bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic studies of the Hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata: evidence for multiple stocks in Australian waters
Authors: Broderick D. , Moritz C. , D. Miller J. , Guinea M. , I. T. Prince R. , J. Limpus C.
Published: May 2016

The hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, is endangered and currently declining in many parts of its global distribution. Efforts to manage the species are hampered by the lack of knowledge of the appropriate geographic units of management and the relationship among breeding populations and feeding assemblages. The Australian populations are among the few remaining large assemblages in the world, but may be under threat from harvesting in neighbouring countries. We use patterns of mitochondrial DNA variation to determine the geographic scale of breeding populations and to compare the genetic composition of turtles in feeding populations to those nesting at nearby major rookeries. Four of the major Australian rookeries were sampled, two on the western coast and two in northeastern Australia, as were turtles at two foraging sites. Significant differences in the frequency of two divergent mitochondrial DNA types separated the turtles nesting at major rookeries sampled on the northeastern versus western coasts of Australia, demonstrating that these populations are not connected by significant amounts of gene flow and should be considered as separate entities for management. There was no significant difference between the turtles nesting at two western rookeries 100 km apart, nor between those using the two northeastern rookeries separated by 750 km. This indicates that the size of the interbreeding unit for the hawksbill turtle is likely to be a region consisting of a group of islands rather than an individual island. Feeding populations were screened with a gene amplification test that discriminates between the two major DNA types. In each case, there was a significant difference in allele frequency between feeding populations and the nearest major rookery. This, together with previous reports of long distance migrations from tag returns, suggests that individual foraging areas support hawksbill turtles from distant breeding populations.
Further evidence for the precipitous decline of endemic rainforest frogs in tropical Australia*
Authors: P. Trenerry M. , F. Laurance W. , R. McDonald K.
Published: May 2016

In Queensland, Australia, severe declines or possible extinctions have been reported for a number of stream-dwelling frogs, all in montane rainforest environments (Covacevich and McDonald 1993). The declines have followed a distinctive geographic pattern, commencing in southern Queensland in the late 1970s (Czechura and Ingram 1990) then progressing to central Queensland (McDonald 1990) and finally to north Queensland in the mid-1980s (Richards et ai. 1993).
Biodiversity of mediterranean ecosystems in Australia
Authors: R. J. Hobbs Ed , Reid Julian
Published: May 2016

The Hobbs and Saunders publication machine continues unabated! Invariably conservation-oriented, jointly or singly, they have edited six major publications in the past six years and at least one other is on the way. The publisher, Surrey Beatty, has been involved with three of them, and of course, has launched this scientific journal (PCB) as well as publishing the proceedings of the conference held in Brisbane in 1991 entitled "Conservation biology in Australia and Oceania". Hats off to the publisher and to Saunders and Hobbs for being so active in this vital field.
The CRC for Biological Control of Vertebrate Pest Populations: fertility control of wildlife for conservation
Authors: Tyndale-Biscoe H.
Published: May 2016

In the last four years there has been a growing awareness of fertility control as a means of reducing or eliminating pest mammals. It is the preferred option of animal welfare groups in Australia (Tyndale-Biscoe 1991) and in North America (Denver Wildlife Research Center 1993), and the expectations have accordingly been raised for its imminent use for the control of Australia's most intractable species, the rabbit, the fox and the cat. In this article I will outline the progress so far achieved in developing this approach for the fox and rabbit, the major obstacles that still remain including the perceived risks, and the long-term prospects for these and other species if fertility control is shown to be an effective means of controlling pest populations.
A flow-filter model for simulating the conservation of limited resources in spatially heterogeneous, semi-arid landscapes
Authors: A. Ludwig John , J. Tongway David , G. Marsden Stephen
Published: May 2016

As in arid lands of the world, many semi-arid landscapes in Australia have plant and animal growth and reproduction, hence survival, severely limited by available water. For example, Acacia anuera (mulga) grove-intergrove landscapes are source-sink systems where water flows from low ridges and stony slopes (inter-groves) into flat areas (groves). Water can be lost from these systems, to lakes and rivers. This occurs if the water retention (filtering and storage) capacity of the sinks is too low (perhaps due to landscape degradation) or if the total area of sink is too small. A flow-filter landscape model was developed to determine the area of sink (relative to the total area) that will maximize resource (water) conservation and plant production under conditions of low rainfall. The model was also used to examine the effect of having landscape resource sinks with low and high filtering capacities. Simulation results indicate that when rainfall is low (160 mm) the area of sink needed to conserve all available water within the landscape was 40 per cent of the total landscape area when sinks had high resource-filtering capacities; this area increased to 60 per cent when sinks had a low filtering capacity as the case with landscape degradation. The flow-filter landscape model can provide land managers with guidelines on rehabilitating degraded landscapes by reconstruction of sink areas. To conserve the limited amounts of rainfall within a semi-arid landscape a minimal area of sink has to be reconstructed; the flow-filter model estimates this minimal area, thus reducing rehabilitation costs.
Landscape-scale disturbances and regeneration in semi-arid woodlands of southwestern Australia
Authors: J. Yates Colin , J. Hobbs Richard , W. Bell Richard
Published: May 2016

Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus salmonophloia occur both in the fragmented landscapes of the Western Australian wheatbelt and in the adjacent unfragmented goldfields area. We examined the responses of the unfragmented woodlands to landscape-scale disturbances caused by fire, floods, windstorms and drought. Sites known to have experienced disturbances of these types over the past 50 years all had cohorts of sapling-stage E. salmonophloia and other dominant Eucalyptus species. Sites disturbed either by fire, flood or storm during 1991-92 displayed adult tree mortality and extensive seedling establishment, although rates of establishment and survival varied between sites. No regeneration was observed at equivalent undisturbed sites. These results indicate that landscape-scale disturbances of several types are important drivers of the dynamics of these semi-arid woodlands. Lack of regeneration of fragmented woodlands in the wheatbelt is likely to be due to changed disturbance regimes coupled with altered physical and biotic conditions within remnants. We argue that it may be difficult to identify processes which are important for the long-term persistence of natural ecosystems in fragmented landscapes without reference to equivalent unfragmented areas.
What's happening in New Zealand Conservation?
Authors: Lambert David , Moritz. Craig
Published: May 2016

Conservation represents a diverse and interconnected series of human endeavours. It includes both scientific and management approaches and, naturally enough, is influenced by cultural, legal and aesthetic factors. New Zealand represents a microcosm of such factors and there are a diverse range of workers concerned with such issues in this country. There was a clear need to gather a collection of general articles on New Zealand conservation.
The conservation and ecology of rainforest pigeons in northeastern New South Wales
Authors: M. Date E. , F. Recher H. , A. Ford H. , A. Stewart D.
Published: May 2016

A survey of conservation reserves, rainforest remnants and agricultural districts in northeastern New South Wales was conducted to determine the abundance, movements and habitat requirements of rainforest pigeons, to evaluate the extent and use of suitable habitat in conservation reserves, and to provide guidelines for the conservation and management of rainforest pigeons. Eight species of rainforest pigeon occur in northeastern New South Wales. Commencing with the clearing of rainforest in the 1860s for agriculture, rainforest pigeons declined in abundance throughout New South Wales and by the 1970s five species were thought to be threatened in the state. Since then, rainforest pigeons have apparently increased in abundance and distribution, but the Wompoo, Rose-crowned and Superb Pigeons continue to be listed by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service as vulnerable and rare. However, populations of all species of rainforest pigeons in New South Wales are relatively small and vulnerable to further loss of habitat. Most rainforest pigeons show a preference for subtropical rainforest habitat, but moist eucalypt forests, gardens and weedy exotic vegetation along roads and on abandoned farmland are also frequented to varying degrees by different species. To investigate recent trends in pigeon abundance we used data collected for up to 12 years from eight sites and during 1988, 1989 and 1990 from 17 rainforest remnants in northeastern New South Wales. The data suggest that rainforest pigeons now occur more frequently in lowland agricultural areas than in the recent past and tend to confirm an increase in abundance since the 1970s. Nesting and foraging habitats for rainforest pigeons are extensive in the conservation reserve system of northeastern New South Wales, but these habitats, which are largely at high elevations, lack winter food resources. Instead, pigeons congregate in remnant rainforest and exotic berry-bearing trees and shrubs in agricultural areas at lower elevations and near the coast. They rely on these habitats for food during winter and it is the restricted extent of this habitat that probably limits their abundance, not the area or quality of habitat at higher elevations. The conservation and management of rainforest pigeons requires the protection of low elevation and coastal rainforest remnants. As development of northeastern New South Wales proceeds, to avoid a decline in the abundances of rainforest pigeons it will be necessary to protect sclerophyll forest with native or exotic fruit bearing trees and shrubs and to extend the area of suitable habitat by the regeneration of rainforest and by the planting of native species used by pigeons as a food source. This will become increasingly important as the control and removal of exotic plants, such as Lantana Lantana camara and Camphor Laurel Cinnamonum camphora, on which some pigeons depend as a winter food source, becomes more successful.
The role of conservation biology in the New Millenium
Authors: Recher H.F.
Published: May 2016

I officially take over as editor of Pacific Conservation Biology with the first issue of the third volume. Having the chance to write this editorial gives me an early opportunity to explain how I view the world and the role of conservation biologists in the coming millennium. It also gives me an opportunity to express my view of how I see the role of Pacific Conservation Biology in the struggle to conserve and protect the natural world from an expanding and all-consuming human population.
National Biodiversity Council
Authors: Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

