bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns and determinants of mammal species occurrence in India
Authors: Karanth Krithi K. , Nichols James D. , Hines James E. , Karanth K. Ullas , Christensen Norman L. 
Published: October 2009

Summary 1. Many Indian mammals face range contraction and extinction, but assessments of their population status are hindered by the lack of reliable distribution data and range maps. 2. We estimated the current geographical ranges of 20 species of large mammals by applying occupancy models to data from country‐wide expert. We modelled species in relation to ecological and social covariates (protected areas, landscape characteristics and human influences) based on a priori hypotheses about plausible determinants of mammalian distribution patterns. 3. We demonstrated that failure to incorporate detection probability in distribution survey methods underestimated habitat occupancy for all species. 4. Protected areas were important for the distribution of 16 species. However, for many species much of their current range remains unprotected. The availability of evergreen forests was important for the occurrence of 14 species, temperate forests for six species, deciduous forests for 15 species and higher altitude habitats for two species. Low human population density was critical for the occurrence of five species, while culturally based tolerance was important for the occurrence of nine other species. 5. Rhino Rhinoceros unicornis, gaur Bos gaurus and elephant Elephas maximus showed the most restricted ranges among herbivores, and sun bear Helarctos malayanus, brown bear Ursus arctos and tiger Panthera tigris were most restricted among carnivores. While cultural tolerance has helped the survival of some mammals, legal protection has been critically associated with occurrence of most species. 6. Synthesis and applications. Extent of range is an important determinant of species conservation status. Understanding the relationship of species occurrence with ecological and socio‐cultural covariates is important for identification and management of key conservation areas. The combination of occupancy models with field data from country‐wide experts enables reliable estimation of species range and habitat associations for conservation at regional scales.
Conservation implications of rainforest use patterns: mature forests provide more resources but secondary forests supply more medicine
Authors: Gavin Michael C. 
Published: October 2009

Summary 1. Tropical rainforests are a global conservation priority. Robust arguments supporting rainforest conservation can attract funding and shape land‐use management. However, some popular assertions regarding the value of tropical forests remain largely untested. 2. This study tests the validity of two arguments in support of mature tropical rainforest conservation: first, that these forests should be conserved based on their value as potential sources of medicine. This argument requires mature forests to be better sources of medicine than alternative land‐use types, including secondary forests. Second, secondary forest use may help conserve mature forests by providing sufficient resources to buffer against resource extraction in mature forests. 3. The research was conducted in three communities in the Cordillera Azul, Peru, where 369 individuals from 66 households were surveyed. Participants recorded all flora and fauna collected in mature (>20 years) and secondary forests over 180 days in six use categories (food, medicine, wood, weavings, adornments and ‘other’). Ecological knowledge of secondary and mature forest species was assessed for male and female household heads. 4. Households used 346 folk species (as defined by local classification systems) from 3668 collection events. Individuals had better knowledge of secondary forest species, but more access to mature forests. Participants collected significantly more medicines from secondary than from mature forests. In other major use categories (food, wood, weaving, adornment), secondary forests provided fewer resources than mature forests. Participants collected a different set of species from secondary and mature forests, with only 130 folk species (38%) collected in both secondary and mature forests. 5. Synthesis and applications. The arguments to protect mature rainforests as sources of new drugs may be overstated, because secondary forests can provide more medicinal plant resources than mature forests, and landscapes that incorporate forests of different ages can maximize availability of medicinal plant species. Conservation efforts must take a landscape level approach given the spread of resource use across different forest types. Because of the heterogeneity of resource availability and use among community members, and the dynamic nature of resource use on forest frontiers, conservation should embrace participatory adaptive management approaches that incorporate a variety of resource users.
Priority research areas for ecosystem services in a changing world
Authors: Nicholson Emily , Mace Georgina M. , Armsworth Paul R. , Atkinson Giles , Buckle Simon , Clements Tom , Ewers Robert M. , Fa Julia E. , Gardner Toby A. , Gibbons James , Grenyer Richard , Metcalfe Robert , Mourato Susana , Muûls Mirabelle , Osborn Dan , Reuman Daniel C. , Watson Charlene , Milner‐Gulland E. J. 
Published: October 2009

