Systematics of Some Reindeer Lichens (Cladonia Subg. Cladina) in the Southern Hemisphere

Cladonia arbuscula subsp. squarrosa (Wallr.) Ruoss and C. stygia (Fr.) Ruoss are reported for the first time from the Southern Hemisphere. Populations of C. arbuscula in New Zealand and Australia are recognized as subsp. stictica Ruoss, subsp. nov., usually containing stictic acid, norstictic acid (first report in subg. Cladina), and sometimes also the fumarprotocetraric acid complex. C. laevigata (Vainio) Gyelnik is reinstated in Cladonia subg. Cladina sect. Tenues, while C. stygia is considered to belong to sect. Crustaceae rather than to sect. Tenues. C. confusa R. Sant. is morphologically highly variable, although chemically uniform, usually containing usnic acid and perlatolic acid. An usnic acid-deficient chemodeme is reported as new to New Zealan

Participative Decision Mechanisms for Sustainable Development in Co-Operative Livestock Systems in Europe

Alpine pastures have been used for centuries and have a specific economic, ecological and cultural history that gives local identity. Alpine pastures, used only in summer, are endangered due to modern farming methods and economic conditions. The consequences include loss of biodiversity, traditionally used landscapes and socio-cultural identity in marginal regions (Riseth et al., 2003). As the Entlebuch UNESCO Biosphere Reserve was established by its inhabitants in a participative process, sustainable development in alpine pastures is also implemented by stakeholder participation. The methodology of participative decision mechanisms were used in two EU-projects: LACOPE: Landscape development, Biodiversity and Co-operative Livestock Systems in Europe, developing references for sustainable development in marginal regions and VisuLANDS: Visualisations Tools for Public Participation in the Management of Landscape Change. The main objective was to improve participative decision mechanisms using visualisation tools

Governance and Management Systems in Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Biosphere Reserves

Recent studies in UNESCO World Heritage sites and Biosphere Reserves (BRs) identified gaps regarding the effectiveness of planning, governance, and management. The objective of a study carried out is to develop innovative approaches of evidence-based governance in UNESCO-designated marine protected areas in the Mediterranean Basin. Three different types of Biosphere Reserves have been selected for the present chapter: the Tuscan Islands Archipelago in Italy; the Terres de l'Ebre Delta in Spain; and the marine and coastal area of Gouraya in Algeria. Current and future evidence in the BRs differ and require actions related to the local realities and challenges. The Terres de l'Ebre BR is step by step implementing the new strategies and processes. The Tuscan Island BR has already prepared the frameworks and participatory instruments which await implementation. The Gouraya BR through the National Park established conservation and development functions, but for its realization it still seeks an increase of awareness and commitments of the authorities as well as management tools and funds. The "evidence-based governance and management system" is considered an integrated approach adequately involving the three dimensions top-down, bottom-up, and outside-in. It is an instrument to improve effectiveness of management and to involve the local communities and stakeholders in the decision processes in Biosphere Reserves

A framework for the practical science necessary to restore sustainable, resilient, and biodiverse ecosystems

Demand for restoration of resilient, self-sustaining, and biodiverse natural ecosystems as a conservation measure is increasing globally; however, restoration efforts frequently fail to meet standards appropriate for this objective. Achieving these standards requires management underpinned by input from diverse scientific disciplines including ecology, biotechnology, engineering, soil science, ecophysiology, and genetics. Despite increasing restoration research activity, a gap between the immediate needs of restoration practitioners and the outputs of restoration science often limits the effectiveness of restoration programs. Regrettably, studies often fail to identify the practical issues most critical for restoration success. We propose that part of this oversight may result from the absence of a considered statement of the necessary practical restoration science questions. Here we develop a comprehensive framework of the research required to bridge this gap and guide effective restoration. We structure questions in five themes: (1) setting targets and planning for success, (2) sourcing biological material, (3) optimizing establishment, (4) facilitating growth and survival, and (5) restoring resilience, sustainability, and landscape integration. This framework will assist restoration practitioners and scientists to identify knowledge gaps and develop strategic research focused on applied outcomes. The breadth of questions highlights the importance of cross-discipline collaboration among restoration scientists, and while the program is broad, successful restoration projects have typically invested in many or most of these themes. Achieving restoration ecology's goal of averting biodiversity losses is a vast challenge: investment in appropriate science is urgently needed for ecological restoration to fulfill its potential and meet demand as a conservation too

