Adequate Protection (adequate + protection)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Evaluating reserves for species richness and representation in northern California

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 4 2006
Jeffrey R. Dunk
ABSTRACT The Klamath-Siskiyou forests of northern California and southern Oregon are recognized as an area of globally outstanding biological distinctiveness. When evaluated at a national or global level, this region is often, necessarily, considered to be uniformly diverse. Due to large variation in biotic and abiotic variables throughout this region, however, it is unlikely that biological diversity is uniformly distributed. Furthermore, land management decisions nearly always occur at spatial scales smaller than this entire region. Therefore, we used field data from a random sampling design to map the distribution of local and regional richness of terrestrial molluscs and salamanders within northern California's portion of the Klamath-Siskiyou region. We also evaluated the protection afforded by reserves established for varying reasons (e.g. for inspiration and recreation for people vs. species conservation) to hotspots of species richness and species representation of these taxa. No existing reserves were created with these taxa in mind, yet it was assumed that reserves established largely around considerations for the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) would afford adequate protection for many lesser-known species. Species of terrestrial molluscs and salamanders share two general features: (1) they have extremely low vagility, and (2) they are often associated with moist, cool microclimates. Existing reserves disproportionately included areas of hotspots of species richness for both taxa, when hotspots included the richest c. 25% of the area, whereas non-reserved lands contained greater than expected areas with lower species richness. However, when a more strict definition of hotspot was used (i.e. the richest c.10% of areas), local hotspots for both taxa were not disproportionately found in reserves. Reserves set aside largely for human aesthetics and recreation and those set aside for biodiversity both contributed to the protection of areas with high (greatest 25%) species richness. Existing biodiversity reserves represented 68% of mollusc species and 73% of salamander species, corresponding to the 99th and 93rd percentiles, respectively, of species representation achieved by simulating a random distribution of the same total area of reservation. Cumulatively, however, reserves set aside for inspiration and biodiversity represented 83% of mollusc species and 91% of salamander species. The existing reserves provide conservation value for terrestrial molluscs and salamanders. This reserve network, however, should not be considered optimal for either taxa. [source]


Adult hepatitis B vaccination using a novel triple antigen recombinant vaccine

HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2001
Michael D. Young
Present hepatitis B vaccines use multidose prolonged regimens, which even healthcare workers at risk do not always complete. Moreover, when vaccination is completed there remain some who fail to achieve adequate protection. The protection of adults at risk could be improved if there were a more potent vaccine and/or a shorter vaccination regimen available. Vaccine-naive adults were randomized to vaccination with either Engerix-B (SmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium) or a novel triple antigen (S, pre-S1, and pre-S2) recombinant vaccine (Hepacare; Medeva Pharma Plc, Speke, UK). The primary efficacy parameter was the degree of seroprotection 6 or 7 months (26 ± 2 weeks) after beginning vaccination. A total of 304 adults entered the study. Of these, 16 failed to complete the study (9 on Hepacare and 7 on Engerix-B). With the Engerix-B standard (0, 1, 6) regimen, 88% of subjects were protected by month 7, whereas with the triple antigen vaccine a 2-dose regimen (0, 1) provided equivalent protection (91%) within 6 months and a 3-dose (0, 1, 6) regimen was significantly superior (98% seroprotected by 7 months after starting vaccination P < .001). With adults at risk for a suboptimal response (i.e., older adults, the obese, men, and smokers) the triple antigen vaccine produced a greater degree of protection. The vaccines had similar safety profiles. Both vaccines were well tolerated. In healthy normal adults, a triple antigen hepatitis B vaccine containing S and pre-S antigens produced an enhanced immunologic response and was as effective as a 2- and 3-dose regimen. [source]


Effect of dietary ,-tocopherol + ascorbic acid, selenium, and iron on oxidative stress in sub-yearling Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Walbaum)

