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This is the full dataset that supports the findings of the following publication: van de Vijsel, R.C., van Belzen, J., Bouma, T.J., van der Wal, D., Borsje, B.W., Temmerman, S., Cornacchia, L., Gourgue, O., van de Koppel, J. Vegetation controls on channel network complexity in coastal wetlands. Nature Communications 14, 7158 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42731-3. The goal of this publication is to study how vegetation affects tidal channel network formation in tidal marshes. This dataset therefore contains: i) model scripts and results of a new numerical model (SFERE) for vegetation effects on tidal network formation; 2) aerial photographs of real-world tidal channel networks for comparison with modelled networks; 3) digital terrain models of real-world tidal marsh networks for comparison with modelled networks. The README-file explains the exact contents of this dataset. The SFERE model itself can also be found via GitHub (https://github.com/RCvandeVijsel/SFERE) and Zenodo (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8428792).

Introduction: A peripheral rim of globules represents a marker of the horizontal growth phase in ABSTRACT nevi and is a common feature in children and adolescents. The observation of melanocytic lesions with peripheral globules (MLPGs) in adulthood deserves more attention, since melanoma may exhibit this feature, albeit rarely. Risk-stratified management recommendations considering a global clinical approach are still missing. Objectives: To analyze current knowledge on MLPGs and propose an integrated management algorithm stratified for age groups. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of current published data on MLPGs, analyzing clinical dermoscopic and confocal distinguishing features of melanoma from benign nevi. Results: The risk of finding a melanoma when removing an MLPG increases with age, especially in people >55 years old, and is significantly higher in the extremities, head/neck and in case of a single asymmetrical lesion, ≥6 mm in diameter. Dermoscopic features associated with melanoma diagnosis include atypical peripheral globules, asymmetrical distribution, multiple rims as well as the reappearance of globules after prior loss. In addition, wide blue-grey regression areas, atypical networks, eccentric blotches, tan structureless peripheral areas and vascularization are atypical dermoscopic features. Confocal worrisome findings are represented by pagetoid cells within the epidermis, architectural disarrangement and atypical cells of the dermo-epidermal junction with irregular peripheral nests. Conclusion: We proposed a multi-step age-stratified management algorithm integrating clinical, dermoscopic and confocal findings that may increase the early recognition of melanoma and avoid surgical excision of benign nevi.

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Recently, 5-fluorouracil 0.5%/salicylic acid 10% (5-FU/SA) topical solution has been included in the National Italian portfolio for lesion-directed treatment of grade I/II actinic keratosis (AKs) located on the face or scalp. To describe the utility of dermoscopy and RCM in treatment response monitoring of a series of AKs treated with 5-FU/SA as lesion-directed therapy. Consecutive patients were prospectively treated for a maximum of 12 weeks with 5-FU/SA for AKs located on the face or scalp. Clinical, dermoscopic, and confocal images of one index AK were acquired at each visit and pre-specified criteria were evaluated. Clinical, dermoscopic, and confocal responses were evaluated at last follow-up visit. Fourteen patients were enrolled, of which five were treated for 12 weeks, seven for 8, and two for 4 weeks. At a median follow up of 30 weeks, 64.3% (9/14) index AKs achieved complete clinical, 50% (7/14) complete dermoscopic and 42.9% (6/14) complete confocal clearance. Local skin reaction was mild and significantly decreased during therapy administration. Although the small number of cases, our study underlines the utility of both dermoscopy and in-vivo RCM in 5-FU/SA treatment response monitoring for AKs located on the face or scalp.

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The threat of sea level rise causes many countries to spend time and money on coastal protection. One such protective measure is the de-embankment of former saltmarshes, in order to restore them to functional ecosystems with creeks and vegetation. However, during the time of embankment, these areas were often under agricultural management that turned the land into crop-fields or pastures. The difference in land-use might have had lasting effects on the soil, which could in turn affect the vegetation growth and diversity. This paper contains an overview of observed and possible ways in which the soil properties of formerly embanked saltmarshes affect vegetation growth and diversity. Soil compaction caused by heavy tillage machinery or cattle trampling cannot only make it harder for roots and shoots to penetrate the soil, but it also negatively affects creek formation and drainage of the marsh, which is detrimental to vegetation diversity. This is exacerbated by a low topographic heterogeneity that hinders creek formation. Original research shows that the heterogeneity usually does not increase over time but instead seems to deteriorate. In addition, soil compaction leads to a low marsh surface elevation, which further impedes biodiversity. Excessive fertilizer use before de-embankment might also influence vegetation growth and diversity, as it can lead to high nutrient environments which could favor certain species and induce algal proliferation. Lastly, it may cause the soil of higher elevations to become more acidic. The severity of these factors is likely different pertaining to zonation on the marsh: where the lower marsh elevations likely deal more with factors relating to drainage, higher elevations could be more affected by penetration resistance, high nutrient concentrations and acidification.

