Old-growth forests uniquely support biodiversity while serving as some of the planet's most important carbon stocks.The influence of tree and stand age on carbon flux dynamics remains debated—an urgent question a...Old-growth forests uniquely support biodiversity while serving as some of the planet's most important carbon stocks.The influence of tree and stand age on carbon flux dynamics remains debated—an urgent question as climate-driven disturbances may reshape forest age structures and in situ carbon storage.To clarify these relationships in Fagus sylvatica,systems,we examined a unique dataset of 3,503 tree ring series from 190 plots across some of the best preserved old-growth forests from five southern European countries.By employing a dendrochronological approach and integrating key environmental variables,including elevation,slope,temperature,and the presence of large-diameter trees(≥60 cm),we analyzed the complex relationships between tree/stand age within a plot(represented by plot-level mean values,hereafter“stand age”)and aboveground carbon stock across live,standing,and lying deadwood pools.The average stand age was 220 years,with 230 tC⋅ha^(-1) of carbon stored in aboveground biomass and necromass.We found a positive correlation between age and carbon storage at both the individual tree and plot levels.Notably,the presence of large-diameter trees was the strongest indicator of carbon stock,with carbon accumulation peaking at about 30%large-tree stems proportion before stabilising,while younger beech trees(below 100 years old)had a smaller contribution to carbon storage.We found no evidence of a decline in carbon stock with advancing stand age across the studied sites.Despite the ecological importance of old-growth forests,many of them remain unprotected and are disappearing across Europe.Our findings highlight the importance of preserving old-growth forests to maximize their role as long-term ecosystem carbon reservoirs.展开更多
Astaxanthin(AX)and vitamin E(VE)are widely consumed nutritional supplements in China,with its beneficial effects predominantly attributed to all-trans AX and VE.The aim of this study is to develop and validate a rapid...Astaxanthin(AX)and vitamin E(VE)are widely consumed nutritional supplements in China,with its beneficial effects predominantly attributed to all-trans AX and VE.The aim of this study is to develop and validate a rapid and accurate method for quantifying the content of AX and VE in nutritional supplement products using highly sensitive1H NMR method.Coumarin was chosen as the internal standard.Specific signals from AX was optimal at H-7,7'in the chemical shift range ofδ6.17–6.24 ppm,whereas the signals of VE atδ2.59 ppm.To demonstrate the reliability of this analytical approach the proposed method underwent rigorous validation,specificity,limit of detection(LOD),limit of quantitation(LOQ),linearity,accuracy,precision,and recovery.The accuracy of the validation method was 3.10%for AX and 1.99%for VE.The results indicated that the method was precise and reliable.The method has been successfully applied to simultaneous quantification of AX and VE in nutritional supplements products.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a frequent gastrointestinal emergency characterized by inflammation.It has the potential to progress to organ failure.Fluid therapy plays a critical role in early AP management,miti...BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a frequent gastrointestinal emergency characterized by inflammation.It has the potential to progress to organ failure.Fluid therapy plays a critical role in early AP management,mitigating hypovolemia-induced ischemia and systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS).AIM To evaluate dextran 40+Ringer’s lactate solution(RLS)vs RLS alone for fluid therapy in mild to moderate AP.METHODS We conducted a single-center,single-blind,randomized controlled trial involving 108 patients with mild to moderate AP.Participants were randomized to receive either dextran 40+RLS(1:3 ratio)or RLS alone.All patients underwent standardized,goal-directed fluid therapy and were monitored for clinical response,inflammatory markers,and complications.The primary outcomes were reduction in C-reactive protein(CRP)and resolution of SIRS at 72 hours.Secondary outcomes included organ failure,intensive care unit admission,mortality,and length of hospital stay.RESULTS The dextran 40+RLS group demonstrated significantly lower CRP levels.No differences were observed in SIRS changes,fluid overload,refractory status mortality,local complications,or organ failure rates.Hospitalization tended to be shorter in the dextran 40+RLS group(5 days vs 6 days)although not to a statistically significant level(P=0.1).Adverse events were mild and comparable in both groups.CONCLUSION Dextran 40+RLS improved the early CRP response in patients with AP without added complications.Although medium-term outcomes were similar,early benefits support its use in initial management.展开更多
