Intact Areas Research Articles

Developing a Wilderness Quality Index for Continental Europe

This paper presents an updated wilderness quality map, WQI 2.0, for Europe, which extends the existing map (WQI 1.0) to include non-EU states in Eastern Europe. The analysis utilizes the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform and incorporates contemporary datasets to assess wilderness quality across the continent. WQI 2.0 is compared to the previous version from the EU Wilderness register and global data from the WCS Human Influence Index (HII). Results indicate a high level of consistency between the versions, validating the robustness of the approach and the value of up-to-date datasets. WQI 2.0 serves as a valuable tool for developing a coordinated European policy on wilderness protection, encompassing both EU and non-EU states. By identifying areas outside current protected boundaries, the map helps to identify regions at risk of degradation and loss, due to resource exploitation. While small changes are seen between WQI 1.0 and WQI 2.0, expanding the coverage over the whole of continental Europe provides a foundation for the longer-term monitoring and evaluation of conservation targets. The findings contribute to meeting international commitments, such as the COP15 Kunming–Montreal Agreement and CBD targets, by highlighting the importance of preserving intact wilderness areas and increasing protected areas through restoration and rewilding efforts. Future iterations, such as WQI 3.0+, can track trends and potential threats to wilderness areas, while also identifying opportunities for ecosystem recovery through restoration and rewilding. To ensure comprehensive coverage, there is a need to update the existing Wilderness Register 1.0 and expand its scope to include non-EU states. This can be facilitated through collaboration with national WQI mapping programs, building on the experiences of countries such as Scotland, France, Iceland, and Germany, which have well-established national mapping initiatives. Overall, WQI 2.0 and the proposed updates provide valuable tools for informed decision-making in wilderness conservation and restoration efforts across Europe.

Volumetric Analysis of Various Pediatric Rotary Files in the Preparation of Primary Root Canals Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography.

This study was planned to evaluate and compare the cleaning efficacy of three pediatric rotary files with the standard Protaper adult file system in primary teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 40 extracted deciduous second molars, with palatal/mesial roots having at least two-thirds of root length and an intact furcation area, were distributed randomly among four groups, with each group containing 10 teeth. Canal preparation of group I (Pro AF Baby Gold), group II (Kedo SG Blue), group III (Prime Pedo), and group IV (Protaper) was done. Pre- and postoperative CBCT images were taken. The volumetric changes of the root canals were assessed and subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and R Studio 3.1.1. Volumetric changes within the groups were analyzed using paired t-tests and between the groups using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The comparison of mean volume difference between groups using ANOVA was statistically significant with F = 4.467, p = 0.002. A Tukey post hoc test revealed that group IV was statistically significant compared with groups I (p = 0.033) and III (p = 0.008) but was not statistically significant with group II (p = 0.170). There was no statistically significant difference in volumetric changes within the three pediatric rotary file systems. Protaper removed more dentin than all the pediatric rotary files, but it was not statistically significant over Kedo SG Blue. Among the pediatric rotary files, Kedo SG Blue removed more dentin than Pro AF Baby Gold and Prime Pedo, but they were not statistically significant. Nainer Chidambaram JV, Jayaprakash J, Arangannal P. Volumetric Analysis of Various Pediatric Rotary Files in the Preparation of Primary Root Canals Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):15-20.

Comparison of diffusion MRI methods in the study of structural reorganization of the brain in the early post-stroke period

