Traits in Lepidoptera assemblages are differently influenced by local and landscape scale factors in farmland habitat islands

Semi-natural grassland islands have a key role in slowing down biodiversity decline in intensively cultivated agricultural landscapes. Assemblages in such habitat patches are not only limited by local habitat quality, but are also influenced by the suitability and distribution of different habitat types in the surrounding landscape. If we want to preserve a functionally diverse Lepidoptera fauna, both local and landscape scale environmental effects, including land use and management, should be considered. In the present study, we describe trait-based characteristics of noctuid dominated macro-moth assemblages (MMAs) in grassland remnants of an intensively cultivated agricultural area. By gathering environmental data from local to landscape scales, we aimed to identify the most influential scales, possible interactions between scales and the role of integrated arable fields in shaping MMAs. We conducted abundance weighted trait-based multivariate analysis of the assemblages based on six trait groups. Both local and landscape scale variables had important influence, acting on different traits of the assemblages. By variance partitioning, we could identify variables that exerted maximal effect at 50 m and 250 m radii circles. Variables describing local vegetation and identity of neighbouring crop were responsible for species richness and rarity status, while the area of arable and wooded habitats within 250 m were responsible for total catch and pest status related traits. There was significant interaction between principal components axes representing local and landscape variables. Rarity, more than other traits, was influenced by the interaction. Integrated fields had no effect on MMAs. The present study highlights the contributions of both local and landscape scales to the shaping of MMAs and suggests that the preservation of both local habitat quality and landscape heterogeneity are important if we would like to maintain species rich and functionally diverse Lepidoptera fauna

Bifocal extra- and intradural melanocytoma of the spine: case report and literature review

Background: Spinal melanocytoma is one of the most infrequent space-occupying lesions of the central nervous system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of primary bifocal intradural melanocytoma of heterogenous pathological grade to date. Case description: We report the case of a 43-year old patient with primary bifocal melanocytoma, clinically and radiologically resembling benign schwannoma. The patient presented with myeloradiculopathy of the left C3 dermatome. Magnetic resonance imaging of the upper spine revealed two space-occupying lesions with paraspinal extension, initially diagnosed as neurofibroma. Definitive histopathological classification of both lesions was melanocytoma. Both tumours were only partially removed due to adherence to surrounding structures. The patient underwent stereotactic external beam irradiation (EBR). Follow-up at 1year after surgery revealed no recurrence and the patient remained free of symptoms. The clinical, radiological and pathological features of this rare tumour entity are presented and the available literature is reviewed. Conclusions: Intradural melanocytoma, although exceedingly rare, requires a thorough work-up to exclude malignant melanoma. With only two previous reports of multifocal melanocytoma published in the literature, standard therapy has not yet been established and complete surgical removal remains the modality of choice. Patients should be closely monitored to detect local recurrence or malignant degeneration. EBR may be considered in cases where total excision is not achievable and reduces risk of local recurrence

Surgical resection of pediatric skull base meningiomas

Purpose: Meningiomas in children are rare, especially those located at the skull base. In this study, we report our experience of meningioma surgery in the pediatric population and compare our findings of skull base (SB) versus non-skull base (NSB) meningiomas. Methods: From our database of 724 surgically treated meningioma patients at the University Hospital, Zurich between 1995 and 2010, 12 patients under 18years of age were identified. Data for those patients was retrospectively collected through chart review. A descriptive comparison between SB and NSB meningiomas was undertaken to determine statistical significance. Results: In all 12 children (seven males, five females; mean age 12.2 ± 4.3years), surgical removal of the meningioma was performed microsurgically with a mean follow-up of 53months (range 12-137months). Of the 12 tumors, six were located in the SB and six in the NSB. Comparing SB to NSB lesions, the mean age was 11 ± 3.8 versus 14 ± 4.6years, male/female gender distribution was 5:1 compared to 1:5, mean tumor size was 7.5 ± 6.2 versus 26 ± 15.8cm2 (p = 0.03), and mean surgery time was 347 versus 214min. While WHO grade was similar for both groups, the Simpson grade revealed more extensive resection for NSB meningiomas. The Glasgow Outcome Scale at last follow-up was favorable for both groups. Conclusions: Meningioma surgery was safe with favorable outcomes. SB meningiomas were significantly smaller in size, were less likely to undergo complete resection, and had a predilection for younger, male patient

A subcutaneous adipose tissue-liver signalling axis controls hepatic gluconeogenesis.

