Dendritic calcium signals in rhesus macaque motor cortex drive an optical brain-computer interface.

Calcium imaging is a powerful tool for recording from large populations of neurons in vivo. Imaging in rhesus macaque motor cortex can enable the discovery of fundamental principles of motor cortical function and can inform the design of next generation brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Surface two-photon imaging, however, cannot presently access somatic calcium signals of neurons from all layers of macaque motor cortex due to photon scattering. Here, we demonstrate an implant and imaging system capable of chronic, motion-stabilized two-photon imaging of neuronal calcium signals from macaques engaged in a motor task. By imaging apical dendrites, we achieved optical access to large populations of deep and superficial cortical neurons across dorsal premotor (PMd) and gyral primary motor (M1) cortices. Dendritic signals from individual neurons displayed tuning for different directions of arm movement. Combining several technical advances, we developed an optical BCI (oBCI) driven by these dendritic signalswhich successfully decoded movement direction online. By fusing two-photon functional imaging with CLARITY volumetric imaging, we verified that many imaged dendrites which contributed to oBCI decoding originated from layer 5 output neurons, including a putative Betz cell. This approach establishes new opportunities for studying motor control and designing BCIs via two photon imaging.

Navigating Institutional Challenges: Design to Enable Community Participation in Social Learning for Freshwater Planning.

Social learning is a process suited to developing understanding and concerted action to tackle complex resource dilemmas, such as freshwater management. Research has begun to recognise that in practice social learning encounters a variety of institutional challenges from the shared habits and routines of stakeholders (organised by rules, norms and strategies) that are embedded in organisational structures and norms of professional behaviour. These institutional habits and routines influence the degree of willingness to engage with stakeholders, and expectations of behaviours in social learning processes. Considering this, there has been a call to understand how institutions influence social learning and emergent outcomes. We addresses this by presenting a heuristic for implementing social learning cognisant of institutional context to answer three questions: (i) How institutional influences impact implementation of social learning design; (ii) how implementation of social learning design modifies institutions influencing social learning; and (iii) how these changes in design and institutions together shape social learning outcomes? To answer these questions a freshwater planning exercise was designed, implemented and evaluated as a social learning process with community groups in two New Zealand catchments. Incorporating participatory reflection enabled the project team to modify social learning design to manage institutional influences hindering progress toward outcomes. Findings emphasise that social learning is underpinned by participants' changing assumptions about what constitutes the institution of learning itself-from instruction to a dynamic, collective and emergent process. Reflecting on these assumptions also challenged participants' expectations about their own and others' behaviours and roles in freshwater planning.

"Health in" and "Health of" Social-Ecological Systems: A Practical Framework for the Management of Healthy and Resilient Agricultural and Natural Ecosystems.

The past two decades have seen an accumulation of theoretical and empirical evidence for the interlinkages between human health and well-being, biodiversity and ecosystem services, and agriculture. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the devastating impacts that an emerging pathogen, of animal origin, can have on human societies and economies. A number of scholars have called for the wider adoption of "One Health integrated approaches" to better prevent, and respond to, the threats of emerging zoonotic diseases. However, there are theoretical and practical challenges that have precluded the full development and practical implementation of this approach. Whilst integrated approaches to health are increasingly adopting a social-ecological system framework (SES), the lack of clarity in framing the key concept of resilience in health contexts remains a major barrier to its implementation by scientists and practitioners. We propose an operational framework, based on a transdisciplinary definition of Socio-Ecological System Health (SESH) that explicitly links health and ecosystem management with the resilience of SES, and the adaptive capacity of the actors and agents within SES, to prevent and cope with emerging health and environmental risks. We focus on agricultural transitions that play a critical role in disease emergence and biodiversity conservation, to illustrate the proposed participatory framework to frame and co-design SESH interventions. Finally, we highlight critical changes that are needed from researchers, policy makers and donors, in order to engage communities and other stakeholders involved in the management of their own health and that of the underpinning ecosystems.

Systems Thinking in Practice: Participatory Modeling as a Foundation for Integrated Approaches to Health.

One Health (OH), EcoHealth (EH), and Planetary Health (PH) share an interest in transdisciplinary efforts that bring together scientists, citizens, government and private sectors to implement contextualized actions that promote adaptive health management across human, animal and ecosystem interfaces. A key operational element underlying these Integrated Approaches to Health (IAH) is use of Systems Thinking as a set of tools for integration. In this paper we discuss the origins and epistemology of systems thinking and argue that participatory modeling, informed by both systems theory and expertise in facilitating engagement and social learning, can help ground IAH theoretically and support its development. Participatory modeling is iterative and adaptive, which is necessary to deal with complexity in practice. Participatory modeling (PM) methods actively involve affected interests and stakeholders to ground the field of inquiry in a specific social-ecological context. Furthermore, PM processes act to reconcile the diverse understandings of the empirical world that stem from divergent discipline and community viewpoints. In this perspective article, we argue that PM can support systems thinking in practice and is essential for IAH implementation. Accordingly we invite PH, OH, and EH practitioners to systematically incorporate specialists in systems science and social engagement and facilitation. This will enable the appropriate contextualization of research practice and interventions, and ensure a balanced representation of the roles and relationships of medical, biological, mathematical, and social disciplines. For completeness, funding schemes supporting IAH need to follow the same iterative, adaptive, and participative processes to accompany IAH projects throughout their implementation.

