[Responses of radial growth of Larix principis-rupprechtii at different densities to drought events]. / 不同密度华北落叶松径向生长对干旱事件的响应.

In recent years, a surge in drought occurrences has dramatically impacted tree growth worldwide. We examined the ecological resilience of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations with varying densities (1950, 2355, and 2595 trees·hm-2) at the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm, by extracting the increment cores using the standard dendrochronological method to measure individual-tree basal area increments (BAI) as part of our assessment of ecological resilience, including resistance (Rt), recovery (Rc), and resilience (Rs). The results showed that drought events occurred in 2006-2010, 2015, and 2018. The Rt for L. principis-rupprechtii plantations varied from 0.76 to 2.01 across three drought events, indicating generally high resistance, except for the plantation with 2355 trees·hm-2 during the second dry year (Rt=0.69). The Rt for the plantation with 2595 trees·hm-2 significantly decreased across all drought events, while no significant change was observed in the plantations with 1950 and 2355 trees·hm-2. The Rc showed no differences in response to a single drought event across plantation densities, with a significant upward trend for all the densities with each occurrence of drought event. There was no significant difference in the resilience of different densities of L. principis-rupprechtii to the first drought event, whereas the plantation with 2595 trees·hm-2 exhibited significantly lower Rs during the second and third drought events compared with 1950 and 2355 trees·hm-2, respectively. During the 2015 drought event, plantation with 2595 trees·hm-2 experienced a significant growth decline (radial growth change rate was -26.5%), while no such decline was observed in the plantations with 1950 and 2355 trees·hm-2. Overall, the plantation with 2595 trees·hm-2 demonstrated the lowest resilience to drought events.

[Effects of litter thickness on natural regeneration of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations]. / 枯落物厚度对华北落叶松人工林天然更新的影响.

In this study, we explored the thickness influence of undecomposed litter layer and semi-decomposed litter layer on the natural regeneration in an artificial pure forest of Larix principis-rupprechtii in the forest area of Guandi Mountain. We divided the litter into an undecomposed layer and a semi-decomposed layer, which was further divided into eight groups based on the thickness. The results showed that when the thickness of undecomposed layer was 0.32-0.83 cm, and that of semi-decomposed layer was 0.18-0.89 cm, the regeneration index was larger (≥0.15), and the regeneration was better. When the thickness of undecomposed layer was more than 1.1 cm and that of semi-decomposed layer was more than 0.5 cm, the regeneration index was smaller (≤0.07), and the rege-neration of understory was worse. Results of redundancy analysis showed that the undecomposed layer thickness of litter had a high and stable explanatory ability for natural regeneration, with a contribution rate of 38.7%, while the semi-decomposed layer thickness had no significant effect on natural regeneration. Structural equation modeling revealed that the thickness of undecomposed layer of litter increased the mechanical resistance to seed germination which had a negative direct effect on natural regeneration (-0.617), and a positive indirect effect on natural rege-neration by influencing the content of alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen and available phosphorus (+0.178). The combined effects (-0.439) showed an inhibitory effect on the natural regeneration. In conclusion, the thickness of undecomposed layer of litter under L. principis-rupprechtii was most closely related to natural regeneration, and the thickness of semi-decomposed layer had a minimal effect on natural regeneration.

Different drought recovery strategy between Larix spp. and Quercus mongolica in temperate forests.

Forests are experiencing increasingly severe drought stress worldwide. Although most studies have quantified how tree growth was affected by extreme droughts, how trees recover from different drought intensities are still poorly understood for different species. We used a network of tree-ring data comprising 731 Quercus mongolica trees across 29 sites, 312 Larix olgensis Henry trees from 13 sites, and 818 Larix principis-rupprechtii trees from 34 sites, covering most of their distribution range in northern China, to compare the influences of drought intensity on post-drought recovery. The results showed that summer droughts had strong negative influences on tree growth. Post-drought growth varied with drought intensity for the three species. Larix species exhibited strong legacy effects after severe droughts, which is related to the lack of compensatory growth. In contrast, the compensatory growth of Q. mongolica reduced drought legacy effect. However, the compensatory growth of Q. mongolica gradually weaken with increasing drought intensity and disappeared during severe drought. Our findings indicated that influence of drought on Q. mongolica growth mainly shown in drought years, but Larix species suffered from long-term drought legacy effects, implying Q. mongolica rapidly recovered from droughts but Larix species need several years to recover from droughts, thus the two genera have different recovery strategy.

Dynamic Simulation of the Leaf Mass per Area (LMA) in Multilayer Crowns of Young Larix principis-rupprechtii.

