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Management Recommendations (management + recommendation)
Selected AbstractsReproductive challenges of a rare grass, Calamagrostis porteri subsp. insperata (Swallen) C. Greene: implications for habitat restorationAPPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009David J. Gibson Abstract Background: Habitat management for reproductively challenged rare species is a problem when there is insufficient knowledge of their autecology. This study investigated reproductive failure in the rare grass Calamagrostis porteri ssp. insperata (Swallen) C. Greene (Reed bentgrass). Does the management recommendation of high light stimulate clonal growth, flowering, and seed production? Location: Shawnee National Forest, IL, USA, and in a greenhouse and an experimental garden at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA. Methods: Clones obtained from the three known Illinois populations were grown in a glasshouse under experimental light and soil moisture treatments. After 3 years, plants from the high light treatment were planted outside in an experimental garden where the light treatments were maintained for two more years. In the field, vegetative and flowering tiller density, canopy cover, and associated biotic and abiotic variables including abundance of co-occurring plant species were monitored for 5 years. The overhead tree canopy was cleared over a portion of one population. Results: In the glasshouse, plants increased in size under high light and moist soil, and there were size differences among populations. Sixty-six per cent (20 of 30) of the genets flowered when planted outdoors under full sunlight but did not produce seed. In the field, flowering only occurred in Calamagrostis growing in the cleared area, but no seed were produced. The plants in the flowering population were smaller than plants in the other two populations. The herbaceous community associated with Calamagrostis in the open diverged from the communities remaining under the shade. Conclusions: This study highlights the difficulty of managing reproductively challenged rare species. Calamagrostis populations can be managed to enhance clonal growth, but establishment of new populations would require translocation of vegetative material as it is highly unlikely that seed can be obtained. [source] A Quantitative Conservation Approach for the Endangered Butterfly Maculinea alconCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2004MICHIEL F. WallisDeVries The quality and size of habitat patches and their isolation from other patches are the main parameters for an assessment of population persistence, but translating persistence probabilities into practical measures is still a weak link in conservation management. I provide a quantitative conservation approach for the endangered myrmecophilous butterfly Maculinea alcon in the Netherlands. All 127 colonies known on heathland since 1990 were investigated for patch quality, size, and isolation. I assessed habitat quality in three 10 × 10 m plots for most colonies. Site occupancy in 1998,1999 was only 56%. Occupancy was best explained by a logistic regression including patch area, host ant presence, host plant abundance, overall heathland area, and connectivity between sites ( R2= 0.410, p < 0.0001); it correctly classified the occupied or vacant status for 82% of the sites. Connectivity contributed only 3.6% to the total explained variation of site occupancy, indicating that habitat characteristics were more important than isolation in determining population persistence at the examined scale level (>500 m). Grazing and sod cutting had a beneficial impact, but in combination these practices proved detrimental. Hydrological measures to prevent drainage were also associated with lowered occupancy. I used the different components in the logistic regression to formulate objective management recommendations. These consisted of sod cutting, reduction of management intensity, enlargement of habitat, or combinations of these recommendations. The results highlight the importance of careful management when site quality is determined by multiple factors. The quantitative conservation approach followed here can be fruitfully extended to other endangered species, provided enough is known about their ecological requirements and how management actions affect them. Resumen:,La preservación de fragmentos individuales es extremadamente importante para especies en peligro con capacidad de dispersión limitada. La calidad y tamaño de los fragmentos de hábitat y su aislamiento de otros fragmentos son los parámetros principales para la evaluación de la persistencia de la población, pero la traducción de probabilidades de persistencia en medidas prácticas aun es un eslabón débil en la gestión de conservación. Proporciono un método cuantitativo de conservación para la mariposa mirmecófila Maculinea alcon en peligro en Holanda. Se investigó a las 127 colonias conocidas en brezales desde 1990 para calidad, tamaño y aislamiento del fragmento. Evalué la calidad del hábitat en tres parcelas de 10 × 10 m en la mayoría de las colonias. La ocupación de sitios en 1998-1999 fue sólo 56%. La ocupación fue mejor explicada por regresión logística incluyendo la superficie del fragmento, presencia de hormigas huésped, abundancia de plantas huésped, superficie total del brezal y conectividad entre sitios ( R2= 0.410, p < 0.0001); clasificó el estatus de ocupado o vacante en 82% de los sitios. La conectividad contribuyó con solo 36% de la variación total de sitio