The search for effective treatments for obesity and its comorbidities is of prime importance. We previously identified IKK-ε and TBK1 as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity and associated insulin resistance. Here we show that acute inhibition of IKK-ε and TBK1 with amlexanox treatment increases cAMP levels in subcutaneous adipose depots of obese mice, promoting the synthesis and secretion of the cytokine IL-6 from adipocytes and preadipocytes, but not from macrophages. IL-6, in turn, stimulates the phosphorylation of hepatic Stat3 to suppress expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis, in the process improving glucose handling in obese mice. Preliminary data in a small cohort of obese patients show a similar association. These data support an important role for a subcutaneous adipose tissue-liver axis in mediating the acute metabolic benefits of amlexanox on glucose metabolism, and point to a new therapeutic pathway for type 2 diabetes

Intraoperative low-field MR-guided frameless stereotactic biopsy for intracerebral lesions

Background: To present our intraoperative low-field magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI) technique for stereotactic brain biopsy in various intracerebral lesions. Method: Seventy-eight consecutive patients underwent stereotactic biopsies with the PoleStar N-20/N-30 ioMRI system and data were evaluated retrospectively. Biopsy technique included ioMRI before surgery, followed by insertion of the biopsy cannula in the lesion, and ioMRI before and after biopsy. Statistical analysis was performed to compare subgroups using Excel and SPSS statistic software. Results: In all patients, stereotactic biopsy was possible, with a mean intraoperative surgery time of 86.2 ± 28.6min and a mean hospital stay of 11.6 ± 4.6days. In 97.4% (n = 76), histology was conclusive, representing 58 brain tumors and 18 other pathologies. Five patients were biopsied previously without conclusive diagnosis, and all biopsies were conclusive this time. Mean cross-sectional lesion size in MRI T1 with contrast (n = 64) was 6.9 ± 5.7cm2, and in lesions without T1 contrast enhancement (n = 14), T2 mean cross-sectional lesion size was 5.5 ± 3.9cm2. Mean distance from the cortex surface to the lesion was 3.4 ± 1.2cm. One patient suffered from a postoperative wound dehiscence; neither clinically or radiologically significant hemorrhage after surgery, nor intraoperative complications occurred. Conclusions: Low-field ioMR-guided frameless stereotactic biopsy accurately diagnosed different intracerebral lesions without major complications for the patients, and within an acceptable surgery time and hospital stay. In repeated non-conclusive biopsies in particular, low-field ioMRI offers a technique for arriving at a diagnosi

Sheltered Program at the Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany. Facilitating Studying and Working Abroad: Best Practices

This paper describes the sheltered program at the University Language Center at the Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany, which is designed to provide American undergraduate exchange students with the opportunity to enhance their language, intercultural and technical skills, thereby integrating them into the German university and preparing them for an internship abroad. Based on the experiences made in this program, a set of best practices will be described

Comments on the Data Access and Dissemination System

Comments on the Data Access and Dissemination Syste

Brave hearts and minds: the devolution revolution and the (re)building of the Scottish nation

In 1995, the myth-history presented in Mel Gibson’s award winning film, Braveheart, sparked the fires of nationalism in Scotland, leading to the nation’s partial autonomy. Braveheart’s influence on politics, historical memory and cultural identity are undeniable, yet few historians give the film the credit it rightly deserves. This demonstrates that, while it may not have single handily led to Scotland’s devolution in 1999, Braveheart did play a major role in the lead up to the 1997 devolution referendum. The film infused Scotland’s society, culture, and politics with nationalistic pride. Utilizing James DeFronzo’s five critical factors for revolutionary success as a framework, this project shows that Braveheart, a film about the legendary Scottish hero named William Wallace, had a vast political, social and cultural impact on Scotland, thus leading to the restoration of a Scottish parliament after three-centuries of dormancy. However, Scotland is not an independent country, as it remains a member of the United Kingdom. Therefore, this thesis also examines the ongoing nation-building, or rebuilding, process in Scotland, in the period immediately prior to the independence referendum in 2014. In all, the fact that Braveheart managed to revive, alter, and create Scotland’s greatest historical and mythological hero, as well as forever change the course of Scottish political and social history, makes it one of the most influential films of all time