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Selected AbstractsEcological niche modelling as a technique for assessing threats and setting conservation priorities for Asian slow lorises (Primates: Nycticebus)DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 2 2009J. S. Thorn ABSTRACT Aim, Data on geographical ranges are essential when defining the conservation status of a species, and in evaluating levels of human disturbance. Where locality data are deficient, presence-only ecological niche modelling (ENM) can provide insights into a species' potential distribution, and can aid in conservation planning. Presence-only ENM is especially important for rare, cryptic and nocturnal species, where absence is difficult to define. Here we applied ENM to carry out an anthropogenic risk assessment and set conservation priorities for three threatened species of Asian slow loris (Primates: Nycticebus). Location, Borneo, Java and Sumatra, Southeast Asia. Methods, Distribution models were built using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) ENM. We input 20 environmental variables comprising temperature, precipitation and altitude, along with species locality data. We clipped predicted distributions to forest cover and altitudinal data to generate remnant distributions. These were then applied to protected area (PA) and human land-use data, using specific criteria to define low-, medium- or high-risk areas. These data were analysed to pinpoint priority study sites, suitable reintroduction zones and protected area extensions. Results, A jackknife validation method indicated highly significant models for all three species with small sample sizes (n = 10 to 23 occurrences). The distribution models represented high habitat suitability within each species' geographical range. High-risk areas were most prevalent for the Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) on Java, with the highest proportion of low-risk areas for the Bornean slow loris (N. menagensis) on Borneo. Eighteen PA extensions and 23 priority survey sites were identified across the study region. Main conclusions, Discriminating areas of high habitat suitability lays the foundations for planning field studies and conservation initiatives. This study highlights potential reintroduction zones that will minimize anthropogenic threats to animals that are released. These data reiterate the conclusion of previous research, showing MaxEnt is a viable technique for modelling species distributions with small sample sizes. [source] ASIA PACIFIC COLUMN: New challenges and opportunities in managing substance abuse in MalaysiaDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 5 2006MAHMUD MAZLAN MD Abstract Until recently, Malaysia has lagged behind in the treatment of drug addiction and related disorders, despite experiencing severe drug problems. By the end of 2004, 234 000 heroin users or heroin-dependent individuals had been registered in the official government registry, but other estimates exceed 500 000 for heroin abusers in the country. Amphetamine-type stimulant abuse is also increasing and of considerable public and government concern. Among the population of drug users, HIV and other infectious diseases rates are very high. In the Western Pacific regions, Malaysia has the second highest HIV prevalence (after Vietnam) among adult populations (0.62%) and the highest proportion of HIV cases resulting from injection drug use (76.3%). Drug use and related disorders exert a heavy burden on the country's health care and legal systems. Historically, drug abusers were rehabilitated involuntarily in correctional, rather than health-care, facilities. This primarily criminal treatment approach had limited effectiveness which led to widespread public dissatisfaction and the recent introduction of medical treatments for addiction. Naltrexone was introduced in 1999; buprenorphine was introduced in 2001 and methadone in 2003. Agonist maintenance programmes were embraced rapidly by the medical community in Malaysia. Currently, over 30 000 opiate-dependent patients are treated with agonist maintenance treatments by more than 500 medical practitioners in Malaysia. Despite these recent advances, treatments for amphetamine-type stimulant abuse or dependence are underdeveloped, and diversion of agonist medications is an emerging concern. [source] Locomotion and Escape Modes in Rodents of the Monte Desert (Argentina)ETHOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Paula Taraborelli Modes of locomotion and escape tactics are attributes that affect the structure of animal communities, promoting exploitation of different microhabitats and the coexistence of different species. Bipedal locomotion is considered to be more effective than a quadrupedal gait in escaping attacks by predators because it allows for higher speed, a faster response to attack, sudden changes of direction and better detection of aerial raptors. The aim of this study was to determine the type of locomotion used at the moment of escape by three rodent species of the Monte desert ,Eligmodontia typus, Akodon molinae and Graomys griseoflavus. The study was carried out in three plant communities of the Ñacuñán Reserve (Mendoza). All three species showed differences in both mode of escape and locomotory pattern. Graomys griseoflavus exhibited the highest proportion of escapes using quadrupedal saltation. The mode of locomotion employed by E. typus varied according to the type of plant communities it inhabited. Those occurring at open sites (Medanal community) exhibited a greater propensity to jump during escapes than those from more sheltered habitats (Algarrobal community). Akodon molinae relied primarily on a quadrupedal gait when fleeing from predators, which would explain its greater dependence on plant cover. Therefore, the morphological and behavioural characteristics of these species are related to their mode of locomotion and the strategies they employ to diminish the risk of predation. [source] Mutator phenotype confers advantage in Escherichia coli chronic urinary tract infection pathogenesisFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2005Francoise Labat Abstract It has been suggested that mutator phenotype could be associated with an increase in virulence, but to date experimental evidences are lacking. Epidemiological studies have revealed that urinary tract infection isolates encompass the highest proportion of mutator strains within the Escherichia coli species. Using the uropathogenic strain CFT073 and its mutS+ mutator mutant, we show that the mutator