de ocupación, lo que indica que las características de hábitat fueron más importantes que el aislamiento en la determinación de la persistencia de la población en el nivel de escala examinado (>500 m). El pastoreo y el corte de pasto tuvieron un impacto benéfico pero combinadas, estas prácticas fueron perjudiciales. Obras hidrológicas para prevenir la desecación también se asociaron con una disminución en la ocupación. Utilicé los diferentes componentes de la regresión logística para formular recomendaciones objetivas de gestión. Estas incluyeron el corte de pasto, reducción en la intensidad de manejo, aumento de hábitat o combinaciones de estas recomendaciones. Los resultados resaltan la importancia de la gestión cuidadosa cuando la calidad del sitio está determinada por múltiples factores. El método cuantitativo de preservación utilizado puede ser extendido exitosamente a otras especies en peligro, siempre que sean suficientemente conocidos sus requerimientos ecológicos y la forma en que le afectan las acciones de manejo. [source] The species-area relationship in the hoverfly (Diptera, Syrphidae) communities of forest fragments in southern FranceECOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2006Annie Ouin The effect of forest fragmentation was studied in hoverfly communities of 54 isolated forests (0.14,171 ha) in south west France. The positive relationship between species richness and wood patch area was investigated by testing the three hypotheses usually put forward to explain it: 1) the sampling effect hypothesis, 2) the patch heterogeneity hypothesis, 3) the hypothesis of equilibrium between distance from other patch (colonisation) and surface area of the patch (extinction). The syrphid species were divided into 3 ecological groups, based on larval biology as summarized in the "Syrph the Net" database: non forest species, facultative forest species and forest species. A total of 3317 adults belonging to 100 species, were captured in the 86 Malaise traps. Eight species were non forest (N=16), 65 facultative forest (N=2803) and 27 forest species (N=498). Comparison of the slopes of the species-area curves for species richness and species density per forest patch showed a strong sampling effect in the species-area relationship. Wood patch heterogeneity increased with wood patch area and positively influenced hoverflies richness. Less isolated wood patches presented high richness of forest species and low richness of non forest species. Only forest species richness seemed to respond to the equilibrium between surface area and isolation. Depending on which hypothesis explained best the species-area relationship, management recommendations to mitigate fragmentation effects were formulated at various spatial scales and for different stakeholders. [source] Review article: Emergency department implications of the TASEREMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 4 2009Megan Robb Abstract The TASER is a conducted electricity device currently being introduced to the Australian and New Zealand police forces as an alternative to firearms in dealing with violent and dangerous individuals. It incapacitates the subject by delivering rapid pulses of electricity causing involuntary muscle contraction and pain. The use of this device might lead to cardiovascular, respiratory, biochemical, obstetric, ocular and traumatic sequelae. This article will summarize the current literature and propose assessment and management recommendations to guide emergency physicians who will be required to review these patients. [source] Breeding biology and success of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus in the eastern PyreneesIBIS, Issue 2 2003Antoni Margalida We present data from an extensive study of Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus breeding biology in the Pyrenees from 1992 to 1999. Average laying date was 6 January (range 11 December to 12 February, n = 69) with no significant differences between years. Eighty per cent of clutches were of two eggs (n = 20) and average incubation was 54 days (range 52,56, n = 14). Hatching occurred on average between 21 February and 3 March (range 5 February,7 April) and the first and last chicks fledged in 21,27 May and 20 July, respectively. The average chick age at fledging was 123 days (range 103,133, n = 20). Bearded Vulture density increased significantly during the study period. Breeding success and productivity declined apparently as a consequence of the increase in the percentage of breeding failures during incubation and chick rearing, most during the hatching period. The factors that may determine breeding failure and the decline in breeding performance are analysed and management recommendations for more effective conservation measures are discussed. [source] Beneficial links for the control of aphids: the effects of compost applications on predators and preyJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2008James R. Bell Summary 1Polyphagous predators, such as spiders and beetles, perform a fundamental ecosystem service as regulators of agricultural pests, particularly aphids. They are most effective when they colonize the crop before the pest has reached its exponential growth phase. However, this is also when predators find themselves in a state of near-starvation. 