bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic causes of microcephaly and lessons for neuronal development
Authors: Gilmore Edward C. , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: October 2012

The study of human developmental microcephaly is providing important insights into brain development. It has become clear that developmental microcephalies are associated with abnormalities in cellular production, and that the pathophysiology of microcephaly provides remarkable insights into how the brain generates the proper number of neurons that determine brain size. Most of the genetic causes of ‘primary’ developmental microcephaly (i.e., not associated with other syndromic features) are associated with centrosomal abnormalities. In addition to other functions, centrosomal proteins control the mitotic spindle, which is essential for normal cell proliferation during mitosis. However, the brain is often uniquely affected when microcephaly genes are mutated implying special centrosomal‐related functions in neuronal production. Although models explaining how this could occur have some compelling data, they are not without controversy. Interestingly, some of the microcephaly genes show evidence that they were targets of evolutionary selection in primates and human ancestors, suggesting potential evolutionary roles in controlling neuronal number and brain volume across species. Mutations in DNA repair pathway genes also lead to microcephaly. Double‐stranded DNA breaks appear to be a prominent type of damage that needs to be repaired during brain development, yet why defects in DNA repair affect the brain preferentially and if DNA repair relates to centrosome function, are not clearly understood. WIREs Dev Biol 2012, 2:461–478. doi: 10.1002/wdev.89

This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Regulation of Size, Proportion, and Timing

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation

Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development

Birth Defects > Craniofacial and Nervous System Anomalies
Uniqueness of two-loop master contours
Authors: Caron-Huot Simon , Larsen Kasper J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Generalized-unitarity calculations of two-loop amplitudes are performed by expanding the amplitude in a basis of master integrals and then determining the coefficients by taking a number of generalized cuts. In this paper, we present a complete classification of the solutions to the maximal cut of integrals with the double-box topology. The ideas presented here are expected to be relevant for all two-loop topologies as well. We find that these maximal-cut solutions are naturally associated with Riemann surfaces whose topology is determined by the number of states at the vertices of the double-box graph. In the case of four massless external momenta we find that, once the geometry of these Riemann surfaces is properly understood, there are uniquely defined master contours producing the coefficients of the double-box integrals in the basis decomposition of the two-loop amplitude. This is in perfect analogy with the situation in one-loop generalized unitarity. In addition, we point out that the chiral integrals recently introduced by Arkani-Hamed et al. can be used as master integrals for the double-box contributions to the two-loop amplitudes in any gauge theory. The infrared finiteness of these integrals allow for their coefficients as well as their integrated expressions to be evaluated in strictly four dimensions, providing significant technical simplification. We evaluate these integrals at four points and obtain remarkably compact results.
Risk Factors of Hypoparathyroidism Following Total Thyroidectomy for Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Paek Se Hyun , Lee Young Mi , Min Sun Young , Kim Seok Won , Chung Ki Wook , Youn Yeo Kyu
Published: October 2012

Background

The risk factors responsible for hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy have not been completely defined. The present study evaluated one surgeon’s personal experience of postoperative hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer and predisposing risk factors of postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 531 consecutive total thyroidectomy cases for thyroid cancer operated by single surgeon at the Center for Thyroid Cancer, National Cancer Center, Korea, from March 2003 to August 2006.

Results

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism occurred in 135 patients (25.4 %), 19 of whom (3.6 % of total patients) experienced permanent hypoparathyroidism. Parathyroid autotransplantation, bilateral central lymph node dissection, gross extrathyroidal extension, and the presence of parathyroid gland in the pathologic specimen were associated with postoperative hypoparathyroidism in multivariate analysis (p < 0.05, respectively). The presence of parathyroid gland in the pathologic specimen and the early period of surgeon’s practice were statistically significant risk factors for permanent hypoparathyroidism in multivariate analysis (p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

Careful surgical technique for in situ preservation of parathyroid gland and autotransplantation of inadvertently removed parathyroid gland are important, especially in case of gross extrathyroidal extension. Adequate surgical experience is also an important factor. And routine bilateral central lymph node dissection should be done thoughtfully for its effect on postoperative hypoparathyroidism.
Urologic Disease in a Resource‐poor Country
Authors: Manganiello Marc , Hughes Christopher D. , Hagander Lars , Bayne David , Pierre Jean Hamiltong , Buckley Jill C. , Meara John G.
Published: October 2012

Background

Understanding the role that urologic disease plays within central Haiti could lead to the development of sustainable and regionally appropriate urologic care. We aim to document the prevalence of urologic surgical disease presenting for treatment in central Haiti.

Methods

The present study is based on a retrospective review of surgical case logs at five Partners in Health and Zanmi Lasante hospitals in central Haiti. Data were collected from June 30, 2009, through July 29, 2010, and included patient demographics, disease processes, interventions required, surgeon name, and surgeon training (urologic trained versus non‐urologic trained).

