Many fundamental aspects of New York State's climate have already begun to change, and the changes are projected to continue-and in some cases, accelerate-throughout the 21st century. This chapter explores observed and projected changes in a variety of physical variables that relate directly to weather and climate, starting with average and extreme air temperature and proceeding to the associated effects on precipitation, extreme events, and core properties of New York's coastal and inland waters. These climate attributes and hazards lead to impacts throughout the eight sectors of this assessment.

New York State's climate is changing. Temperatures are rising, precipitation is increasing, sea levels are rising, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. Over time, these changes are projected to worsen. The New York State Climate Impacts Assessment provides a science-based analysis of what to expect from climate change in New York. Working with partners across the state, the team assembled to produce this assessment reviewed the latest science and modeling to project and characterize what New York State's climate is likely to look like in the future and how this will affect natural systems, society, and various sectors of the economy. The assessment will enable decision-makers at all levels-from individual residents, businesses, and landowners to municipal and state government agencies-to better understand and make informed choices about how to plan and prepare for climate change.

Soil functional genes in grasslands are crucial for processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, methane production, and oxidation, integral to nitrogen and methane cycles. However, the impact of global changes on these genes is not well understood. We reviewed 84 studies to examine the effects of nitrogen addition (N), warming (W), increased precipitation (PPT +), decreased precipitation (PPT-), and elevated CO (eCO) on these functional genes. For nitrogen cycling, global changes mainly boost genes involved in nitrification but reduce those in denitrification, with nirK being the most sensitive. Most nitrogen fixation-related genes did not show a significant response. Among single factors, N and PPT + have the most significant effects. The impact of global changes on nitrogen cycling genes is largely additive, and their interaction with N is particularly influential. For methane cycling, global changes notably affect mcrA, while only PPT + significantly reduces pmoA. The magnitude and duration of global change treatments are more critical than the treatment form for nitrogen cycling genes. For methane cycling, the form and intensity of nitrogen addition, along with treatment duration, affect pmoA abundance. We also identified a competitive relationship between methane oxidation and nitrification and a complex coupling with denitrification. This study provides new insights into microbial responses in nitrogen and methane cycling under global changes, with significant implications for experimental design and management strategies in grassland ecosystems.

Bacterial cell factories have been successfully engineered to efficiently assemble spherical polyhydroxybutyrate inclusions coated with functional proteins of interest. In these submicrometer-sized core-shell assemblies, proteins are bioconjugated to the polymer core, enabling bioengineering for uses as bioseparation resins, enzyme carriers, diagnostic reagents, and particulate vaccines. Here, we explore whether these functional protein-polymer assemblies could be restructured via dissolution and subsequent precipitation while retaining the functionality of the conjugated protein. Polymer core-protein shell assemblies were completely dissolved in chloroform. Subsequent reconstitution into different formats such as hollow spheres, fibers, and films was achieved. Different proteins such as the green fluorescent protein or IgG binding domains GB1 or Z derived from protein G or protein A, respectively, were implemented to monitor the retention of protein function upon generation of reformatted materials. Materials were characterized and the retention of protein functionality was studied by assessing the fluorescence or IgG binding capacity. Since the Z domain protein functionality is retained, it suggests that protein refolding properties are critical parameters for restructuring these functional materials. This study shows that bioengineered biologically assembled protein-coated biopolymer particles can be completely dissolved and reformed into fibers, films, and hollow spheres retaining the original protein function.

