Global diversity and biogeography of deep-sea pelagic prokaryotes

The deep-sea is the largest biome of the biosphere, and contains more than half of the whole ocean/'s microbes. Uncovering their general patterns of diversity and community structure at a global scale remains a great challenge, as only fragmentary information of deep-sea microbial diversity exists based on regional-scale studies. Here we report the first globally comprehensive survey of the prokaryotic communities inhabiting the bathypelagic ocean using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. This work identifies the dominant prokaryotes in the pelagic deep ocean and reveals that 50{\%} of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belong to previously unknown prokaryotic taxa, most of which are rare and appear in just a few samples. We show that whereas the local richness of communities is comparable to that observed in previous regional studies, the global pool of prokaryotic taxa detected is modest (\~{}3600 OTUs), as a high proportion of OTUs are shared among samples. The water masses appear to act as clear drivers of the geographical distribution of both particle-attached and free-living prokaryotes. In addition, we show that the deep-oceanic basins in which the bathypelagic realm is divided contain different particle-attached (but not free-living) microbial communities. The combination of the aging of the water masses and a lack of complete dispersal are identified as the main drivers for this biogeographical pattern. All together, we identify the potential of the deep ocean as a reservoir of still unknown biological diversity with a higher degree of spatial complexity than hitherto considered.En prensa8,951

Incorporating threat in hotspots and coldspots of biodiversity and ecosystem services

Spatial prioritization could help target conservation actions directed to maintain both biodiversity and ecosystem services. We delineate hotspots and coldspots of two biodiversity conservation features and five regulating and cultural services by incorporating an indicator of ‘threat’, i.e. timber harvest profitability for forest areas in Telemark (Norway). We found hotspots, where high values of biodiversity, ecosystem services and threat coincide, ranging from 0.1 to 7.1% of the area, depending on varying threshold levels. Targeting of these areas for conservation follows reactive conservation approaches. In coldspots, high biodiversity and ecosystem service values coincide with low levels of threat, and cover 0.1–3.4% of the forest area. These areas might serve proactive conservation approaches at lower opportunity cost (foregone timber harvest profits). We conclude that a combination of indicators of biodiversity, ecosystem services and potential threat is an appropriate approach for spatial prioritization of proactive and reactive conservation strategies.acceptedVersio

Medikamenteneinnahme optimieren bei Patienten mit chronischen Lebererkrankungen

HINTERGRUND: Non-Adhärenz bei Patient(inn)en mit chronischen Lebererkrankungen kann zu einer Krankheitsverschlechterung führen und sogar tödliche Folgen haben. Zugleich verursacht mangelnde Medikamentenadhärenz enorme Kosten. Es ist bekannt, dass Angehörige die Einnahme von Medikamenten positiv beeinflussen können. ZIEL: Ziel der vorliegenden Projektarbeit war, für das Akutspital-Setting eine Arbeitsanweisung zu erstellen, welche die Medikamentenadhärenz bei dieser Patientengruppe regelt und Angehörige miteinbezieht. METHODE: Das Projektteam orientierte sich an den Prinzipien der partizipatorischen Aktionsforschung. Eine systematische Literaturrecherche diente dazu, adhärenzfördernde Interventionen zu identifizieren und zu beurteilen. ERGEBNISSE: Auf der Grundlage von Forschungsergebnissen, Patientenerfahrungen aus der Literatur, pflegerischer Expertise und unter Berücksichtigung des lokalen Kontextes entstand eine Arbeitsanweisung, die folgende Interventionen enthält: Bedürfnisgerechtes Informieren von Patient(inn)en und Angehörigen, Aufbau einer tragfähigen Beziehung der Betroffenen und Angehörigen zum Fachpersonal, gelingende Kommunikation, Erinnerungshilfen und Integration der Medikamenteneinnahme in den Alltag. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Die Arbeitsanweisung dient dazu, diese Interventionen im Spitalalltag einzusetzen, um eine optimale Adhärenz zu gewährleisten. [English Abstract:] Non-adherence in patients with chronic liver disease is a problem resulting in various consequences ranging from disease deterioration to death. Insufficient medication adherence leads to enormous health care costs. Family caregivers can essentially contribute to improving adherence. The aim of this project was to develop a work instruction specifically dedicated to optimize adherence in this patient group and their family caregivers. The project team utilized the principles of participatory action research. A systematic literature research aimed at identifying interventions for improving medication adherence in patients with chronic liver disease. Findings of patient experiences from literature as well as clinical experience of nurses were evaluated for their practicability in the local context. Research revealed that information for patients and family caregivers, supportive relationships with health care professionals, helpful communication, the use of memory aids and integration of medication intake into everyday life were the most helpful adherence-enhancing interventions. The work instruction serves to integrate these interventions into clinical practice in order to ensure optimal medication adherence

