Modelos de distribución de especies y estado de conservación de murciélagos amenazados en la región tumbesina de Ecuador y Perú / Species distribution models and conservation status of threatened bats in the Tumbesian region of Ecuador and Perú

Resumen Introducción: La biodiversidad se está perdiendo a un ritmo acelerado como resultado del cambio global. Herramientas como los modelos de distribución de especies (MDEs) han sido ampliamente usados para mejorar el conocimiento sobre el estado de conservación de las especies y ayudar a desarrollar estrategias de gestión para mitigar la pérdida de biodiversidad. Objetivo: Determinar cómo la distribución potencial predicha por los MDEs para ocho especies de murciélagos amenazados difiere de los mapas de distribución reportados por la UICN. También, inferir el área de distribución y estado de endemismo de cada especie, y evaluar la importancia de la región tumbesina para su conservación. Métodos: Basados en registros de presencia del rango global de las especies, usamos MDEs para evaluar el estado de conservación de estas ocho especies en la región tumbesina de Ecuador y Perú. Resultados: Las áreas estimadas por los MDEs eran 35-78 % más pequeñas para cuatro especies (Eptesicus innoxius, Lophostoma occidentale, Platalina genovensium y Lonchophylla hesperia) y 26-1 600 % más grandes para tres especies (Amorphochilus schnablii, Promops davisoni y Rhogeessa velilla) que aquellas reportadas por la UICN. Para Tomopeas ravus, el área estimada por el MDE y la UICN fue similar, pero difirió en la distribución espacial. Los MDEs coincidieron con áreas de endemismo informadas por autores previos para E. innoxius, R. velilla y T. ravus, pero fueron diferentes para A. schnablii, P. genovensium, P. davisoni y L. hesperia, debido en parte a las distribuciones proyectadas para estas últimas especies en valles secos interandinos según los MDEs. Conclusiones: La región tumbesina representa una porción significativa (40-96 %) de la distribución predicha de siete de las ocho especies estudiadas, subrayando la importancia de esta región para la conservación de murciélagos. Nuestros resultados muestran las probables distribuciones para estas especies y proporcionan una base importante para identificar vacíos de investigación y desarrollar medidas de conservación para murciélagos amenazados en el punto caliente de biodiversidad de Tumbes.

Abstract Introduction: Biodiversity is being lost at an accelerating rate because of global change. Tools such as species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely used to improve knowledge about species' conservation status and help develop management strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss. SDMs are especially important for species with restricted distributions, such as endemic species. Objective: To determine how potential distribution predicted by SDMs for eight threatened bat species differed from the distribution maps reported by the IUCN. Also, to infer the area of distribution and state of endemism of each specie, and to evaluate the importance of the Tumbesian region for their conservation. Methods: Based on presence records across the species' entire ranges, we used SDMs to assess the conservation status of these eight species in the Tumbesian region of Ecuador and Peru. Results: The areas estimated by SDMs were 35-78 % smaller for four species (Eptesicus innoxius, Lophostoma occidentale, Platalina genovensium and Lonchophylla hesperia) and 26-1 600 % larger for three species (Amorphochilus schnablii, Promops davisoni and Rhogeessa velilla) than those reported by the IUCN. For Tomopeas ravus, the area estimated by the SDM and IUCN was similar but differed in spatial distribution. SDMs coincided with areas of endemism reported by previous authors for E. innoxius, R. velilla, and T. ravus, but were different for A. schnablii, P. genovensium, P. davisoni, and L. hesperia, due in part to projected distributions for these latter species in dry inter-Andean valleys according to the SDMs. Conclusions: The Tumbesian region represents a significant portion (40-96 %) of the predicted distribution of seven of the eight species studied, underscoring the importance of this region for bat conservation. Our results show likely distributions for these species and provide an important basis for identifying research gaps and developing conservation measures for threatened bats in the Tumbes biodiversity hotspot.

Brain Tumor Anatomy with Tractography Fluorescence and Confocal Endoscopy.

Tractography fluorescence and confocal endomicroscopy are complementary technologies to targeted tumor resection, and it is certain that as our technology for fluorescent probes continues to evolve, the confocal microscope will continue to be refined. Recent work suggests that intraoperative high-resolution augmented reality endomicroscopy, a real-time alternative to invasive biopsy and histopathology, has the potential to better quantify tumor burden at the final stages of surgery and ultimately to improve patient outcomes when combined with wide-field imaging approaches. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate the clinical benefits of these new technologies for brain tumor patients.

Transoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Awake Glioma Surgery: Experience in a Latin American Tertiary-Level Center.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the usefulness, efficacy, and safety of transoperative magnetic resonance imaging (tMRI) in glioma surgery in awake patients. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center, analytical study of a cohort of patients who underwent awake surgery for gliomas by the same surgeon in a third-level Argentine center, in the period between 2012 and 2022. Only patients with pathology-confirmed gliomas, with 6-month follow-up, who had preoperative and postoperative volumetric magnetic resonance imaging, were included in this sample. Subsequently, we analyzed which patients received surgery with the tMRI protocol and the results using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were included. A tMRI study was performed on 22 (31%) of these patients. The use of tMRI increased the percentage of resection by 20% (P = 0.03), thereby increasing the possibility of gross total resection. However, using tMRI significantly extended surgical time by 84 minutes (P < 0.001). In 55% of the patients in whom tMRI was performed, the resection was continued after it. The use of tMRI did not increase the rate of infections or the development of surgically associated neurological deficits in the long term, despite the fact that 47% of the patients showed the development of a new deficit or worsening of a previous one during the intraoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of tMRI in awake glioma surgery proved to be a safe tool that contributes to increasing the degree of tumor resection, compared to the use of neurophysiological mapping and neuronavigation, at the expense of increased surgical times and costs. We consider tMRI in awake glioma surgery should be used in properly selected cases.

Pain prevalence and chronicity in a developing country in Latin America: a population-based survey in Lima, Peru.

Background: No population-based epidemiological studies have estimated pain prevalence and its characteristics in Peru. Patients & methods: A representative sample of adults aged over 18 years (n = 502) living in metropolitan Lima, Peru was enrolled. We analyzed prevalence data of pain in the last 3 months and other pain-related characteristics. Results: Pain prevalence was 65.3% (95% CI: 57.7-70.4%). Chronic pain prevalence was 38.5% (95% CI: 33.5-44.0%) and acute pain prevalence was 24.8% (95% CI: 20.7-29.0%). In participants with chronic pain, almost half (55.7%) reported having not used any medication. Conclusion: Pain is prevalent in this population and our results suggest high undertreatment rates.

Although pain is a very important health problem, little is known in Peru about how many people it affects and what its characteristics are. This study aimed to determine the frequency of pain and other related characteristics such as type and location. A sample of inhabitants of metropolitan Lima were surveyed in their homes and were asked about their pain experience in the last 3 months. We found that about seven out of ten had experienced pain in the last 3 months. More than one-third of the participants had pain that lasted more than 3 months (chronic pain). Nearly one-half of the participants with chronic pain had not used any medication to manage their pain. In conclusion, pain is prevalent in the Peruvian population and the results suggest that a large proportion of these people did not receive adequate medical treatment.

Socioeconomic development and ecological traits as predictors of human-bird conflicts.

Because of the significant impacts on both human interests and bird conservation, it is imperative to identify patterns and anticipate drivers of human-bird conflicts (HBCs) worldwide. Through a global systematic review, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we analyzed the socioeconomic factors and bird ecological traits driving the degree of knowledge and extent of HBCs. We included 166 articles published from 1971 to 2020 in our analyses through which we built a profile of the socioeconomic conditions of 52 countries with reported conflicts and the ecological traits of the 161 bird species involved in HBCs. Although HBC expanded worldwide, it had the greatest impact in less-developed countries (estimate 0. 66 [SE 0.13], p< 0.05), where agriculture is critical for rural livelihoods. Species with a relatively greater conflict extent had a relatively broader diet (estimate 0.80 [SE 0.22], p<0.05) and an increasing population trend (estimate 0.58 [SE 0.15], p<0.05) and affected human interests, such as agriculture and livestock raising. In countries with greater biodiversity, HBCs caused greater socioeconomic impacts than in more developed countries. Our results highlight the importance of understanding and addressing HBCs from multiple perspectives (ecological, sociocultural, and political) to effectively protect both biodiversity and local livelihoods.