Leaf mass per area (LMA) is a key structural parameter that reflects the functional traits of leaves and plays a vital role in simulating the material and energy cycles of plant ecosystems. In this study, vertical whorl-by-whorl sampling of LMA was conducted in a young Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation during the growing season at the Saihanba Forest Farm. The vertical and seasonal variations in LMA were analysed. Subsequently, a predictive model of LMA was constructed. The results revealed that the LMA varied significantly between different crown whorls and growing periods. In the vertical direction of the crown, the LMA decreased with increasing crown depth, but the range of LMA values from the tree top to the bottom was, on average, 30.4 g/m2, which was approximately 2.5 times greater in the fully expanded phase than in the early leaf-expanding phase. During different growing periods, the LMA exhibited an allometric growth trend that increased during the leaf-expanding phase and then tended to stabilize. However, the range of LMA values throughout the growing period was, on average, 40.4 g/m2. Among the univariate models, the leaf dry matter content (LDMC) performed well (adjusted determination coefficient (Ra2) = 0.45, root mean square error (RMSE) = 13.48 g/m2) in estimating the LMA. The correlation between LMA and LDMC significantly differed at different growth stages and at different vertical crown whorls. The dynamic predictive model of LMA constructed with the relative depth in the crown (RDINC) and date of the year (DOY) as independent variables was reliable in both the assessments (Ra2 = 0.68, RMSE = 10.25 g/m2) and the validation (absolute mean error (MAE) = 8.05 g/m2, fit index (FI) = 0.682). Dynamic simulations of crown LMA provide a basis for elucidating the mechanism of crown development and laying the foundation for the construction of an ecological process model.

Salud pública en Ecuador:vacunación obligatoria contra la COVID-19 y certificado de vacunación / Salut pública a l'Equador: vacunació obligatòria contra la COVID-19 i certificat de vacunació / Public health in Ecuador: Mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 and vaccine certificate

La vacuna obligatoria de la COVID-19 y la exigencia del certificado en Ecuador constituyen políticas que dependen de la gobernabilidad y gobernanza del poder central, que arrastra crisis políticas, socioeconómicas, jurídicas, ambientales, de salud y salubridad, de gestiones anteriores y propias. Políticas enmarcadas en un modelo paternalista de salud, que es justificado en el caso de la vacuna obligatoria, por el riesgo y daño del SARS-Cov2, que forzó la autonomía al orden social, y que han generado debate. Existe un 7.8% de la población disidente a la vacuna por razones epistémicas de falta de conocimiento de su funcionamiento, y ético-políticas basadas en la libertad individual, pensamiento, y el alcance de poder del Estado. Las estadísticas demuestran que la mayoría de las personas vacilantes a la inmunización son sujetos colectivos históricamente discriminados como los indígenas Afroecuatorianos y Montubios, que muchos pertenecen a la clase social baja, y habitan en la periferia, que previamente a la pandemia, carecía de infraestructura en salud. Demostrando como las determinantes de la salud influyen, y se conjugan en un complejo biosocial diverso, creando vulnerabilidades y privilegios. La pandemia expone las desigualdades y los problemas del modelo del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Por lo tanto, a través del método dialéctico, el artículo analiza las posiciones opuestas a la inmunización imperativa, y propone una tercera basada en un modelo sindémico de salud, que considera al complejo biosocial, cuyo mínimo normativo son los derechoshumanos, libertad, dignidad y principios bioéticos, principalmente de vulnerabilidad, interdependencia, diversidad cultural, pluralismo y justicia social.(AU)

La vacuna obligatòria de la COVID-19 i l'exigència del certificat a l'Equador constitueixen polítiques que depenen de la governabilitat i governança del poder central, que arrossega crisis polítiques, socioeconòmiques, jurídiques, ambientals, de salut i salubritat, de gestions anteriors i pròpies. Polítiques emmarcades en un model paternalista de salut, que és justificat en el cas de la vacuna obligatòria, pel risc i mal del SARS-Cov2, que va forçar l'autonomia a l'ordre social, i que han generat debat. Existeix un 7.8% de la població dissident a la vacuna per raons epistèmiques de falta de coneixement del seu funcionament, i ètic-polítiques basades en la llibertat individual, pensament, i l'abast de poder de l'Estat. Les estadístiques demostren que la majoria de les persones vacil·lants a la immunització són subjectes col·lectius històricament discriminats com els indígenes Afroequatorians i Montubios, que molts pertanyen a la classe social baixa, i habiten en la perifèria, que prèviament a la pandèmia, mancava d'infraestructura en salut. Demostrant com les determinants de la salut influeixen, i es conjuguen en un complex biosocial divers, creant vulnerabilitats i privilegis. La pandèmia exposa les desigualtats i els problemes del model del Sistema Nacional de Salut. Per tant, a través del mètode dialèctic, l'article analitza les posicions oposades a la immunització imperativa, i proposa una tercera basada en un model sindèmic de salut, que considera al complex biosocial, que el seu mínim normatiu són els drets humans, llibertat, dignitat i principis bioètics, principalment de vulnerabilitat, interdependència, diversitat cultural, pluralisme i justícia social.(AU)