Updated international tuberous sclerosis complex diagnostic criteria and surveillance and management recommendations

Background Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease affecting multiple body systems with wide variability in presentation. In 2013, Pediatric Neurology published articles outlining updated diagnostic criteria and recommendations for surveillance and management of disease manifestations. Advances in knowledge and approvals of new therapies necessitated a revision of those criteria and recommendations. Methods Chairs and working group cochairs from the 2012 International TSC Consensus Group were invited to meet face-to-face over two days at the 2018 World TSC Conference on July 25 and 26 in Dallas, TX, USA. Before the meeting, working group cochairs worked with group members via e-mail and telephone to (1) review TSC literature since the 2013 publication, (2) confirm or amend prior recommendations, and (3) provide new recommendations as required. Results Only two changes were made to clinical diagnostic criteria reported in 2013: “multiple cortical tubers and/or radial migration lines” replaced the more general term “cortical dysplasias,” and sclerotic bone lesions were reinstated as a minor criterion. Genetic diagnostic criteria were reaffirmed, including highlighting recent findings that some individuals with TSC are genetically mosaic for variants in TSC1 or TSC2. Changes to surveillance and management criteria largely reflected increased emphasis on early screening for electroencephalographic abnormalities, enhanced surveillance and management of TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders, and new medication approvals. Conclusions Updated TSC diagnostic criteria and surveillance and management recommendations presented here should provide an improved framework for optimal care of those living with TSC and their families

Therapeutic targeting of cathepsin C::from pathophysiology to treatment

Cathepsin C (CatC) is a highly conserved tetrameric lysosomal cysteine dipeptidyl aminopeptidase. The best characterized physiological function of CatC is the activation of pro-inflammatory granule-associated serine proteases. These proteases are synthesized as inactive zymogens containing an N-terminal pro-dipeptide, which maintains the zymogen in its inactive conformation and prevents premature activation, which is potentially toxic to the cell. The activation of serine protease zymogens occurs through cleavage of the N-terminal dipeptide by CatC during cell maturation in the bone marrow. In vivo data suggest that pharmacological inhibition of pro-inflammatory serine proteases would suppress or attenuate deleterious effects of inflammatory/auto-immune disorders mediated by these proteases. The pathological deficiency in CatC is associated with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. The patients however do not present marked immunodeficiency despite the absence of active serine proteases in immune defense cells. Hence, the transitory pharmacological blockade of CatC activity in the precursor cells of the bone marrow may represent an attractive therapeutic strategy to regulate activity of serine proteases in inflammatory and immunologic conditions. A variety of CatC inhibitors have been developed both by pharmaceutical companies and academic investigators, some of which are currently being employed and evaluated in preclinical/clinical trials

UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch : Modell für eine nachhaltige Regionalentwicklung? Konzept Zielerreichungskontrolle

Das Entlebuch ist im September 2001 von der UNESCO als erstes Biosphärenreservat der Schweiz gemäss Sevilla-Strategie anerkannt worden. Biosphärenreservate sollen Modellregionen für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung sein. Um zu überprüfen, ob die UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch (ÜBE) dem Anspruch einer Modellregion tatsächlich gerecht wird, bedarf es regelmässiger Evaluationen. Dazu werden Schwerpunkte, Ziele und Indikatoren einer nachhaltigen Regionalentwicklung in partizipativen Prozessen hergeleitet, welche als Basis für eine künftige Zielerreichungskontrolle dienen werden. Am Beispiel des Tourismus werden die wichtigsten inhaltlichen Resultate entlang des touristischen Leistungsbündels mit den Bausteinen Information, Anreise, Unterkunft, Verpflegung, Aktivitäten, Mobilität in der Region und Abreise sowie zu dessen Auswirkungen auf die drei Dimensionen einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung präsentiert. Die konsequente Durchführung der Zielerreichungskontrolle wird zeigen, ob die UBE tatsächlich als Modell für eine nachhaltige Regionalentwicklung gelten kann