2Predator numbers can be enhanced by applications of different types of organic matter, but the mechanism is not clearly understood. One hypothesis is that compost applied to the field may introduce a new detrital food chain to maintain predators until the pest arrives, but this may also be detrimental to effective pest control, fostering a surplus of alternative prey and causing a switch away from the pest. To elucidate these possible outcomes, we report on the use of within-field compost applications on aphids and their predators, presenting 4 years of field-scale manipulations. 3We found both direct and indirect links between compost, aphids and predators. In years when compost-treated plots had significantly higher numbers of predators, aphids were in significantly lower numbers than in plots without compost. Conversely, when there was a lack of response by predators, aphid numbers showed similar trends in all treatments. 4In all years, alternative prey responded strongly to compost application and did not fluctuate at the level shown by predators, suggesting that these two prey groups were decoupled. Instead, the predicted positive feedback of compost on predators numbers was either weak or absent. 5Synthesis and applications. The effect of compost on aphids clearly requires further practical refinement if it is to provide constant pest suppression, making it difficult to provide specific management recommendations at this stage. In the short term, compost application may not always confer immediate benefits in terms of pest control alone but this must be set against other better known benefits (moisture retention, nutrients). In the long term, experiments measuring the full trophic pathway are needed to unravel the effects of organic matter type, application time and the siting of compost relative to the crop in order to optimise pest suppression potential. [source] Impact of shade on the spatial distribution of Sahlbergella singularis in traditional cocoa agroforestsAGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Régis Babin 1Shade management is commonly considered to be an effective pest management strategy for cocoa mirids, yet shade management recommendations are not based on extensive knowledge of the mirid ecology in traditional cocoa agroforests. 2The main objectives of the present study were an assessment of the impact of shade on the spatial distribution of mirid populations and thus the evaluation of shade management strategies. 3Mirid densities were measured and shade was characterized for three plots located in three different agroecological zones in the Centre region of Cameroon. Mirid densities generally followed a negative binomial law. Geostatistical procedures were used to characterize spatial distribution of mirid density. Light conditions were assessed using hemispherical photography. 4Populations of Sahlbergella singularis were highly aggregated in the plots. Semivariance analysis and kriging visualized the spatial dependence of mirid densities. Clearly distinguishable mirid pockets of 20,30 adjacent infested cocoa trees were identified in two of the three plots. 5The high diversity of shade tree species and the large variability in density and size of shade trees resulted in a considerable heterogeneity of plot light conditions. Percentage transmitted light varied in the range 9.4,80.1% in the most heterogeneous plot. 6For two of the three plots, mirid pockets were aggregated in those areas where light transmission was highest. In the third plot, relatively high mirid densities and the presence of an alternative host resulted in a more homogeneous distribution. The importance of these findings for improved mirid control is discussed. [source] Development, standardization, and testing of a lexicon for reporting contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging studiesJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 6 2001Debra M. Ikeda MD Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop, standardize, and test reproducibility of a lexicon for reporting contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. To standardize breast MRI lesion description and reporting, seven radiologists with extensive breast MRI experience developed consensus on technical detail, clinical history, and terminology reporting to describe kinetic and architectural features of lesions detected on contrast-enhanced breast MR images. This lexicon adapted American College of Radiology Breast Imaging and Data Reporting System terminology for breast MRI reporting, including recommendations for reporting clinical history, technical parameters for breast MRI, descriptions for general breast composition, morphologic and kinetic characteristics of mass lesions or regions of abnormal enhancement, and overall impression and management recommendations. To test morphology reproducibility, seven radiologists assessed morphology characteristics of 85 contrast-enhanced breast MRI studies. Data from each independent reader were used to compute weighted and unweighted kappa (,) statistics for interobserver agreement among readers. The MR lexicon differentiates two lesion types, mass and non-mass-like enhancement based on morphology and geographical distribution, with descriptors of shape, margin, and internal enhancement. Lexicon testing showed substantial agreement for breast density (, = 0.63) and moderate agreement for lesion type (, = 0.57), mass margins (, = 0.55), and mass shape (, = 0.42). Agreement was fair for internal enhancement characteristics. Unweighted kappa statistics showed highest agreement for the terms dense in the breast composition category, mass in lesion type, spiculated and smooth in mass margins, irregular in mass shape, and both dark septations and rim enhancement for internal enhancement characteristics within a mass. The newly developed breast MR lexicon demonstrated moderate interobserver agreement. While breast density and lesion type appear reproducible, other terms require further refinement and testing to lead to a uniform standard language and reporting system for breast MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:889,895. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Intended management of children with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: A national surveyJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 1-2 2005MK Marks Objective: In Australia acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is mainly treated by paediatricians (either general paediatricians or paediatric haematologists/oncologists). A survey was conducted to gauge the current practice of treating children with acute ITP in Australia. Methods: All practising Australian paediatricians registered by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians were surveyed regarding their intended management of children with acute ITP. The questionnaire, adapted from a study of paediatric haematologists/oncologists in North America, presented four clinical scenarios of children with acute ITP with a platelet count of 3000 × 109/L, with and without mucosal bleeding (wet and dry purpura, respectively). Questionnaires were returned by mail or filled in online at a dedicated webpage. Results: Five hundred and sixty-three of 1097 (51%) paediatricians responded to the survey. Data from 140 who had treated at least one child with ITP in the previous 12 months were analysed. Respondents indicated that children with acute ITP are usually or always hospitalised (58,92%) and that 48% would be given active treatment, even with dry purpura. Various regimens of i.v. immunoglobulin or corticosteroids are used when treatment is administered. In comparing Australian and North American management of acute ITP there were many similarities, although Australian paediatricians were less likely to arrange a bone marrow aspirate if corticosteroids were prescribed. Conclusions: There is great variation in the intended management of children with acute ITP in Australia. Previously published management recommendations regarding investigation and treatment have had little impact on intended practice. Prospective studies are required to evaluate hypotheses so as to produce evidence-based recommendations for treatment of patients with acute ITP. [source] Patients at risk of onychomycosis , risk factor identification and active preventionJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2005A Tosti ABSTRACT Objectives, The aims of this workshop were to identify risk factors for onychomycosis and to reach consensus on the management of high-risk groups to allow the development of guidelines to help doctors recognize risk factors that complicate treatment. Results and Conclusions, Previous Trichophyton rubrum infection, older age, abnormal nail morphology, immunodeficiency and genetic factors were identified as risk factors for initial infections. Risk factors for recurrence (relapse and re-infection) are largely the same. The experts agreed that the prevention of onychomycosis and its recurrence should be based on the correct treatment of tinea pedis, screening family members and adequate patient education. In addition, generic management recommendations for each high-risk group were discussed: ,,Immunosuppressed patients ,,Usual dose and treatment length not appropriate ,,Follow-up required ,,Beware of drug interactions ,,Diabetics ,,Prophylactic foot care combined with nail treatment ,,Good opportunity for patient education, footwear, foot care, etc. ,,Beware of drug interactions ,,Psoriatics and patients with abnormal nails ,,Dermatophyte eradication does not restore normal nails ,,Children ,,High failure rate possibly due to compliance problems. [source] Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: from molecular biology to patient careJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 7 2010S. DUPUIS-GIROD Summary., Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant vascular disorder characterized by severe and recurrent nosebleeds, mucocutaneous telangiectases, and, in some cases, life-threatening visceral arteriovenous malformations of various types, including pulmonary, hepatic, cerebral, and spinal. Gastrointestinal telangiectases are frequent and may cause severe bleeding. HHT type 1 results from mutations in ENG on chromosome 9 (coding for endoglin), and HHT type 2 results from mutations in ACVRL1 on chromosome 12 (coding for activin receptor-like kinase 1). Mutations of either of these two genes account for most clinical cases. In addition, mutations in MADH4 (encoding SMAD4), which cause a juvenile polyposis/HHT overlap syndrome, have been described, and recently, an HHT3 locus on chromosome 5 (5q31.3,5q32) has been reported. The mutated genes in HHT encode proteins that modulate transforming growth factor-, superfamily signaling in vascular endothelial cells. Management of patients has changed considerably in the last 20 years, in terms of both treatment and the prevention of complications. The goal of this review was to describe the underlying molecular and cellular physiopathology, explore clinical and genetic diagnostic strategies for HHT, and present clinical management recommendations in order to treat symptomatic disease and to screen for vascular malformations. [source] Canadian consensus guidelines on long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and