Current research in the field of neuroimaging is focused on the possibilities of using data from various diffusion MR models: diffusion tensor visualization (DTI), diffusion-curtosis visualization (DKI), diffusion-spectral visualization (DSI), generalized q-sample visualization (GQI), Q-ball visualization (QBI) in the assessment reorganization of the brain. The purpose of this study is to compare the results of dynamic observation of post–stroke brain reorganization by diffusion MR models (DTI, DKI). Material and methods. Dynamic MR examination of the brain of 129 patients was performed on a Ingenia 3.0 T (Philips, Netherlands) on 1–3 days, 7–10 days, 3–4 months after the manifestation of stroke according to a routine protocol (DWI-EPI, FLAIR-SPIR, T2-WI, T1W-TFE) with DTI method. The stroke was verified and DTI, GQI, and DKI maps were built. Results and discussion It was showed that the fractional anisotropy (FA) of DTI significantly changed from 1–3 days to 7–10 days in the stroke area; the mean, axial and radial diffusions increased in the affected area over the three studies. For DKI model – the curtosis FA significantly changed in the lesion area by 3–4 months; the mean curtosis decreased by the second observation in the stroke area, axial curtosis decreased in the same area throughout all studies; radial kurtosis significantly increased in the affected area throughout the study. The results confirm the world data and also indicate that diffusion metrics can interpret the neuroplasticity of the brain in various diseases, however, this requires further study. The applied diffusion models indicated the reorganization of the ischemic area and the intact contralateral area. The use of diffusion models for the dynamic assessment is a promising direction in the study of the neuroplasticity mechanisms.

Association between RMTg Neuropeptide Genes and Negative Effect during Alcohol Withdrawal in Mice.

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) frequently co-occur with negative mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, exacerbating relapse through dopaminergic dysfunction. Stress-related neuropeptides play a crucial role in AUD pathophysiology by modulating dopamine (DA) function. The rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), which inhibits midbrain dopamine neurons and signals aversion, has been shown to increase ethanol consumption and negative emotional states during abstinence. Despite some stress-related neuropeptides acting through the RMTg to affect addiction behaviors, their specific roles in alcohol-induced contexts remain underexplored. This study utilized an intermittent voluntary drinking model in mice to induce negative effect behavior 24 h into ethanol (EtOH) abstinence (post-EtOH). It examined changes in pro-stress (Pnoc, Oxt, Npy) and anti-stress (Crf, Pomc, Avp, Orx, Pdyn) neuropeptide-coding genes and analyzed their correlations with aversive behaviors. We observed that adult male C57BL/6J mice displayed evident anxiety, anhedonia, and depression-like symptoms at 24 h post-EtOH. The laser-capture microdissection technique, coupled with or without retrograde tracing, was used to harvest total ventral tegmental area (VTA)-projecting neurons or the intact RMTg area. The findings revealed that post-EtOH consistently reduced Pnoc and Orx levels while elevating Crf levels in these neuronal populations. Notably, RMTg Pnoc and Npy levels counteracted ethanol consumption and depression severity, while Crf levels were indicative of the mice's anxiety levels. Together, these results underscore the potential role of stress-related neuropeptides in the RMTg in regulating the negative emotions related to AUDs, offering novel insights for future research.

The benefits and costs of explainable artificial intelligence in visual quality control: Evidence from fault detection performance and eye movements

AbstractVisual inspection tasks often require humans to cooperate with artificial intelligence (AI)‐based image classifiers. To enhance this cooperation, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) can highlight those image areas that have contributed to an AI decision. However, the literature on visual cueing suggests that such XAI support might come with costs of its own. To better understand how the benefits and cost of XAI depend on the accuracy of AI classifications and XAI highlights, we conducted two experiments that simulated visual quality control in a chocolate factory. Participants had to decide whether chocolate molds contained faulty bars or not, and were always informed whether the AI had classified the mold as faulty or not. In half of the experiment, they saw additional XAI highlights that justified this classification. While XAI speeded up performance, its effects on error rates were highly dependent on (X)AI accuracy. XAI benefits were observed when the system correctly detected and highlighted the fault, but XAI costs were evident for misplaced highlights that marked an intact area while the actual fault was located elsewhere. Eye movement analyses indicated that participants spent less time searching the rest of the mold and thus looked at the fault less often. However, we also observed large interindividual differences. Taken together, the results suggest that despite its potentials, XAI can discourage people from investing effort into their own information analysis.

The Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area: Characterization of Soil Bacterial Communities from Four Oases.