El desarrollo socioeconómico y las características ecológicas como pronosticadores de los conflictos entre aves y humanos Resumen Debido a los impactos significativos sobre los intereses humanos y la conservación de las aves, es imperativo identificar patrones y anticiparse a las causas de los conflictos humano-aves (CHA) a nivel mundial. Por medio de una revisión sistemática, siguiendo los lineamientos de PRISMA 2020, analizamos los factores socioeconómicos y las características ecológicas de las aves que impulsan el grado de conocimiento y la extensión de los CHA. Incluimos 166 artículos publicados desde 1971 hasta 2020 en nuestros análisis, con los cuales construimos un perfil de las condiciones socioeconómicas de 52 países con reportes de conflictos y de las características ecológicas de 161 especies de aves involucradas en los CHA. Aunque los CHA se expandieron mundialmente, tuvieron un mayor impacto en los países menos desarrollados (estimado 0. 66 [ES 0.13], p< 0.05), en donde la agricultura es crítica para el sustento rural. Las especies con una extensión de conflicto relativamente más larga también contaban con una dieta más amplia (estimado 0.80 [ES 0.22], p<0.05) y una tendencia poblacional en aumento (estimado 0.58 [ES 0.15], p<0.05), lo que afectó los intereses humanos, como la agricultura y la cría de ganado. En los países con mayor biodiversidad, los CHA ocasionaron impactos socioeconómicos mayores que en los países más desarrollados. Nuestros resultados resaltan la importancia de abordar y entender los CHA desde múltiples perspectivas (ecológica, sociocultural, política) para proteger de manera efectiva tanto a la biodiversidad como a los sustentos locales.

Wetland hydropattern and vegetation greenness predict avian populations in Palo Verde, Costa Rica.

Many wetlands around the world that occur at the base of watersheds are under threat from land-use change, hydrological alteration, nutrient pollution, and invasive species. A relevant measure of whether the ecological character of these ecosystems has changed is the species diversity of wetland-dependent waterbirds, especially those of conservation value. Here, we evaluate the potential mechanisms controlling variability over time and space in avian species diversity of the wetlands in the Palo Verde National Park, a Ramsar Site of international importance in Costa Rica. To do so, we assessed the relative importance of several key wetland condition metrics (i.e., surface water depth, wetland extent, and vegetation greenness), and temporal fluctuations in these metrics, in predicting the abundance of five waterbirds of high conservation value as well as overall waterbird diversity over a 9-yr period. Generalized additive models revealed that mean NDVI, an indicator of vegetation greenness, combined with a metric used to evaluate temporal fluctuations in the wetland extent best predicted four of the five waterbird species of high conservation value as well as overall waterbird species richness and diversity. Black-bellied Whistling-ducks, which account for over one-half of all waterbird individuals, and all waterbird species together were better predicted by including surface water depth along with wetland extent and its fluctuations. Our calibrated species distribution model confidently quantified monthly averages of the predicted total waterbird abundances in seven of the 10 sub-wetlands making up the Ramsar Site and confirmed that the biophysical diversity of this entire wetland system is important to supporting waterbird populations both as a seasonal refuge and more permanently. This work further suggests that optimizing the timing and location of ongoing efforts to reduce invasive vegetation cover may be key to avian conservation by increasing waterbird habitat.

Extent of resection in diffuse low-grade gliomas and the role of tumor molecular signature-a systematic review of the literature.

There is a lack of class I evidence concerning the impact of surgery in the treatment of diffuse low-grade glioma; the early maximal resection with preservation of eloquent brain areas has been accepted as the first therapeutic option. We performed a systematic review of the literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and protocol. Inclusion criteria: only case series with at least 100 patients containing supratentorial hemispheric diffuse low-grade glioma (according to any of the WHO classification used in papers published between 2000 to 2019), with pre- and postoperative MRI study were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses. The extent of resection should be defined based on MRI at least in two categories and correlated with patients' outcomes (with univariate or multivariate analyses) using overall survival (OS) or malignant progression-free survival (MPFS). A total of 18 series with 4386 patients, published in 20 papers, were included in this systematic review. All the series that evaluates the relation between the extent of resection (EOR) and OS showed a statistically significant improvement of OS at univariate and/or multivariate analyzes with a greater EOR. Six studies showed a statistically significant improvement of MPFS with a greater EOR. We demonstrate that when a more rigorous analysis of EOR is performed, a benefit of a more aggressive resection on OS and MPFS is observed. Our review about EOR in different molecular groups of DLGG also suggests a benefit of maximum safe resection for all different subtypes, even though "radical surgery" may be associated with better OS and MPFS in tumors with a more aggressive signature.

Prognostic impact of anatomical extent of metastatic lymph node on gastric cancer: a propensity score matching study.

