As demand for wood energy rises, it’s vital to understand the environmental impact of various harvest types, considering different best management practices (BMPs) and site conditions, for ...sustainable forest management. This study provides a comparative analysis of postharvest site characteristics between biomass and conventional harvest sites located in the Coastal Plain region of the southeastern US. A total of 30 recently harvest sites (15 each for biomass and conventional) were selected from the Coastal regions of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Erosion rates were estimated using the USLE-Forest method and ground cover was assessed as a percentage of the area covered by bare soil, litter, light slash, heavy slash, and piles. BMP implementation (%) was based on state-specific BMP surveys. The findings show that stream management zones (SMZs) and harvest areas were less prone to soil erosion, while forest roads, skid trails, and stream crossings were more prone to erosion, regardless of the harvest type. Conventional harvest sites had an overall weighted average erosion rate of 0.35 Mg/ha/year, with an average BMP implementation of 92.70 %, while biomass harvest sites had an overall weighted average erosion rate of 0.22 Mg/ha/year, with an average BMP implementation rate of 97.91 %. Average erosion rate (Mg/ha/year) from the harvest area (biomass=0.11, conventional=0.06) and SMZs (biomass=0.05, conventional=0.02) were not significantly different (p>0.05). Conversely, average erosion rate from roads (biomass=4.17, conventional=6.44), skid trails (biomass=2.15, conventional=3.73), decks (biomass=0.39, conventional=0.72), and stream crossings (biomass=1.53, conventional=5.31) were significantly higher in conventional harvest sites (p<0.05). BMP implementation rates for roads (biomass=98.09 %, conventional=93.71 %), stream crossings (biomass=95 %, conventional=71 %), and timber harvest (biomass=96.44 %, conventional=93.33 %) were significantly higher in biomass harvest sites, while waste management BMP (biomass=89.91 %, conventional=100 %) was significantly higher in conventional harvest sites. Regarding ground cover, conventional harvest sites had significantly larger areas covered by light slash, heavy slash, and piles than biomass harvest sites, while biomass harvest sites had significantly larger areas covered by green growth. Our research shows a significant negative correlation between overall BMP implementation and erosion rates (r=-0.67, p=0.0002), as well as site size (r=-0.38 p=0.0400), indicating that larger sites tend to have lower BMP implementation and increased erosion risk. In conclusion, biomass harvest sites in our study did not yield higher erosion rates in comparison to conventional harvest sites, provided that the current BMP recommendations were implemented properly and in adequate amounts. This study emphasizes the importance of site-specific management strategies to mitigate erosion in all harvest sites, irrespective of harvest type used.
•There is no significant difference in erosion rate between biomass and conventional harvest sites.•Conventional harvest sites exhibit a greater coverage of woody debris than biomass harvest sites.•Proper implementation of BMPs at both conventional and biomass harvest sites underscores water quality protection efforts.•A significant negative correlation exists between BMP implementation and erosion rate.
•SUSTAIN was used to assess the benefits of LID-BMPs in a regional scaled area.•Four aggregate LID-BMPs with different treatment train were designed.•After optimization, the study area could meet ...China’s Sponge City control target.•The cost of the aggregate LID-BMPs was analyzed and compared.
To mitigate the effects of urban stormwater runoff, onsite control measures, which are generally termed as best management practices (BMPs), have been widely used. In recent years, low impact development (LID), or a broader term, green infrastructure (GI), has gained worldwide recognition as the preferred control practices to alleviate the effects of urban stormwater runoff. These practices rely mostly on vegetation and media functions for runoff treatment. LID-BMPs have been identified as priority practices in China’s “Sponge City” projects. This study used SUSTAIN as a modelling tool to assess the ecological benefits of aggregate LID-BMPs for stormwater runoff control in Foshan New City, China. The input files for the model included four time series representing the runoff from impervious building roofs, other impervious land surfaces, pervious grass, and other pervious land surfaces, which were generated using precipitation data from the year 2008. The land uses in the study area were reclassified with the greening ratio and building density. Subwatersheds were delineated according to the topology and drainage pipe system. Based on the analysis of the technical information (e.g., design and performance) for selected LID-BMPs, which included rain barrels, green roofs, bioretention, porous pavements, swales, and wet ponds, four different aggregate LID-BMPs were designed. Setting annual flow volume, peak flow rate, and annual pollutant loads of COD, SS, TN, and TP as evaluation factors, the ecological benefits of the four aggregate LID-BMPs were first evaluated for a selected subwatershed. The best aggregate LID-BMPs were then applied to the entire study area. Results showed a 40% reduction in flow volume and over 60% reduction in all the pollutant loads. The optimization module of SUSTAIN was used to determine the least cost for the design of LID-BMPs in the study area that can meet the 60% annual flow volume control target.