The compulsory COVID-19 vaccine and the requirement of the certificate in Ecuador constitute policies that depend on the governability and governance of the central power, which drags political, socioeconomic, legal, environmental, health, and sanitation crises from previous administrations and its own. Policies framed in a paternalistic health model, which is justified in the case of themandatory vaccine, by the risk and damage of SARS-Cov2, which forced autonomy into the social order, and which have generated debate. There is a 7.8% of the population dissenting to the vaccine for epistemic reasons of lack of knowledge of its functioning, and ethical-political reasons such as individual freedom, religion, thought, and the scope of State`s power. Statistics show that most of the people hesitant to immunization are historically discriminated collective subjects such as Afro-Ecuadorians, andMontubio indigenous people. Most of them belong to the lower social class, and live in the periphery, which prior to the pandemic, lacked health infrastructure. Demonstrating how the determinants of health influence and combine in a diverse biosocial complex, creating vulnerabilities and privileges. The pandemic exposes the inequalities and problems of the paternalistic model of the National Health System. Therefore, through the dialectic method, the article analyzes the positions opposed to imperative immunization, and proposes a third one based on a syndemic model of health, which considers the biosocial complex, whose normative minimum are human rights, freedom, dignity, and bioethical principles, mainly vulnerability, interdependence, cultural diversity, pluralism, and social justice.(AU)

[Responses of radial growth of Larix principis-rupprechtii to abrupt warming]. / 华北落叶松径向生长对升温突变的响应.

To investigate the impacts of abrupt warming on tree growth, we collected tree ring cores from larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii) in three different sites, including Saihanba National Nature Reserve, Pangquangou National Nature Reserve, and Fengning Qiansongba National Forest Park. Based on the tree ring method, Mann-Kendall test was used to examine the occurrence time of temperature rise mutation. We further analyzed the radial growth law of larch before and after the temperature mutation and its correlation with the monthly climate data. The results showed that the sudden temperature rise occurred in the Saihanba area in 1987, the Fengning area in 1989, and the Pangquangou area 1994. Before the sudden warming, there was no significant trend for the radial growth in all the three regions. After the sudden warming, however, it decreased significantly (with a decrease rate of 0.08·10 a-1) in Saihanba area. The radial growth of larch increased significantly in Pangquangou area (with an increase rate of 0.10·10 a-1), while no significant change was observed in the Fengning area. Before the sudden warming, there was a significant positive correlation between the radial growth of larch in the Saihanba area and the highest temperature in May and June. After the sudden warming, there was a significant positive correlation with precipita-tion in July, and a highly significant positive correlation with the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index(SPEI) from September of the previous year to July. Prior to the sudden warming, there was no significant relationship between the radial growth of larch in the Pangquangou area and monthly climate factors. However, after the sudden warming, a significant positive correlation was found with the lowest temperature in September of the pre-vious year. Before the sudden warming, the radial growth of larch in Fengning area was significantly negatively correlated with the lowest average temperature in July. After the sudden warming, it showed a significant negative correlation with the average and highest temperatures in June. Accordingly, the radial growth of larch in the Saihanba area experienced drought stress following a sudden temperature change. If temperature continues to rise in the future, larch in the Fengning area would also face drought stress. Conversely, warming conditions would be beneficial for the radial growth of larch in the Pangquangou area.

Effect of gap size on the regeneration in Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation.

We conducted a survey on seedlings (height <1 m) and saplings (height ≥1 m, diameter at breast height <5 cm) in 20 gaps of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations on Guandi Mountains, Shanxi to analyze regene-ration density, growth indicators, and spatial distribution of L. principis-rupprechtii seedlings and saplings under four gap sizes (<60 m2, 60-120 m2, 120-180 m2, and ≥180 m2). The results showed that growth indicators (ground diameter, height) of seedlings and saplings and regeneration density of seedlings were highest in small gaps (14-60 m2). The sapling regeneration density was highest in medium gaps (60-120 m2), and sapling density exceeded seedling density in each size category. L. principis-rupprechtii seedlings and saplings exhibited favorable regeneration in small and medium gaps, while large gaps (120-180 m2) and extra-large gaps (≥180 m2) were unfavorable for L. principis-rupprechtii regeneration. L. principis-rupprechtii seedlings and saplings were mainly distributed within the canopy projection area and along the edge of canopy gap area. Controlling gap size within the range of 14-120 m2 through artificial interventions, such as planting and thinning, could promote the regeneration of L. principis-rupprechtii.

Differences in ecological resilience of radial growth between Larix principis-rupprechtii and Picea meyeri after drought.

To understand the responses of radial growth to climatic factors and the differences in ecological resilience to drought between a heliophilous species Larix principis-rupprechtii and a shade species Picea meyeri in mixed forests, we developed the tree-ring width chronologies of L. principis-rupprechtii and P. meyeri in three mixed forests based on the samples collected from Toudaogou of Saihanba in Hebei, Ningwu County and Kelan County in Shanxi Province. We analyzed the correlation between climatic factors and various chronologies and examined the differences in resistance (Rc), recovery (Rt), and resilience (Rs) of L. principis-rupprechtii and P. meyeri in response to drought stress. The results showed that the radial growth of L. principis-rupprechtii and P. meyeri was negatively correlated with the mean and maximum air temperature from May to July in three mixed forests, and was positively correlated with the Palmer drought index (PDSI) from May to September. Radial growth decline in trees due to drought stress was significantly different between the two species among the three sites, indicating different physiological and ecological regulation strategies. The resistance of P. meyeri was stronger than that of L. principis-rupprechtii at the three study sites, with stronger resilience and resilient elasticity of L. principis-rupprechtii than P. meyeri. As a result, P. meyeri exhibited greater drought resistance than L. principis-rupprechtii. Under global warming condition, L. principis-rupprechtii might be at greater risk of growth decline than P. meyeri in this region.

