Priority research directions for wildfire science: views from a historically fire-prone and an emerging fire-prone country

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 380(1924)

Published: April 1, 2025

Fire regimes are changing across the globe, with new wildfire behaviour phenomena and increasing impacts felt, especially in ecosystems without clear adaptations to wildfire. These trends pose significant challenges scientific community understanding communicating these changes their implications, particularly where we lack underlying evidence inform decision-making. Here, present a perspective on priority directions for science research—through lens of academic government scientists from historically wildfire-prone (USA) emerging (UK) country. Key topic areas outlined during series workshops 2023 were as follows: (A) predicting fire occurrence, impacts; (B) human ecosystem resilience fire; (C) atmospheric climate fire. Participants agreed focused research questions that seen gaps. was identified central connecting theme would allow critical advances be made all areas. findings provide one group perspectives feed into more transdisciplinary outline priorities diversity knowledge bases addressing under regimes. This article is part issue ‘Novel influences: impacts, responses feedbacks’.

Language: Английский

---

Biomass smoke inhalation promotes neuroinflammatory and metabolomic temporal changes in the hippocampus of female mice

Journal of Neuroinflammation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 20(1)

Published: Aug. 22, 2023

Abstract Smoke from wildland fires has been shown to produce neuroinflammation in preclinical models, characterized by neural infiltrations of neutrophils and monocytes, as well altered neurovascular endothelial phenotypes. To address the longevity such outcomes, present study examined temporal dynamics metabolomics after inhalation exposures biomass-derived smoke. 2-month-old female C57BL/6 J mice were exposed wood smoke every other day for 2 weeks at an average exposure concentration 0.5 mg/m 3 . Subsequent serial euthanasia occurred 1-, 3-, 7-, 14-, 28-day post-exposure. Flow cytometry right hemispheres revealed two populations CD31 Hi Med expressors, with causing increased proportion These associated anti-inflammatory pro-inflammatory response, respectively, their inflammatory profiles largely resolved mark. However, activated microglial (CD11b + /CD45 low ) remained higher smoke-exposed than controls 28. Infiltrating neutrophil decreased levels below MHC-II expression peripheral immune infiltrate high, population retained CD45, Ly6C, MHC-II. Utilizing unbiased approach examining metabolomic alterations, we observed notable hippocampal perturbations neurotransmitter signaling molecules, glutamate, quinolinic acid, 5-α-dihydroprogesterone. a targeted panel designed explore aging-associated NAD metabolic pathway, drove fluctuations compensations across time course, ending abundance on Summarily, these results indicate highly dynamic neuroinflammatory environment, potential resolution extending past 28 days, implications which may include long-term behavioral changes, systemic neurological sequalae directly wildfire exposure.

Language: Английский

---

Climate Change and the Health of Older Adults

Springer eBooks, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 837 - 860

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

---

Devastating Wildfires and Mental Health: Major Depressive Disorder Prevalence and Associated Factors among Residents in Alberta and Nova Scotia, Canada

Behavioral Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(3), P. 209 - 209

Published: March 5, 2024

Background: Since March 2023, hundreds of fires have burned from coast to throughout the country, placing Canada on track worst wildfire season ever recorded. From East West, provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and British Columbia been particularly affected by large uncontrollable wildfires. Objectives: The objective this study was determine prevalence depression symptoms predictors among residents living in extreme climate conditions during Canadian wildfires 2023 Alberta Scotia update literature with data related those Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey conducted study. REDCap used administer an online between 14 May 23 June 2023. Through Text4Hope program, participants subscribe receive supportive SMS messages daily. As part initial welcome message, were invited complete questionnaire, containing demographic information, wildfire-related responses Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for assessment. SPSS version 25 analyze data. Descriptive, univariate, multivariate regression analyses employed. Results: total 298 respondents completed out 1802 who self-subscribed program received a link survey, producing response rate 16.54%. Most females (85.2%, 253), below 40 years age (28.3%, 84), employed (63.6%, 189), relationship (56.4%, 167). historical diagnosis (OR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.39–7.14) significant predictor moderate severe MDD our unemployed individuals two times more likely report than 2.46; 1.06–5.67). Among sample population, 50.4%, whereas it 56.1% areas Conclusion: Based findings, unemployment history independently risk factors associated developing disasters. Further research is required identify robust mental health disorders disaster survivors provide appropriate interventions most vulnerable communities individuals.

Language: Английский

---

Development of a questionnaire library for rapid health data acquisition during wildfire events

medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 13, 2025

Rapid health outcome data acquisition using existing questionnaires can greatly facilitate time-sensitive research during or after a wildfire event. We aimed to develop readily available library of for self-reported outcomes serve as centralized platform researchers seeking quickly design instruments tailored their aims. In this paper, we describe the methodology used identify relevant and compile them into structured library. first followed Preferred Reporting Items Systematic reviews Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 checklist performed systematic literature review prior on exposure 1) categories associated with smoke 2) extract self-report related exposure. also secondary search questionnaire repositories additional impacts All (n=100) were organized by eight (mental = 60, respiratory 19, overall 17, sleep 10, cardiovascular 4, allergy 1, irritation (eye, throat, skin) 2, metabolic 1). The (see supplementary information) will be accompanied decision-tree framework in development, which assist future users building new that best fit study population Both forthcoming decision-support publicly accessible researchers, public agencies, other groups interested rapid response collection characterize wildfires. Additionally, method creating may template questionnaire-based following disasters.