Understanding how microbial communities survive in extreme environmental pressure is critical for interpreting ecological patterns and microbial diversity. Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area represents an intriguing model for studying the bacterial community since it is a protected and intact wild area of the Mongolian desert. In this work, the composition of a bacterial community of the soil from four oases was characterized by extracting total DNA and sequencing through the Illumina NovaSeq platform. In addition, the soil's chemical and physical properties were determined, and their influence on shaping the microbial communities was evaluated. The results showed a high variability of bacterial composition among oases. Moreover, combining specific chemical and physical parameters significantly shapes the bacterial community among oases. Data obtained suggested that the oases were highly variable in physiochemical parameters and bacterial communities despite the similar extreme climate conditions. Moreover, core functional microbiome were constituted by aerobic chemoheterotrophy and chemoheterotrophy, mainly contributed by the most abundant bacteria, such as Actinobacteriota, Pseudomonadota, and Firmicutes. This result supposes a metabolic flexibility for sustaining life in deserts. Furthermore, as the inhabitants of the extreme regions are likely to produce new chemical compounds, isolation of key taxa is thus encouraged.

Partially Lacerated Digital Flexor Tendons: A Cadaveric Study Determining the Intact Cross-sectional Area and Biomechanical Analysis.

The extent of injury in partially lacerated tendons has conventionally been expressed as a percentage of the total tendon, to justify surgical repair. We propose a more objective method to estimate the cross-sectional area of the remnant intact tendon and to determine if the remaining tendon fibers can withstand the tensile forces of early active mobilization against resistance. The study was done on 20 cadaveric specimens, which were randomly assigned to receive a laceration of 25%, 50%, or 75% of the measured transverse tendon diameter. The circumference of the remaining intact portion of the partially lacerated tendon was measured and converted using a formula to determine the derived cross-sectional area (D-CSA). These D-CSA values were then validated by comparing them to digitally measured cross-sectional areas using a computer software program (computer-measured cross-sectional area, C-CSA). In addition, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of these partially lacerated tendons was analyzed to determine if a threshold exists beyond which surgical repair of a partially lacerated tendon is indicated. We found that the D-CSAs matched moderately with C-CSAs, with 0.622 of Pearson correlation coefficient. The UTSs of tendons with CSAs above 8 mm in circumference were consistently above 150 N. Measurement of the circumference of the partially lacerated tendon to obtain the D-CSA could be an accurate and practical method to benchmark residual tendon strength in the management of partially lacerated tendons.

Clock gene Per2 modulates epidermal tissue repair in vivo.

Wound healing can be influenced by genes that control the circadian cycle, including Per2and BMAL1, which coordinate the functions of several organs, including the skin. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of PER2 during experimental skin wound healing. Two groups (control and Per2-KO), consisting of 14 male mice each, were anesthetized by inhalation, and two 6 mm wounds were created on their dorsal skin using a punch biopsy. A silicone ring was sutured around the wound perimeter to restrict contraction. The wound healing process was clinically measured daily (closure index) until complete wound repair. On Day 6, histomorphometric analysis was performed using the length and thickness of the epithelial migration tongue, in addition to counting vessels underlying the lesion by immunofluorescence assay and maturation of collagen fibers through picrosirius staining. Bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU) incorporation and quantification were performed using the subcutaneous injection technique 2 h before euthanasia and through immunohistochemical analysis of the proliferative index. In addition, the qualitative analysis of myofibroblasts and periostin distribution in connective tissue was performed by immunofluorescence. Statistically significant differences were observed in the healing time between the experimental groups (means: 15.5 days for control mice and 13.5 days for Per2-KO; p = 0.001). The accelerated healing observed in the Per2-KO group (p < 0.05) was accompanied by statistical differences in wound diameter and length of the migrating epithelial tongue (p = 0.01) compared to the control group. Regarding BrdU immunoreactivity, higher expression was observed in the intact epithelium of Per2-KO animals (p = 0.01), and this difference compared to control was also present, to a lesser extent, at the wound site (p = 0.03). Immunofluorescence in the connective tissue underlying the wound showed a higher angiogenic potential in the Per2-KO group in the intact tissue area and the wound region (p < 0.01), where increased expression of myofibroblasts was also observed. Qualitative analysis revealed the distribution of periostin protein and collagen fibers in the connective tissue underlying the wound, with greater organization and maturation during the analyzed period. Our research showed that the absence of the Per2 gene positively impacts the healing time of the skin in vivo.This acceleration depends on the increase of epithelial proliferative and angiogenic capacity of cells carrying the Per2 deletion.