CKD is frequently diagnosed only after a significant progression. GFR is the most common indicator of kidney function but is limited in detecting early CKD cases and distinguishing glomerular, tubular, and global CKD. Aiming to provide a glomeruli specific biomarker assay, we developed a peptide immunoaffinity targeted mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of three podocyte specific proteins in human urine: nephrin, podocalyxin, and podocin. Proteins in urine were precipitated, stable isotope labeled peptide standards incorporated, and digested with trypsin. Target peptides were enriched using an online antibody column prior to LC-MS/MS. The performance metrics for nephrin, podocalyxin, and podocin were evaluated: The lower limits of quantitation were 3.8, 22.0, and 5.4 pM, respectively. The intraplate relative error (RE) was within ±10.6%, ± 10.4%, and ±16.1%, and coefficient of variation (CV) was ≤27.2%, ≤ 14.1%, and ≤20.7% accordingly. The interplate RE was within ±7.0%, ± 3.8%, and ±3.0%, and CV was ≤17.2%, ≤ 12.1%, and ≤20.0% for the three analytes. The urinary nephrin, podocalyxin, and podocin concentrations in 60 healthy volunteers and 20 disease samples was measured, thereby establishing the basal levels of these protein and enabling future evaluation of their roles as noninvasive biomarkers of glomerular injury in the clinic.

Anterior segment ischemia (ASI) is a rare, almost forgotten complication of scleral buckle (SB) surgery. The course varies from mild self-limited to severe type causing significant vision loss. A number of local and systemic factors can precipitate ASI. It is important to be aware of these factors and take the necessary steps to avoid this complication. Despite that, if the patient develops ASI, early recognition is important. Mild cases are managed conservatively whereas severe cases will require removal of the band. We present a case of an 18-year-old male who developed a mild type of ASI post-SB surgery managed conservatively.

We present a rare presentation of isolated syphilitic retinitis in an HIV-negative man. A 47-year-old male presented to our ophthalmology center with complaints of blurred vision, pain, and redness in the left eye for the past seven days. The best corrected visual acuity for distance was 6/6 and best corrected near visual acuity for near was N6 in the right eye. The best corrected visual acuity for distance was finger counting at 1 m and best corrected near visual acuity for near was <N48 in the left eye. The right eye developed similar features of retinitis after one week; the vision worsened and the best corrected visual acuity for distance was 6/18P and best corrected visual acuity for near was N18. The vision was hand movement and counting fingers in the left eye on this visit. The left eye showed keratic precipitates on the endothelial surface; they were non-granulomatous keratic precipitates. The fundus evaluation with an indirect ophthalmoscope showed dense vitritis with snowballing and yellow colored confluent placoid wreath-like lesions suggestive of acute necrotizing retinitis. The venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test was reactive (>1:32), the Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Assay was positive, and the patient tested negative for human immunodeficiency virus antibodies. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of syphilitic retinitis was made. The patient was given three doses of 2.4 million units of benzathine penicillin intramuscularly (once a week) and doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for the same period. After completion of treatment, the best corrected visual acuity for distance improved to 6/9 and the best corrected near visual acuity for near improved to N6 in the right eye, and the lesions in the eye resolved. The best corrected visual acuity for distance improved to 6/12 and the best corrected near visual acuity for near improved to N10 in the left eye. If a patient presents with unexplained ophthalmic findings such as uveitis, vitritis, or retinitis, then a diagnosis of syphilis should be considered even if the patient does not give a history of high-risk sexual behaviour. Thus, both the physician at the sexually transmitted infection clinic and the ophthalmologist should be aware of these symptoms and signs and consider this as a potential diagnosis. This will result in prompt investigations, appropriate diagnosis, and clinical management, and eventually prevent loss of vision.