PURPOSE: Current gastric cancer staging systems overlook the anatomic extent of metastatic lymph nodes (AEMLNs). This study aimed to analyze the prognostic impact of AEMLNs on gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: GC patients with metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) undergoing curative surgery were retrospectively reviewed and assigned to perigastric (MLNs in station 1-6, PG) and extraperigastric group (7-12, with or without MLNs in PG area, EPG). Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence patterns were compared before and after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: 662 patients were enrolled, 341 (51.5%) and 321 (48.5%) of whom were in the PG and EPG, respectively. After PSM (n = 195), EPG showed poorer 5-year OS (43.4% vs 54.5%, p = 0.014) and DFS (65.0% vs 73.4%, p = 0.068) than PG. EPG had higher incidence of peritoneal recurrence (PR) than PG (19.4% vs 7.4%, p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis identified AEMLNs as prognostic factor for OS [HR = 1.409, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.062-1.868), DFS (HR = 1.600, 95% CI 1.059-2.416) and PR (HR = 3.708, 95% CI 1.685-8.160). CONCLUSIONS: The anatomic extent of metastatic lymph nodes has an independent prognostic role for GC. Including this element may improve the accuracy of current staging systems.

Assessing extinction risk from geographic distribution data in Neotropical freshwater fishes

The IUCN Red List (RL) provides high-quality conservation assessments for individual species, yet the rate and scale of environmental deterioration globally challenges the conservation community to develop expedited methods for risk assessment. Here we compare threat assessments for 3,001 species of Neotropical freshwater fishes (NFF) in the IUCN-RL using readily accessible data types as proxies for extinction risk: geographic range, elevation, and species publication date. Furthermore, using geographic and taxonomic data alone, we generated preliminary conservation assessments for 2,334 NFF species currently awaiting IUCN assessment, identifying an additional 671 NFF species as potentially threatened. This number of potentially threatened species represents an increase of 59% over the number of species currently assigned to threat categories by the IUCN-RL. These results substantially expand the number of threatened NFF species from 422 currently on the IUCN RL to 1,093 species as threatened or potentially threatened, representing about 18% of all NFF species. Extinction risk is greater in species with smaller geographic ranges, which inhabit upland rivers, and which were described more recently. We propose the Central and Southern Andes, and Eastern Guiana Shield as priorities in the upcoming IUCN RL assessment of NFF species conservation risk.(AU)

A Lista Vermelha (IUCN) fornece avaliações precisas sobre status de conservação das espécies, porém a taxa e escala de deterioração ambiental desafia a comunidade conservacionista a desenvolver métodos rápidos para avaliações de riscos de extinção. Aqui, comparamos as avaliações da IUCN para 3.001 espécies de peixes dulcícolas neotropicais com dados facilmente acessíveis de risco de extinção: extensão de ocorrências, altitude e data de publicação das espécies. Além disso, usando apenas dados geográficos e taxonômicos, geramos avaliações preliminares de conservação para 2.334 espécies de peixes neotropicais aguardando avaliação da IUCN, e identificamos 671 espécies adicionais como potencialmente ameaçadas. Este número de espécies potencialmente ameaçadas representa um aumento de 59% em relação aquelas classificadas nas categorias de ameaça pela IUCN. Estes resultados expandem o número de espécies ameaçadas segundo a IUCN de 422 para 1.093 espécies ameaçadas ou potencialmente ameaçadas, representando cerca de 18% das espécies de peixes neotropicais. O risco de extinção é maior para espécies com distribuições geográficas restritas, que habitam rios de terras altas e que foram descritas mais recentemente. Sugerimos a região Central e Meridional do Andes e o Escudo das Guianas Orientais como prioridades para as próximas avaliações da IUCN sobre a conservação das espécies de peixes dulcícolas neotropicais.(AU)

Assessing extinction risk from geographic distribution data in Neotropical freshwater fishes

The IUCN Red List (RL) provides high-quality conservation assessments for individual species, yet the rate and scale of environmental deterioration globally challenges the conservation community to develop expedited methods for risk assessment. Here we compare threat assessments for 3,001 species of Neotropical freshwater fishes (NFF) in the IUCN-RL using readily accessible data types as proxies for extinction risk: geographic range, elevation, and species publication date. Furthermore, using geographic and taxonomic data alone, we generated preliminary conservation assessments for 2,334 NFF species currently awaiting IUCN assessment, identifying an additional 671 NFF species as potentially threatened. This number of potentially threatened species represents an increase of 59% over the number of species currently assigned to threat categories by the IUCN-RL. These results substantially expand the number of threatened NFF species from 422 currently on the IUCN RL to 1,093 species as threatened or potentially threatened, representing about 18% of all NFF species. Extinction risk is greater in species with smaller geographic ranges, which inhabit upland rivers, and which were described more recently. We propose the Central and Southern Andes, and Eastern Guiana Shield as priorities in the upcoming IUCN RL assessment of NFF species conservation risk.(AU)