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 1 2009
T. L. Welker
Summary A three-variable central composite design coupled with surface-response analysis was used to examine the effects of dietary ,-tocopherol + ascorbic acid (TOCAA), selenium (Se), and iron (Fe) on indices of oxidative stress in juvenile spring Chinook salmon. Each dietary factor was tested at five levels for a total of fifteen dietary combinations (diets). Oxidative damage in liver and kidney (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls) and erythrocytes (erythrocyte resistance to peroxidative lysis, ERPL) was determined after feeding experimental diets for 16 (early December) and 28 (early March) weeks. Only TOCAA influenced oxidative stress in this study, with most measures of oxidative damage decreasing (liver lipid peroxidation in December and March; ERPL in December; liver protein carbonyl in March) with increasing levels of TOCAA. We also observed a TOCAA-stimulated increase in susceptibility of erythrocytes to peroxidative lysis in March at the highest levels of TOCAA. The data suggest that under most circumstances a progressive decrease in oxidative stress occurs as dietary TOCAA increases, but higher TOCAA concentrations can stimulate oxidative damage in some situations. Higher levels of TOCAA in the diet were required in March than in December to achieve comparable levels of protection against oxidative damage, which may have been due to physiological changes associated with the parr-smolt transformation. Erythrocytes appeared to be more sensitive to variation in dietary levels of TOCAA than liver and kidney tissues. Using the March ERPL assay results as a baseline, a TOCAA level of approximately 350,600 mg/kg diet would provide adequate protection against lipid peroxidation under most circumstances in juvenile Chinook salmon. [source]


Habitat use, abundance, and persistence of Neotropical migrant birds in a habitat matrix in northeast Belize

JOURNAL OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Camila Gómez-Montes
ABSTRACT To ensure adequate protection of nonbreeding habitats used by Neotropical migratory landbirds, we must first address questions about habitat use and quality. On the Yucatan peninsula, migrants use many habitats, several of which remain unstudied, and methodological differences preclude interhabitat comparisons based on studies to date. We used distance sampling along line transects in six habitats in northeast Belize to examine use of previously unstudied habitats (e.g., salt marsh) by Neotropical migrants and to permit comparison across habitats. We calculated unadjusted and adjusted (for detectability) density estimates for individual migrant species and for all species combined to generate hypotheses about habitat quality based on the assumption that density and quality are positively correlated. Adjusted density estimates for all migrants were highest in black mangrove habitat (1799 ± 110 ind/km2), intermediate in three forest types and milpa (range 598,802 ind/km2), and lowest in salt marsh (207 ± 32.3 ind/km2). By combining density estimates with habitat availability in our study region, we estimated that evergreen forest and black mangrove supported 70% and 9% of the region's migrant population, respectively. At the species level, five of the 10 most common species had habitat preferences (>50% detections in one habitat). Given the diversity of habitat preferences among species and apparent seasonal movements, our results indicate that Neotropical migrants in northeast Belize are dependent on a matrix of interconnected habitats. RESUMEN Para asegurar la protección adecuada del hábitat no- reproductivo utilizado por aves migratorias Neotropicales terrestres, debemos responder preguntas sobre el uso y la calidad del hábitat. En la península de Yucatán, lasaves migratorias utilizan muchos hábitats, varios de los cuales aún continúan sin ser estudiados. Además las diferencias metodológicas evitan hacer comparaciones inter-hábitat basadas en los estudios que se han hecho hasta ahora. Utilizamos unmuestreo a lo largo de transectos de distancia variable, en seis hábitats, algunos previamente no estudiados (ej. ciénagas salobres), en el noreste de Belize para examinar y comparar el uso por parte de las migratorias Neotropicales, Calculamos estimados de densidad, ajustados y no ajustados (para detectabilidad), para especies particulares de migratorias y para todas las especies combinadas para generar una hipótesis sobre la calidad del hábitat basándonos en la presunción que la densidad estaría positivamente correlacionada con la calidad del hábitat. Los estimados de densidad ajustados para todos los migratorios fueron más altos en mangle negro (1799 ± 100 ind/km2), intermedios en tres tipos de bosque y milpa rango 598,802 ind/km2) y menores en ciénagas salobres (207 ± 32.3 ind/km2). Combinando los estimados de densidad con la disponibilidad de hábitats en nuestra región de estudio, estimamos que el bosque siempreverde y el mangle negro sostienen el 70% y 9% de los migratorios en la región, respectivamente. A nivel de especies, cinco de las 10 especies más comunes tienen preferencias de hábitat (>50% de las detecciones en un hábitat). Dada la diversidad de preferencias de hábitat entre especies y el aparente movimiento estacional, nuestros resultados indican que las aves migratorias Neotropicales en el noreste de Belize dependen de una matriz de hábitats interconectados. [source]


