Regional Distribution Patterns Research Articles

The comprehensive effects of future multi‐scenario land use change and climate change on water conservation in Northwest China

AbstractWater conservation is an important ecosystem service, which is crucial to the fragile ecological environment and serious soil erosion in Northwest China. However, water conservation has been affected by climate change and human disturbance, and its future spatial and temporal changes are still unclear. This study employed the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade‐offs (InVEST) model to assess the water conservation capacity of Northwest China between 1990 and 2020. Subsequently, the Patch‐generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model and the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX‐GDDP‐CMIP6) were integrated to examine changes in water conservation from 2030 to 2050. The water conservation quantity in Northwest China had a fluctuating growth tendency between 1990 and 2020, with an average of 816.61 × 108 m3. The water conservation capacity's regional distribution pattern shows a steady increase from northwest to southeast. Northwest China's forest land had the greatest water conservation capacity between 1990 and 2020, at 66 mm, while the water land had the lowest, at 1.46 mm. The water conservation capacity in the 2030–2050 future scenario is less than that in 2020 when the regional distribution pattern is comparable to 2020. Natural development scenario (ND) in 2030 has the lowest water conservation capacity (13.41 mm) under ssp1‐2.6 precipitation scenario, whereas in 2050, the highest water conservation capacity (17.47 mm) is found in same scenario. The ecological protection scenario (EP) has the greatest water retention capacity (18.15 mm in 2040) and the lowest (14.38 mm in 2050) in the ssp5‐8.5 scenario. Our research can help restore and rebuild Northwest China's natural ecosystem and offer a theoretical foundation for the protection of ecological environment and the rational utilization of water resources in the region.

Study on Development Suggestions for the Key Parts Industry Chain of China's New Energy Vehicles

The development of new energy vehicles is the inevitable path for China's automotive industry to transition from being a large player to a powerful one. This article focuses on analyzing the current development status of China's automotive industry, particularly in the realm of new energy vehicles. It examines the domestic market situation and export competition landscape of new energy vehicles, further evaluating the current status of the new energy vehicle industry chain, technological situation, enterprise competition landscape, and the regional distribution pattern of core components. Finally, based on the problems existing in the development of the new energy vehicle industry chain, it puts forward targeted development suggestions.

Response of sediment microbial communities to the flow effect of the triangular artificial reef: A simulation-based experimental study

Artificial reefs (ARs), as an important tool for habitat restoration, play significant impacts on benthic microbial ecosystems. This study utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow simulation to investigate the effects of flow field distribution around ARs on microbial community structure. The results revealed distinct regional distribution patterns of microbial communities affected by different hydrodynamic conditions. Flow velocity and flow regime of water in sediment-water interface shaped the microbial community structure. The diversity and richness in R–HF were significantly decreased compared to other five regions (p < 0.05). At the phyla and OUT levels, most abundant taxa (1>%) showed an enrichment trend in R–HB. However, more than half of differentially abundant taxa were enriched in R–HB, which was significantly correlated with organic matter (OM). Bugbase phenotypic predictions indicated a low abundance of the anaerobic phenotype in R–HF and a high abundance of the biofilm-forming phenotype in R–HB.

Distribution Pattern of Species Richness of Endemic Genera in Mountainous Areas of Southwest China and Its Influencing Factors

China’s southwest mountainous region is one of the hotspots of biodiversity in the world. However, the study on the pattern of species richness distribution of endemic plants in this region and its influencing factors is still in the exploration stage. A clear regional spatial distribution pattern of plants and its influencing factors are very important for the protection and management of plant diversity in southwest China. In this study, 511 county-level regions in the southwest mountainous region were taken as examples to establish a plant species resource bank in the southwest mountainous region, and the distribution pattern of the proportion and abundance of endemic plant families and genera was analyzed based on 19 climate and environmental factors and 8 human disturbance factors in the southwest mountainous region. The geographical weighted regression model (GWR) was used to reveal the main factors affecting the spatial distribution of species. The results showed that: (1) A total of 4688 species investigated in the southwest mountain belong to 19 families and 32 genera. (2) The endemic species richness in the southwest mountainous region showed a significant uneven spatial pattern, mainly concentrated in the Heng Duan Mountain area, southwest Sichuan and northern Yunnan area, and the Ruoergai-Hongyuan area of West Sichuan Plateau. (3) The results of the GWR model showed that the diurnal mean temperature range, precipitation seasonality and distance from the main road had significant effects on species richness. The study on the distribution of endemic genera and their influencing factors in the southwest mountainous region has important implications for the exploration of the evolutionary history and species conservation of the mountain flora.