the need for gastroprotection: benefits versus risksALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2009A. ROSTOM Summary Background, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used, but are not without risks. Aim, To provide evidence-based management recommendations to help clinicians determine optimal long-term NSAID therapy and the need for gastroprotective strategies based on an assessment of both gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiovascular (CV) risks. Methods, A multidisciplinary group of 21 voting participants revised and voted on the statements and the strength of evidence (assessed according to GRADE) at a consensus meeting. Results, An algorithmic approach was developed to help manage patients who require long-term NSAID therapy. The use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid in patients with high CV risk was assumed. For patients at low GI and CV risk, a traditional NSAID alone may be acceptable. For patients with low GI risk and high CV risk, full-dose naproxen may have a lower potential for CV risk than other NSAIDs. In patients with high GI and low CV risk, a COX-2 inhibitor plus a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) may offer the best GI safety profile. When both GI and CV risks are high and NSAID therapy is absolutely necessary, risk should be prioritized. If the primary concern is GI risk, a COX-2 inhibitor plus a PPI is recommended; if CV risk, naproxen 500 mg b.d. plus a PPI would be preferred. NSAIDs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Conclusion, More large, long-term trials that examine clinical outcomes of complicated and symptomatic upper and lower GI ulcers are needed. [source] Genetic variability and population structure of dorada (Brycon moorei sinuensis Dahl) in the Sinú River, Córdoba, ColombiaLAKES & RESERVOIRS: RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2006Liliana López Abstract Six microsatellite loci, isolated for Piaractus mesopotamicus (Characidae, Serrasalminae) were used to evaluate the genetic variability of the dorada (Brycon moorei sinuensis, Characidae, Bryconinae) population in the Sinú River, Córdoba, Colombia, and to facilitate management recommendations for this species. The six loci were polymorphic, with an average of 9.25 alleles for dimeric loci (Pme2, Pme4, Pme5 and Pme20), and five alleles for trimeric loci. Tests for linkage disequilibrium were used to determine that the six loci had an independent distribution. The observed heterozygosities were lower than the expected ones for all loci, and the population was not in Hardy,Weinberg equilibrium because of heterozygote deficiency. F -statistics indicated inbreeding and a low population substructure. The homogeneity of the population was confirmed by high values of genetic flux and an agglomerated representation of the individuals, based on factor correspondence analysis. Recent bottlenecks were detected for three sample sites under the assumption of an infinite allele mutation model. Proposals for the management of the dorada population are made and validated with a genetic simulation. [source] Adherence to recommendations for primary prevention of atopic disease in neonatology clinical practicePEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Annalisa Passariello Passariello A, Terrin G, Baldassarre ME, Bisceglia M, Ruotolo S, Berni Canani R. Adherence to recommendations for primary prevention of atopic disease in neonatology clinical practice. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 889,891. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S The prevalence and severity of atopic manifestations in children are increasing in western countries in the last decades. Specific nutritional intervention may prevent or delay the onset of atopic diseases in infants at high risk of developing allergy. These nutritional interventions should be applied early in the perinatal period to have a chance of success. Thus, we assessed adherence to the dietary management recommendations of the Committee on Nutrition and Section on Allergy and Immunology of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the prevention of atopic diseases in neonatal age through an audit study. Questionnaire was administered to the chiefs of 30 maternity units (MU) with more than 1500 live births/yr to report the policy applied in their MU. Twenty-two MU returned the questionnaire. Identification of high-risk newborns was routinely performed only in 7/22 MU (31.8%). High-risk newborns were identified by the presence of at least two or one first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with documented allergic disease by 18.2% and 45.5% of MU, respectively. Specific maternal dietary restrictions during lactation were adopted in 7/22 MU (31.8%). Extensively or partially hydrolyzed formula was prescribed for bottle-fed high-risk infants in 22.7% of MU. Only 2/22 MU have a policy in complete agreement with the nutritional intervention proposed by the AAP. Our study suggest a poor adherence to dietary recommendations for primary prevention of atopic disease in neonatology clinical practice. Further efforts should be planned to improve the knowledge and the application of these preventive strategies. [source] Essential thrombocythemia and pregnancy: Observations from recent studies and management recommendations,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2009Ayalew Tefferi No abstract is available for this article. [source] Application timing and efficacy of alternatives for the insecticidal