: this study investigates the efficacy, immunological impact, and preliminary safety of methotrexate (MTX) modified magnetic FeO nanoparticles in thermochemotherapy for mammary tumors in rats. : transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the MTX-modified magnetic FeO nanoparticles are nearly spherical, approximately 10 nm in diameter. Chemically co-precipitated PEI-modified magnetic nanoparticles were utilized for thermotherapy, while MTX-modified nanoparticles were employed for thermochemotherapy. These nanoparticles were locally injected into the Walker-256 tumor tissues of Wistar rats. The experimental design included twelve groups, encompassing various protocols of thermotherapy and thermochemotherapy at 47 °C and 42 °C, a group receiving only MTX nanoparticle chemotherapy, and several control groups. The biodistribution of residual magnetic nanoparticles was assessed in vital organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and brain. : demonstrated that these magnetic nanoparticles primarily accumulated in the tumor's central region and were unevenly distributed at the margins. The nanoparticles were capable of penetrating tumor cells but were more dispersed around them. Importantly, no residual magnetic nanoparticles were detected in vital organs. Significant tumor reduction and prolonged survival times were observed in the 47 °C thermochemotherapy group, the 47 °C thermotherapy group and the repeated 42 °C thermochemotherapy group. Additionally, significant increases in IL-2 and IFN-γ levels, along with a decrease in IL-4 levels, were detected in the 47 °C thermochemotherapy and 47 °C thermotherapy groups. : MTX-modified FeO magnetic nanoparticles demonstrate potential as an effective medium for thermochemotherapy. They are safe, tolerable, contribute to prolonged survival, and enhance immune functions in tumor-bearing rats without leaving residues in vital organs. These results provide a promising foundation for future cancer treatment research.

Understanding the factors driving species coexistence and competition in the shrub layer of semi-natural forests is crucial for effective forest management and conservation. However, there is limited knowledge about the interspecific associations of the main species in the shrub layer of communities in the semi-natural forest of Sandu Gulf, Ningde, Fujian Province, China. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of the abiotic environment on plant communities within the semi-natural forest of on the islands of Sandu Gulf. By exploring these interspecific associations, we sought to provide a more accurate understanding of the causes and processes of species coexistence and competition. The ultimate goal of this project was to offer a reference basis for optimizing the shrub layer structure in (plantation) forests. We found that (1) was the most dominant species in the shrub layer, while demonstrated the broadest range of environmental adaptability and correspondingly broader niche than other species. (2) Our analysis revealed a predominance of positive associations among the dominant species in the shrub layer. However, the overall association was not significant, with relatively small positive and negative associations between species pairs. The significant test rate was low, and the exhibited a non-significant aggregation. These findings suggest that the plant community in the shrub layer has not yet reached its most stable stage. (3) We also observed that the distribution of dominant species in the shrub layer was primarily affected by factors such as total potassium, pH, available potassium, and light (canopy density). (4) Soil pH value decreased gradually as sampling points moved inward away from the coastline, and island isolation, temperature, and precipitation indirectly affected the species' importance in the shrub layer. Considering the intense competition among the understory species, it is crucial for conservation efforts to prioritize species pairs with reduced ecological niche overlap or significant positive associations. This approach will effectively reduce competition and contribute to the maintenance of stability in the shrub layer. This study provides a theoretical basis for environmental and vegetation restoration, optimizing the species composition of island plantation forests, rationalizing plant composition, and implementing effective operation and management practices for local forests.

The (Motschulsky) is a phytophagous pest that is seriously endangering Linn. and Koidz. Poor control can damage local ecosystems, resulting in economic losses and management risks. In the context of climate change, the climatic ecological niche of organisms is no longer compatible with the surrounding environment. To mitigate the effects of climate change, some organisms respond adaptively to climate change through different mechanisms and in different ways. In this study, an optimized MaxEnt model was used to explore the potential distribution areas of and its host plants, and , in response to current and future climate and to determine their movement routes and relative dynamics. The results show that the optimized model exhibits the lowest complexity and excellent prediction accuracy. It is important to note that both temperature and precipitation are the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of suitable habitats for and its host plants. This is evidenced by the mean temperature of the warmest quarter and precipitation of the wettest month being the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of suitable habitats for the host plants. Similarly, the minimum temperature of the coldest month and precipitation seasonality are the primary bioclimatic variables constraining the dispersal of . Under climate change, the suitable areas of both and are declining, while the suitable areas of are expanding in future climates. Furthermore, three species exhibited a proclivity for migration to higher latitudes in response to climate change. In conclusion, this study contributes to our understanding of the biogeographic characteristics of these , , and and provides a basis for the formulation of timely conservation strategies to reduce the potential impacts of climate change. This is of great significance for the rational management, utilization, and protection of forest ecosystems in China.