Time-trends in gastroprotection with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 11 2010
V. E. VALKHOFF
Aliment Pharmacol Ther,31, 1218,1228 Summary Background, Preventive strategies are advocated in patients at risk of upper-gastrointestinal complications associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aim, To examine time-trends in preventive strategies. Methods, In a study population comprising 50 126 NSAID users ,50 years from the Integrated Primary Care Information database, we considered two preventive strategies: co-prescription of gastroprotective agents and prescription of a cyclooxygenase-2-selective inhibitor. In patients with ,1 risk factor (history of upper-gastrointestinal bleeding/ulceration, age >65 years, use of anticoagulants, aspirin, or corticosteroids), correct prescription was defined as the presence of a preventive strategy and under-prescription as the absence of one. In patients with no risk factors, correct prescription was defined as the lack of a preventive strategy, and over-prescription as the presence of one. Results, Correct prescription rose from 6.9% in 1996 to 39.4% in 2006 (P < 0.01) in high-risk NSAID users. Under-prescription fell from 93.1% to 59.9% (P < 0.01). In the complete cohort, over-prescription rose from 2.9% to 12.3% (P < 0.01). Conclusions, Under-prescription of preventive strategies has steadily decreased between 1996 and 2006; however, 60% of NSAID users at increased risk of NSAID complications still do not receive adequate protection. [source]


Does the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Engage in "Trial by Media"?,

LAW & POLICY, Issue 4 2005
KAREN YEUNG
In recent years, heated debate has arisen concerning the media practices of Australia's competition and consumer regulator ("the ACCC"), with a number of industry leaders asserting that the ACCC engages in "trial by media." The public disquiet surrounding the ACCC's use of the media was so significant that the Australian Parliament established an independent committee of inquiry ("the Dawson Inquiry") to investigate (amongst other things) whether Australian competition legislation "provides adequate protection for the commercial affairs and reputation of individuals and corporations." In its report, the Dawson Inquiry observed that widespread misgivings about the ACCC's media practices had emerged from the submissions that it had received. In its recommendations to the Australian Parliament, the Dawson Inquiry recommended that the ACCC should develop a media code of conduct to govern its use of the media, particularly in relation to enforcement proceedings. In making these recommendations, the Dawson Inquiry drew from a hitherto unpublished research study conducted in 2002 that sought to identify the extent to which the ACCC engages in "trial by media." This article documents the design, methodological bases, and findings of that study in order to facilitate broader dissemination of the research findings upon which the Dawson Inquiry's policy recommendations concerning the ACCC's use of the media were based. [source]


Evaluation of corrosion inhibitors for cooling water systems operating at high concentration cycles

MATERIALS AND CORROSION/WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION, Issue 5 2009
E. A. de Souza
Abstract The present work aimed at evaluating AISI 1020 carbon steel corrosion resistance of a 6:4:1:1 (MoO/HEDP/PO/Zn2+) inhibitor mixture present in a solution which simulates an industrial cooling water system operating at high concentration cycles (1050 ppm Cl, and 450 ppm Ca2+). High concentration cycles are desirable, because system purge and treated water consumption are decreased. On the other hand, a high number of concentration cycles can increase the concentration of salts and dissolved impurities, causing corrosion, incrustations, and deposits inside the pipes, heat exchangers, and cooling towers. Thus, the chloride (Cl,) and calcium (Ca2+) ions aggressiveness was studied on the proposed inhibiting mixture, at the temperatures of 40 and 60,°C, through electrochemical techniques like open circuit potential measurements, anodic and cathodic polarization, and weight loss. The results showed that the inhibitor mixture conferred adequate protection to carbon steel in low concentrations, even in high aggressive media. [source]


Sunscreens containing the broad-spectrum UVA absorber, Mexoryl® SX, prevent the cutaneous detrimental effects of UV exposure: a review of clinical study results

