Seasonal variation in the relative dominance of herbivore guilds in an African savanna

African savannas are highly seasonal with a diverse array of both mammalian and invertebrate herbivores, yet herbivory studies have focused almost exclusively on mammals. We conducted a 2-yr exclosure experiment in South Africa's Kruger National Park to measure the relative impact of these two groups of herbivores on grass removal at both highly productive patches (termite mounds) and in the less productive savanna matrix. Invertebrate and mammalian herbivory was greater on termite mounds, but the relative importance of each group changed over time. Mammalian offtake was higher than invertebrates in the dry season, but can be eclipsed by invertebrates during the wet season when this group is more active. Our results demonstrate that invertebrates play a substantial role in savanna herbivory and should not be disregarded in attempts to understand the impacts of herbivory on ecosystems

Exploring the variability of tropical savanna tree structural allometry with terrestrial laser scanning

Individual tree carbon stock estimates typically rely on allometric scaling relationships established between field-measured stem diameter (DBH) and destructively harvested biomass. The use of DBH-based allometric equations to estimate the carbon stored over larger areas therefore, assumes that tree architecture, including branching and crown structures, are consistent for a given DBH, and that minor variations cancel out at the plot scale. We aimed to explore the degree of structural variation present at the individual tree level across a range of size-classes. We used terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to measure the 3D structure of each tree in a 1 ha savanna plot, with coincident field-inventory. We found that stem reconstructions from TLS captured both the spatial distribution pattern and the DBH of individual trees with high confidence when compared with manual measurements (R2 = 0.98, RMSE = 0.0102 m). Our exploration of the relationship between DBH, crown size and tree height revealed significant variability in savanna tree crown structure (measured as crown area). These findings question the reliability of DBH-based allometric equations for adequately representing diversity in tree architecture, and therefore carbon storage, in tropical savannas. However, adoption of TLS outside environmental research has been slow due to considerable capital cost and monitoring programs often continue to rely on sub-plot monitoring and traditional allometric equations. A central aspect of our study explores the utility of a lower-cost TLS system not generally used for vegetation surveys. We discuss the potential benefits of alternative TLS-based approaches, such as explicit modelling of tree structure or voxel-based analyses, to capture the diverse 3D structures of savanna trees. Our research highlights structural heterogeneity as a source of uncertainty in savanna tree carbon estimates and demonstrates the potential for greater inclusion of cost-effective TLS technology in national monitoring programs

Isothiocyanates are detected in human synovial fluid following broccoli consumption and can affect the tissues of the knee joint

Osteoarthritis is a major cause of disability and there is no current pharmaceutical treatment which can prevent the disease or slow its progression. Dietary advice or supplementation is clearly an attractive option since it has low toxicity and ease of implementation on a population level. We have previously demonstrated that sulforaphane, a dietary isothiocyanate derived from its glucosinolate precursor which is found in broccoli, can prevent cartilage destruction in cells, in in vitro and in vivo models of osteoarthritis. As the next phase of this research, we enrolled 40 patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing total knee replacement into a proof-of-principle trial. Patients were randomised to either a low or high glucosinolate diet for 14 days prior to surgery. We detected ITCs in the synovial fluid of the high glucosinolate group, but not the low glucosinolate group. This was mirrored by an increase in ITCs and specifically sulforaphane in the plasma. Proteomic analysis of synovial fluid showed significantly distinct profiles between groups with 125 differentially expressed proteins. The functional consequence of this diet will now be tested in a clinical trial

