Variability of Heat and Water Fluxes in the Red Sea Using ERA5 Data (1981–2020)

The study of heat and water fluxes is one of the most essential components for understanding the interactions and exchanges between the ocean and atmosphere. Heat transfer across the air–sea interface is an important process in ocean–atmosphere dynamics. In this study, a 40-year (1981–2020) high-resolution (0.25° × 0.25°) ERA-5 reanalysis dataset from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is used to estimate the variability and trends of heat and water flux components in the Red Sea. The results show that the surface net heat flux is negative (loss) in the Northern Red Sea (NRS) and positive (gain) in the Southern Red Sea (SRS). The highest seasonal surface net heat flux is observed in the spring and early summer, while the lowest is reported in the winter. A significant linear trend is found in the surface net heat flux over the NRS and SRS, with values of about −0.12 ± 0.052 (W/m2)/yr and +0.20 ± 0.021 (W/m2)/yr, respectively. The annual mean surface net water flux loss to the atmosphere over the entire Red Sea is +1.46 ± 0.23 m/yr. The seasonal surface net water flux peak occurs in winter as a result of the northeast monsoon wind, which increases evaporation rate over the whole length of the Red Sea. The highest surface net water flux (+2.1 m/yr) is detected during 2020, while the lowest value (+1.3 m/yr) is observed during 1985.

Temporal rainfall trend analysis in different agro-ecological regions of southern Africa

Rainfall is a major driver of food production in rainfed smallholder farming systems. This study was conducted to assess linear trends in (i) different daily rainfall amounts (<5, 5–10, 11–20, 21–40 and >40 mm∙day-1), and (ii) monthly and seasonal rainfall amounts. Drought was determined using the rainfall variability index. Daily rainfall data were derived from 18 meteorological stations in southern Africa. Daily rainfall was dominated by <5 mm∙day-1 followed by 5–10 mm∙day-1. Three locations experienced increasing linear trends of <5 mm∙day-1 amounts and two others in sub-humid region had increases in the >40 mm day-1 category. Semi-arid location experienced increasing trends in <5 and 5–10 mm∙day-1 events. A significant linear trend in seasonal rainfall occurred at two locations with decreasing rainfall (1.24 and 3 mm∙season-1). A 3 mm∙season-1 decrease in seasonal rainfall was experienced under semi-arid conditions. There were no apparent linear trends in monthly and seasonal rainfall at 15 of the 18 locations studied. Drought frequencies varied with location and were 50% or higher during the November–March growing season. Rainfall trends were location and agro-ecology specific, but most of the locations studied did not experience significant changes between the 1900s and 2000s.

Dentin Disinfection Efficacy Using Four Different Irrigation Protocols

Objective: The objective of this study was to observe the effect that 3% Sodium Hypochlorite and 17% Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) with water in between, used sequentially and individually had in the disinfection of dentin blocks that were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: Thirty apical and coronal dentin block samples were divided into five groups (n=5): All samples were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis Group 1: Samples were submerged in 3% NaOCl then in 17% EDTA. Group 2: Samples were submerged first in 17% EDTA and then in 3% NaOCl. Group 3: Samples were immersed in 3% NaOCl only. Group 4: Samples were submerged in 17% EDTA only. Group 5 (positive control group): Samples were only submerged in distilled water. All samples were submerged in distilled water after each irrigation cycle. The irrigation protocol was repeated in all groups until all dentin samples were exposed to 24ml of the irrigating solutions. CFU units were counted and classified in an ordinal scale and compared with the linear-by-linear association test. Results: A significant linear trend in the reduction of CFU was observed when NaOCl and EDTA were combined (independently of the sequence used) when compared to groups 3 and 4 where the irrigants were used individually both in coronal (p=9.45 x 10-21), and apical slices (p=2.33 x 10-20). NaOCl was significantly more effective than EDTA in both coronal and apical slices (p ≥ 0.000001) when used alone. Conclusion: 3% Sodium Hypochlorite was more effective than 17% EDTA. However, alternating 3% NaOCl with 17% EDTA resulted in better dentinal disinfection. Clinical Relevance: Establishing an irrigation protocol that is effective in eradicating bacteria entrenched in dentinal tubules can lead to a more successful outcome in endodontically treated teeth.

Wearable inertial sensors are highly sensitive in the detection of gait disturbances and fatigue at early stages of multiple sclerosis

Background The aim of the current study was to examine multiple gait parameters obtained by wearable inertial sensors and their sensitivity to clinical status in early multiple sclerosis (MS). Further, a potential correlation between gait parameters and subjective fatigue was explored. Methods Automated gait analyses were carried out on 88 MS patients and 31 healthy participants. To measure gait parameters (i.e. walking speed, stride length, stride duration, duration of stance and swing phase, minimal toe-to-floor distance), wearable inertial sensors were utilized throughout a 6-min 25-ft walk. Additionally, self-reported subjective fatigue was assessed. Results Mean gait parameters consistently revealed significant differences between healthy participants and MS patients from as early as an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) value of 1.5 onwards. Further, MS patients showed a significant linear trend in all parameters, reflecting continuously deteriorating gait performance throughout the test. This linear deterioration trend showed significant correlations with fatigue. Conclusions Wearable inertial sensors are highly sensitive in the detection of gait disturbances, even in early MS, where global scales such as the EDSS do not provide any clinical information about deviations in gait behavior. Moreover, these measures provide a linear trend parameter of gait deterioration that may serve as a surrogate marker of fatigue. In sum, these results suggest that classic timed walking tests in routine clinical practice should be replaced by readily and automatically applicable gait assessments, as provided by inertial sensors.

