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Effective Management Strategies (effective + management_strategy)
Selected AbstractsThe spatial distribution of badgers, setts and latrines: the risk for intra-specific and badger-livestock disease transmissionECOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2008Monika Böhm The spatial distribution of wildlife hosts and the associated environmental distribution of their excretory products are important factors associated with the risk of disease transmission between wildlife and livestock. At a landscape scale, heterogeneous distribution of a wildlife host will create regional hot spots for disease risk, while at the farm level, distributional patterns of wildlife excretory products as well as habitat use are of primary importance to the assessment of disease risk to livestock. In the UK, badgers have been implicated in the transmission of bovine tuberculosis to cattle. In this study, we focus on the spatial and social organization and habitat use of badgers as well as the distributions of their excretions at latrine and sett sites to assess intra- and inter-species (badger,cattle) disease risk. Across the study site, badger latrines and setts were found in prominent clusters, at distances of up to 250 and 200 m respectively. This was partly due to small-scale clustering of latrines around sett sites, so that disease risk may be higher within the vicinity of setts. The clustered distribution suggests that sites of high risk for TB transmission may be localised within farms. Exclusion of cattle from the few sett and latrine sites within their grazing pasture is therefore likely to provide an effective way of reducing the risk of disease transmission. We also found evidence of social sub-division within badger social groups based on differences in the use of main and outlier setts. This may contribute to localised clusters of infection within the badger population, resulting in heterogeneous patterns of environmental disease risk to the wider host community. A greater understanding of variation in host behaviour and its implications for patterns of disease will allow the development of more targeted and effective management strategies for wildlife disease in group-living hosts. [source] Management of atrial fibrillation in the emergency departmentINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 4 2003I. Crozier Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is a frequent cause for presentation to the emergency department. With an understanding of the pathophysiology and types of AF, efficient and effective management strategies for AF can be formulated. Patients with paroxysmal AF will often revert spontaneously and can initially be managed on an outpatient basis, unless an antiarrhythmic is commenced. In patients with AF and severe underlying heart disease, the management is primarily directed at the underlying heart disease, supplemented with rate-controlling measures, and prevention of thromboembolic complications. In patients with persistent AF good rate control, early cardioversion and initiation of an antiarrhythmic are likely to reduce the risk of recurrence. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 182,185) [source] Habitat heterogeneity influences connectivity in a spatially structured pest populationJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2006G. S. HAMILTON Summary 1Patterns of connectivity influence pest population system dynamics, and it is essential to consider connectivity when planning effective management strategies. Traditional connectivity models often consider populations embedded in a matrix of unsuitable habitat. This approach is unlikely to be applicable to those pest species that can utilize most of the landscape in which they live. There is therefore a need for a simple and flexible tool to assess connectivity in such systems. 2In this study, we developed a new model in which contiguous resource patches that differ in quality, and landscape elements that impede dispersal, impact on connectivity within a population system. The model was applied to a wild rabbit population system, a well-studied pest species in Australia. An independent population genetic data set was used to validate the model. 3There was a highly significant association between pairwise population connectivity and the genetic data (Mantel test, r=,0·502, P= 0·002). As predicted, two populations that showed very low connectivity were strongly isolated genetically. These sites appeared to be substantially isolated because of forests, which acted to impede rabbit dispersal. When these sites were excluded from analysis, connectivity indices again explained the pattern of genetic data (Mantel test, r=,0·46, P= 0·037). This showed that both spatial variation in resource quality and forests influenced connectivity in this system. Sensitivity analyses confirmed that the distribution and extent of forests was important in limiting connectivity to some sites. The model was relatively robust to changes in population parameters. 