Linking local knowledge, conservation practices and ecosystem diversity: comparing two communities in the Tunari National Park (Bolivia)

Combined approaches to conserve both biological and cultural diversity are seen as an alternative to classical nature conservation instruments. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of urbanization coupled with exclusive conservation measures, on land use, local knowledge and biodiversity in two Quechua speaking communities of Bolivia located within the Tunari National Park. We assessed and compared the links between land use, its transformation through conservation practices, local institutions and the worldviews of both communities and the implications they have for biodiversity at the level of ecosystems. Our results show that in both communities, people’s worldviews and environmental knowledge are linked with an integral and diversified use of their territory. However, the community most affected by urbanization and protected area regulations has intensified agriculture in a small area and has abandoned the use of large areas. This was accompanied by a loss of local environmental knowledge and a decrease in the diversity of ecosystems. The second community, where the park was not enforced, continues to manage their territory as a material expression of local environmental knowledge, while adopting community-based conservation measures with external support. Our findings highlight a case in which urbanization coupled with exclusive conservation approaches affects the components of both cultural and biological diversity. Actions that aim to enhance biocultural diversity in this context should therefore address the impact of factors identified as responsible for change in integrated social-ecological systems.

Improved Localization of Implanted Subdural Electrode Contacts on MRI Using an Elastic Image Fusion Algorithm in Invasive EEG Recording

BACKGROUND: Accurate projection of implanted subdural electrode contacts in presurgical evaluation of pharmacoresistant epilepsy cases by invasive EEG is highly relevant. Linear fusion of CT and MRI images may display the contacts in the wrong position due to brain shift effects. OBJECTIVE: A retrospective study in five patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy was performed to evaluate whether an elastic image fusion algorithm can provide a more accurate projection of the electrode contacts on the pre-implantation MRI as compared to linear fusion. METHODS: An automated elastic image fusion algorithm (AEF), a guided elastic image fusion algorithm (GEF), and a standard linear fusion algorithm (LF) were used on preoperative MRI and post-implantation CT scans. Vertical correction of virtual contact positions, total virtual contact shift, corrections of midline shift and brain shifts due to pneumencephalus were measured. RESULTS: Both AEF and GEF worked well with all 5 cases. An average midline shift of 1.7mm (SD 1.25) was corrected to 0.4mm (SD 0.8) after AEF and to 0.0mm (SD 0) after GEF. Median virtual distances between contacts and cortical surface were corrected by a significant amount, from 2.3mm after LF to 0.0mm after AEF and GEF (p<.001). Mean total relative corrections of 3.1 mm (SD 1.85) after AEF and 3.0mm (SD 1.77) after GEF were achieved. The tested version of GEF did not achieve a satisfying virtual correction of pneumencephalus. CONCLUSION: The technique provided a clear improvement in fusion of pre- and post-implantation scans, although the accuracy is difficult to evaluate.

Virtual tissue alignment and cutting plane definition--a new method to obtain optimal longitudinal histological sections.

Histomorphometric evaluation of the buccal aspects of periodontal tissues in rodents requires reproducible alignment of maxillae and highly precise sections containing central sections of buccal roots; this is a cumbersome and technically sensitive process due to the small specimen size. The aim of the present report is to describe and analyze a method to transfer virtual sections of micro-computer tomographic (CT)-generated image stacks to the microtome for undecalcified histological processing and to describe the anatomy of the periodontium in rat molars. A total of 84 undecalcified sections of all buccal roots of seven untreated rats was analyzed. The accuracy of section coordinate transfer from virtual micro-CT slice to the histological slice, right-left side differences and the measurement error for linear and angular measurements on micro-CT and on histological micrographs were calculated using the Bland-Altman method, interclass correlation coefficient and the method of moments estimator. Also, manual alignment of the micro-CT-scanned rat maxilla was compared with multiplanar computer-reconstructed alignment. The supra alveolar rat anatomy is rather similar to human anatomy, whereas the alveolar bone is of compact type and the keratinized gingival epithelium bends apical to join the junctional epithelium. The high methodological standardization presented herein ensures retrieval of histological slices with excellent display of anatomical microstructures, in a reproducible manner, minimizes random errors, and thereby may contribute to the reduction of number of animals needed.