PHOTODERMATOLOGY, PHOTOIMMUNOLOGY & PHOTOMEDICINE, Issue 4 2008
Anny Fourtanier
Background: UVA exposure of human skin mainly produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to DNA, cell and tissue damage. It alters immune function, pigmentation and it is certainly responsible for a large part of photoaging changes. Moreover UVA is implicated in the etiology of several photodermatoses. As a consequence, to provide adequate protection, sunscreens or skin care products for daily use protective products need UVA absorbers combined with UVB ones. Aim: To assess the efficacy of sunscreens containing a broad-spectrum UVA absorber the Mexoryl® SX or ecamsule and to compare formulations with and without it through a large number of clinical studies in human volunteers and patients. Methods: The following assessments were conducted: ,Prevention of excessive pigmentation induced by UV exposure in Caucasian and Asian skins using a method that measures pigmentation protection factors (PPF). ,Efficacy against DNA damage by measurement of pyrimidine dimer formation and p53 protein accumulation. ,Protection of immune system using delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions to recall antigens, isomerization of urocanic acid (UCA), alteration of Langerhans cells (LC) density, morphology and function. ,Reduction of epidermal and dermal alterations induced by repeated UVA or UV solar simulated radiation (SSR) using histology or immunohistology. ,Prevention of the polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) in patients prone to develop this disease. Results: Mexoryl® SX-containing formulations showed a dose-dependent level of protection against pigmentation. For a same sun protection factor (SPF) the higher the UVA protection was, the higher was the PPF. Pyrimidine dimer formation and p53 accumulation were significantly reduced by formulations with Mexoryl® SX. In the studies looking at the suppression of DTH reactions to recall antigens by the different UV spectra, the LC alterations and the cis UCA formation, Mexoryl® SX formulations always showed a higher protective potency than sunscreen without it even when the protection against erythema was similar (products with same SPF). Mexoryl® SX formulations also prevented or significantly decreased to minimal, ferritin, tenascin and lysozyme expression induced by repeated UVA or SSR exposure. It also reduced the enhancement of collagenase 2 mRNA expression induced by SSR exposure. Finally PMLE study demonstrated that UVA protection was essential for the prevention of this photodermatose. Conclusion: Mexoryl® SX formulated in sunscreens or daily use products have been shown to be an effective UV absorber, leading to an increased efficacy of these products against a large number of biological damage induced by UVA, SSR or sun exposure. [source]


Human Subjects Protections in Biomedical Enhancement Research: Assessing Risk and Benefit and Obtaining Informed Consent

THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS, Issue 3 2008
Maxwell J. Mehlman
The protection of human subjects in biomedical research relies on two principal mechanisms: assessing and comparing the risks and potential benefits of proposed research, and obtaining potential subjects' informed consent. While these have been discussed extensively in the literature, no attention has been paid to whether the processes should be different when the objective of an experimental biomedical intervention is to improve individual appearance, performance, or capability ("enhancement research") rather than to prevent, cure, or mitigate disease ("health-oriented research"). This essay examines this question in order to ensure that subjects in biomedical enhancement research receive adequate protection. [source]


Distribution and underground habitats of cave-dwelling bats in China

ANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 4 2007
H. Niu
Abstract To understand the distribution and relative abundance of cave-dwelling bats and to identify those sites that would be important for conservation of bat species, 25 underground sites that had not been previously surveyed were investigated in this 3-year study (from December 2003 to April 2006) in Funiu Mountain of Henan province, China. Approximately 80 000 bats were recorded, representing 12 species. The most abundant species were Rhinolophus affinis, Miniopterus schreibersi and Hipposideros pratti. The roosts were evaluated for their conservation importance. The most important sites in the area are Yunhua and Nanzhao caves, which serve as hibernaculums and nursery roosts to c. 13 740 and 11 803 bats, respectively, representing seven species. By means of cluster and correspondence analysis, the distribution of bat species was different between the two sides of the mountain and was highly dependent on the size of the cave. The underground sites in the south region hosted c. 80% of the total bats, representing 11 species. The sites in the north region hosted 20% of the total bats, representing seven species. Presently, none of the caves in the region has adequate protection and some bat populations are under serious threat. Many large caves that contained large bat populations and several species of concern had been developed as tourist sites, and so some advice on protecting the most important local habitats was sought based on the assessment of the conservation status of underground sites. This paper presents basic data concerning the distribution of cave-dwelling bats and the patterns of cave use on Funiu Mountain. The data will help local governments and policy-makers develop suitable strategies to promote local tourisms while protecting important habitats of animal species. [source]


Tree Community Change across 700 km of Lowland Amazonian Forest from the Andean Foothills to Brazil