Results

Urologic surgical disease comprised 498/5,539 (9.0 %) of all surgical cases in central Haiti from July 2009–July 2010. A total of 492 diagnoses and 498 urologic procedures on 469 patients were recorded. Most common diagnoses included hydrocele (33.3 %), phimosis (23.0 %), benign prostatic hyperplasia (10.8 %), and cryptorchidism (7.3 %). Hydrocelectomy was the most commonly performed procedure (160/498, 32.1 %), followed by circumcision (117/498, 23.4 %) and open prostatectomy (38/498, 7.6 %). Surgeon training (urologic versus non‐urologic) was determined for 360/498 (72.3 %) of surgical cases. Urologic trained surgeons performed 55/360 (15.3 %) of all surgical procedures. Among patients who underwent prostatectomy, urology surgeons performed 14/31 (45.2 %) of open prostatectomies, and non‐urology surgeons performed 17/31 (54.8 %). Urologists performed all transurethral resections of the prostate (9 vs. 0; p = 0.0051).

Conclusions

Urologic surgical diseases comprise a substantial source of morbidity for patients in central Haiti. Understanding the scale and scope of urologic disease is important in developing health systems to adequately address the regional burden of surgical disease in limited‐resource settings.
Expression of a family 10 xylanase gene fromAspergillus usamiiE001 inPichia pastorisand characterization of the recombinant enzyme
Authors: Wang Jun-Qing , Yin Xin , Wu Min-Chen , Zhang Hui-Min , Gao Shu-Juan , Wei Jing-Tu , Tang Cun-Duo , Li Jian-Fang
Published: October 2012

A cDNA gene (Auxyn10A), which encodes a mesophilic family 10 xylanase from Aspergillus usamii E001 (abbreviated to AuXyn10A), was amplified and inserted into the XhoI and NotI sites of pPIC9KM vector constructed from a parent pPIC9K. The recombinant expression vector, designated pPIC9KM-Auxyn10A, was transformed into Pichia pastoris GS115. All P. pastoris transformants were spread on a MD plate, and then inoculated on geneticin G418-containing YPD plates for screening multiple copies of integration of the Auxyn10A. One transformant expressing the highest recombinant AuXyn10A (reAuXyn10A) activity of 368.6 U/ml, numbered as P. pastoris GSX10A4-14, was selected by flask expression test. SDS-PAGE assay demonstrated that the reAuXyn10A was extracellularly expressed with an apparent M.W. of 39.8 kDa. The purified reAuXyn10A displayed the maximum activity at pH 5.5 and 50 °C. It was highly stable at a broad pH range of 4.5–8.5, and at a temperature of 45 °C. Its activity was not significantly affected by EDTA and several metal ions except Mn2+, which caused a strong inhibition. The K  m and V  max, towards birchwood xylan at pH 5.5 and 50 °C, were 2.25 mg/ml and 6,267 U/mg, respectively. TLC analysis verified that the AuXyn10A is an endo-β-1,4-d-xylanase, which yielded a major product of xylotriose and a small amount of xylose, xylotetraose, and xylopentose from birchwood xylan, but no xylobiose.
Triticale Dried Distillers' Grain Increases Alpha‐Linolenic Acid in Subcutaneous Fat of Beef Cattle Fed Oilseeds
Authors: He M. L. , Sultana H. , Oba M. , Kastelic J. P. , Dugan M. E. R. , McKinnon J. J. , McAllister T. A.
Published: October 2012

This study investigated the effect of triticale dried distillers' grain with solubles (DDGS), flax (FS) and sunflower (SS) seed on growth and the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous (SQ) fat in individually housed steers (n = 15 per diet) fed ad libitum (DM basis); (1) control (CON) 90 % barley grain + 10 % barley silage; or substitution of barley grain for: (2) 30 % DDGS; (3) 10 % FS; (4) 30 % DDGS + 8.5 % FS; (5) 10 % SS and (6) 30 % DDGS + 8.5 % SS. Oilseeds in the combination diets were reduced to maintain diet lipid levels below 9 % DM and to determine if favorable changes in the fatty acid profile could be maintained or enhanced at reduced levels of oilseed. Plasma and SQ fat biopsies were collected at 0, 6, and 12 weeks. Inclusion of DDGS decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain, feed conversion and backfat thickness. Feeding FS increased (P < 0.05) plasma ALA compared to CON and SS and consistently increased (P < 0.01) ALA and non‐conjugated and non‐methylene interrupted dienes (NCD), whereas SS tended to decrease ALA in fat. Inclusion of DDGS with FS further increased (P < 0.02) ALA and decreased (P < 0.05) NCD and 18:1‐t10 in fat. The fact that the levels of n‐3 fatty acids in SQ fat from steers fed DDGS + FS were higher than those obtained with FS alone, has obvious benefits to the practical cost of favorably manipulating fatty acid profiles in beef.
Liquid–Liquid Equilibria in Biodiesel Production
Authors: Rostami Masoume , Raeissi Sona , Mahmoodi Maziyar , Nowroozi Masoud
Published: October 2012

