bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing habitat quality for conservation using an integrated occurrence‐mortality model
Authors: Falcucci Alessandra , Ciucci Paolo , Maiorano Luigi , Gentile Leonardo , Boitani Luigi 
Published: March 2009

Summary

Habitat suitability models are usually produced using species presence or habitat selection, without taking into account the demographic performance of the population considered. These models cannot distinguish between sink and source habitats, causing problems especially for species with low reproductive rates and high susceptibility to low levels of mortality as in the case of the critically endangered Apennine brown bear Ursus arctos marsicanus.
We developed a spatial model based on bear presence (2544 locations) and mortality data (37 locations) used as proxies for demographic performance. We integrated an occurrence and a mortality‐risk Ecological Niche Factor Analysis model into a final two‐dimensional model that can be used to distinguish between attractive sink‐like and source‐like habitat.
Our integrated model indicates that a traditional habitat suitability model can provide misleading management and conservation indications, as 43% of the area suitable for the occurrence model is associated with high mortality risk. Areas of source‐like habitat for the Apennine bears (highly elevated areas rich in beech forests, far from roads, and with low human density and cultivated fields) are still present, including outside the currently occupied range. However, attractive sink‐like habitat (associated with high levels of pasture, low extent of mountain meadows, low steepness, low elevation, and closeness to secondary and urban roads) are present even inside protected areas.
Synthesis and applications. Identifying attractive sink‐like habitat is crucial to prevent inappropriate management and to effectively address conservation issues: whereas existing source‐like habitats should be preserved to halt habitat loss and degradation, attractive sink‐like habitat should be managed to mitigate mortality risks or to decrease their attractiveness. In particular, area‐specific management interventions and proactive actions (increased patrolling, road closure, human activity management, threat monitoring, etc.) aimed at reducing human‐caused mortality are critical for the Apennine brown bear.
Reduced morbidity and mortality in the first year after initiating highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART) among Ugandan adults
Authors: Miiro George , Todd Jim , Mpendo Juliet , Watera Christine , Munderi Paula , Nakubulwa Susan , Kaddu Ismael , Rutebarika Diana , Grosskurth Heiner 
Published: March 2009