Model of non-stationary non-isothermal diffusion of corrosion inhibitors in polymeric film

Efficiency of film compositions with a complex of inhibitors at protection of equipment against corrosion is shown. The leading role of diffusion in formation of a protective layer on a substrate is revealed. Relevance of development of model of diffusion of inhibitors of corrosion to a substrate at the expense of the most hostile environment is proved. The specified model will provide calculation of concentration of inhibitor for various types of hostile environment (alkaline, acid) and establishment of necessary thermodynamic characteristics of a polymeric basis. The film on the basis of latex DMMA containing contact and flying water-soluble inhibitors of corrosion was investigated. Methyl Methacrylate latex belongs to the hydrophilic polymers differing in abnormal diffusion. Speed of diffusion of vapors of water through latex films up to 3 mm thick is experimentally established. Assumptions are entered and the mathematical model of an element of a polymeric film added with entry and boundary conditions according to service conditions is developed. Experimental values of the functions describing diffusion of water and inhibitor approximated the bicubic interpolation polynomial realized by standard algorithm of MatLab library. The decision is carried out in a CFD package of modeling Comsol Multiphysics, at the same time the computing grid contained 2128 elements. It is defined that diffusion is complicated by the conformational transformations of macromolecules of a polymeric matrix directly depending on temperature. Change of coefficient of diffusion of a film at endurance in water owing to change of a conformational condition of macromolecules of a film from temperature is experimentally established. It is established that the current of the first minutes is established a gradient of temperatures which results in stationary value of medium-volume temperature of a film. Water diffusion as inertial process establishes a gradient of concentration with orientation of lines of current towards a zone of defect of a film on a substrate. The gradient of concentration of inhibitor grows more slowly, than concentration of water that is caused by initiation of formation of the "inhibitor + water" complex. In process of inhibitor exhaustion directly in a defect zone, its diffusion from the nearby intact areas is excited that raises a functional stock of an anticorrosive covering. Results of comparison of the data on quantitative structure of a polymeric film received experimentally and calculation for model are given, their convergence is shown.

Влияние исходных структурных нарушений и послеоперационного изменения перфузии на функциональное восстановление сетчатки после хирургического лечения сквозных макулярных разрывов

Purpose. To evaluate effect of preoperative local structural retinal changes and capillary perfusion in idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) on the recovery of functional activity of the retina after surgical treatment. Materials and methods. We used optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCT-A), microperimetry, multifocal electroretinography. In 25 eyes with FTMH the density of capillaries in the superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP and DCP), retinal sensitivity (RS), amplitude and implicit time of P1 were studied at 13 points located at different distances from the fixation point were evaluated. Data were analyzed in the projection of the hole, intraretinal cystic changes (ICC), neuroepithelial detachment (NED) and intact retina before surgical treatment, 7 days, and 3 months after. Results. In the area of hole, ICC, and NED, in comparison with intact areas of the retina, a significant decrease in RS, an increase in implicit time and a decrease in amplitude of P1, and a decrease in capillary density in the SCP and DCP were revealed. Functional restoration of the retina with an increase in its perfusion was noted 3 months after the surgery. The correlation was found between postoperative changes in RS and changes in capillary density in the SCP in the projection of NED (R=0.32, p=0.001) and ICC (R=0.19, p=0.001), as well as in the DCP in the projection of NED and ICC (R=0.31, p=0.001). The change in the amplitude P1 in the postoperative period significantly correlated with the change in perfusion in the SCP in the projection of the NED (R=0.38, p=0.001) and the hole area (R=0.31, p=0.001), as well as in the DCP in the projection of the ICC (R=0.31, p=0.01) and in the area of NED (R=0.28, p=0.001). Conclusion. Thus, when using a multimodal topographically oriented approach, a relationship was found in the postoperative period of changes in functional parameters at various points in the macular area with changes in local perfusion at the level of both SCP and DCP, while the relationship is most significant in the projection of NED along the tear edge and in the areas of ICC. Key words: full-thickness macular hole (FTMH), microperimetry, multifocal electroretinography, multimodal imaging, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography-angiography

Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on cortical structures during motor imagination performance in the brain-computer interface

The aftermath of a stroke can frequently result in impaired motor functions causing problems performing habitual limb movements. These movement disorders stem from damage to the cerebral cortex and disruptions to neuronal connections in the central pyramidal pathways [1]. Restoring motor skills following a stroke is a time-consuming and challenging process, requiring resources from both external medical sources and the patient. Despite these challenges, it is still feasible for patients to regain control over their limb movements. The common approach for stroke neurorehabilitation consists of therapeutic physical activities and kinesiotherapy. These methods rely on afferent information during motor tasks to repair connections between intact brain areas [2]. Through exercising the impacted limbs, synaptic rearrangement happens in the cortex, awakening dormant neurons and increasing cortical areas adjacent to inactive regions. Although these techniques can partially restore movement, a significant number of stroke patients still face impairments. It is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the current interventions and explore new approaches for better outcomes. Traditional rehabilitation methods often do not fully restore movement control, prompting researchers to explore alternative approaches. Motor-imagery-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have gained attention recently [3, 4]. They allow for integrating various feedback mechanisms, which can be combined with upper and lower limb exoskeletons. The level of control a subject has over a BCI system directly affects the recovery process [5]. Introducing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) into motor-imagery BCIs shows promise for developing a unified and highly efficient approach to post-stroke rehabilitation. Twenty-nine healthy adult participants (21 females) with a mean age of 20.93±2.14 years were recruited for this experiment. All participants were right-handed and had no prior experience with brain-computer interfaces. Ethical approval was obtained from the local ethics committee of Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod (ethical approval No. 2, dated 03/19/2021), and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a sham intervention (n=15) or active TMS (n=14). The experiment displayed tasks on a 24-inch LCD screen placed 2 meters away. Participants sat in a reclining chair with hands on adjustable armrests for EEG signal recording. Motor-imagery-based BCI training took place over two days with four daily tasks: motor performance, quasi-motor, and two motor imaginations of the dominant hand. EEG activity was recorded prior to and after completing the tasks. Each task comprised of 20 trials, each lasting 10 seconds. TMS was administered in between two motor imagination tasks, and a rest period of 2 minutes followed the stimulation. The researcher objectively monitored electromyography (EMG) in real-time during motor tasks. Certified NVX 52 amplifiers with 32 Cl/Ag electrodes positioned according to the international 10-10 system recorded electroencephalography (EEG) signals. The EEG was digitized at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz and filtered with a 50 Hz Notch filter. Disposable electrodes were used to record EMG data from musculus flexor digitorum superficialis on the right hand. EMG signals were digitized at 1000 Hz and filtered using a 50 Hz Notch filter. TMS was applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) using a figure-8 coil connected to a Neuro MS/D magnetic stimulator. Sham stimulation was performed with the same parameters, except the coil was tilted 90 degrees to simulate the sound of real stimulation. A nonparametric permutation test was conducted to assess the statistically significant dissimilarities between rest periods and periods subsequent to conducting motor imagery after TMS. Significant clusters of the highest event-related desynchronization (ERD) were observed. The analysis demonstrated a significant negative cluster in the theta rhythm (0–6 Hz) that was distinct from the magnetic stimulation site. Similar significant ERD clusters were identified during the first and second series of imaginary movements. The study examined alterations in motor cortex function following targeted rTMS. The results demonstrated that TMS using particular parameters resulted in the pre-activation of brain regions comparable to those stimulated during motor imagery. The implementation of this stimulation protocol increased activity in cortical regions related to motor imagery. The outcomes propose the probable effectiveness of TMS in elevating motor cortex activation during the rehabilitation process.