During biodiesel production, the product is contaminated with impurities such as some non‐reacted alcohol, glycerol, and catalyst. In order to comply with product requirements, these impurities must be removed, for example, by washing with water. Knowledge of the extent of water solubility in biodiesel is required to design the drying system and determine fuel quality. In the present work, the solubilities of water in biodiesels produced from sunflower and canola oils were measured within the temperature range of 24–60 °C. The solubility of water increased with increasing temperature and biodiesel unsaturation. The liquid–liquid equilibria of ternary systems of glycerol, methanol, and the above‐mentioned biodiesels were investigated experimentally at 20, 30, and 40 °C. The binodal curves were determined by using the cloud point titration method and the tie lines were measured by evaporating the methanol. Both binary and ternary data were modeled using the UNIQUAC model. The model showed good agreement with the data. Othmer‐Tobias correlations were applied and the corresponding constants were obtained. The results validated the consistency of the tie‐line data obtained experimentally.
An MRI volumetric study for leg muscles in congenital clubfoot
Authors: Ippolito Ernesto , Dragoni Massimiliano , Antonicoli Marco , Farsetti Pasquale , Simonetti Giovanni , Masala Salvatore
Published: October 2012

Purpose

To investigate both volume and length of the three muscle compartments of the normal and the affected leg in unilateral congenital clubfoot.

Methods

Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (VMRI) of the anterior, lateral and postero-medial muscular compartments of both the normal and the clubfoot leg was obtained in three groups of seven patients each, whose mean age was, respectively, 4.8 months, 11.1 months and 4.7 years. At diagnosis, all the unilateral congenital clubfeet had a Pirani score ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 points, and all of them had been treated according to a strict Ponseti protocol. All the feet had percutaneous lengthening of the Achilles tendon.

Results

A mean difference in both volume and length was found between the three muscular compartments of the leg, with the muscles of the clubfoot side being thinner and shorter than those of the normal side. The distal tendon of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus and triceps surae (Achilles tendon) were longer than normal on the clubfoot side.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the three muscle compartments of the clubfoot leg are thinner and shorter than normal in the patients of the three groups. The difference in the musculature volume of the postero-medial compartment between the normal and the affected side increased nine-fold from age group 2 to 3, while the difference in length increased by 20 %, thus, showing that the muscles of the postero-medial compartment tend to grow in both thickness and length much less than the muscles of the other leg compartments.
Les urgences andrologiques en milieu urbain au Cameroun : aspects cliniques et thérapeutiques
Authors: Moby Mpah E. H. , Fouda P. J. , Sala-Beyeme T. , Eboumbou Moukoko E. C. , Njifou Njimah A. , Tsiagadigui J. -G. , Berthe H. J. G. , Mekeme Mekeme J. , Angwafo F.
Published: October 2012

But

Décrire les aspects cliniques et thérapeutiques des urgences andrologiques reçues en milieu urbain dans un centre hospitalo-universitaire du Cameroun.

Nous avons réalisé une étude prospective sur une période de 36 mois, recrutant toutes les urgences andrologiques reçues à l’hôpital Laquintinie de Douala.

Résultats

Nous avons recensé 291 patients d’âge moyen de 42,50 ans. La majorité des patients (73,53 %) avait un âge compris entre [0–45] ans. Les affections les plus fréquentes étaient les traumatismes des organes génitaux externes (OGE) (51,50 %) et les infections urogénitales (23,71 %). Le priapisme et la torsion du cordon spermatique (TCS) ont également été retrouvés. Parmi les urgences reçues, 185 ont nécessité des interventions chirurgicales. L’exploration et la suture des plaies des OGE (38,91 %) et la scrototomie exploratrice (21,62 %) étaient les principaux gestes effectués.

Conclusion

Les traumatismes des OGE sont la principale urgence andrologique en milieu urbain au Cameroun. Des cas d’infections urogénitales, de priapisme et de TCS sont également rencontrés.
Are sleep problems and non-specific health complaints risk factors for chronic pain? A prospective population-based study with 17 year follow-up
Authors: Nitter Anne K. , Pripp Are H. , Forseth Karin Ø.
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Chronic musculoskeletal pain represents a significant health problem among adults in Norway. The prevalence of chronic pain can be up to 50% in both genders. However, the prevalence of chronic widespread pain is significantly higher in females than in males. Chronic widespread pain is seen as the end of a continuum of pain. There is rather sparse knowledge about the incidence of pain in initially pain free individuals and the course of self-reported pain over time. Moreover, little is known about risk factors for incidence of chronic pain or prognostic factors for the course of self-reported pain. We believe that such knowledge may contribute to develop strategies for treatment at an early stadium of the pain condition and thereby reduce the prevalence of chronic pain included chronic widespread pain.

Aims of the study

The aims of this study were threefold: (1) to calculate the incidence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain in a female cohort, (2) to describe the course of pain and (3) to investigate whether or not health complaints and sleep problems are predictive factors for onset of pain or prognostic factors for the course of pain.

Methods

This is a prospective population-based study of all women between 20 and 50 years who were registered in Arendal, Norway, in 1989 (N = 2498 individuals). A questionnaire about chronic pain (pain >3 months duration in muscles, joints, back or the whole body), modulating factors for pain, sleep problems and seven non-specific health complaints was mailed to all traceable women, in 1990 (N =2498), 1995 (n = 2435) and 2007 (n = 2261). Of these, 1338 responded on all three occasions. Outcome measures were presence and extent of chronic pain.