Dynamics of Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Local Use and Conservation of Native Trees and Shrubs in the Bolivian Andes

Native trees and shrubs are essential components of rural landscapes in the semi-arid inner-Andean valleys of Bolivia. They can be found as hedges and bushes in various agroecosystems such as terrace walls, slopes, field boundaries and fallow land. Their distribution and floristic composition are the result of dynamic spatial and temporal interactions between local farmers and the environment. Local uses of natural resources and biodiversity reflect the constantly evolving Andean culture, which can be generally characterised as an intertwining of the human, natural, and spiritual worlds. The aim of the present ethnobotanical study was to analyse the dynamics of traditional ecological knowledge, to ascertain local farmers’ perceptions and uses of native woody species in Andean communities and to associate the results with local conservation activities for the trees and shrubs concerned. Our case study was carried out within two communities of the Tunari National Park (Dept. Cochabamba) in Bolivia. For data collection, research methods from social science (semi-structured interviews, participative observation, participatory mapping) as well as vegetation surveys were combined. Local actors included women and men of all ages as well as families from different social categories and altitudinal levels of permanent residence. Our study indicates that, due to a multitude of socio-economic pressures (e.g. migration of young people) as well as changes in use of biodiversity (e.g. replacement of native by exotic introduced species), the traditional ecological knowledge base of native trees and shrubs and their respective uses has become diminished over time. In many cases it has led to a decline in people’s awareness of native species and as a consequence their practical, emotional and spiritual relationships with them have been lost. However, results also show that applied traditional ecological knowledge has led to local conservation strategies, which have succeeded in protecting those tree and shrub species which are most widely regarded for their multifunctional, constant and exclusive uses (e.g. Schinus molle, Prosopis laevigata, Baccharis dracunculifolia). The presentation will discuss the question if and how applied traditional ecological knowledge positively contributes to local initiatives of sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity in rural areas.

Linking Applied Ethnobotany to Social Learning: A Participatory Tool for the Promotion of Indigenous Plants Use in Matutuíne, Southern Mozambique

In its search for pathways towards a more sustainable management of natural resources, development oriented research increasingly faces the challenge to develop new concepts and tools based on transdisciplinarity. Transdisciplinarity can, in terms of an idealized goal, be defined as a research approach that identifies and solves problems not only independently of disciplinary boundaries, but also including the knowledge and perceptions of non-scientific actors in a participatory process. In Mozambique, the Centre for Development and Environment (Berne, Switzerland), in partnership with Impacto and Helvetas (Maputo, Mozambique), has elaborated a new transdisciplinary tool to identify indigenous plants with a potential for commercialization. The tool combines methods from applied ethnobotany with participatory research in a social learning process. This approach was devised to support a development project aimed at creating alternative sources of income for rural communities of Matutuíne district, Southern Mozambique, while reducing the pressure on the natural environment. The methodology, which has been applied and tested, is innovative in that it combines important data collection through participatory research with a social learning process involving both local and external actors. This mutual learning process provides a space for complementary forms of knowledge to meet, eventually leading to the adoption of an integrated approach to natural resource management with an understanding of its ecological, socio-economic and cultural aspects; local stakeholders are included in the identification of potentials for sustainable development. Sustainable development itself, as a normative concept, can only be defined through social learning and consensus building between the local and external stakeholders.

Effect sizes and standardization in neighbourhood models of forest stands: potential biases and misinterpretations

Effects of conspecific neighbours on survival and growth of trees have been found to be related to species abundance. Both positive and negative relationships may explain observed abundance patterns. Surprisingly, it is rarely tested whether such relationships could be biased or even spurious due to transforming neighbourhood variables or influences of spatial aggregation, distance decay of neighbour effects and standardization of effect sizes. To investigate potential biases, communities of 20 identical species were simulated with log-series abundances but without species-specific interactions. No relationship of conspecific neighbour effects on survival or growth with species abundance was expected. Survival and growth of individuals was simulated in random and aggregated spatial patterns using no, linear, or squared distance decay of neighbour effects. Regression coefficients of statistical neighbourhood models were unbiased and unrelated to species abundance. However, variation in the number of conspecific neighbours was positively or negatively related to species abundance depending on transformations of neighbourhood variables, spatial pattern and distance decay. Consequently, effect sizes and standardized regression coefficients, often used in model fitting across large numbers of species, were also positively or negatively related to species abundance depending on transformation of neighbourhood variables, spatial pattern and distance decay. Tests using randomized tree positions and identities provide the best benchmarks by which to critically evaluate relationships of effect sizes or standardized regression coefficients with tree species abundance. This will better guard against potential misinterpretations.