4Synthesis and applications. Connectivity among wild rabbit populations in this system was strongly influenced by habitat heterogeneity, rather than factors such as geographical distance or major landscape elements such as rivers, both of which are traditionally considered to influence system dynamics. This may have substantial implications for many pest systems, and suggests that the impact of habitat heterogeneity on connectivity should be considered when planning efficient management strategies. [source] Monitoring and management of the endangered Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra zebra in the Western Cape, South AfricaAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Rebecca K. Smith Abstract De Hoop Nature Reserve and a neighbouring conservancy contain the most genetically diverse subpopulation of the Endangered (IUCN) Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra Linnaeus 1758). Although vital for the long-term stability of the meta-population, the population had received limited monitoring post-1999. We summarize data obtained during a population monitoring programme established in 2005. Ninety-nine individuals were identified indicating a decline in annual population growth from 6.6% (1995,1999) to 4.5% (1999,2005). The population was male biased and the deficit of females is likely to have prevented additional breeding herd formation resulting in excess nonbreeding males. These animals are currently of limited reproductive value to the meta-population and may be contributing to the decline in reproductive potential at De Hoop by competing for limited resources. One solution may be to translocate ,excess' males to reinforce existing small populations or establish new populations with females from elsewhere provided that a minimum of 78 animals is maintained at De Hoop to limit genetic loss. Population monitoring and effective management strategies for the De Hoop population and the meta-population are vital to ensure the long-term survival of Cape mountain zebra and for the success of other species recovery programmes. Résumé De Hoop Nature Reserve et une aire de conservation voisine contiennent la sous-population la plus génétiquement variée du zèbre de montagne du Cap (Equus zebra zebra Linnaeus 1758), classé« en danger » par l'UICN. Bien que vitale pour la stabilitéà long terme de la métapopulation, cette population a été peu suivie depuis 1999. Nous avons résumé les données recueillies au cours d'un programme de monitoring de la population instauré en 2005. Quatre-vingt dix-neuf individus ont été identifiés, ce qui indique un déclin de la croissance annuelle de la population de 6,6% (1995,1999) à 4,5% (1999,2005). La population est biaisée en faveur des mâles, et c'est probablement le déficit en femelles qui a empêché la formation d'un troupeau reproducteur supplémentaire, qui a abouti à un excès de mâles nonreproducteurs. Ces animaux sont actuellement de peu de valeur de reproduction pour la métapopulation et pourraient contribuer au déclin du potentiel reproducteur à De Hoop par la compétition qu'ils représentent pour les ressources limitées.Une solution pourrait être de déplacer les mâles « en excès » pour renforcer les petites populations existantes ou pour en établir de nouvelles avec des femelles venues d'ailleurs, pour autant qu'un minimum de 78 animaux restent à De Hoop pour limiter l'appauvrissement génétique. Des stratégies pour le monitoring et la gestion efficace de la population de De Hoop sont vitales pour garantir la survie à long terme du zèbre de montagne du Cap et pour la réussite des programmes de restauration d'autres espèces. [source] The prevalence, cost and basis of food allergy across EuropeALLERGY, Issue 7 2007E. N. C. Mills The development of effective management strategies to optimize the quality of life for allergic patients is currently hampered by a lack of good quality information. Estimates of how many individuals suffer from food allergy and the major foods involved vary widely and inadequacies of in vitro diagnostics make food challenges the only reliable means of diagnosis in many instances. The EuroPrevall project brings together a multidisciplinary partnership to address these issues. Cohorts spanning the main climatic regions of Europe are being developed in infants through a birth cohort, community surveys in school-age children and adults and an outpatient clinic study. Confirmatory double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge diagnosis is being undertaken using foods as they are eaten with titrated doses to allow no-effect and lowest-observable effect levels for allergenic foods to be determined. The cohorts will also facilitate validation of novel in vitro diagnostics through the development of the EuroPrevall Serum Bank. Complementary studies in Ghana, western Siberia, India and China will allow us to gain insights into how different dietary patterns and exposure to microorganisms affect food allergies. New instruments to assess the socioeconomic impact of food allergy are being developed in the project and their application in the clinical cohorts will allow, for the first time, an assessment to be made of the burden this disease places on allergy sufferers and their communities. [source] Oral fungal and bacterial infections in HIV-infected individuals: an overview in AfricaORAL DISEASES, Issue 2002TA Hodgson Oral opportunistic infections developing secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been reported from the early days of the epidemic and have been classified by both the EC-Clearinghouse and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Among the fungal infections, oral candidiasis, presenting in African HIV-infected patients has been sporadically documented. We review the literature with respect to candidal carriage, oral candidiasis prevalence and the predictive value of oral candidiasis for a diagnosis of underlying HIV disease in African HIV-infected patients. The