Drivers of the Distribution of Soil Organic Carbon Stocks in the Topsoil Under Pinus Hartwegii Lindl. Forest, Along an Elevation Gradient in Central Mexico

Background: Mountain forest soils (≥2,500 m a.s.l.[1]), where elevation is crucial in the ecosystem dynamic, have a great capacity to capture and preserve carbon for a long time. The aim of this research was to determine the role of elevation combined with soil, climate, and vegetation variables on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks distribution under P. hartwegii in the Nevado de Toluca Volcano, a protected area in Mexico. Topsoil samples (0-15 cm depth) collected every 100 m in elevation (3,400-4,000 m) were chemically and physically examined in statistical analysis together with vegetation structure and climate variables. Derived from field forest conditions, elevation plots were additional analyzed as logged (3,400-3,800 m) vs no-logged (3,900-4,000 m). Results: SOC stocks followed a significant linear trend (r2= 0.70; p= 0.02) along the elevation gradient, being highest at 4,000 m (173.1 ± 5.2 Mg C ha-1) and lowest at 3,700 m (146.8 Mg C ha-1). Multiple regression analyses showed that SOM, BD, and mean annual temperature (MAT) were the main abiotic drivers of SOC stocks variability (94.5 %) along the elevation gradient. Meanwhile, from the logistic multiple regression, higher tree shrubs and herbs density, in addition to lower tree height and grass cover at lower elevations, indicate a significant effect of logging on soil traits and vegetation structure, depending on the elevation plot. Conclusions: This research evaluated the SOC stocks and the potential effect of current warming over mountain soils, using the elevation as a proxy for both environmental and human drivers of SOC stocks in mountain forest ecosystems. Higher SOM and grass cover, larger-diameter trees together with low temperatures and logging restrictions in the high elevation range suggest a slower decomposition rate and SOC long-term stability. Despite the fact that we do not know about the intensity and cutting cycle, nor the size of the clearings derived from the trees removed, results from this research show how logging could exacerbate these effects and diminish SOC stocks, as well as the capacity of mountain soils to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Prevalence Trend and Disparities in Rheumatoid Arthritis among US Adults, 2005–2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trends among US adults and disparities in RA patients in recent years have not been well described. We aimed to examine the trend of RA prevalence and disparities among US adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of the years 2005–2018 were analyzed to examine the self-reported RA prevalence trend. Age-adjusted RA prevalence stratified by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES), as well as associated linear trends, were calculated for both genders. The multivariable adjustment was used to evaluate the association between race, SES, and RA. During 2005–2018, there was no significant linear trend in the age-adjusted self-reported RA prevalence among men and women, but significant differences among people from different races, educational levels, and family poverty income ratio (PIR) groups were observed. The RA rate difference was significant for both genders and between Non-Hispanic Caucasians and Non-Hispanic African Americans (both p-value ≤ 0.001). Both men and women with a higher educational level and a higher PIR had a lower age-adjusted RA rate. Age-adjusted RA prevalence fluctuated for both men and women during 2005–2018. Non-Hispanic African Americans and people with low SES had significantly higher age-adjusted RA prevalence and RA risk.

Meteorological Drought Events and Their Evolution from 1960 to 2015 Using the Daily SWAP Index in Chongqing, China

Meteorological droughts are natural disasters that have been linked to economic losses and casualties. Decision-makers need to understand the temporal and spatial variation of meteorological drought events at a daily to weekly scale to develop a more elaborate framework for drought risk management. The present study used the standardized weighted average of precipitation index (SWAP) as an indicator of meteorological droughts, computed from the daily precipitation dataset (1960–2015) of 34 meteorological stations in Chongqing, China. The multi-threshold run theory was applied to identify drought events. Variation of drought characteristics was estimated by the modified Sen’s trend test. The results suggested the following findings: (1) the onset, duration, and severity of drought events identified by the SWAP index are in good agreement with the real local records; (2) there was no significant linear trend and abrupt change in annual duration and severity of drought events, but the decadal variation was obvious. From a decadal perspective, the annual frequency, duration, and severity of drought events showed a steady decreasing trend before the 1990s, and then fluctuated upward; (3) the spatial variation of the duration and severity of ordinary drought events was quite inconsistent at different periods. The annual drought days and severity increased from 1960 to 2015 but decreased after 1990. From 1960 to 2015, the duration days and severity of persistent, long persistent, severe, and extreme drought events declined insignificantly in most parts of the middle and southeast regions but increased in the western and northeast regions. The drought situation in Chongqing shows a large range of variation and obvious spatial heterogeneity. The SWAP index is an effective tool to identify the evolution of daily scale meteorological drought events.