How feasible is nutrition intervention research in eating disorders? Lessons learnt from a pilot parallel randomised controlled trial of tyrosine supplementation in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: Eating disorders are complex illnesses with high morbidity and mortality. Yet, there is promising evidence to support the effects of nutrition on the brain and behaviour. One proposed example is the use of tyrosine as an adjunct treatment in anorexia nervosa (AN). However, recruitment and retention in eating disorder clinical trials has posed difficulties for researchers. The aim of this study was to pilot test a parallel randomised controlled trial (RCT) of tyrosine supplementation to explore the feasibility of recruitment and retention, intervention adherence and data collection methods from the perspective of participants and researchers. METHOD: Feasibility was assessed using numbers participating, questionnaire completion in patients and parent/carers completing and declining participation, a researcher implementation record and clinical measures. Subjects included adolescents aged 12-17 years with AN. The study was conducted over a 12-week period, with the intervention group receiving 5 mg of L-tyrosine supplement and the control group receiving a placebo. RESULTS: Recruitment targets were not met and recruitment to a full RCT based on the current study protocol and recruitment sites did not prove feasible. Of the 39 approached for RCT participation, seven were recruited to the RCT (18% response rate) despite extending recruitment periods, with 100% retained and analysed. Patients or parents/carers identified barriers to study participation including burden, the need to consume tyrosine as tablets, and the use of blood, urine and psychological testing. Blood tyrosine rose markedly for subjects in the intervention group. No side effects were reported or measured. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers a unique exploration of the feasibility of a tyrosine trial in anorexia nervosa and is of relevance to assist the success of future nutrition trials. Exploring the suitability of future study designs for nutrition intervention research is warranted

Mãe, cadê o bebê? Repercussões do nascimento prematuro de um irmão

O objetivo deste artigo foi investigar as repercussões do nascimento prematuro do bebê sobre o(s) seu(s) irmão(s), sob a perspectiva materna, durante a internação do recém-nascido na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. O estudo contou com a participação de 37 mães, entrevistadas no 15º dia após o parto. Elas responderam a instrumentos que contemplaram dados demográficos familiares, informações clínicas do bebê e da mãe, e a experiência da maternidade no contexto da prematuridade. A entrevista sobre maternidade continha questões acerca do irmão do bebê, cujas respostas foram examinadas a partir de análise de conteúdo qualitativa. Os resultados revelaram alteração na rotina dos irmãos em razão da maior ausência materna. Os sentimentos e reações dos irmãos incluíram questionamentos, preocupações, ciúme e ansiedade, ao lado de contentamento e curiosidade. A visita do irmão ao bebê prematuro não foi permitida por alguns hospitais. Evidencia-se a importância de os irmãos serem atendidos em suas necessidades de cuidado nesse período de hospitalização do bebê

Mapping and Assessment of forest Ecosystem and Their Services. Applications and guidance for decision making in the framework of MAES

The aim of this report is to illustrate by means of a series of case studies the implementation of mapping and assessment of forest ecosystem services in different contexts and geographical levels. Methodological aspects, data issues, approaches, limitations, gaps and further steps for improvement are analysed for providing good practices and decision making guidance. The EU initiative on Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES), with the support of all Member States, contributes to improve the knowledge on ecosytem services. MAES is one of the building-block initiatives supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2000

Constitutively Enhanced Lymphatic Pumping in the Upper Limbs of Women Who Later Develop Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

BACKGROUND: It has previously been shown that the lymph drainage rate in both upper limbs is greater in women destined to develop breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) than in those who do not develop BCRL, indicating a constitutive predisposition. We explored constitutive differences further by measuring the maximum lymphatic pump pressure (Ppump) and the rate of (99m)Tc-Nanocoll transport generated by the contractile upper limb lymphatics before and after breast cancer surgery in a group of women who were followed for 2 years to determine their eventual BCRL or non-BCRL status.METHODS AND RESULTS: Ppump and tracer transport rate were measured by lymphatic congestion lymphoscintigraphy in the ipsilateral upper limb in 26 women pre- and post-breast cancer surgery. BCRL occurred in 10/26 (38.5%) cases. Ppump in the women who later developed BCRL (40.0 ± 8.2 mmHg) was 1.7-fold higher than in those who did not develop BCRL (23.1 ± 10.8 mmHg, p = 0.001). Moreover, the rate of lymph tracer transport into the forearm was 2.2-fold greater in the women who later developed BCRL (p = 0.052). Surgery did not significantly reduce Ppump measured 21 weeks postsurgery, but impaired forearm tracer transport in pre-BCRL women by 58% (p = 0.047), although not in those who did not develop BCRL.CONCLUSIONS: Women destined to develop BCRL have higher pumping pressures and lymph transport, indicating harder-working lymphatics before cancer treatment. Axillary lymphatic damage from surgery appears to compromise lymph drainage in those women constitutively predisposed to higher lymphatic pressures and lymph transport.</p

