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The 15 January 2022 climactic eruption of Hunga volcano, Tonga, produced an explosion in the atmosphere of a size that has not been documented in the modern geophysical record. The event generated a broad range of atmospheric waves observed globally by various ground-based and spaceborne instrumentation networks. Most prominent was the surface-guided Lamb wave (≲0.01 hertz), which we observed propagating for four (plus three antipodal) passages around Earth over 6 days. As measured by the Lamb wave amplitudes, the climactic Hunga explosion was comparable in size to that of the 1883 Krakatau eruption. The Hunga eruption produced remarkable globally detected infrasound (0.01 to 20 hertz), long-range (~10,000 kilometers) audible sound, and ionospheric perturbations. Seismometers worldwide recorded pure seismic and air-to-ground coupled waves. Air-to-sea coupling likely contributed to fast-arriving tsunamis. Here, we highlight exceptional observations of the atmospheric waves.

SUMMARY Yasur volcano, Vanuatu is a continuously active open-vent basaltic-andesite stratocone with persistent and long-lived eruptive activity. We present results from a seismo-acoustic field experiment at Yasur, providing locally dense broad-band seismic and infrasonic network coverage from 2016 July 27 to August 3. We corroborate our seismo-acoustic observations with coincident video data from cameras deployed at the crater and on an unoccupied aircraft system (UAS). The waveforms contain a profusion of signals reflecting Yasur’s rapidly occurring and persistent explosive activity. The typical infrasonic signature of Yasur explosions is a classic short-duration and often asymmetric explosion waveform characterized by a sharp compressive onset and wideband frequency content. The dominant seismic signals are numerous repetitive very-long-period (VLP) signals with periods of ∼2–10 s. The VLP seismic events are ‘high-rate’, reoccurring near-continuously throughout the data set with short interevent times (∼20–60 s). We observe variability in the synchronization of seismic VLP and acoustic sources. Explosion events clearly delineated by infrasonic waveforms are underlain by seismic VLPs. However, strong seismic VLPs also occur with only a weak infrasonic expression. Multiplet analysis of the seismic VLPs reveals a systematic progression in the seismo-acoustic source decoupling. The same dominant seismic VLP multiplet occurs with and without surficial explosions and infrasound, and these transitions occur over a timescale of a few days during our field campaign. We subsequently employ template matching, stacking, and full-waveform inversion to image the source mechanism of the dominant VLP multiplet. Inversion of the dominant VLP multiplet stack points to a composite source consisting of either a dual-crack (plus forces) or pipe-crack (plus forces) mechanism. The derived mechanisms correspond to a point-source directly beneath the summit vents with centroid depths in the range ∼900–1000 m below topography. All mechanisms suggest a northeast trending crack dipping relatively shallowly to the northwest and indicate a VLP source centroid and mechanism controlled by a stable structural geologic feature beneath Yasur. We interpret the results in the framework of gas slug ascent through the conduit responsible for Yasur explosions. The VLP mechanism and timing with infrasound (when present) are explained by a shallow-buffered top-down model in which slug ascent is relatively aseismic until reaching the base of a shallow section. Slug disruption in this shallow zone triggers a pressure disturbance that propagates downward and couples at the conduit base (VLP centroid). If the shallow section is open, an explosion propagates to the surface, producing infrasound. In the case of (the same multiplet) VLPs occurring without surficial explosions and weak or no infrasound, the decoupling of the dominant VLPs at ∼900–1000 m depth from surficial explosions and infrasound strongly indicates buffering of the terminal slug ascent. This buffering could be achieved by a variety of conditions at or directly beneath the vents, such as a high-viscosity layer of crystal-rich magma, a debris cap from backfill, a foam layer, or a combination of these. The dominant VLP at Yasur captured by our experiment has a source depth and mechanism separated from surface processes and is stable over time.