SummaryObjective  To evaluate the effect of highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART) and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis on morbidity after HAART eligibility.Methods  Between 1999 and 2006, we collected morbidity data from a community‐based cohort of HAART‐eligible patients, comparing patients initiating HAART and those non‐HAART. Patients aged 15 years or older visited the clinic every 6 months and when ill. Baseline data on patients’ characteristics, WHO stage, haemoglobin and CD4+ T‐cell counts, along with follow‐up data on morbidity (new, recurrent and drug‐related), were collected for the first year after initiating HAART or becoming HAART‐eligible. We estimated the overall effect of HAART on morbidity; adjusted for the effect of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis by Mantel–Haenszel methods. A negative binomial regression model was used to assess rate ratios (RR) after adjustment for other confounders, including cotrimoxazole.Results  A total of 219 HAART patients (median age 37 years; 73% women; 82% using cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, median haemoglobin 11.7 g/dl and median CD4+ 131 cells/μl) experienced 94 events in 127 person‐years. 616 non‐HAART patients (median age 33 years; 70% women; 26% using cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, median haemoglobin 11.2 g/dl and median CD4+ 130 cells/μl) experienced 862 events in 474 person‐years. The overall morbidity during the first year of HAART was 80% lower than among non‐HAART patients (adjusted RR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.12–0.34). Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis also reduced morbidity (adjusted RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45–0.94).Conclusion  These results confirm the reduction in morbidity due to HAART, and the additional protection of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.
The pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus after first and repeated dosing with 0.03% ointment in infants with atopic dermatitis*
Authors: Reitamo Sakari , Mandelin Johanna , Rubins Andris , Remitz Anita , Mäkelä Mika , Cirule Kristine , Rubins Silvestrs , Zigure Sanita , Ho Vincent , Dickinson James , Undre Nasrullah 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  In adults and children aged > 2 years, systemic absorption of tacrolimus from tacrolimus ointment is very low. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus 0.03% ointment were investigated in infants aged 3–24 months.Methods  The pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus after first and repeated topical application of tacrolimus 0.03% ointment were evaluated in 53 infants (age, 3–24 month) with atopic dermatitis requiring treatment with mid‐potency topical corticosteroids. Patients were grouped according to percentage of body surface area affected (Group 1: 5–20%; Group 2: > 20–40%; Group 3: > 40%). After stratification, patients were randomized (double‐blind) to receive once‐daily or twice‐daily tacrolimus 0.03% ointment.Results  Blood samples taken on days 1 and 14 (first and last application) showed minimal systemic tacrolimus exposure. Overall, 97% of blood samples assayed contained tacrolimus concentrations < 1 ng/ml, and 20% were below the lower limit of quantification (0.025 ng/ml). Systemic tacrolimus exposure was variable, but tended to increase as the treated body surface area increased. Mean apparent half‐life of tacrolimus was 80 ± 35 h (range: 25–175 h). Most patients experienced substantial clinical improvement in their atopic dermatitis. There were no clinically significant changes in laboratory values, and the most frequently reported adverse events were minor infections and local skin irritations.Conclusions  Tacrolimus 0.03% ointment in infants is associated with very low systemic exposure to tacrolimus. Treatment was well tolerated and led to considerable clinical improvement.
A comparative study of the diagnosis of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iraq by polymerase chain reaction and microbiologic and histopathologic methods
Authors: Al‐Hucheimi Sundus Nsaif , Sultan Baqur A. , Al‐Dhalimi Muhsin A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) largely depends on the clinical appearance, especially in endemic areas. A diagnostic challenge arises when the lesions appear in nonendemic areas, when the clinical picture is distorted, or when an atypical variant is seen, even in endemic regions.Aim  To assess the correlation of microbiologic and histopathologic diagnosis with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) findings in clinically diagnosed cases of CL.Methods  This was an observational and descriptive study. The patients were seen at outpatient departments of dermatology in the middle Euphrates region of Iraq. Sixty‐five patients with clinically suspicious CL lesions were screened. Fifty‐seven clinically diagnosed cases were then subjected to slit‐skin smear and skin biopsy. PCR examination was conducted in 40 cases.Results  Direct slit‐skin smear examination was positive in 38 patients (66.7%), and 48 specimens (84.2%) were positive by the slide‐touch skin biopsy method. Histopathologic examination showed features suggestive of CL in 34 specimens (59.6%). The results of PCR examination were positive in 37 cases (92.5%).Conclusion  The PCR technique is highly specific (100%) and sensitive (92.5%) for the diagnosis of CL. In addition to the confirmation of the diagnosis, it may be useful in identifying a relationship between the type of microorganism and the clinical presentation of the disease.
Development of vitiligo during melanoma treatment with a novel survivin inhibitor: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Fujita Mayumi , High Whitney A. , Asgari Shabnam , Lewis Karl D. , Gonzalez Rene 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  The development of vitiligo has been associated with an improved clinical response in melanoma patients.Methods  We report a case of vitiligo associated with a novel antisurvivin drug and review the literature to determine the pathogenesis of vitiligo occurring during melanoma treatment.Results  A 78‐year‐old man with stage IV malignant melanoma developed vitiligo after the first therapeutic cycle of a novel antisurvivin drug. Although his vitiligo remained static, his melanoma continued to progress and he died in 8 months. A review of the literature demonstrates a relationship between vitiligo development and improved clinical response in many melanoma cases treated with immunotherapy; however, the relationship may depend on the type of treatment.Conclusions  Understanding complex immune responses in vitiliginous skin and melanoma sites is important in order to interpret the development of vitiligo occurring during melanoma treatment.
A novel missense mutation in the SLC6A19 gene in a Chinese family with Hartnup disorder
Authors: Zheng Yanhong , Zhou Cuncai , Huang Yongchu , Bu Dingfang , Zhu Xuejun , Jiang Wei 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  Hartnup disease is a rare autosomal‐recessive abnormality of renal and gastrointestinal neutral amino acid transport associated with neurologic, psychiatric, and dermatologic symptoms. Mutations in the SLC6A19 gene have been proposed to be responsible for the underlying changes in this disorder.Aim  To investigate a pedigree with Hartnup disorder and to search for the mutation in the SLC6A19 gene in this pedigree.Methods  The encoding exons of the SLC6A19 gene were amplified and sequenced from genomic DNA samples. Amino acids were determined in urine samples from the proband and her family members.Results  The proband and her brother had a homozygous mutation of c.850G > A in the SLC6A19 gene, causing G284R in the transmembrane domain of the SLC6A19 transporter, inherited from their parents who were heterozygous carriers. Their urine samples showed increased values of eight neutral amino acids.Conclusion  We found a novel homozygous mutation of G284R in the transmembrane domain of the SLC6A19 transporter in the proband, with typical dermatologic and neurologic manifestations and increased levels of urinary neutral amino acids.
Effects of incomplete pedigree on genetic management of the Dutch Landrace goat
Authors: Mucha S. , Windig J. J. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryGenetic diversity in the Dutch Landrace goat was investigated based on information from the pedigree with about 6500 animals. Annual inbreeding rate after 1985 was below 0.5% and after 1987 close to 0%. However, pedigree information was incomplete, and 350 animals had unknown parents, while for the majority the real parents must have been in the pedigree. To determine the influence of unknown parents, 20 new pedigrees were created by random assignment of animals, alive at the time of birth, as parents to individuals with unknown parents. Only 12 founders remained for these pedigrees, and inbreeding levels varied considerably between these 20 pedigrees. However, inbreeding rates were remarkably constant. They increased to about 0.2%, indicating that the population is not endangered by inbreeding. The optimal contribution theory was used to evaluate possibilities of decreasing the average relationship in the population and thus to increase the genetic diversity of the breed. Optimal contribution decreased the average relationship in the population whether randomly assigned parents were used or not. However, individuals selected as parents for the resampled pedigrees differed from the original pedigree, and only a few animals were selected for all pedigrees. Candidates for inclusion in the genebank were also selected using optimal contribution. Adding animals to the genebank increased the conserved genetic diversity substantially, but as the lists differed between the analysed pedigrees it was not clear which animals were best added to the genebank.
Stigma associated with schizophrenia: Cultural comparison of social distance in Japan and China
Authors: Haraguchi Kenzo , Maeda Masaharu , Mei Yan Xiao , Uchimura Naohisa 
Published: March 2009