How Decision Support Systems Can Benefit from a Theory of Change Approach.

Decision support systems are now mostly computer and internet-based information systems designed to support land managers with complex decision-making. However, there is concern that many environmental and agricultural decision support systems remain underutilized and ineffective. Recent efforts to improve decision support systems use have focused on enhancing stakeholder participation in their development, but a mismatch between stakeholders' expectations and the reality of decision support systems outputs continues to limit uptake. Additional challenges remain in problem-framing and evaluation. We propose using an outcomes-based approach called theory of change in conjunction with decision support systems development to support both wider problem-framing and outcomes-based monitoring and evaluation. The theory of change helps framing by placing the decision support systems within a wider context. It highlights how decision support systems use can "contribute" to long-term outcomes, and helps align decision support systems outputs with these larger goals. We illustrate the benefits of linking decision support systems development and application with a theory of change approach using an example of pest rabbit management in Australia. We develop a theory of change that outlines the activities required to achieve the outcomes desired from an effective rabbit management program, and two decision support systems that contribute to specific aspects of decision making in this wider problem context. Using a theory of change in this way should increase acceptance of the role of decision support systems by end-users, clarify their limitations and, importantly, increase effectiveness of rabbit management. The use of a theory of change should benefit those seeking to improve decision support systems design, use and, evaluation.

Twenty-year follow-up study on a patient-fitted temporomandibular joint prosthesis: the Techmedica/TMJ Concepts device.

PURPOSE: To evaluate subjective and objective outcomes of patients receiving Techmedica (currently TMJ Concepts) patient-fitted temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint replacement (TJR) devices after 19 to 24 years of service. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study evaluated 111 patients operated on by 2 surgeons using Techmedica (Camarillo, CA) patient-fitted TMJ TJR devices from November 1989 to July 1993. Patients were evaluated before surgery and at least 19 years after surgery. Subjective evaluations used standard forms and questions with a Likert scale for 1) TMJ pain (0, no pain; 10, worst pain imaginable), 2) jaw function (0, normal function; 10, no movement), 3) diet (0, no restriction; 10, liquid only), and 4) quality of life (QoL; improved, the same, or worse). Objective assessment measured maximum incisal opening (MIO). Comparison analysis of presurgical and longest follow-up data used nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Spearman correlations evaluated the number of prior surgeries in relation to objective and subjective variables. RESULTS: Of the 111 patients, 56 (50.5%) could be contacted and had adequate records for inclusion in the study. Median follow-up was 21 years (interquartile range [IQR], 20 to 22 yr). Mean age at surgery was 38.6 years (standard deviation, 10 yr). Median number of previous TMJ surgeries was 3 (IQR, 4). Presurgical and longest follow-up data comparison showed statistically significant improvement (P < .001) for MIO, TMJ pain, jaw function, and diet. At longest follow-up, 48 patients reported improved QoL, 6 patients reported the same QoL, and 2 patients reported worse QoL. Spearman correlations showed that an increased number of previous surgeries resulted in lower levels of improvement for TMJ pain and MIO. CONCLUSIONS: At a median of 21 years after surgery, the Techmedica/TMJ Concepts TJR continued to function well. More previous TMJ surgeries indicated a lesser degree of improvement. No devices were removed owing to material wear.

