The extent of windfarm infrastructures on recognised European blanket bogs.

Peatland environments are the Earth's largest terrestrial carbon store and have the potential to act as carbon sinks. However, the development of windfarms on peatlands is affecting their morphology, hydrology, ground-level climate conditions, carbon functions and vegetation, and long-term consequences still need to be assessed. Blanket bogs are a rare type of ombrotrophic peatland that are typical of oceanic areas with high precipitation and low temperatures. Their distribution has been mapped across Europe, where they are mainly located on hill summits where wind energy potential is higher, making them attractive sites for windfarm developments. The promotion of renewable energy is currently a priority given the environmental and economic drive to increase low-carbon energy production. Establishing windfarms on peatland in pursuit of greener energy, therefore, risks compromising and undermining the green-energy transition. Despite this, the extent of windfarm infrastructures on blanket bogs have not yet been reported at the European scale. This research reports the extent of windfarm infrastructures on recognised blanket bogs, with a geographical focus on Europe, where blanket bogs have been mapped systematically. Under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), there are 36 European regions NUTS level 2 with recognised blanket bogs. Of these, 12 have windfarm developments, including 644 wind turbines, 253.4 km of vehicular access tracks and an affected area of 207.6 ha, mainly in Ireland and Scotland where the extent of blanket bogs is also higher. However, despite Spain having under 0.2% of Europe's recognised blanket bogs area, this was the most affected country. In Scotland, a comparison of the recognised blanket bogs under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) with blanket bogs recorded in national inventories indicates that the extent of windfarm developments was higher, with 1,063 wind turbines and 634.5 km of vehicular access tracks. Our results highlight the extent of windfarm developments on blanket bog habitat, both in areas where peatlands are broadly distributed across the landscape, and also in areas where this recognised habitat is particularly rare. There is a pressing need to assess the long-term impacts of windfarms on peatlands to ensure that efforts to meet energy targets result only in carbon sequestration, and do not jeopardise ecosystem services. Blanket bogs represent a particularly vulnerable habitat, the study of which should be prioritised updating national and international inventories to protect and restore this habitat.

Assessing the link between farming systems and biodiversity in agricultural landscapes: Insights from Galicia (Spain).

Agriculture is a major driver of change with manifold impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. As social-ecological systems, agricultural landscapes result from the intertwined interaction between farmers and nature, and contribute to several ecosystem services key to human well-being. The social-ecological outcomes of farmlands ultimately reflect the management practices of the dominant farming systems (FS) at the landscape level. However, data-driven research linking agricultural management and biodiversity is still scarce, a knowledge gap limiting our understanding on the impacts of different farming systems on biodiversity at the landscape level. This research contributes to fill this knowledge gap, by being among the few explicitly exploring the relationship between FS and patterns of biodiversity at the landscape level, using as illustrative case the region of Galicia, northwest Spain. Using data from agricultural policies paying agencies, and protected species and habitats data, the following research questions were pursued: (1) Can farm-level data be used to map and characterize different FS at the landscape-level? and, (2) Is the occurrence of specific FS linked with higher levels of biodiversity? Results allowed the identification and characterization of seven different FS distributed across Galicia, which dominance allowed to identify seven landscape types. Moreover, besides depicting the dominance of cattle-based farming systems in Galicia, results showed a gradient of management from the most intensive located in coastal lowlands (west) towards less intensive mountain areas (east). Such gradient of decreasing management intensity matched a gradient of increasing nature value of farmlands, reflected as higher habitat diversity and richness for some of the targeted taxonomic groups. To our knowledge, this research is among the few explicitly addressing the relationship between FS and biodiversity at the landscape level. By highlighting potential links (positive or negative) between specific landscape types and habitats and/or species richness across targeted taxonomic groups, these results constitute a preliminary assessment of the agricultural practices promoting species and habitat richness. Further scrutinizing this assessment can support the identification of farm-level indicators that can be then translated into the design of policies (biodiversity or agriculture-related) fostering biodiversity at several scales of decision making.

New multiproxy data obtained from the sedimentary fill of the Ría de Ferrol, NW Iberia.

