How do you successfully engage an audience in a citizen-science project? The processes developed by eBird (www.ebird.org), a fast-growing web-based tool that now gathers millions of bird observations ...per month, offers a model.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Citizen science data are increasingly making valuable contributions to ecological studies. However, many citizen science surveys are also designed to encourage wide participation and therefore the ...participants have a range of natural history expertise, leading to variation and potentially bias in the data.
We assessed a recently proposed measure of observer expertise, calculated based on the average numbers of species recorded by observers. We investigated if this observer expertise score is associated with how often an observer reports any individual species. Species reporting rates increased monotonically with the observer's expertise score for 197 of 200 species, suggesting that this expertise score describes inter‐observer variation in the detectability of individual species.
Expertise scores were incorporated into single‐species occupancy models as a covariate, to explain inter‐observer variation in detectability. Including expertise as a detectability covariate led to improved model fit and improved predictive performance on validation data. The expertise score had a large effect on the estimated detectability, comparable in magnitude to the effect of the duration of the observation period.
Expertise scores were also included into single‐species occupancy models that estimated seasonal patterns in species occupancy and seasonal expertise effects. The addition of a seasonal effect of expertise led to improved model fit and increased predictive performance on validation data. The seasonal expertise accounted for bias that may be introduced by seasonal differences in the effect of expertise, caused by changes in the environment or species behaviour.
Measures of observer expertise included in models as a covariate can account for heterogeneity and bias introduced by variable expertise, although in this example the differences in estimated occupancy were small. This method of incorporating observer expertise can be used in any regression model of species occurrence, occupancy, abundance, or density to produce more reliable ecological inference and may be most important where citizen science schemes encourage wide participation. Overall, the results highlight the value of recording observer identity and other detectability covariates, to control for sources of bias associated with the observation process.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Objective
This study investigates the effects of tracheal stenosis on distal airway pressure during low‐frequency jet ventilation (LFJV) in tracheal stenosis resection procedures, focusing on ...variables like stenosis size, depth, scope type, and inlet pressure.
Methods
A 3D‐printed human airway model was employed, featuring inserted tracheal stenoses of varied sizes and depths. Distal airway pressure was measured with 16 pressure transducers, and data were processed via MATLAB. The study varied stenosis size, depth, scope type, and inlet pressure during five sequential jet bursts under LFJV.
Results
Using a subglottiscope resulted in significantly reduced distal airway pressure compared to a laryngoscope. Interestingly, neither stenosis size nor depth significantly influenced distal airway pressure. However, increased distance between the scope and stenosis raised normalized pressure. A linear rise in normalized distal airway pressure was noted with increased inlet pressure, regardless of stenosis dimensions.
Conclusion
In this model, scope type and inlet pressure were noted to be significant determinants of distal airway pressure, while stenosis size and depth were not. The distance between the scope and the stenosis did influence distal pressures. These findings may have clinical implications for managing airway pressures in patients undergoing LFJV, potentially reducing the risk of ventilator‐induced lung injury.
Level of Evidence
NA (Basic Research) Laryngoscope, 134:2300–2305, 2024
Our study investigates the impact of tracheal stenosis on distal airway pressure during Low‐Frequency Jet Ventilation (LFJV) to minimize the risk of ventilator‐induced lung injury (VILI) in surgical settings. We found a significant reduction in distal airway pressure when using a subglottiscope compared to a laryngoscope, but stenosis size had no significant impact on distal airway pressure. The study also reveals that inlet pressure plays a pivotal role, directly correlating with distal airway pressure irrespective of stenosis size, providing key insights for ventilation management in the presence of tracheal stenosis.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
New technologies are rapidly changing the way we collect, archive, analyze, and share scientific data. For example, over the next several years it is estimated that more than one billion autonomous ...sensors will be deployed over large spatial and temporal scales, and will gather vast quantities of data. Networks of human observers play a major role in gathering scientific data, and whether in astronomy, meteorology, or observations of nature, they continue to contribute significantly. In this paper we present an innovative use of the Internet and information technologies that better enhances the opportunity for citizens to contribute their observations to science and the conservation of bird populations. eBird is building a web-enabled community of bird watchers who collect, manage, and store their observations in a globally accessible unified database. Through its development as a tool that addresses the needs of the birding community, eBird sustains and grows participation. Birders, scientists, and conservationists are using eBird data worldwide to better understand avian biological patterns and the environmental and anthropogenic factors that influence them. Developing and shaping this network over time, eBird has created a near real-time avian data resource producing millions of observations per year.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Phloem loading in source leaves is a key step for carbon partitioning and passive symplastic loading has been proposed for several tree species. However, experimental evidence to prove the potential ...for sucrose diffusion from mesophyll to phloem is rare. Here, we analyzed three tree species (two angiosperms, Fagus sylvatica, Magnolia kobus, and one gymnosperm, Gnetum gnemon) to investigate the proposed phloem loading mechanism. For this purpose, the minor vein structure and the sugar concentrations in phloem sap as well as in the subcellular compartments of mesophyll cells were investigated. The analyzed tree species belong to the open type minor vein subcategory. The sucrose concentration in the cytosol of mesophyll cells ranged between 75 and 165 mM and was almost equal to the vacuolar concentration. Phloem sap could be collected from F. sylvatica and M. kobus and the concentration of sucrose in phloem sap was about five-and 11-fold higher, respectively, than in the cytosol of mesophyll cells. Sugar exudation of cut leaves was decreased by p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid, an inhibitor of sucrose–proton transporter. The results suggest that phloem loading of sucrose in the analyzed tree species involves active steps, and apoplastic phloem loading seems more likely.
