Using the Red List of Ecosystems and the Nature-based Solutions Global Standard as an integrated process for climate change adaptation in the Andean high mountains

Under anthropogenic pressures and climate change, most ecosystems are showing signs of reduced resilience. Unfortunately, some are more at risk of collapse and, without interventions, they may lose biodiversity, ecological integrity and ecosystem services. Here, we describe two tools that were developed under the auspices of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Red List of Ecosystems and the Nature-based Solutions Global Standard, and their capacity to first identify the ecosystems at risk of collapse in a nation and then develop solutions based on nature to improve their resilience. Nature-based solutions include, for example ecosystem-based adaptation, where solutions are developed to meet the needs of the local people while protecting nature to ensure greater resilience of the social-ecological system, not only the natural ecosystem. We discuss through a case study in the Andean high mountains and páramo social-ecological system how these approaches have been used in Colombia. We then discuss lessons learned and challenges that may reduce the capacity of a community to initiate such interventions, such as national policies and funding restrictions. We also discuss through another early case in Ecuador the importance to adapt these types of interventions to the geographical and cultural context of the social-ecological systems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bringing nature into decision-making'.

Distinct clinico-molecular arterial and venous thrombosis scores for myeloproliferative neoplasms risk stratification

Current recommended risk scores to predict thrombotic events associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) do not discriminate between arterial and venous thrombosis despite their different physiopathology. To define novel stratification systems, we delineated a comprehensive landscape of MPN associated thrombosis across a large long-term follow-up MPN cohort. Prior arterial thrombosis, age >60 years, cardiovascular risk factors and presence of TET2 or DNMT3A mutations were independently associated with arterial thrombosis in multivariable analysis. ARTS, an ARterial Thrombosis Score, based on these four factors, defined low- (0.37% patients-year) and high-risk (1.19% patients-year) patients. ARTS performance was superior to the two-tiered conventional risk stratification in our training cohort, across all MPN subtypes, as well as in two external validation cohorts. Prior venous thrombosis and presence of a JAK2V617F mutation with a variant allelic frequency ≥50% were independently associated with venous thrombosis. The discrimination potential of VETS, a VEnous Thrombosis Score based on these two factors, was poor, similar to the two-tiered conventional risk stratification. Our study pinpoints arterial and venous thrombosis clinico-molecular differences and proposes an arterial risk score for more accurate patients' stratification. Further improvement of venous risk scores, accounting for additional factors and considering venous thrombosis as a heterogeneous entity is warranted.

A multiparametric niche-like drug screening platform in acute myeloid leukemia

Functional precision medicine in AML often relies on short-term in vitro drug sensitivity screening (DSS) of primary patient cells in standard culture conditions. We designed a niche-like DSS assay combining physiologic hypoxia (O₂ 3%) and mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) co-culture with multiparameter flow cytometry to enumerate lymphocytes and differentiating (CD11/CD14/CD15+) or leukemic stem cell (LSC)-enriched (GPR56+) cells within the leukemic bulk. After functional validation of GPR56 expression as a surrogate for LSC enrichment, the assay identified three patterns of response, including cytotoxicity on blasts sparing LSCs, induction of differentiation, and selective impairment of LSCs. We refined our niche-like culture by including plasma-like amino-acid and cytokine concentrations identified by targeted metabolomics and proteomics of primary AML bone marrow plasma samples. Systematic interrogation revealed distinct contributions of each niche-like component to leukemic outgrowth and drug response. Short-term niche-like culture preserved clonal architecture and transcriptional states of primary leukemic cells. In a cohort of 45 AML samples enriched for NPM1c AML, the niche-like multiparametric assay could predict morphologically (p = 0.02) and molecular (NPM1c MRD, p = 0.04) response to anthracycline-cytarabine induction chemotherapy. In this cohort, a 23-drug screen nominated ruxolitinib as a sensitizer to anthracycline-cytarabine. This finding was validated in an NPM1c PDX model.