A Lista Vermelha (IUCN) fornece avaliações precisas sobre status de conservação das espécies, porém a taxa e escala de deterioração ambiental desafia a comunidade conservacionista a desenvolver métodos rápidos para avaliações de riscos de extinção. Aqui, comparamos as avaliações da IUCN para 3.001 espécies de peixes dulcícolas neotropicais com dados facilmente acessíveis de risco de extinção: extensão de ocorrências, altitude e data de publicação das espécies. Além disso, usando apenas dados geográficos e taxonômicos, geramos avaliações preliminares de conservação para 2.334 espécies de peixes neotropicais aguardando avaliação da IUCN, e identificamos 671 espécies adicionais como potencialmente ameaçadas. Este número de espécies potencialmente ameaçadas representa um aumento de 59% em relação aquelas classificadas nas categorias de ameaça pela IUCN. Estes resultados expandem o número de espécies ameaçadas segundo a IUCN de 422 para 1.093 espécies ameaçadas ou potencialmente ameaçadas, representando cerca de 18% das espécies de peixes neotropicais. O risco de extinção é maior para espécies com distribuições geográficas restritas, que habitam rios de terras altas e que foram descritas mais recentemente. Sugerimos a região Central e Meridional do Andes e o Escudo das Guianas Orientais como prioridades para as próximas avaliações da IUCN sobre a conservação das espécies de peixes dulcícolas neotropicais.(AU)

Nutritional Quality of Hidden Food and Beverage Advertising Directed to Children: Extent and Nature of Product Placement in Mexican Television Programs.

(1) Background: Nutrient-poor, energy-dense food and beverage (F&B) advertisements influence children's food preferences, consumption, and purchase requests, contributing to overweight and obesity. Objective: To characterize the nutritional quality of F&B advertised by product placement (PP) in Mexican television programs with the highest audience ratings for children. (2) Methods: A total of 48 h of television programs between December 2016 and January 2017 during the hours with the highest ratings for children were analyzed. Nutritional quality was assessed through the Mexican Ministry of Health (MMH-NPM), the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO-Europe), and the Pan American Health Organization nutrient profile models (PAHO-NPM). (3) Results: A total of 119 F&B were broadcast, of which more than 60% were unhealthy according to the three nutritional models. Reality shows and movies presented the most PP advertising. The food category most frequently advertised was sugar-sweetened beverages (41.2%). F&B advertised in children's programs had a higher content of energy, total fat, and saturated fat (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusion: The MMH-NPM was the most permissive and the PAHO-NPM was the strictest for evaluating nutritional quality. Mexico must strengthen the regulation of advertising to protect children from its negative effects on health.

Dataset on application of electrochemical and photochemical processes for sulfacetamide antibiotic elimination in water.

Sulfonamide-class antibiotics are recognized as water pollutants, which have negative environmental impacts. A strategy to deal with sulfonamides is throughout the application of oxidation processes. This work presents the treatment of the sulfacetamide (SAM) antibiotic by electrochemical oxidation, UV-C/H2O2 and photo-Fenton process. It was established the main degradation routes during each process action. A DFT computational analysis for SAM structure was done and mass spectra of primary transformation products were determined. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) were also followed. Additionally, SAM treatment in simulated seawater and hospital wastewater was measured. These data can be useful for comparative purposes about degradation of sulfonamide-class antibiotics by electrochemical and advanced oxidation processes.

Projected impact of global warming on the distribution of two pocket mouse species with implications on the conservation of Heteromys nelsoni (Rodentia: Heteromyidae)

Introduction: Understanding how species respond to climate change is critical for implementing conservation strategies. Objective: We explain through potential distributions and changes in altitudinal variation, the possible impacts of climate change in an endangered micro-endemic rodent of Mexico with narrow altitudinal range, Heteromys nelsoni and a rodent with a wide distributional and altitudinal range, Heteromys goldmani. Methods: We obtained historical and current records of both Heteromys species. Potential distribution models were generated using Maxent, including altitudes for each species and bioclimatic layers. We determined the Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy for H. nelsoni according to the criteria of the IUCN in order to generate information about its risk status. Results: The altitude is not a variable that determines a shift in the distribution caused by climate change. In contrast, the temperature and precipitation are important for the potential distribution of both Heteromys species. The future changes in climatic conditions could reduce the area of suitable habitat for both species. Conclusions: The distribution surface is not greater than 33.44 km2 for H. nelsoni. Therefore, is urgent to re-evaluate their conservation status by the IUCN, mainly in its B criterion, and to take specific actions for their conservation. We suggest the creation of a terrestrial protected area.