White matter hyperintensity patterns: associations with comorbidities, amyloid, and cognition

BackgroundWhite matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are often measured globally, but spatial patterns of WMHs could underlie different risk factors and neuropathological and clinical correlates. We investigated the spatial heterogeneity of WMHs and their association with comorbidities, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk factors, and cognition.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we studied 171 cognitively unimpaired (CU; median age: 65 years, range: 50 to 89) and 51 mildly cognitively impaired (MCI; median age: 72, range: 53 to 89) individuals with available amyloid (18F-flutementamol) PET and FLAIR-weighted images. Comorbidities were assessed using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS). Each participant’s white matter was segmented into 38 parcels, and WMH volume was calculated in each parcel. Correlated principal component analysis was applied to the parceled WMH data to determine patterns of WMH covariation. Adjusted and unadjusted linear regression models were used to investigate associations of component scores with comorbidities and AD-related factors. Using multiple linear regression, we tested whether WMH component scores predicted cognitive performance.ResultsPrincipal component analysis identified four WMH components that broadly describe FLAIR signal hyperintensities in posterior, periventricular, and deep white matter regions, as well as basal ganglia and thalamic structures. In CU individuals, hypertension was associated with all patterns except the periventricular component. MCI individuals showed more diverse associations. The posterior and deep components were associated with renal disorders, the periventricular component was associated with increased amyloid, and the subcortical gray matter structures was associated with sleep disorders, endocrine/metabolic disorders, and increased amyloid. In the combined sample (CU + MCI), the main effects of WMH components were not associated with cognition but predicted poorer episodic memory performance in the presence of increased amyloid. No interaction between hypertension and the number of comorbidities on component scores was observed.ConclusionOur study underscores the significance of understanding the regional distribution patterns of WMHs and the valuable insights that risk factors can offer regarding their underlying causes. Moreover, patterns of hyperintensities in periventricular regions and deep gray matter structures may have more pronounced cognitive implications, especially when amyloid pathology is also present.

Biodiversity and distribution patterns of blooming jellyfish in the Bohai Sea revealed by eDNA metabarcoding

BackgroundThe mass occurrence of scyphozoan jellyfish severely affects marine ecosystems and coastal economies, and the study of blooming jellyfish population dynamics has emerged in response. However, traditional ecological survey methods required for such research have difficulties in detecting cryptic life stages and surveying population dynamics owing to high spatiotemporal variations in their occurrence. The environmental DNA (eDNA) technique is an effective tool for overcoming these limitations.ResultsIn this study, we investigated the biodiversity and spatial distribution characteristics of blooming jellyfish in the Bohai Sea of China using an eDNA metabarcoding approach, which covered the surface, middle, and bottom seawater layers, and sediments. Six jellyfish taxa were identified, of which Aurelia coerulea, Nemopilema nomurai, and Cyanea nozakii were the most dominant. These three blooming jellyfish presented a marked vertical distribution pattern in the offshore regions. A. coerulea was mainly distributed in the surface layer, whereas C. nozakii and N. nomurai showed a upper-middle and middle-bottom aggregation, respectively. Horizontally, A. coerulea and C. nozakii were more abundant in the inshore regions, whereas N. nomurai was mainly distributed offshore. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between the eDNA of the three dominant blooming jellyfish species and temperature, salinity, and nutrients.ConclusionsOur study confirms the applicability of the eDNA approach to both biodiverstiy evaluation of blooming jellyfish and investigating their spatial distribution, and it can be used as a supplementary tool to traditional survey methods.