Twelve cases of adult-onset blindness were identified in a flock of 130 polled Wiltshire sheep in New Zealand over a 3-year period. Affected sheep developed night blindness between 2 and 3 years of age, which progressed to complete blindness by 4 to 5 years of age. Fundic examination findings included progressive tapetal hyperreflectivity and attenuation of retinal blood vessels. Histologically, the retinas had a selective loss of rod photoreceptors with initial preservation of cone photoreceptors. Retinal degeneration was not accompanied by any other ocular or central nervous system abnormalities, and pedigree analysis suggested an inherited basis for the disease. Mating an affected Wiltshire ram to 2 affected Wiltshire ewes resulted in 6 progeny that all developed retinal degeneration by 2 years of age, while mating of the same affected ram to 6 unaffected ewes resulted in 8 unaffected progeny, consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. Homozygosity mapping of 5 affected Wiltshire sheep and 1 unaffected Wiltshire sheep using an OvineSNP50 Genotyping BeadChip revealed an identical-by-descent region on chromosome 5, but none of the genes within this region were considered plausible candidate genes. Whole-genome sequencing of 2 affected sheep did not reveal any significant mutations in any of the genes associated with retinitis pigmentosa in humans or progressive retinal atrophy in dogs. Inherited progressive retinal degeneration affecting rod photoreceptors has not been previously reported in sheep, but this disease has several similarities to inherited retinal dystrophies in other species.

It is generally accepted that tectonic earthquakes may trigger volcanic activity, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly constrained. Here, we review current knowledge, and introduce a novel framework to help characterize earthquake-triggering processes. This framework outlines three parameters observable at volcanoes, namely magma viscosity, open- or closed-system degassing and the presence or absence of an active hydrothermal system. Our classification illustrates that most types of volcanoes may be seismically-triggered, though require different combinations of volcanic and seismic conditions, and triggering is unlikely unless the system is primed for eruption. Seismically-triggered unrest is more common, and particularly associated with hydrothermal systems., This review dives deep into how earthquakes affect volcanoes, specifically into the relation between tectonic seismic activity and subsequent eruptions. Activity may increase in any volcanic setting in the 2–5 years following an earthquake, and especially at volcanic centres featuring vigorous hydrothermal activity.

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects 10% of Americans and is associated with an increased incidence of cancer. Statins are first-line cholesterol-lowering medications in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Several studies have demonstrated a relationship between statin use and reduced cancer incidence. We examined the cancer benefits of statin subtypes, with specific attention to disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Methods: This retrospective review included adults with T2DM diagnosed with solid tumors at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, USA (2003–2010). Individuals with gestational diabetes, incomplete records, or diagnosed with rare solid tumors were excluded. Follow-up began at the date of diagnosis and ended with the first confirmed recurrence, death, or loss of contact. Demographics were assessed by Chi-square, Kaplan–Meier survival analyses, and Cox proportional hazards regression. Findings: Overall, 1102 patients met inclusion criteria, 52.1% of the study participants were female, and 578 participants (52.5%) died during the follow-up period which ranged from 0 to 156 months. Hydrophilic statin use was associated with improved DFS at 5-year follow-up (41.0% vs. 36.9%, P = 0.0077) compared to lipophilic statin use. Multivariate regression revealed that hydrophilic statins were associated with improved DFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.706, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.526–0.947) and OS (HR: 0.685, 95% CI: 0.503–0.934). Pravastatin was associated with improved OS (HR: 0.674, 95% CI: 0.471–0.964). Conclusion: In patients with T2DM and cancer, hydrophilic statins, and pravastatin in particular, are associated with improved DFS as well as OS. Further research examining the cancer-specific effects of hydrophilic and lipophilic statins is needed to better understand their beneficial effects.

Volcanic ballistics are the main hazard to life and infrastructure from Strombolian eruptions, which are a tourist drawcard, exposing people to this hazard. Most research to date has been to understand this style of eruption and how ballistics form and travel. However, little focus has been placed on how ballistics are distributed within ballistic fields or the inclusion of this data into hazard and risk assessments. In this study we used a UAV to image the ballistic field, and cameras to record eruptions at Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu from 28 July – 2 August and 17 – 19 October 2016. We present the mapped distributions from the two trips, how the field changes with distance and direction from the vent, and how eruption dynamics influence these changes. Our evidence for directionality results in considerable variation in summit ballistic hazard and is an important consideration for ballistic hazard and risk assessments.