The continuous improvement of life expectancy of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has resulted in increased risk of second primary malignancy that potentially may affect survival and quality of life of CLL patients. We performed a systematic review to assess the risk and the clinical-pathological features and prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in patients with CLL. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials databases for articles published from database inception to December 31, 2019. English-language studies reporting original data on patients with a specific diagnosis of CLL and cSCC were included. Data were extracted using a standardized extraction form, and any discordance was resolved by consensus. Descriptive data were generated by pooling patients from eligible studies. Of the 4588 non-duplicate records identified, 55 articles met our inclusion criteria. These studies reported that CLL patients have a 3.2% prevalence of cSCC, with an 11.5% cSCC-related lethality and an overall risk of metastasis of 5.7% (7.3% for regional lymph node involvement and 3.8% for distant metastasis). The quality of evidence was limited by the high heterogeneity in the design, populations, and objectives of the included studies. This systematic review suggests that cSCC in CLL patients tends to behave less aggressively compared with the solid organ transplant recipients but has a higher morbidity and mortality than in the general population. Future prospective studies are needed to increase the quality of evidence and to determine the best treatment modalities and screening intervals for these patients.

Global climate change is expected to impact hydrodynamic conditions in stream ecosystems. There is limited understanding of how stream ecosystems interact and possibly adapt to novel hydrodynamic conditions. Combining mathematical modelling with field data, we demonstrate that bio-physical feedback between plant growth and flow redistribution triggers spatial self-organization of in-channel vegetation that buffers for changed hydrological conditions. The interplay of vegetation growth and hydrodynamics results in a spatial separation of the stream into densely vegetated, low-flow zones divided by unvegetated channels of higher flow velocities. This self-organization process decouples both local flow velocities and water levels from the forcing effect of changing stream discharge. Field data from two lowland, baseflow-dominated streams support model predictions and highlight two important stream-level emergent properties: vegetation controls flow conveyance in fast-flowing channels throughout the annual growth cycle, and this buffering of discharge variations maintains water depths and wetted habitat for the stream community. Our results provide important evidence of how plant-driven self-organization allows stream ecosystems to adapt to changing hydrological conditions, maintaining suitable hydrodynamic conditions to support high biodiversity.

Background: No large studies have defined the best treatment of actinic cheilitis. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to define the best therapies for actinic cheilitis in clinical response and recurrences. Results: We first identified 444 papers, and 49 were finally considered, including 789 patients and 843 treated areas. The following therapies were recorded in order of frequency: laser therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronic acid, PDT + 5% imiquimod, aminolevulinic acid–laser or methyl-aminolevulinic acid–laser, 5% imiquimod, fluorouracil, partial surgery, 0.015% ingenol mebutate, 50% trichloroacetic acid, and laser + PDT. Concerning the primary outcome, complete clinical response was achieved in 76.5% of patients, and 10.2% had clinical recurrences. Partial surgery and laser therapy showed the highest complete response rates (14 of 14 [100%] and 244 of 260 [93.8%], respectively) with low recurrences. Only a limited number of patients were treated with other therapies, with the exception of PDT, with 68.9% complete responses and 12.6% of recurrences. Interestingly, when combined with 5% imiquimod, the efficacy of PDT was significantly enhanced. Limitations: Heterogeneity across studies. Conclusion: Laser therapy appears the best option among nonsurgical approaches for actinic cheilitis, and PDT showed higher efficacy when sequentially combined with 5% imiquimod. Larger studies are needed to confirm these data.