Characteristics and time points to inhibit ferroptosis in human osteoarthritis

Ferroptosis is a form of cell death that is triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and is closely associated with osteoarthritis. The primary interventions for inhibiting ferroptosis in osteoarthritis are anti-lipid peroxidation and iron chelation. The objective of our study is to investigate the characteristics of ferroptosis in osteoarthritis and identify the optimal time points for inhibiting ferroptosis to alleviate disease progression. Ferroptosis-related alterations and markers of OA were analyzed in paired intact and damaged cartilages from OA patients by immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, mitochondrial membrane potential and immunohistochemistry. We also compared Ferroptosis-related alterations in cartilage of mild, moderate, and severe OA (according to the modified Mankin score). In addition, we compared the effect of Fer-1 on ferroptosis and the protection of chondrocytes by detecting markers of both ferroptosis and OA by immunofluorescence, CCK8 and qRT-PCR. Ferroptosis-related alterations (GPX4 downregulation, ACSL4 upregulation, MDA, LPO accumulation, Mitochondrial membrane potential decreased) in the damaged area cartilage were more severe than those in the intact area and increased with the progression of OA. Compared with mild OA group, the activity of chondrocytes treated with Fer-1 (a ferroptosis inhibitor) was increased, mitochondrial function was improved, and ferroptosis was reduced (GPX4 upregulation, SLC7A11 upregulation, ACSL4 downregulation,), and promoted the expression of COL2A1 and inhibited the expression of MMP13. However, these changes were not observed in moderate and severe OA chondrocytes. Ferroptosis occurs in a region-specific manner and is exacerbated with the progression of human OA cartilage degeneration. Inhibition of ferroptosis might had a therapeutic effect on chondrocytes with mild OA but had no significant therapeutic effect on chondrocytes with moderate to severe OA.

Untangling the threads of conservation: A closer look at restoration and preservation

Abstract Global goals and targets were recently set for biodiversity conservation in the coming decade. As action plans are now being developed, it is timely and important to carefully consider where and when various strategies for conservation—such as restoration and preservation—will be most effective. For example, there is widespread support for expanding protected areas (e.g. protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030) and restoration (e.g. having restoration completed or underway on at least 30% of degraded lands and waters), but also concerns regarding missed opportunities, and even additional degradation of nature, resulting from the ineffective implementation of these strategies. Here, we emphasize the importance of prioritizing the preservation of relatively intact and pristine areas when identifying protected areas, and of avoiding the common misconception that, if intact nature is degraded or lost, it can simply be restored. Even the best restorations, after many decades of investments and efforts, are only a shadow of the natural systems they are meant to recreate. Synthesis and applications. Now that the Global Biodiversity Framework has just been set, there is a critical need to recognize their fundamental differences between the types of places that are priorities for preservation, restoration or both to make collective actions for achieving the targets and goals for nature and people.

Progression of PROM1-Associated Retinal Degeneration as Determined by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Over a 24-Month Period

PurposeTo evaluate the progression of atrophy as determined by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with molecularly confirmed PROM1-associated retinal degeneration (RD) over a 24 months period. DesignInternational, multicenter, prospective case series. MethodsA total of 13 eyes (13 patients) affected with PROM1-associated RD were enrolled at five sites and SD-OCT images were obtained at baseline and after 24 months. Loss of mean thickness (MT) and intact area were estimated after semi-automated segmentation for the following individual retinal layers in the central subfield (CS), inner ring and outer ring of the ETDRS grid: retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), outer segments (OS), inner segments (IS), outer nuclear layer (ONL), inner retina (IR), and total retina (TR). ResultsStatistically significant losses of thickness of RPE and TR were detected in the CS and inner ring and of ONL and IS in the outer ring (all p<0,05); a statistically significant decrease of intact area of RPE and IS was observed in the inner ring and of ONL in the outer ring (all p<0,05); the change in MT and the intact area of the other layers showed a trend of decline over an observational period of 24 months. ConclusionsSignificant thickness losses could be detected in outer retinal layers by SD-OCT over a 24 months period in patients with PROM1-associated retinal degeneration. Loss of thickness and/or intact area of such layers may serve as potential endpoints for clinical trials that aim to slow down the disease progression of PROM1-associated retinal degeneration.