Limited knowledge of the distribution, abundance, and habitat associations of migratory species hinders effective conservation actions. We use Neotropical migratory birds as a model group to compare ...approaches to prioritize land conservation needed to support ≥30% of the global abundances of 117 species. Specifically, we compare scenarios from spatial optimization models to achieve conservation targets by: 1) area requirements for conserving >30% abundance of each species for each week of the year independently vs. combined; 2) including vs. ignoring spatial clustering of species abundance; and 3) incorporating vs. avoiding human-dominated landscapes. Solutions integrating information across the year require 56% less area than those integrating weekly abundances, with additional reductions when shared-use landscapes are included. Although incorporating spatial population structure requires more area, geographical representation among priority sites improves substantially. These findings illustrate that globally-sourced citizen science data can elucidate key trade-offs among opportunity costs and spatiotemporal representation of conservation efforts.
Objectives
This study aimed to add to the body of evidence for efficacy of Superior Laryngeal Nerve (SLN) blocks for treatment of neurogenic cough. Efficacy at short‐ and long‐term intervals are ...presented as well as relationships with laryngoscopic findings.
Methods
A retrospective chart review of patients treated with SLN block between 2018 and 2020 was conducted. Patient demographics, videostroboscopic findings, and patient‐subjective perception of outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Cough Severity Index (CSI) scores from pre‐injection, short‐term follow‐up, and long‐term follow‐up were compared.
Results
Twenty patients underwent SLN block in the clinic setting. Four patients were excluded for incomplete records. The indication was neurogenic cough refractory to medical management and/or cough suppression therapy. Patients with short‐term follow‐up (n = 13) had statistically significant decrease in CSI scores, with a mean baseline CSI of 24.3 decreasing to 16.15 (P = .006). Patients with evidence of Vocal Fold Motion/Vibratory Abnormalities (VFA) (n = 8) showed improvement in short‐term CSI scores, with a mean baseline CSI of 24.13 decreasing to 14.5 (P = .004). Those without evidence of VFA did not have statistically significant improvement in short‐term CSI scores. At long‐term follow‐up, patients with VFA had improvements that approached statistical significance with a mean baseline CSI of 22.56 decreasing to 14.56 (P = .057), while patients without VFA showed no improvement.
Conclusions
Our results are consistent with previous literature indicating efficacy of SLN block. The presence of VFA may be an indicator of patients who experience increased therapeutic effect.
Level of Evidence
4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2676–E2680, 2021
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
9.
Convergence of broad-scale migration strategies in terrestrial birds La Sorte, Frank A.; Fink, Daniel; Hochachka, Wesley M. ...
Proceedings - Royal Society. Biological sciences/Proceedings - Royal Society. Biological Sciences,
01/2016, Volume:
283, Issue:
1823
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
Migration is a common strategy used by birds that breed in seasonal environments. Selection for greater migration efficiency is likely to be stronger for terrestrial species whose migration ...strategies require non-stop transoceanic crossings. If multiple species use the same transoceanic flyway, then we expect the migration strategies of these species to converge geographically towards the most optimal solution. We test this by examining population-level migration trajectories within the Western Hemisphere for 118 migratory species using occurrence information from eBird. Geographical convergence of migration strategies was evident within specific terrestrial regions where geomorphological features such as mountains or isthmuses constrained overland migration. Convergence was also evident for transoceanic migrants that crossed the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. Here, annual population-level movements were characterized by clockwise looped trajectories, which resulted in faster but more circuitous journeys in the spring and more direct journeys in the autumn. These findings suggest that the unique constraints and requirements associated with transoceanic migration have promoted the spatial convergence of migration strategies. The combination of seasonal atmospheric and environmental conditions that has facilitated the use of similar broad-scale migration strategies may be especially prone to disruption under climate and land-use change.
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BFBNIB, NMLJ, NUK, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Objectives:
To present a patient with the first case of NTM (nontuberculous mycobacteria) infection of the larynx extending to cervical trachea, and the first case of subglottic stenosis associated ...with an NTM infection.
Methods:
Case report and review of the literature.
Results:
A 68-year-old female with history of prior smoking, gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma, bronchiectasis, and tracheobronchomalacia presented with a 3-month history of shortness of breath, exertional inspiratory stridor, and hoarseness. Flexible laryngoscopy demonstrated ulceration of medial aspect of right vocal fold and subglottic tissue abnormality with crusting and ulceration extending through the upper trachea. Microdirect laryngoscopy with tissue biopsies and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser ablation of disease completed, and intraoperative culture revealed positive Aspergillus and acid-fast bacilli with Mycobacterium abscessus (type of NTM). Patient began antimicrobial treatment of cefoxitin, imipenem, amikacin, azithromycin, clofazimine, and itraconazole. Fourteen months after initial presentation, patient developed subglottic stenosis with limited extension into the proximal trachea prompting CO2 laser incision, balloon dilation, and steroid injection of the subglottic stenosis. Patient remains disease free without further subglottic stenosis.
Conclusion:
Laryngeal NTM infections are exceedingly rare. Failure to consider NTM infection in the differential diagnosis when presented with an ulcerative, exophytic mass in patients with increased risk factors (structural lung disease, Pseudomonas colonization, chronic steroid use, prior NTM positivity) may result in insufficient tissue evaluation, delayed diagnosis, and disease progression.
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NUK, OILJ, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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