Glioblastomas are the most prevalent and lethal primary brain tumor and are comprised of hierarchies with self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) at the apex. Like neural stem cells (NSCs), CSCs ...reside in functional niches that provide essential cues to maintain the cellular hierarchy. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) instruct NSCs to adopt an astrocyte fate and are proposed as anti-CSC therapies to induce differentiation, but, paradoxically, tumors express high levels of BMPs. Here we demonstrate that the BMP antagonist Gremlin1 is specifically expressed by CSCs as protection from endogenous BMPs. Gremlin1 colocalizes with CSCs in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Gremlin1 blocks prodifferentiation effects of BMPs, and overexpression of Gremlin1 in non-CSCs decreases their endogenous BMP signaling to promote stem-like features. Consequently, Gremlin1-overexpressing cells display increased growth and tumor formation abilities. Targeting Gremlin1 in CSCs results in impaired growth and self-renewal. Transcriptional profiling demonstrated that Gremlin1 effects were associated with inhibition of p21(WAF1/CIP1), a key CSC signaling node. This study establishes CSC-derived Gremlin1 as a driving force in maintaining glioblastoma tumor proliferation and glioblastoma hierarchies through the modulation of endogenous prodifferentiation signals.
Adipose tissues, including white, beige, and brown adipose tissue, have evolved to be highly dynamic organs. Adipose tissues undergo profound changes during development and regeneration and readily ...undergo remodeling to meet the demands of an everchanging metabolic landscape. The dynamics are determined by the high plasticity of adipose tissues, which contain various cell types: adipocytes, immune cells, endothelial cells, nerves, and fibroblasts. There are numerous proteins that participate in regulating the plasticity of adipose tissues. Among these, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were initially found to regulate the differentiation of adipocytes, and they are being reported to have pleiotropic functions by emerging studies. Here, in the first half of the article, we summarize the plasticity of adipocytes and macrophages, which are two groups of cells targeted by BMP signaling in adipose tissues. We then review how BMPs regulate the differentiation, death, and lipid metabolism of adipocytes. In addition, the potential role of BMPs in regulating adipose tissue macrophages is considered. Finally, the expression of BMPs in adipose tissues and their metabolic relevance are discussed.
•UAV live-feed surveys were as effective as the conventional survey method.•UAV-live feed surveys were more time-efficient than the conventional survey method.•UAV-created map surveys were less ...effective than the conventional survey method.•Developed a standardized framework for UAV-based monitoring of forestry BMPs.
Compared to undisturbed areas, timber harvest activities, including road construction, skid trails, and stream crossings, exhibit the potential for causing erosion and sedimentation if forestry best management practices (BMPs) are not implemented. Forestry BMP monitoring serves as a tool to evaluate BMP implementation status. Conventional on-the-ground BMP monitoring has contributed substantially to assessing BMP implementation. However, conventional on-the-ground surveys can be time consuming. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been rapidly emerging as a new tool for local-scale monitoring. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and potential of UAVs for monitoring forestry BMPs in the coastal plain of southeastern United States. We compared the performance of UAV-live feed surveys and UAV-created map surveys with conventional on-the-ground surveys across major BMP categories on 30 study sites using BMP guidelines and implementation survey questions from Alabama, Georgia, and Florida for the sites specific to that state (10 sites in each state). The UAV-live feed surveys involved real-time assessments conducted using the live feed function, enabling on-the-spot evaluations. Whereas the UAV-created map surveys entailed autonomous UAV flight to collect imagery specifically for generating maps and facilitating subsequent assessments.
We found that using a UAV for monitoring BMPs efficiently provided an overview of a timber harvest area from above. UAV-live feed surveys were as effective as conventional on-the-ground surveys across all major BMP categories. Specifically, the Cramer's V correlation between the responses from UAV-live feed and conventional on-the-ground surveys for all BMP categories, was 0.95 (p < 0.0001) for detecting implemented BMPs and 0.86 (p < 0.0001) for detecting when BMPs were not implemented but needed to be. UAV-created map survey results vs. conventional on-the-ground surveys were not as effective (V of 0.79 for detecting implemented BMPs and 0.46 for detecting BMPs not implemented but needed). Waste and stream crossing BMP implementation were the most difficult to verify using the map surveys, which was not an issue with the live feed surveys due to the capability to evaluate those BMPs at different camera angles. While UAV-created map surveys may be less effective, they provide an observation record that includes a map of the site. This project also developed a standardized framework for using UAVs to monitor forestry BMPs, including instructions and procedures for conducting UAV-live feed and map surveys. In conclusion, a UAV using the live feed function in the field is a feasible option to monitor forestry BMPs.