Soil Microbial Community, Soil Quality, and Productivity along a Chronosequence of Larix principis-rupprechtii Forests.

Elucidating the correlation between soil microbial communities and forest productivity is the focus of research in the field of forest ecology. Nonetheless, the relationship between stand age, soil quality, soil microorganisms, and their combined influence on productivity is still unclear. In this study, five development stages (14, 25, 31, 39, and >80 years) of larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii) forests were investigated in Inner Mongolia and Shanxi provinces of China. We evaluated soil quality using the Integrated Soil Quality Index (SQI) and analyzed changes in bacterial and fungal communities using high-throughput sequencing. Regression models were also established to examine the impacts of stand age, microbial diversity, and SQI on productivity. The findings revealed an ascending trend in soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available potassium (AK), and SQI in 14, 25, 31, and 39-year-old stands. The abundance of oligotrophic bacteria Acidobacteria exhibited a gradual decline with increasing forest age, whereas copiotroph bacteria Proteobacteria displayed a progressive increase. Stands older than 80 years exhibited a higher abundance of both the saprophytic fungus Ascomycota and mycorrhizal fungus Basidiomycota. Forest age had a significant impact on microbial diversity, particularly in terms of bacterial diversity, impacting both α and ß diversity. The soil bacterial community structure was influenced by AK, SOM, TN, TP, and pH. Conversely, the fungal community structure was regulated by crucial factors including SOM, TN, TP, TK, AK, and pH. Fungal diversity demonstrated a significant and positive correlation with the basal area increment (BAI) of larch. Furthermore, microbial diversity accounted for 23.6% of the variation in BAI. In summary, the findings implied a robust association between microbial composition, diversity, and soil chemical properties throughout the chronosequence of larch forests. These factors collectively played a crucial role in influencing the productivity of larch forest.

O plano de parto como mecanismo de proteção do direito à autodeterminação da mulher em contexto obstétrico em Portugal / El pla de part com a mecanisme de protecció el dret a l'autodeterminació de la dona en context obstètric a Portugal / El plan de parto como mecanismo de proteccion el derecho a la autodeterminación de la mujer en contexto obstétrico en Portugal / The birth plan as a safeguard mechanism the right to self-determination of women in obstetric context in Portugal

A violência obstétrica constitui uma das formas de violência contra a mulhere seusdireitosà saúde, segurança, integridade físicaepsíquica, e, nos casos mais extremos, o direito à própria vida. Abordaremosa violência ocorrida no parto, através de insultos, falta de informação, desrespeito pela autonomia e autodeterminação da mulher e da violação do consentimento informado. A prática de procedimentos médicos como a episiotomia, excesso de medicação, privação de movimentos, manobras de Kristeller,entre outras, são potenciadoras de risco para a saúde e vida do próprio feto/criança. Afirmamos que a violência obstétrica é, em muitos casos, não apenas uma violência contra a mulher, mas também contra a criança. Os casos em que a criança venha a nascer com malformações ou doenças resultantes dos maus-tratos que a mãe sofreu no parto, geram responsabilidade médica. Recorremosa obras e a estudos na área do Direito, Bioética e Saúde Reprodutiva assim como, procedemos à análise exaustiva de diplomas legais internacionais e nacionais. Concluímos que a violência exercida contra a mulher no contexto obstétrico atenta frontalmente contra as leges artis medicinaee constitui uma forma de discriminação de género severa que merece censura legal por parte dosEstados e por parte da própria classe médica. Afirmamosque a episiotomia é atualmente qualificada como uma espécie de mutilação genital feminina, criminalmente punível. Defendemos que o direito a acompanhamento no parto e ao cumprimento do plano de parto elaborado pela mulher ou casal são dois mecanismos essenciais a atenuar ou a eliminar a violência obstétrica.(AU)

La violencia obstétrica es una formade violencia contra las mujeres, vulnerando derechoscomo la salud, seguridad, integridad físicaypsicológica, y, en los casos más extremos, el derecho a la vida.Abordaremos la violencia que se produce en el partoa través de insultos, falta de información, falta de respeto a la autonomía y autodeterminación de la mujer y violación del consentimiento informado. La práctica de procedimientos médicos como la episiotomía, medicación excesiva, privación de movimiento, maniobras de Kristeller, entre otros, son factores potenciales de riesgo para la salud y la vida del feto/niño. Afirmamos que la violencia obstétrica es, en muchos casos, no sólo violencia contra la mujer, sino también contra el niño. Los casos en que el niño nace con malformaciones o enfermedades resultantes del maltrato que la madre sufrió en el parto, generan responsabilidad médica. Recurrimos a trabajos en el área del Derecho, la Bioética y la Salud Reproductivay textos jurídicos internacionales y nacionales. Concluimos que este tipo deviolencia contra la mujer atenta directamente contra las leges artis medicinaey constituye una forma de grave discriminación de género que merece la censura jurídica de los Estados y de la propia profesión médica. Afirmamos que la episiotomía está calificada actualmente como un tipo de mutilación genital femenina, sancionable penalmente. Sostenemos que el derecho a estar acompañada durante el parto y a cumplir con el plan de parto elaborado por la mujer o la pareja son dos mecanismos esenciales para mitigar o eliminar la violencia obstétrica.(AU)

