significance Statement Elevated mixed layers (EMLs) play a role in the spatiotemporal frequency of severe convective storms and precipitation across the contiguous United States and northern Mexico. This research creates a detailed EML climatology from a modern reanalysis dataset to uncover patterns and potential changes in EML frequency and associated meteorological characteristics. EMLs are most common over the Great Plains in spring and summer, but show significant variability year-to-year. Robust increases in the number of days with EMLs have occurred since 1979 across the High Plains. Lapse rates associated with EMLs have trended steeper, in part due to warmer EML base temperatures. This has resulted in increasing EML convective inhibition, which has important implications for regional climate.

The Influence of a Multistage Mountain-Bike Race on Neuromuscular Activation and Synergies: A Case Study.

This case study aimed to describe potential changes in neuromuscular activation and synergies after an 8-day cross-country mountain-bike stage race. A peak power output test was performed 5days before the race. Two days before the start and after 7days of racing, the athlete performed a power-based Lamberts Submaximal Cycling Test, including surface electromyography, and completed a Daily Analysis of Life Demands of Athletes questionnaire. Neuromuscular activation, in terms of root mean square, timing (onset-offset) of muscle activation, and synergies, was obtained from electromyography recordings. The athlete reported an increase in symptoms of experienced stress after the stage race on the Daily Analysis of Life Demands of Athletes questionnaire. Both biceps femoris and tibialis anterior muscles showed a reduction in normalized amplitude after the stage race. In addition, the number of synergies that was necessary to describe neuromuscular activation increased from 2 to 3. In this case study, the increase in synergies suggests that, after the stage race, the athlete showed a more complex muscle-recruitment pattern. This may indicate that muscle coordination can change when muscle fatigue occurs; however, further research is needed to confirm these results in a larger sample.

Two‐Dimensional Heterostructure Complementary Logic Enabled by Optical Writing

Integrated logic circuits using atomically thin, two‐dimensional (2D) materials offer several potential advantages compared to established silicon technologies such as increased transistor density, circuit complexity, and lower energy dissipation leading to scaling benefits. In this article, a novel approach to achieve tunable doping in 2D semiconductors is explored to achieve complementary transistors and logic integration. By selectively transferring WSe2 onto hBN and SiO2 substrates, complementary transistor behavior (n‐ and p‐type) was achieved using a UV light source and electrostatic activation. Furthermore, advanced characterization techniques, including high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), provided insights into the chemical composition and surface potential changes after UV writing. Finally, a logic inverter was successfully implemented using selectively photo‐induced doped WSe2 transistors, showcasing the potential for practical logic applications. This innovative method opens new avenues for designing energy‐efficient and reconfigurable 2D semiconductor circuits, addressing key challenges in modern electronics.

Laboratory observation of electron energy distribution near three-dimensional magnetic nulls

The acceleration of electrons near three-dimensional (3D) magnetic nulls is crucial to the energy conversion mechanism in the 3D magnetic reconnection process. To explore electron acceleration in a 3D magnetic null topology, we constructed a pair of 3D magnetic nulls in the PKU Plasma Test (PPT) device and observed acceleration of electrons near magnetic nulls. This study measured the plasma floating potential and ion density profiles around the 3D magnetic null. The potential wells near nulls may be related to the energy variations of electrons, so we measured the electron distribution functions (EDFs) at different spatial positions. The axial variation of EDF shows that the electrons deviate from the Maxwell distribution near magnetic nulls. With scanning probes that can directionally measure and theoretically analyze based on curve fitting, the variations of EDFs are linked to the changes of plasma potential under 3D magnetic null topology. The kinetic energy of electrons accelerated by the electric field is 6 eV ( ) and the scale of the region where accelerating electrons exist is in the order of serval electron skin depths.

