Eastern Sites Research Articles

Breeding season temporal and spatial trends in continental-scale migration of the monarch butterfly.

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a vagile species that undertakes an annual, multi-generational migration across North America. The abundance of this species at both eastern and western overwintering sites in Central Mexico and California indicates a population decline. Success of continental-scale conservation programs for a migratory species depends on providing, maintaining, and protecting habitats at appropriate temporal and spatial scales. Here, dynamics of monarch continental-scale migration and gene flow were obtained by combined stable isotope, morphological, and genetic analyses. These analyses were applied to temporal monarch samples collected from May to September during 2016-2021 at locations in Iowa, USA and spatial collections from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Iowa, Ohio, Nevada, Idaho, Hawaii, 3 Australian locations during July and August 2016, and Texas in April 2021. Evidence of seasonal multi-generational migration was obtained through δ2H analyses of spatial collections, which was corroborated by decreased wing hue (a morphological marker for non-migratory individuals). In Iowa, 10-15% of monarchs represented migrants from southern areas throughout the breeding season and 6% were migrants from the North in midsummer. Limited sequence variation detected across the mitochondrial genome impacted the capability to detect significant population genetic variation in our North American samples. However, 2 novel substitutions were identified and predicted to be fixed among Australia samples, contributing to intercontinental differentiation from counterparts in North America. Our assessment of temporal and spatial population dynamics across the North American monarch breeding range provides insight into continental-scale migration and previously undetected mitochondrial DNA variation among globally distributed populations.

Unravelling stakeholder narratives on nature-based solutions for hydro-meteorological risk reduction

Despite growing scholarly consensus on the need for nature-based solutions (NBS) as holistic and sustainable alternatives to traditional engineering solutions, stakeholder acceptance and implementation of NBS remain low. This study investigates stakeholder narratives on implementing nature-based solutions (NBS) for mitigating hydro-meteorological risks across five European river basin sites in Eastern and Central Europe. Utilising the Q-methodology and narrative analysis, we identified three ideal–typical narratives: idealist, reformist, and sceptic—each providing distinct perspectives on evidence-based policy formation and NBS integration. Our results demonstrate that: (1) idealists’ optimistic outlook risks overlooking critical engagement with implementation challenges; (2) neglecting sceptic concerns may impede NBS adoption and invite accusations of green-washing, and (3) reformists promote evidence-based approaches and transparent stakeholder engagement to bridge narrative divides. The study underscores the importance of identifying shared values, stakeholder collaboration, and a nuanced understanding of contextual factors in fostering NBS implementation. The study contributes to a practical framework aligning NBS projects with prevailing narratives, offering guidance for navigating the complex landscape of NBS implementation. Future research should prioritize in-depth analysis of agent perspectives, place-specific influences on narratives, and the application of narrative analysis to other emerging technologies and environmental topics (e.g. circular economy), deepening our understanding of the socio-political dynamics shaping the acceptance and implementation of sustainable solutions.

Risk Without Reward: Differing Patterns of Chemotherapy Use Do Not Improve Outcomes in Stage II Early-Onset Colon Cancer.

Rising rates of early-onset colon cancer (EOCC) present challenges in deciding how to optimally treat patients. Although standard of care for stage II CC is surgical resection, adding chemotherapy for high-risk disease, evidence suggests treatment selection may differ by age. We investigated whether adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) administration rates differ between patients with early- and later-onset stage II CC. Data originated from the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record (EHR)-derived deidentified database spanning January 1, 2003, to August 1, 2021. Adults with stage II CC were grouped as age 18-49 years (EOCC) and those age 50 years or older (later-onset colon cancer [LOCC]). Demographics, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, tumor stage and site, and chemotherapy were included. Primary outcomes included rates of AC administration by age and ethnicity; secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS) and time to metastatic disease (TTMD). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models evaluated relationships between chemotherapy administration, age, and ethnicity, adjusting for significant covariates. One thousand sixty-five patients were included. Median age of patients with EOCC was 45.0 years versus 69.0 years for patients with LOCC. Adjusted multivariate analysis showed patients with EOCC received AC significantly more often than patients with LOCC. Non-Hispanic patients received AC at significantly lower rates than Hispanic patients in both cohorts. Subanalysis of stage IIA patients showed that patients with EOCC were more likely to receive AC than patients with LOCC. No significant differences in OS or TTMD were observed by age regardless of AC administration in stage II overall; however, patients with stage IIA EOCC receiving AC had significantly longer TTMD than those not receiving AC. AC was given preferentially in stage II EOCC, even in stage IIA, despite deviation from guidelines. This may expose low-risk patients to unnecessary toxicities and suggests bias toward treating younger patients more aggressively, despite unclear evidence for better outcomes.