Several gravity cores and vibro-cores were recovered from selected sites in the inner sector of Ría de Ferrol, NW Iberia (Muñoz Sobrino et al., 2021) [1]. These sediment cores were obtained during the surveys ECOMER-2014 and ECOMER-2015, developed from 2014 to 2015 on-board the R/V Mytilus (Consejo Superior de Investigación Científica) and the Amarradores Mil (Amarradores del Puerto y Ría de Ferrol, S.L.), respectively. Sedimentary and other multiproxy data presented here belong to four selected sediment cores located in the innermost part of the study area. Two were recovered using a gravity corer and another two using a vibro-corer. The depth of the cores and samples obtained is referred to the NMMA (the mean sea level in Alicante), which is the Spanish orthometric datum. One half of each core was subjected to non-destructive analysis using an ITRAX core scanner providing X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental data. Particle size distribution was characterised by laser diffraction. For radiocarbon dating, well-preserved articulated valves, small remains of wood and very organic bulk sediment from one location free of biogenic gas were selected. Palynological analyses were performed on selected sections of the sediment. All samples were spiked with Lycopodium spores for absolute palynomorph estimation and analysed using 400x and 600x magnifications. The ratio of dinoflagellate cyst concentrations to pollen, fern spore and dinoflagellate cyst concentrations (D/P ratio, ranging between 0 and 1) was calculated for each sample to show the temporal variation. Combined seismic, lithological, elemental, chronological and palynological data enable reconstructing the environmental changes that occurred during the local marine transgression. Besides, the combination of evidence identified may also be applied to other areas or periods in order to perform local reconstructions of changing coastal ecosystems. This type of high-resolution spatial-temporal reconstructions of past changes in estuarine environments may be a valuable tool for modelling, predicting and managing the changes and threats linked to the global warming and sea-level rise associated.

Finite element analyses of femoroacetabular impingement before and after hip arthroscopy.

In this study, three-dimensional finite element models based on the specific anatomy of a patient presenting a femoroacetabular impingement of the "cam" type were developed. The finite element meshes were obtained from arthrographic magnetic resonance images captured before and after hip arthroscopy. All soft tissues were considered linear elastic and isotropic and the bones were assumed as rigid. Physiological loads and rotational motions were applied. Stresses and contact pressures were evaluated in these patient specific models in order to better interpret the mechanism of aggression of the cartilages and of the labrum and to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgery. The results of the analyses are presented and discussed. The values obtained for the stresses and contact pressures in the pathological hip were similar to those reported by other models based on idealised geometries or similar reconstruction methodologies and were larger than the ones obtained in the same hip after the surgical treatment. The surgical treatment effectively reduces the intra-articular pressures and stresses approaching the values of a normal hip. Thus, early surgical treatment may help to prevent, or delay, the joint degeneration.

Downstairs gene flow: the effects of a linear sequence of waterfalls on the only population of the endangered minnow Astyanax xavante.

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic diversity and structure of the only known population of minnow Astyanax xavante, which inhabits a stretch of river including several waterfalls. The FST values among the samples were not significant, except between two populations separated by a 30 m waterfall. Nevertheless, haplotype and nucleotide diversity increased in the downstream direction, indicating that gene flow is unidirectional, which indicates this genetic pattern as downstairs gene flow, as it has the effect of increasing genetic diversity in the downstream direction.

Finite element simulations of a hip joint with femoroacetabular impingement.

In this study, a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model based on the specific anatomy of a patient presenting a femoroacetabular impingement of the 'cam'-type is developed. The FE meshes of the structures of interest are obtained from arthrographic magnetic resonance images. All soft tissues are considered linear elastic and isotropic, and the bones were assumed rigid. A compression of the femur on the acetabular cavity as well as flexural movements and internal rotations are applied. Stresses and contact pressures are evaluated in this patient-specific model in order to better interpret the mechanism of aggression of the femoral and acetabular cartilages. The corresponding results are presented and discussed. The values obtained for the contact pressures are similar to those reported by other models based on idealised geometries. An FE analysis of a non-cam hip is also performed for comparison with the pathological case.

Cellular and humoral immune responses of Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis (Kaup), following challenge with two Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida strains from different geographical origins.

The present study aimed to investigate leucocyte responses to inflammation as well as some innate immune parameters of Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis, following challenge with two strains of Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida belonging to the European and Japanese clones described for this bacterium. Pathogenicity assays were performed to assess the virulence of each Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida strain for sole. Subsequently, fish were intraperitoneally injected with phosphate-buffered saline (control) or two concentrations (2 × 10² and 2 × 106 CFU mL⁻¹) of each bacterial strain and sampled after 6 and 24 h. Results showed that the European isolate induces a higher degree of response than the Japanese strain. While blood neutrophilia and monocytosis correlated well with the increase in neutrophil and macrophage numbers in the peritoneal cavity, fish infected with the European isolate presented higher peritoneal cell numbers than fish challenged with the Japanese strain. In addition, alternative complement pathway activity and respiratory burst of head kidney leucocytes increased significantly in fish infected with the European isolate. The enhanced innate immune response displayed by Senegalese sole challenged with the European isolate is probably due to the higher degree of virulence presented by this Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida strain.