Summary 1. Ecosystem services are the benefits humans obtain from ecosystems. The importance of research into ecosystem services has been widely recognized, and rapid progress is being made. However, the prevailing approach to quantifying ecosystem services is still based on static analyses and single services, ignoring system dynamics, uncertainty and feedbacks. This is not only partly due to a lack of mechanistic understanding of processes and a dearth of empirical data, but also due to a failure to engage fully with the interdisciplinarity of the problem. 2. We argue that there is a tendency to ignore the feedbacks between and within both social and ecological systems, and a lack of explicit consideration of uncertainty. Metrics need to be developed that can predict thresholds, which requires strong linkages to underlying processes, while the development of policy for management of ecosystem services needs to be based on a broader understanding of value and drivers of human well‐being. 3. We highlight the complexities, gaps in current knowledge and research, and the potentially promising avenues for future investigation in four priority research areas: agendas, processes, metrics and uncertainty. 4. Synthesis and applications. The research interest in the field of ecosystem services is rapidly expanding, and can contribute significantly to the sustainable management of natural resources. However, a narrow disciplinary approach, or an approach which does not consider feedbacks within and between ecological and social systems, has the potential to produce dangerously misleading policy recommendations. In contrast, if we explicitly acknowledge and address uncertainties and complexities in the provision of ecosystem services, progress may appear slower but our models will be substantially more robust and informative about the effects of environmental change.
Growth history and crown vine coverage are principal factors influencing growth and mortality rates of big‐leaf mahogany Swietenia macrophylla in Brazil
Authors: Grogan James , Matthew Landis R. 
Published: October 2009

Summary 1. Current efforts to model population dynamics of high‐value tropical timber species largely assume that individual growth history is unimportant to population dynamics, yet growth autocorrelation is known to adversely affect model predictions. In this study, we analyse a decade of annual census data from a natural population of big‐leaf mahogany Swietenia macrophylla King to quantify the strength and duration of growth autocorrelation, and experimentally investigate the role of crown vine coverage, a major predictor of performance. 2. The sample population consisted of 358 trees >10 cm diameter. The relative contributions of predictor variables including diameter, crown vine coverage and growth history to models of growth and mortality were evaluated using Akaike’s Information Criterion. Autocorrelation among trees was incorporated into growth models using generalized least squares. We experimentally removed vines from heavy‐laden trees to test the strength and persistence of their impact on stem diameter growth. 3. Previous growth explained the highest amount of variation in annual diameter growth; the best‐fitting model of autocorrelation was an AR(7) autoregressive model, indicating that autocorrelation persisted throughout the study period. Other factors explaining variation in growth were, in decreasing order of importance: year of measurement, crown vine coverage, diameter, crown illumination and fruit production. The best logistic regression model for mortality retained diameter growth plus crown vine coverage as predictors of risk. 4. The vine release experiment strongly supported these results. Released trees grew faster than control trees but required ≥5 years to approach growth rates of trees with minimal vine coverage. Trees with heavy vine coverage also experienced higher mortality rates. 5. Synthesis and applications. These results indicate that growth autocorrelation is strong, persistent, and an important predictor of future performance; demographic models for tree growth and yield projections can be improved by accounting for growth history. Our results also indicate that targeted silvicultural practices such as vine cutting can increase long‐term growth and timber yield. These findings further current understanding of tropical tree growth and survival, and offer improved management tools for sustainable harvest practices for mahogany and similar species.
Dispersal and establishment limitation reduces the potential for successful restoration of semi‐natural grassland communities on former arable fields
Authors: Öster Mathias , Ask Kristina , Cousins Sara A. O. , Eriksson Ove 
Published: October 2009

Summary 1. Ex‐arable fields have been suggested as potential sites for re‐creation of semi‐natural grasslands, but information is still limited on the temporal scales needed for the natural assembly of these communities and whether colonization is related to dispersal or establishment limitation. 2. We investigated grazed ex‐arable fields of different age and adjacent semi‐natural grasslands in terms of species richness of plants, community similarity, colonization pattern and recruitment ability of 16 sown grassland species. The functional trait distribution of successful and unsuccessful colonizing species was compared using five traits related to dispersal and persistence: seed mass, seed bank persistence, specific leaf area, plant height and potential for lateral spread. 3. The youngest ex‐arable fields had the lowest species richness and contained communities with the lowest similarity to semi‐natural grassland. Species richness and similarity to semi‐natural grassland both increased with time since grazing started on ex‐arable fields, but were still significantly lower than in semi‐natural grasslands even after more than 50 years of grazing. 4. Colonization was not related to any of the investigated functional traits. The rank order of the species in terms of abundance was correlated between young and old ex‐arable fields suggesting that species performance remains the same with field age. 5. Recruitment after sowing was generally lower in ex‐arable fields than in semi‐natural grasslands, although the basic recruitment ability varied between species. Recruitment did not change with field age, suggesting that dispersal limitation rather than establishment limitation caused the temporal pattern of colonization. However, establishment limitation may act as a filter for colonization of all ex‐arable fields, regardless of their age. 6. Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates that the temporal scale for natural assembly of semi‐natural grassland communities in ex‐arable fields extends over 50 years, even when source pools are nearby. Results suggest that a field age‐independent establishment limitation, combined with dispersal limitation, cause the delayed assembly in ex‐arable fields. Management that aims to re‐create semi‐natural grassland communities in ex‐arable fields should consider introducing seeds or improving germination conditions at the sites.
The performance of haematuria reagent strips for the rapid mapping of urinary schistosomiasis: field experience from Southern Sudan
Authors: Robinson Emily , Picon Diana , Sturrock Hugh J. , Sabasio Anthony , Lado Mounir , Kolaczinski Jan , Brooker Simon 
Published: October 2009