Obstetric violence is a form of violence against women, infringingrights such as health, safety, physical and psychological integrity, and, in the most extreme cases, the right to life. We will address violence during childbirth through insults, lack of information, lack of respect for women's autonomy and self-determination, and violation of informed consent. The practice of medical procedures such as episiotomy, excessive medication, deprivation of movement, Kristeller maneuvers, among others, are potential risk factors forthe health and life of the fetus/child. We affirm that obstetric violence is, in many cases, not only violence against the woman, but also against the child. Cases in which the child is born with malformations or diseases resulting from the mistreatment suffered by the mother during childbirth, generate medical responsibility. We refer to works in the area of Law, Bioethics and Reproductive Health and international and national legal texts. We conclude that this type of violence against women is a direct violation of leges artis medicinaeand constitutes a form of serious gender discrimination that deserves legal censure by States and the medical profession itself. We affirm that episiotomy is currently classified as a type of female genital mutilation, punishable under criminal law. We maintain that the rightto be accompanied during childbirth and to comply with the birth plan drawn up by the woman or partner are two essential mechanisms for mitigating or eliminating obstetric violence.(AU)

[Distribution Pattern of Bacterial Community in Soil Profile of Larix principis-rupprechtii Forest in Luya Mountain].

Microbial communities are the key component to maintaining the structure and function of forest soil ecosystems. The vertical distribution of bacterial communities on the soil profile has an important impact on forest soil carbon pools and soil nutrient cycling. Using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology, we analyzed the characteristics of bacterial communities in the humus layer and 0-80 cm soil layer of Larix principis-rupprechtii in Luya Mountain, China, to explore the driving mechanisms affecting the structure of bacterial communities in soil profiles. The results showed that the α diversity of bacterial communities decreased significantly with increasing soil depth, and community structure differed significantly across soil profiles. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria decreased with increased soil depth, whereas the relative abundance of Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi increased with the increase in soil depth. The results of RDA analysis showed that soil NH+4, TC, TS, WCS, pH, NO-3, and TP were important factors determining the bacterial community structure of the soil profile, among which soil pH had the most significant effect. Molecular ecological network analysis showed that the complexity of bacterial communities in the litter layer and subsurface soil (10-20 cm) was relatively high, whereas the complexity of bacterial communities in deep soil (40-80 cm) was relatively low. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Actinobacteria played important roles in the structure and stability of soil bacterial communities in Larch. The species function prediction of Tax4Fun showed a gradual decline in microbial metabolic capacity along the soil profile. In conclusion, soil bacterial community structure showed a certain distribution pattern along the vertical profile of soil, the community complexity gradually decreased, and the unique bacterial groups of deep soil and surface soil were significantly different.

Effect of thinning intensity on natural regeneration of Larix principis-rupprechtii.

We analyzed the impacts of thinning intensity on the natural regeneration of Larix principis-rupprechtii in Shanxi Pangquangou Nature Reserve, with an experiment of five thinning intensities (5%, 25%, 45%, 65% and 85%). We constructed a structural equation model of thinning intensity-understory habitat-natural regeneration by using correlation analysis. The results showed that the regeneration index of moderate thinning (45%) and intensive thinning (85%) stand land was significantly higher than that of other thinning intensities. The constructed structural equation model had good adaptability. The effects of thinning intensity on each factor were as follows: soil alkali-hydrolyzable (-0.564) > regeneration index (0.548) > soil bulk density (-0.462) > average height of seed tree (-0.348) > herb coverage (-0.343) > soil organic matter (0.173) > undecomposed litter layer thickness (-0.146) > total soil nitrogen (0.110). Thinning intensity had a positive impact on the regeneration index, which was mainly through adjusting height of the seed tree, accelerating litter decomposition, improving soil physical and chemical properties, and thus indirectly promoting the natural regeneration of L. principis-rupprechtii. Tending thinning could effectively improve the survival environment of regeneration seedlings. From the perspective of natural regeneration of L. principis-rupprechtii, moderate thinning (45%) and intensive thinning (85%) were more reasonable in the follow-up forest management.

Distribution patterns and driving mechanism of soil protozoan community at the different depths of Larix principis-chinensis forest in the Luya Mountain, China.

To reveal the assembly mechanisms of soil protozoan community in subalpine forest ecosystems, we analyzed the composition and diversity of protozoan communities and their drivers at the six strata (the litter profile, humus profile, 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-40 cm and 40-80 cm) of soil profiles in subalpine Larix principis-rupprechtii forest in Luya Mountain using Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that protozoa in the soil profiles belonged to 335 genera, 206 families, 114 orders, 57 classes, 21 phyla, and 8 kingdoms. There were five dominant phyla (relative abundance >1%) and 10 dominant families (relative abundance >5%). The α diversity decreased significantly with increasing soil depth. Results of PCoA analysis showed that the spatial composition and structure of protozoan community differed significantly across soil depths. The results of RDA analysis showed that soil pH and soil water content were important factors driving protozoan community structure across soil profile. Null model analysis suggested that the heterogeneous selection dominated the processes of protozoan community assemblage. Molecular ecological network analysis revealed that the complexity of soil proto-zoan communities decreased continuously with increasing depth. These results elucidate the assembly mechanism of soil microbial community in subalpine forest ecosystem.