Cystine uptake inhibition potentiates front-line therapies in acute myeloid leukemia

By querying metabolic pathways associated with leukemic stemness and survival in multiple AML datasets, we nominated SLC7A11 encoding the xCT cystine importer as a putative AML dependency. Genetic and chemical inhibition of SLC7A11 impaired the viability and clonogenic capacity of AML cell lines in a cysteine-dependent manner. Sulfasalazine, a broadly available drug with xCT inhibitory activity, had anti-leukemic activity against primary AML samples in ex vivo cultures. Multiple metabolic pathways were impacted upon xCT inhibition, resulting in depletion of glutathione pools in leukemic cells and oxidative stress-dependent cell death, only in part through ferroptosis. Higher expression of cysteine metabolism genes and greater cystine dependency was noted in NPM1-mutated AMLs. Among eight anti-leukemic drugs, the anthracycline daunorubicin was identified as the top synergistic agent in combination with sulfasalazine in vitro. Addition of sulfasalazine at a clinically relevant concentration significantly augmented the anti-leukemic activity of a daunorubicin-cytarabine combination in a panel of 45 primary samples enriched in NPM1-mutated AML. These results were confirmed in vivo in a patient-derived xenograft model. Collectively, our results nominate cystine import as a druggable target in AML and raise the possibility to repurpose sulfasalazine for the treatment of AML, notably in combination with chemotherapy.

Global disparity in public awareness of the biological control potential of invertebrates

Invertebrates make up over 95% of animal biodiversity on Earth and contribute to multiple ecosystem services (ES) in natural and human-dominated systems. One such service, biological control (BC) of herbivorous pests, is a core component of sustainable intensification of agriculture, yet its importance is routinely overlooked. Here we report a macro-scale, cross-cultural assessment of the public visibility (or 'salience') of BC invertebrates, using high-throughput analysis of large bodies of digitized text (i.e., 'culturomics'). Using binomial scientific name frequency as proxy for visibility, we compared the extent to which a given species featured in webpages within either scientific media or the entire worldwide web, and in total search volume at varying spatial scale. For a set of 339 BC invertebrate species, scientific and internet coverage averaged 1020 and 1735 webpages, respectively. Substantial variability was recorded among BC taxa with Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Nematoda having comparatively high visibility. Online visibility exhibited large geographical variability ranging from France covering BC invertebrates on average in 1050 webpages versus Thailand or Indonesia on just 31-38. This work represents the first extensive use of culturomics to assess public visibility of insect-mediated ES. As BC uptake is dictated by stakeholders' access to (agro-ecological) information, our work identifies geographically-delineated areas that are differentially attuned to the concept of invertebrate BC, pinpoints opportunities for focusing education campaigns and awareness-raising, enables real-time tracking of BC public appeal, and informs public policy.

Biological control of an agricultural pest protects tropical forests

Though often perceived as an environmentally-risky practice, biological control of invasive species can restore crop yields, ease land pressure and thus contribute to forest conservation. Here, we show how biological control against the mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera) slows deforestation across Southeast Asia. In Thailand, this newly-arrived mealybug caused an 18% decline in cassava yields over 2009-2010 and an escalation in prices of cassava products. This spurred an expansion of cassava cropping in neighboring countries from 713,000 ha in 2009 to > 1 million ha by 2011: satellite imagery reveals 388%, 330%, 185% and 608% increases in peak deforestation rates in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam focused in cassava crop expansion areas. Following release of the host-specific parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera) in 2010, mealybug outbreaks were reduced, cropping area contracted and deforestation slowed by 31-95% in individual countries. Hence, when judiciously implemented, insect biological control can deliver substantial environmental benefits.