This study investigated the anti-remodeling and anti-fibrotic and effect of quercetin (QUR) in the remote non-infarcted of rats after myocardial infarction (MI). Rats were divided as control, ...control + QUR, MI, and MI + QUR. MI was introduced to the rats by ligating the eft anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. All treatments were given for 30 days, daily. QUR persevered the LV hemodynamic parameters and prevented remote myocardium damage and fibrosis. Also, QUR supressed the generation of ROS, increased the nuclear levels of Nrf2, and enhanced SOD and GSH levels in the LVs of the control and MI model rats. It also reduced angiotensin II, nuclear level/activity of the nuclear factor NF-κβ p65, and protein expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and total/phospho-smad3 in the LVs of both groups. Concomitantly, QUR upregulated LV smad7 and BMP7. In conclusion, QUR prevents MI-induced LV remodeling by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibroticα effects mediated by ROS scavenging, suppressing NF-κβ, and stimulating Nrf-2, Smad7, and BMP7.
Tissue engineering and its clinical application, regenerative medicine, are instructing multiple approaches to aid in replacing bone loss after defects caused by trauma or cancer. In such cases, bone ...formation can be guided by engineered biodegradable and nonbiodegradable scaffolds with clearly defined architectural and mechanical properties informed by evidence-based research. With the ever-increasing expansion of bone tissue engineering and the pioneering research conducted to date, preclinical models are becoming a necessity to allow the engineered products to be translated to the clinic. In addition to creating smart bone scaffolds to mitigate bone loss, the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is exploring methods to treat primary and secondary bone malignancies by creating models that mimic the clinical disease manifestation. This Review gives an overview of the preclinical testing in animal models used to evaluate bone regeneration concepts. Immunosuppressed rodent models have shown to be successful in mimicking bone malignancy via the implantation of human-derived cancer cells, whereas large animal models, including pigs, sheep and goats, are being used to provide an insight into bone formation and the effectiveness of scaffolds in induced tibial or femoral defects, providing clinically relevant similarity to human cases. Despite the recent progress, the successful translation of bone regeneration concepts from the bench to the bedside is rooted in the efforts of different research groups to standardise and validate the preclinical models for bone tissue engineering approaches.
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family, are multifunctional cytokines. BMPs have a broad range of functions, and abnormalities in BMP signaling ...pathways are involved in cancer progression. BMPs activate the proliferation of certain cancer cells. Malignant phenotypes of cancer cells, such as increased motility, invasiveness, and stemness, are enhanced by BMPs. Simultaneously, BMPs act on various cellular components and regulate angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment. Thus, BMPs function as pro-tumorigenic factors in various types of cancer. However, similar to TGF-β, which shows both positive and negative effects on tumorigenesis, BMPs also act as tumor suppressors in other types of cancers. In this article, we review important findings published in the recent decade and summarize the pro-oncogenic functions of BMPs and their underlying mechanisms. The current status of BMP-targeted therapies for cancers is also discussed.
Mitigating for the negative impacts of stormwater runoff is becoming a concern due to increased land development. Understanding how land development influences stormwater runoff is essential for ...sustainably managing water resources. In recent years, aggregate low impact development-best management practices (LID-BMPs) have been implemented to reduce the negative impacts of stormwater runoff on receiving water bodies. This study used an integrated approach to determine the influence of land development and assess the ecological benefits of four aggregate LID-BMPs in stormwater runoff from a mixed land use and land cover (LULC) catchment with ongoing land development. It used data from 2011 to 2015 that monitored 41 storm events and monthly LULC, and a Personalized Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM). The four aggregate LID-BMPs are: ecological (S1), utilizing pervious covers (S2), and multi-control (S3) and (S4). These LID-BMPs were designed and distributed in the study area based on catchment characteristics, cost, and effectiveness. PCSWMM was used to simulate the monitored storm events from 2014 (calibration: R2 and NSE>0.5; RMSE <11) and 2015 (validation: R2 and NSE>0.5; RMSE <12). For continuous simulation and analyzing LID-BMPs scenarios, the five-year (2011 to 2015) stormwater runoff data and LULC change patterns (only 2015 for LID-BMPs) were used. Results show that the expansion of bare land and impervious cover, soil alteration, and high amount of precipitation influenced the stormwater runoff variability during different phases of land development. The four aggregate LID-BMPs reduced runoff volume (34%–61%), peak flow (6%–19%), and pollutant concentrations (53%–83%). The results of this study, in addition to supporting local LULC planning and land development activities, also could be applied to input data for empirical modeling, and designing sustainable stormwater management guidelines and monitoring strategies.
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•A long-term monitoring of stormwater runoff and LULC change was implemented.•PCSWMM was used to assess the response of runoff on land development and LID-BMPs.•Land use and rainfall pattern influenced the variability of stormwater runoff.•LID-BMPs help to reduce the negative impacts of land development.•LID-BMPs design depends on site characteristics, needs and community resources.
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