Measuring societal awareness of the rural agrarian landscape: indicators and scale issues

The work presented in this report is part of the effort to define the landscape state and diversity indicator in the frame of COM (2006) 508 “Development of agri-environmental indicators for monitoring the integration of environmental concerns into the common agricultural policy”. The Communication classifies the indicators according to their level of development, which, for the landscape indicator is “in need of substantial improvements in order to become fully operational”. For this reason a full re-definition of the indicator has been carried out, following the initial proposal presented in the frame of the IRENA operation (“Indicator Reporting on the Integration of Environmental Concerns into Agricultural Policy”). The new proposal for the landscape state and diversity indicator is structured in three components: the first concerns the degree of naturalness, the second landscape structure, the third the societal appreciation of the rural landscape. While the first two components rely on a strong bulk of existing literature, the development of the methodology has made evident the need for further analysis of the third component, which is based on a newly proposed top-down approach. This report presents an in-depth analysis of such component of the indicator, and the effort to include a social dimension in large scale landscape assessment.JRC.H.4-Monitoring Agricultural Resource

The effect of dietary resistant starch type 2 on the microbiota and markers of gut inflammation in rural Malawi children

BACKGROUND: Resistant starch (RS) decreases intestinal inflammation in some settings. We tested the hypothesis that gut inflammation will be reduced with dietary supplementation with RS in rural Malawian children. Eighteen stunted 3–5-year-old children were supplemented with 8.5 g/day of RS type 2 for 4 weeks. The fecal samples were analyzed for the microbiota, the microbiome, short chain fatty acids, metabolome, and proteins indicative of inflammation before and after the intervention. Subjects served as their own controls. RESULTS: The consumption of RS changed the composition of the microbiota; at the phylum level Actinobacteria increased, while Firmicutes decreased. Among the most prevalent genera, Lactobacillus was increased and Roseburia, Blautia, and Lachnospiracea incertae sedis were decreased. The Shannon H index at the genus level decreased from 2.02 on the habitual diet and 1.76 after the introduction of RS (P < 0.01). Fecal acetate concentration decreased, and fecal propionate concentration increased after RS administration (−5.2 and 2.0 μmol/g, respectively). Fecal calprotectin increased from 29 ± 69 to 89 ± 49 μg/g (P = 0.003) after RS was given. The lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway was upregulated. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not support the hypothesis that RS reduces gut inflammation in rural Malawian children. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40168-015-0102-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

The effects of amisulpride on five dimensions of psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia: a prospective open- label study

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of antipsychotics can be evaluated using the dimensional models of schizophrenic symptoms. The D(2)/D(3)-selective antagonist amisulpride has shown similar efficacy and tolerability to other atypical antipsychotics. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of amisulpride on the dimensional model of schizophrenic symptoms and tolerability in latin schizophrenic patients. METHOD: Eighty schizophrenic patients were enrolled and 70 completed a prospective open-label 3-month study with amisulpride. The schizophrenic symptoms, psychosocial functioning and side-effects were evaluated with standardized scales. RESULTS: The patients showed significant improvement in the five dimensions evaluated. Amisulpride (median final dose 357.1 mg/d) was well-tolerated without treatment-emergent extrapyramidal side-effects. CONCLUSION: Amisulpride showed efficacy on different psychopathological dimensions and was well tolerated, leading to consider this drug a first line choice for the treatment of schizophrenia

Microcephaly with or without chorioretinopathy, lymphoedema, or mental retardation (MCLMR): review of phenotype associated with KIF11 mutations

Microcephaly with or without chorioretinopathy, lymphoedema, or mental retardation (MCLMR) (MIM No.152950) is a rare autosomal dominant condition for which a causative gene has recently been identified. Mutations in the kinesin family member 11 (KIF11) gene have now been described in 16 families worldwide. This is a review of the condition based on the clinical features of 37 individuals from 22 families. This report includes nine previously unreported families and additional information for some of those reported previously. The condition arose de novo in 8/20 families (40%). The parental results were not available for two probands. The mutations were varied and include missense, nonsense, frameshift, and splice site and are distributed evenly throughout the KIF11 gene. In our cohort, 86% had microcephaly, 78% had an ocular abnormality consistent with the diagnosis, 46% had lymphoedema, 73% had mild-moderate learning difficulties, 8% had epilepsy, and 8% had a cardiac anomaly. We identified three individuals with KIF11 mutations but no clinical features of MCLMR demonstrating reduced penetrance. The variable expression of the phenotype and the presence of mildly affected individuals indicates that the prevalence may be higher than expected, and we would therefore recommend a low threshold for genetic testing