We have observed very long period earthquakes (VLPs) over the period 2007 to the end of 2019 at Whakaari/White Island volcano, New Zealand. The earthquakes exhibit similitude between waveforms which suggests repeating source locations and processes. VLPs recorded at two permanent stations were detected using waveform semblance and were then classified into two main families (F1 and F2) using a clustering analysis. The two families are characterized by ‘mirror image’ reverse waveform polarity suggesting that they are genetically related, but occur during different evolutionary phases of volcanic activity. F1 events occurred throughout the observation period, while F2 events mainly occurred as swarms that mark the onset of volcanic unrest. A detailed cluster analysis reveals possible sub-families implying slight temporal evolutions within a family. Our results add to our understanding of the volcanic magma–hydrothermal system at Whakaari/White Island indicating that relatively stable VLP sources may be exploited to improve monitoring for future unrest.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] New Zealand Natural Hazards Research Platform Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Resilience to Nature’s Challenges

Background Rabies is endemic in southern Bhutan, associated with 1–2 human deaths and high post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) costs annually. Evaluation of clinicians’ management of human cases potentially exposed to rabies could contribute to improving PEP prescribing practices to both reduce unnecessary costs associated with PEP and reach the target of zero human deaths due to rabies by 2023. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 50 clinicians’ management of human cases potentially exposed to rabies was conducted in 13 health centers in high-rabies-risk areas of Bhutan during February–March 2016. Results Data were collected on clinicians’ management of 273 human cases potentially exposed to rabies. The 50 clinicians comprised health assistants or clinical officers (55%) and medical doctors (45%) with a respective median of 19, 21 and 2 years’ experience. There was poor agreement between clinicians’ rabies risk assessment compared with an independent assessment for each case based on criteria in the National Rabies Management Guidelines (NRMG). Of the 194 cases for which clinicians recorded a rabies risk category, only 53% were correctly classified when compared with the NRMG. Clinicians were more likely to underestimate the risk of exposure to rabies and appeared to prescribe PEP independently of their risk classification.. Male health assistants performed the most accurate risk assessments while female health assistants performed the least accurate. Clinicians in Basic Health Units performed less accurate risk assessments compared with those in hospitals. Conclusions This study highlights important discrepancies between clinicians’ management of human cases potentially exposed to rabies and recommendations in the NRMG. In particular, clinicians were not accurately assessing rabies risk in potentially exposed cases and were not basing their PEP treatment on the basis of their risk assessment. This has significant implications for achieving the national goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 and may result in unnecessary costs associated with PEP. Recommendations to improve clinician’s management of human cases potentially exposed to rabies include: reviewing and updating the NRMG, providing clinicians with regular and appropriately targeted training about rabies risk assessment and PEP prescription, and regularly reviewing clinicians’ practices.

The Whakaari/White Island volcano, located ~ 50 km off the east coast of the North Island in New Zealand, has experienced sequences of quiescence, unrest, magmatic and phreatic eruptions over the last decades. For the last 15 years, seismic data have been continuously archived providing potential insight into this frequently active volcano. Here we take advantage of this unusually long time series to retrospectively process the seismic data using ambient noise and tremor-based methodologies. We investigate the time (RSAM) and frequency (Power Spectral Density) evolution of the volcanic tremor, then estimate the changes in the shallow subsurface using the Displacement Seismic Amplitude Ratio (DSAR), relative seismic velocity (dv/v) and decorrelation, and the Luni-Seismic Correlation (LSC). By combining our new set of observations with the long-term evolution of earthquakes, deformation, visual observations and geochemistry, we review the activity of Whakaari/White Island between 2007 and the end of 2018. Our analysis reveals the existence of distinct patterns related to the volcano activity with periods of calm followed by cycles of pressurization and eruptions. We finally put these results in the wider context of forecasting phreatic eruptions using continuous seismic records.

A new episode of unrest and phreatic/phreatomagmatic/magmatic eruptions occurred at Ambae volcano, Vanuatu, in 2017–2018. We installed a multi-station seismo-acoustic network consisting of seven 3-component broadband seismic stations and four 3-element (26–62 m maximum inter-element separation) infrasound arrays during the last phase of the 2018 eruption episode, capturing at least six reported major explosions towards the end of the eruption episode. The observed volcanic seismic signals are generally in the passband 0.5–10 Hz during the eruptive activity, but the corresponding acoustic signals have relatively low frequencies (

Tracing produced water origins from wells hydraulically fractured with freshwater-based fluids is sometimes predicated on assumptions that (1) each geological formation contains compositionally unique brine and (2) produced water from recently hydraulically fractured wells resembles fresher meteoric water more so than produced water from older wells. These assumptions are not valid in Williston Basin oil wells sampled in this study. Although distinct average 228Ra/226Ra ratios were found in water produced from the Bakken and Three Forks Formations, average δ2H, δ18O, specific gravity, and conductivity were similar but exhibited significant variability across five oil fields within each formation. Furthermore, initial produced water ("flowback") was operationally defined based on the presence of glycol ether compounds and water from wells that had produced 0.84 and sampled more than 316 days after fracturing). As such, establishing an overall geochemical and isotopic signature of produced water compositions based solely on chemical similarity to meteoric water and formation without the consideration of well treatments, well completion depth, or lateral location across the basin could be misleading if these signatures are assumed to be applicable across the entire basin. These findings have implications for using produced water compositions to understand the interbasin fluid flow and trace sources of hydraulic fracturing fluids.