Intraspecific Aggregation Alters Competitive Interactions in Experimental Plant Communities

We tested the prediction from spatial competition models that intraspecific aggregation may promote coexistence and thus maintain biodiversity with experimental communities of four annual species. Monocultures, three-species mixtures, and the four-species mixture were sown at two densities and with either random or intraspecifically aggregated distributions. There was a hierarchy of competitive abilities among the four species. The weaker competitors showed higher aboveground biomass in the aggregated distribution compared to the random distribution, especially at high density. In one species, intraspecific aggregation resulted in an 86% increase in the number of flowering individuals and a 171% increase in the reproductive biomass at high density. The competitively superior species had a lower biomass in the aggregated distribution than in the random distribution at high density. The data support the hypothesis that the spatial distribution of plants profoundly affects competition in such a way that weaker competitors increase their fitness while stronger competitors are suppressed when grown in the neighborhood of conspecifics. This implies that the spatial arrangement of plants in a community can be an important determinant of species coexistence and biodiversity.

Discovery and characterization of a novel non-competitive inhibitor of the divalent metal transporter DMT1/SLC11A2

Divalent metal transporter-1 (SLC11A2/DMT1) uses the H+ electrochemical gradient as the driving force to transport divalent metal ions such as Fe2+, Mn2+ and others metals into mammalian cells. DMT1 is ubiquitously expressed, most notably in proximal duodenum, immature erythroid cells, brain and kidney. This transporter mediates H+-coupled transport of ferrous iron across the apical membrane of enterocytes. In addition, in cells such as to erythroid precursors, following transferrin receptor (TfR) mediated endocytosis; it mediates H+-coupled exit of ferrous iron from endocytic vesicles into the cytosol. Dysfunction of human DMT1 is associated with several pathologies such as iron deficiency anemia hemochromatosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, as well as colorectal cancer and esophageal adenocarcinoma, making DMT1 an attractive target for drug discovery. In the present study, we performed a ligand-based virtual screening of the Princeton database (700,000 commercially available compounds) to search for pharmacophore shape analogs of recently reported DMT1 inhibitors. We discovered a new compound, named pyrimidinone 8, which mediates a reversible linear non-competitive inhibition of human DMT1 (hDMT1) transport activity with a Ki of ∼20 μM. This compound does not affect hDMT1 cell surface expression and shows no dependence on extracellular pH. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence that hDMT1 can be allosterically modulated by pharmacological agents. Pyrimidinone 8 represents a novel versatile tool compound and it may serve as a lead structure for the development of therapeutic compounds for pre-clinical assessment.

Preoperative Planning of Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO)

Pelvic osteotomies improve containment of the femoral head in cases of developmental dysplasia of the hip or in femoroacetabular impingement due to acetabular retroversion. In the evolution of osteotomies, the Ganz Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) is among the complex reorientation osteotomies and allows for complete mobilization of the acetabulum without compromising the integrity of the pelvic ring. For the complex reorientation osteotomies, preoperative planning of the required acetabular correction is an important step, due to the need to comprehend the three-dimensional (3D) relationship between acetabulum and femur. Traditionally, planning was performed using conventional radiographs in different projections, reducing the 3D problem to a two-dimensional one. Known disturbance variables, mainly tilt and rotation of the pelvis make assessment by these means approximate at the most. The advent of modern enhanced computation skills and new imaging techniques gave room for more sophisticated means of preoperative planning. Apart from analysis of acetabular geometry on conventional x-rays by sophisticated software applications, more accurate assessment of coverage and congruency and thus amount of correction necessary can be performed on multiplanar CT images. With further evolution of computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery, especially the ability to generate 3D models from the CT data, examiners were enabled to simulate the in vivo situation in a virtual in vitro setting. Based on this ability, different techniques have been described. They basically all employ virtual definition of an acetabular fragment. Subsequently reorientation can be simulated using either 3D calculation of standard parameters of femoroacetabular morphology, or joint contact pressures, or a combination of both. Other techniques employ patient specific implants, templates or cutting guides to achieve the goal of safe periacetabular osteotomies. This chapter will give an overview of the available techniques for planning of periacetabular osteotomy.