Aims:  The aim of the present study was to investigate social attitudes toward schizophrenia in Japan and China in view of social distance and knowledge of psychiatry, as well as sociocultural aspects.Methods:  Two self‐rating scales were used to compare social distance and knowledge regarding schizophrenia in 352 Japanese subjects and 347 Chinese subjects. The Social Distance Scale–Japanese version was used to measure social distance from schizophrenia subjects in Japan. This scale consists of eight questions graded using a 4‐point Likert scale (0–3 points), with higher scores representing increased social distance. A translation of the SDSJ into Chinese was used to assess social distance in China. The Knowledge of Illness and Drugs Inventory was used to determine participant knowledge of mental illness and its treatment (medication) through 20 questions (responses are graded as correct or incorrect, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge). A Chinese version of this questionnaire was also created.Results:  Total scores of both scales were significantly higher in Japanese subjects than in Chinese subjects.Conclusions:  Social distance associated with schizophrenia is large in both Beijing and Fukuoka, but the features of social distance differ between countries. It is important to determine the features of stigma associated with schizophrenia and develop anti‐stigma programs based on trans‐cultural considerations.
Identification of predictors of post‐ictal delirium after electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Kikuchi Atsuhiro , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Fujii Akira , Katagai Hiroshi , Kaneko Sunao 
Published: March 2009