As reported in the last issue of Pacific Conservation Biology, the National Biodiversity Council has been restructured and new Councillors elected. The new structure of the Council has 18 members (17 elected, 1 vacancy) and plans to establish a web site to facilitate communication among Councillors and between the Council and the Assembly. The web site will also allow any interested parties to express a view to the Council or to an individual Councillor. As soon as the details of the web site are available, it will be made known widely through the Council's affiliated scientific organizations. Meanwhile, views can be sent to Councillors via email or post. Do not write off the Australian postal service, it still functions and can be more reliable than some email servers.
Aspects of ecologically sustainable forestry in temperate eucalypt forests - beyond an expanded reserve system
Authors: B. Lindenmayer D. , F. Recher H.
Published: May 2016

The utilization of native forests is one of the most contentious and socially-divisive issues in Australia. Much of the recent conflict over the conservation and exploitation of Australia's temperate forests has focussed on the expansion of the reserve system. Even if this aspect of forest conflict is resolved, there will be a number of major changes required before the forest sector can be regarded as having made the transition to ecological sustainability. The expansion of the reserve system must not result in a reduction in off-reserve conservation efforts as most of the nation's forest biodiversity will still occur outside the protected area network. This means that progress toward ecological sustainability will involve an overall reduction in timber and pulpwood production from native forests. There needs to be a concerted research and monitoring effort to better understand forest ecosystems targeted for management. Such efforts must not only provide better knowledge of forest biota, but they should assist foresters to develop more ecologically-sensitive silvicultural systems ? including the partial replacement of traditional cutting methods with new ones. As part of this effort, there is a need for better stand inventory to assist more accurate resource and yield estimates, and the implementation of mechanisms to assess adherence to environmental codes for timber harvesting.
The reappearance of Taudactylus (Anura: Myobatrachidae) in north Queensland streams
Authors: J. Marshall Christopher
Published: May 2016

Seven species of frog are currently considered to be missing from the eastern seaboard of Queensland, Australia. Two species of these missing frogs were rediscovered in streams in the wet tropics of north Queensland in November 1996. One individual of Taudactylus acutirostris was observed calling in a small tributary of the South Johnstone River, five individuals of T. rheophilus were heard calling in a small, high altitude tributary of the Mulgrave River, and a further seven individuals of T. rheophilus were heard calling and one captured, in a small, high altitude tributary of the Mitchell River. Implications for the declining frog phenomenon are raised and the need for continued monitoring is emphasized.
Biodiversity. A Biology of Numbers and Difference
Authors: Franke Beatrice
Published: May 2016

This book is a timely publication on the developing science of biodiversity. Edited by Kevin J. Gaston, a research fellow in the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences at the University of Sheffield, it boasts contributors from a number of universities and research centres in the United Kingdom, United States, Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada and India. Their combined understanding and experience gives depth to this publication. The book represents an attempt to define biodiversity as a science, to evaluate its importance, and to put it into a conservation management context.
Australian Elections, Wilderness and the Lost Billions
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

As I write this editorial, Australia is in the final week of national elections. Apart from the appearance of a strongly nationalistic, and minority, party which the media has promoted as racist, it is unlikely that Australia's election has received much notice outside Australia. Yet there are aspects to this election which should disturb anyone interested in achieving global ecological sustainability and the conservation of global biodiversity. First, there has been a conspicuous silence from the major political parties concerning environmental issues. To be sure, the sitting conservative government has rolled out the pork barrel and grandly announced funding for local conservation initiatives ? especially in marginal seats ? but there has been no debate on issues nor have environmental policies been afforded even a small fraction of the attention given to the economy, unemployment, health or education. Moreover, the projects funded do nothing to resolve the underlying causes of Australia's declining environmental quality (e.g., land clearing, unsustainable logging practices, over grazing, and excessive demands on fresh water). This is despite the fact that respondents to polls continue to list the environment among the most important issues concerning Australians.
An estimate of the Plumed Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus plumiferus population size in the Conondale Ranges
Authors: C. Smith Geoffrey , J. Hamley Benjamin , Lees Nadya
Published: May 2016