The spatial and temporal situation of China's digital technology innovation and its influencing factors.

Digital technology innovation is the core driving force for the high-quality development of the digital economy, and in-depth exploration of the regional distribution pattern and formation mechanism of digital technology innovation in China is conducive to the rational layout and coordinated development of the inter-provincial digital economy. Based on the Reference Relationship Table of the Classification of Core Industries of Digital Economy and the International Patent Classification (2023), the patent authorization data of digital technology from 2012 to 2022 were obtained, and the spatiotemporal situation of China's digital technology innovation was analyzed by using ArcGIS software, Dagum's Gini coefficient, and Moran's I index, and the spatial Dubin panel model was used to explore the influencing factors of digital technology innovation. It is found that: (1) the scale and vitality of China's digital technology innovation have increased significantly, and there are obvious spatial differentiation characteristics, and the innovation level of "eastern coastal-central and western interior" is decreasing, forming a cluster distribution pattern in the Yangtze River Delta region, Beijing, Guangdong, and other places, and the degree of agglomeration is decreasing. (2) The overall regional differences in China's digital technology innovation are large, the differences between the East and the West dominate the interregional differences, and the net differences between regions are the main factors leading to regional differences. (3) There is a significant positive spatial correlation between the scale and vitality of digital technology innovation, which has a significant spatial spillover effect. (4) The results confirm that the level of economic development, digital access, financial scientific and technological support, technology market development level, and R&D intensity have a significant positive impact on the scale and vitality of digital technology innovation; The investment in scientific and technological talents has a significant positive impact on the scale of digital technology innovation, but has no significant impact on the vitality of digital technology innovation.

Global and regional patterns in distribution and threat status of zoo collections of turtles and tortoises

Turtles are a globally threatened group of reptiles. Zoo populations may contribute to the conservation of species, including turtles, but collection composition may not align with conservation needs. We combined data from the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), EDGE of Existence, the IUCN Red List and the Reptile Database to investigate zoo turtle holdings on global and regional scales. Globally, zoo collections were representative of turtle diversity, regional species distributions and threat statuses, indicating no bias towards threatened species and no taxonomic or distribution blind spots. Species kept in zoos had significantly lower EDGE scores than those not represented, and threatened species were no more likely to have been bred in the year prior to data collection (before March 2022) or have non-viable populations, but were more likely to have a larger population size. Although Africa, Asia and South America have the smallest turtle holdings in terms of species, allowing for regional capacity, these regions hold more, while Europe holds fewer than expected turtle species – North American and Asian holdings do not differ from expected. African, Asian, North and South American regions significantly bias their collections towards native species. We found evidence for significant increases in turtle populations at the genus level following the EAZA Shellshock campaign in Europe. ZIMS data are limited by taxonomy, membership and accuracy of records but provide the best window into patterns of zoo turtle collections. While holding a species in a zoo does not equate to conservation value, based on these data, we recommend that conservation prioritisation exercises are developed for all turtle species, holding institutions or regional taxonomic advisory address population viability and support for institutions working with significant turtle populations in captivity to join ZIMS is provided. Keywords: chelonia, ex-situ, zoos, conservation, ZIMS

Establishment of dairy product risk rank model based on the perspective of time, space, and potential contaminants

China ranks third in the global production of dairy products; however, dairy products are extremely vulnerable to contamination, which leaves harmful effects on the human body. This study assesses the risk classification of hazards, and examines regional and temporal distribution patterns using sample data on dairy products produced in China from 2017 to 2021. The risk value was estimated using the entropy weight method. Both global and local spatial autocorrelations were applied. The findings indicate that the primary high and relatively high-risk substances in circulation and production are veterinary medications, additives, microorganisms, and chromium whereas the main high and relatively high-risk substances in catering are additives, microorganisms, and chromium. Unqualified dairy samples were reported from 2017 to 2021. The categorical sampling of dairy products primarily takes place in western China, and only coliform group and total bacterial counts demonstrated high–high and low–low agglomeration, respectively. The dynamic adjustment of targeted regulatory opinions and regulatory plans is proposed to provide scientific basis for the safe supervision of dairy products through the classification of risk substances and the characteristics of related time and space distribution.