Postoperative mortality in hip fracture patients stratified by the Revised Cardiac Risk Index: a Swedish nationwide retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) is a tool that can be used to evaluate the 30-day risk of postoperative myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest and mortality. This study aims to confirm its association with postoperative mortality in patients who underwent hip fracture surgery.MethodsAll adults who underwent primary emergency hip fracture surgery in Sweden between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017 were included in this study. The database was retrieved by cross-referencing the Swedish National Quality Register for hip fractures with the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare registers. The outcomes of interest were the association between the RCRI score and mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 1 year postoperatively.Results134 915 cases were included in the current study. There was a statistically significant linear trend in postoperative mortality with increasing RCRI scores at 30 days, 90 days and 1 year. An RCRI score ≥4 was associated with a 3.1 times greater risk of 30-day postoperative mortality (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 3.13, p<0.001), a 2.5 times greater risk of 90-day postoperative mortality (adjusted IRR 2.54, p<0.001) and a 2.8 times greater risk of 1-year postoperative mortality (adjusted HR 2.81, p<0.001) compared with that observed with an RCRI score of 0.ConclusionAn increasing RCRI score is strongly associated with an elevated risk 30-day, 90-day and 1-year postoperative mortality after primary hip fracture surgery. The objective and easily retrievable nature of the variables included in the RCRI calculation makes it an appealing choice for risk stratification in the clinical setting.Levels of evidenceLevel III.

The Influence of Messaging on Perceptions of Careers in Veterinary Medicine: Do Gender Stereotypes Matter?

The veterinary medical workforce is increasingly female; occupational feminization often transfers stereotypes associated with the predominant gender onto the profession. It is unknown whether within veterinary medicine a feminized public image is a possible contributor to the reduction in male applicants to training programs. The influence of stereotypically gendered messaging on how male and female undergraduate students perceive veterinary medicine was investigated in 482 undergraduate students enrolled in five introductory or second-level biology courses. Two short videos introducing the field of veterinary medicine were developed with imagery and language selected to emphasize either stereotypic feminine ( communal) or masculine ( agentic) aspects of the field. Participant groups were randomly assigned one of the two videos (feminine/communal or masculine/agentic) or no video (no exposure). An outcome survey elicited impressions of the field of veterinary medicine and gathered demographic data. There was a significant linear trend of condition on perception of the profession as feminine or masculine and on perception of the activities of a veterinarian as feminine/communal or masculine/agentic. Female participants were significantly more likely to agree that someone of their gender would be valued in the profession. Male participants reported significantly higher self-efficacy scores for performing the tasks of a veterinarian when they viewed the feminine stereotype video. These results demonstrate that gendered perceptions of the field can be manipulated. Intentional gendered messaging should be further explored as one strategy to broaden the talent pool in the workforce by attracting men back to the field.

P101 Fecal calprotectin is increased among patients with pouchitis and increases with increasing endoscopic subscores: Real-world data from a prospectively collected database

Background An accurate and non-invasive surrogate marker of inflammation is needed for managing patients after Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). In this study, we evaluate the performance of fecal calprotectin (FC) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who underwent IPAA and were assessed with clinical, endoscopic, and histologic examination of the pouch. Methods Medical records of patients who underwent IPAA with J-pouch formation registered in a prospectively collected database at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel, were evaluated. Clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and laboratory data were extracted. Each pouch evaluation was regarded separately. Pouchitis was defined as a Pouchitis Disease Activity Score (PDAI) of ≥7 (maximum score: 18). Results One hundred and fifty-six patients underwent 296 unique pouch evaluations. Fifty-two percent of patients were male, the median age at the time of evaluation was 43 years (IQR 35–58), and the median pouch age from the closure of the ileostomy was 10 years (IQR 2.5–15). The median [IQR] FC values were significantly lower in patients without pouchitis than in patients with pouchitis (208 [96–478] vs. 550 [250–1051] ug/g, p&lt;0.0001). Mean FC values were lower in patients with lower endoscopic and histologic scores when compared to higher scores, with a significant linear trend for higher FC levels with increasing endoscopic and histologic disease activity. FC performed better than CRP as a predictor of pouchitis. A FC of over 400 ug/g had over 80% specificity for predicting significant endoscopic disease. Conclusion FC levels increase among patients with pouchitis and increase with increasing endoscopic and histologic inflammation. A FC of over 400 ug/g had good discriminative ability as a predictor of significant endoscopic disease. We suggest that in patients with symptoms of pouchitis and an FC level above 400 ug/g, antibiotic treatment can be initiated without awaiting pouchoscopy. Further research is needed to define FC concentrations more precisely among various outcome measures of interest in these patients.