strain is selected in vitro in urine and in the late stages of infection in a mouse model having urinary tract infection. Thus, we report that, under specific conditions, i.e., urinary tract infection, the mutator phenotype may confer an advantage in pathogenesis. [source] Hospital care of people living in residential care facilities: Profile, utilization patterns and factors impacting on quality and safety of careGERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2007Sanjay Jayasinghe Background: Residents in residential care facilities (RCF) are frequent users of acute hospital services. However, the interface between the two sectors remains relatively unexplored. Our objective was to determine the patterns of utilization, characteristics and experiences of RCF residents accessing a tertiary referral center (TRC). Methods: An observational study of RCF residents presenting to the TRC emergency department (ED). The experiences of acute care services were explored for more than one-quarter of this group 2,3 days postdischarge. The carer within the RCF acted as the proxy respondent. Results: During the study period, RCF residents accounted for 2.3% of all ED presentations. These presentations involved 526 residents. The dimension "continuity of care" for the Picker Patient Experience questionnaire had the highest proportion (53.1%) reporting a problem. The likelihood of reporting a problem for "continuity of care" (odds ratio [OR], 3.58; confidence interval [CI], 1.72,7.45) and "information and education" (OR, 2.62; CI, 1.14,3.01) were higher if the resident was admitted to a ward compared to ED only. If the resident had a low level care status the likelihood of reporting a problem for "continuity of care" (OR, 2.8; CI, 1.02,7.72) also increased. The odds of RCF staff reporting a problem for "ambulance service" were significantly higher if the resident's presentation was related to a fall. (OR, 3.35; CI, 1.28,8.8). Conclusion: The utilization rates for acute hospital care in our study were similar to the two previous Australian studies. Factors at the patient and organizational level impacted significantly on problems relating to the quality and safety of care being reported. [source] Exergetic efficiency and options for improving sewage sludge gasification in supercritical waterINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2007Edgar Gasafi Abstract The present article deals with an exergy analysis of a process under development for the gasification of biomass in supercritical water (supercritical water gasification, SCWG). This process is aimed at generating hydrogen out of the biogenic feedstock sewage sludge. The principle of the process is based on making use of the modifications of specific physical and chemical properties of water above the critical point (T=374°C, p=221 bar). These properties allow for a nearly complete conversion of the organic substance contained in the feed material into energy-rich fuel gases, containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane. Based on a steady-state model of the process, exergy flow rates are calculated for all components and a detailed exergy analysis is performed. From the exergetic variables, options to improve the individual plant components as well as the overall plant are derived. The components with the highest proportion of exergy destruction in the complete process are identified and possibilities of improving them and the complete system in order to increase the overall efficiency are demonstrated. The combustion chamber necessary for heat supply is found to be the component with the highest proportion of exergy destruction of the complete plant. Moreover, the components of air preheater, reactor contribute significantly to the exergy destruction of the complete system. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Support/services among family caregivers of persons with dementia,perceived importance and services receivedINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2010Jenny Alwin Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to examine what family caregivers of persons with dementia perceive as important types of support/services in relation to experienced negative impact (NI) due to the caregiver situation, and to investigate if caregivers receive the support/services perceived as important. Method The study was based on the Swedish part of the EUROFAMCARE project and included 110 caregivers of persons with dementia. Data were collected primarily through structured telephone interviews. The caregivers were divided into two groups, a higher NI group and a lower NI group, based on the NI scale from the COPE index. Results Getting information and having someone to talk to were perceived as very important types of support/services by the highest proportion of caregivers in both groups. Data indicated only one significant difference; a higher proportion of caregivers in the higher NI group reported being able to participate in activities outside of caring as very important. There was also an indication that a higher proportion of caregivers in the lower NI group perceived information about the disease as very important. Support/services perceived as important by the caregivers were received both to a high and a low degree. Conclusion The results from this study suggest that there is almost no difference between groups of caregivers experiencing higher and lower NI regarding their perception of what are important types of support/services. The caregivers rated different types of support/services within the areas of information, relief and counselling as very important. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Results of the first survey of independent trust grantmaking: who is setting the agenda?