Structure and diversity patterns of coralligenous cliffs across three ecoregions in the Central‐Western Mediterranean Sea

AbstractAimCoralligenous reefs are the main marine bioconstructions in terms of spatial distribution within the Mediterranean basin. Two distinct reef morphologies can be distinguished based on the surface and topographical features of the seafloor: cliffs developing vertical slopes and banks found on gently steep or horizontal bottoms. Despite their importance for monitoring and conservation efforts, observations regarding the variability of biogeographical patterns are scarce. Here, we aimed to assess the differences in the composition and structure of these cliffs across ecoregions and estimate the relative role of abiotic environmental features, geographic location, and connectivity in shaping diversity patterns.LocationThe study was carried out in the Central‐Western Mediterranean Sea. Samples were collected at 65 sites across the Algero‐Provençal Basin, the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea.MethodsWe assessed the composition and structure of coralligenous cliffs through photographic samplings collected by scuba divers. Patterns in α‐ and β‐diversity were associated with 9 abiotic environmental variables, latitudinal and longitudinal gradients, and connectivity measures using Generalized Additive (GAM) and Conditional Autoregressive (CAR) models.ResultsCoralligenous cliffs were primarily composed of algae and displayed a high degree of variability. The Partition Around Medoids (PAM) clustering method successfully delineated seven distinct clusters with a non‐uniform distribution within the studied ecoregions. The α‐diversity increased in eastern and northern sites and with phosphate concentration, while decreased with temperature, chlorophyll and nitrates concentration. β‐diversity at the site level increased with temperature, while it was negatively affected by northward current speed and chlorophyll concentration. Moveover, β‐diversity increased within connected sites.Main ConclusionsCoralligenous cliff diversity responds both to the physico‐chemical features of the habitat and between‐habitats connectivity. However, our findings suggest that small‐scale abiotic and biotic processes could contribute to explaining the variability observed. These findings can significantly enhance the monitoring and conservation efforts of this Mediterranean endemic ecosystem.

Inter- and intraspecific variability of total mercury concentrations in bats of Texas (USA)

Exposure to mercury (Hg) may cause deleterious health effects in wildlife, including bats. Texas produces more Hg pollution than any other state in the United States, yet only one study has examined Hg accumulation in bats. This study measured the concentration of total Hg (THg) in fur (n = 411) collected from ten bat species across 32 sites in eastern and central Texas, USA. Fur THg concentrations were compared among species, and when samples sizes were large enough, between sex and life stage within a species, and the proximity to coal-fired power plants. For all sites combined and species with a sample size ≥8, mean THg concentrations (μg/g dry weight) were greatest in tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus; 6.04), followed by evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis; 5.89), cave myotis (Myotis velifer; 2.11), northern yellow bats (Lasiurus intermedius; 1.85), Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis; 1.03), and red bats (Lasiurus borealis/blossevillii; 0.974), and lowest in hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus; 0.809). Within a species, fur THg concentrations did not significantly vary between sex for the five examined species (red bat, northern yellow bat, cave myotis, evening bat, Brazilian free-tailed bat) and only between life stage in evening bats. Site variations in fur THg concentrations were observed for evening bats, tri-colored bats, and Brazilian free-tailed bats. Evening bats sampled closer to point sources of Hg pollution had greater fur THg concentrations than individuals sampled further away. Sixteen percent of evening bats and 8.7% of tri-colored bats had a fur THg concentration exceeding the 10 μg/g toxicity threshold level, suggesting that THg exposure may pose a risk to the health of bats in Texas, particularly those residing in east Texas and on the upper Gulf coast. The results of this study can be incorporated into future management and recovery plans for bats in Texas.