Language: Английский

---

Text4PTSI: A Promising Supportive Text Messaging Program to Mitigate Psychological Symptoms in Public Safety Personnel

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 20(5), P. 4215 - 4215

Published: Feb. 27, 2023

Background: Public safety personnel experience various mental health conditions due to their work’s complex and demanding nature. There are barriers seeking support treatment; hence, providing innovative cost-effective interventions can help improve symptoms in public personnel. Objective: The study aimed evaluate the impact of Text4PTSI on depression, anxiety, trauma, stress-related symptoms, resilience after six months supportive text message intervention. Methods: subscribed received daily psychoeducational SMS messages for months. Participants were invited complete standardized self-rated web-based questionnaires assess posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), measured Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), respectively. assessment was conducted at baseline (enrolment) weeks, three months, enrollment. Results: One hundred thirty-one subscribers participated program, eighteen completed both any follow-up survey. A total 31 participants survey 107 surveys recorded all time points. prevalence psychological problems among as follows: likely major depressive (MDD) 47.1%, generalized anxiety (GAD) 37.5%, low 22.2%, PTSD 13.3%. At post-intervention, MDD, GAD, respondents reduced; however, a statistically significant reduction reported only MDD (−35.3%, X2 (1) = 2.55, p 0.03). no change between post-intervention. decrease mean scores PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-C, BRS from post-intervention by 25.8%, 24.7%, 9.5%, 0.3%, However, GAD-7 with effect size (t (15) 2.73, 0.02). Conclusions: results this suggest well severity program. is cost-effective, convenient, easily scalable program that augment other services managing burdens

Language: Английский

---

Quality of Life Measured with the WHO-5 Wellness Index during Wildfire Season in Two Canadian Provinces—Cross-Sectional Study

Fire, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7(2), P. 39 - 39

Published: Jan. 27, 2024

Introduction: Wildfires impact large populations worldwide with increasing frequency and severity. In Canada, the fire season has affected more areas this year potential implications for individuals’ well-being quality of life (QoL). Objective: This study aimed to explore data related QoL individuals living in impacted by wildfires two Canadian provinces. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was used collect from residents provinces who subscribed Text4Hope mental health support service. Descriptive inferential statistics were applied using World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Results: Out 1802 subscribers, 298 responded baseline surveys, yielding a response rate (16.5%). The mean score (40.8/100 ± 20.7). Most respondents Alberta (84.2%), 40 years old or below (28.3%), females (85.2%), Caucasian (83.5%), relationship (56.4%), employed (63.6%), received diagnoses depression (56.6%), anxiety (52.9%).The overall prevalence low (67.3%; 95% CI: 61.2–73.1%) that mostly reported among subscribers Nova Scotia (70.5%), younger (71.2%), other gender (83.3%), Black/Hispanic ethnicity (85.7% each), having high-school less education (70.3%), not (74.1%), unemployed (73.6%). terms clinical factors, most prevalent those (74%) (74.3%), have been receiving antidepressants (71.8%) benzodiazepines (93.3%). Regarding wildfire-related highest region recently (74.7%) frequently watching television images about devastation caused recent (72.6%). multivariate logistic regression analysis model predicting including various variables statistically significant; Χ2 (df = 19; n 254) 31.69, p 0.03. It found (37.9%) only significant predictor (adjusted OR: 1.96; 1.05–3.65). Conclusions: wildfire on people regions is significant. empirical authorities are disadvantaged via running screening programs early identify symptoms addressing conditions survivors, along provision innovative means support. necessitates enhanced planning governments overcome such adverse psychological consequences these events.

Language: Английский

---

Psychotropic Medication Prescriptions and Large California Wildfires

JAMA Network Open, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7(2), P. e2356466 - e2356466

Published: Feb. 26, 2024

Wildfires, intensified by climate change, have known effects on physical health but their mental are less well characterized. It has been hypothesized that the residential proximity to a large wildfire can exacerbate underlying conditions as evidenced increased prescriptions of psychotropic medications.

Language: Английский

---

Wildfire smoke and symptoms affecting mental health among adults in the U.S. state of Oregon

Preventive Medicine, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 164, P. 107333 - 107333

Published: Nov. 1, 2022

Language: Английский

---

Pre-existing depression, anxiety and trauma as risk factors for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following wildfires

Psychiatry Research Communications, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 4(2), P. 100161 - 100161

Published: March 1, 2024

The trauma of wildfires leads to one the most challenging and treatment resistant mental health conditions-namely-post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research addressing contribution pre-existing conditions development PTSD symptoms following traumatization by is limited. This study examined whether people with diagnoses anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia nightmares, a professional, are more likely develop than those no previous diagnosis wildfires. A total 126 wildfire survivors from Australia, Canada United States America completed an online survey. An independent sample t-tests revealed that diagnosed anxiety significantly increased likelihood developing (t = −2.51, p 0.014, 95% CI [-18.91 – -2.20], t −2.61, 0.01, -2.57], −2.57, 0.012, [-22.36 -2.87] respectively). Practitioners working in communities subjected need run thorough screening their patients' provide right referral pathways affected

Language: Английский

---