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NONPROFIT & VOLUNTARY SECTOR MARKETING, Issue 3 2000Cathy Pharoah Based on an analysis of 2,300 grants made by a representative sample of independent trusts and foundations, ,Patterns of Independent Grantmaking in the UK' is the first national survey identifying where independent trusts allocate their funds. The results show that, as in mainstream central and local government expenditure, social care was a clear priority for independent grantmakers, not only attracting the highest proportion of grants overall, but also the single largest proportion of funding, £233m. This figure equals just over one-third of local authority support for social services in the voluntary sector and indicates that the collective impact of independent funding to the sector is significant. Social care funding consisted mainly of a large number of small to medium-sized grants. Health was the second largest area, followed by education and the arts. There was a considerable regional imbalance in funding. Given this fairly conservative pattern of funding, the question arises whether funders are led by applicants or vice versa? What is needed to introduce more change and risk into trust funding? Copyright © 2000 Henry Stewart Publications. [source] Phytoplankton and Epipelon Responses to Clear and Turbid Phases in a Seepage Lake (Buenos Aires, Argentina)INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF HYDROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009María Adela Casco Abstract Annual changes in the algal density and concentrations of chlorophyll a, total phosphorus, and organic matter were analyzed in water and sediments at four sites characterized by the presence or absence of submerged and emergent macrophytes, during turbid- and clear-water conditions to determine the contribution of the algal components of the plankton and the epipelon and to identify the most typical species in each community. Three states were recognized: one turbid and two clear, with different submerged macrophyte cover. The peaks of phytoplankton and epipelon occurred in the turbid phase, whereas the highest proportion of true epipelic algae in sediments was reached in the second clear phase. The Oscillatoriaceae dominated during the turbid phase in the water and throughout the entire year within the sediments. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Playground Injuries in Children: A Review and Pennsylvania Trauma Center ExperienceJOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN PEDIATRIC NURSING, Issue 1 2001Lisa Marie Bernardo ISSUES AND PURPOSE. To describe patient demographics, injury characteristics, and circumstances of playground injuries in children admitted to Pennsylvania trauma centers and to identify injury prevention strategies. DESIGN AND METHODS. Retrospective, descriptive study of 234 children ages 1 to 18 years sustaining playground-related injuries and whose hospital data were entered into the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study. RESULTS. Most of the injuries occurred between April and September (77%), and noon to 6 P.M. (69%). Falls from playground equipment constituted the highest proportion of incidents (73%). Of 421 injuries (M = 1.8/patient), most were upper extremity (n = 117) and head (n = 110) injuries. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Nurses can advocate for playground safety by teaching children to play safely and recommending age-appropriate equipment and protective surfacing. [source] Factors affecting predation by buzzards Buteo buteo on released pheasants Phasianus colchicusJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2001R.E. Kenward Summary 1Information on the effects of wildlife predation on game and livestock is required to allow improved management of all organisms involved. Monitoring of prey, predators and predation mechanisms each suggests important methods, illustrated here by data from common buzzards Buteo buteo and ring-necked pheasants Phasianus colchicus. 2Location data from 136 radio-tagged common buzzards, together with prey remains from 40 nest areas, records from 10 gamekeepers and vegetation surveys, were used to investigate raptor predation at 28 pens from which pheasants were released in southern England. 3Among 20 725 juvenile pheasants released in 1994,95, gamekeepers attributed 4·3% of deaths to buzzards, 0·7% to owls, 0·6% to sparrowhawks, 3·2% to foxes and 0·5% to other mammals. 4Fresh pheasant remains were found on 7% of 91 visits to buzzard nests, and 8% of radio-tagged buzzards had significantly more association than other buzzards with pheasant pens. 5Predation by buzzards was most likely to be recorded at release pens with little shrub cover, deciduous canopies and a large number of released pheasants. The number of pheasants killed was greatest in large pens with extensive ground cover, and the highest proportion of released pheasants was killed in large pens where few were released. However, only 21% of 55 releases had > 2 pheasant kills per week. 6Radio-tagged buzzards were located most often at pheasant-release pens with open, deciduous canopies. Pens were most likely to be visited by buzzards that had fledged nearby, but the proximity of buzzard nests had little influence on how much predation occurred. 7Only a minority of buzzards associated frequently with pheasant pens, and predation was heavy at only a minority of sites, where pen characteristics and release factors probably made it easy for individual buzzards to kill pheasants. We suggest that the occasional heavy losses could be avoided by encouraging shrubs rather than ground cover in pens, by siting pens where there are few perches for buzzards, and perhaps also by high-density releases. [source] Comparison of methods for determining the numbers and species distribution of coliform bacteria in well water samplesJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2001R.M. Niemi R.M. NIEMI, M.P. HEIKKILÄ, K. LAHTI, S. KALSO AND S.I. NIEMELÄ. 2001. Aims: Enumeration of coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli is the most widely used method in the estimation of hygienic quality of drinking water. The yield of target bacteria and the species composition of different populations of coliform bacteria may depend on the method. Three methods were compared. Methods and Results:,Three membrane filtration methods were used for the enumeration of coliform bacteria in shallow well waters. The yield of confirmed coliform bacteria was highest on Differential Coliform agar, followed by LES Endo agar. Differential Coliform agar had the highest proportion of typical colonies, of which 74% were confirmed as belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae. Of the typical colonies on Lactose Tergitol 7 TTC agar, 75% were confirmed as Enterobacteriaceae, whereas 92% of typical colonies on LES Endo agar belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae. LES Endo agar yielded many Serratia strains, Lactose Tergitol 7 TTC agar yielded numerous strains of Rahnella aquatilis and Enterobacter, whereas Differential Coliform agar yielded the widest range of species. Conclusions: The yield of coliform bacteria varied between methods. Each method compared had a characteristic species distribution of target bacteria and a typical level of interference of non-target bacteria. Identification with routine physiological tests to distinct species was hampered by the slight differences between species. High yield and sufficient selectivity are difficult to achieve simultaneously, especially if the target group is diverse. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results showed that several aspects of method performance should be considered, and that the target group must be distinctly defined to enable method comparisons. [source] The structure and status of forest fragments outside protected areas in central UgandaAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Deborah Baranga Abstract Given the extent of tropical forest deforestation and as a number of conservation programmes and local communities rely on forest fragments, it has become important to understand how fragment exploitation by local communities affects forest structure and function. The effects of forest exploitation on forest structure and status of forest fragments were investigated in 20 nonreserved forest fragments in central Uganda. Enumeration of plots showed that tree species composition of the forest fragments was 60.0%, 23.7% and 6.3% for under-storey, middle and top canopy trees respectively. The major activity was fuel wood extraction (65%), followed by brick making (10%), cultivation and livestock paddocks (10%), charcoal burning (5%), local brew distillation and others (5%). These extractive processes caused drastic structural changes, habitat degradation and destruction. Tree stumps enumeration indicated that under storey trees formed the highest proportion for wood extraction. There was no significant difference in the level of forest exploitation (basal area loss) among forest patches of varying sizes. Résumé Etant donné l'étendue de la déforestation tropicale et vu qu'un certain nombre de programmes de conservation et de communautés locales dépendent de fragments forestiers, il devient vraiment important de comprendre comment l'exploitation de ces parcelles par les communautés locales affecte la structure et les fonctions forestières. Les effets de l'exploitation forestière sur la structure et le statut des fragments forestiers ont étéétudiés dans 20 fragments forestiers non préservés du centre de l'Ouganda. Le dénombrement des parcelles a montré que trois compositions d'espèces des fragments forestiers composaient respectivement 60,0%, 23,7% et 6,3% du sous-bois, de l'étage moyen et de la canopée. L'activité principale était l'extraction de bois de feu (65%), suivie par la fabrication de briques (10%), les enclos pour la culture ou le bétail (10%), la fabrication de charbon de bois (5%), la distillation de boissons locales et autres (5%). Ces diverses extractions causaient des changements structurels importants, une dégradation de l'habitat, voire sa destruction. Le dénombrement des souches d'arbres a montré que les arbres des sous-bois constituaient la plus grande proportion des arbres prélevés. Il n'y avait pas de différence significative du niveau d'exploitation forestière (perte de surface réelle) entre les îlots forestiers de tailles différentes. [source] Therapeutic plasma exchange as a nephrological procedure: A single-center experience ,,JOURNAL OF CLINICAL APHERESIS, Issue 4 2005Fred E. Yeo Abstract In the United States, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is both performed and requested by a wide range of services, often on an empiric basis (before a diagnosis is established). Whether empiric therapy is beneficial has not been established. Patients were identified from an electronic procedure log that included those patients who received plasmapheresis at Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 1996 to 2003. The clinical indications, referring service, and outcomes (including deaths) that occurred were tabulated. Between March 1997 and August 2003, 568 TPE treatments were performed in 54 patients. The majority of the diagnoses were either neurologic (48%) or hematologic (37%). Thirty-three patients (61%) received TPE for a Category I indication. Twelve cases were performed empirically (without an established diagnosis) at the request of the referring service, most (7) performed for presumed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Almost 80% of patients required central venous catheters for treatment. Twelve patients (22%) experienced a major complication including death, and six patients (11%) died. Of the patients who died, 5 (83%) were treated empirically versus one death (17%) among patients not treated empirically, P < 0.001 by Chi Square. Only one of the seven patients treated empirically for TTP died, however. In logistic regression analysis, empiric treatment was the only factor independently associated with death, adjusted odds ratio, 34.2, 95% CI, 3.4, 334.8, P = 0.003. The most common indication for TPE was neurological disease, which also accounted for the highest proportion of complications. With the exception of presumed TTP, performing TPE in the absence of a confirmed diagnosis was not beneficial. J. Clin. Apheresis Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Reasons for creation of permanent ileostomy for the management of idiopathic chronic constipationJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 8 2004AM EL-TAWIL Abstract The aim of the present study was to examine the reasons for initiation of end ileostomy for management of intractable constipation over the last 35 years. A total of 62 patients with intractable constipation, on whom an end ileostomy was created during the period from 1966 to 2001, were recorded. The incidence of initiating a terminal ileostomy as a further surgical intervention to the total number of managed patients in examined studies varied from 2 to 25%. Preoperative unevaluated anal and rectal abnormalities formed the highest proportion compared with other reasons (65%, 40/62). A better understanding of the functional colonic and anorectal abnormalities may facilitate changes in surgical therapy. [source] Dental visits by Australian preschool childrenJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 6 2003LM Slack-Smith Objective: To provide population-based data on dental visits in preschool children, to assist in the planning of such services and preventive programs. Methodology: Dental visits in young children are described and associated factors are investigated using data from the 1995 National Health Survey. Results: Thirty-eight per cent of children aged 3,4 years had ever visited a dental professional with 31% having visited a dental professional in the previous 