BIOTROPICA, Issue 5 2008
Nigel C. A. Pitman
ABSTRACT We describe patterns of tree community change along a 700-km transect through terra firme forests of western Amazonia, running from the base of the Andes in Ecuador to the Peru,Brazil border. Our primary question is whether floristic variation at large scales arises from many gradual changes or a few abrupt ones. Data from 54 1-ha tree plots along the transect support the latter model, showing two sharp discontinuities in community structure at the genus level. One is located near the Ecuador,Peru border, where the suite of species that dominates large areas of Ecuadorean forest declines abruptly in importance to the east. This discontinuity is underlain by a subterranean paleoarch and congruent with a change in soil texture. A second discontinuity is associated with the shift from clay to white sand soils near Iquitos. We hypothesize that the first discontinuity is part of an edaphic boundary that runs along the Andean piedmont and causes a transition from tree communities preferring richer, younger soils near the base of the Andes to those preferring poorer, older soils farther east. Because the floristic changes observed at this discontinuity are conserved for large distances to the east and west of it, the discontinuity is potentially key for understanding floristic variation in western Amazonia. The significant floristic turnover at the Ecuador,Peru border suggests that the only large protected area in the region,Ecuador's Yasuní National Park,is not adequate protection for the very diverse tree communities that cover vast areas of northern Peru. RESUMEN Describimos cambios en la comunidad de árboles a lo largo de un transecto de 700 km que atraviesa los bosques de tierra firme de la Amazonía occidental, desde la base de los Andes en Ecuador hasta la frontera Perú-Brasil. Nuestra pregunta principal es si la variación florística a grandes escalas es generada a base de muchos cambios graduales o en unos pocos cambios abruptos. Datos de 54 parcelas de árboles de 1 ha a lo largo del transecto apoyan el segundo modelo, mostrando dos discontinuidades bien definidas en la estructura de la comunidad a nivel de género. Una discontinuidad está localizada cerca de la frontera Ecuador-Perú, donde el grupo de especies que domina grandes áreas de la Amazonía ecuatoriana declina abruptamente en importancia hacia el este. Esta discontinuidad está asociada con un paleoarco subterráneo y es congruente con cambios en la textura del suelo. Una segunda discontinuidad está asociada con un cambio de suelos arcillosos a suelos de arena blanca cerca de Iquitos. Sugerimos que la primera discontinuidad es parte de un limite edáfico que corre a lo largo del piedemonte andino y causa una transición de comunidades de árboles que prefieren suelos más fértiles y jóvenes cerca de los Andes, a aquellos que prefieren suelos más pobres y antiguos hacia el este. Ya que los cambios florísticos observados en esta discontinuidad se conservan por grandes distancias hacia el este y oeste, la discontinuidad es potencialmente clave para entender la variación florística en la Amazonía occidental. El importante recambio florístico en la frontera Ecuador-Perú sugiere que la única gran área protegida en la región,el Parque Nacional Yasuní en Ecuador,no presta protección adecuada a las muy diversas comunidades de árboles en el norte del Perú. [source]


33 cases of airsoft gun pellet ocular injuries in Copenhagen, Denmark, 1998,2002

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2006
Jon Peiter Saunte
Abstract. Purpose:, To evaluate the incidence and ocular effects of blunt trauma due to injury from airsoft gun pellets. Methods:, We conducted a non-comparative case series based on the files of 33 patients who suffered ocular injury from airsoft guns and were admitted to one university emergency eye clinic in Copenhagen during a 5-year period. Results:, A total of 33 eyes in 33 patients were examined. Thirty male and three female patients were affected. Mean age was 13 years (range 3,49 years). Mean follow-up time was 6.5 days (range 1,540 days). On initial examination, we found: hyphaema (n = 28), corneal abrasion (n = 22), retinal oedema (n = 11), subconjunctival haemorrhage (n = 10), palpebral haemorrhage and/or oedema (n = 9), iris dialysis (n = 7), intraocular pressure (IOP) >,31 mmHg (n = 4), IOP <,9 mmHg (n = 4), vitreous haemorrhage (n = 2) and cataract (n = 1). One patient had brown corneal discoloration due to severe chronic hyphaema that required surgery. The final visual acuity was 1.0 in 20 patients and ,,0.7 in five patients. Conclusion:, The airsoft gun trauma resulted in anterior and posterior segment ocular injuries that required acute medical intervention and for which some patients were hospitalized. Trauma mainly occurred in children and youths. A longterm risk of glaucoma is expected. Eye care professionals and parents as well as manufacturers of airsoft guns should advise participants to wear adequate protection when involved in this activity. [source]