Biological responses of brushite-forming Zn- and ZnSr- substituted beta-tricalcium phosphate bone cements.

The core aim of this study was to investigate zinc (Zn)- and zinc and strontium (ZnSr)-containing brushite-forming beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) cements for their effects on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic-like cells (MC3T3-E1 cell line) as well as for their in vivo behaviour in trabecular bone cylindrical defects in a pilot study. In vitro proliferation and maturation responses of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic-like cells to bone cements were studied at the cellular and molecular levels. The Zn- and Sr-containing brushite cements were found to stimulate pre-osteoblastic proliferation and osteoblastic maturation. Indeed, MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to the powdered cements had increased proliferative rates and higher adhesiveness capacity, in comparison to control cells. Furthermore, they exhibited higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and increased Type-I collagen secretion and fibre deposition into the extracellular matrix. Proliferative and collagen deposition properties were more evident for cells grown in cements doped with Sr. The in vivo osteoconductive propertiesof the ZnCPC and ZnSrCPC cements were also pursued. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed at 1 and 2 months after implantation, using carbonated apatite cement (Norian SRS) as control. There was no evidence of cement-induced adverse foreign body reactions, and furthermore ZnCPC and ZnSrCPC cements revealed better in vivo performance in comparison to the control apatite cement. Additionally, the presence of both zinc and strontium resulted in the highest rate of new bone formation. These novel results indicate that the investigated ZnCPC and ZnSrCPC cements are both biocompatible and osteoconductive, being good candidate materials to use as bone substitutes.

Chronic arthritis directly induces quantitative and qualitative bone disturbances leading to compromised biomechanical properties.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures. In RA patients, the direct effect of inflammation on bone is difficult to study because their skeleton is also affected by medication with corticosteroids and other drugs as well as aging and menopause, which contribute to bone fragility. This study used an animal model of chronic arthritis to evaluate the direct impact of chronic inflammation on biomechanical properties and structure of bone. METHODS: In the SKG mouse chronic arthritis model three point bending tests were performed on femoral bones and compression tests on vertebral bodies. Collagen structure was analysed using second-harmonic generation (SHG) imaging with a two-photon microscope, ultramorphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and bone density using water pycnometer. RESULTS: Arthritic bones had poor biomechanical quality compared to control bones. SHG, SEM and pycnometry disclosed variable signs of impaired collagen organization, poor trabecular architecture and low bone density. CONCLUSION: Present data demonstrate for the first time that chronic inflammation per se, without confounding influence of drugs and aging, leads to impairment of bone biomechanics in terms of stiffness, ductility and ultimate strength (fracture).

Automatic habitat classification methods based on satellite images: a practical assessment in the NW Iberia coastal mountains.

Although remote sensing is increasingly in use for habitat mapping, traditional image classification methods tend to suffer shortcomings due to non-normality of spectral signatures, as well as overlapping and heterogeneity in radiometric responses of natural and semi natural vegetation. Methods using non-parametric classifiers and object-oriented analysis have been suggested as possible solutions for overcoming these limitations. In this paper, we aimed at evaluating the performance of some of these techniques for the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas habitats mapping. For this purpose, we tested different methods of supervised image classification in the Northern Mountains of Galicia, Spain, an area included in the Natura 2000 network, which is characterized by a highly heterogeneous landscape. Methods involved the use of maximum likelihood and nearest neighbour decision rules in per-pixel and per-object classification analyses on Landsat TM imagery. Per-object classifications were completed using the segment mean and segment means plus standard deviation feature spaces. The results showed the existence of significant differences in the accuracies for the different methodologies, their strengths and weaknesses and identified the most adequate approach for habitat mapping. Analyses pointed out that significant improvements in accuracy were achieved only under certain combinations of per-object analysis, non-parametric classifiers and high dimensionality feature space.

Population analysis of Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvier, 1829) (Perciformes, Scombridae) from the Northern and Northeastern coast of Brazil

Scomberomorus cavalla is a pelagic fish species widely distributed on the Atlantic west coast, and a noticeable decrease in its capture level in the USA and Gulf of Mexico is occurring, compared to the levels reached by the species in the past. Likewise, in some areas of Brazil, there has been indication of over-harvesting. However, there are no molecular studies focusing on the management of such an important item. Thus, in the present study, 380 nucleotide base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA D-Loop region of samples from Macapá, Bragança, and Fortaleza were sequenced. Phylogenetic and population analyses revealed that there is only one panmitic population, and low levels of genetic variability were verified. These results, as well as the noticed over-harvesting of S. cavalla, represent very important data to determine the management of such stock in order to prevent a collapse or the risk of future extinction.