A 2,000‐Year Record of Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) Colonization Shows Substantial Gains in Blue Carbon Storage and Nutrient Retention

AbstractAssessing historical environmental conditions linked to habitat colonization is important for understanding long‐term resilience and improving conservation and restoration efforts. Such information is lacking for the seagrass Zostera marina, an important foundation species across cold‐temperate coastal areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Here, we reconstructed environmental conditions during the last 14,000 years from sediment cores in two eelgrass (Z. marina) meadows along the Swedish west coast, with the main aims to identify the time frame of seagrass colonization and describe subsequent biogeochemical changes following establishment. Based on vegetation proxies (lipid biomarkers), eelgrass colonization occurred about 2,000 years ago after geomorphological changes that resulted in a shallow, sheltered environment favoring seagrass growth. Seagrass establishment led to up to 20‐ and 24‐fold increases in sedimentary carbon and nitrogen accumulation rates, respectively. This demonstrates the capacity of seagrasses as efficient ecosystem engineers and their role in global change mitigation and adaptation through CO2 removal, and nutrient and sediment retention. By combining regional climate projections and landscape models, we assessed potential climate change effects on seagrass growth, productivity and distribution until 2100. These predictions showed that seagrass meadows are mostly at risk from increased sedimentation and hydrodynamic changes, while the impact from sea level rise alone might be of less importance in the studied area. This study showcases the positive feedback between seagrass colonization and environmental conditions, which holds promise for successful conservation and restoration efforts aimed at supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the provision of several other crucial ecosystem services.

Time inconsistency in sustainable partner selection for vertical collaborative network organizations

AbstractCollaborative Networked Organisations (CNOs) are increasingly recognised for their ability to harness cooperation and complementary competencies, outperforming individual efforts in pursuing business opportunities. However, the criticality of selecting the right long‐term partner for a CNO has been understated, especially considering the evolving landscape of sustainability perceptions. This research addresses the issue of time inconsistency within the context of sustainable CNO partner selection by employing the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process with the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. Time inconsistency refers to a situation where preferences or decisions change over different points in time, leading to inconsistencies in choices or actions. Specifically, the study focuses on a Swiss Manufacturing CNO, examining how the evaluation of potential partners' environmental criteria changes over time. The findings reveal the presence of time inconsistency in environmental criterion evaluation between two time periods. This inconsistency stems from the evolving perception of environmental conditions and the increasing social and governmental pressures surrounding environmental standards. As a consequence, improper partner choices in CNOs can be made, potentially undermining the collaborative's overall sustainability goals. The study sheds light on the importance of considering dynamic sustainability factors in partner selection for CNOs, emphasising the need for a more comprehensive and adaptive approach to secure fruitful and lasting collaborations.

Life cycle analysis in hazardous waste logistics in Türkiye: a case study

ABSTRACT The collection and transportation activities engaged in waste management (WM) are known to have significant environmental impacts. This study assessed the current environmental situation regarding the use of diesel fuel in hazardous waste (HW) collection and transportation using a LCA methodology. The study utilized the actual transportation data of the HW collection and transportation activities of a WM company, IZAYDAS, for the year 2021. The functional unit (FU) chosen for analysis was the “environmental impact per annual total fuel consumption.” In addition, the study aimed to understand potential changes in environmental impact if electricity were used as a fuel alternative. The findings revealed that in the current scenario with diesel fuel, the Abiotic Depletion Potential (Fossil Fuel) (ADP Fossil) effect category had a dominant effect (3.92E + 06 MJ). The total Global Warming Potential (GWP100a) effect for HW transportation was determined to be 5.28E + 05 kg CO2 eq in 2021. When electricity was considered a fuel alternative, a decrease was observed in the GWP100a and ADP impact categories. At the same time, Human Toxicity (HTP), Acidification (AP), and Eutrophication (EP) showed an increase due to fossil fuel-based energy production. Sensitivity analysis indicated that all effects are lower in countries that depend on clean energy sources for electricity production.

An attempt to cheat using GPT-4: findings, discussion and recommendations for academic staff and students

This manuscript explores the use and detection of ChatGPT artificial intelligence (AI) content, in the academic setting. The study involves faculty and student partnership at a Higher Education Provider (HEP), examining the implications of the chatbot's use in academic writing and its potential impact on educational practice.
 We employ a dialogical approach in this Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) study, mirroring the ChatGPT conversational style. A former student uses ChatGPT-4 to rewrite an essay, and the generated content is evaluated by free-to-use AI checking tools, Turnitin, and the module tutor.
 Our findings illustrate that while ChatGPT-4 could generate a passable assignment, it lacks depth, criticality, and contextualisation. Further, AI checking tools, while useful, exhibit limitations. However, the generated content could serve as a starting point for students, suggesting a possible shift in the educational paradigm with AI's integration.
 The manuscript also underscores the importance of understanding and navigating AI responsibly, calling for clear guidelines for AI use and improved methods of detecting AI generated content. While AI has emerged as an efficient tool for generating academic content, our study highlights the necessity of human-centric learning and critical thinking skills in academia, emphasising that AI should not replace personal research. We also discuss potential changes to assessment methods in response to AI advancements, recommending strategies for both academic staff and students.
 Our findings have implications for educational institutions worldwide as AI tools become increasingly accessible, raising questions about academic integrity, pedagogical strategies, and the evolving relationship between technology and education.