Marbled Frogmouths are rare, cryptic, shy, nocturnal birds restricted primarily to rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. Two sub-species are recognized in two isolated areas on the east Australian coast. A stronghold for the southern subspecies (Plumed Frogmouth) occurs in the Conondale Ranges. This area has been subject to forestry practices for the past 100 years. Because of public concerns and a perceived need to undertake planning and management to assist in conserving the species, a study was undertaken to assess its population status. Radio-tracked adults associated primarily with rainforest and wet sclerophyll along drainage lines, although gullies containing rainforest species within dry sclerophyll were also utilized. Taped playback of Plumed Frogmouth calls revealed a distribution within core habitat (rainforest and wet sclerophyll) across the Conondale Ranges. Individuals radio-tracked in the Conoodale Ranges occupied home ranges from 5 to 18 ha. Estimates of the combined home ranges of pairs ranged from 12 to 19 ha. Home range overlap between pairs was minimal. An assessment of the area of currently suitable core habitat (14 508 ha) within the Conondale Range forested area suggests that conservatively, 755 pairs currently exist; if potential future habitat (i.e., regenerating) of 1 954 ha is taken into consideration, this figure will rise to 857 pairs. If use of dry sclerophyll by birds is also taken into account then these estimates may be as high as 858 and 974 pairs respectively. There is currently no reliable estimate of the amount of suitable habitat, which is not occupied by Plumed Frogmouths or of habitat only occupied by single unpaired birds or non-breeding pairs. Future research should aim to redress this lack of information which could severely reduce any estimates of the numbers of breeding pairs.
Conservation Outside Nature Reserves
Authors: Calver Mike
Published: May 2016

These volumes are the proceedings of the second and third major conferences organized this decade by the Centre for Conservation Biology at the University of Queensland, the first one being Moritz and Kikkawa (1994). A pleasing trend in the publication of the later volumes is the reduction in time between conference and publication. Moritz and Kikkawa was published in March 1994, approximately 2.5 years after the conference in October 1991, while Grigg et al. appeared in December 1995, a little under two years after the conference in February 1994, and Hale and Lamb was published in July 1997, approximately 18 months after the conference in February 1996. Also of interest is the increase in attendance of delegates at the latter two conferences from 210 (Grigg et al. 1995) to 450 (Hale and Lamb 1997), accompanied by a growth of 172 pp in the length of the proceedings. Furthermore, the Centre for Conservation Biology is clearly prepared to tackle controversial issues in conservation.
Pines, Palms and Pandas
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

IN this issue, I have taken the somewhat unusual step of publishing a research proposal as a Forum Essay. This has been done for four reasons. First, the research proposed takes advantage of a unique and important opportunity to learn more about the genetics of isolated populations of Australian marsupials. An opportunity which was created by the destruction of a large area of native Eucalyptus forest during an era when forest authorities in Australia were pre-occupied with making Australia independent of foreign wood imports. It was also a time when Australian foresters were unsure of their ability to manage native forests sustainably. Thus, secondly, the study proposed provides an unanticipated benefit from an otherwise environmentally destructive and ill-conceived practice. Third, apart from attending conferences, there are few opportunities for researchers to present their research to a wide audience for comment before it is commenced or as progress reports. Finally, the publication of research results rarely allows authors the opportunity to fully disclose the intellectual (as opposed to the experimental) design of their research. It has been my longstanding opinion that these are serious omissions in the communication of ecological research, much of which is necessarily long term and final results slow in coming. I hope readers will take advantage of this opportunity and, as requested by the authors, either provide comment for publication or extend their views to the authors so that maximum benefit is gained from the research proposed.
Assessment of the economic and ecological impacts of remnant vegetation on pasture productivity
Authors: C. Walpole S.
Published: May 2016

The decline of remnant native vegetation in Australia is a national concern, with mounting community pressure on private landholders to actively manage and conserve the remaining vegetation on their properties. One of the major concerns of landholders in retaining and managing remnant vegetation in the agricultural landscape is the lack of information and understanding about the costs and benefits potentially associated with remnant vegetation, and how these values are linked to ecological functions. This paper focuses on the impacts of remnant vegetation on pasture productivity. Knowledge of the economic impacts of remnant vegetation on pasture productivity and associated agricultural output is currently limited, while the ecological relationships are better known but may vary with species and environment. Based on a study area near Gunnedah in northern New South Wales where farm survey data and GIS information were available, a model that incorporates agricultural and biophysical attributes to explain pasture productivity was developed. The results indicate that the value of pasture output per farm may be increased by having a certain proportion of pasture area under dry sclerophyll or woodland vegetation. Gross value of pasture output was at its highest level when the proportion of tree area across the farm was at 34%, with no further increases in output being achieved beyond this point. These results suggest that the competitive influences of trees present in the pasture system may begin to outweigh the stimulatory effects when this proportion of tree area is exceeded.
Preliminary predictions of the impacts of habitat area and catastrophes on the viability of Mahogany Glider Petaurus gracilis populations
Authors: M. Jackson Stephen
Published: May 2016