Accurate estimations of animal population size are pivotal for implementing management strategies properly.Recapture technique based on sounds as a specimen identifcation mark has barely been used for marine mammals.H...Accurate estimations of animal population size are pivotal for implementing management strategies properly.Recapture technique based on sounds as a specimen identifcation mark has barely been used for marine mammals.However,inferring abundance estimates from acoustic methods could enhance the accuracy and precision of population size assessments.Here,we tested the possibility of using signature whistles as individual marks for estimating the size of common bottlenose dolphin(Tursiops truncatus)populations.Data were continuously collected for 326 days in 2015–2016,by using a fxed acoustic device located in the Sicily Strait(Italy).The SIGID method was applied to identify Signature Whistles Types(SWTs)over 7,000 h of recordings.Eighty SWTs were detected as long as their stereotyped fundamental frequency contours were repeated in bouts of at least 6 renditions.The mean SWTs monthly recording rate resulted in 0.19(Standard deviation=0.16),with 20 SWTs recorded over 5 or more different encounters(until a maximum of 30 encounters).The Jolly–Seber model(with POPAN formulation)was run in Mark software to estimate the population size.The estimated population size resulted in 171 bottlenose dolphins(95%confdence interval=137–215).Even if the detection and identifcation of signature whistles required crucial precautions,and animals could be detected differently from visual techniques,the population size estimate obtained was comparable with previous results based on physical marks data.These outcomes demonstrated that signature whistles can be considered a strongly effective tool for integrating traditional mark-recapture techniques with fnely estimated dolphins’population abundances.展开更多
Extreme disturbance activity is a signature of anthropogenic environmental change. Empirical information describing the historical normative limits of disturbance regimes provides baseline data that facilitates the de...Extreme disturbance activity is a signature of anthropogenic environmental change. Empirical information describing the historical normative limits of disturbance regimes provides baseline data that facilitates the detection of contemporary trends in both disturbances and community-level responses. Quantifying the attributes of historical disturbances is challenging due to their transient episodic nature, with decades-to centurieslong intervals between recurrences. Unmanaged primary forests that support centuries-old trees therefore serve as unique reference systems for quantifying past disturbance regimes. We surveyed relict stands of primary beech-dominated forests over wide environmental gradients in the Carpathian Mountains of Europe. We collected core samples from 3,026 trees in 208 field survey plots distributed across 13 forest stands in two countries. We used dendrochronological methods to analyze time-series of annually-resolved ring-width variation and to identify anomalous growth patterns diagnostic of past forest canopy removal. A 180-year record(1810–1990) of spatially and temporally explicit disturbance events(n =333) was compiled and used to derive s tatistical attributes of the disturbance regime. We quantified disturbance severity(canopy area lost), patch size, and return intervals. Our analyses describe a complex regime where a background of relatively frequent, smallscale, low-to intermediate-severity disturbance was punctuated by episodic large-scale high-severity events. Even the most severe events were non-catastrophic at a stand level, leaving significant residual tree cover that supported a continuity of ecological function. We did not detect evidence for an expected climate-induced intensification of disturbance with time, but methodological limitations precluded an assessment of disturbance activity in the decades since 1990.展开更多
The variability of the sea surface salinity measurements provided by the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity mission reveals the presence of a local salinity maximum(a salty tongue)in the northwestern tropical Atlantic.T...The variability of the sea surface salinity measurements provided by the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity mission reveals the presence of a local salinity maximum(a salty tongue)in the northwestern tropical Atlantic.The sea surface salinity positive anomaly starts increasing in July,reaches its maximum in January,and then disappears.The local maximum of salinity appears in the late boreal autumn/winter,when the Amazon discharge is minimal and the salty water from the South Atlantic is transported by the North Brazil Current along the shelf break across the equator.The authors validate the satellite observations in this area and assess the vertical structure of the salinity maximum by using in situ measurements and an in situ-interpolated product.展开更多