12 months (total n = 1596). Factors associated with having ever visited a dental professional included age in years (,2 = 74.16, P < 0.0001), state of residence (,2 = 25.81, P= 0.0005) and private health insurance (,2 = 7.96, P= 0.005). Similar factors were associated with visits in last 12 months. Western Australia had the lowest proportion of preschool children aged 3,4 years having ever visited a dental professional (29%) while South Australia had the highest proportion (48%). The major reasons given for dental visits were check-up and fillings. Conclusion: Data regarding children not as likely to attend dental services can be used to target services and assist in ensuring preschool children receive appropriate dental care. [source] META-ANALYSIS OF GRAZER CONTROL OF PERIPHYTON BIOMASS ACROSS AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS,JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Helmut Hillebrand Grazer control of periphyton biomass has been addressed in numerous experimental studies in all kinds of aquatic habitats. In this meta-analysis, the results of 865 experiments are quantitatively synthesized in order to address the following questions: (i) Do lotic, lentic, and marine ecosystems differ in their degree of grazer control of periphyton biomass? (ii) Which environmental variables affect the degree of grazer control? (iii) How much does the result of these experiments depend on facets of experimental design? Across all ecosystems, the grazers removed on average 59% of the periphyton biomass, with grazing being significantly stronger for laboratory (65%) than for field (56%) experiments. Neither field nor lab experiments showed a significant difference among lotic, lentic, and coastal habitats. Among different taxonomic consumer groups, crustaceans (amphipods and isopods) and trichopteran larvae removed the highest proportion of periphyton biomass. Grazer effects increased with increasing algal biomass, with decreasing resource availability and with increasing temperature, especially in field experiments. Grazer effects also increased with increasing total grazer biomass in field experiments but showed the opposite trend in lab experiments, indicating a tendency toward overcrowded lab experiments. Other aspects of experimental design, such as cage type, size, and duration of the study, strongly affected the outcome of the experiments, suggesting that much care has to be placed on the choice of experimental design. [source] Genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation in plant populations: susceptible signals in plant traits and methodological approachesMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 24 2008RAMIRO AGUILAR Abstract Conservation of genetic diversity, one of the three main forms of biodiversity, is a fundamental concern in conservation biology as it provides the raw material for evolutionary change and thus the potential to adapt to changing environments. By means of meta-analyses, we tested the generality of the hypotheses that habitat fragmentation affects genetic diversity of plant populations and that certain life history and ecological traits of plants can determine differential susceptibility to genetic erosion in fragmented habitats. Additionally, we assessed whether certain methodological approaches used by authors influence the ability to detect fragmentation effects on plant genetic diversity. We found overall large and negative effects of fragmentation on genetic diversity and outcrossing rates but no effects on inbreeding coefficients. Significant increases in inbreeding coefficient in fragmented habitats were only observed in studies analyzing progenies. The mating system and the rarity status of plants explained the highest proportion of variation in the effect sizes among species. The age of the fragment was also decisive in explaining variability among effect sizes: the larger the number of generations elapsed in fragmentation conditions, the larger the negative magnitude of effect sizes on heterozygosity. Our results also suggest that fragmentation is shifting mating patterns towards increased selfing. We conclude that current conservation efforts in fragmented habitats should be focused on common or recently rare species and mainly outcrossing species and outline important issues that need to be addressed in future research on this area. [source] Effect of maturation stage at cryopreservation on post-thaw cytoskeleton quality and fertilizability of equine oocytesMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 5 2006T. Tharasanit Abstract Oocyte cryopreservation is a potentially valuable technique for salvaging the germ-line when a valuable mare dies, but facilities for in vitro embryo production or oocyte transfer are not immediately available. This study examined the influence of maturation stage and freezing technique on the cryopreservability of equine oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were frozen at the immature stage (GV) or after maturation in vitro for 30 hr (MII), using either conventional slow freezing (CF) or open pulled straw vitrification (OPS); cryoprotectant-exposed and untreated nonfrozen oocytes served as controls. After thawing, GV oocytes were matured in vitro, and MII oocytes were incubated for 0 or 6 hr, before staining to examine meiotic spindle quality by confocal microscopy. To assess fertilizability, CF MII oocytes were subjected to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and cultured in vitro. At 12, 24, and 48 hr after ICSI, injected oocytes were fixed to examine their progression through fertilization. Both maturation stage and freezing technique affected oocyte survival. The meiosis resumption rate was higher for OPS than CF for GV oocytes (28% vs. 1.2%; P,<,0.05), but still much lower than for controls (66%). Cryopreserving oocytes at either stage induced meiotic spindle disruption (37%,67% normal spindles vs. 99% in controls; P,<,0.05). Among frozen oocytes, however, spindle quality was best for oocytes frozen by CF at the MII stage and incubated for 6 hr post-thaw (67% normal); since this combination of cryopreservation/IVM yielded the highest proportion of oocytes reaching MII with a normal spindle (35% compared to <20% for other groups), it was used when examining the effects of cryopreservation on fertilizability. In this respect, the rate of normal fertilization for CF MII oocytes after ICSI was much lower than for controls (total oocyte activation rate, 26% vs. 56%; cleavage rate at 48 hr, 8% vs. 42%: P,<,0.05). Thus, although IVM followed by CF yields a respectable percentage of normal-looking MII oocytes (35%), their ability to support fertilization is severely compromised. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Molecular neuropathology of MELAS: level of heteroplasmy in individual neurones and evidence of extensive vascular involvementNEUROPATHOLOGY & APPLIED NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2006J. Betts Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disease is an important genetic cause of neurological disability. A variety of different clinical features are observed and one of the most common phenotypes is MELAS (Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like episodes). The majority of patients with MELAS have the 3243A>G mtDNA mutation. The neuropathology is dominated by multifocal infarct-like lesions in the posterior cortex, thought to underlie the stroke-like episodes seen in patients. To investigate the relationship between mtDNA mutation load, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuropathological features in MELAS, we studied individual neurones from several brain regions of two individuals with the 3243A>G mutation using dual cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) histochemistry, and Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Lenght Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. We found a low number of COX-deficient neurones in all brain regions. There appeared to be no correlation between the threshold level for the 3243A>G mutation to cause COX deficiency within single neurones and the degree of pathology in affected brain regions. The most severe COX deficiency associated with the highest proportion of mutated mtDNA was present in the walls of the leptomeningeal and cortical blood vessels in all brain regions. We conclude that vascular mitochondrial dysfunction is important in the pathogenesis of the stroke-like episodes in MELAS patients. As migraine is a commonly encountered feature in MELAS, we propose that coupling of the vascular mitochondrial dysfunction with cortical spreading depression (CSD) might underlie the selective distribution of ischaemic lesions in the posterior cortex in these patients. [source] Exposure to hazardous workplace noise and use of hearing protection devices among US workers,NHANES, 1999,2004,,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009SangWoo Tak ScD Abstract Background To estimate the prevalence of workplace noise exposure and use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) at noisy work, NIOSH analyzed 1999,2004 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods A total of 9,275 currently employed workers aged ,16 years were included in the weighted analysis. Hazardous workplace noise exposure was defined as self-reported exposure to noise at their current job that was so loud that the respondent had to speak in a raised voice to be heard. Industry and occupation were determined based on the respondent's current place and type of work. Results Twenty-two million US workers (17%) reported exposure to hazardous workplace noise. The weighted prevalence of workplace noise exposure was highest for mining (76%, SE,=,7.0) followed by lumber/wood product manufacturing (55%, SE,=,2.5). High-risk occupations included repair and maintenance, motor vehicle operators, and construction trades. Overall, 34% of the estimated 22 million US workers reporting hazardous workplace exposure reported non-use of HPDs. The proportion of noise-exposed workers who reported non-use of HPDs was highest for healthcare and social services (73.7%, SE,=,8.1), followed by educational services (55.5%). Discussion Hearing loss prevention and intervention programs should be targeted at those industries and occupations identified to have a high prevalence of workplace noise exposure and those industries with the highest proportion of noise-exposed workers who reported non-use of HPDs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:358,371, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Contribution of Naïve and Memory T-Cell Populations to the Human Alloimmune ResponseAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 9 2009C. Macedo T-cell alloimmunity plays a dominant role in allograft rejection. The precise contribution of naïve and memory T cells to this response however remains unclear. To address this question, we established an ex vivo flow-cytometric assay that simultaneously measures proliferation, precursor frequency and effector molecule (IFN,, granzyme B/perforin) production of alloreactive T cells. By applying this assay to peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers, we demonstrate that the CD4+ and CD8+ populations mount similar proliferative responses and contain comparable frequencies of alloreactive precursors. Effector molecule expression, however, was significantly higher among CD8+ T cells. Analysis of sorted naïve and memory T cells showed that alloreactive precursors were equally present in both populations. The CD8+ effector and terminally differentiated effector memory subsets contained the highest proportion of granzyme B/perforin after allostimulation, suggesting that these cells present a significant threat to transplanted organs. Finally, we demonstrate that virus-specific lymphocytes contribute significantly to the alloresponse in certain responder,stimulator HLA combinations, underscoring the importance of T-cell cross-reactivity in alloimmunity. These results provide a quantitative assessment of the roles of naïve and memory T-cell subsets in the normal human alloimmune response and establish a platform for measuring T-cell alloreactivity pre- and posttransplantation. [source] Craniological differentiation amongst wild-living cats in Britain and southern Africa: natural variation or the effects of hybridisation?ANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 4 2004Nobuyuki Yamaguchi The natural morphological variation in the wildcat, Felis silvestris, and morphological changes possibly caused by introgressive hybridisation with the domestic cat, F. catus, were examined, based on up to 39 variables concerning cranial morphology. The samples of wild-living cats originated from Scotland and southern Africa and consisted of both classical wildcat and other pelage types. Principal component and cluster analyses suggested that introgressive hybridisation occurred in both areas, with the consequence that the characteristics of local wildcat populations had been altered in terms of the frequencies of occurrence of certain characters, especially