Climate seasonality limits leaf carbon assimilation and wood productivity in tropical forests

The seasonal climate drivers of the carbon cycle in tropical forests remain poorly known, although these forests account for more carbon assimilation and storage than any other terrestrial ecosystem. Based on a unique combination of seasonal pan-tropical data sets from 89 experimental sites (68 include aboveground wood productivity measurements and 35 litter productivity measurements), their associated canopy photosynthetic capacity (enhanced vegetation index, EVI) and climate, we ask how carbon assimilation and aboveground allocation are related to climate seasonality in tropical forests and how they interact in the seasonal carbon cycle. We found that canopy photosynthetic capacity seasonality responds positively to precipitation when rainfall is  < 2000 mm yr⁻¹ (water-limited forests) and to radiation otherwise (light-limited forests). On the other hand, independent of climate limitations, wood productivity and litterfall are driven by seasonal variation in precipitation and evapotranspiration, respectively. Consequently, light-limited forests present an asynchronism between canopy photosynthetic capacity and wood productivity. First-order control by precipitation likely indicates a decrease in tropical forest productivity in a drier climate in water-limited forest, and in current light-limited forest with future rainfall  < 2000 mm yr⁻¹

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Diagnóstico presuntivo de diabetes insipidus felina

Diabetes insipidus (DI) é um distúrbio endócrino infrequente em gatos causado pela alteração na síntese e/ou secreção do hormônio antidiurético, ou pela incapacidade tubular renal em responder ao hormônio. Essa desordem pode ter origens variadas. Objetivou-se relatar um caso de diabetes insipidus em uma gata, sem raça definida, de cinco anos, com queixa de poliúria e polidipsia, inicialmente diagnosticada como doente renal crônica. A paciente já havia sido avaliada por outro profissional, o qual constatou anemia, desidratação, azotemia e alterações ultrassonográficas sugestivas de injúria renal aguda. Mediante a preocupação do tutor e a pedido do outro profissional, a paciente foi encaminhada para nova avaliação com histórico e os resultados do exame físico anterior para um atendimento especializado em felinos. Observou-se que o animal apresentava escore corporal satisfatório, mucosas normocoradas e hidratadas, presença de gengivite nos dentes molares e pré-molares, e halitose moderada. No exame de urinálise foi constatada isostenúria, sem demais alterações nos analitos urinários. Exames de ultrassonografia revelaram manutenção da arquitetura corticomedular, discretos pontos de mineralização cortical e discreta dilatação de pelve renal. Os diferenciais de diabetes mellitus e hipertireoidismo foram descartados. Mediante o quadro clínico, suspeitou-se de DI, sendo o diagnóstico confirmado após resposta positiva ao uso de desmopressina pela via conjuntival e elevação da densidade urinária

Diagnóstico presuntivo de diabetes insipidus felina

Diabetes insipidus (DI) é um distúrbio endócrino infrequente em gatos causado pela alteração na síntese e/ou secreção do hormônio antidiurético, ou pela incapacidade tubular renal em responder ao hormônio. Essa desordem pode ter origens variadas. Objetivou-se relatar um caso de diabetes insipidus em uma gata, sem raça definida, de cinco anos, com queixa de poliúria e polidipsia, inicialmente diagnosticada como doente renal crônica. A paciente já havia sido avaliada por outro profissional, o qual constatou anemia, desidratação, azotemia e alterações ultrassonográficas sugestivas de injúria renal aguda. Mediante a preocupação do tutor e a pedido do outro profissional, a paciente foi encaminhada para nova avaliação com histórico e os resultados do exame físico anterior para um atendimento especializado em felinos. Observou-se que o animal apresentava escore corporal satisfatório, mucosas normocoradas e hidratadas, presença de gengivite nos dentes molares e pré-molares, e halitose moderada. No exame de urinálise foi constatada isostenúria, sem demais alterações nos analitos urinários. Exames de ultrassonografia revelaram manutenção da arquitetura corticomedular, discretos pontos de mineralização cortical e discreta dilatação de pelve renal. Os diferenciais de diabetes mellitus e hipertireoidismo foram descartados. Mediante o quadro clínico, suspeitou-se de DI, sendo o diagnóstico confirmado após resposta positiva ao uso de desmopressina pela via conjuntival e elevação da densidade urinária