use of oral candidiasis as a marker of disease progression, the species of yeasts isolated from the oral cavity in Africa and the resistance of the yeasts to antifungal agents and treatment regimens are discussed. Orofacial lesions as manifestations of the systemic mycoses are rarely seen in isolation and few cases are reported in the literature from Africa. In spite of the high incidence of noma, tuberculosis, chronic osteomyelitis and syphilis in Africa, surprisingly there have been very few reported cases of the oral manifestations of these diseases in HIV-positive individuals. Orofacial disease in HIV-infected patients is associated with marked morbidity, which is compounded by malnutrition. The authors indicate specific research areas, initially directed at the most effective management strategies, which would complete data in this important area. [source] Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator-Related Complications in the Pediatric PopulationPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2009MAULLY J. SHAH M.B.B.S. Background: The recognition that implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in children can prolong life coupled with the development of smaller devices and transvenous lead technology has increased the number of ICDs implanted in children and young adults. Methods: ICD complications in the pediatric population are reviewed. Results: ICD complications in the pediatric population include those related to the implantation procedure, the ICD system, as well as psychosocial issues. Inappropriate ICD therapy and ICD lead failures are the most frequent complications. Conclusion: Identifying complications is the prerequisite for advances in ICD technology and effective management strategies need to be developed to avoid their recurrence. [source] Patients' perceptions of exercise therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: a surveyMUSCULOSKELETAL CARE, Issue 2 2003JG Mc Veigh BSc(Hons), MCSP Abstract Objective: To identify patients' perceptions of the role and benefits of exercise in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Design: A postal questionnaire was sent to all 225 members of the Northern Ireland Fibromyalgia Support Group. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions and was sub-divided into four sections: (1) background information; (2) previous treatment; (3) opinions on the role of exercise in FMS and (4) current participation in, and barriers to, exercise. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: A response rate of 51.1% (115/225) was achieved. Forty nine percent (57) of respondents were receiving FMS-associated disability benefits and 13% (15) were working full-time. All reported previous treatment for FMS. Ninety-six (84%) had received medication and 82 (71%) exercise-based therapy. Just over half (42/82) of those who had participated in exercise therapy reported it to be an effective management strategy. Two thirds (48/71) of those who used bedrest, and over half (52/96) of those who used medications reported these interventions to be effective. Eighty-two per cent (94) ,agreed' or ,strongly agreed' that exercise improved fitness and 60% (69) ,agreed' or ,strongly agreed' that exercise increased feelings of well-being, but only 13.9% (16) reported that it reduced their pain. The most commonly reported barriers to exercise were fatigue (85%, 98) and pain (73%, 84). Conclusion: Exercise therapy is a common treatment for fibromyalgia syndrome, but while respondents accepted its general health benefits, the vast majority did not report that it reduced their pain. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Incidence, clinical findings and management of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome associated with tamsulosinACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 3 2009Ugur Keklikci Abstract. Purpose:, To determine the risk ratios and incidence of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery in patients using tamsulosin, and to assess management strategies for IFIS. Methods:, We performed a non-randomized, observational, prospective study, in which 594 eyes of 579 patients undergoing cataract surgery were enrolled. Surgeons were masked to the patients' drug history. Usage or non-usage of tamsulosin, duration of tamsulosin use, presence or absence of IFIS, management of IFIS and intraoperative complications were recorded in the patients' theatre notes. Results:, Twelve of 15 (80%) IFIS patients were taking systemic tamsulosin. Twelve of 23 (52%) patients using tamsulosin showed features of IFIS. The odds ratios (ORs) and relative risk (RR) ratios show strong positive correlations between tamsulosin use and IFIS. The ORs and RR ratios and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are as follows: OR 206.5 (95% CI 50.9,836.5); RR 99.3 (95% CI 30.0,327.8). There were no statistically significant differences between patients with or without IFIS, who were using tamsulosin, in terms of age or duration of tamsulosin use (p > 0.05). Seven eyes (46.6%) with IFIS were successfully managed with epinephrine. Eight eyes (53.4%) with IFIS needed iris hooks. Conclusions:, Patients using tamsulosin appear to be at high risk of IFIS during cataract surgery. The occurrence of IFIS may not be affected by duration of tamsulosin use or age. Epinephrine may be effective in approximately 50% of eyes with IFIS. The iris hook procedure represents an effective management strategy in IFIS. [source] | |||||||||||||