Determination of Five Sit-to-Stand Test Performance at Discharge of Stroke Patients.

The early identification of performance in the five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5-STS) at discharge in stroke patients could be of interest because it can determine independence for community-based activities. This study aimed to determine whether the initial measurement of the 5-STS test can be a determinant of the performance level prediction and amount of change in the 5-STS test at discharge in stroke patients. A prospective cohort study was conducted with a sample of 56 patients aged ≤60 d post-stroke. The 5-STS test results, as well as changes in patient condition, were measured at admission (T0) to an outpatient rehabilitation program, after the first month (T1), and at discharge (T2). The mean age was 62.7 (SD = 13.0), 58.9% of the subjects were male, and 75% had suffered an ischemic stroke. A multivariate linear regression model using the 5-STS test at T0 explained 57.7% of the variance in the performance at discharge. Using the 5-STS at T1 increased the variance to 75.5% (p < 0.001). Only the time from stroke onset at T0 significantly contributed to the two models. The measurement of the 5-STS at T0 and the amount of change in its performance at T2 explained 60.2% (p < 0.001) of the variance, while reassessment at T1 explained only 19.3% (p < 0.001). The level of patient performance on the 5-STS test at discharge, as well as any potential change, can be predicted by the admission measure of 5-STS in stroke patients.

Apoptotic Potential and Molecular Docking of 3,4-Dihydro-lactucin, a Compound With Anticancer Properties Derived from Microbispora rosea AL22.

Tetrazolium-based cell proliferation assays using MDA-MB-231 and HeLa cells revealed that 3,4-dihydro-lactucin (3,4-DHL), a compound isolated from Microbispora rosea AL22, possesses anticancer properties. Apoptotic cell death was observed in 3,4-DHL-treated cells. Lactucopicrin, a related compound, reportedly exerts anticancer activity against different cancer types. However, data on the anticancer mechanism of lactucins are limited. This study aimed to investigate apoptosis induction in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with 3,4-DHL. Morphological changes, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis induction in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with 3,4-DHL were investigated. Furthermore, molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis of anti-apoptotic proteins were performed to determine the effector mechanism of 3,4-DHL. 3,4-DHL induced cytotoxicity at a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 37.62 μg/ml, along with various morphological alterations in apoptotic and viable cells. Furthermore, 3,4-DHL-treated cells showed mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, intense annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining, and increased caspase 3 and 8 activities. Molecular-docking studies demonstrated that 3,4-DHL should bind to the active site of various anti-apoptotic proteins, forming stable complexes. Our findings revealed that 3,4-DHL has great potential to be used as an apoptosis-inducing agent in cancer therapy. However, further in-vivo confirmation is required in evaluation of 3,4-DHL as an anticancer agent in cancer chemotherapy.

The effects of free trade agreements on the stock market: Evidence from Vietnam.

This study examines the effects of news events related to the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) on the Vietnam stock market from 2010 to 2020. We calculate sectoral abnormal returns prior to, during, and after announcements and find that the Vietnamese stock market is susceptible to these events. We discovered that the announcement had a negative impact on the market, which might diminish the effectiveness of the Agreement. The findings show that more than half of Vietnam's sectors had an immediate reaction to EVFTA announcements, with fourteen reacting negatively and six responding positively. Two of the ten events did not have any immediate impact on these industries but all events resulted in either early or delayed reactions. We also find market scepticism and major changes in the deal led to the emergence of a diamond risk structure. We run multiple robustness tests to account for market integration and other factors that may affect stock returns. In addition, we explore potential sectoral systematic risk changes following these occurrences using different ARCH-type models. These additional tests confirm the robustness of our findings.