SummaryThe implementation of programmes to control neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) requires up‐to‐date information on the prevalence and distribution of each NTD. This study evaluated the performance of reagent strip testing for haematuria to diagnose Schistosoma haematobium infection among school‐aged children in the context of a rapid mapping survey in Southern Sudan. The reagent strips were highly sensitive (97.8%) but only moderately specific (58.8%). The proportion of false positive diagnoses was significantly higher among girls than boys, especially among girls aged 5–10 years. These findings suggest that reagent strips alone are not sufficient for rapid mapping surveys. A two‐step approach is thus recommended whereby haematuria‐positive urine samples are subsequently examined using urine filtration.
Triage and mortality in 2875 consecutive trauma patients
Authors: MEISLER R. , THOMSEN A. B. , ABILDSTRØM H. , GULDSTAD N. , BORGE P. , RASMUSSEN S. W. , RASMUSSEN L. S. 
Published: October 2009

Background: Most studies on trauma and trauma systems have been conducted in the United States. We aimed to describe the factors predicting mortality in European trauma patients, with focus on triage.Methods: We prospectively registered all trauma patients in Eastern Denmark over 12 consecutive months. We analysed the flow of trauma patients through the system, the time spent at different locations, and we assessed the risk factors of mortality.Results: We included 2875 trauma patients, of whom 158 (5.5%) died before arrival at the hospital. Most patients (75.3%) were brought to local hospitals and patients primarily (n=82) or secondarily triaged (n=203) to the level I trauma centre were the most severely injured. Secondarily transferred patients spent a median of 150 min in the local hospital before transfer to the level I trauma centre and 48 min on transportation. Severe injury with an injury severity score >15 was seen in 345 patients, of whom 118 stayed at the local hospital. They had a significantly higher mortality than 116 of those secondarily transferred [45/118, 38.1% vs. 11/116, 9.7% (P<0.0001)]. Mortality within 30 days was 4.3% in admitted patients, and significant risk factors of death were violence [odds ratio (OR)=5.72], unconsciousness (OR=4.87), hypotension (OR=4.96), injury severity score >15 (OR=27.42), and age.Conclusions: Around 50% of all trauma deaths occurred at the scene. Increased survival of severely injured patients may be achieved by early transfer to highly specialised care.
Dexamethasone decreases oxycodone consumption following osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone: a randomized controlled trial in day surgery
Authors: MATTILA K. , KONTINEN V. K. , KALSO E. , HYNYNEN M. J. 
Published: October 2009

Background: Dexamethasone may improve multimodal pain management following painful orthopedic day surgery procedures, and decrease the need for post‐operative opioids. We hypothesized that dexamethasone would reduce the need for oxycodone after surgical correction of hallux valgus.Methods: Sixty patients planned to undergo unilateral osteotomy of the first metatarsal as a day surgery procedure were randomized to receive pre‐operatively and 24 h afterwards, orally either dexamethasone 9 mg or placebo. For pain medication, paracetamol and oxycodone capsules for rescue medication were given. The study ended on the evening of the third post‐operative day (POD). The primary endpoint was the cumulative oxycodone consumption. Secondary endpoints were maximal pain scores before oxycodone intake and daily oxycodone doses. In addition, adverse effects were documented.Results: Twenty‐five patients in both groups completed the study. The total median (range) oxycodone consumption during the study period was 45 (0–165) mg in the dexamethasone group and 78 (15–175) mg in the placebo group (P=0.049). The major differences in oxycodone consumption were seen on PODs 0–1. In the dexamethasone group, patients reported significantly lower pain scores on PODs 0–1, and significantly less nausea on POD 1. On PODs 2–3 no differences were seen. However, at 2 weeks post‐operatively, patient satisfaction to drug therapy did not differ – in both groups 81% would have chosen the same medication again.Conclusion: Oral dexamethasone combined with paracetamol significantly reduced total oxycodone consumption following surgical correction of hallux valgus.
Sevoflurane‐induced post‐conditioning has no beneficial effects on neuroprotection after incomplete cerebral ischemia in rats
Authors: LEE H.‐M. , LEE D.‐H. , CHOI J.‐H. , LEE S.‐R. , KIM Y.‐W. , JEE D.‐L. , DO H.‐S. , LEE H.‐M. , PARK S.‐J. 
Published: October 2009