those concerning cranial capacity. In both regions the clustering patterns of wild-living cats can be interpreted as containing four main groups. One of these consisted mainly of ,non-wildcats' and groups furthest from the ,non-wild' cluster consisted of the highest proportion of ,wildcats' (c. 80%). We propose that where a population is heavily introgressed, the only feasible way to define a wildcat is on the basis of inter-correlated features and conservationists must take a population-based approach to assess the extent of introgression. This approach may provide an operational standard for assessing the impact of hybridisation between wildcats and domestic cats throughout the species' range; it suggests that the Scottish wildcats may be critically endangered. [source] A simple model for the determination of the relative utilization efficiency of protein by blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra Leach)AQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 1 2010G.A. DUNSTAN Abstract A 6-week growth rate trial of 6.7 mm ± 1.35 SD long blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra) fed one of four graded protein feeds (26%, 32%, 37%, 45% crude protein, CP) resulted in a maximum average growth rate of 81 ,m day,1 (percentage daily weight gain of 5.2% day,1) with the 45% CP diet. Based on the results, a new, simple, non-destructive method to calculate the relative utilization efficiencies (RUE) of nutrients is presented to estimate the relative contributions of a nutrient to growth, body maintenance and the excess used for energy. Calculations of RUE of protein estimated that at the maximum growth rate, 59% of the CP was responsible for growth, while 31% was used for body maintenance and an excess of 10% was lost and presumably catabolized for energy and carbohydrate anabolism. At the %CP where the highest proportion of CP was used for growth, i.e. the maximum RUE of protein for growth (slightly higher at 62%), 35% was used for body maintenance and only 3% of the excess was lost to energy. [source] Allometry and biomass distribution in replanted mangrove plantations at Gazi Bay, KenyaAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue S1 2009J. G. Kairo Abstract 1.This study reports above-ground biomass of 5 and 8 years old mangrove plantations in Kenya. Trees with stem diameter greater than 5.0,cm inside 100,m2 sample plots were harvested, and then separated into stems (trunks), branches, leaves and prop roots. 2.Mean above-ground biomass was calculated at 20.25 t dry matter ha,1 for Rhizophora mucronata Lam., 11.7 t dry matter ha,1 for Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh., 6.7 t dry matter ha,1 for Sonneratia alba Sm. and 3.7 t dry matter ha,1 for Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C. B. Robinson. In A. marina and R. mucronata, stems (52.19%) and prop-roots (30.28%), respectively, accounted for the highest proportion of the above-ground dry weight. While in S. alba and C. tagal, branch biomass represented the highest percentage of biomass, 48.20% and 43.62%, respectively. 3.The total above-ground biomass of R. mucronata was best estimated from regression equations using a combination of height and diameter above stilt root as the independent variables. For A. marina, C. tagal and S. alba there was no simple correlation found between the above-ground biomass and tree height or stem diameter. 4.Comparison of the regression models with those developed elsewhere gave different biomass values in these plots, further reinforcing the need for the use of site-specific allometric equations for biomass estimation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Regulation of environmental tobacco smoke by Australian drug treatment agenciesAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 3 2005Raoul A. Walsh Objective: To determine how smoking is regulated in alcohol and other drug treatment agencies. Method: Australian drug treatment agencies were mailed questionnaires for completion by the manager and one other staff member (553 packages posted). Results: Questionnaires were returned by 260 (59.8%) eligible agencies. Most respondents (82.5% managers, 76.7% other staff) indicated their agency had a written policy regulating smoking. The vast majority (88.2% managers, 82.3% other staff) reported smoking was banned inside their agency, with the highest proportion of bans being in the area health category (95.8% managers, 93.7% other staff) and the lowest in the residential rehabilitation category (75.6% managers, 62.8% other staff). Of the respondents reporting a ban, 19.1% of managers and 27.5% of other staff reported their agency's ban was not ,always' enforced. Paired analyses suggested that other staff were more likely to indicate that the agency had no written policy or be unsure and managers were more likely to report that smoking bans were ,always' stringently enforced. Overall, a substantial minority of respondents (managers 28.6%, other staff 40.2%) indicated that smoking occurred inside their agency at least occasionally. Conclusions and Implications: A substantial proportion of Australian drug and alcohol agencies continue to permit smoking inside their premises. Policy initiatives and educational campaigns are required to promote the expansion of smoke-free conditions in this sector. Serious consideration should be given to making the adoption and enforcement of internal smoke-free policies a condition of any continued government funding. [source] At work or play: A comparison of private property vehicle crashes with those occurring on public roads in north QueenslandAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2009Ross Blackman Abstract Objective:,To define characteristics of vehicle crashes occurring on rural private property in north Queensland with an exploration of associated risk factors. Design:,Descriptive analysis of private property crash data collected by the Rural and Remote Road Safety Study. Setting:,Rural and remote north Queensland. Participants:,A total of 305 vehicle controllers aged 16 years or over hospitalised at Atherton, Cairns, Mount Isa or Townsville for at least 24 hours as a result of a vehicle crash. Main outcome measure:,A structured questionnaire completed by participants covering crash details, lifestyle and demographic characteristics, driving history, medical history, alcohol and drug use and attitudes to road use. Results:,Overall, 27.9% of interviewees crashed on private property, with the highest proportion of private road crashes occurring in the North West Statistical Division (45%). Risk factors shown to be associated with private property crashes included male sex, riding off-road motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle, first-time driving at that site, lack of licence for vehicle type, recreational use and not wearing a helmet or seatbelt. Conclusions:,Considerable trauma results from vehicle crashes on rural private property. These crashes are not included in most crash data sets, which are limited to public road crashes. Legislation and regulations applicable to private property vehicle use are largely focused on workplace health and safety, yet work-related crashes represent a minority of private property crashes in north Queensland. [source] Disturbance Effects on the Seed Bank of Mexican Cloud Forest Fragments,BIOTROPICA, Issue 3 2005C. Alvarez-Aquino ABSTRACT The density and floristic composition of the soil seed bank was assessed in six cloud forest fragments with different levels of human disturbance in central Veracruz, Mexico. A total of 8416 seeds germinated in 60 soil samples, at 5-cm depth, corresponding to 107 species, 85 genera, and 48 families. Significant differences were found among study sites in seed densities with values ranging from 873 to 3632/m2. Tree species contributed 20 percent of the total soil seed bank in four sites and herbs accounted for the majority of the species in each site. Among tree species, Trema micrantha displayed the highest seed density, accounting for 84 percent of the germinated seeds. In general, the tree species composition of the soil seed bank did not closely reflect the composition of the tree community. Results suggest that disturbance produced by human activities (trail use, selective cutting of trees, livestock) may influence the size and composition of the soil seed bank in forest fragments. Sites where human activity has been reduced showed the highest proportion of dormant seeds. RESUMEN La densidad y composición florística del banco de semillas del suelo se determinó en seis fragmentos de bosque de niebla con distinto nivel de alteración humana, en Veracruz, México. Un total de 8416 semillas germinaron en 60 muestras de suelo, correspondientes a 107 especies, 85 géneros y 48 familias. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los sitios de estudio, con valores desde 873 a 3632 semillas/m2. La mayoria de las especies fueron hierbas y en cuatro de los sitios las especies arbóreas contribuyeron un 20 por ciento al total de semillas del banco del suelo. Entre las especies arbóreas, Trema micrantha (L.) Blume (Ulmaceae) presentó la mayor densidad de semillas (84% de las semillas germinadas). En general, la composición de especies arbóreas en el banco del suelo no reflejó la composición de la comunidad de árboles en cada sitio. Los resultados sugieren que la alteración causada por actividad humana (uso de senderos, tala selectiva y pastoreo) puede influir en el tamaño y composición del banco de semillas del suelo en fragmentos de bosque. Los sitios donde la actividad humana es reducida tienen la mayor proporción de semillas latentes. [source] Psycho-social determinants of quality of life in children and adolescents with haemophilia,a cross-cultural approachCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORY & PRACTICE), Issue 3 2008Monika Bullinger Quality of life (QoL) of children with chronic conditions has received increasing attention in recent years. While frequent paediatric health conditions and life-threatening conditions are in the foreground, QoL of children with rare diseases such as haemophilia is scarce. While haemophilia-specific instruments to assess QoL in children have been developed, cross-cultural comparison of QoL and its determinants has not been addressed so far. QoL and potential psychosocial determinants such as coping were assessed in 298 paediatric haemophilia patients from six European countries demonstrating significant differences in QoL between countries. Results indicated that psychosocial predictors varied across countries, although life satisfaction and social support explained the highest proportion of variance and, moreover, superseded clinical characteristics. These findings suggest that intervention programmes should be geared towards enhancing psychosocial resources in children and adolescents with haemophilia.,Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Characterisation of human soft palate muscles with respect to fibre types, myosins and capillary supplyJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 2 2000PER S. STÅL Four human soft palate muscles, and palatopharyngeus, the uvula, the levator and tensor veli palatini were examined using enzyme-histochemical, immunohistochemical and biochemical methods and compared with human limb and facial muscles. Our results showed that each palate muscle had a distinct morphological identity and that they generally shared more similarities with facial than limb muscles. The palatopharyngeus and uvula muscles contained 2 of the highest proportions of type II fibres ever reported for human muscles. In contrast, the levator and tensor veli palatini muscles contained predominantly type I fibres. A fetal myosin heavy chain isoform (MyHC), not usually found in normal adult limb muscles, was present in a small number of fibres in all palate muscles. The mean muscle fibre diameter was smaller than in limb muscles and the individual and intramuscular variability in diameter and shape was considerable. All palate muscles had a high capillary density and an unusually high mitochondrial enzyme activity in the type II fibres, in comparison with limb muscles. No ordinary muscle spindles were observed. The fibre type and MyHC composition indicate that the palatopharyngeus and uvula muscles are functionally involved in quick movements whereas the levator and tensor veli palatini muscles perform slower and more continuous contractions. The high aerobic capacity and the rich capillarisation suggest that the palate muscles are relatively fatigue resistant. Absence of ordinary muscle spindles indicates a special proprioceptive control system. The special morphology of the palate muscles may be partly related to the unique anatomy with only one skeletal insertion, a feature consistent with muscle work at low load and tension and which may influence the cytoarchitecture of these muscles. Other important factors determining the special morphological characteristics might be specific functional requirements, distinct embryological origin and phylogenetic factors. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||