control of Tipula paludosa Meigen (Diptera: Tipulidae), a new invasive pest of turf in the northeastern United StatesPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 10 2008Daniel C Peck Abstract BACKGROUND: Two invasive crane flies, Tipula paludosa Meigen and Tipula oleracea L. (Diptera: Tipulidae), were detected in New York State for the first time in 2004. Both are damaging pests of turfgrass and other horticultural systems in North America where establishment has already been documented. To develop management recommendations for the Northeast and define opportunities for preventive (autumn) and curative (spring) control, four insecticide trials targeting T. paludosa larvae were conducted over a 2 year period. RESULTS: The most efficacious (,70% control in both trials) products against early instars in autumn were bifenthrin, carbaryl, chlorantraniliprole, clothianidin and trichlorfon. Results varied for azadirachtin, Beauveria bassiana, cyfluthrin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, imidacloprid + bifenthrin and indoxacarb. Clothianidin and dinotefuran were most efficacious against fourth instars in spring; results varied for imidacloprid, indoxacarb and trichlorfon. CONCLUSION: Several insecticides offer alternatives for preventive and curative control of T. paludosa, but, because there is little overlap with application windows for scarab larvae pests, management may entail an entirely new insecticide treatment window, implying new economic and environmental burdens to the turfgrass industry. Moreover, curtailing the impact and spread of these invasives may be severely hampered because the best performing alternatives (clothianidin, dinotefuran) are not registered in New York. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Special Issue: KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for the Care of Kidney Transplant RecipientsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2009Article first published online: 14 OCT 200 Abstract The 2009 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) clinical practice guideline on the monitoring, management, and treatment of kidney transplant recipients is intended to assist the practitioner caring for adults and children after kidney transplantation. The guideline development process followed an evidence-based approach, and management recommendations are based on systematic reviews of relevant treatment trials. Critical appraisal of the quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations followed the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The guideline makes recommendations for immunosuppression, graft monitoring, as well as prevention and treatment of infection, cardiovascular disease, malignancy, and other complications that are common in kidney transplant recipients, including hematological and bone disorders. Limitations of the evidence, especially on the lack of definitive clinical outcome trials, are discussed and suggestions are provided for future research. [source] Complex habitat requirements and conservation needs of the only extant Baroniinae swallowtail butterflyANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 3 2004Jorge L. León-Cortés The unique butterfly species, Baronia brevicornis, perhaps the oldest taxon in the Papilionidae, is known to have a very restricted distribution in Mexico. Populations are restricted to southern Mexico in deciduous scrub forest where its host-plants, Acacia trees (Leguminosae), are common and widespread. Little is known of the conservation implications of its relationship with its host trees. We recorded fine scale population data for larval and adult B. brevicornis in 22 km2 of fragmented landscape in southern Mexico. Habitat associations determined from over 1319 transect walks reveal that B. brevicornis exhibited an extremely localised distribution, occupying < 1% of the study area and being mostly associated with Acacia woodlots. Detailed analyses of habitat requirements for larva and/or adult B. brevicornis suggest that it lays its eggs on Acacia pennatula and A. macracantha (two newly recorded larval host-plants), that eggs were laid disproportionately on Acacia trees with long branches (,2= 17.7, P < 0.001) and that the probability of finding adult B. brevicornis between occupied and un-occupied Acacia woodlots increased with host-plant density (,2= 18.4, P < 0.001). The results of this study suggest that conservation recommendations for B. brevicornis must consider the condition of the Acacia habitat network, given that Acacia is mostly associated with human-managed grazing systems. Effective conservation will require the establishment of connected networks of patches where natural dynamics can produce new habitats, as well as the creation of new habitats within colonisation distance. This research provides a rare case study of conservation biology of a Neotropical insect, emphasising the importance of using ecological information to provide management recommendations. [source] Clinical recommendations for the use of lapatinib ditosylate plus capecitabine for patients with advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancerASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Raymond D SNYDER Abstract Primary and acquired resistance to trastuzumab pose a therapeutic challenge when treating patients with HER2 (erbB-2)-positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The recent introduction of lapatinib (Tykerb/Tyverb, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK) provides a new management option