1. |
- Allen, Craig R., et al.
(author)
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Quantifying spatial resilience
- 2016
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In: Journal of Applied Ecology. - : Wiley. - 0021-8901 .- 1365-2664. ; 53:3, s. 625-635
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. Anthropogenic stressors affect the ecosystems upon which humanity relies. In some cases when resilience is exceeded, relatively small linear changes in stressors can cause relatively abrupt and nonlinear changes in ecosystems. 2. Ecological regime shifts occur when resilience is exceeded and ecosystems enter a new local equilibrium that differs in its structure and function from the previous state. Ecological resilience, the amount of disturbance that a system can withstand before it shifts into an alternative stability domain, is an important framework for understanding and managing ecological systems subject to collapse and reorganization. 3. Recently, interest in the influence of spatial characteristics of landscapes on resilience has increased. Understanding how spatial structure and variation in relevant variables in landscapes affects resilience to disturbance will assist with resilience quantification, and with local and regional management. 4. Synthesis and applications. We review the history and current status of spatial resilience in the research literature, expand upon existing literature to develop a more operational definition of spatial resilience, introduce additional elements of a spatial analytical approach to understanding resilience, present a framework for resilience operationalization and provide an overview of critical knowledge and technology gaps that should be addressed for the advancement of spatial resilience theory and its applications to management and conservation.
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2. |
- Bundschuh, Mirco, et al.
(author)
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An ecological and ecotoxicological perspective on fine particulate organic matter in streams
- 2016
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In: Freshwater Biology. - : Wiley. - 0046-5070 .- 1365-2427. ; 61, s. 2063-2074
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) provides a key longitudinal link within stream networks, and is the predominant food source for filter- and deposit-feeding invertebrates, collectively classified as collectors'. Organisms involved in producing and using FPOM are sensitive to chemical and other anthropogenic stressors, but information on such impacts, and on FPOM dynamics in general, is limited. Here, we review information on the ecological role of FPOM in streams, and discuss potential impacts on FPOM dynamics of organic and inorganic chemical stressors, including metals and pesticides. Emphasis is placed on faecal particles produced within the leaf-litter processing chain. Key biological factors controlling the resource quality of FPOM for collectors include the identity of the invertebrates producing FPOM, and the nutritional quality of their food resources. FPOM nutrient content is also strongly influenced by microbial colonisation and activity, and FPOM processing rates are thus likely to be sensitive to the impacts of stressors affecting microbes, including nutrients and antimicrobial chemicals. The potential for FPOM to bind and subsequently transport chemical stressors is high, particularly for hydrophobic compounds, but the extent of such effects and impacts on collectors consuming contaminated particles has attracted only limited attention. Combining concepts and research approaches from ecotoxicology and basic stream ecology would facilitate development of a common integrated framework for understanding the role of FPOM, and assessing anthropogenic impacts on FPOM dynamics in stream networks.
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3. |
- Bundschuh, Mirco
(author)
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Effects of nanoparticles in fresh waters: risks, mechanisms and interactions
- 2016
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In: Freshwater Biology. - : Wiley. - 0046-5070 .- 1365-2427. ; 61, s. 2185-2196
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ecotoxicology is often criticised for its simplistic approach, which does not normally consider the complexity of field conditions. Simple laboratory experiments can still be useful, however, especially for assessing effects of emerging stressors such as nanoparticles, which exhibit fates, exposure profiles and modes of action substantially different from those of traditional chemicals. Here we argue that it is important to understand the potential effects of environmental conditions (e.g. UV radiation, dissolved organic matter, chemical stressors) on the fate and ecotoxicological potential of nanoparticles by using simple and well-controlled experiments, while aiming to mimic realistic environmental conditions as closely as possible. The observation that increasingly complex test systems may yield lower effect thresholds for nanoparticles than standardised tests suggests that current approaches require modification. Specifically, research is encouraged on interactions among trophic levels, community composition and ecosystem and evolutionary processes, so that effects observed in complex environmental settings can be explained mechanistically. We highlight recent discoveries in ecotoxicology and ecology that suggest nanoparticle-induced consequences on evolutionary and ecosystem processes as well as their potential transfer across ecosystem boundaries. These insights may encourage further research on nanoparticle effects informed by ecological theory.