High-resolution surface electromyographic activities of facial muscles during the six basic emotional expressions in healthy adults: a prospective observational study

High-resolution facial surface electromyography (HR-sEMG) is suited to discriminate between different facial movements. Whether HR-sEMG also allows a discrimination among the six basic emotions of facial expression is unclear. 36 healthy participants (53% female, 18–67 years) were included for four sessions. Electromyograms were recorded from both sides of the face using a muscle-position oriented electrode application (Fridlund scheme) and by a landmark-oriented, muscle unrelated symmetrical electrode arrangement (Kuramoto scheme) simultaneously on the face. In each session, participants expressed the six basic emotions in response to standardized facial images expressing the corresponding emotions. This was repeated once on the same day. Both sessions were repeated two weeks later to assess repetition effects. HR-sEMG characteristics showed systematic regional distribution patterns of emotional muscle activation for both schemes with very low interindividual variability. Statistical discrimination between the different HR-sEMG patterns was good for both schemes for most but not all basic emotions (ranging from p > 0.05 to mostly p < 0.001) when using HR-sEMG of the entire face. When using information only from the lower face, the Kuramoto scheme allowed a more reliable discrimination of all six emotions (all p < 0.001). A landmark-oriented HR-sEMG recording allows specific discrimination of facial muscle activity patterns during basic emotional expressions.

Simulation-based education in anaesthesiology residency training in Europe: A survey-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundSimulation-based medical education (SBME) is an important tool for actively improving the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals. Despite the growing popularity and proven effectiveness of simulation-based education, understanding the extent and scope of its use in European anaesthesiology residency training is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of simulation-based training for anaesthesiology trainees in Europe. MethodsWe conducted a survey-based cross-sectional study to assess the current status of simulation-based education in anaesthesiology residency training in Europe. The online distributed survey included 56 items, aiming at trainees’ perspectives of availability in general and different types of SBME, implementation in national training programs, benefits and barriers. Regional, year of-training-dependent and workplace-associated distribution patterns of answers were analysed. ResultsWe collected responses from 268 anaesthesiology trainees from 37 different countries. Most trainees had participated in an anaesthesia-related simulation course, with the highest response rate in northern and western European countries. Anaesthesia-related simulation courses were included in the training programs of almost all respondents, regardless of the region, but perceptive availability varied significantly throughout Europe. The most taught topics using simulation included advanced/basic life support, airway management and management of polytrauma patients. The most frequently reported barriers to simulation were costs, followed by a need for more protected educational time. ConclusionThe study revealed discrepancies between the European countries as perceived by trainees. Further research is needed to explore the reasons behind these differences and promote greater access to simulation-based education across Europe.

Coinfection with chytrid genotypes drives divergent infection dynamics reflecting regional distribution patterns

By altering the abundance, diversity, and distribution of species—and their pathogens—globalization may inadvertently select for more virulent pathogens. In Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, a hotspot of amphibian biodiversity, the global amphibian trade has facilitated the co-occurrence of previously isolated enzootic and panzootic lineages of the pathogenic amphibian-chytrid (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, ‘Bd’) and generated new virulent recombinant genotypes (‘hybrids’). Epidemiological data indicate that amphibian declines are most severe in hybrid zones, suggesting that coinfections are causing more severe infections or selecting for higher virulence. We investigated how coinfections involving these genotypes shapes virulence and transmission. Overall, coinfection favored the more virulent and competitively superior panzootic genotype, despite dampening its transmission potential and overall virulence. However, for the least virulent and least competitive genotype, coinfection increased both overall virulence and transmission. Thus, by integrating experimental and epidemiological data, our results provide mechanistic insight into how globalization can select for, and propel, the emergence of introduced hypervirulent lineages, such as the globally distributed panzootic lineage of Bd.