Here, all three components of the seismic signal are applied for use with the amplitude source location (ASL) method to investigate if using all three components yield more accurate results than using just the vertical component. Eight active source events along a debris flow channel on Te Maari Volcano, New Zealand, are used as known source locations to conduct the test. Both coda-wave normalization (CWN) and horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) ratio methods are used to calculate amplification factors for station corrections. Average location errors for all the active seismic sources varied between 0.47 km for the vertical component and 0.51 km for three components while using the CWN method, and 0.92 km (vertical) and 0.83 km (three component) using the H/V method. We also conduct statistical analysis through an F-test by calculating root mean square errors (RMSEs) to determine if the results were statistically different. The RMSE analysis for the active source events shows location results for event 1 and 7 producing errors of 2.18±1.33 and 2.37±1.29 km for the vertical-component results, and 2.06±1.16 and 2.33±1.24 km for the three-component results. The F-test indicates that active source events higher up the debris flow channel (centrally located relative to the network) are statistically the same, whereas events lower down the channel (away from the center of the network) are statistically different. Results show that using all three components with the ASL method may not necessarily yield more accurate locations, but nevertheless may average the components to eliminate the extreme error values or amplify the signals, producing more precise results.

A neurological disease was investigated in 3 German Shepherd pups from the same litter that failed to grow normally, appeared stiff, were reluctant to move, and were deaf. They developed intermittent seizures and ataxia and had proprioceptive defects. Histopathology showed severe vacuolation of neurons, astrocytes in nervous tissue, renal tubular epithelial cells, and macrophages in nervous tissue, spleen, and liver. Vacuoles appeared empty with no storage material stained by periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) or Sudan black stains, leading to a diagnosis of a lysosomal storage disease and in particular an oligosaccharidosis. Biochemical and genomic studies showed that this was β-mannosidosis, not previously diagnosed in dogs. A c.560T>A transition in exon 4 of the MANBA gene was found, which segregated in these and other family members in a manner consistent with it being the causative mutation of an autosomal recessive disease. This mutation led to substitution of isoleucine to asparagine at position 187 of the 885 amino acid enzyme, a change expected to have functional significance.

A persistent swarm of micro-earthquakes was observed at Ngauruhoe volcano, New Zealand from 2005 to 2010, marking the first unrest episode at the volcano since 1975. Detailed waveform and spectral analysis of the continuous seismic record revealed eight earthquake families (F1–F8) within a sequence of 8561 low-frequency earthquakes. An analysis of stacked waveforms of each family allowed the families to be linked systematically into four super-families that may indicate four different mechanisms, and/or source locations or geometries. The first super-family mostly occurred in 2005 and showed stable waveforms and no significant evolution. The second super-family was dominant over a two-year period starting in mid-2006 and displayed a slow evolution with progressively higher frequency. The third super-family emerged from early 2008 with intermittent occurrence and high seismicity, and progressed to higher peak frequency in 2010. The fourth super-family was mainly observed from late 2008 to mid-2009 and had the highest peak frequency in 2009. The observed evolutionary pattern may be driven by a modest multi-year input of gas and heat from a deeper relict magmatic zone into the shallow volcano hydrothermal system. The interplay of gas from below and seasonal meltwater from above may have modulated the seismic activity and may relate to repeated over-pressurization and failure of constricted evolving pathways within a pervasive crack system.