Results

The prevalence of chronic pain was 57% in 1990 and 61% in 2007. From 1990 to 2007, 53% of the subjects changed pain category. The incidence of chronic pain in initially pain free individuals during follow-up was 44%, whereas the recovery rate was 25%. Impaired sleep quality predicted onset of chronic pain. There was a linear association between the number of health complaints and the incidence of chronic pain in initially pain free individuals. Equivalent results were found for persistence of pain and worsening of pain.

Conclusion

The prevalence of chronic pain was rather stable throughout the follow-up period, but the prevalence of chronic widespread pain increased. Individual changes in pain extent occurred frequently. The presence of sleep disturbances and number of health complaints predicted onset, persistence and worsening of pain.

Implications

Sleep problems must be thoroughly addressed as a possible risk factor for onset or worsening of pain. Elimination of sleep problems in an early phase is an interesting approach in treating chronic pain. More research is needed to illuminate the possible pathogenetic relations between pain, non-specific health complaints, sleep problems and also depression.
HIGHER-ORDER EPISTEMIC ATTITUDES AND INTELLECTUAL HUMILITY
Authors: Hazlett Allan
Published: October 2012

This paper concerns would-be necessary connections between doxastic attitudes about the epistemic statuses of your doxastic attitudes, or ‘higher-order epistemic attitudes’, and the epistemic statuses of those doxastic attitudes. I will argue that, in some situations, it can be reasonable for a person to believepand to suspend judgment about whether believingpis reasonable for her. This will set the stage for an account of the virtue of intellectual humility, on which humility is a matter of your higher-order epistemic attitudes. Recent discussions in the epistemology of disagreement have assumed that the question of the proper response to disagreement aboutpconcerns whether you ought to change your doxastic attitude towardsp. My conclusion here suggests an alternative approach, on which the question of the proper response to disagreement aboutpconcerns the proper doxastic attitude to adopt concerning the epistemic status of your doxastic attitude towardsp.
CONSTRUCTIVIST AND ECOLOGICAL MODELING OF GROUP RATIONALITY
Authors: Gaus Gerald
Published: October 2012

These brief remarks highlight three aspects of Christian List and Philip Pettit's Group Agency: The Possibility, Design, and Status of Corporate Agents that illustrate its constructivist nature: (i) its stress on the discursive dilemma as a primary challenge to group rationality and reasoning; (ii) its general though qualified support for premise-based decision-making as the preferred way to cope with the problems of judgment aggregation; and (iii) its account of rational agency and moral responsibility. The essay contrasts List and Pettit's constructivist analysis of group rationality with an ecological approach, inspired by social theorists such as F A. Hayek, Vernon L. Smith and Gerd Gigerenzer.
THE NORMATIVE STANDING OF GROUP AGENTS
Authors: Briggs Rachael
Published: October 2012

Christian List and Philip Pettit (henceforth LP) argue that groups of people can be agents – beings that believe, desire and act. Their account combines a non-reductive realist view of group attitudes, on which groups literally have attitudes that cannot be analyzed in terms of the attitudes of their members, with methodological individualism, on which good explanations of group-level phenomena should not posit forces above individual attitudes and behaviors. I then discuss the main normative conclusion that LP draw from the claim that group agents exist: that we ought morally to grant legal rights and responsibilities to group agents, but that group rights should be more limited than individual rights. I argue that when it comes to the fitness of group agents to bear legal rights and responsibilities, LP can draw support from nonreductionist views elsewhere, particularly in the philosophy of mind. I raise some objections to LP's views about the value of granting legal rights and responsibilities to group agents.
Higher than expected growth rate of the Endangered West African giraffeGiraffa camelopardalis peralta: a successful human–wildlife cohabitation
Authors: Suraud J.-P. , Fennessy J. , Bonnaud E. , Issa A.M. , Fritz H. , Gaillard J.-M.
Published: October 2012

The West African giraffe is a genetically unique population represented only by the subspeciesGiraffa camelopardalis peralta, categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. These giraffes live outside protected areas, without natural predators and share their habitat with local people and their livestock. This study provides demographic data on this poorly studied megaherbivore and documents its recovery. We analysed the results of photo-identification censuses from 1996 to 1999 (count data) and from 2005 to 2008 (count and demographic data). From 1996 to 1999 the annual growth rate was c. 19% because of an unbalanced population structure after a period of severe poaching. From 2005 to 2008 an annual growth rate of c. 12–13% was estimated from both count data and demographic parameters. This value fits with the maximum growth rate calculated for a browser species based on the allometric relationship linking growth rate and body mass. During the period 2005–2008 adult and subadult females had a constant survival rate of 0.94 and a constant recapture rate of 0.97. Annual calf survival rate was 1. Observed sex ratio at birth was 0.57 and mean reproductive success was 0.257. Generation time was estimated to be 9.66 years. This spectacular population growth was mostly attributed to the absence of predators and the ongoing monitoring to limit illegal hunting.
Response of large galliforms and tinamous (Cracidae, Phasianidae, Tinamidae) to habitat loss and fragmentation in northern Guatemala
Authors: Thornton Daniel H. , Branch Lyn C. , Sunquist Melvin E.
Published: October 2012