Facilitation (enhancement of propagule retention in this case) is increasingly recognized as an important driver of biodiversity, but it is still unknown if facilitation during dispersal and colonization is affected by self-organized spatial pattern formation. We investigated the ability of in-stream submerged macrophyte patches to trap the vegetative propagules of three species (Berula erecta, Groenlandia densa, Elodea nuttallii in two size classes: 13–22 and 40–48 cm long), and to potentially benefit the colonization of these three species. We tested the effects of propagule traits, hydrodynamic forcing, and spatial patch configuration on propagule trapping. Propagule buoyancy was negatively correlated with trapping chance, while propagule size did not influence trapping. Species-specific differences in buoyancy were maintained for weeks after fragmentation. Propagule retention was interactive and conditional upon the interplay between incoming flow velocities and vegetation spatial patterning. In the flume experiment at low flows, a patchy configuration (one patch filling 66% of the flume width) retained more surface-drifting propagules (B. erecta, G. densa), than near-homogeneous cover (two patches close together, filling the entire flume width). In contrast, retention of sinking E. nuttallii propagules increased in the two-patch configurations. In flume and field releases where patches did not completely fill the channel width, water flowed around the patches rather than over or through them. This resulted in low-flow velocity areas within patches where canopies were upright and propagules were retained, and higher velocity flows around patches. In contrast, when vegetation filled the channel width, water could not be diverted laterally around the patches and preferentially flowed over them, causing the canopies to bend and reduce their trapping capacity. In flume experiments at high flows, retention of all species decreased

Interactions between biological and physical processes, so‐called bio‐physical feedbacks, are important for landscape evolution. While these feedbacks have been quantified for isolated patches of vegetation in aquatic ecosystems, we still lack knowledge of how the location of one patch affects the occurrence of others. To test for patterns in the spatial distribution of vegetation patches in streams, we first measured the distance between Callitriche platycarpa patches using aerial images. Then, we measured the effects of varying patch separation distance on flow velocity, turbulence, and drag on plants in a field manipulation experiment. Lastly, we investigated whether these patterns of patch alignment developed over time following locations of reduced hydrodynamic forces, using 2‐yr field observations of the temporal patch dynamics of Ranunculus penicillatus in a lowland chalk stream. Our results suggest that vegetation patches in streams organize themselves in V‐like shapes to reduce drag forces, creating an optimal configuration that decreases hydrodynamic forces and may therefore encourage patch growth. Downstream patches are more frequently found at the rear and slightly overlapping the upstream patch, in locations that are partially sheltered by the established upstream vegetation while ensuring exposure to incoming flow (important for nutrient availability). Observations of macrophyte patch dynamics over time indicated that neighboring patches tend to grow in a slightly angled line, producing a spatial pattern resembling the V‐formation in migratory birds. These findings point to the general role of bio‐physical interactions in shaping how organisms align themselves spatially to aerodynamic and hydrodynamic flows at a range of scales.

Many landscapes are characterized by a patchy, rather than homogeneous, distribution of vegetation. Often this patchiness is composed of single‐species patches with contrasting traits, interacting with each other. To date, it is unknown whether patches of different species affect each other's uptake of resources by altering hydrodynamic conditions, and how this depends on their spatial patch configuration. Patches of two contrasting aquatic macrophyte species (i.e., dense canopy‐forming Callitriche and sparse canopy‐forming Groenlandia) were grown together in a racetrack flume and placed in different patch configurations. We measured 15NH4+ uptake rates and hydrodynamic properties along the centerline and the lateral edge of both patches. When the species with a taller, denser canopy (Callitriche) was located upstream of the shorter, sparser species (Groenlandia), it generated turbulence in its wake that enhanced nutrient uptake for the sparser Groenlandia. At the same time, Callitriche benefited from being located at a leading edge where it was exposed to higher mean velocity, as its canopy was too dense for turbulence to penetrate from upstream. Consistent with this, we found that ammonium uptake rates depended on turbulence level for the sparse Groenlandia and on mean flow velocity for the dense Callitriche, but Total Kinetic Energy was the best descriptor of uptake rates for both species. By influencing turbulence, macrophyte species interact with each other through facilitation of resource uptake. Hence, heterogeneity due to multispecific spatial patchiness has crucial implications for both species interactions and aquatic ecosystem functions, such as nitrogen retention.