The population viability analysis (PVA) program VORTEX was used to examine the viability of different sized populations of the Mahogany Glider Petaurus gracilis, and to examine the impact of a one in a hundred year catastrophe (each requiring a different reserve size) of different severities on different sized populations. The PVA showed that populations up to 300 individuals (1 500 ha) have a negative population growth rate, high losses of genetic diversity and a greater than 5% chance of extinction within 100 years. Populations of 400?700 individuals (2 000?3 500 ha) showed a decreasing trend in population size suggesting they are likely to become extinct after 100 years. A population of 800 individuals (4 000 ha) was needed for the population size to stabilize. Sensitivity analysis showed adult mortality of greater than 25% to be important in decreasing the viability of populations. Populations of 400 were resistant to a one in 100 year catastrophe which had a 20% mortality and 20% decrease in reproduction. When the mortality was 70%, with 70% decrease in reproduction, a population of 1 000 still had a 12% chance of extinction. As only approximately 50% of the available habitat appears to be occupied, an area up to 8 000 ha (800 individuals) is suggested to be required to maintain viable populations of Mahogany Gliders. A number of management options are recommended including the retention of habitat, establishing corridors between key populations, and using fire to minimize rainforest expansion.
Gene pool management of hatchery Barramundi Lates calcarifer for production and stock augmentation programmes
Authors: Doupé Rob , Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

The depletion of Australia's wild Barramundi Lates calcarifer fishery pre-empts two future roles for Barramundi aquaculture in Australia: first, the industry is primarily intended to supply meat upon a sustained basis; and second, it will probably serve as the predominant source of genetic material for the augmentation of those wild populations that have been depleted, and in that sense the process becomes somewhat circular and interdependent. This paper considers this relationship in the context of captive gene pool management and suggests an alternative method of conserving Barramundi genetic resources to be used to provide genetically "compatible" stocks for the two activities in conjunction with genetic improvement for commercial operations.
The Improvers' Legacy: Environmental Studies of the Hawkesbury
Authors: Cumming Suzanne
Published: May 2016

Since European settlement began on the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system in New South Wales, two centuries of exploitation has led to various environmental problems. Despite these problems, the Hawkesbury-Nepean River is one of Australia's most scenic waterways. To maintain and restore the river system for future generations requires a combination of an historic perspective with appropriate scientific knowledge.
ComparativePlasmodiumgene overexpression reveals distinct perturbation of sporozoite transmission by profilin
Authors: Sato Yuko , Hliscs Marion , Dunst Josefine , Goosmann Christian , Brinkmann Volker , Montagna Georgina N. , Matuschewski Kai
Published: May 2016

Plasmodium relies on actin-based motility to migrate from the site of infection and invade target cells. Using a substrate-dependent gliding locomotion, sporozoites are able to move at fast speed (1–3 μm/s). This motility relies on a minimal set of actin regulatory proteins and occurs in the absence of detectable filamentous actin (F-actin). Here we report an overexpression strategy to investigate whether perturbations of F-actin steady-state levels affect gliding locomotion and host invasion. We selected two vital Plasmodium berghei G-actin–binding proteins, C-CAP and profilin, in combination with three stage-specific promoters and mapped the phenotypes afforded by overexpression in all three extracellular motile stages. We show that in merozoites and ookinetes, additional expression does not impair life cycle progression. In marked contrast, overexpression of C-CAP and profilin in sporozoites impairs circular gliding motility and salivary gland invasion. The propensity for productive motility correlates with actin accumulation at the parasite tip, as revealed by combinations of an actin-stabilizing drug and transgenic parasites. Strong expression of profilin, but not C-CAP, resulted in complete life cycle arrest. Comparative overexpression is an alternative experimental genetic strategy to study essential genes and reveals effects of regulatory imbalances that are not uncovered from deletion-mutant phenotyping.
Biologic therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mouyis Maria , Isenberg David
Published: May 2016

This chapter looks at the various biologic or target therapies that have been trialled and tested in the last two decades. The treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has progressed over the last few years due to an increased understanding of its pathogenesis; beginning with rituximab, one of the first biologics to be used, the chapter covers therapies up to the present day. Each subsection highlights the relevant mechanism of action which has led to new treatment options: anti-CD20 and 22, anti-B cell activating factors, anti-interferon alpha and anti-T cell activation. A summarized table is available providing a concise summary of the latest biologic therapies in treating SLE. The role of biologic therapies as monotherapy is still being defined, and with time there will be further change in the treatments available and the approach to the treatment of SLE using biologic therapies.
Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Murphy Claire Louise , Ioannou Yiannis , Ambrose Nicola
Published: May 2016