Geochemical signature identifying features and archaeological structures in eastern Amazonian Terra Preta sites

AbstractThe present work describes the chemistry and mineralogy of soils such as Terra Preta Arqueológica (TPA) or Terra Preta de Índio (TPI) from the Bitoca I and II sites, located in the Salobo Region (Carajás Mineral Province, Pará‐Brazil). The results revealed chemical and mineralogical characteristics that are similar to other TPAs found throughout the Amazon region, such as relatively high levels of Ca (average of 3600 ppm), P (average of 850 ppm), Mn (average of 730 ppm), Zn (average of 55 ppm), and Cu (average of 63 ppm). In soils related to the characteristics of occupation by huts and campfires, the mineralogical composition is represented by quartz, kaolinite, calcite, muscovite, anatase, hematite, goethite, and gibbsite. Amorphous phases have also been identified mainly as calcium phosphates and organic matter (humic and fulvic acids). The analysis of the features/structures described here helped in the identification/verification of areas destined for different activities within the sites.

Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) gene flow and source-sink dynamics

Increased access to genetic data has substantially improved how we manage threatened species. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is listed as endangered due to the ongoing threat of a highly contagious cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), causing more than 80% population reductions. To assist future management interventions (e.g. releases into wild sites) we expanded upon previous studies of gene flow for the devil by assessing more recent and broad-scale patterns. We use genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms generated via DArTSeq across 21 devil sites to delineate source-sink dynamics across the species’ range. Our findings revealed gene flow is stronger on the northeast and central regions of Tasmania, with high rates of bidirectional gene flow among central sites. The northwest exhibits weaker connectivity relative to other regions of Tasmania, while gene flow appears to be non-existent between the southwest and other areas. Northeast coastal sites tend to serve as ‘sources’ for inland central sites, whereas gene flow appears restricted to the coastline in the northwest. These results are consistent with genetic structure of devil sites and spatial spread of DFTD, which has yet to arrive in the southwest region of Tasmania. Southwest isolation is probably due to mountain ranges and lack of roadways. Interestingly, some waterbodies did not appear to restrict devil movement among sites. Conversely, areas of high elevation act as apparent barriers, as evidenced by limited gene flow observed between eastern and western sites. Integrating source-sink dynamics into conservation management planning will be crucial in developing effective strategies to safeguard the Tasmanian devil and other threatened species facing similar threats (i.e. disease, habitat loss).

Investing in disadvantaged children for common prosperity in China

Despite rapid economic growth in China since 1978, rural-urban inequality has widened. High levels of socioeconomic inequality can have profound implications for child development and lifelong educational equity. Using a dataset containing early childhood development (ECD) outcomes of 0- to 3-year-olds (N = 9,053) from study sites in Eastern, Central, and Western China, the study finds that the risks of cognitive, language, and motor delay are, respectively, 43.2, 18.3, and 20.7 percentage points higher in rural study sites than in urban Shanghai (ps < .01). Impact evaluation of cluster-randomized experiments shows that parental training (focusing on child psychosocial stimulation and caregiver-child interaction) can improve parenting beliefs and practices (or investments) and ECD outcomes of disadvantaged rural children (p<.01). Such programs can play an important role in advancing progress toward more social equality and economic equity, the stated goals of China’s “Common Prosperity” policy.

Depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and associated factors among adults, in the Eastern part of Ethiopia

BackgroundDepressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general population. Bipolar disorder is a severe, persistent mental illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder in our study area.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among adults in Kersa, Haramaya, and Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,416 participants. A multi-stage sampling was employed to select the participants. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was used to assess depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Those with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe overall prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among our study participants was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.40, 8.20) and 2.1% (95% CI: (1.40, 3.00), respectively. The independent predictors of depressive disorder included a family history of mental illness, chronic medical illnesses, unemployment, low educational status, divorced or widowed, poor social support, and current alcohol use or khat chewing. Single, males, divorced or widowed, and current consumers of alcohol were independent predictors for bipolar disorder.Conclusions and recommendationThe results of our investigation showed that bipolar illness and depression were significant public health issues. It was shown that although bipolar disorder is highly prevalent in the society, depression is a widespread concern. As a result, it is imperative that the relevant body grow and enhance the provision of mental health services. Furthermore, research on the effects and burdens of bipolar disorder in the community is required.

Evergreen gymnosperm tree abundance drives ground beetle density and community composition in eastern US temperate forests

PurposeSoil invertebrates are abundant and diverse members of forest ecosystems, contributing in large parts to ecosystem functioning. Understanding drivers of soil invertebrate diversity, density, and community composition is critical to inform management practices as forests face rapid changes in land use and climate. Tree community metrics may help predict invertebrate communities due to their large role in shaping microhabitat and soil conditions. Ground beetles are a large family of soil-dwelling invertebrates comprised of multiple functional groups ideal for tying tree communities to invertebrate communities broadly. Methods Here, we evaluated the effects of tree diversity, density, and functional groups on ground beetle (Carabidae) diversity, density, and community composition in four eastern US temperate forest sites in the National Ecological Observatory Network. Results We found little evidence to support our hypothesis that higher tree diversity and density would, respectively, lead to higher diversity and density ground beetle communities. Instead, evergreen tree abundance strongly shaped ground beetle density and community composition. Specifically, evergreen stands contained a lower density of ground beetles than deciduous stands. Similarly, the relative abundance of predatory ground beetles increased as the relative abundance of evergreen trees increased. Conclusions Our results show that the resource environments created by trees with varying leaf habits are a dominant force driving ground beetle community diversity and density patterns and suggest that future research exploring mechanisms driving this pattern could improve our understanding of plant-soil interactions.

Influence of wildfire and feral horse use on mule deer summer range occupancy

Context Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are a species of social, economic and cultural importance that are experiencing a population decline throughout much of their range. Factors such as disease, landscape-level changes in nutritional output of forage species, winter habitat degradation, habitat fragmentation, competition for resources with both domestic and wild ungulates, and predation have all been implicated in the decline. Recently, summer habitat quality in Oregon has been identified as a potentially strong limiting factor for mule deer population performance. Competition and habitat degradation from feral horses (Equus caballus) have been proposed as factors potentially exacerbating existing habitat limitations for mule deer. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting mule deer summer range occupancy within a study area that experienced both wildfires and the presence of feral horses. Methods We deployed 72, 77 and 75 camera traps throughout the Murderers Creek and Northside wildlife management units located in north-eastern Oregon during summer 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. We used an occupancy modelling framework to build and evaluate models of mule deer summer range occupancy related to competition, vegetation and abiotic variables. Key results Our final model set included four covariates: (1) an index of feral horse use; (2) whether the site was disturbed by wildfire; (3) distance to forest edge; and (4) eastness of the site. Model averaging indicated that mule deer probability of occupancy was negatively related with increased feral horse use and distance to forest edge, and positively related to eastern slopes and sites within a wildfire perimeter. Conclusions Our results add to the growing body of literature indicating that wildfires in forested ecosystems benefit mule deer and add to the limited body of literature indicating that feral horse use of a site negatively impacts mule deer. Implications Managers should incorporate fire into forest restoration projects when possible to benefit mule deer. Where feral horses and mule deer overlap, increased management of feral horse herds could potentially benefit mule deer. Lastly, our research showcases the utility of camera traps coupled with occupancy modelling to answer research questions that, in the past, were mainly answered through radio collaring.