Using essential biodiversity variables to assess forest ecosystem integrity

IntroductionAn unprecedented amount of Earth Observations and in-situ data has become available in recent decades, opening up the possibility of developing scalable and practical solutions to assess and monitor ecosystems across the globe. Essential Biodiversity Variables are an example of the integration between Earth Observations and in-situ data for monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, with applicability to assess and monitor ecosystem structure, function, and composition. However, studies have yet to explore how such metrics can be organized in an effective workflow to create a composite Ecosystem Integrity Index and differentiate between local plots at the global scale.MethodsUsing available Essential Biodiversity Variables, we present and test a framework to assess and monitor forest ecosystem integrity at the global scale. We first defined the theoretical framework used to develop the workflow. We then measured ecosystem integrity across 333 forest plots of 5 km2. We classified the plots across the globe using two main categories of ecosystem integrity (Top and Down) defined using different Essential Biodiversity Variables.Results and discussion:We found that ecosystem integrity was significantly higher in forest plots located in more intact areas than in forest plots with higher disturbance. On average, intact forests had an Ecosystem Integrity Index score of 5.88 (CI: 5.53–6.23), whereas higher disturbance lowered the average to 4.97 (CI: 4.67–5.26). Knowing the state and changes in forest ecosystem integrity may help to deliver funding to priority areas that would benefit from mitigation strategies targeting climate change and biodiversity loss. This study may further provide decision- and policymakers with relevant information about the effectiveness of forest management and policies concerning forests. Our proposed method provides a flexible and scalable solution that facilitates the integration of essential biodiversity variables to monitor forest ecosystems.

Structural and connectivity parameters reveal spared connectivity in young patients with non-progressive compared to slow-progressive cerebellar ataxia.

Within Pediatric Cerebellar Ataxias (PCAs), patients with non-progressive ataxia (NonP) surprisingly show postural motor behavior comparable to that of healthy controls, differently to slow-progressive ataxia patients (SlowP). This difference may depend on the building of compensatory strategies of the intact areas in NonP brain network. Eleven PCAs patients were recruited: five with NonP and six with SlowP. We assessed volumetric and axonal bundles alterations with a multimodal approach to investigate whether eventual spared connectivity between basal ganglia and cerebellum explains the different postural motor behavior of NonP and SlowP patients. Cerebellar lobules were smaller in SlowP patients. NonP patients showed a lower number of streamlines in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical tracts but a generalized higher integrity of white matter tracts connecting the cortex and the basal ganglia with the cerebellum. This work reveals that the axonal bundles connecting the cerebellum with basal ganglia and cortex demonstrate a higher integrity in NonP patients. This evidence highlights the importance of the cerebellum-basal ganglia connectivity to explain the different postural motor behavior of NonP and SlowP patients and support the possible compensatory role of basal ganglia in patients with stable cerebellar malformation.

Peripheral nerve tumors in adults and children: clinical and diagnostic characteristics

Aim. To describe clinical and instrumental characteristics of patients with primary solitary and multiple tumors of the peripheral nerves.Materials and methods. Data from 45 patients were analyzed. In accordance with the examination results, the patients were retrospectively divided into 2 groups: 1) with solitary tumors: schwannomas (n = 22), neurofibromas (n = 10), perineuriomas (n = 5), neurofibrosarcomas (n = 2); 2) with multiple tumors: schwannomatosis (n = 3) and neurofibromatosis (n = 3).Results. The study did not show differences in the severity of motor deficit and the results of neurophysiological exams between solitary and multiple tumors; however, differences between pathomorphological types were observed. The most benign disease course was observed in patients with schwannomas, including multiple schwannomas; severe motor deficit was observed in patients with neurofibrosarcomas and crossover neurofibromas. Pain component was characteristic of neurofibrosarcomas, neurofibromas and melanotic schwannoma; perineuriomas were characterized by painless progression.Conclusion. Compulsory scan along the nerve allows to find tumors in clinically intact areas and other nerves.