Introducción: El entendimiento de cómo las especies responden al cambio climático es crítico para la implementación de estrategias de conservación. Objetivo: Explicar a través de distribuciones potenciales y cambios en la variación altitudinal, los posibles impactos del cambio climático en un roedor micro endémico de México, en peligro de extinción y con un rango altitudinal estrecho, Heteromys nelsoni y un roedor con una amplia distribución y rango altitudinal, Heteromys goldmani. Metodología: Obtuvimos registros históricos y actuales de ambas especies. Los modelos de distribución potencial se generaron utilizando Maxent, incluyendo altitudes y capas bioclimáticas. Determinamos la extensión de su presencia y el área de ocupación para H. nelsoni según los criterios de la IUCN, para generar información sobre su estado de riesgo. Resultados: La altitud no es una variable que determina un cambio en la distribución causada por el cambio climático. En contraste, la temperatura y precipitación son importantes para la distribución potencial de ambas especies de Heteromys. Los análisis sugieren que los cambios futuros en las condiciones climáticas podrían reducir el área de hábitat adecuado para ambas especies. Conclusión: La superficie de distribución de H. nelsoni no es mayor a 33.44 km2. Es urgente reevaluar su estado de conservación de la UICN, principalmente en su criterio B y tomar medidas específicas para su conservación. Sugerimos la creación de un área terrestre protegida.

Nature representation in South American protected areas: country contrasts and conservation priorities.

BACKGROUND: South America faces strong environmental pressures as a result of agriculture and infrastructure expansion and also of demographic growth, demanding immediate action to preserve natural assets by establishing protected areas. Currently, 7.1% of the (sub)continent is under strict conservation categories (I to IV, IUCN), but the spatial distribution of these 1.3 × 106 km2 is poorly understood. We evaluated the representation of nature within the networks of protected areas, map conservation priorities and assess demographic, economic or geopolitical causes of existing protection patterns. METHODS: We characterized nature representation by looking at two components: the extent and the equality of protection. The first refers to the fraction of territory under protection, while the second refers to the homogeneity in the distribution along natural conditions of this protected fraction. We characterized natural conditions by either 113 biogeographical units (specifically, ecoregions) or a series of limited and significant climatic, topographic and edaphic traits. We analyzed representation every ten years since 1960 at national and continental levels. In the physical approach, histograms allowed us to map the degree of conservation priorities. Finally, we ranked the importance of different economic or geopolitical variables driving the observed distributions with a random forest technique. RESULTS: Nature representation varied across countries in spite of its priority in conservation agendas. In Brazil, Peru and Argentina there are still natural conditions with no formal protection, while in Bolivia and Venezuela, protected areas incorporate the natural diversity in a more balanced manner. As protected networks have increased their extent, so did their equality across and within countries over time. Our maps revealed as top continental priorities the southern temperate, subhumid and fertile lowland environments, and other country-specific areas. Protection extent was generally driven by a low population density and isolation, while other variables like distance to frontiers, were relevant only locally (e.g., in Argentina). DISCUSSION: Our description of the spatial distribution of protected areas can help societies and governments to improve the allocation of conservation efforts. We identified the main limitations that future conservation efforts will face, as protection was generally driven by the opportunities provided by low population density and isolation. From a methodological perspective, the physical approach reveals new properties of protection and provides tools to explore nature representation at different spatial, temporal and conceptual levels, complementing the traditional ones based on biodiversity or biogeographical attributes.

Extracapsular invasion: A potential prognostic marker for Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to integrate available data published in the literature on extracapsular invasion in cases of CXPA that correlated findings with the prognosis of analysed patients. METHODS: An electronic search was carried out at the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Collaboration Library databases. Articles that assessed the relationship between extracapsular invasion and survival of patients diagnosed with CXPA were selected for the systematic review. Quality assessment was performed, in duplicate, for each eligible study by independent reviewers who used the operationalized prognostic biomarker reporting the REMARK guidelines. RESULTS: Eight published articles met all the inclusion criteria and were selected. Extracapsular invasion was evaluated in all selected studies and was correlated with clinical and pathological parameters. Recurrence and death due to the neoplastic process became a frequent finding in cases of tumours with extracapsular invasion >1.5 mm, being an important cut-off point in the prognostic analysis of cases diagnosed as CXPA. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrates the importance of evaluating extracapsular invasion in cases diagnosed as CXPA, considering that tumours with invasion >1.5 mm, regardless of histopathological subtype, are associated with a worse prognosis. It is important to analyse the extracapsular invasion, especially as an auxiliary method to assess the prognosis of cases diagnosed in the initial clinical stages, thus identifying the possible biological behaviour of the neoplastic process and guiding the most appropriate patient management.