Context‐dependent directional effects of termite mounds on soil nutrients, vegetation communities, and mammalian foraging

AbstractTermite mounds are keystone structures in African savannas, affecting multiple ecosystem processes. Despite the large size of termite mounds having the potential to modify conditions around them, patterns of mound‐induced ecosystem effects have been assumed to be isotropic, with little attention given to how effects might vary around mounds. We measured soil nitrogen content, grass species composition, and mammalian grazing on and off termite mounds in the four cardinal directions, and across wet and dry seasons at three savanna sites varying in mean annual rainfall in South Africa's Kruger National Park. Evidence of directional effects (anisotropy) on ecosystem properties around termite mounds varied with site. Grass species composition differed between north‐ and south‐facing slopes at the two drier sites where mounds were taller. However, differences in grazing extent and soil nitrogen content around mounds were only present at the intermediate rainfall site where mammalian herbivore biomass was highest, and mounds were of medium height. Our results suggest that termite mound effects display significant variation with direction, but that the emergence of directional effects is context dependent. Our results further suggest that such context‐dependent directional effects can lead to positive feedback loops between termites, abiotic conditions, and mammalian herbivores.</jats:p

Addressing Corporate Ties to Slavery: Corporate Apologia in a Discourse of Reconciliation

Pressured by activists to take responsibility, American corporations recently found themselves in the spotlight for their past ties to slavery. Responding to the issue, they stepped into a complex discourse of reconciliation. Taking a rhetorical approach, this article analyzes the response of Aetna Inc. It explores how corporate rhetoric functions within present discourses about historical injustices and illustrates that Aetna\u27s response informed by common strategies of corporate apologia inhibited meaningful reconciliation. The article thus furthers criticisms of (corporate) apologia in the context of historical injustice and raises questions about the potentialities and limitations of corporate rhetoric for reconciliation

Effects of body position on autonomic regulation of cardiovascular function in young, healthy adults

Background: Analysis of rhythmic patterns embedded within beat-to-beat variations in heart rate (heart rate variability) is a tool used to assess the balance of cardiac autonomic nervous activity and may be predictive for prognosis of some medical conditions, such as myocardial infarction. It has also been used to evaluate the impact of manipulative therapeutics and body position on autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system. However, few have compared cardiac autonomic activity in supine and prone positions, postures commonly assumed by patients in manual therapy. We intend to redress this deficiency. Methods: Heart rate, heart rate variability, and beat-to-beat blood pressure were measured in young, healthy non-smokers, during prone, supine, and sitting postures and with breathing paced at 0.25 Hz. Data were recorded for 5 minutes in each posture: Day 1 - prone and supine; Day 2 - prone and sitting. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to evaluate posture-related differences in blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability. Results: Prone versus supine: blood pressure and heart rate were significantly higher in the prone posture (p &lt; 0.001). Prone versus sitting: blood pressure was higher and heart rate was lower in the prone posture (p &lt; 0.05) and significant differences were found in some components of heart rate variability. Conclusion: Cardiac autonomic activity was not measurably different in prone and supine postures, but heart rate and blood pressure were. Although heart rate variability parameters indicated sympathetic dominance during sitting (supporting work of others), blood pressure was higher in the prone posture. These differences should be considered when autonomic regulation of cardiovascular function is studied in different postures