Extending the paleontology–biogeography reciprocity with SDMs: Exploring models and data in reducing fossil taxonomic uncertainty

<div><p>Historically, studies aimed at prospecting and analyzing paleontological and neontological data to investigate species distribution have developed separately. Research at the interface between paleontology and biogeography has shown a unidirectional bias, mostly focusing on how paleontological information can aid biogeography to understand species distribution through time. However, the modern suit of techniques of ecological biogeography, particularly species distribution models (SDM), can be instrumental for paleontologists as well, improving the biogeography-paleontology interchange. In this study, we explore how to use paleoclimatic data and SDMs to support paleontological investigation regarding reduction of taxonomic uncertainty. Employing current data from two neotropical species (<i>Lagostomus maximus</i> and <i>Myocastor coipus</i>), we implemented SDMs and performed model validation comparing hindcasts with dated fossil occurrences (~14k and ~20k years back present, respectively). Finally, we employed the hindcasting process for two South American fossil records of a misidentified species of caiman (<i>Caiman</i> sp.) to show that <i>C</i>. <i>latirostris</i> is the most likely species identity of these fossils (among four candidate species: <i>C</i>. <i>latirostris</i>, <i>C</i>. <i>yacare</i>, <i>C</i>. <i>crocodilus</i>, and <i>Melanosuchus niger</i>). Possible limitations of the approach are discussed. With this strategy, we have shown that current developments in biogeography research can favour paleontology, extending the (biased) current interchange between these two scientific disciplines.</p></div

A importância da terapia ocupacional na reabilitação e manutenção de componentes cognitivos em um centro de convivência da terceira idade na cidade de Teresina/PI – relato de experiência / The importance of occupational therapy in rehabilitation and maintenance of cognitive components in a convivence center of third age in Teresina/PI - experience report

Introdução: a população idosa só tende a crescer nos próximos anos, trazendo consigo comprometimentos que irão prejudicar todo um contexto, impossibilitando a autonomia e uma boa qualidade de vida desta população. Objetivo: demonstrar em forma de relato de experiência as práticas e a importância da Terapia Ocupacional no contexto de saúde do idoso, na prevenção e reabilitação voltada para aspectos cognitivos. Metodologia: A partir de uma divisão, cada grupo de alunos ficou responsável por um dia na semana no centro de convivência. Foram realizadas nove abordagens em um grupo aberto, com vinte a vinte e cinco idosos participantes, sendo utilizados como forma de abordagem jogos e dinâmicas grupais. Resultados e discussão: as atividades realizadas foram bem aceitas, os idosos demonstraram grande potencial, a socialização foi um ponto importante, atividades com uso de dinâmicas, músicas e jogos tiveram mais destaque dentro do grupo, o benefício aos cuidadores também foi bem frisado. Conclusão: Além da experiência vivida e os conhecimentos adquiridos por parte dos alunos, observou-se a necessidade de uma maior atenção à população idosa com políticas públicas, como a criação de mais centros de convivência, que ofereçam serviços que envolvam a prática da Terapia Ocupacional e de outros profissionais

Results of species distribution modeling (SDM) employing Maxent algorithm, for the species <i>Lagostomus maximus</i> (left column) and <i>Myocastor coypus</i> (right).

<p>The suitability projections for current time are showed in continuous scale (between 0 and 1). Triangles represent the coordinates of fossil records.</p

Results of Maxent algorithm for the caiman species (<i>C</i>. <i>c</i>. <i>crocodilus</i>, <i>C</i>. <i>yacare</i>, <i>C</i>. <i>latirostsris</i>, and <i>M</i>. <i>niger</i>).

<p>The suitability projections for current time are showed in continuous scale (between 0 and 1). Triangles represent the coordinates of fossil records.</p

The Amazon basin in transition

Agricultural expansion and climate variability have become important agents of disturbance in the Amazon basin. Recent studies have demonstrated considerable resilience of Amazonian forests to moderate annual drought, but they also show that interactions between deforestation, fire and drought potentially lead to losses of carbon storage and changes in regional precipitation patterns and river discharge. Although the basin-wide impacts of land use and drought may not yet surpass the magnitude of natural variability of hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles, there are some signs of a transition to a disturbance-dominated regime. These signs include changing energy and water cycles in the southern and eastern portions of the Amazon basin. © 2012 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved