Toward spatially polarized human pressure? A dynamic factor analysis of ecological stability and the role of territorial gradients in Czech Republic.

In light of global change, research on ecosystem dynamics and the related environmental policies are increasingly required to face with the inherent polarization in areas with low and high human pressure. Differential levels of human pressure are hypothesized to reflect development paths toward ecological stability of local systems vis à vis socioeconomic resilience. To delineate the latent nexus between socioeconomic development paths and ecological stability of local systems, we proposed a multidimensional, diachronic analysis of 28 indicators of territorial disparities, and ecological stability in 206 homogeneous administrative units of Czech Republic over almost 30 years (1990-2018).

Continuous long-term monitoring of leaching from microplastics into ambient water - A multi-endpoint approach.

Widespread pollution of aquatic environments by microplastics (MPs) is a serious environmental threat. Despite the knowledge of their occurrence and properties rapidly evolving, the potential leaching from MPs remains largely unexplored. In this study, 16 different types of MPs prepared from consumer products were kept in long-term contact with water, while the leachates were continuously analysed.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Flax ( L.) Tolerance to Cadmium: A Case Study of Proteome and Metabolome of Four Different Flax Genotypes.

Cadmium is one of the most toxic heavy metal pollutants, and its accumulation in the soil is harmful to agriculture. Plants have a higher cadmium tolerance than animals, and some species can be used for phytoremediation. Flax ( L.

Intracardiac echocardiography-guided implantation of the Watchman FLX left atrial appendage closure device.

Background: The next-generation Watchman FLX left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device has: (1) an atraumatic closed distal end, (2) reduced height, (3) a recessed screw hub to decrease device-related thrombus (DRT), (4) two rows of J-shape anchors so redeployment is possible after full recapture, and (5) ability to treat a greater size range of LAA ostia.

Objective: To report, for the first time, the feasibility and safety of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-guided Watchman FLX implantation.

Methods: A single-center prospective registry of atrial fibrillation patients planned for LAAC with the FLX device underwent ICE-guided implantation with conscious sedation.

The DESCARTES-Nantes survey of kidney transplant recipients displaying clinical operational tolerance identifies 35 new tolerant patients and 34 almost tolerant patients.

Background: Kidney recipients maintaining a prolonged allograft survival in the absence of immunosuppressive drugs and without evidence of rejection are supposed to be exceptional. The ERA-EDTA-DESCARTES working group together with Nantes University launched a European-wide survey to identify new patients, describe them and estimate their frequency for the first time.

Methods: Seventeen coordinators distributed a questionnaire in 256 transplant centres and 28 countries in order to report as many 'operationally tolerant' patients (TOL; defined as having a serum creatinine <1.