Responsabilidad civil médica en telemedicina: una propuesta de principios para una lex artis telemédica / Responsabilitat civil mèdica en telemedicina: una proposta de principis per a una lex artis telemèdica / Medical liability in telemedicine: a proposal of principles for a telemedical leges artis

El presente artículo analiza la responsabilidad civil médica atribuible a los profesionales de la salud que intervienen en el proceso de atención a distancia. Con este objeto, se propone un conjunto de principios de los cuales se derivan deberes de cuidado en la telemedicina exigibles a los profesionales de salud y a los prestadores. A partir de los principios de analogía con y complementariedad de la atención presencial, se desarrollan tres categorías de principios especiales para la atención a distancia: principios habilitantes, principios operativos y principios de protección al paciente. Bajo este esquema de principios se especifican deberes de cuidado, distinguiendo aquellos que responden a los riesgos causados por la distancia física de aquellos que surgen de los cambios organizacionales necesarios para este tipo de atención. La aplicación de estos deberes se analiza en tres escenarios de telemedicina: la teleconsulta, la teleinterconsulta y la teleconsultoría. Esta estructura de principios y deberes en la prestación de salud a distancia permite delimitar los alcances de la lex artis para cada escenario específico y, al mismo tiempo, elaborar estrategias regulatorias considerando criterios de necesidad, racionalidad y suficiencia, según los contenidos específicos que caracterizan cada escenario de atención de salud a distancia. (AU)

El present article analitza la responsabilitat civil mèdica atribuïble als professionals de la salut que intervenen en el procés d'atenció a distància. Amb aquest objecte, es proposa un conjunt de principis dels quals es deriven deures de cura en la telemedicina exigibles als professionals de salut i als prestadors. A partir delsprincipis d'analogia amb i complementarietat de l'atenció presencial, es desenvolupen tres categories de principis especials per a l'atenció a distància: principis habilitants, principis operatius i principis de protecció al pacient. Sota aquest esquema de principis s'especifiquen deures de cura, distingint aquells que responen als riscos causats per la distància física d'aquells que sorgeixen dels canvis organitzacionals necessaris per a aquesta mena d'atenció. L'aplicació d'aquests deures s'analitza en tres escenaris de telemedicina: la teleconsulta, la teleinterconsulta i la teleconsultoría. Aquesta estructura de principis i deures en la prestació de salut a distància permet delimitar els abastos de la lex artis per a cada escenari específic i, al mateixtemps, elaborar estratègies reguladores considerant criteris de necessitat, racionalitat i suficiència, segons els continguts específics que caracteritzen cada escenari d'atenció de salut a distància.(AU)

This article analyzes the civil medical liability imputable to health professionals involved at remote healthcare. To this end, a set of principles is proposed from which health professionals and telemedicine providers are required to perform care duties. Based on the principles of analogy with and complementarity of face-to-face healthcare, three categories of special principles for remote healthcare are developed: enabling principles, operational principles, and patient protection principles. Under this scheme of principles, duties of care are specified, distinguishing those that respond to the risks caused by physical distance from those that arise from the organizational changes necessary for this type of healthcare. The application of these duties is analyzed in three telemedicine scenarios: virtual visit, virtual consult and eConsult. This structure of principles and duties in the provision of remote healthcare allows to delimit the scope of leges artis for each specific scenario and, at the same time, to develop regulatory strategies considering criteria of necessity, rationality and sufficiency, according to the specific contents that characterize each scenario of remote healthcare.(AU)

Predicting the growth suitability of Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr based on site index under different climatic scenarios.

Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr (larch) is one of the main afforestation and timber production species used in North China. Climate change has led to a change in its suitable distribution and growth. However, the impact of climate change on its growth suitability is not clear. In this study, using forest resource inventory data and spatially continuous environmental factor data (temperature, precipitation, topography, and soil) in Hebei and Shanxi Provinces, China, the random forest model (RF) was used to simulate the larch site index (SI) and growth suitability under three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) for the current and future (2021-2040, 2041-2060 and 2080-2100). The results revealed that (1) RF had excellent performance in predicting the regional SI (R2 = 0.73, MAE = 0.93 m, RMSE = 1.35 m); (2) the main factors affecting the productivity of larch were the mean temperature of the warmest quarter (BIO10), elevation (ELEV), mean diurnal range (BIO2), and annual precipitation (BIO12); and (3) larch currently had a higher SI in the Bashang areas and in the high-altitude mountains. The areas characterized as unsuitable, poorly suitable, moderately suitable, and highly suitable accounted for 15.45%, 42.12%, 31.94%, and 10.49% of the total area, respectively. (4) Future climate warming had an obvious inhibitory effect on the SI, and the effect strengthened with increasing radiation intensity and year. (5) The moderately suitable and highly suitable areas of larch growth showed a downward trend under future climate scenarios. By the end of this century, the suitable growth areas would decrease by 14.14% under SSP1-2.6, 15.17% under SSP2-4.5, and 19.35% under SSP5-8.5. The results revealed the impact of climate change on larch growth suitability, which can provide a scientific basis for larch forest management.