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4. |
- Bundschuh, Mirco
(author)
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Monitoring the Fate and Transformation of Silver Nanoparticles in Natural Waters
- 2016
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In: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0007-4861 .- 1432-0800. ; 97, s. 449-455
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is potential for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to be released into surface waters and thus affect aquatic organisms. However, agglomeration, dissolution, surface modifications and chemical speciation are important transformation processes that control the toxicity of AgNPs. Analytical methods are needed to determine the size distribution, mass and form of AgNPs and other silver species in natural waters. Cloud point extraction, single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) and asymmetric flow field flow fractionation with on-line ICP-MS (AF4-ICP-MS) are analytical techniques that show potential for quantitative analysis of AgNPs in aquatic matrices at environmentally relevant concentrations. In this review, we discuss the fate processes for AgNPs in natural waters and the analytical methods that can be used to determine the distribution of AgNPs and their transformation products.
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5. |
- Bundschuh, Mirco, et al.
(author)
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Resilience in ecotoxicology: Toward a multiple equilibrium concept
- 2017
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In: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. - : Wiley. - 0730-7268 .- 1552-8618. ; 36, s. 2574-2580
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The term resilience describes stress-response patterns across scientific disciplines. In ecology, advances have been made to clearly define resilience based on underlying mechanistic assumptions. Engineering resilience (rebound) is used to describe the ability of organisms to recover from adverse conditions (disturbances), which is termed the rate of recovery. By contrast, the ecological resilience definition considers a systemic change, that is, when ecosystems reorganize into a new regime following disturbance. Under this new regime, structural and functional aspects change considerably relative to the previous regime, without recovery. In this context, resilience is an emergent property of complex systems. In the present study, we argue that both definitions and uses are appropriate in ecotoxicology, and although the differences are subtle, the implications and uses are profoundly different. We discuss resilience concepts in ecotoxicology, where the prevailing view of resilience is engineering resilience from chemical stress. Ecological resilience may also be useful for describing systemic ecological changes because of chemical stress. We present quantitative methods that allow ecotoxicologists and risk managers to assess whether an ecosystem faces an impending regime shift or whether it has already undergone such a shift. We contend that engineering and ecological resilience help to distinguish ecotoxicological responses to chemical stressors mechanistically and thus have implications for theory, policy, and application. (C) 2017 SETAC
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6. |
- Hu, Leland S, et al.
(author)
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Advanced Imaging in the Diagnosis and Response Assessment of High-Grade Glioma : AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review.
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In: American Journal of Roentgenology: diagnostic imaging and related sciences. - 1546-3141.
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This AJR Expert Panel Narrative explores the current status of advanced MRI and PET techniques for the post-therapeutic response assessment of high-grade adult-type gliomas, focusing on ongoing clinical controversies in current practice. Discussed techniques that complement conventional MRI and aid the differentiation of recurrent tumor from post-treatment effects include DWI and diffusion tensor imaging; perfusion MRI techniques including dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC), dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, and arterial spin labeling; MR spectroscopy including assessment of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) concentration; glucose- and amino acid (AA)-based PET; and amide proton transfer imaging. Updated criteria for Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology are presented. Given the abundant supporting clinical evidence, the panel supports a recommendation that routine response assessment after HGG treatment should include perfusion MRI, particularly given the development of a consensus recommended DSC-MRI protocol. Although published studies support 2HG MRS and AA PET, these techniques' widespread adoption will likely require increased availability (for 2HG MRS) or increased insurance funding in the United States (for AA PET). The article concludes with a series of consensus opinions from the author panel, centered on the clinical integration of the advanced imaging techniques into posttreatment surveillance protocols.