Low condylectomy and orthognathic surgery to treat mandibular condylar osteochondroma: a retrospective review of 37 cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes from surgical treatment of mandibular condylar osteochondroma (condylar hyperplasia [CH] type 2) using a specific surgical protocol. CH type 2 is a unilateral benign pathologic condition, with progressive proliferation of osseous and cartilaginous tissues in the condylar head. This causes condylar enlargement, often with exophytic growth, resulting in significant facial deformity, pain, and masticatory and occlusal dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 37 patients (28 females and 9 males), with an average age of 26.3 years (range 13 to 48), with CH type 2, and associated dentofacial deformity. The condylar pathologic features were confirmed by histologic analysis. All patients were treated with low condylectomy, recontouring of the condylar neck to form a new condyle, repositioning of the articular disc over the condylar stump and repositioning of the contralateral disc, if displaced, and any indicated orthognathic surgical procedures. Postoperative follow-up averaged 48 months (range 12 to 288). Patients were assessed preoperatively and at the longest follow-up point for incisal opening, lateral excursions, pain, jaw function, diet, disability, and occlusal and skeletal stability. The pre- and postoperative assessments were compared using paired t test. RESULTS: At the longest follow-up point, a nonsignificant decrease (2.3 mm) was seen in the maximum incisal opening; however, the excursive movements had decreased significantly an average of 2.5 mm on the right and 2.2 mm on the left. A statistically significant improvement was seen in pain, jaw function, diet, and disability. A stable Class I skeletal and occlusal relationship was maintained in 34 of the 37 patients (92%). Two patients developed relatively minor postoperative malocclusions that were managed with orthodontics. In 1 patient, a high condylectomy was performed, and the tumor continued to grow, causing malocclusion and jaw deformity to recur. A low condylectomy and sagittal split were performed 14 months later, with a stable result at 4 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study have demonstrated that a low condylectomy procedure with recontouring of the condylar neck to function as a condyle and repositioning of the articular discs, combined with orthognathic surgery, is a viable option for the treatment of osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle and associated jaw deformity.

Bridging disciplines, knowledge systems and cultures in pest management.

The success of research in integrated environmental and natural resource management relies on the participation and involvement of different disciplines and stakeholders. This can be difficult to achieve in practice because many initiatives fail to address the underlying social processes required for successful engagement and social learning. We used an action research approach to support a research-based group with a range of disciplinary and stakeholder expertise to critically reflect on their engagement practice and identify lessons around how to collaborate more effectively. This approach is provided here as a guide that can be used to support reflective research practice for engagement in other integration-based initiatives. This paper is set in the context of an integrated wildlife management research case study in New Zealand. We illustrate how multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches can provide a framework for considering the different conversations that need to occur in an integrated research program. We then outline rubrics that list the criteria required in inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations, along with examples of effective engagement processes that directly support integration through such efforts. Finally, we discuss the implications of these experiences for other researchers and managers seeking to improve engagement and collaboration in integrated science, management and policy initiatives. Our experiences reaffirm the need for those involved in integrative initiatives to attend to the processes of engagement in both formal and informal settings, to provide opportunities for critical reflective practice, and to look for measures of success that acknowledge the importance of effective social process.

Innovative developments for long-term mammalian pest control.

BACKGROUND: Invasive mammalian pests have inflicted substantial environmental and economic damage on a worldwide scale. RESULTS: Over the last 30 years there has been minimal innovation in the development of new control tools. The development of new vertebrate pesticides, for example, has been largely restricted due to the costly and time-consuming processes associated with testing and registration. CONCLUSION: In this article we discuss recent progress and trends in a number of areas of research aimed to achieve long-term population suppression or eradication of mammalian pest species. The examples discussed here are emerging from research being conducted in New Zealand, where invasive mammalian pests are one of the greatest threats facing the national environment and economy.

Outcome assessment of 603 cases of concomitant inferior turbinectomy and Le Fort I osteotomy.

This retrospective study assessed the outcome of 603 patients undergoing partial inferior turbinectomies (PIT) in association with Lefort I osteotomy. The study included 1234 patients from a single private practice; these patients had dentofacial deformities and underwent Lefort I osteotomy procedures. For the full patient group, 888 patients (72%) were women; in the turbinectomy group, 403 (67%) were women. The anteroposterior, transverse, and vertical dimensions of the mandible, maxilla, and occlusal plane of each subject were assessed, in addition to cephalometric analysis and determination of the presence or absence of temporomandibular joint disorders. PIT, when indicated, was performed after downfracture of the maxilla, providing access to the turbinates where approximately two thirds of the total turbinate volume was removed and septoplasty was completed if indicated. Hypertrophied turbinates causing significant nasal airway obstruction were present in 603 (49%) of the 1234 patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy. The results of this study showed that PIT performed simultaneously with Le Fort I osteotomy is a safe method of managing nasal airway obstruction related to hypertrophied turbinates with minimal complications.

Application of cranial bone grafts for reconstruction of maxillofacial deformities.

This retrospective study evaluated outcomes with the use of calvarial bone grafts (CBGs) in maxillofacial reconstruction as well as donor and recipient site complications. The records of 50 consecutive patients from a private practice were reviewed; there were 34 women and 16 men, with an average age of 32.4 years (range 16 to 66 years). Among the 50 patients, CBGs were placed in 63 sites: the ramus (10), nasal dorsum (14), maxilla/alveolar ridge (12), glenoid fossa/temporal bone (14), mandibular body/symphysis (3), and orbitozygomatic complex (10). The longest follow-up averaged 22.4 months (range 12 to 48 months). An outer-table CBG harvest technique was utilized. All subjects were evaluated for infection, dehiscence, loss of graft, and any other complications. Three complications occurred (5%) at the recipient sites. Two grafts became infected requiring removal, and one nasal dorsal graft was mobile but remained in position. At 50 donor sites, 2 complications (4%) occurred, resulting in dural tears in two patients that were immediately repaired with no untoward consequence. In conclusion, CBGs are an effective bone source for maxillofacial reconstruction with low donor and recipient site complications.