Microtextures on quartz grain surfaces in the Bay of Bengal shoreline sediments, Bangladesh: Implications for sediment transport process and depositional environment

SEM and SEM-EDS studies of quartz grains in the shoreline sediments of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh were carried out to evaluate the mode of origin, paleoclimate, and depositional environment. A total of 38 microtexture types were identified, which were grouped into mechanical (23 features), mechanical/chemical (6 features), and chemical (9 features) origins. The morphology of quartz grains in the shorelines was dominantly sub-angular to sub-rounded in shape, which represents robust energy conditions, short residence time, low weathering, and nearby sediment provenance. The microtextures of mechanical origin such as straight and curved scratches, pits, broken edges, and crescent-shaped features were relatively abundant in the eastern site samples (Section-I) indicating high-energy, fluvial, and beach environments. The abundance of V-shaped marks and smooth surfaces of quartz grains indicate high-velocity storm conditions and/or high-energy impact events. The well-rounded outline, low relief with dish-shaped depressions, mechanically upturned plates, and arcuate steps were also observed on quartz grain surfaces. These features suggest that they were developed during an aeolian process in the beach berm environment. Etching, solution/irregular pits, and differential relief on quartz grains were somewhat elevated in the western site samples (Section-III), reflecting that these microtextures were associated with a subaqueous collision and humid climates in the fluvial and nearshore environments. Quartz grains in all sections represented microtextures of high energetic subaqueous environment as well as wind events. However, the absence of corrosion channels and high density of voids in the quartz grains revealed low degree of weathering.

Impact of population based indoor residual spraying in combination with mass drug administration on malaria incidence and test positivity in a high transmission setting in north eastern Uganda

BackgroundMass drug administration (MDA) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are potent malaria burden reduction tools. The impact of combining MDA and IRS is not well documented. We evaluated the impact of MDA + IRS compared to IRS alone at a high transmission site in Eastern Uganda.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was implemented in Toroma and Kapujan subcounties in north eastern Uganda. Both subcounties received four rounds of IRS using primiphos-methyl (Acttellic SC300) 6–8 months apart from December 2016 to December 2018. Eligible residents of Kapujan simultaneously received MDA using dihydroartemesinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ). Health facility data was used to monitor malaria case incidence rate and test positivity rates.ResultsIn the MDA + IRS arm, malaria incidence dropped by 83% (IRR: 0·17 (0.16–0.18); p < 0.001) in children under 5 year and by 78% (IRR: 0·22 (0.22–0.23); p < 0.001) in persons aged ≥ 5 years from the pre-intervention to the intervention period. In the IRS arm malaria incidence dropped by 47% (IRR: 0.53 (0.51, 0.56); p < 0.001) in children under 5 years and by 71% 0.29 (0.28, 0.30); p < 0.001) in persons aged ≥ 5 years. A drastic drop occurred immediately after the intervention after which cases slowly increased in both arms. Malaria test positivity rate (TPR) dropped at a rate of 21 (p = 0.003) percentage points per 1000 persons in the MDA + IRS arm compared to the IRS arm. There was a mean decrease of 60 (p-value, 0.040) malaria cases among children under five years and a mean decrease in TPR of 16·16 (p-value, 0.001) in the MDA + IRS arm compared to IRS arm.InterpretationMDA significantly reduced malaria burden among children < 5 years however the duration of this impact needs to be further investigated.