Updated distribution maps for neotropical bats in the superfamily Noctilionoidea.

The IUCN provides a spatial database for many species, including terrestrial mammals. This database includes shapefiles with taxonomic information and the extent of occurrence for each species, and has been used in hundreds of studies in ecology, biogeography and conservation. Here we provide updated distribution maps that comprise the extent of occurrence of the neotropical bat species in the superfamily Noctilionoidea (Mammalia: Chiroptera) after a thorough research of new records published between January 2008 and March 2018. The main motivation for this update was the inclusion of spatial and climatic variables in explaining the ecological and taxonomic diversity of noctilionoid bats. The core of the superfamily (246 species distributed in five families out of 250 species) occurs in the Neotropics and shows ecological diversity unparalleled among mammals. This clade also shows the only evolutionary shift towards higher speciation rates within the order Chiroptera. Updating the range maps for these bats resulted in the modification of maps of 94 species, and the creation of new maps for 37 species missing from the IUCN database. From the 94 modified maps, 55 species increased their latitudinal range and 38 increased their longitudinal range. These modifications did not change the overall extent of occurrence of the clade. Altogether, modified and new maps represent 53% of Noctilionoidea. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper.

Indications of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Intraoperative MRI in Glioma Surgery: First Cases in Latin America in a Single Reference Center

Introduction The improvement on the extent of resection (EOR) of gliomas with the combination of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) has been demonstrated in previous studies. We present our results with the combined use of 5-ALA and (iMRI) in the surgery of glial lesions. Methods A total of 64 cases of patients with intracranial gliomas who underwent image-guided surgery using 5-ALA with and without (iMRI) were reviewed. All patients underwent an early postoperative MRI to evaluate the EOR. Other intra-operative techniques (awake surgery, electrophysiological stimulation and monitoring) were also performed according to the location of the tumor. Results A total of 18 tumors did not show intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence (according to the World Health Organization [WHO] classification of tumors, 2 WHO-grade I, 14 WHOgrade II, 1 WHO-grade III and 1 WHO-grade IV), and 46 tumors showed intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence (3 WHO-grade II, 3 WHO-grade III, 40 WHO-grade IV). In 28 of the 46 5-ALA positive cases, a safe 5-ALA free resection was achieved. In the 5-ALA negative cases, the (iMRI) findings guided the EOR, and complete resection was achieved in 11 cases. Complete resection was opted out in gliomas infiltrating eloquent areas. Conclusions The combined use of 5-ALA and IMRI showed improved results in glioma surgery, offering the safest maximal EOR. In the 5-ALA positive cases (mostly highgrade), fluorescence was a more useful tool. In the 5- ALA negative cases (mostly lowgrade), the (iMRI) was decisive to guide the EOR of the tumor.

Introdução Em estudos anteriores, foi demonstrado um aperfeiçoamento na extensão da resecção (EDR) de gliomas com a combinação de ácido 5-aminolevulínico (5-ALA) e a imagem de ressonância magnética intraoperatória (iRM). Nossos resultados são apresentados com o uso combinado de 5-ALA e (iRM) para a cirurgia de lesões gliais. Métodos Foram revisados 64 casos de gliomas intracranianos submetidos a cirurgia guiada por imagem por meio do uso de 5-ALA, com ou sem RMI. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a ressonância magnética (RM) pré-operatória para a avaliação da EDR do tumor. Outras técnicas intraoperatórias (cirurgia acordado, estimulação eletrofisiológica e monitoração) também foram realizadas segundo a localização do tumor. Resultados Um total de 18 tumores não apresentaram fluorescência com o 5-ALA (segundo a classificação de tumores da Organização Mundial de Saúde [OMS], 2 com grau OMS I, 14 com grau II, 1 com grau III e 1 com grau IV) e 46 tumores foram fluorescentes (3 com grau II, 3 com grau III, 40 com grau IV). Dos 46 casos positivos para 5-ALA, em 28 foi obtida uma ressecção segura e livre. Nos casos negativos para 5-ALA, os achados da (iRM) orientaram a EDR, e alcançou-se ressecção total em 11 casos. A ressecção total foi descartada em gliomas com infiltração em áreas eloquentes. Conclusões O uso combinado de 5-ALA e (iRM) mostrou melhores resultados na cirurgia de gliomas, oferecendo uma EDR de segurança máxima. Nos casos positivos para 5-ALA (a maioria de grau alto), a fluorescência mostrou-se um instrumento mais útil. Nos casos negativos para 5-ALA (a maioria de grau baixo), a RMI foi decisiva para orientar a EDR tumoral.