for such patients. A prospective, randomized phase III clinical trial has confirmed that lapatinib in combination with capecitabine extends time to progressive disease in HER2-positive MBC, compared with capecitabine alone in patients with disease progression despite prior anthracycline, taxane and trastuzumab therapy. Preliminary data also indicate that lapatinib may exert a beneficial effect on brain metastases, a common sanctuary site for HER2-positive breast cancer following trastuzumab treatment. The tolerability of lapatinib is commensurate with that of other erbB family tyrosine kinase inhibitors and no significant new adverse events have emerged following its introduction into clinical practice. In particular, no additive cardiotoxicity has been observed when lapatinib is prescribed after trastuzumab therapy. Based on the published literature and supplemented by clinical experience, this article provides practical management recommendations for the use of lapatinib plus capecitabine in patients with MBC. Issues addressed include patient selection, baseline evaluation and monitoring for clinical benefit. The minimization and management of adverse events is also discussed in detail, particularly the dermatological and gastrointestinal effects, which are the most clinically significant side-effects of lapatinib therapy. Further recommendations cover the minimization of drug interactions, anticipated dosing alterations and the optimal employment of oral anticancer regimens. [source] Description, biology and conservation of a new species of Australian tree frog (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae: Litoria) and an assessment of the remaining populations of Litoria genimaculata Horst, 1883: systematic and conservation implications of an unusual speciation eventBIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 4 2007CONRAD J. HOSKIN The Australian populations of the green-eyed tree frog Litoria genimaculata consist of a northern and southern genetic lineage that meet in a mosaic contact zone comprising two independent areas of contact: one where the main ranges of the lineages overlap, and the second where a population of the southern lineage is isolated within the range of the northern lineage. A recent study failed to find significant reproductive isolation between the main ranges of the two lineages, despite deep genetic divergence, partial postzygotic isolation, and call differences. The study did, however, demonstrate rapid phenotypic divergence and speciation of the isolated population of the southern lineage from both the parapatric northern lineage and from the allopatric, but genetically similar, main range of the southern lineage. Herein, the isolated population of the southern lineage is described as a distinct species, Litoria myola sp. nov., whereas the remainder of the southern lineage and the northern lineage are retained as a single, paraphyletic species, Litoria genimaculata. Resolving this unusual systematic situation demonstrates the value of using multiple lines of evidence in delimiting species. Litoria myola sp. nov. has a very small distribution and population size and warrants a Critically Endangered listing (B1, 2) under IUCN criteria. Threats and management recommendations are outlined, and the conservation of hybrid zones as areas of evolutionary novelty is discussed. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 91, 549,563. [source] Quality of survival reporting in chemotherapy and surgery trials in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinomaCANCER, Issue 6 2006Robert C. G. Martin M.D. Abstract BACKGROUND Patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (MCC) to the liver receive conflicting management recommendations because of the lack of prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) clarifying the optimal management in this disease. The oabjective of the current study was to evaluate the reporting of prognostic factors in MCC from chemotherapy and surgery trials and evaluate the ability to compare these results across treatments. METHODS RCTs and retrospective series of greater than 75 MCC patients published between 1980,2004 were reviewed to identify 10 critical prognostic elements of overall survival reported in both types of journals. RESULTS A review 92 RCTs and 116 retrospective reports with 64,898 patients analyzed found 7 (3%) reporting all prognostic factors, with both studies demonstrating no difference in the success of reporting criteria met. The only criterion that was universally reported among both chemotherapy and surgery trials was the mortality rates of the study. All remaining prognostic factors in the evaluation of overall survival were significantly different between both chemotherapy and surgical studies. Considerable variation was observed in the disease-free interval, number of hepatic metastases, size of hepatic metastases, and performance status, and were significantly different among some of the most significant factors for patients evaluating treatment: complication reporting, surgical margin evaluation, and overall response rate. CONCLUSIONS The reporting of results in MCC in chemotherapy trials and surgical reports is limited to general outcomes, with a paucity of prognostic factors, which hinders any ability to compare results across treatments. A mandatory reporting criteria of all metastatic colorectal trials is imperative to optimally manage these patients in both academic and community centers. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] | ||||||||||||||||