The potential conservation value of fragmented or countryside landscapes in the tropics is being increasingly recognized. However, the degree to which fragmented landscapes can support species and the key patch and landscape features that promote population persistence remain poorly understood for elusive species such as ground-dwelling birds. We examined the presence/absence of seven species of galliforms and tinamous in 50 forest patches of 2.9–445 ha in northern Guatemala using camera traps and audiovisual surveying. After accounting for differences in detectability among species we found great variation in patterns of vulnerability of these species to habitat loss and fragmentation, with the three largest species being the most vulnerable. Distribution patterns of species among patches was influenced more strongly by measures of landscape context, such as the amount and configuration of habitat in the surrounding landscape, than within-patch variation in vegetation structure or disturbance. Our results indicate that large-bodied game birds may be particularly sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation and emphasize that management efforts for these species need to go beyond consideration of local, within-patch factors to consider the impact of processes in the surrounding landscape. Our findings also demonstrate the utility of camera traps as a methodology for surveying large terrestrial bird species in fragmented landscapes.
Current status and distribution of the Vulnerable common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius in Mozambique
Authors: Mackie Charles S. , Dunham Kevin M. , Ghiurghi Andrea
Published: October 2012

Populations of the common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius in Mozambique were surveyed in 2010 during a national survey of the crocodile Crocodylus niloticus. Numbers of hippos seen during aerial counts along major rivers and lake shores were corrected to allow for undercounting of groups and these data were supplemented with the results of other recent surveys. There are now estimated to be c. 3,000 hippos in Mozambique and c. 50% of these live in Lake Cabora Bassa or the Zambezi River. The national total is much lower than the figure of 16,000–20,500 hippos estimated in 1986, used for the latest (v. 2012.1) IUCN Red List. The 1986 total included an estimated 10,000–12,000 in Marromeu Complex, an area that includes the southern Zambezi delta. We review the results of past surveys and find that the number of hippos in Marromeu Complex in 1986 was probably three times fewer than estimated. Although the number of hippos in this area declined markedly during the 1980s we believe that the 1986 overestimate of hippos in Marromeu Complex is an error that has been perpetuated for 25 years. Particular care should be taken when Red List assessments roll-over old and unsupported estimates of numbers. Even if an old estimate was accurate there comes a time when it should not simply be rolled-over. The 2007 IUCN Species Survival Commission's African Elephant Status Report provides a model for future assessments of the status of the common hippopotamus, categorizing the numbers of a species according to the type of survey, its reliability, and how long ago it was conducted.
The Coral Triangle Initiative: what are we missing? A case study from Aceh
Authors: Rudi Edi , Campbell Stuart J. , Hoey Andrew S. , Fadli Nur , Linkie Matthew , Baird Andrew H.
Published: October 2012

The Coral Triangle Initiative is an ambitious attempt to conserve the marine biodiversity hotspot known as the Coral Triangle. However, the reef fauna in many nearby regions remains poorly explored and, consequently, the focus on the Coral Triangle risks overlooking other areas of high conservation significance. One region of potential significance, Aceh, Indonesia, has not been visited by coral taxonomists since the Dutch colonial period. Here we document the species richness of scleractinian corals of Pulau Weh, Aceh. We also compare the species richness of the genus Acropora at 3–5 sites in each of nine regions in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Although dominated by widespread Indo-Pacific species, the coral fauna of Pulau Weh is also the eastern and western boundary for many Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean species, respectively. We identified a total of 133 scleractinian species, of which three have been previously recorded only in the western Indian Ocean and five are presently undescribed. The mean species richness of the Acropora at Pulau Weh is similar to regions within the Coral Triangle. This high species richness plus the high proportion of endemics suggests that the Andaman Sea is of similarly high conservation value to the Coral Triangle. We suggest that an international initiative similar to the Coral Triangle Initiative is required to conserve this region, which includes the territorial waters of six countries.
Avoiding conflicts and protecting coral reefs: customary management benefits marine habitats and fish biomass
Authors: Campbell Stuart J. , Cinner Joshua E. , Ardiwijaya Rizya L. , Pardede Shinta , Kartawijaya Tasrif , Mukmunin Ahmad , Herdiana Yudi , Hoey Andrew S. , Pratchett Morgan S. , Baird Andrew H.
Published: October 2012

One of the major goals of coral reef conservation is to determine the most effective means of managing marine resources in regions where economic conditions often limit the options available. For example, no-take fishing areas can be impractical in regions where people rely heavily on reef fish for food. In this study we test whether coral reef health differed among areas with varying management practices and socio-economic conditions on Pulau Weh in the Indonesian province of Aceh. Our results show that gear restrictions, in particular prohibiting the use of nets, were successful in minimizing habitat degradation and maintaining fish biomass despite ongoing access to the fishery. Reef fish biomass and hard-coral cover were two- to eight-fold higher at sites where fishing nets were prohibited. The guiding principle of the local customary management system,Panglima Laot, is to reduce conflict among community members over access to marine resources. Consequently, conservation benefits in Aceh have arisen from a customary system that lacks a specific environmental ethic or the means for strong resource-based management.Panglima Laotincludes many of the features of successful institutions, such as clearly defined membership rights and the opportunity for resource users to be involved in making, enforcing and changing the rules. Such mechanisms to reduce conflict are the key to the success of marine resource management, particularly in settings that lack resources for enforcement.
Records of the bush dog Speothos venaticus in a continuous remnant of coastal Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil
Authors: Fusco-Costa Roberto , Ingberman Bianca
Published: October 2012

The bush dog Speothos venaticus, a rarely seen Neotropical canid categorized as Near Threatened globally, is categorized as Vulnerable in Brazil. In the Atlantic Forest occurrence data of this species are extremely rare. Here we document new records of the bush dog in four reserves in a large remnant of continuous coastal Atlantic Forest in Paraná state, southern Brazil. From a total of 4,112 trap days in two camera-trap surveys in 2009 and 2011 we obtained one opportunistic sighting and three independent photographic records of the bush dog. Additionally, park guards reported previous sightings (>4 years earlier) in three of these reserves, including the reserve where we did not record the species. Our results indicate that the remnant coastal Atlantic Forest of Paraná state is an important region for the conservation of the bush dog in southern Brazil. Given the rarity of this species in its natural habitat we suggest that conservation efforts in this region should focus on minimizing the potential threats (prey depletion from poaching and disease transmission from domestic dog) to the species.
Chimpanzees in mantraps: lethal crop protection and conservation in Uganda
Authors: McLennan Matthew R. , Hyeroba David , Asiimwe Caroline , Reynolds Vernon , Wallis Janette
Published: October 2012

A main concern of farmers worldwide is how to reduce crop losses to wildlife. Some potentially lethal crop protection methods are non-selective. It is important to understand the impact of such methods on species of conservation concern. Uganda has important populations of Endangered eastern chimpanzeesPan troglodytes schweinfurthii. Farmers sometimes use large metal mantraps to guard their fields against crop-raiding wildlife, particularly baboonsPapio anubisand wild pigsPotamochoerussp.. Chimpanzees that range onto farmland also step in these illegal devices and without rapid veterinary invention face severe injury or eventual death. Unlike inadvertent snaring of great apes in African forests, the problem of mantraps in forest–farm ecotones has received little attention. We report 10 cases of entrapped chimpanzees in the cultivated landscape surrounding Uganda's Budongo Forest during 2007–2011, undoubtedly only a portion of the actual number of cases. Mantraps currently present a substantial threat to ape populations in this important conservation landscape. Our data underscore the need for conservation programmes to consider the techniques used by rural farmers to protect their livelihoods from wild animals.
Linking coastal community livelihoods to marine conservation in Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Novriyanto  , Wibowo Joni T. , Iskandar Wiwin , Campbell-Smith Gail , Linkie Matthew
Published: October 2012

Many tropical biodiversity projects seek to combine development and conservation goals. Here, we assess the performance of a revolving fund, established by Fauna & Flora International (FFI), in delivering sustainable and equitable benefits to coastal community livelihood groups and individuals while ensuring that it did no apparent harm to the environment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 103 loan recipients to determine changes in attitude, perception and behaviour. After a 9 month preparation phase the project succeeded in changing a community view towards the fund from being overwhelmingly pessimistic to overwhelmingly optimistic and then loaned IDR 602,977,400 (USD 66,261), with near perfect repayment rates thereafter (indicating financial sustainability). Most (92%) respondents thought that the fund had been a success, mainly (56%) because it had increased their perceived daily income. Even though most (59%) of the loan recipients met with FFI staff at least once per month on average during the project, the linkages between conservation and development were only understood by some (40%). Nevertheless, understanding was highest amongst the project's main target group, fishermen. Furthermore, nearly half of all respondents said they now acted if they found people fishing with spear guns or throwing litter into the sea (a violation of customary law), indicating a positive change in behaviour. Although this study cannot unambiguously demonstrate that this change was purely due to the fund, as FFI was conducting other conservation activities, it helped to develop a strong relationship with the community and create an enabling environment for implementing this broader set of activities.
Causes and patterns of human-induced mortality in the Critically Endangered European minkMustela lutreolain Spain
Authors: Palazón Santiago , Melero Yolanda , Gómez Asun , López de Luzuriaga Javier , Podra Madis , Gosàlbez Joaquim
Published: October 2012

Human intervention is the main cause of the decline of the Critically Endangered European minkMustela lutreola. In this study we analysed the main causes of direct human-caused mortality of the species in Spain. A total of 47 mortality records were obtained for the period 1950–1989, and 145 for 1990–2008. There was temporal variation in the cause of death, with trapping and shooting being the most common causes of mortality in 1950–1989 and road-kills in 1990–2008. In the case of road-kills there was variation related to road type. Males were more affected by road-kills than females, especially during the mating season when they range more widely. Our results indicate that there has been a change in human social behaviour and in people's awareness of the species, with a reduction in European mink captured and shot but an increase in mortality on roads.
Dwatery ocean
Authors: Massimi Michela
Published: October 2012

In this paper I raise a difficulty for Joseph LaPorte's account of chemical kind terms. LaPorte has argued against Putnam that H2O content is neither necessary nor sufficient to fix the reference of the kind term ‘water’ and that we did not discover that water is H2O. To this purpose, he revisits Putnam's Twin Earth story with the fictional scenario of Deuterium Earth, whose ocean consists of ‘dwater’, to conclude that we did not discover that deuterium oxide is (a kind of) water (usually called ‘heavy water’). Instead, according to LaPorte, by including deuterium oxide in the extension of the term ‘water’, we simply refined our vague use of the term ‘water’. But we could have decided to exclude deuterium oxide from the extension of the term ‘water’. Let us call this the thesis of semantic stipulation.