A new distribution range of Ateles chamek (Humboldt 1812) in an ecotone of three biomes in the Paraguay River Basin.

Historical records of Ateles chamek (black-faced black spider monkey) suggest that the species range extends further south of the known species distribution, within an ecotonal region between the Amazonia, Cerrado and Pantanal biomes in Brazil. Ecotones are zones of habitat transition with high species richness that remain undersampled as conservationists often prioritize biodiversity hotspots. Thus, distribution ranges may be inaccurately measured when species occur in ecotonal zones. We report the first precise records of A. chamek in 24 new localities surveyed in the ecotonal zone of the Upper Paraguay River Basin, and we present subgroup encounter rates in the 11 largest patches (>70 ha) along 207 km of the line transects surveyed. The new records represent an expansion of the distribution of A. chamek approximately 200 km to the south, increasing the known extent of its occurrence by 10.8%. Local tributaries may not be barriers for spider monkeys, which are able to swim and cross slow-moving rivers. However, the dry forests of the Cerrado and the flooded areas of the Pantanal, formed by grassland and scarce trees, may be habitat barriers for A. chamek. The populations living in this ecotonal zone are relatively abundant (1.1-6.67 subgroup sightings/10 km) compared to the heavily hunted continuous forests of northern Amazonia. Furthermore, these values are similar to those for other Ateles spp. inhabiting forests with low or no hunting pressure. We highlight the need for specific conservation action to protect the spider monkeys living in these landscapes, which are threatened by agriculture expansion.

Responses of insect herbivores and herbivory to habitat fragmentation: a hierarchical meta-analysis.

Loss and fragmentation of natural habitats can lead to alterations of plant-animal interactions and ecosystems functioning. Insect herbivory, an important antagonistic interaction is expected to be influenced by habitat fragmentation through direct negative effects on herbivore community richness and indirect positive effects due to losses of natural enemies. Plant community changes with habitat fragmentation added to the indirect effects but with little predictable impact. Here, we evaluated habitat fragmentation effects on both herbivory and herbivore diversity, using novel hierarchical meta-analyses. Across 89 studies, we found a negative effect of habitat fragmentation on abundance and species richness of herbivores, but only a non-significant trend on herbivory. Reduced area and increased isolation of remaining fragments yielded the strongest effect on abundance and species richness, while specialist herbivores were the most vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. These fragmentation effects were more pronounced in studies with large spatial extent. The strong reduction in herbivore diversity, but not herbivory, indicates how important common generalist species can be in maintaining herbivory as a major ecosystem process.

Contrasting Patterns in Solitary and Eusocial Bees While Responding to Landscape Features in the Brazilian Cerrado: a Multiscaled Perspective.

Landscape structure is an important determinant of biological fluxes and species composition, but species do not respond equally to landscape features or spatial extents. Evaluating "multi-scale" responses of species to landscape structure is an important framework to be considered, allowing insights about habitat requirements for different groups. We evaluated the response of Brazilian Cerrado's bees (eusocial vs. solitary ones) to both the amount and isolation of remnant vegetation in eight nested multiple-local scales. Response variables included abundance, observed, and estimated species richness, and beta diversity (split into nestedness and turnover resultant dissimilarities). Eusocial species' abundance responded to landscape structure at narrow scales of fragment isolation (250 m of radius from sampling sites), while solitary species' abundance responded to broader scales to fragment area (2000 m). Eusocial species nestedness also responded to landscape features in broader scales (1500 m), especially to increasing fragment isolation. However, all the remaining response variables did not respond to any other landscape variables in any spatial scale considered. Such contrasting responses of the abundances of eusocial vs. solitary species are related to the inherent life-history traits of each group. Important attributes in this context are different requirements on food resources, population features, and flight abilities. Species-specific dispersal abilities may be the main determinants of the nested patterns found for eusocial species at 1500 m. Considering these results, we suggest that different bee groups are considered separately in further landscape analyses, especially in other Brazilian biomes, for a better understanding of landscape effects on these organisms.