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is similar to adult-onset SLE, but there are distinct differences in clinical features, serology, and management requirements. It is more aggressive than adult-onset SLE with frequent renal and haematological manifestations and higher mortality rates. The cause of JSLE is unknown but appears to be multifactorial with genetic, immunological, hormonal, and environmental influences. Macrophage activation syndrome is a potentially life-threatening complication, and may mimic the underlying disease or be confused with sepsis. Transferring care from paediatric to adult care can be a difficult milestone and should be tailored to the individual patient. Management requires a multisystemic, holistic approach with recognition of psychosocial factors that occur during normal childhood and adolescence. International collaboration and further research is needed to optimize care for these patients.
Introduction to the surgical patient
Authors: Kisiel Aaron , Kisiel Maria , Smith Alison
Published: May 2016

The surgical patient undergoes operative procedures to remove or replace diseased organs/tissue. Specific aspects of the surgical patient’s care are different to those of a medical patient’s care; these include the treatment and prevention of post-operative complications. The surgical nurse should have a good understanding of anatomy and physiology, and this chapter provides a basic overview of the anatomy of the body. This chapter also discusses the surgical patient, the role of the surgical nurse, the different members of the surgical team, the classification of surgery, and the terminology used.
Pre-operative optimization
Authors: Phillips Mike
Published: May 2016

Once a patient has been admitted for surgery, depending upon their pre-operative assessment, they may require a period of optimization in hospital before surgery. Pre-operative optimization will focus the clinical teams on incremental adjustments to baseline physiology and testing to ensure that the patient is in optimal clinical condition prior to surgery. The nursing care of such patients will rely upon surgical knowledge of body systems, such as cardiovascular and respiratory, alongside fluid and electrolyte management, nutrition, and pharmacology. This chapter guides the nurse in the assessment process and the skills required in the management of a high-risk surgical patient.
Intra-operative care
Authors: Radford Mark
Published: May 2016

The intraoperative period is a complex and challenging environment where specific nursing skills are developed through further training. A requirement of the surgical nurse is to understand this environment and the implications for pre- and post-operative care. This chapter highlights the staffing and care systems in the operating theatre, with a focus on the anaesthesia and surgical care given to patients. This includes general, regional, and local anaesthesia, airway management, patient positioning, and risks.
Wound care
Authors: Davies Patricia
Published: May 2016

It is imperative that the surgical nurse has a good understanding of wound care, as all surgical patients will have a wound of some description. Prevention of surgical site infection begins with a pre-operative assessment and continues post-operatively with the assessment of the wound dressing and the surgical site. This chapter discusses the physiology of wound healing, wound assessment, and dressings for primary- and secondary-intention wounds. This chapter also outlines the prevention of surgical site infections, and common wound infections and their treatment.
Vascular surgery
Authors: Davies Suzanne , Kite Alison , Wye Annette
Published: May 2016

Vascular conditions are common in surgical nursing care and range from varicose veins to more complex arterial disease. This chapter gives the nurse an understanding of the assessment process for vascular conditions, the associated anatomy and physiology, and treatment modalities. The chapter also focuses on specific conditions, including amputation, venous disease, ulcers, and arterial conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral ischaemia, and carotid disease.
Neurological and spinal surgery
Authors: Harley Kim , Jones Sue
Published: May 2016

Neurological assessment is performed on admission for surgery, as a routine part of medical examination. This is done to diagnose whether symptoms of illness in the patient are due to neurological conditions and, if so, where in the nervous system the pathological lesions are located. Hydrocephalus is either an acute or chronic condition whereby the cerebrospinal fluid pressure rises, causing symptoms of raised intracranial pressure. Patients at risk of raised intracranial pressure should be nursed by staff trained and experienced in neurological assessment using the Glasgow coma scale. This chapter looks at neurological assessment, raised intracranial pressure, head injuries, and brain and spinal tumours. This chapter also discusses the management of subarachnoid haemorrhage, cerebral aneurysm, arteriovenous malformations, and epilepsy. Finally, the chapter provides an overview of degenerative diseases of the spine and peripheral nerve injury.
Thoracic surgery
Authors: Crimmons Kevin , Marsons Lorraine
Published: May 2016

Patients undergoing thoracic surgery for lung cancer need to have a comprehensive pre-operative assessment of their fitness for surgery and operability. Diagnostic assessment involves the evaluation of lung function, biopsy of the lung and lung lining, staging of tumours, removal of lymph nodes, treatment of pleural effusions, and identification of metastases. This chapter discusses the different surgical procedures used in thoracic surgery, post-operative nursing care, and complications associated with these procedures. It also provides an overview of pleural infections and the management of chest drains.
Cardiac surgery
Authors: Kisiel Maria , Smith Alison
Published: May 2016