Global patterns in endemicity and vulnerability of soil fungi

Fungi are highly diverse organisms, which provide multiple ecosystem services. However, compared with charismatic animals and plants, the distribution patterns and conservation needs of fungi have been little explored. Here, we examined endemicity patterns, global change vulnerability and conservation priority areas for functional groups of soil fungi based on six global surveys using a high-resolution, long-read metabarcoding approach. We found that the endemicity of all fungi and most functional groups peaks in tropical habitats, including Amazonia, Yucatan, West-Central Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Caledonia, with a negligible island effect compared with plants and animals. We also found that fungi are predominantly vulnerable to drought, heat and land-cover change, particularly in dry tropical regions with high human population density. Fungal conservation areas of highest priority include herbaceous wetlands, tropical forests, and woodlands. We stress that more attention should be focused on the conservation of fungi, especially root symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi in tropical regions as well as unicellular early-diverging groups and macrofungi in general. Given the low overlap between the endemicity of fungi and macroorganisms, but high conservation needs in both groups, detailed analyses on distribution and conservation requirements are warranted for other microorganisms and soil organisms

Global patterns in endemicity and vulnerability of soil fungi

Fungi are highly diverse organisms, which provide multiple ecosystem services. However, compared with charismatic animals and plants, the distribution patterns and conservation needs of fungi have been little explored. Here, we examined endemicity patterns, global change vulnerability and conservation priority areas for functional groups of soil fungi based on six global surveys using a high-resolution, long-read metabarcoding approach. We found that the endemicity of all fungi and most functional groups peaks in tropical habitats, including Amazonia, Yucatan, West-Central Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Caledonia, with a negligible island effect compared with plants and animals. We also found that fungi are predominantly vulnerable to drought, heat and land-cover change, particularly in dry tropical regions with high human population density. Fungal conservation areas of highest priority include herbaceous wetlands, tropical forests, and woodlands. We stress that more attention should be focused on the conservation of fungi, especially root symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi in tropical regions as well as unicellular early-diverging groups and macrofungi in general. Given the low overlap between the endemicity of fungi and macroorganisms, but high conservation needs in both groups, detailed analyses on distribution and conservation requirements are warranted for other microorganisms and soil organisms

Basic science232. Certolizumab pegol prevents pro-inflammatory alterations in endothelial cell function

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a major comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a leading cause of death. Chronic systemic inflammation involving tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) could contribute to endothelial activation and atherogenesis. A number of anti-TNF therapies are in current use for the treatment of RA, including certolizumab pegol (CZP), (Cimzia ®; UCB, Belgium). Anti-TNF therapy has been associated with reduced clinical cardiovascular disease risk and ameliorated vascular function in RA patients. However, the specific effects of TNF inhibitors on endothelial cell function are largely unknown. Our aim was to investigate the mechanisms underpinning CZP effects on TNF-activated human endothelial cells. Methods: Human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs) were cultured in vitro and exposed to a) TNF alone, b) TNF plus CZP, or c) neither agent. Microarray analysis was used to examine the transcriptional profile of cells treated for 6 hrs and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysed gene expression at 1, 3, 6 and 24 hrs. NF-κB localization and IκB degradation were investigated using immunocytochemistry, high content analysis and western blotting. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect microparticle release from HAoECs. Results: Transcriptional profiling revealed that while TNF alone had strong effects on endothelial gene expression, TNF and CZP in combination produced a global gene expression pattern similar to untreated control. The two most highly up-regulated genes in response to TNF treatment were adhesion molecules E-selectin and VCAM-1 (q 0.2 compared to control; p > 0.05 compared to TNF alone). The NF-κB pathway was confirmed as a downstream target of TNF-induced HAoEC activation, via nuclear translocation of NF-κB and degradation of IκB, effects which were abolished by treatment with CZP. In addition, flow cytometry detected an increased production of endothelial microparticles in TNF-activated HAoECs, which was prevented by treatment with CZP. Conclusions: We have found at a cellular level that a clinically available TNF inhibitor, CZP reduces the expression of adhesion molecule expression, and prevents TNF-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, CZP prevents the production of microparticles by activated endothelial cells. This could be central to the prevention of inflammatory environments underlying these conditions and measurement of microparticles has potential as a novel prognostic marker for future cardiovascular events in this patient group. Disclosure statement: Y.A. received a research grant from UCB. I.B. received a research grant from UCB. S.H. received a research grant from UCB. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interes

Connecting the multiple dimensions of global soil fungal diversity

How the multiple facets of soil fungal diversity vary worldwide remains virtually unknown, hindering the management of this essential species-rich group. By sequencing high-resolution DNA markers in over 4000 topsoil samples from natural and human-altered ecosystems across all continents, we illustrate the distributions and drivers of different levels of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of fungi and their ecological groups. We show the impact of precipitation and temperature interactions on local fungal species richness (alpha diversity) across different climates. Our findings reveal how temperature drives fungal compositional turnover (beta diversity) and phylogenetic diversity, linking them with regional species richness (gamma diversity). We integrate fungi into the principles of global biodiversity distribution and present detailed maps for biodiversity conservation and modeling of global ecological processes

