Identifying the shift in global wildfire weather conditions over the past four decades: an analysis based on change-points and long-term trends

Most of studies on change-point at a regional or global scale have only examined a single hydrometeorological variable and have been unable to identify any underlying explanations. In this study, we identified change-points and long-term trends of six wildfire-related variables and attempted to explain the cause of change-point from atmospheric–oceanic indices. As a result, we discovered that the main change-point dates for the precipitation, temperature, and drought codes, as well as the duff moisture code, fine fuel moisture code, and fire weather index, were 1995–2000 and 2000–2005, respectively. Furthermore, the relationship between the change-point of six variables and atmospheric–oceanic indices was discussed through the correlation coefficient. For example, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation was found to dominate the precipitation in West Africa. In addition, we divided the globe into eight homogenous wildfire weather zones based on the change-point dates and long-term trends of the six variables

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with the Maximum Voluntary Muscle Contraction Facilitates Motor Neuron Excitability and Muscle Force

Three trials of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during the maximum voluntary muscle contraction (MVC) were repeated at 15-minute intervals for 1 hour to examine the effects on motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the digital muscles and pinching muscle force before and after 4 high-intensity TMSs (test 1 condition) or sham TMS (test 2 condition) with MVC. Under the placebo condition, real TMS with MVC was administered only before and 1 hour after the sham TMS with MVC. Magnetic stimulation at the foramen magnum level (FMS) with MVC was performed by the same protocol as that for the test 2 condition. As a result, MEP sizes in the digital muscles significantly increased after TMS with MVC under test conditions compared with the placebo conditions (P < 0.05). Pinching muscle force was significantly larger 45 minutes and 1 hour after TMS with MVC under the test conditions than under the placebo condition (P < 0.05). FMS significantly decreased MEP amplitudes 60 minutes after the sham TMS with MVC (P < 0.005). The present results suggest that intermittently repeated TMS with MVC facilitates motor neuron excitabilities and muscle force. However, further studies are needed to confirm the effects of TMS with MVC and its mechanism

Unilateral ibotenic acid lesions of the prefrontal cortex reduce rotational behavior in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats

Rats with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesions of the substantia nigra are used as a model of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and these “lesioned” rats exhibit a rotational behavior when further injected with apomorphine (APO). We examined whether lesions in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) could modify the rotational behavior in PD model rats. Rats initially received unilateral lesions of the substantia nigra by 6-OHDA injection, and then their rotational behavior was measured. Two PFC lesions were achieved by intracerebral infusions of ibotenic acid, followed by measurement of APOinduced rotation. Rotation was reduced by approximately 30&#65397; after PFC injury. The PFC may have functional infl uences on the basal ganglia and may be involved in the pathophysiology of the rotational behavior of PD model rats

Physical Characteristics of Injection Site Pain After COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccination

Background: BNT162b2, an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, was launched in many countries as an intramuscular vaccination for COVID-19 infection. Few studies have assessed the physical indications of pain at the immunization site. This study aimed to characterize pain at the injection site and investigate morphological attributes using ultrasound. Methods: Forty-three of 211 healthcare workers who received a second dose of BNT162b2 between February 2021 and March 2021 were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 40 years. We evaluated patients’ pain at the injection site using the Numerical Rating Pain Scale (NRPS). We also assessed the thickness of the deltoid muscle fascia at the injection site by ultrasound. Bayesian robust correlation was employed to explore the relationship between the pain intensity scores and ultrasound measurements. Results: All eligible subjects complained of pain at the injection site. A median pain onset of 8 hours post-vaccination and a median peak intensity score of 4 were reported. Onset of relief occurred after 2 days. Ultrasound images demonstrated a 2.5-fold increase in fascia thickness at the injection site without intramuscular echogenicity change in all subjects. A correlation was established between the NRPS score and the non-injection-to-injection-side ratio of fascia thickness at the injection site (rho = 0.66). Conclusion: A sore arm was the most prevalent side effect of BNT162b2 vaccination and could be attributed to temporal fasciitis

Predictive Model for Adverse Events and Immune Response Based on the Production of Antibodies After the Second-Dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine

Background: The BNT162b mRNA vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), mimics the immune response to natural infection. Few studies have predicted the adverse effects (AEs) after the second-dose vaccination. We present a predictive model for AEs and immune response after the second-dose of the BNT162b mRNA vaccine. Methods: To predict AEs, 282 healthcare workers (HCWs) were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The classification and regression tree (CART) model was established, and its predictive efficacy was assessed. To predict immune response, 282 HCWs were included in the analysis. Moreover, the factors affected by anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD antibody (s-IgG) were evaluated using serum samples collected 2 months after the second-dose vaccination. The s-IgG level was assessed using Lumipulse G1200. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to evaluate variables associated with anti-s-IgG titer levels. Results: The most common AEs after the second-dose vaccination were pain (87.6%), redness (17.0%) at the injection site, fatigue (68.8%), headache (53.5%), and fever (37.5%). Based on the CART model, headache after the first-dose vaccination and age < 30 years were identified as the first and second discriminators for predicting the headache after the second-dose vaccination, respectively. In the multiple linear regression model, anti-s-IgG titer levels were associated with age, female sex, and AEs including headache and induration at the injection site after the second-dose vaccination. Conclusion: Headache after the first-dose vaccination can be a predictor of headache after the second-dose vaccination, and AEs are indicators of immune response

Pulmonary intravascular large B-cell lymphoma successfully treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisolone immunochemotherapy: Report of a patient surviving for over 1 year

A 73-year-old man with a history of lethargy, fever and dyspnea was admitted to Tottori University Hospital. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed splenomegaly and diffusely spreading ground‑glass opacities (GGOs) in both lungs. A video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)‑guided lung biopsy revealed intravascular proliferation of large atypical lymphoid cells in the arteries, veins and alveolar walls. The patient was diagnosed with intravascular large B‑cell lymphoma (IVLBCL); he received 6 cycles of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (R‑CHOP) immunochemotherapy and has remained in complete remission for >1 year. Although IVLBCL is a rare disease, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary diffuse lesions that present with GGOs on CT scans