Diamondback Moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) Exhibits Oviposition and Larval Feeding Preferences Among Crops, Wild plants, and Ornamentals as Host Plants

Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is an agricultural pest with high reproductive potential, widespread distribution, and high resistance to different types of insecticides. Although diamondback moth is a common research subject, questions remain regarding its spatial and temporal host plant usage patterns and preferences within agroecosystems. We examined the adult oviposition and larval feeding preferences of the diamondback moth to assess the potential of alternate host plants as either reservoirs or trap crops. Adult females and third and fourth instars were offered multiple plant species within the plant family Brassicaceae to examine contact preferences and larval ingestion rates. Adult oviposition and larval feeding preferences were identical, with garden cress (Lepidium sativum) (L.) highly preferred, followed by wintercress (Barbarea vulgaris) (L.) and black mustard (Brassica nigra) (L.). Ingestion rates varied among tested plants, with the lowest rate on black mustard and highest on aubretia (Aubretia deltoidea) (L.). Highly preferred plant species were determined to be unfavorable for larval growth and potentially lethal to neonates, suggesting their possible use as trap crops. Understanding ovipositional and larval feeding preferences of diamondback moth can also aid in the development of more accurate monitoring and control strategies for this pest.

Long-term outcomes of primary constrained condylar knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Although constrained condylar knee (CCK) inserts are widely used for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), their long-term outcomes remain unclear. We sought to evaluate patients with at least 10 years' follow-up after CCK TKA to identify potential adverse events (osteolysis, loosening, constraint-mechanism failure), assess functional outcomes with special emphasis on range of motion, and determine prosthesis survival.

HYPOTHESIS

Increasing constraint by implantation of a CCK insert does not increase the long-term frequencies of osteolysis or mechanical loosening.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied 43 knees after Legacy(®) CCK TKA. The indication was severe deformity (n=20), pre-operative laxity (n=6), or failure to achieve intra-operative balancing (n=17). There were 41 patients with a mean age of 66 years (21-88). A history of one or more surgical procedures was noted for 27 (63%) knees. Outcome measures were the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, Knee Society Score (KSS), and change in the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle. Prosthesis survival was assessed using revision surgery for any reason or for reasons other than infection as the censoring criterion.

RESULTS

Complications other than venous thrombosis occurred in 16% of patients, including 3 who required revision surgery (septic loosening, n=2; and major instability in a patient with ipsilateral hip arthrodesis). No cases of osteolysis or aseptic loosening were recorded. Mean follow-up was 12.7 years (range, 10-14). At last follow-up, the HSS score had improved from 53 (26-83) pre-operatively to 80 (55-93), the KSS knee component from 42 (16-77) to 90 (77-99), and the KSS function component from 31 (0-80) to 61 (10-90) (P<0.001). Mean range of flexion increased from 109° (50°-140°) to 112° (90°-130°) (P=0.12). The HKA angle changed from 182°±15.5° (150°-210°) to 179.5°±2.5° (174°-184°) (P=0.5). The 11-year prosthesis survival rate was 88.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.94) overall and 97.7% (0.76-0.99) after excluding the cases of infection.

DISCUSSION

Long-term functional gains after CCK TKA were similar to those reported after standard posterior-stabilised TKA, with no cases of constraint-mechanism failure or osteolysis. The complication rate was higher, with decreased survival compared to standard TKA, but the knee deformities and/or instability were particularly severe and two-thirds of knees had a history of one or more surgical procedures.

Femoral lengthening during hip resurfacing arthroplasty: a new surgical procedure

Correction of leg length discrepancy during hip arthroplasty is a technical challenge. Although resurfacing proposed to young subjects presents a number of advantages (stability, bone stock, etc.), it does not correct leg length discrepancy. We propose an original femoral lengthening technique concomitant to resurfacing performed through the same approach, consisting in a Z-shaped subtrochanteric osteotomy. Resurfacing was performed first and the femoral and acetabular reaming material was used for autografting. The series comprised five cases followed for a mean 42.2 months (range, 33-64 months). The mean surgical time was 100 min (range, 76-124 min). Weightbearing was authorized in all cases at the 8th week. The mean lengthening was 32 mm (range, 25-40 mm). Healing was observed in all cases. This surgical technique, reserved for very young subjects who accept an 8-week postoperative period without weightbearing, can be proposed in cases with substantial preoperative leg length discrepancy.