Aim: Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) often causes post‐ictal delirium (PID), to date, the specific risk factors of PID have not been described. The purpose of the present study was therefore to elucidate the predictors of PID via identification of the characteristics of patients with PID.Methods: ECT was conducted in 50 patients and all patients underwent more than four sessions. A sine wave or a brief‐pulse square wave ECT instrument was used. After convulsions the patients' PID was monitored for 30 min. The patients were allocated into four groups based on PID severity (none, mild, moderate or severe PID). Variables, including age, gender, duration of illness, diagnosis, clinical features (psychotic or catatonic features) and stimulus waveform (sine or brief pulse square waveform), were analyzed.Results: Moderate to severe PID developed during the ECT sessions in 18 patients (36%). Most patients with severe delirium were successfully treated with i.v. bolus of propofol (1–2 mg/kg). Although the incidence of PID was 24% in patients without catatonic features, the incidence in patients with catatonic features was extremely high (88%;P < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses showed that the severity of PID correlated significantly with the presence of catatonic features (β = 0.428,P < 0.01).Conclusion: The presence of catatonic features before ECT is a predictor of PID. Propofol is useful for the treatment of PID.
Suicide attempts in adult patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Hara Eriko , Akanuma Nozomi , Adachi Naoto , Hara Koichiro , Koutroumanidis Michael 
Published: March 2009

Aims:  To study clinical features of adult patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy with special attention to suicidal behavior.Methods:  We reviewed the medical records of 145 consecutive adult patients with electro‐clinically confirmed idiopathic generalized epilepsy and identified those with a history of at least one attempted suicide. Clinical variables in relation to their epilepsy and psychiatric conditions were analyzed.Results:  Seven patients (4.8%) had a history of suicide attempts with drug overdose, and one of these patients committed suicide after multiple attempts. All attempts were made interictally without direct relation to their epileptic seizures. All had at least one co‐morbid mental disorder (two with dual diagnosis). Although their psychiatric diagnoses varied, they all appeared to have increased emotional instability and poor impulse control. Only one patient's attempt was directly associated with her co‐morbid depression.Conclusions:  Physicians managing people with epilepsies should be aware of psychiatric disturbances and suicidal behavior in idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
Psychological features and coping styles in patients with chronic pain
Authors: Cui Jingai , Matsushima Eisuke , Aso Katsuko , Masuda Akio , Makita Koshi 
Published: March 2009

Aims:  It is said that psychological factors play a crucial role in the development, continuation or amplification of chronic pain. The purpose of the present study was to examine psychological features and coping styles related to chronic pain.Methods:  Sixty‐three patients with persistent pain over 3 months (average age of 59.3 years; 22 men and 41 women) were recruited as subjects from December 2005 to March 2007. As for chronic pain, the duration of pain and the intensity of pain, applied using the Visual Analogue Scale, were evaluated in each patient. In addition, their psychological features were examined with the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and their coping styles were examined using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS).Results:  The duration of pain was not significantly correlated with values of the POMS or CISS. The intensity of pain according to the Visual Analogue Scale was significantly correlated with the tension–anxiety, anger–hostility and fatigue scales of the POMS. Also, the intensity of pain showed negative correlations with the avoidance‐oriented coping scale of the CISS.Conclusions:  Understanding psychological features and coping styles are critical when we determine the proper treatment for chronic pain.
Better efficacy for the osmotic release oral system methylphenidate among poor adherents to immediate‐release methylphenidate in the three ADHD subtypes
Authors: Chou Wen‐Jiun , Chou Miao‐Chun , Tzang Ruu‐Fen , Hsu Ya‐Chen , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen , Chen Shin‐Jaw , Wu Yu‐Yu , Huang Ya‐Fen , Liang Hsin‐Yi , Cheng Helen 
Published: March 2009