Combining resilience and resistance with threat‐based approaches for prioritizing management actions in sagebrush ecosystems

AbstractThe sagebrush biome is a dryland region in the western United States experiencing rapid transformations to novel ecological states. Threat‐based approaches for managing anthropogenic and ecosystem threats have recently become prominent, but successfully mitigating threats depends on the ecological resilience of ecosystems. We used a spatially explicit approach for prioritizing management actions that combined a threat‐based model with models of resilience to disturbance and resistance to annual grass invasion. The threat‐based model assessed geographic patterns in sagebrush ecological integrity (SEI) to identify core sagebrush, growth opportunity, and other rangeland areas. The resilience and resistance model identified ecologically relevant climate and soil water availability indicators from process‐based ecohydrological models. The SEI areas and resilience and resistance indicators were consistent—the resilience and resistance indicators showed generally positive relationships with the SEI areas. They also were complementary—SEI areas provided information on intact sagebrush areas and threats, while resilience and resistance provided information on responses to disturbances and management actions. The SEI index and resilience and resistance indicators provide the basis for prioritizing conservation and restoration actions and determining appropriate strategies. The difficulty and time required to conserve or restore SEI areas increase as threats increases and resilience and resistance decrease.

The impacts of land‐use and climate change on the Zoige peatland carbon cycle: A review

AbstractThe Zoige peatlands are the largest peatland area in China, and the largest high‐altitude peatland in the world. As with many peatlands worldwide, degradation from land management and climate change mean that the intact Zoige peatland area has decreased, potentially reducing the carbon (C) sink function and ecosystem services. This review summarizes current knowledge of the impacts of land‐use and climate change on the Zoige peatland C cycle in a global perspective and identifies future research and management directions. The existing literature suggests that artificial drainage carried out to lower water tables and improve grazing has a significant impact on the peatland C cycle. Drained and degraded areas may act as a net C source, through increased CO2 emissions, although the overall C balance of the Zoige peatlands is likely still a net C sink. Future climate change may also impact upon the peatland C cycle. Warming of 2°C may significantly reduce the strength of the C sink of intact peatland areas, which may shift the overall Zoige peatland C cycle balance to a net C source. The effect of warming on degraded Zoige peatlands is a major uncertainty, although the global literature suggests warming effects may be greater in degraded peatlands. Restoration of degraded peatlands (by blocking drains) may help reverse some of the impacts of degradation and gradually recover C sink function. However, there are fewer studies in Zoige peatlands than elsewhere. We conclude with several specific suggestions for future research on the peatland C cycle.This article is categorized under: Paleoclimates and Current Trends &gt; Modern Climate Change Assessing Impacts of Climate Change &gt; Observed Impacts of Climate Change Climate, Ecology, and Conservation &gt; Observed Ecological Changes

Mangrove blue carbon stocks estimation in South Sulawesi Indonesia

Mangroves are the major sink of blue carbon in coastal ecosystems. However, due to high levels of anthropogenic activities, mangroves rapidly disappear worldwide, resulting in a significant loss of carbon stocks. This study aims to quantify the biomass carbon stock of mangroves (standing live trees and roots) and soil organic carbon stocks at six sample sites affected by aquaculture pond expansions in the Barru District, South Sulawesi Province. We investigated the structure and composition of mangrove vegetation at each site in a 20 m × 50 m transect and sampled six soil cores at depths of 0 cm–15 cm, 15 cm–30 cm, 30 cm–50 cm, and 50 cm–100 cm. We used allometric equations for specific species from previous studies to estimate biomass carbon stocks and used the Loss on Ignition method for soil analysis. Based on the carbon stocks value, the mean values of aboveground (tree) and belowground (root) carbon of mangroves were 100.66 ± 23.44 Mg C ha-1 and 2.81 ± 1.16 Mg C ha-1, respectively, while the mean value of soil organic carbon was 570.76 ± 97.70 Mg C ha-1. The over-exploitation of mangrove areas in this region in the last two decades (for various purposes, but mainly related to aquaculture pond development) has resulted in lower blue carbon estimates than in other regions in Indonesia. Therefore, protecting intact mangrove areas and rehabilitating and restoring areas that have been degraded or lost is essential to conserve blue carbon and rebuild and increase carbon stocks to mitigate climate change and ensure mangrove sustainability.