Scomberomorus cavalla é uma espécie de peixe pelágico amplamente distribuído na costa oeste do Atlântico, e uma diminuição no seu nível de captura tem sido verificada nos E.U.A e Golfo do México, comparada com os níveis alcançados pela espécie no passado. Da mesma forma, em algumas áreas do Brasil, há indícios de sobre-exploração. Entretanto, não existem estudos moleculares que visam o manejo deste importante item. Desta forma, no presente estudo, foram seqüenciados 380 pares de bases nucleotídicas da região da Alça-D do DNA mitocondrial de amostras provenientes de desembarque em Macapá, Bragança e Fortaleza. As análises filogenéticas e populacionais revelaram que há apenas uma população panmítica e baixos níveis de variabilidade genética foram observados. Estes resultados, assim como a observada sobre-exploração de S. cavala, representam dados muito importantes para o estabelecimento do manejo deste estoque a fim de prevenir um colapso ou risco de extinção no futuro.

Population analysis of Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvier, 1829) (Perciformes, Scombridae) from the Northern and Northeastern coast of Brazil.

Scomberomorus cavalla is a pelagic fish species widely distributed on the Atlantic west coast, and a noticeable decrease in its capture level in the USA and Gulf of Mexico is occurring, compared to the levels reached by the species in the past. Likewise, in some areas of Brazil, there has been indication of over-harvesting. However, there are no molecular studies focusing on the management of such an important item. Thus, in the present study, 380 nucleotide base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA D-Loop region of samples from Macapá, Bragança, and Fortaleza were sequenced. Phylogenetic and population analyses revealed that there is only one panmitic population, and low levels of genetic variability were verified. These results, as well as the noticed over-harvesting of S. cavalla, represent very important data to determine the management of such stock in order to prevent a collapse or the risk of future extinction.

[Vasoactive endothelial factors]. / Factores endoteliais vasoactivos.

Endothelium-derived vasoactive factors are produced by the endothelium activated by effective stimulus, and with paracrine regulatory activity of the tone/proliferation of the vascular smooth muscle and platelet function. They are divided in two groups: endothelium-derived relaxing and contracting factors. Among the endothelium-derived relaxing factors, PG I2, EDRF (NO or other nitrous compound) and EDHF (still unidentified) have been considered Synthetized by the endothelium after stimulation by plasmatic, platelet-derived and endothelium-derived substances and mechanisms, towards the vascular smooth muscle (myorelaxing/cytostatic) and the platelets (antiaggregation). The endothelium-derived contracting factors include the EDCF1 (endothelins, 21 amino acids peptides), EDCF2 (O2-) and TxA2. Its production, induced by stimulus similar to those for relaxing factors, promotes constriction/mitogenesis of the vascular smooth muscle and platelet aggregation. Probably, endothelin-1 has indirect actions over hormonal mechanisms of cardiovascular and renal regulation. The vascular system establishes a tight regulation over the production of these endothelium-derived vasoactive factors. Its loss (usually due to alteration of endothelial responsiveness to stimulation) allows local or generalized modifications of the vascular tone. These can depend on hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion lesion, diabetes, inflammation and situations of farmacotoxicity (all developing vasoconstriction/vasospasm) or by septicemia (leading to vasodilation). This disregulation is also involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, atherosclerosis and ischemia-reperfusion. The vascular tone regulation by endothelium also leads to systemic consequences. Essentially by decreasing cardiac, cerebral and renal blood flow it implies morphologic and functional modifications of these organs.

Tratamento cirurgico do aneurisma arteriovenoso do pulmao. Relato de dois casos. / Surgical treatment of arteriovenous aneurysm of the lung. Report of 2 cases

Descrevem-se dois casos de aneurisma arteriovenoso do pulmao, em pacientes do sexo feminino e com idades de 18 e 23 anos. As pacientes eram intensamente cianoticas, mas nao havia evidencia de cardiopatia congenita. O diagnostico, suspeitado pelo aspecto radiografico de multiplas opacificacoes saculares, foi confirmado atraves de angiografia pulmonar. As lesoes localizavam-se no lobo medio em um caso e, no lobo inferior esquerdo, no outro. Ambas as doentes foram tratadas com sucesso por lobectomia. Discutem-se os principais aspectos patologicos e clinicos dessa doenca