Patterns of reef fish taxonomic and functional diversity in the Eastern Tropical Pacific

A core challenge in ecology is identifying the factors that determine species distribution and functional diversity of species assemblages. Reef fish are the most diverse group of vertebrates, form taxonomically rich and functionally diverse communities and represent a key source of food for humans. We examine regional distribution patterns of reef fish species richness and functional diversity and investigate how these are determined by historical, biogeographic, energetic, and anthropogenic factors. We compiled data from 3,312 underwater visual censuses performed at 122 locations comprising rocky and coral reefs along the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). We used generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMMs) implemented in a Bayesian framework to investigate whether distance from quaternary refugia, distance from mainland, shelf area, primary productivity, sea surface temperature (SST), human population gravity, and conservation status influence reef fish species richness and functional diversity in the ETP. Species richness and functional richness (FRic) peaked towards the center of the ETP and our null model suggests that FRic followed a spatial pattern that would be predicted by species richness. Additionally, functional evenness (FEve) was highest at higher latitudes whereas functional dispersion (FDis) was homogeneous throughout the ETP. Species richness was negatively influenced by shelf area and distance from mainland, but positively influenced by SST and conservation status. FEve was influenced by human population gravity and FDis by shelf area. Reef fish species richness and functional diversity in the ETP exhibited a strong division within the region mainly mediated by SST and human population gravity. Our results also suggest that dominant species within small shelf areas share more common traits than dominant species in large areas. This study uncovers previously unknown regional patterns of reef fish functional diversity and provides new insights into how historical, biogeographic, energetic, and anthropogenic factors influence complementary biodiversity facets.

Diversity and Distribution of the Benthic Foraminifera on the Brunei Shelf (Northwest Borneo): Effect of Seawater Depth

The marine benthic diversity of the Palawan/North Borneo ecoregion is poorly known, despite its implied unique high species richness within the Coral Triangle. The present study investigated the diversity and distribution of benthic foraminifera on the Brunei shelf. The objectives were to determine the species composition of sediment samples collected from 11 sites, extending ~70 km from the Brunei coastline and along a depth gradient of 10–200 m. We retrieved a total of 99 species, belonging to 31 families and 56 genera, out of which 52 species represented new records for Brunei and probably the ecoregion. Using presence/absence data, analyses were also performed to compare species diversity patterns (species richness, occupancy, taxonomic distinctness) and species assemblage similarity across the sites. For further insight into the relationship between distribution and depth-associated environmental conditions, we undertook stable isotope analyses of selected species of Rotaliida, Miliolida, and Lagenida. Oxygen isotope values were positively correlated with depth and species distribution, confirming cooler temperatures at greater depth. The carbon isotope data revealed species differences relating to habitat and food source specificity and a biomineralization effect. Close to one-third of the species were recorded from single sites, and species richness and taxonomic distinctness increased with depth and were greatest at the second deepest site (144 m). Together, these findings suggest data underrepresentation of diversity, habitat disturbance in shallower water, and species specialization (adaptation) in deeper water. Importantly, assemblage similarity suggests the occurrence of at least three marine biotopes on the Brunei shelf (10–40 m, 40–150 m, and &gt;150 m). This study contributes significantly to our understanding of the local and regional patterns of foraminiferal diversity and distribution.