Impacts of site aridity on intra-annual radial variation of two alpine coniferous species in cold and dry ecosystems

Climate change alters regional aridity and species composition in dryland ecosystems. However, the effect of varying aridity and species-specific responses on tree growth remains unclear. Here, we used high-resolution dendrometers to analyze the climatic factors controlling stem diameter variation in two alpine coniferous species, Qilian juniper (Juniperus przewalskii) and Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia), in their eastern- and western-most distributions (two species × two sites) in the Qilian Mountains during the 2018–2021 growing seasons. We observed species-, site-, and year-specific differences in growth phenology and radial growth dynamics. Juniper had early growth onset and cessation, but short growing season compared to spruce. Trees in the eastern sites showed earlier growth onset, later cessation, and a much longer growing season than those in the western sites for both species. Daily stem growth revealed similar responses for both species and site aridity, with daily vapor pressure deficit, maximum temperature, and solar radiation negatively, and relative humidity and precipitation positively affecting stem increments. However, when observation was extended to 7 or 21 days, the effect of precipitation on stem increments became weak or negligible in the wetter eastern sites, while continuing in the arid western sites. Further, soil water content appeared to have an impact on growth in the arid western site for both species. These results were confirmed by linear mixed-effects models, which revealed that site-aridity play an important role on tree stem variation, especially in junipers. Our results suggest that although short-term atmospheric water conditions influence radial stem variation, intra-annual tree growth still depends on soil water availability in drylands. Our findings provide new evidence of potential uses of dendrometers to measure environmental stress on tree growth and reveal that site aridity and species influence tree growth at different time scales in cold and arid ecosystems.

Energy analysis of vibratory penetration of large-scale steel cylinders

Vibratory penetration was successfully used to install 120 integral thin-walled steel cylinders 22 m in diameter in the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. However, the eight-hammer group was found overpowered at the western island and underpowered at the eastern site due to insufficient understanding of the mechanisms of vibratory piling. In this study, energy analysis was conducted to reveal the energy characteristics of vibratory penetration, including the periodical energy superposition along the cylinder shaft, the continuous energy consumption in the soil, and the dynamic equilibrium of the total energy. The influences of vibratory soil resistance and loading frequency on the energy distributions have been thoroughly discussed. In contrast to the notion that larger input energy leads to a faster penetration, it is revealed that the vibratory penetration velocity positively correlates to the energy stored in the cylinder, the ratio of kinetic to strain energy, and the characteristic frequencies of the soil-pile system. The actual output power of the vibratory motors is influenced by the vibratory force, the ultimate soil resistance, and the soil mobilization degree. The vibration frequency is optimized as 31.1 Hz for Cylinder E9 and 15 Hz for Cylinder W36 to ensure efficiency and safety.

Using sugar maple tree rings to trace historic lead pollution in eastern Canada temperate forest

The use of tree rings to record changes in lead (Pb) deposition levels and pollution sources has produced contrasted results depending on tree species and sites. In this study, Pb concentrations and isotopic ratios (206Pb/207Pb, 208Pb/206Pb and 206Pb/204Pb) were analyzed in the exchangeable (0.05M HCl extraction) and the residual (concentrated HNO3 extraction) fractions of sugar maple’s tree rings at four eastern Canada forest sites. Above 90% of tree ring Pb was associated with the residual fraction, reflecting strong binding to wood, thus suggesting low radial mobility in sugar maple. After an increase in the first part of the 20th century, wood Pb concentration declined from the 1970s–80s to nowadays for most sampled trees to reach levels similar or even lower than in the early 20th century. This decline was paralleled by a slight decrease in 206Pb/207Pb ratio, reflecting a decrease in Pb pollution in the last decades. Our isotopic data suggest the contribution of USA sources declined by 20–40% at three out of the four study sites since the early 1900’s. These observed trends align with findings reported in previous studies and reveal that sugar maple may be a good tree species model to record Pb atmospheric pollution. Further study must be conducted to validate these findings, especially to estimate the contribution of root vs. aboveground biomass to Pb uptake.

Wetland water quality patterns and anthropogenic pressure associations across the continental USA.

