13 research outputs found
Co-limitation towards lower latitudes shapes global forest diversity gradients
The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is one of the most recognized global patterns of species richness exhibited across a wide range of taxa. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed in the past two centuries to explain LDG, but rigorous tests of the drivers of LDGs have been limited by a lack of high-quality global species richness data. Here we produce a high-resolution (0.025° × 0.025°) map of local tree species richness using a global forest inventory database with individual tree information and local biophysical characteristics from ~1.3 million sample plots. We then quantify drivers of local tree species richness patterns across latitudes. Generally, annual mean temperature was a dominant predictor of tree species richness, which is most consistent with the metabolic theory of biodiversity (MTB). However, MTB underestimated LDG in the tropics, where high species richness was also moderated by topographic, soil and anthropogenic factors operating at local scales. Given that local landscape variables operate synergistically with bioclimatic factors in shaping the global LDG pattern, we suggest that MTB be extended to account for co-limitation by subordinate drivers
Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries
Background
Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres.
Methods
This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries.
Results
In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia.
Conclusion
This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries
Testing albendazole resistance in Fasciola hepatica
8 páginas.The egg development test is a useful in vitro tool to detect albendazole (ABZ) resistance in Fasciola
hepatica. ABZ is the only flukicidal compound with ovicidal activity. The described test is based on the
ABZ capacity to affect parasite egg development and hatching in susceptible parasites, while this
effect is lost in ABZ-resistant liver fluke isolates. Among many advantages, it is noted that the
diagnostic test can be performed on eggs isolated from fecal samples (sheep and cattle), avoiding the
sacrifice of animals necessary in controlled efficacy trials. The egg development test described here is
a simple, inexpensive, and accessible method, previously employed for diagnosis of ABZ resistance in
F. hepatica
Ionosphere Monitoring
Global navigation satellite system (GSSS)-based
monitoring of the ionosphere is important in
a twofold manner. Firstly, GNSS measurements
provide valuable ionospheric information for correcting
and mitigating ionospheric range errors or
to warn users in particular in precise and safety
of life (SoL) applications. Secondly, spatial and
temporal resolution of ground- and space-based
measurements is high enough to explore the dynamics
of ionospheric processes such as the origin
and propagation of ionospheric storms.
It is discussed how ground- and space-based
GNSS measurements are used to create globalmaps
of total electron content (TEC) and to reconstruct
the highly variable three-dimensional (3-D) electron
density distribution on global scale under
perturbed conditions. Thus, the monitoring results
can be used for correcting ionospheric errors in
single-frequency applications as well as for studying
the driving forces of space weather-induced
perturbation features at a broad range of temporal
and spatial scales. Whereas large- and mediumscale
perturbations affect accuracy and reliability
of GNSS measurements, small-scale plasma irregularities
and plasma bubbles have a direct impact
on the continuity of GNSS availability by causing
strong and rapid fluctuations of the signal
strength, known as radio scintillations.
It is discussed how better understanding of
space weather-related phenomena may help to
model and forecast ionospheric behavior even
under perturbed conditions. Hence, ionospheric
monitoring contributes to the successful mitigation
of range errors or performance degradation
associated with the ionospheric impact on a broad
spectrum of GNSS applications