Connecting the multiple dimensions of global soil fungal diversity

15 páginas.- 5 figuras.- 99 referenciasHow the multiple facets of soil fungal diversity vary worldwide remains virtually unknown, hindering the management of this essential species-rich group. By sequencing high-resolution DNA markers in over 4000 topsoil samples from natural and human-altered ecosystems across all continents, we illustrate the distributions and drivers of different levels of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of fungi and their ecological groups. We show the impact of precipitation and temperature interactions on local fungal species richness (alpha diversity) across different climates. Our findings reveal how temperature drives fungal compositional turnover (beta diversity) and phylogenetic diversity, linking them with regional species richness (gamma diversity). We integrate fungi into the principles of global biodiversity distribution and present detailed maps for biodiversity conservation and modeling of global ecological processes.This work was supported by the Estonian Science Foundation: PRG632 (to L.T.), Estonian Research Council: PRG1615 (to R.D.), Estonian Research Council: PRG1170 (to U.K. and Ka.Po.), Estonian Science Foundation: MOBTP198 (to St.An.), Novo Nordisk Fonden: NNF20OC0059948 (to L.T.), Norway-Baltic financial mechanism: EMP442 (to L.T., K.-A.B., and M.T.), King Saud University: DFSP-2020-2 (to L.T.), King Saud University: Highly Cited Program (to L.T.), European Regional Development Fund: Centre of Excellence EcolChange TK131 (to M.O., M.Z., Ü.M., U.K., and M.E.), Estonian Research Council: PRG1789 (to M.O. and I.H.), British Ecological Society: LRB17\1019 (MUSGONET) (to M.D.-B.), Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation: PID2020-115813RA-I00 (to M.D.-B.), Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation: SOIL4GROWTH (to M.D.-B.), Marie Sklodowska-Curie: 702057 (CLIMIFUN) (to M.D.- B.), European Research Council (ERC): grant 647038 [BIODESERT] (to F.T.M.), Generalitat Valenciana: CIDEGENT/2018/041 (to F.T.M.), Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation: EUR2022-134048 (to F.T.M.), Estonian Research Council: PRG1065 (to M.M. and M.Z.), Swedish Research Council Formas: 2020-00807 (to Mo.Ba.), Swedish Research Council: 2019-05191 (to Al. An.), Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research MISTRA: Project BioPath (to Al. An.), Kew Foundation (to Al.An.), EEA Financial Mechanism Baltic Research Programme in Estonia: EMP442 (to Ke.Ar. and Je.An.), Ghent University Special Research Fund (BOF): Metusalem (to N.S.), Estonian Research Council: PSG825 (to K.R.), European Research Council (ERC): 101096403 (MLTOM23415R) (to Ü.M.), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): 1.1.1.2/VIAA/2/18/298 (to D.K.), Estonian Research Council: PUT1170 (to I.H.), German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF): 01DG20015FunTrAf (to K.T.I., M.P., and N.Y.), Proyecto SIA: SA77210019 (ANID—Chile) (to C.M.), Fondecyt: 1190642 (ANID—Chile) (to R.G.), European Research Council (ERC): Synergy Grant 856506—LIFEPLAN (to T.R.), Academy of Finland: grant 322266 (to T.R.), U.S. National Science Foundation: DEB-0918591 (to T.H.), U.S. National Science Foundation: DEB-1556338 (to T.H.), U.S. National Science Foundation: DEB 1737898 (to G.B.), UNAM-PAPIIT: IV200223 (to R.G.-O.), Czech Science Foundation: 21-26883S (to J.D.), Estonian Research Council: PRG352 (to M.E.), NERC core funding: the BAS Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptation Team (to K.K.N.), NERC-CONICYT: NE/P003079/1 (to E.M.B.), Carlsberg Foundation: CF18-0267 (to E.M.B.), Qatar Petroleum: QUEX-CAS-QP-RD-18/19 (to Ju.Al.), Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education: 075-15-2021-1396 (to V.F. and V.O.), Secretaria de Ciencia y Técnica (SECYT) of Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and CONICET (to E.N.), HighLevel Talent Recruitment Plan of Yunnan Province 2021:“High-End Foreign Experts” (to Pe.Mo.), AUA grant from research council of UAE University: G00003654 (to S.M.), Ghent University: Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds (to A.V.), Ghent University: Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds (BOF-PDO2017-001201) (to E.D.C.), Ghent University: The Faculty Committee Scientific Research, FCWO (to E.D.C. and A.V.), The King Leopold III Fund for Nature Exploration and Conservation (to A.V. and E.D.C.), The Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO) (to E.D.C. and A.V.), The High-Level Talent Recruitment Plan of Yunnan Provinces: “Young Talents” Program (to D.-Q.D.), The HighLevel Talent Recruitment Plan of Yunnan Provinces: “High-End Foreign Experts" Program (to N. N.W.), IRIS scholarship for progressive and ambitious women (to L.H.), Estonian University of Life Sciences: P190250PKKH (to Kr.Pa.), Hungarian Academy of Sciences: Lendület Programme (96049) (to J.G.), Eötvös Loránd Research Network (to J.G.), Botswana International University of Science and Technology (to C.N.), and Higher Education Commision (HEC, Islamabad, Pakistan): Indigenous and International research support initiative program (IRSIP) scholarship (to M.S.)Peer reviewe