Anthropogenic impacts on lake and stream water quality are well established but have been much less studied in wetlands. Here we use data from the 2016 National Wetland Condition Assessment to characterize water quality and its relationship to anthropogenic pressure for inland wetlands across the conterminous USA. Water samples obtained from 525 inland wetlands spanned pH from <4 to >9 and 3 to 5 orders of magnitude in ionic strength (chloride, sulfate, conductivity), nutrients (total N and P), turbidity, planktonic chlorophyll, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Anthropogenic pressure levels were evaluated at two spatial scales - an adjacent scale scored from field checklists, and a catchment scale indicated by percent agricultural plus urban landcover. Pressure at the two spatial scales were uncorrelated and varied considerably across regions and wetland hydrogeomorphic types. Both adjacent- and catchment-scale pressure were associated with elevated ionic-strength metrics; chloride elevation was most evident in road-salt using states, and sulfate was strongly elevated in a few sites with coal mining nearby. Nutrients were elevated in association with catchment-scale pressure but concomitant changes were not seen in planktonic chlorophyll. Acidic pH and high DOC occurred primarily in upper Great Lakes and eastern seaboard sites having low anthropogenic pressure, suggesting natural organic acid sources. Ionic strength and nutrients increased with increasing catchment-scale pressure even in Flats and closed Depression and Lacustrine sites, which indicates connectivity to rather than isolation from upland anthropogenic landuse even for wetlands lacking inflowing streams.

Transcranial Doppler Screening of Children with Sickle Cell Disease for a Large, Multinational Interventional Study: Experience from the Phase 3 HOPE-Kids 2 Trial Investigating the Effect of Voxelotor Treatment on Transcranial Doppler Flow Velocity

Introduction: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound is an effective screening tool for identifying children with sickle cell disease (SCD) who are at high risk of stroke. Implementing TCD screening, along with appropriate therapies, for the purpose of primary stroke prevention in resource-constrained settings remains challenging. HOPE-KIDS 2 (NCT04218084) is an ongoing, phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of voxelotor in children with SCD and elevated arterial cerebral blood flow (measured by time-averaged maximum of the mean velocity [TAMMV]). Our aim is to describe the findings from successful implementation of a standardized TCD screening protocol that was conducted in a multinational setting. Methods: The purpose of HOPE-KIDS 2 is to evaluate the effect of voxelotor treatment on reducing the risk of stroke in participants aged 2 to &amp;lt;15 years with SCD who have conditional TAMMV (170 to &amp;lt;200 cm/s) at baseline. Children aged 2 to &amp;lt;15 years with SCD (HbSS/HbSβ 0) were screened after local sonographers were trained and certified on standardized TCD examination protocol, using the same model of Multi-Dop T digital machine (Compumedics DWL, Germany). TCD assessments were sent for central quality review and interpretation by 2 independent reviewers. STOP criteria were used to classify stroke risk: normal, &amp;lt;170 cm/s; conditional, 170 to &amp;lt;200 cm/s; or abnormal, ≥200 cm/s. Patient baseline characteristics, including clinical measurements of markers of anemia and hemolysis, were measured during study screening. The reasons for patient screen failure were summarized. Results: Between Nov 2020 and Feb 2023, 708 participants consented at 29 sites in Nigeria (n=250; 5 sites), Kenya (n=241; 4 sites), Egypt (n=145; 4 sites), Ghana (n=28; 2 sites), the US (n=17; 8 sites), Italy (n=9; 3 sites), Oman (n=9; 1 site), Saudi Arabia (n=8; 1 site), and the UK (n=1; 1 site). Of these patients, 92.1% (652/708) completed TCD screening examinations (mean [SD] age 7.6 [3.24] years; range 2.0-14.0 years; 50.8% male; 23.0% receiving hydroxyurea). Of the patients who completed TCD screening, the mean (SD) TAMMV was 163.0 (31.26) cm/s, and 47.1% (307/652) had conditional TCD at baseline (29.0% low conditional, 18.1% high conditional). The main reason for screen failure was index TAMMV outside of conditional range (abnormal, n=39 [6.0%]; normal, n=306 [46.9%]). Elevated TAMMV on screening TCD was more common in younger children (2 to ≤8 years vs &amp;gt;8 to &amp;lt;15 years); patients aged 2-8 years comprised 66.8% and 82.1% of the conditional and abnormal TCD categories, respectively. There were 39 assessments that required adjudication, but only 9 were deemed unreadable. Of all patients screened, 36.2% (236/652) fulfilled eligibility criteria for randomization; the characteristics at screening of these patients are summarized (Table). The mean (SD) Hb level and TAMMV at screening for randomly assigned patients was 7.7 (1.06) g/dL and 182.7 (7.53) cm/s, respectively. Conclusions: Clinical sites for the HOPE-KIDS 2 study successfully implemented a standardized, local TCD screening protocol supported by central quality review. For a large interventional trial aimed at reducing the risk of stroke in children with SCD, African and Middle Eastern sites presented relatively few limitations with respect to participant screening.