Untargeted metabolomic, and proteomic analysis identifies metabolic biomarkers and pathway alterations in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

IntroductionThe chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is characterized by a well-defined microdeletion and is associated with a wide range of brain-related phenotypes including schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SCZ), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety disorders and attention deficit disorders (ADHD). The typically deleted region in 22q11.2DS contains multiple genes which haploinsufficiency has the potential of altering the protein and the metabolic profiles.Objectives Alteration in metabolic processes and downstream protein pathways during the early brain development may help to explain the increased prevalence of the observed neurodevelopmental phenotypes in 22q11.2DS. However, relatively little is known about the correlation of dysregulated protein/metabolite expression and neurobehavioral impairments in individuals who developed them over time.Methods In this study, we performed untargeted metabolic and proteomic analysis in plasma samples derived from 30 subjects including 16 participants with 22q11.2DS and 14 healthy controls (TD) enrolled in a longitudinal study, aiming to identify a metabolic and protein signature informing about the underlying mechanisms involved in disease development and progression. The metabolic and proteomic profiles were also compared between the participants with 22q11.2DS with and without various comorbidities, such as medical involvement, psychiatric conditions, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to detect potential changes among multiple specimens, collected overtime, with the aim to understand the basic underlying mechanisms involved in disease development and progression.ResultsWe observed a large number of statistically significant differences in metabolites between the two groups. Among them, the levels of taurine and arachidonic acid were significantly lower in 22q11.2DS compared to the TD group. In addition, we identified 16 proteins that showed significant changes in expression levels (adjusted P < 0.05) in 22q11.2DS as compared to TD, including those involved in 70 pathways such as gene expression, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and the complement system. Within participants with 22q11.2DS, no significant changes in those with and without medical or psychiatric conditions were observed.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report on plasma metabolic and proteomic profiling and on the identification of unique biomarkers in 22q11.2DS. These findings may suggest the potential role of the identified metabolites and proteins as biomarkers for the onset of comorbid conditions in 22q11.2DS. Ultimately, the altered protein pathways in 22q11.2DS may provide insights of the biological mechanisms underlying the neurodevelopmental phenotype and may provide missing molecular outcome measures in future clinical trials to assess early-diagnosis treatment and the efficacy of response to targeted treatment.

Urban community development: Reviewing non-profit impact in the USA and Africa

Urban community development: Reviewing non-profit impact in the USA and Africa

A Parametric Integrated Design Approach for Life Cycle Zero-Carbon Buildings

Implementing net-zero carbon design is a crucial step towards decarbonizing the built environment during the entire life cycle of a building, encompassing both embodied and operational carbon. This paper presents a novel computational approach to designing life cycle zero-carbon buildings (LC-ZCBs), utilizing parametric integrated modeling through the versatile Grasshopper platform. A residential building located at the New York Institute of Technology, optimized to fulfill the LC-ZCB target, serves as a case study for this comprehensive study. Four main influencing design parameters are defined, and three hundred design combinations are evaluated through the assessment of operational carbon (OC) and embodied carbon (EC). By incorporating biobased materials in the design options (BIO) as a replacement for conventional insulation (OPT), the influence of biogenic carbon is addressed by utilizing the GWPbio dynamic method. While both OPT and BIO registered similar OC, with values ranging below 0.7 kg CO2eq/m2a, the EC is largely different, with negative values ranging between −0.64 and −0.54 kg CO2eq/m2a only for BIO alternatives, while the OPT ones achieved positive values (2.25–2.45 kg CO2eq/m2a). Finally, to account for potential climate changes, future climate data, and 2099 weather conditions are considered during the scenario assessments. The results show that OC tends to slightly decrease due to the increasing productivity of PV panels. Thus, the life cycle emissions for all OPT alternatives decrease, moving from 2.4–3.0 kg CO2eq/m2a to 2.2–2.4, but none of them achieve the LC-ZCB target, while BIO alternatives are able to achieve the target with negative values between −0.15 and −0.60 kg CO2eq/m2a. There is potential for achieving LC-ZCBs when fast-growing biobased materials are largely used as construction materials, fostering a more environmentally responsible future for the construction industry.