Is cemented metal-polyethylene 22.2mm hip arthroplasty a gold standard? Results of a series of 105 primary arthroplasties at a minimum of ten years follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Although Charnley-Kerboull metal-on-polyethylene 22.2mm cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered to be the gold standard in France, results with this prosthesis are conflicting, in particular in relation to Scandinavian registers. The goal of this retrospective study was to confirm the validity of this prosthesis at a minimum of 10years follow-up.

HYPOTHESIS

Survival of this type of THA would fulfill NICE conditions (survival at 10 years of at least 90%).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and five primary THA were performed in 93 patients (30 men and 63 women) mean age 72.6 years old (60-86) between January 1998 and March 2001. After a mean follow-up of 10.6 years (10-13 years), 21 patients (23 THA) were lost to follow-up and 32 (35 THA) had died leaving 40 patients (47 THA) for clinical analysis (Merle d'Aubigné and Oxford scores) and X-ray assessment. Survival was calculated with revision for any cause and radiological loosening with or without revision as end-points.

RESULTS

The mean Oxford score at the final follow-up was 22/60 (13-45), the PMA score was 14.2 (11-17). Eight patients underwent revision surgery after a mean 7.5 years (2-11) (1 early dislocation and 7 acetabular cup loosenings). Survival at 10 years was 89.4% (CI95%: 78-95) for all causes of revision and 78% (CI95%: 61-91) for loosening with (n=7) or without (n=3) revision. No cases of septic or femoral loosening were observed. Twelve of the 47 revised hip replacements (25.5%) presented wear≥2mm.

DISCUSSION

Although functional results were acceptable for this elderly population, survival did not reach the NICE value and was lower than results in the literature for this type of implant. Cup loosening and wear were the main causes of revision.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

retrospective.

Radiographic preoperative templating of extra-offset cemented THA implants: how reliable is it and how does it affect survival?

INTRODUCTION

Securing femoral offset should in theory improve hip stability and abductor muscles moment arms. As problems arise mainly in case of originally increased offset (>40 mm), a range of extra-offset stems is available; the exact impact in terms of fixation, however, is not known.

HYPOTHESIS

Extra-offset stems should more reliably reestablish original femoral offsets exceeding 40 mm than standard femoral components, limiting instability risk without possible adverse effect on fixation.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the ability of five commonly available femoral stem designs to restitute offset exceeding 40 mm, and to assess function and cement fixation at a minimum 6 years' follow-up in a stem conceived to reproduce such offset.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A continuous series of 74 total hip replacements (THR) in hips with increased (>40 mm) femoral offset was studied. All underwent preoperative X-ray templating on Imagika™ software to assess offset reproduction by five models of stem: four standard, and one Lubinus SP2™ extra-offset stem. A retrospective clinical and X-ray study was conducted with a minimum 6 years' follow-up on the Lubinus SP2™ 117° stems used to try to reproduce offset in the 74 THRs.

RESULTS

Apart from the increased (>40 mm) offset, the cervicodiaphyseal angle was consistently <135°, <130° in 60 femurs (81%) and <125° in 45 (60%). Planning showed the four standard stems to induce (>5mm femoral offset reduction in 50-83% of cases, versus only 25% with the Lubinus SP2™ 117°). All 74 hips received Lubinus SP2™ 117° stems: at a mean 78 months FU (range, 70-94 mo), their mean Postel-Merle d'Aubigné score was 17±1.8 (range, 13-18). Five of the 74 THRs underwent surgical revision: three cases of loosening, in which the stem was replaced, and two of instability, without change of stem. Loosening was not related to offset reproduction quality; two of the three cases were due to initial cementing defect, and the third occurred in a femur with previous history of two osteotomies. There were four cases of dislocation (5.4%: two primary, which were not operated on, and two recurrent, managed by acetabular revision), despite good reproduction of the preoperative offset in three of the four cases. Mean 7-year implant survivorship was 95.1% (±4.8).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The anatomic form of the Lubinus™ SP2 117° should in theory provide a uniform cement mantle. Survivorship, however, is less good than for regular offset versions (126° or 135°). On the other hand, it does reproduce anatomy in case of >40mm offset, providing extra offset of more than 51mm. The slightly shorter survivorship requires more long-term surveillance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective study.