Aims:  To determine factors for switching to osmotic release oral system methylphenidate (OROS‐MPH) among poor adherents to immediate‐release methylphenidate (IR‐MPH); and to compare the efficacy of OROS‐MPH on the three attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) subtypes in a multi‐site prospective observational study in Taiwan.Methods:  The sample included 240 children with ADHD, aged 6–16 years, who were poor adherents to IR‐MPH, 137 of whom were switched to OROS‐MPH. The child psychiatrists diagnosed the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition) ADHD subtypes and assessed the medical history, adherence, side‐effects, global ADHD severity, and family/school effectiveness. Parents reported their child's behavioral symptoms.Results:  The determinants for an OROS‐MPH switch were higher dosage, shorter treatment and thrice‐daily administration of IR‐MPH, and more severe inattention symptoms. Hyperactivity and oppositional symptoms were greater in the ADHD combined and hyperactive‐impulsive subtypes than the inattentive subtype. Switching to OROS‐MPH significantly improved behavioral symptoms and family/school measures, and this was most evident in the ADHD‐combined group, followed by the ADHD‐inattentive group. Inattention influenced not only academic performance, but also overall classroom behaviors and the parent–child relationship, with the latter two also influenced by oppositional symptoms.Conclusions:  This study suggests better efficacy for the OROS‐MPH among poor adherents to IR‐MPH; however, its effectiveness varied across the three ADHD subtypes (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00460720).
Hyperfrontality in patients with schizophrenia during saccade and antisaccade tasks: A study with fMRI
Authors: Fukumoto‐Motoshita Mai , Matsuura Masato , Ohkubo Tatsunobu , Ohkubo Hiromi , Kanaka Noriko , Matsushima Eisuke , Taira Masato , Kojima Takuya , Matsuda Tetsuya 
Published: March 2009

Aims:  Antisaccadic eye movements, requiring inhibition of a saccade toward a briefly appearing peripheral target, are known to be impaired in schizophrenia. Previous neuroimaging studies have indicated that patients with schizophrenia show diminished activations in the frontal cortex and basal ganglia. These studies used target fixation as a baseline condition. However, if the levels of brain activities at baseline are not compatible between patients and healthy subjects, between‐group comparison on antisaccade‐related activations is consequently invalidated. One possibility is that patients with schizophrenia may present with greater activation during fixation than healthy subjects. In order to examine this possibility, here we investigated brain activities associated with antisaccade in the two groups without using target fixation at baseline.Methods:  Functional brain images were acquired during prosaccades and antisaccades in 18 healthy subjects and 18 schizophrenia patients using a box‐car functional magnetic resonance imaging design. Eye movements were measured during scanning.Results:  In the patient group, the elevated activities in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and thalamus, normally seen in antisaccade tasks relative to saccade tasks, were no longer observed. Moreover, in normal subjects, activities in the DLPFC and thalamus were greater during the antisaccade task than during the saccade task. In patients, no such difference was observed between the two tasks, suggesting that these brain regions are likely to be highly activated even by a simple task such as fixation. In particular, the DLPFC and thalamus in patients were not activated at a level commensurate with the difficulty of the tasks presented.Conclusions:  From these results, it is suggested that schizophrenia entails dysfunctions in the fronto‐striato‐thalamo‐cortical network associated with motor function control.
Influence on the suicide rate two years after a devastating disaster: A report from the 1995 Great Hanshin‐Awaji Earthquake
Authors: Nishio Akihiro , Akazawa Kouhei , Shibuya Futoshi , Abe Ryo , Nushida Hideyuki , Ueno Yasuhiro , Nishimura Akiyoshi , Shioiri Toshiki 
Published: March 2009

Aims:  The relationship between suicide and disaster is an important problem but it's not clear. We conducted this study to determine whether a natural disaster affects suicide rates.Methods:  We collected data on suicides during the 84 months before and the 60 months after the earthquake and compared the suicide rate in Kobe to that in Japan as a whole. We also examined what groups were significantly affected.Results:  Compared with Japan as a whole, the suicide rates in Kobe significantly decreased in the 2 years after the earthquake.Conclusions:  An influence on suicide rate after the disaster clearly appeared in middle‐aged men.