A microfluidic sensor for continuously measuring membrane potential changes in interactions between taste substances and lipid polymer membranes

To evaluate the taste changes experienced by humans over time, we developed a microfluidic sensor for continuously measuring membrane potential changes in interactions between taste substances and lipid polymer membranes. The performance of the proposed sensing device was evaluated by determining the dependence on concentration using tannic acid (astringency substance) solutions and measuring the selectivity using other taste quality samples. Furthermore, to demonstrate the practicality of the sensor, we measured three samples of red wine. The fabricated microfluidic sensor could measure changes in membrane potential over time and was shown to have high selectivity comparable to that of the commercialized sensor. In addition, measurements were performed on a real sample of red wine, and the membrane potential response over time was measured for several different wines. Thus, it was shown that a new sensor could be realized for objectively quantifying changes in taste perceived by humans over time.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in the Neonatal Period.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common viral respiratory infection in infants. This study aimed to establish the potential changes in the clinical course of RSV in the neonatal period with the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic. During the observational study period, newborns diagnosed with community-acquired RSV infection and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were evaluated. RSV-infected neonates before the COVID-19 pandemic were classified as Group 1, those during the strict isolation period as Group 2, and RSV-infected newborns after the removal of restrictions were classified as Group 3. A total of 208 community-acquired RSV-infected neonates were analyzed. The median age at admission to the NICU was 26 days, and the mean gestational week was 37.2 ± 2.7. The ratio of hospitalized babies with RSV infection to all hospitalized newborns rose after the pandemic significantly (1.9, 1.6, and 5.2%; p < 0.001). Following the pandemic, there was an increase in full-term, early-term, and late-preterm cases. Nevertheless, no change was observed in the number of preterm cases (p > 0.05). There was also a statistically significant increase in the need for intubation, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), supplemental oxygen, inhaled bronchodilator drugs, and length of hospital stay in Group 3 after the pandemic (p < 0.001). All these parameters related to more severe RSV infection when the precautions were removed, while there was a milder disease with restrictions during the pandemic in Group 2 (p < 0.001). However, none died due to RSV infection during the study because of timely supportive care. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the frequency and severity of RSV infection in newborns have increased, and it can result in a serious clinical picture even in full-term babies with no comorbidities. Attention to strict contact precautions, particularly in newborns, who are a more vulnerable population after the pandemic, may play an important role in any future outbreak. · The course of neonatal RSV infection has changed after the pandemic.. · A statistically significant increase was observed in the need of intubation in newborns with RSV.. · The strict precautions during the pandemic also helped to prevent the transmission of RSV..

Supercell precipitation contribution to the United States hydroclimate

AbstractThis research seeks to understand simulated supercell precipitation characteristics across the conterminous United States (CONUS) using high‐resolution, convection‐permitting, dynamically downscaled simulations for three 15‐year epochs. Epochs include a historical end‐of‐20th‐century period (1990–2005) and two end‐of‐21st‐century (2085–2100) scenarios for intermediate and pessimistic greenhouse gas concentration trajectories. Simulated updraft helicity, which measures the corkscrew flow within a storm's updraft, is used as a proxy for supercells. An algorithm tracks and catalogues updraft helicity swaths that, when buffered, are used to acquire simulated precipitation from supercells. The historical epoch provides a baseline climatology of supercell precipitation for a contemporary climate, which is then compared against the two future epochs to assess how supercell precipitation may change during the 21st century. Despite their relatively small size, supercells provide critical precipitation to the Wheat and Corn Belts, large expanses of CONUS pasture and rangeland, regional aquifers and several large river basins. Many areas in the central CONUS receive upwards of 3%–6% of their annual and 5%–8% of their warm‐season precipitation from these storms. Results suggest that precipitation contribution from supercells will decrease in the future across most of the High Plains and Central and Northern Great Plains with robust increases likely across the south‐central and Southeast regions. Supercell precipitation rates are expected to increase for large portions of the CONUS by the end‐of‐the‐21st‐century, suggesting a growing threat for flash floods from these storms as they become more efficient precipitation producers. This research provides an initial perspective on the magnitude of supercell precipitation and potential changes to this important hydrologic input to assist water‐sensitive industries, private and public insurance markets, agriculture entities, as well as inform plans to mitigate and build resilience to rapid environmental and societal change.