Background:Stretching has wide appeal,but there seems to exist some mismatch between its purported applications and what the evidence shows.There is compelling evidence for some stretching applications,but for others,...Background:Stretching has wide appeal,but there seems to exist some mismatch between its purported applications and what the evidence shows.There is compelling evidence for some stretching applications,but for others,the evidence seems heterogeneous or unsupportive.The discrepancies even affect some systematic reviews,possibly due to heterogeneous eligibility criteria and search strategies.This consensus paper seeks to unify the divergent findings on stretching and its implications for both athletic performance and clinical practices by delivering evidence-based recommendations.Methods:A panel of 20 experts with a blend of practical experience and scholarly knowledge was assembled.The panel meticulously reviewed existing systematic reviews,defined key terminologies(e.g.,consensus definitions for different stretching modes),and crafted guidelines using a Delphi consensus approach(minimum required agreement:80%).The analysis focused on 8 topics,including stretching's acute and chronic(long-term)effects on range of motion,strength performance,muscle hypertrophy,stiffness,injury prevention,muscle recovery,posture correction,and cardiovascular health.Results:There was consensus that chronic and acute stretching(a)improves range of motion(although alternatives exist)and(b)reduces muscle stiffness(which may not always be desirable);the panel also agreed that chronic stretching(c)may promote vascular health,but more research is warranted.In contrast,consensus was found that stretch training does not(a)contribute substantively to muscle growth,(b)serve as an allencompassing injury prevention strategy,(c)improve posture,or(d)acutely enhance post-exercise recovery.Conclusion:These recommendations provide guidance for athletes and practitioners,highlighting research gaps that should be addressed to more comprehensively understand the full scope of stretching effects.展开更多
基金supported by the Czech University of Life Sciences(Internal Grant Agency:A_12_24,43110/1312/3103,the Czech Science Foundation(Grant GACR No.21-27454S)Technology Agency of the Czech Republic(TACR No.SS06010420)+2 种基金provided by the CLIMB-FOREST project(No.101060554)project FORbEST(No.101181878)funded under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme。
文摘Old-growth forests uniquely support biodiversity while serving as some of the planet's most important carbon stocks.The influence of tree and stand age on carbon flux dynamics remains debated—an urgent question as climate-driven disturbances may reshape forest age structures and in situ carbon storage.To clarify these relationships in Fagus sylvatica,systems,we examined a unique dataset of 3,503 tree ring series from 190 plots across some of the best preserved old-growth forests from five southern European countries.By employing a dendrochronological approach and integrating key environmental variables,including elevation,slope,temperature,and the presence of large-diameter trees(≥60 cm),we analyzed the complex relationships between tree/stand age within a plot(represented by plot-level mean values,hereafter“stand age”)and aboveground carbon stock across live,standing,and lying deadwood pools.The average stand age was 220 years,with 230 tC⋅ha^(-1) of carbon stored in aboveground biomass and necromass.We found a positive correlation between age and carbon storage at both the individual tree and plot levels.Notably,the presence of large-diameter trees was the strongest indicator of carbon stock,with carbon accumulation peaking at about 30%large-tree stems proportion before stabilising,while younger beech trees(below 100 years old)had a smaller contribution to carbon storage.We found no evidence of a decline in carbon stock with advancing stand age across the studied sites.Despite the ecological importance of old-growth forests,many of them remain unprotected and are disappearing across Europe.Our findings highlight the importance of preserving old-growth forests to maximize their role as long-term ecosystem carbon reservoirs.
基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.202351011)。
文摘Astaxanthin(AX)and vitamin E(VE)are widely consumed nutritional supplements in China,with its beneficial effects predominantly attributed to all-trans AX and VE.The aim of this study is to develop and validate a rapid and accurate method for quantifying the content of AX and VE in nutritional supplement products using highly sensitive1H NMR method.Coumarin was chosen as the internal standard.Specific signals from AX was optimal at H-7,7'in the chemical shift range ofδ6.17–6.24 ppm,whereas the signals of VE atδ2.59 ppm.To demonstrate the reliability of this analytical approach the proposed method underwent rigorous validation,specificity,limit of detection(LOD),limit of quantitation(LOQ),linearity,accuracy,precision,and recovery.The accuracy of the validation method was 3.10%for AX and 1.99%for VE.The results indicated that the method was precise and reliable.The method has been successfully applied to simultaneous quantification of AX and VE in nutritional supplements products.