Computer Assisted Diagnosis and Treatment Planning of Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a dynamic conflict of the hip defined by a pathological, early abutment of the proximal femur onto the acetabulum or pelvis. In the past two decades, FAI has received increasing focus in both research and clinical practice as a cause of hip pain and prearthrotic deformity. Anatomical abnormalities such as an aspherical femoral head (cam-type FAI), a focal or general overgrowth of the acetabulum (pincer-type FAI), a high riding greater or lesser trochanter (extra-articular FAI), or abnormal torsion of the femur have been identified as underlying pathomorphologies. Open and arthroscopic treatment options are available to correct the deformity and to allow impingement-free range of motion. In routine practice, diagnosis and treatment planning of FAI is based on clinical examination and conventional imaging modalities such as standard radiography, magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), and computed tomography (CT). Modern software tools allow three-dimensional analysis of the hip joint by extracting pelvic landmarks from two-dimensional antero-posterior pelvic radiographs. An object-oriented cross-platform program (Hip2Norm) has been developed and validated to standardize pelvic rotation and tilt on conventional AP pelvis radiographs. It has been shown that Hip2Norm is an accurate, consistent, reliable and reproducible tool for the correction of selected hip parameters on conventional radiographs. In contrast to conventional imaging modalities, which provide only static visualization, novel computer assisted tools have been developed to allow the dynamic analysis of FAI pathomechanics. In this context, a validated, CT-based software package (HipMotion) has been introduced. HipMotion is based on polygonal three-dimensional models of the patient’s pelvis and femur. The software includes simulation methods for range of motion, collision detection and accurate mapping of impingement areas. A preoperative treatment plan can be created by performing a virtual resection of any mapped impingement zones both on the femoral head-neck junction, as well as the acetabular rim using the same three-dimensional models. The following book chapter provides a summarized description of current computer-assisted tools for the diagnosis and treatment planning of FAI highlighting the possibility for both static and dynamic evaluation, reliability and reproducibility, and its applicability to routine clinical use.

An Exploratory Study of Data Quality Management Practices in the ERP Software Systems Context

Quality data are not only relevant for successful Data Warehousing or Business Intelligence applications; they are also a precondition for efficient and effective use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. ERP professionals in all kinds of businesses are concerned with data quality issues, as a survey, conducted by the Institute of Information Systems at the University of Bern, has shown. This paper demonstrates, by using results of this survey, why data quality problems in modern ERP systems can occur and suggests how ERP researchers and practitioners can handle issues around the quality of data in an ERP software Environment.

A legacy of human-induced ecosystem changes: spatial processes drive the taxonomic and functional diversities of testate amoebae in Sphagnum peatlands of the Galápagos

Aim Our aims were to compare the composition of testate amoeba (TA) communities from Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Archipelago, which are likely in existence only as a result of anthropogenic habitat transformation, with similar naturally occurring communities from northern and southern continental peatlands. Additionally, we aimed at assessing the importance of niche-based and dispersal-based processes in determining community composition and taxonomic and functional diversity. Location The humid highlands of the central island of Santa Cruz, Galápagos Archipelago. Methods We survey the alpha, beta and gamma taxonomic and functional diversities of TA, and the changes in functional traits along a gradient of wet to dry habitats. We compare the TA community composition, abundance and frequency recorded in the insular peatlands with that recorded in continental peatlands of Northern and Southern Hemispheres. We use generalized linear models to determine how environmental conditions influence taxonomic and functional diversity as well as the mean values of functional traits within communities. We finally apply variance partitioning to assess the relative importance of niche- and dispersal-based processes in determining community composition. Results TA communities in Santa Cruz Island were different from their Northern Hemisphere and South American counterparts with most genera considered as characteristic for Northern Hemisphere and South American Sphagnum peatlands missing or very rare in the Galápagos. Functional traits were most correlated with elevation and site topography and alpha functional diversity to the type of material sampled and site topography. Community composition was more strongly correlated with spatial variables than with environmental ones. Main conclusions TA communities of the Sphagnum peatlands of Santa Cruz Island and the mechanisms shaping these communities contrast with Northern Hemisphere and South American peatlands. Soil moisture was not a strong predictor of community composition most likely because rainfall and clouds provide sufficient moisture. Dispersal limitation was more important than environmental filtering because of the isolation of the insular peatlands from continental ones and the young ecological history of these ecosystems.