Leaders attachment orientations and subordinates job satisfaction

Η παρούσα πτυχιακή εργασία αναφέρεται στην επίδραση του δεσμού και της συναισθηματικής νοημοσύνης στην στάση, συμπεριφορά και τα συναισθήματα των εργαζομένων στον χώρο εργασίας τους. Αρχικά, εξετάστηκε ο ανασφαλής δεσμός των διευθυντών-ηγετών και εκπαιδευτικών σχολικών μονάδων σε σχέση με την επαγγελματική τους ικανοποίηση, τα συναισθήματά στην εργασία τους, την αντίληψη για τη συνοχή της ομάδας, την επαγγελματική εξουθένωση και το άγχος τους. Παράλληλα, η έρευνα εξέτασε υποθέσεις που υποστηρίζουν τη σημαντικότητα της συναισθηματικής νοημοσύνης στον εργασιακό χώρο. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δόθηκε στην ηγεσία, και πιο συγκεκριμένα μελετήθηκε η επίδραση του ανασφαλή δεσμού και της συναισθηματικής νοημοσύνης των ηγετών στην εργασιακή εμπειρία των υφισταμένων τους. Στην έρευνα συμμετείχαν 22 διευθυντές και 66 εκπαιδευτικοί σχολικών μονάδων του νομού Ρεθύμνης. Σε αντίθεση με τις προσδοκίες, από την πολυεπίπεδη ανάλυση δεν προέκυψε στατιστικά σημαντική αρνητική συσχέτιση του ανασφαλή δεσμού των ηγετών με την επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση των υφισταμένων. Επιπρόσθετα, μόνο ο δεσμός εμμονής των ηγετών σχετίστηκε σε στατιστικά σημαντικό βαθμό με την επαγγελματική εξουθένωση και το άγχος των υφισταμένων τους και μόνο ο δεσμός αποφυγής με τα αρνητικά συναισθήματα των υφισταμένων. Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα της μονοεπίπεδης ανάλυσης, ο δεσμός εμμονής τόσο των διευθυντών όσο και των εκπαιδευτικών σχετίστηκε θετικά με το άγχος τους. Τέλος, στη έρευνα αυτή δεν βρέθηκε στατιστικά σημαντική συσχέτιση της συναισθηματικής νοημοσύνης με την εργασιακή εμπειρία, όπως αναμενόταν

Vineyard Management and Its Impacts on Soil Biodiversity, Functions, and Ecosystem Services

International audienceHealthy soils form the basis of sustainable viticulture, where soil characteristics have a direct impact on wine quantity and quality. Soil not only provides water and nutrients to vines, but is also a living medium containing micro- and macroorganisms that perform many ecological functions and provide ecosystem services. These organisms are involved in many processes, from decomposing organic matter to providing minerals to vine roots. They also control diseases, pests, and weeds, in addition to improving the soil structure in terms of its capacity to retain water and nutrients. Related to decomposition processes, the carbon content of vineyard soils influences fertility, erosion and biogeochemical cycles, with significant implications for the global climate. However, common agricultural practices represent strong threats to biodiversity and associated ecosystem services provided by vineyard soils. As consumers increasingly consider environmental aspects in their purchase decisions, winegrowers have to adapt their vineyard management strategies, raising the demand for sustainable pest- and weed-control methods. This article presents a comprehensive review of the impacts of vineyard practices on the soil ecosystem, biodiversity, and biodiversity-based ecosystem services, and provides future prospects for sustainable viticulture

Can we detect oceanic biodiversity hotspots from space ?

International audienceUnderstanding the variability of marine biodiversity is a central issue in microbiology. Current observational programs are based on in situ studies, but their implementation at the global scale is particularly challenging, owing to the ocean extent, its temporal variability and the heterogeneity of the data sources on which compilations are built. Here, we explore the possibility of identifying phytoplanktonic biodiversity hotspots from satellite. We define a Shannon entropy index based on patchiness in ocean color bio-optical anomalies. This index provides a high resolution (1 degree) global coverage. It shows a relation to temperature and mid-latitude maxima in accordance with those previously evidenced in microbiological biodiversity model and observational studies. Regional maxima are in remarkable agreement with several known biodiversity hotspots for plankton organisms and even for higher levels of the marine trophic chain, as well as with some in situ planktonic biodiversity estimates (from AMT Q1 cruises). These results encourage to explore marine biodiversity with a coordinated effort of the molecular, ecological and remote sensing communities