文摘BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a frequent gastrointestinal emergency characterized by inflammation.It has the potential to progress to organ failure.Fluid therapy plays a critical role in early AP management,mitigating hypovolemia-induced ischemia and systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS).AIM To evaluate dextran 40+Ringer’s lactate solution(RLS)vs RLS alone for fluid therapy in mild to moderate AP.METHODS We conducted a single-center,single-blind,randomized controlled trial involving 108 patients with mild to moderate AP.Participants were randomized to receive either dextran 40+RLS(1:3 ratio)or RLS alone.All patients underwent standardized,goal-directed fluid therapy and were monitored for clinical response,inflammatory markers,and complications.The primary outcomes were reduction in C-reactive protein(CRP)and resolution of SIRS at 72 hours.Secondary outcomes included organ failure,intensive care unit admission,mortality,and length of hospital stay.RESULTS The dextran 40+RLS group demonstrated significantly lower CRP levels.No differences were observed in SIRS changes,fluid overload,refractory status mortality,local complications,or organ failure rates.Hospitalization tended to be shorter in the dextran 40+RLS group(5 days vs 6 days)although not to a statistically significant level(P=0.1).Adverse events were mild and comparable in both groups.CONCLUSION Dextran 40+RLS improved the early CRP response in patients with AP without added complications.Although medium-term outcomes were similar,early benefits support its use in initial management.
基金the project“BIOforIU project PONa3_00025-Multidisciplinary Infrastructure for the Study and Development of Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity in the Perspective of Innovation Union.”Part of the analysis was funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan(NRRP),Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.4-Call for tender No.3138 of 16 December 2021,rectifed by Decree n.3175 of 18 December 2021 of Italian Ministry of University and Research funded by the European Union-NextGenerationEU,Award Number:Project code CN_00000033,Concession Decree No.1034 of 17 June 2022 adopted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research,Project title"National Biodiversity Future Center-NBFC".
文摘Accurate estimations of animal population size are pivotal for implementing management strategies properly.Recapture technique based on sounds as a specimen identifcation mark has barely been used for marine mammals.However,inferring abundance estimates from acoustic methods could enhance the accuracy and precision of population size assessments.Here,we tested the possibility of using signature whistles as individual marks for estimating the size of common bottlenose dolphin(Tursiops truncatus)populations.Data were continuously collected for 326 days in 2015–2016,by using a fxed acoustic device located in the Sicily Strait(Italy).The SIGID method was applied to identify Signature Whistles Types(SWTs)over 7,000 h of recordings.Eighty SWTs were detected as long as their stereotyped fundamental frequency contours were repeated in bouts of at least 6 renditions.The mean SWTs monthly recording rate resulted in 0.19(Standard deviation=0.16),with 20 SWTs recorded over 5 or more different encounters(until a maximum of 30 encounters).The Jolly–Seber model(with POPAN formulation)was run in Mark software to estimate the population size.The estimated population size resulted in 171 bottlenose dolphins(95%confdence interval=137–215).Even if the detection and identifcation of signature whistles required crucial precautions,and animals could be detected differently from visual techniques,the population size estimate obtained was comparable with previous results based on physical marks data.These outcomes demonstrated that signature whistles can be considered a strongly effective tool for integrating traditional mark-recapture techniques with fnely estimated dolphins’population abundances.
基金supported by the Czech Science Foundation project GACR21-27454STechnology Agency of the Czech Republic(project Center for Landscape and Biodiversity,SS02030018).