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether sevoflurane‐induced post‐conditioning has a neuroprotective effect against incomplete cerebral ischemia in rats.Methods: After cerebral ischemia by right common carotid artery occlusion in combination with hemorrhagic hypotension (35 mmHg) for 30 min, 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane was administered for 15 min (Post‐C 15, n=8), 30 min (Post‐C 30, n=8), or 60 min (Post‐C 60, n=8) in rats. Sevoflurane was not administered in control (n=8) and sham control rats (n=8). Neurologic evaluations were performed at 24, 48, and 72 h after ischemia. Degrees of neuronal damage in ischemic hippocampal CA1 and the cortex were assessed by counting eosinophilic neurons, and detection of DNA fragmentation was performed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) staining.Results: Neurologic deficit scores in the Post‐C 60 group were higher than in the control group at 48 and 72 h post‐ischemia (P<0.05). No differences were observed in the percentages of eosinophilic neurons among the control (CA1: 37.3 ± 25.4, cortex: 26.0 ± 8.9), Post‐C 15 (CA1: 54.0 ± 21.4, cortex: 30.8 ± 19.9), or Post‐C 30 (CA1: 68.4 ± 17.5, cortex: 38.0 ± 11.0) groups in ischemic CA1 and cortices. However, in the Post‐C 60 group, the percentages of eosinophilic neurons were higher than in the control group in CA1 and cortices (P<0.05). The percentages of TUNEL‐positive cell were similar in the control group and the post‐conditioned groups.Conclusion: These findings show that sevoflurane administration after ischemia does not provide neuroprotection in rats subjected to incomplete cerebral ischemia.
Reliability and normal ranges for the Patient’s Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale in asymptomatic women
Authors: Cartwright Rufus , Panayi Demetri , Cardozo Linda , Khullar Vik 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo measure the test‐retest reliability of a 7‐day bladder diary incorporating the Patient’s Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS), and to establish the normal values of the scale in a population of asymptomatic women.SUBJECTS AND METHODSWomen volunteers, aged ≥18 years, were screened with the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire – Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Long Form, to exclude those with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. Participants completed two separate 7‐day bladder diaries with a 1‐week interval between. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation, Spearman’s correlation, and Student’s t‐test.RESULTSForty volunteers were recruited. Most (67.5%) reported no urgency episodes. Convenience voids accounted for 26.8% of all voids. There was a significant positive effect of age (r = 0.34, P = 0.034) on urgency episodes, but no effect on mean urge scores (r = −0.03, P = 0.843). The reliability of assessment of frequency (0.86), nocturia (0.84), and the mean urge scores (0.85), were better than the reliability of assessment of urgency episodes (0.56), which occurred infrequently. The 95th centile for daily urinary frequency was 7.27 and for weekly urgency episodes was 2.00.CONCLUSIONThe PPIUS is a reliable tool for assessing urinary urge sensation in women. Inclusion of this measure in bladder diaries does not compromise the recording of other variables.
Features and outcomes of renal cell carcinoma of native kidneys in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Klatte Tobias , Seitz Christian , Waldert Matthias , De Martino Michela , Kikic Željko , Böhmig Georg A. , Haitel Andrea , Schmidbauer Jörg , Marberger Michael , Remzi Mesut 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo outline the features and outcomes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in native kidneys of renal transplant recipients, who are at increased risk of developing this disease.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively studied the clinicopathological features and survival of 28 surgically treated RCCs, which developed in 24 renal transplant recipients. Features and outcomes were compared with 671 patients with RCC who had no renal transplant.RESULTSThe median interval between renal transplantation and the occurrence of RCC was 5.6 years. Acquired cystic kidney disease was present in 83% of the transplanted patients. Compared with the patients with RCC and no renal transplant, RCCs of native kidneys in transplant recipients were more frequently incidental findings (92% vs 77%,P = 0.092), multifocal (39% vs 15%,P < 0.001), bilateral (17% vs 4%,P = 0.006), had lower T stages (P = 0.040), were smaller (P = 0.027), of lower grades (P = 0.010), were more frequently papillary (43% vs 19%,P = 0.019) and occurred at a significantly younger age (P = 0.022). After a median follow‐up of 6.7 years, eight renal transplant recipients had died (33%), but only two deaths were due to RCC. Survival with metastatic RCC was only 4 months, if a full resection of all metastatic sites was not achieved. In multivariate analysis the presence of a renal transplant had no effect on survival.CONCLUSIONSMost RCCs in renal transplant recipients are incidental low‐stage, low‐grade tumours with a favourable prognosis. The outstanding pathological findings are bilateral occurrence, papillary subtype and multifocality. Prognosis of metastatic RCC is poor but might be favourable if all metastases are resected. Screening for early detection of asymptomatic RCC is advocated.