Habitat selection by river otters (Lontra canadensis) under contrasting land-use regimes

Habitat preferences of river otters ( Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777)) are well known, but because most studies were conducted in regions with markedly low or high levels of anthropogenic disturbances, it is not well known how their habitat usage is affected by varied anthropogenic disturbances and land-use regimes on a regional scale. We studied habitat use by otters in eastern New Brunswick, Canada, in an area having both protected and disturbed riparian habitats. Using long-range winter riparian transects, we documented activity-sign distribution along riverbanks in relation to 12 habitat factors and 9 categories of anthropogenic disturbances. We documented variables at site with activity signs and at habitat stations along riverbanks at 500 m intervals. We used logistical regressions and Akaike’s information criterion in an information–theoretic approach to compare models and determine the important factors involved. Habitat-related factors were more important than anthropogenic ones in describing habitat use. The best performing models were those incorporating both habitat and anthropogenic factors. Beaver ( Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820) ponds were the most important habitat factor, while fields were the most important anthropogenic factor. Our results indicate that otters responded mostly to the presence of habitat features they use and secondarily to the presence of anthropogenic structures or activities in an area.

Unequal summer use of beaver ponds by river otters: influence of beaver activity, pond size, and vegetation cover

River otters ( Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777)) and beavers ( Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820) are semi-aquatic mammals that can occur sympatrically in freshwater ecosystems of North America, including beaver ponds. Although little research has been done on the relationship between these species, it has been described as commensal. Relatively little is known about what pond characteristics potentially influence otter use. During the summer of 2004, we documented otter activity signs (i.e., feces) at 56 beaver ponds located in Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada, along the east coast of New Brunswick. We sought to identify which of 16 variables describing pond attributes were related to otter use. Otter activity at beaver ponds was positively associated with beaver presence, pond size, and vegetation cover. We discuss how these pond characteristics can benefit otters in terms of two key habitat needs, availability of prey and shelter. Our results are a first indication that the source–sink dynamic of beavers, whereby ponds are created, expanded, and abandoned, will create a mosaic of ponds that ultimately influences the river otter’s own pattern of habitat use and distribution.

Monitoring the microbial populations and temperatures of fresh broccoli from harvest to retail display

Microbial populations and the temperature of fresh broccoli were monitored at several steps of a supply chain by sampling 33 distinct lots of locally grown produce over two seasons during harvest, storage, wholesale handling, and retail display. Imported broccoli was also sampled, but only at retail display. Microbiological analyses were conducted on the florets of 201 local and 60 imported broccoli samples to determine populations of total aerobic bacteria (aerobic colony count), fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. All the samples had mean aerobic colony counts ranging between 4 and 6 log CFU/g, but L. monocytogenes was not detected (limit of detection =100 CFU/g). Fecal coliforms and E. coli (limit of detection =20 most probable number per 100 g) were found in 22 of 126 samples of local broccoli collected at various steps of the production and distribution system during the first season. None was found in 75 samples collected in the second season. Fecal coliforms and E. coli were found in 2 of 60 imported broccoli samples. Broccoli temperatures were relatively well controlled throughout the production and distribution system. No clear change in produce microbial populations was evident between harvest and retail display, during both sampling seasons. However, a large experimental variability was found, possibly associated with the high variability of the initial levels of microbial populations on broccoli at harvest.

An extensive study of the foraging ecology of beavers (Castor canadensis) in relation to habitat quality

The objective of this study was to examine the foraging behaviour of the beaver (Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820) and to explain its selection of terrestrial woody plant species according to central place foraging theory. Limitations in variety of food items in most studies with regard to size and (or) distance from the central place and information on availability of forage choices give a partial view of the subject. In this study, the theory is tested in a natural environment with high variability in food items with regard to these factors. Foraging choices by beavers were inspected by measuring variables on cut and uncut trees of every species encountered within 1 m of trail systems made by 25 beaver colonies in Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick, Canada, thereby quantifying the availability of the different food items. The effect of habitat quality (food availability) on the foraging behaviour of beavers was also tested. The results of this study suggest that with increasing distance from the pond, beavers in high-quality habitats selected fewer, but larger, trees and are more species selective. This selectivity was diminished in habitats of lower quality. The results of this study are consistent with the predictions of the central foraging theory.