文摘Extreme disturbance activity is a signature of anthropogenic environmental change. Empirical information describing the historical normative limits of disturbance regimes provides baseline data that facilitates the detection of contemporary trends in both disturbances and community-level responses. Quantifying the attributes of historical disturbances is challenging due to their transient episodic nature, with decades-to centurieslong intervals between recurrences. Unmanaged primary forests that support centuries-old trees therefore serve as unique reference systems for quantifying past disturbance regimes. We surveyed relict stands of primary beech-dominated forests over wide environmental gradients in the Carpathian Mountains of Europe. We collected core samples from 3,026 trees in 208 field survey plots distributed across 13 forest stands in two countries. We used dendrochronological methods to analyze time-series of annually-resolved ring-width variation and to identify anomalous growth patterns diagnostic of past forest canopy removal. A 180-year record(1810–1990) of spatially and temporally explicit disturbance events(n =333) was compiled and used to derive s tatistical attributes of the disturbance regime. We quantified disturbance severity(canopy area lost), patch size, and return intervals. Our analyses describe a complex regime where a background of relatively frequent, smallscale, low-to intermediate-severity disturbance was punctuated by episodic large-scale high-severity events. Even the most severe events were non-catastrophic at a stand level, leaving significant residual tree cover that supported a continuity of ecological function. We did not detect evidence for an expected climate-induced intensification of disturbance with time, but methodological limitations precluded an assessment of disturbance activity in the decades since 1990.
基金financed by the Funda?ao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia(FCT)through the project UIDP/04292/2020(https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDP/04292/2020)UIDB/04292/2020(https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/04292/2020)+2 种基金awarded to MARE and through project LA/P/0069/2020(https://doi.org/10.54499/LA/P/0069/2020)granted to the Associate Laboratory ARNETfunded by the European Space Agency through the SMOS Expert Support Laboratory(ESL)for SMOS Level 2 over land,ocean,ice[4000130567/20/I-BG]MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501,100,011,033 through the project INTERACT[PID2020-114623RB-C31]。
文摘The variability of the sea surface salinity measurements provided by the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity mission reveals the presence of a local salinity maximum(a salty tongue)in the northwestern tropical Atlantic.The sea surface salinity positive anomaly starts increasing in July,reaches its maximum in January,and then disappears.The local maximum of salinity appears in the late boreal autumn/winter,when the Amazon discharge is minimal and the salty water from the South Atlantic is transported by the North Brazil Current along the shelf break across the equator.The authors validate the satellite observations in this area and assess the vertical structure of the salinity maximum by using in situ measurements and an in situ-interpolated product.
文摘Background:Stretching has wide appeal,but there seems to exist some mismatch between its purported applications and what the evidence shows.There is compelling evidence for some stretching applications,but for others,the evidence seems heterogeneous or unsupportive.The discrepancies even affect some systematic reviews,possibly due to heterogeneous eligibility criteria and search strategies.This consensus paper seeks to unify the divergent findings on stretching and its implications for both athletic performance and clinical practices by delivering evidence-based recommendations.Methods:A panel of 20 experts with a blend of practical experience and scholarly knowledge was assembled.The panel meticulously reviewed existing systematic reviews,defined key terminologies(e.g.,consensus definitions for different stretching modes),and crafted guidelines using a Delphi consensus approach(minimum required agreement:80%).The analysis focused on 8 topics,including stretching's acute and chronic(long-term)effects on range of motion,strength performance,muscle hypertrophy,stiffness,injury prevention,muscle recovery,posture correction,and cardiovascular health.Results:There was consensus that chronic and acute stretching(a)improves range of motion(although alternatives exist)and(b)reduces muscle stiffness(which may not always be desirable);the panel also agreed that chronic stretching(c)may promote vascular health,but more research is warranted.In contrast,consensus was found that stretch training does not(a)contribute substantively to muscle growth,(b)serve as an allencompassing injury prevention strategy,(c)improve posture,or(d)acutely enhance post-exercise recovery.Conclusion:These recommendations provide guidance for athletes and practitioners,highlighting research gaps that should be addressed to more comprehensively understand the full scope of stretching effects.