I raise two problems for LaPorte's Deuterium Earth story. First, I show that ‘dwater’ (i.e. deuterium oxide not as a kind of water) does not have the same scientific credibility of ‘heavy water’ (i.e. deuterium oxide as a kind of water). Second, I argue that for the thesis of semantic stipulation to go through one would need to show that ‘dwater’ is semantically on a par with ‘heavy water’. Namely, one would need to show that ‘dwater’ is a projectible kind term, capable of supporting inductive inferences. But, in fact, it is not, because the term is vulnerable to an unwelcome Goodmanian scenario, unless one surreptitiously reintroduces some Putnamian assumptions about D2O content being necessary and sufficient to fix the reference of the term.
The emergence of multidrug-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaeof international clones ST13, ST16, ST35, ST48 and ST101 in a teaching hospital in the Paris region
Authors: MARCADE G. , BRISSE S. , BIALEK S. , MARCON E. , LEFLON-GUIBOUT V. , PASSET V. , MOREAU R. , NICOLAS-CHANOINE M.-H.
Published: October 2012

Despite infection control measures, an important increase in the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producingKlebsiella pneumoniaeincidence density occurred in our hospital from 2006 onwards. This study, focusing on the 2005–2007 period, was performed in an attempt to explain this increase. ESBLs were characterized, isolates were typed by ERIC2-PCR, and sequence type (ST) of clustered isolates was determined. Temporal-spatial relationships of patients were analysed to assess possible cross-contamination. Of the 74 ESBL-producing isolates, 30 (40%) were detected at admission, 53 (71·5%) produced CTX-M enzymes, 40 displayed unique ERIC2-PCR profiles and 34 were assigned into six clusters: ST16 (n = 21), ST101, ST48, ST35, ST13, and ST436. Relationships were identified in 22 of the 34 patients harbouring clustered isolates. This study highlights the complex epidemiology of ESBL-producingK. pneumoniaein the mid-2000s with potential cross-contamination for only 30% of the 74 patients in our hospital, and the emergence of clones that are currently spreading worldwide.
Development of a Decision Framework for Establishing a Health Register Following a Major Incident
Authors: Paranthaman Karthikeyan , Catchpole Mike , Simpson John , Morris Jill , Muirhead Colin R. , Leonardi Giovanni S.
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Health registers have been established in the United Kingdom (UK) and elsewhere following mass exposure to novel agents or known agents, but there is no consensus on the criteria for establishing such registers.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a decision framework to assess the need for establishing a health register for major chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents.

Methods

The study comprised three stages. In the first stage, the study team prepared a list of potential criteria that may be used to assess the need for setting up a health register based on literature review and personal experiences in previous incidents. In the second stage, the potential criteria were evaluated in two Delphi rounds involving experts and key decision makers from the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) and academic organizations. In the final stage, the criteria were converted into a decision framework, and its utility was tested using four fictional scenarios.

Results

A total of 11 statements were proposed by the study group. These criteria were revised following feedback from 16 experts in the first Delphi round. All 11 statements achieved consensus at the end of the second Delphi round. Pilot testing of the agreed criteria on four fictional scenarios confirmed validity and reliability for use in the decision process.

Conclusions

A decision framework to assess the need for setting up a health register after a major incident was agreed upon and tested using fictional scenarios. Further areas of work for practical implementation of the criteria and related planning for systems and protocols have been identified.

ParanthamanK, CatchpoleM, SimpsonJ, MorrisJ, MuirheadCR, LeonardiGS. Development of a decision framework for establishing a health register following a major incident. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(6):1-7.
Body fatness or anthropometry for assessment of unhealthy weight status? Comparison between methods in South African children and adolescents
Authors: Craig Eva , Reilly John , Bland Ruth
Published: October 2012

Objective

A variety of methods are available for defining undernutrition (thinness/underweight/under-fat) and overnutrition (overweight/obesity/over-fat). The extent to which these definitions agree is unclear. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess agreement between widely used methods of assessing nutritional status in children and adolescents, and to examine the benefit of body composition estimates.

Design

The main objective of the cross-sectional study was to assess underweight, overweight and obesity using four methods: (i) BMI-for-age using WHO (2007) reference data; (ii) BMI-for-age using Cole et al. and International Obesity Taskforce cut-offs; (iii) weight-for-age using the National Centre for Health Statistics/WHO growth reference 1977; and (iv) body fat percentage estimated by bio-impedance (body fat reference curves for children of McCarthy et al., 2006). Comparisons were made between methods using weighted kappa analyses.