A morphology-based revision and phylogenetic analysis of the Pterostichus macrogenys species group (Coleoptera, Carabidae) and implications for differentiation of the species group

The Pterostichus macrogenys species group is an endemic subterranean Japanese carabid clade that provides intriguing material for studying morphological differentiation, speciation and interspecific relationships. However, its diversity remains not fully explored. We investigated specimens from northern Tohoku District, an area where knowledge of this species group is notably limited. Our research led to the description of three new species: P. namahagesp. nov., P. kamurosanussp. nov. and P. atsumidakensissp. nov. We also updated distribution records for three known species: P. asahinus Habu &amp; Baba, 1960; P. kitakamisanus Sasakawa, 2005; and P. chokaisanus Sasakawa, 2009. This report includes both the expanded distribution ranges of the known species and the discovery of a new sympatric species pair (P. chokaisanus and P. asahinus). We conducted a morphological phylogenetic analysis of all but one species, for which no male specimens were available, accounting for a total of 42 species within the group. The resulting phylogenetic tree implies that the initial differentiation of this species group originated on the Sea of Japan side, in the northern part of their current distribution, followed by dispersion to other areas and subsequent differentiation. Additionally, our findings indicate that sympatric species of varying body sizes are distantly related phylogenetically. These insights into the differentiation process align with regional distribution patterns of species-level diversity and sympatric sites.

Distribution of West Nile virus cases in horses reveals different spatiotemporal patterns in eastern and western Canada.

West Nile virus (WNV) became notifiable in horses in 2003 in Canada and has been reported every year since. The objective of this study was to describe the spatiotemporal distribution of WNV in horses between 2003 and 2020 in Canada. The 848 symptomatic and laboratory-confirmed WNV cases in horses reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency between 2003 and 2020. Canada was divided into eastern and western regions for analysis. For each case, location and date of notification were captured. Triennial maps were made to describe the spatiotemporal distribution and expansion of reported cases. The association between year and latitude of cases was investigated with simple linear regressions, and space-time clusters were detected with a permutation scan test. Most of the western region showed an extended distribution of WNV cases from 2003 to 2005 and a high recurrence of cases at the census division level. In the eastern region, the expansion of cases was gradual, with new infected census divisions mostly contiguous to previous ones. There was no association between year and latitude of cases. Six spatiotemporal clusters were detected. This study confirmed the endemicity of WNV in parts of both regions with local peaks in risk varying in time. Prevention and control efforts should focus on previously infected areas based on the spatiotemporal regional distribution patterns. Incursions of WNV to new areas should also be anticipated. These findings could also contribute to enhancing monitoring and prevention of WNV infections in an integrated surveillance system.

The Spatiotemporal Relationship between Tourism Eco-Efficiency and Economic Resilience from Coupling Perspectives in China

Efficiency and resilience are two essential challenges that require attention for high-quality development under the new normal. In this research, we measured tourism eco-efficiency using the Super-SBM model with undesirable output about data from 31 provinces in China from 2010 to 2019; economic resilience through the entropy weighted Topsis model; and finally, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of tourism eco-efficiency and economic resilience. The findings showed that, from 2010 to 2019, the 31 provinces’ eco-efficiency values were low, with large and low variances in efficiency values among provinces with an uneven distribution. The economic resilience values of the 31 provinces were relatively low. Still, the economic resilience of each province had been relatively stable over the years, and the pattern of regional distribution of resilience values was generally consistent. The level of coupling coordination between tourism eco-efficiency and economic resilience was low in the 31 provinces, with low coordination type dominating, and the spatiotemporal patterns were the same. Its coupling coordination degree fluctuated and increased, but the increase was minor.

High-risk spatiotemporal patterns of cutaneous leishmaniasis: a nationwide study in Iran from 2011 to 2020

BackgroundCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a wide-reaching infection of major public health concern. Iran is one of the six most endemic countries in the world. This study aims to provide a spatiotemporal visualization of CL cases in Iran at the county level from 2011 to 2020, detecting high-risk zones, while also noting the movement of high-risk clusters.MethodsOn the basis of clinical observations and parasitological tests, data of 154,378 diagnosed patients were obtained from the Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Utilizing spatial scan statistics, we investigated the disease’s purely temporal, purely spatial, spatial variation in temporal trends and spatiotemporal patterns. At P = 0.05 level, the null hypothesis was rejected in every instance.ResultsIn general, the number of new CL cases decreased over the course of the 9-year research period. From 2011 to 2020, a regular seasonal pattern, with peaks in the fall and troughs in the spring, was found. The period of September–February of 2014–2015 was found to hold the highest risk in terms of CL incidence rate in the whole country [relative risk (RR) = 2.24, P < 0.001)]. In terms of location, six significant high-risk CL clusters covering 40.6% of the total area of the country were observed, with the RR ranging from 1.87 to 9.69. In addition, spatial variation in the temporal trend analysis found 11 clusters as potential high-risk areas that highlighted certain regions with an increasing tendency. Finally, five space-time clusters were found. The geographical displacement and spread of the disease followed a moving pattern over the 9-year study period affecting many regions of the country.ConclusionsOur study has revealed significant regional, temporal, and spatiotemporal patterns of CL distribution in Iran. Over the years, there have been multiple shifts in spatiotemporal clusters, encompassing many different parts of the country from 2011 to 2020. The results reveal the formation of clusters across counties that cover certain parts of provinces, indicating the importance of conducting spatiotemporal analyses at the county level for studies that encompass entire countries. Such analyses, at a finer geographical scale, such as county level, might provide more precise results than analyses at the scale of the province.Graphical

Temporal and spatial variability of dynamic microstate brain network in early Parkinson’s disease

Changes of brain network dynamics reveal variations in macroscopic neural activity patterns in behavioral and cognitive aspects. Quantification and application of changed dynamics in brain functional connectivity networks may contribute to a better understanding of brain diseases, and ultimately provide better prognostic indicators or auxiliary diagnostic tools. At present, most studies are focused on the properties of brain functional connectivity network constructed by sliding window method. However, few studies have explored evidence-based brain network construction algorithms that reflect disease specificity. In this work, we first proposed a novel approach to characterize the spatiotemporal variability of dynamic functional connectivity networks based on electroencephalography (EEG) microstate, and then developed a classification framework for integrating spatiotemporal variability of brain networks to improve early Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnostic performance. The experimental results indicated that compared with the brain network construction method based on conventional sliding window, the proposed method significantly improved the performance of early PD recognition, demonstrating that the dynamic spatiotemporal variability of microstate-based brain networks can reflect the pathological changes in the early PD brain. Furthermore, we observed that the spatiotemporal variability of early PD brain network has a specific distribution pattern in brain regions, which can be quantified as the degree of motor and cognitive impairment, respectively. Our work offers innovative methodological support for future research on brain network, and provides deeper insights into the spatiotemporal interaction patterns of brain activity and their variabilities in early PD.

Feeding preferences of members of the primitive and rare forest pests within tribe Xylosteini Reitter (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lepturinae) in Türkiye with their new and all known host plants and distributional data

The detection of cerambycids and their feeding preferences within the natural ecosystems is of great ecological and economic importance. Accordingly, the paper presents collectively all taxa of the primitive, rare and hardly studied tribe Xylosteini Reitter in Türkiye with new data on their feeding preferences and distribution patterns for the first time. The available specimens were collected from localities in Artvin, Bolu, Gümüşhane, Kırklareli, Samsun and Sivas provinces of Türkiye in 2002, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2022. As a result, it is determined that Turkish Xylosteini includes four species of two genera. All of them are rare species. Abies nordmanniana (Pinaceae) and Fagus orientalis (Fagaceae) are determined as new host plant species for Xylosteus kadleci Miroshnikov. Accordingly, at least five or six host plants for each species are determined with the present study. According to the present study, the members of the genus Leptorhabdium Kraatz are preferred deciduous trees only, while the members of the genus Xylosteus Frivaldszky von Frivald are preferred both deciduous and also coniferous trees. Besides, detailed distribution data with figures show provincial and regional distribution patterns of all species are also given. Apparently, the genus Leptorhabdium seems to be represented only by L. caucasicum in North-Eastern Anatolia of Türkiye, while the genus Xylosteus seems to be represented by X. spinolae in European Türkiye (=Thrace), by X. kadleci in North-Western Anatolia of Türkiye, and by X. caucasicola in North-Eastern Anatolia of Türkiye.