Clover and cress as indicator species of impacts from limed sewage sludge and landfill wastewater land application

This study evaluated the performance of cress and clover as bioindicators to evaluate the impact of limed sewage sludge and landfill wastewater application on soil. The use of these two species, and the subsequent parameters measured, were also compared for their effectiveness in evaluating potential effects. Sewage sludge was added to the soil at a rate of 23 mg ha-1 and also at twice this dose. Wastewater was added at a level of 2 and 10% of the soil volume. Germination rate, height increase per week and final dry biomass were measured for both species. Heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Fe, Cu, Ni, and Zn) concentration was determined only for the shoot and root of clover. In general, the results showed that, compared to the control, the overall performance improved for plants exposed to both treatments. However, plants appeared to respond better to the wastewater addition than the sewage sludge amendment. The germination rate as well as other traits indicate that clover may be more sensitive to these fertilizers than cress. The lime addition did not appear to influence growth, nor heavy metal accumulation in clover. There were major differences in heavy metal accumulation in the root vs. shoot of clover. Hence, the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Pb did not vary in the shoots of the plants under either treatments. The concentrations of the heavy metals in the roots however, greatly varied according to the type of metals. The concentrations of these metals appeared to increase with the increase of the addition treatments. The results suggest that for both species, the levels of fertilizers used in the present study were below the toxicity levels. Since the types of soils and the doses of fertilizers influence the rate of heavy metal absorption and their effects on plants, methods for rapid evaluation/monitoring as well as the types of indicators used should be explored as in the present study.

Advisory Committee: A Powerful Tool for Helping Decision Makers inEnvironmental Issues

/ It has been suggested that the general public should be moreinvolved in environmental policy and decision making. It is important forthem to realize that they will have to live with the consequences ofenvironmental policies and decisions. Consequently, policy makers shouldconsider the concerns and opinions of the general public before makingdecisions on environmental issues. This raises questions such as: How can weintegrate the perceptions and reactions of the general population inenvironmental decisions? What kind of public participation should weconsider? In the present study, using a new regional ecosystem model, weattempted to integrate these aspects in its decision making model byincluding the formation of an advisory committee to resolve problems relatedto waste management. The advisory committee requested the activeparticipation of representatives from all levels of the community: economic,municipal, and governmental intervenors; environmental groups; and citizens.Their mandates were to examine different management strategies available inthe region, considering all the interdisciplinary aspects of each strategy,elaborate recommendations concerning the management strategies that are mostsuitable for all, and collaborate in communication of the information to thegeneral population. The results showed that at least in small municipalitiessuch an advisory committee can be a powerful tool in environmental decisionmaking. Conditions required for a successful consultation process, such aseveryday lay language and the presence of a facilitator other than ascientific expert, are discussed.KEY WORDS: Public consultation; Environmental policies;Interdisciplinary aspects; Municipal sewage sludge management; Generalpopulation; Decision-making process

Responses of indicator bacteria to forest soil amended with municipal sewage sludge from aerated and non-aerated ponds

The survival of faecal and total coliform bacteria and Streptococcus faecalis (indicator bacteria) were monitored in experimental plots receiving various amounts of biological or dephosphatation municipal sewage sludge. Biological sludge was applied on coniferous and mixed regenerative forest soils. The results show that except for total coliforms, there was little significant treatment effect on the indicator bacteria numbers in all of the sites. In most cases, there was a significant time effect, indicating that bacterial populations vary over time, according to environmental factors such as temperature, moisture or nutrient level conditions. In total coliform bacteria, populations varied over time but also in function of treatment levels. The present study suggests that even if the standards of Québec (Canada) for sludge application are respected, there may be some risk for bacterial contamination depending on the types of sewage sludge and forest habitat. Although there is only a short-term effect, high slopes can influence the movement of the indicator bacteria and may potentially cause some contamination problems.