Whakaari/White Island is a partially submerged, offshore andesite island volcano, located at the northern end of the Taupō Volcanic Zone. Since the late 1960s, volcanic activity has alternated between quiescence, unrest, and eruption on short timescales. For this review we compiled extensive observational records, examined the rich scientific literature, and use newly acquired data, to understand the broad volcanic history and system dynamics. Based on recent bathymetry data, we propose a distinction exists between the Whakaari edifice and Te Paepae o Aotea/Volkner Rocks, which were previously considered to be part of the same edifice. Geochemical analyses of scoria samples from the island have been used to build a magma system model where dominantly andesitic-dacitic magma is periodically intruded by basalt. More dynamic processes are recorded in the hydrothermal system, where the location and activity of fumarolic features have been ephemeral and the crater lake has varied in scale over short time intervals. Eruptions of the dominantly andesitic magma have historically been small and range from phreatomagmatic through to magmatic, largely depositing ash and scoria to a restricted distance that is confined to the main crater floor. Phreatic eruptions are the most common eruption style, based on recently observed and monitored activity.

Over the last 50 years, there have been major advances in knowledge and technology regarding genetic diseases, and the subsequent ability to control them in a cost-effective manner. This review traces these advances through research into genetic diseases of animals at Massey University (Palmerston North, NZ), and briefly discusses the disorders investigated during that time, with additional detail for disorders of major importance such as bovine α-mannosidosis, ovine ceroid-lipofuscinosis, canine mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA and feline hyperchylomicronaemia. The overall research has made a significant contribution to veterinary medicine, has provided new biological knowledge and advanced our understanding of similar disorders in human patients, including testing various specific therapies prior to human clinical trials.

Introduction Gender-affirming phalloplasty involves the construction of a neophallus using one or more flaps, most often a radial forearm free-flap. Although numerous articles have reported on short-term surgical outcomes of phalloplasty, relatively few studies have followed phalloplasty patient prospectively, starting from before surgery, in order to determine how surgery affects sexual function, including orgasm. Objective As part of a prospective, longitudinal study of barriers to and outcomes of masculinizing gender affirming surgery, researchers assessed patients’ sexual function both prior to and after phalloplasty. This represents a sub-analysis of a larger, ongoing research study addressing psychosocial outcomes of gender affirming surgery, including decision regret. Methods The population included in this analysis includes 7 patients who had been followed for at least 6 months after phalloplasty – at which time post-operative sexual function was initially assessed. Six of those patients were also assessed at one year about other psychosexual outcomes of surgery. Both of these assessments involved custom instruments developed for this study. All patients included in this analysis has been assessed at least once prior to surgery. The most recent assessment was used for all patients. Results Of the included participants, five identified as male and 2 as transgender male. All were White and not Hispanic. All patients who had been assessed for sexual function after phalloplasty reported having been able to experience an orgasm after surgery. Five patients stated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their sexual sensation during the most recent assessment, and 4 stated they were satisfied with their non-erotic (tactile) sensation. However, only one patients reported being satisfied with being able to urinate as they chose. Despite no patients having undergone penile prosthesis insertion at the time of assessment, one patient reported having been able to engage in sexual penetration with a partner. Of the 6 patients who had completed at least one year of follow-up, all reported their masculine self-image was either slightly or much better. Five reported that their nude appearance was slightly or much better, and all reported an increase in comfort in public locker rooms and showers. Conclusions Overall, preliminary longitudinal data suggests that patients who have undergone gender affirming phalloplasty are satisfied with their sexual function, even when they are unsatisfied with their ability to urinate as they choose. These results support previous research showing that orgasmic function can be maintained after gender affirming phalloplasty. Future data will help determine if phalloplasty can improve orgasmic function in the subset of gender affirmation patients who report no history or orgasm prior to surgery. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Applying machine learning to healthcare sheds light on evidence-based decision making and has shown promises to improve healthcare by combining clinical knowledge and biomedical data. However, medicine and data science are not synchronized. Oftentimes, researchers with a strong data science background do not understand the clinical challenges, while on the other hand, physicians do not know the capacity and limitation of state-of-the-art machine learning methods. The difficulty boils down to the lack of a common interface between two highly intelligent communities due to the privacy concerns and the disciplinary gap. The School of Biomedical Informatics (SBMI) at UTHealth is a pilot in connecting both worlds to promote interdisciplinary research. Recently, the Center for Secure Artificial Intelligence For hEalthcare (SAFE) at SBMI is organizing a series of machine learning healthcare hackathons for real-world clinical challenges. We hosted our first Hackathon themed centered around Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy and finding ways to recognize the warning signs. This community effort demonstrated that interdisciplinary discussion and productive competition has significantly increased the accuracy of warning sign detection compared to the previous work, and ultimately showing a potential of this hackathon as a platform to connect the two communities of data science and medicine.