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7. |
- Bratman, Gregory N., et al.
(author)
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Nature and mental health : An ecosystem service perspective
- 2019
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In: Science Advances. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 2375-2548. ; 5:7
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A growing body of empirical evidence is revealing the value of nature experience for mental health. With rapid urbanization and declines in human contact with nature globally, crucial decisions must be made about how to preserve and enhance opportunities for nature experience. Here, we first provide points of consensus across the natural, social, and health sciences on the impacts of nature experience on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and other dimensions of mental health. We then show how ecosystem service assessments can be expanded to include mental health, and provide a heuristic, conceptual model for doing so.
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8. |
- Cassens, U., et al.
(author)
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Viral modulation of cell death by inhibition of caspases
- 2003
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In: Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis. - 0004-069X .- 1661-4917. ; 51:1, s. 19-27
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Caspases are key effectors of the apoptotic process. Some of them play important roles in the immune system, being involved in the proteolytic maturation of the key cytokines, including interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-18. The latter directs the production of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). Among pathogens, particularly viruses express various modulators of caspases that inhibit their activity by direct binding. By evading the apoptotic process, viruses can better control their production in the infected cell and avoid the attack of the immune system. Targeting the maturation of the key cytokines involved in the initiation of (antiviral) immune response helps to avoid recognition and eradication by the immune system. The three main classes of caspase inhibitors frequently found among viruses include serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins: CrmA/SPI-2), viral IAPs (vIAPs) and p35. Their molecular mechanisms of action, structures and overall influence on cellular physiology are discussed in the review below.
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9. |
- Clancy, Gunilla, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Changing from petroleum to wood-based materials: critical review of how product sustainability characteristics can be assessed and compared
- 2013
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In: Journal of Cleaner Production. - : Elsevier BV. - 0959-6526 .- 1879-1786. ; 39, s. 372-385
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper reports on a literature survey on available approaches for the assessment of product sustainability, with a specific focus on assessing the replacement of non-renewable petroleum-based materials with renewable wood-based materials in absorbent hygiene products. The results are contrasted to needs in a specific material development project. A diverse number of methods exist that can help in assessing different product sustainability characteristics for parts of or whole product lifecycles. None of the assessment methods found include guidelines for how to make a case-specific interpretation of sustainability and there is a general lack of assessment parameters that can describe considerations in the comparison between the use of wood or petroleum as main raw material. One reason for this is lack of knowledge and/or consensus on how to describe and assess impacts of land and water use, e.g. on ecosystem services, different types of resource depletion and social impacts.
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10. |
- Helena, Vieira, et al.
(author)
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Current and Expected Trends for the Marine Chitin/Chitosan and Collagen Value Chains
- 2023
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In: Marine Drugs. - 1660-3397. ; 21:12
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chitin/chitosan and collagen are two of the most important bioactive compounds, with applications in the pharmaceutical, veterinary, nutraceutical, cosmetic, biomaterials, and other industries. When extracted from non-edible parts of fish and shellfish, by-catches, and invasive species, their use contributes to a more sustainable and circular economy. The present article reviews the scientific knowledge and publication trends along the marine chitin/chitosan and collagen value chains and assesses how researchers, industry players, and end-users can bridge the gap between scientific understanding and industrial applications. Overall, research on chitin/chitosan remains focused on the compound itself rather than its market applications. Still, chitin/chitosan use is expected to increase in food and biomedical applications, while that of collagen is expected to increase in biomedical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications. Sustainable practices, such as the reuse of waste materials, contribute to strengthen both value chains; the identified weaknesses include the lack of studies considering market trends, social sustainability, and profitability, as well as insufficient examination of intellectual property rights. Government regulations, market demand, consumer preferences, technological advancements, environmental challenges, and legal frameworks play significant roles in shaping both value chains. Addressing these factors is crucial for seizing opportunities, fostering sustainability, complying with regulations, and maintaining competitiveness in these constantly evolving value chains.
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