A qualitative assessment of multi-level nutrition strategies for reducing racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes

The purpose of this study is to examine the stages of program realization of the interventions that the Bronx Health REACH program initiated at various levels to improve nutrition as a means for reducing racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes. This study was based on secondary analyses of qualitative data collected through the Bronx Health REACH Nutrition Project, a project conducted under the auspices of the Institute on Urban Family Health, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Local human subjects' review and approval through the Institute on Urban Family Health was required and obtained in order to conduct the Bronx Health REACH Nutrition Project. ^ The study drew from two theoretical models—Glanz and colleagues' nutrition environments model and Shediac-Rizkallah and Bone's sustainability model. The specific study objectives were two-fold: (1) to categorize each nutrition activity to a specific dimension (i.e. consumer, organizational or community nutrition environment); and (2) to evaluate the stage at which the program has been realized (i.e. development, implementation or sustainability). ^ A case study approach was applied and a constant comparative method was used to analyze the data. Triangulation of data based was also conducted. Qualitative data from this study revealed the following principal findings: (1) communities of color are disproportionately experiencing numerous individual and environmental factors contributing to the disparities in diabetes; (2) multi-level strategies that targeted the individual, organizational and community nutrition environments can appropriately address these contributing factors; (3) the nutrition strategies greatly varied in their ability to appropriately meet criteria for the three program stages; and (4) those nutrition strategies most likely to succeed (a) conveyed consistent and culturally relevant messages, (b) had continued involvement from program staff and partners, (c) were able to adapt over time or setting, (d) had a program champion and a training component, (e) were integrated into partnering organizations, and (f) were perceived to be successful by program staff and partners in their efforts to create individual, organizational and community/policy change. As a result of the criteria-based assessment and qualitative findings, an ecological framework elaborating on Glanz and colleagues model was developed. The qualitative findings and the resulting ecological framework developed from this study will help public health professionals and community leaders to develop and implement sustainable multi-level nutrition strategies for addressing racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes. ^

A review of effective weight loss and/or weight gain prevention for disadvantaged populations

Introduction. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased sharply for both adults and children, particularity in disadvantaged populations. Changes in dietary habits are small; however applying behavior-change principles has been associated with weight loss and preventing weight gain. This article will review studies targeting economically disadvantaged and/or communities of color incorporating the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM).^ Methods. Inclusion criteria were established. Descriptions of characteristics of the reviewed study interventions are included.^ Results. The search yielded a total of 23 articles identified through the electronic database PubMed that included Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) interventions regarding diet and/or nutrition, physical activity and/or exercise in disadvantaged populations. Thirteen study interventions centered solely on diet modification, five focused only on physical activity, and five concentrated on a combination of both. The preponderance of studies targeted WIC and urban recipients.^ Discussion/Conclusion. Although the majority of intervention studies supported the use of the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) for weight loss and preventing weight gain, researchers noted that challenges still exist and further interventions are needed.^

CHARACTERIZATION OF SELECTIVE INHIBITION OF ADENYLYL CYCLASE ACTIVITY BY SMALL MOLECULE INHIBITOR NKY80

The nine membrane-bound isoforms of adenylyl cyclase (AC), via synthesis of the signaling molecule cyclic AMP (cAMP), are involved in many isoform specific physiological functions. Decreasing AC5 activity has been shown to have potential therapeutic benefit, including reduced stress on the heart, pain relief, and attenuation of morphine dependence and withdrawal behaviors. However, AC structure is well conserved, and there are currently no isoform selective AC inhibitors in clinical use. P-site inhibitors inhibit AC directly at the catalytic site, but with an uncompetitive or noncompetitive mechanism. Due to this mechanism and nanomolar potency in cell-free systems, attempts at ligand-based drug design of novel AC inhibitors frequently use P-site inhibitors as a starting template. One small molecule inhibitor designed through this process, NKY80, is described as an AC5 selective inhibitor with low micromolar potency in vitro. P-site inhibitors reveal important ligand binding “pockets” in the AC catalytic site, but specific interactions that give NKY80 selectivity are unclear. Identifying and characterizing unique interactions between NKY80 and AC isoforms would significantly aid the development of isoform selective AC inhibitors. I hypothesized that NKY80’s selective inhibition is conferred by AC isoform specific interactions with the compound within the catalytic site. A structure-based virtual screen of the AC catalytic site was used to identify novel small molecule AC inhibitors. Identified novel inhibitors are isoform selective, supporting the catalytic site as a region capable of more potent isoform selective inhibition. Although NKY80 is touted commercially as an AC5 selective inhibitor, its characterization suggests strong inhibition of both AC5 and the closely related AC6. NKY80 was also virtually docked to AC to determine how NKY80 binds to the catalytic site. My results show a difference between NKY80 binding and the conformation of classic P-site inhibitors. The selectivity and notable differences in NKY80 binding to the AC catalytic site suggest a catalytic subregion more flexible in AC5 and AC6 that can be targeted by selective small molecule inhibitors.