Setting

Rural South Africa.

Subjects

Individuals (n 1519) in three age groups (school grade 1, mean age 7 years; grade 5, mean age 11 years; grade 9, mean age 15 years).

Results

In boys, prevalence of unhealthy weight status (both under- and overnutrition) was much higher at all ages with body fatness measures than with simple anthropometric proxies for body fatness; agreement between fatness and weight-based measures was fair or slight using Landis and Koch categories. In girls, prevalence of unhealthy weight status was also higher with body fatness than with proxies, although agreement between measures ranged from fair to substantial.

Conclusions

Methods for defining under- and overnutrition should not be considered equivalent. Weight-based measures provide highly conservative estimates of unhealthy weight status, possibly more conservative in boys. Simple body composition measures may be more informative than anthropometry for nutritional surveillance of children and adolescents.
Nutritional quality of foods and beverages on child-care centre menus in Mexico
Authors: Benjamin Neelon Sara E , Reyes-Morales Hortensia , Haines Jess , Gillman Matthew W , Taveras Elsie M
Published: October 2012

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to assess the nutritional quality of foods and beverages listed on menus serving children in government-sponsored child-care centres throughout Mexico.

Design

For this cross-sectional menu assessment, we compared (i) food groups and portion sizes of foods and beverages on the menus with MyPlate recommendations and (ii) macronutrients, sugar and fibre with Daily Reference Intake standards.

Setting

Menus reflected foods and beverages served to children attending one of 142 government-sponsored child-care centres throughout Mexico.

Subjects

There were fifty-four distinct menus for children aged 4–6 months, 7–9 months, 10–12 months, 13–23 months, 24–47 months and 48–72 months.

Results

Menus included a variety of foods meeting minimum MyPlate recommendations for each food category except whole grains for children aged 48–72 months. Menus listed excessive amounts of high-energy beverages, including full-fat milk, fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverages for children of all ages. The mean daily energy content of menu items yielded an average of 2·76 MJ for infants, 4·77 MJ for children aged 13–23 months, 5·36 MJ for children aged 24–47 months and 5·87 MJ for children aged 48–72 months. Foods and beverages on menus provided sufficient grams of carbohydrate and fat, but excessive protein.

Conclusions

Menus provided a variety of foods but excessive energy. Whole grains were limited, and high-energy beverages were prevalent. Both may be appropriate targets for nutrition intervention. Future studies should move beyond menus and assess what children actually consume in child care.
Building the case for independent monitoring of food advertising on Australian television
Authors: King Lesley , Hebden Lana , Grunseit Anne , Kelly Bridget , Chapman Kathy
Published: October 2012

Objective

To provide an independent monitoring report examining the ongoing impact of Australian self-regulatory pledges on food and drink advertising to children on commercial television.

Design

Analysis of food advertisements across comparable sample time periods in April/May 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The main outcome measure comprised change in the mean rate of non-core food advertisements from 2006 to 2011.

Setting

Sydney free-to-air television channels.

Subjects

Televised food advertisements.

Results

In 2011 the rate of non-core food advertisements was not significantly different from that in 2006 or 2010 (3·2/hv. 4·1/h and 3·1/h), although there were variations across the intervening years. The rate of fast-food advertising in 2010 was significantly higher than in 2006 (1·8/hv. 1·1/h,P< 0·001), but the same as that in 2011 (1·5/h).

Conclusions

The frequency of non-core food advertising on Sydney television has remained essentially unchanged between 2006 and 2011, despite the implementation of two industry self-regulatory pledges. The current study illustrates the value of independent monitoring as a basic requirement of any responsive regulatory approach.
Association between parental motives for food choice and eating patterns of 12- to 13-year-old Norwegian children
Authors: Oellingrath Inger M , Hersleth Margrethe , Svendsen Martin V
Published: October 2012

Objective

To determine (i) the importance of parents’ motives for everyday family food choices; and (ii) the relationship between parental food choice motives and eating patterns of 12- to 13-year-old children.

Design

Cross-sectional study. A modified version of the Food Choice Questionnaire was used to determine parental motives for food choices. The children's food and drink intake was reported by their parents using a retrospective FFQ. Eating patterns were derived using principal component analysis. The association between food choice motives and eating patterns was examined using multiple linear regression analysis.

Setting

Primary schools, Telemark County, Norway.

Subjects

In total, 1095 children aged 12–13 years and their parents.

Results

The parental motive ‘sensory appeal’ was the most important for food choice, followed by ‘health’, ‘convenience’, ‘natural content’ and ‘weight control’. The food choice motives were associated with the eating patterns of the children, independent of background variables. The motive ‘health’ was most strongly associated with a ‘varied Norwegian’ eating pattern, representing a diverse diet and regular meals, while the motive ‘convenience’ appeared to be the most important barrier to this eating pattern. ‘Weight control’ was not associated with the ‘varied Norwegian’ eating pattern.

Conclusions

To encourage parents to make healthy food choices for their children, health promotion activities should focus on the health benefits of a diverse diet and regular meals, rather than weight control. Recommended food products should be made more convenient and easily available for families with children.