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In this study, we analyzed the natural regeneration of Larix principis-rupprechtii pure plantations with stand densities of 128, 240, 320, 400, 480, 560, 640 and 720 trees·hm-2 in the Guandi Mountains and its influencing factors. The results showed that the regeneration index first increased and then decreased with the increases of stand density, and that the regeneration performance of stand with medium density (400-560 trees·hm-2) was significantly better than other stands. Light conditions, herbaceous plants and litter of the understory had a dual effect on the regeneration of L. principis-rupprechtii. Excessive light, herbaceous plant cover or over-thick litter was not instrumental to the regeneration. Soil organic matter promoted stand regeneration by providing soft soil texture, adequate water content, low phosphorus but high nitrogen. The effects of the examined factors on the regeneration index were as follows: soil water content (0.798) > total nitrogen (0.621) > litter thickness (-0.597) > soil porosity (0.504) > soil organic matter (0.493) > total phosphorus (-0.404) > transmitted total light (-0.274) > herbaceous plants cover (-0.021). In the plantation management, stand density could be controlled at about 480 trees·hm-2 by thinning or replanting, while litter could be cleared properly to improve soil condition and to promote natural regeneration of L. principis-rupprechtii.

Incorporating stand density effects and regression techniques for stem taper modeling of a Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation.

Stem form is the shape of the trunk, differs among tree species and mainly affected by stand density factor. Accurate taper equations are crucial for estimating the stem diameter, form and tree volume, which is conducive to timber utilization and sustainable forest management and planning. Larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr.) is a valuable afforestation species under large-scale development in North China, but no study on the effect of density on its stem taper has been reported yet. The dataset included 396 analytical trees from 132 standard plots of larch plantation in Saihanba, Hebei Province. Based on 12 different forms of models, we explored the optimal basic equation for plantations and the effects of the stand density, basal area, canopy density and different forms of stand density on the prediction accuracy of the variable-exponent models. The variable-exponent taper equation that includes Sd (stand density) was constructed by using nonlinear regression, a nonlinear mixed effect model and the nonlinear quantile regression method. The results indicate that the Kozak's 2004 variable-exponent taper equation was the best basic model for describing changes in the stem form of larch plantations, and the density factor in the form of S d improved the prediction accuracy of the basic model. Among the three regression methods, the quantile regression method had the highest fitting accuracy, followed by the nonlinear mixed effect model. When the quantile was 0.5, the nonlinear quantile regression model exhibited the best performance which provides a scientific basis for the rational management of larch plantations.

High prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks from wild hedgehogs rather than domestic bovine in Jiangsu province, Eastern China.

Background: Spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR), containing various pathogenic Rickettsia spp., poses remarkable negative influences to public health by causing various severe or mild diseases. Information regarding prevalence of SFGR in ticks in Jiangsu province, Eastern China, is still limited and needs urgent investigations. Methods: Hedgehog- and bovine-attached ticks were collected from Jiangsu province, Eastern China. DNA of individual ticks was extracted for nested polymerase chain reaction amplifications targeting gltA, 16S ribosomal RNA (rrs), ompA, ompB, and sca4 genes following with sequencing. SFGR-specific IgG antibodies in sera of local donators were evaluated using ELISA. Results: Overall, 144 (83.2%) of the 173 ticks from hedgehogs and 2 (1.2%) of the 168 ticks from bovine were positive for one of the three identified Rickettsia spp., with significant difference between the two groups (P = 3.6e-52). Candidatus Rickettsia principis (9; 5.2%) and R. heilongjiangensis (135; 78.0%) were detected in Haemaphysalis flava rather than in H. longicornis ticks from hedgehogs. R. heilongjiangensis (1; 0.6%) and Candidatus R. jingxinensis (or Candidatus R. longicornii) (1; 0.6%) were identified in H. longicornis and Rhipicephalus microplus ticks from bovine, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated Candidatus R. jingxinensis belonged to R. japonica subgroup, whereas Candidatus R. principis belonged to a novel subgroup. Higher serological prevalence of spotted fever and SFGR-specific IgG antibody level in humans were observed around the investigated area than in urban areas, without significant difference. Conclusion: Candidatus R. principis and Candidatus R. jingxinensis were identified in Jiangsu province, Eastern China, and fully genetically characterized for the first time. The higher prevalence of SFGR in hedgehog-attached ticks as well as the higher SFGR-specific IgG antibody level and seropositive rate in humans around the investigated area suggested that more attention should be paid to SFGR. This pathogen is usually transmitted or harbored by wild animals and ticks. This study provides important epidemiological data for both physicians and public health officers in developing early prevention and control strategies against potential Rickettsia infections and in the preparation of suitable testing and treatment needs for rickettsiosis in the endemic areas.