Salt marshes are important coastal areas that consist of a vegetated intertidal marsh platform and a drainage network of tidal channels. How salt marshes and their drainage networks develop is not fully understood, but it has been shown that the biogeomorphic interactions and feedbacks between vegetation development and channel formation play an important role. We examined the relationships among tidal channel sinuosity, marsh elevation and roughness, vegetation type (pioneer, Elymus athericus or Phragmites australis) and patch size at different spatial scales using a high‐resolution vegetation map (derived from aerial photography) and lower‐resolution satellite imagery processed with linear spectral mixture analysis (LSMA). The patch size distribution in all vegetation types corresponded to a power law, suggesting the presence of self‐organizational processes. While small vegetation patches are more dominant in pioneer vegetation, they were present in all vegetation types. The largest patch size is restricted to E. athericus. We observed an inverse logarithmic relationship between channel sinuosity and vegetation patch size in all vegetation types. The fact that this relationship is observed in both pioneer and later successional stages suggests that after the establishment of a drainage network in the dynamic pioneer stages of salt marsh development, the later stages of salt marsh succession largely inherit the meandering pattern of the early successional stages. Our study confirms recent evidence that no significant changes in the specific features of tidal channel networks (e.g., channel width, drainage density and efficiency) take place during the later stages of salt marsh development.

Spatial heterogeneity plays a crucial role in the coexistence of species. Despite recognition of the importance of self‐organization in creating environmental heterogeneity in otherwise uniform landscapes, the effects of such self‐organized pattern formation in promoting coexistence through facilitation are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of pattern formation on species interactions and community spatial structure in ecosystems with limited underlying environmental heterogeneity, using self‐organized patchiness of the aquatic macrophyte Callitriche platycarpa in streams as a model system. Our theoretical model predicted that pattern formation in aquatic vegetation – due to feedback interactions between plant growth, water flow and sedimentation processes – could promote species coexistence, by creating heterogeneous flow conditions inside and around the plant patches. The spatial plant patterns predicted by our model agreed with field observations at the reach scale in naturally vegetated rivers, where we found a significant spatial aggregation of two macrophyte species around C. platycarpa. Field transplantation experiments showed that C. platycarpa had a positive effect on the growth of both beneficiary species, and the intensity of this facilitative effect was correlated with the heterogeneous hydrodynamic conditions created within and around C. platycarpa patches. Our results emphasize the importance of self‐organized patchiness in promoting species coexistence by creating a landscape of facilitation, where new niches and facilitative effects arise in different locations. Understanding the interplay between competition and facilitation is therefore essential for successful management of biodiversity in many ecosystems.

Lo scritto approfondisce la nuova fattispecie di omessa bonifica di cui all’art. 452-terdecies c.p. L’analisi critica si sofferma, in particolare, sul significato dei termini ‘recupero, ripristino e bonifica’ e delle locuzioni ‘obbligo di legge, ordine del giudice ovvero di un’autorità’, nonché sul rapporto tra la norma de qua e l’art. 257 T.U. ambiente. La riflessione si sposta, quindi, sul piano politico-criminale: prospettando, nei casi di omessa bonifica, il ricorso anche a strumenti sanzionatori diversi dalla reclusione.

Il testo analizza le innovazioni apportate dalla l. n. 68 del 2015 alla disciplina della contravvenzione di omessa bonifica.

The interaction between macrophytes and hydrodynamic conditions is animportant feature in many aquatic ecosystems. Submerged macrophytes can formmonospecific patches that interact with the flow and alter current velocity; withinthe same vegetation patch, plants are exposed to different levels of hydrodynamicstress. Due to the high morphological variability of aquatic plants, we expect differentarchitectural and morphological traits to emerge for individuals located atdifferent positions within the same patch. In this study, we have measured the flowvelocity around a patch of Veronica anagallis-aquatica in submerged conditionsand measured the morphological traits of individuals along a gradient of exposureto flow velocity within the patch. Results show that the more exposed individualspresent smaller sizes than the sheltered ones, lower relative allocation to stems,higher allocation to roots and reduced water content in roots and stems. Theknowledge obtained helps to clarify the role of morphological adaptations to flowstress in the context of plant-flow interactions.