Integrating environmental and socio-economic indicators of a linked catchment-coastal system using variable environmental intensity.

Can we develop land use policy that balances the conflicting views of stakeholders in a catchment while moving toward long term sustainability? Adaptive management provides a strategy for this whereby measures of catchment performance are compared against performance goals in order to progressively improve policy. However, the feedback loop of adaptive management is often slow and irreversible impacts may result before policy has been adapted. In contrast, integrated modelling of future land use policy provides rapid feedback and potentially improves the chance of avoiding unwanted collapse events. Replacing measures of catchment performance with modelled catchment performance has usually required the dynamic linking of many models, both biophysical and socio-economic-and this requires much effort in software development. As an alternative, we propose the use of variable environmental intensity (defined as the ratio of environmental impact over economic output) in a loose coupling of models to provide a sufficient level of integration while avoiding significant effort required for software development. This model construct was applied to the Motueka Catchment of New Zealand where several biophysical (riverine water quantity, sediment, E. coli faecal bacteria, trout numbers, nitrogen transport, marine productivity) models, a socio-economic (gross output, gross margin, job numbers) model, and an agent-based model were linked. An extreme set of land use scenarios (historic, present, and intensive) were applied to this modelling framework. Results suggest that the catchment is presently in a near optimal land use configuration that is unlikely to benefit from further intensification. This would quickly put stress on water quantity (at low flow) and water quality (E. coli). To date, this model evaluation is based on a theoretical test that explores the logical implications of intensification at an unlikely extreme in order to assess the implications of likely growth trajectories from present use. While this has largely been a desktop exercise, it would also be possible to use this framework to model and explore the biophysical and economic impacts of individual or collective catchment visions. We are currently investigating the use of the model in this type of application.

Principles and processes for effecting change in environmental management in New Zealand.

In New Zealand environmental management is essentially the responsibility of land managers. Management decisions affect both production/productivity and the environment. However, responsibility for ensuring positive environmental outcomes falls on both local (Regional) and Central Government, and both they and international agencies such as the OECD would wish to monitor and report on changes. In terms of policy, strong links have been established via Central and Regional Government to land managers. Consumers in the market place are also, increasingly, requiring responsibility for positive environmental outcomes of those who purchase and process primary products. Strong links for responsibility have been established between our international markets and processing businesses and there is a noticeable strengthening of the links from the processors to the land manager/producer. In New Zealand a range of initiatives has been developed and implemented over recent times, whereby land managers are taking increasing responsibility for accounting for the environmental outcomes of their production activities. The range covers the spectrum from voluntary to compulsory (e.g., in order to meet market requirements) and from those initiated by customers to processor and/or producer initiatives. This paper follows the evolution of the principles that drove the predominant activities of the period and the processes that initiated the changes in environmental management. As the focus of agriculturalists changed from pioneering in a new world, to establishing a production base, to economic reality, and finally to environmental responsibility, the processes of extension adapted to meet the new challenge.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors induce reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 in a latency-associated transcript-independent manner in neuronal cells.

Histone acetylation is implicated in the regulation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latency. However, the role of histone acetylation in HSV-1 reactivation is less clear. In this study, the well-established model system, quiescently infected, neuronally differentiated PC12 (QIF-PC12) cells, was used to address the participation of histone acetylation in HSV-1 reactivation. In this model, sodium butyrate and trichostatin A (TSA), two histone deacetylase inhibitors, stimulated production of infectious HSV-1 progeny from a quiescent state. To identify viral genes responsive to TSA, the authors analyzed representative alpha, beta, and gamma viral genes using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Only the latency-associated transcript (LAT) accumulated in response to TSA treatment, under culture conditions that restricted virus replication and spread. This led the authors to evaluate the importance of LAT expression on TSA-induced reactivation. In QIF-PC12 cells, the LAT deletion mutant virus dLAT2903 reactivated equivalently with its wild-type parental strain (McKrae) after TSA treatment, as well as forskolin and heat stress treatment. Both viruses also reactivated equivalently from latently infected trigeminal ganglia explants from rabbits. In contrast, there was a marked reduction in the recovery of dLAT2903, as compared to wild-type virus, from the eyes of latently infected rabbits following epinephrine iontophoresis. These combined in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo data suggest that LAT is not required for reactivation from latently infected neuronal cells per se, but may enhance processes that allow for the arrival of virus at, or close to, the site of original inoculation (i.e., recrudescence).