Coronary heart disease is caused by the build-up of atherosclerotic plaques which, over time, narrow the lumen of the coronary arteries. Acute coronary syndrome describes a spectrum of conditions caused by coronary artery disease; these are unstable angina, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Coronary artery disease is the leading cause for cardiac surgical interventions, but other causes are hypertension, valve disease, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, infections, and congenital abnormalities. This chapter provides an overview of the signs and symptoms of these conditions, as well as the diagnosis and treatment options available.
Gynaecological surgery
Authors: Capewell Ruth , Cottrell Kirsty , Hammond Suzanne , Harrington Suzanne , Jennings Louise , Rudkin Anna
Published: May 2016

Patients requiring gynaecology surgery require significant assessment and preparation prior to surgery. Gynaecology surgery covers both benign and neoplastic conditions. This chapter sets out the anatomy of the female reproductive system, followed by an in-depth review of pregnancy-related conditions, such as miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, alongside cancer topics, including ovarian, cervical, and endometrial disease.
Adolescent context of exposure to prescription opioids and substance use disorder symptoms at age 35: a national longitudinal study
Authors: McCabe Sean Esteban , Veliz Philip , Schulenberg John E.
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was to examine the association of context of prescription opioid exposure (ie, medical or nonmedical) in adolescence with the subsequent risk of nonmedical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) and substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms at age 35. Multiple cohorts of nationally representative probability samples of U.S. high school seniors (n = 4072) were surveyed through self-administered questionnaires and followed longitudinally from adolescence (modal age 18, graduating classes 1976-1996) to age 35 (1993-2013). Main outcome measures were past-year NMUPO and SUD symptoms. The medical and NMUPO during adolescence was significantly associated with NMUPO at age 35. Relative to no prescription opioid exposure, medical use of prescription opioids without any history of NMUPO during adolescence was not associated with SUD symptoms at age 35. In contrast, compared with no prescription opioid exposure during adolescence, the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) associated with SUD symptoms at age 35 were greater among those with a history of both medical use of prescription opioids and NMUPO during adolescence, AOR = 1.49 (95% CI = 1.13-1.97); and among those who reported NMUPO only, AOR = 2.61 (95% CI = 1.88-3.61). The findings indicate medical use of prescription opioids without any history of NMUPO in adolescence is not associated with SUD symptoms at age 35, whereas any NMUPO in adolescence predicts SUD symptoms at age 35. Screening instruments and preventive intervention programs to reduce NMUPO and SUDs must account for the context associated with prescription opioid exposure during adolescence.
Defining No Pain, Mild, Moderate, and Severe Pain Based on the Faces Pain Scale–Revised and Color Analog Scale in Children With Acute Pain
Authors: Tsze Daniel S. , Hirschfeld Gerrit , Dayan Peter S. , Bulloch Blake , von Baeyer Carl L.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The aims of this study were to define the Faces Pain Scale–Revised (FPS-R) and Color Analog Scale (CAS) scores associated with no pain, mild pain, moderate pain, and severe pain in children with acute pain, and to identify differences based on age, sex, and ethnicity.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study in 2 pediatric emergency departments of children aged 4 to 17 years with painful and nonpainful conditions. We assessed their pain intensity using the FPS-R, CAS, and qualitative measures. Pain score cut points that best differentiated adjacent categories of pain were identified using a receiver operating characteristic–based method. Cut points were compared within subgroups based on age, sex, and ethnicity.

Results

We enrolled 620 patients, of whom 314 had painful conditions. The mean age was 9.2 years; 315 (50.8%) were in the younger age group (aged 4–7 years); 291 (46.8%) were female; and 341 (55%) were Hispanic. The scores best representing categories of pain for the FPS-R were as follows: no pain, 0 and 2; mild pain, 4; moderate pain, 6; and severe pain, 8 and 10. For the CAS, these were 0 to 1, 1.25 to 2.75, 3 to 5.75, and 6 to 10, respectively. Children with no pain frequently reported nonzero pain scores. There was considerable overlap of scores associated with mild and moderate pain. There were no clinically meaningful differences of scores representing each category of pain based on age, ethnicity, and race.

Conclusions

We defined pain scores for the FPS-R and CAS associated with categories of pain intensity in children with acute pain that are generalizable across subgroups based on patient characteristics. There were minor but potentially important differences in pain scores used to delineate categories of pain intensity compared to prior convention.
The difference between Partners and Strangers designs in public goods experiments
Authors: Nihonsugi Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on conditional cooperation and investigate whether the difference in contributions between Partners and Strangers designs in linear public goods experiments can be explained by differences in beliefs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author conducted linear public goods experiments by using Partners and Strangers designs with belief eliciting their group member’s contributions.

Findings

– The author shows that the difference in the magnitude of the responsiveness of contribution to belief (i.e. the marginal contribution to belief) creates different contribution levels in Partners and Strangers designs.