Multi-Temporal and Multiscale Satellite Remote Sensing Imagery Analysis for Detecting Pasture Area Changes after Grazing Cessation Due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster

Despite advancements in remote sensing applications for grassland management, studies following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster have often been constrained by limited satellite imagery with insufficient focus on pasture changes. Utilizing different resolutions of optical satellite data is essential for monitoring spatiotemporal changes in grasslands. High resolutions provide detailed spatial information, whereas medium-resolution satellites offer an increased frequency and wider availability over time. This study had two objectives. First, we investigated the temporal changes in a mountainous pasture in Japan from 2007 to 2022 using high-resolution data from QuickBird, WorldView-2, and SPOT-6/7, along with readily available medium-resolution data from Sentinel-2 and Landsat-5/7/8. Second, we assessed the efficacy of different satellite image resolutions in capturing these changes. Grazing ceased in the target area after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident owing to radiation. We categorized the images as grasses, broadleaf trees, and conifers. The results showed a 36% decline using high-resolution satellite image analysis and 35% using Landsat image analysis in the unused pasture area since grazing suspension in 2011, transitioning primarily to broadleaf trees, and relative stabilization by 2018. Tree encroachment was prominent at the eastern site, which has a lower elevation and steeper slope facing north, east, and south. WorldView-2 consistently outperformed Landsat-8 in accuracy. Landsat-8’s classification variation impedes its ability to capture subtle distinctions, particularly in zones with overlapping or neighboring land covers. However, Landsat effectively detected area reductions, similar to high-resolution satellites. Combining high- and medium-resolution satellite data leverages their respective strengths, compensates for their individual limitations, and provides a holistic perspective for analysis and decision-making.

Genetic diversity and complex structure of the European Roe Deer population at a continental scale

Abstract Although the European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) is one of the most common and widespread ungulate species in Europe and inhabiting a variety of habitats, few studies have addressed its population structure at a large spatial scale using nuclear genetic data. The aims of our study were to: (i) investigate genetic diversity, level of admixture, and genetic structure across European Roe Deer populations; (ii) identify barriers to gene flow; and (iii) reveal factors that have impacted the observed pattern of population genetic structure. Using 12 microsatellite loci, we analyzed 920 European Roe Deer samples from 16 study sites from northern, southern, central, and eastern Europe. The highest genetic diversity was found in central and eastern sites, and lowest in the northern and southern sites. There were 2 main groups of genetically related populations in the study area—one inhabiting mainly Fennoscandia, and the second in the continental part of Europe. This second population was further divided into 3 to 5 spatially distributed genetic clusters. European Roe Deer belonging to the Siberian mitochondrial DNA clade, inhabiting large parts of eastern Europe, were not identified as a separate population in the analysis of microsatellite loci. No isolation by distance (IBD) was detected between roe deer from the fennoscandian and the continental study sites, but the Baltic Sea was inferred to be the main barrier to gene flow. Only weak IBD was revealed within the continental population. Three lower-level genetic barriers were detected in the western, southern, and eastern parts of the study area. The main factors inferred as shaping the observed genetic diversity and population structure of European Roe Deer were postglacial recolonization, admixture of different populations of the species originating from several Last Glacial Maximum refugial areas, and isolation of several study sites.