Temporal dynamics of fine root production, mortality and turnover deviate across branch orders in a larch stand.

Fine roots play a key role in carbon, nutrient, and water biogeochemical cycles in forest ecosystems. However, inter-annual dynamics of fine root production, mortality, and turnover on the basis of long-term measurement have been less studied. Here, field scanning rhizotrons were employed for tracking fine root by branch order over a 6 years period in a larch plantation. For total fine roots, from the first- to the fifth-order roots, annual root length production, length mortality, standing crops, and turnover rate varied up to 3.4, 2.3, 1.5, and 2.3-folds during the study period, respectively. The inter-annual variability of those roots indices in the first-order and the second-order roots were greater than that of the higher order (third- to fifth-order) roots. The turnover rate was markedly larger for the first-order roots than for the higher order roots, showing the greatest variability up to 20 times. Seasonal dynamics of root length production followed a general concentrated pattern with peak typically occurring in June or July, whereas root length mortality followed a general bimodal mortality pattern with the dominant peak in May and the secondary peak in August or October. Furthermore, the seasonal patterns of root length production and mortality were similar across years, especially for the first-order and the second-order roots. These results from long-term observation were beneficial for reducing uncertainty of characterizing fine root demography in consideration of large variation among years. Our findings highlight it is important for better understanding of fine root dynamics and determining root demography through distinguishing observation years and root branch orders.

Una referencia valiosa para el uso responsable de los animales en la investigación científica: el documento guía “Principios rectores internacionales para la investigación biomédica con animales CIOMS-ICLAS” / Una referència valuosa per a l'ús responsable dels animalsen la recerca científica: el document guia “Principis rectors internacionals per a la recerca biomèdica amb animals CIOMS-ICLAS / A valuable reference for the responsible use of animals in scientific research: “International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals CIOMS-ICLAS”

El uso de animales en actividades científicas y educativas es un tema de debate en la sociedad, y en la actualidad, estas actividades se evalúan en sus aspectos éticos antes de comenzar. El propósito de este artículo es analizar las International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals desarrollados por el Consejo de Organizaciones Internacionales de Ciencias Médicas y el Consejo Internacional para la Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio, sobre los criterios establecidos como necesarios para determinar el uso responsable de los animales, con el objetivo de armonizar normativas. El documento toma la declaración anterior de las Tres Erres (reemplazo, reducción, refinamiento) de Russell y Burch, y agrega nuevos requisitos. Así, la justificación, el valor científico de los estudios, formas de refinamiento como puntos finales humanitarios, el bienestar animal, el análisis daño-beneficio y actitudes como responsabilidad, respeto e integridad científica, surgen como condiciones necesarias, y se tienen en cuenta las preocupaciones éticas de la sociedad. Las instituciones juegan un papel importante en la capacitación y supervisión de los científicos y en el desarrollo de una cultura de cuidado. Este documento proporciona guías claras y constituye una referencia valiosa cuando se carece de normativas oficiales sobre la protección de los animales utilizados en actividades científicas.(AU)

The use of animals in scientific and educational activitiesis a subject of debate in society, and at present, these activities are evaluated in their ethical aspect before starting. The purpose of this article was to analysethe International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals, developedby the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences and the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science, on the criteria set as necessary to determine the responsible use of animals, aiming to harmonize regulations. The document takes the former Russell and Burch’s statement of the Three Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement), and adds new requirements. Thus, justification, scientific worth of the studies, ways of refinement as humane endpoints, animal welfare, harm-benefit analysis and traits as responsibility, respect and scientific integrity arise as necessary conditions; ethical concerns of society are also considered. Institutions play a major rol in the proficiency and supervision of scientists, and in developing a culture of care. This document provides clear guidelines and constitutes avaluable reference when directives on the protection of animals used in scientific activities are lacking.(AU)

L'ús d'animals en activitats científiques i educatives és un tema de debat en la societat i, en l'actualitat, les implicacions ètiques d’aquestes activitats s'avaluenabans de dur-les a terme. El propòsit d'aquest article és analitzar les International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animalsdesenvolupades pel Consell d'Organitzacions Internacionals de Ciències Mèdiques i el Consell Internacional per a la Ciència dels Animals de Laboratori, sobre els criteris establerts com a necessaris per a determinar l'ús responsable dels animals amb l'objectiu d'harmonitzar normatives. El document pren la declaració anterior de les Tres Erres (reemplaçament, reducció, refinament) de Russell i Burch i agrega nous requisits. Així, la justificació, el valor científic dels estudis, les formes de refinament com a punts finals humanitaris, el benestar animal o l'anàlisi dels danys i beneficis, d’una banda; i actituds com la responsabilitat, el respecte o la integritat científica, d’altra, esdevenen condicions necessàries, atenent a les preocupacions ètiques de la societat. Les institucions juguen un paper important en la capacitació i supervisió dels científics i en el desenvolupament d'una cultura de cura. Aquest document proporciona guies clares i constitueix una referència valuosa, en un context on manca normativa oficial sobre la protecció dels animals utilitzats en activitats científiques.(AU)