Research limitations/implications

– The presented results imply that having a strategic motive increases contributions by increasing the magnitude of the responsiveness of contribution to belief rather than by raising belief level.

Originality/value

– The main claim of this paper is that “marginal contribution to belief” rather than “belief level” causes the difference in contribution levels between Partners and Strangers. This is the first proven evidence of a difference in belief between Partners and Strangers.
Investigating community members’ eWOM effects in Facebook fan page
Authors: Hsu Li-Chun , Chih Wen-Hai , Liou Dah-Kwei
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the model of enhancing the electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) effects through the virtual community by discussing the relationship among sense of virtual community, social influence and eWOM effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research adopted structural equation modeling to test the proposed model, and the structural model showed a good fit. This research sample consisted of 492 members who have used Facebook for at least half-a-year.

Findings

– The results indicated that sense of virtual community had effects on normative influence, informative influence, and perceived eWOM review credibility. Both social influence and perceived eWOM review credibility had effects on eWOM review adoption. Social influence in virtual community partially mediated the relationship between virtual community members’ sense of virtual community and perceived eWOM review credibility. Virtual community members’ perceived eWOM review credibility partially mediated the relationship between normative/informative influence and eWOM review adoption.

Practical implications

– This study discussed conclusions and managerial implications of the findings.

Originality/value

– This research filled a void that most of the previous studies in this area focussed on a single social interaction perspective. The authors argued that community studies should incorporate and distinguish SOVC and social influence factors.
A Jordanian empirical study of the associations among transformational leadership, transactional leadership, knowledge sharing, job performance, and firm performance
Authors: Masa'deh Ra'ed , Obeidat Bader Yousef , Tarhini Ali
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Knowledge sharing adoption has been considered as a significant practice for organizations. However, there is a modest empirical confirmation to indicate how these organizations value the richness of their knowledge capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to investigate both transformational and transactional leadership styles that influence employees’ knowledge sharing practices, and the impact of the latter on job performance, and then on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data collected from 179 employees at the higher council of youth in Jordan were empirically tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

– The findings revealed that both transformational and transactional leadership styles have significant impact on job performance, and the latter on firm performance. Also, it was found that transactional leadership impacted knowledge sharing, whereas transformational leadership did not.

Originality/value

– This research proposes a new approach to understand knowledge sharing adoption, and outlines some theoretical and managerial implications of the findings.
Plant–soil feedbacks: connecting ecosystem ecology and evolution
Authors: Van Nuland Michael E. , Wooliver Rachel C. , Pfennigwerth Alix A. , Read Quentin D. , Ware Ian M. , Mueller Liam , Fordyce James A. , Schweitzer Jennifer A. , Bailey Joseph K.
Published: May 2016

While an appreciation of plant–soil feedbacks (PSF) continues to expand for community and ecosystem ecology, the eco‐evolutionary mechanisms and consequences of such feedbacks remain largely unknown or untested.

Determining the cause and effect of plant phenotypes is central for understanding these eco‐evolutionary dynamics since phenotypes respond to soil selective gradients that are, in turn, modified by plant traits. Genetic variation in plant phenotypes can change soil processes and biotic communities; oppositely, soil gradients and microbial communities can influence the expression and evolution of plant phenotypes.

Although these processes represent the two halves of genetic based PSF, research in these areas has developed independently from one another. Greater connectivity between research on ecosystem consequences of plant genetic variation and soil selective gradients that drive plant phenotypic evolution will create novel and important opportunities to link ecology and evolution in natural systems.

Papers in this special feature build on the inherent ecological and evolutionary processes involved in PSF, outlining many ways to identify and test mechanisms that connect ecosystem ecology and evolution.
Resveratrol promotes differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells to cardiomyocytes
Authors: Ding Hong , Xu Xin , Qin Xian , Yang Chengjian , Feng Qiuting
Published: May 2016

Aim

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are capable to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, with the potential to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, directed differentiation is still a challenge faced by scientists. As a natural substance in grapes, resveratrol (RV) is important for cardiovascular protection. The studies of RV and its effects on ESC differentiation have potential clinical applications.

Methods

Using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), we investigated the effects of different concentrations of RV (5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 μmol/L) exposure on mESCs viability, expression levels of cardiac marker genes in embryoid bodies (EBs) derived from mESCs, expression levels of maturity indicative cardiac markers in cardiomyocytes derived from mESCs, and the beating properties of EBs.

Results

About 10 μmol/L of RV showed no toxicity on cell viability and was the optimal concentration to promote mESC differentiation, induce mESC differentiation to cardiomyocytes, and gain the beating properties of EBs.

Conclusion

RV can successfully direct the differentiation of mESCs into cardiomyocytes, shedding light on its future applications to treat cardiovascular diseases.