bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Dust Monitoring Programme for Desertification Control in West Africa
Authors: McTainsh Grant H. 
Published: August 2009

To date, the principal constraint upon the implementation of a dust monitoring programme for desertification control in West Africa, is our limited knowledge of the dust processes to be monitored. A review of the state of dust research in Africa and over the Atlantic reveals a strong imbalance in favour of the latter, and resolves some misconceptions concerning dust source-areas and the relative importance of winter and summer dust. The results of Atlantic Ocean dust research are here brought together with the recent results of Harmattan dust research in Nigeria to demonstrate, at least tentatively, that the Harmattan and winter dust comprise a contiguous aeolian process system referred to as the Harmattan aeolian system.The Harmattan aeolian system is used here as a conceptual framework for the dust monitoring programme. Three dust process-zones are identified, within which three basic aeolian processes operate: dust entrainment (primary and secondary), dust transport, and dust deposition (primary and secondary). Within each dust process-zone, standardized dust collection, measurement, and analysis techniques, are proposed for a network of monitoring sites. Entrainment and transport can be measured — directly using aerosol pump-samplers and indirectly by relating dust-aerosol concentration to solar radiation and visibility. The indirect approach has the advantage that it opens up a large body of historical data on dust and, therefore, desertification. Deposition can be measured using dust-traps. The importance of such aspects as site characteristics, measurement period, and laboratory methods, are also discussed. Finally, a minimal administrative structure is suggested, allowing for the possibility of UNEP or other major support.
Sensitivity of environmental sampling methods for detectingSalmonellaEnteritidis in commercial laying flocks relative to the within-flock prevalence
Authors: ARNOLD M. E. , CARRIQUE-MAS J. J. , DAVIES R. H. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYThe objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity of three different sampling/testing methodologies for the detection ofSalmonellaEnteriditis in commercial egg-laying flocks relative to the within-flock prevalence. The following methods were compared on 21 farms: (1) The European Union (EU) baseline survey method (five faecal and two dust samples); (2) an in-house method that involved collecting 10 dust and 10 faecal samples into jars with buffered peptone water, and (3) a method involving single samples of pooled faeces and dust that has been adopted as a monitoring method for the National Control Programme across the EU (the NCP method). Testing of individual bird ovaries/oviduct and caeca was carried out on each flock, and the sensitivity of each sampling method was estimated relative to the within-flock prevalence using Bayesian methods. Results showed that the sensitivity of all the sampling methods increased as the within-flock prevalence increased, and that all were more efficient than individual bird sampling for detection ofS. Enteriditis in commercial flocks. The in-house method was the most sensitive of the methods compared, with a 98% power to detect a 0·1% prevalence, and the NCP method the least sensitive, with a 93% power to detect a prevalence of 20%.
Ecological dynamics and the basis of sympatric phenotypic diversification
Authors: Pineda-Krch Mario , Svanbäck Richard , Doebeli Michael 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTheoretical and empirical studies are showing evidence in support of evolutionary branching and sympatric speciation due to frequency‐dependent competition. However, phenotypic diversification due to underlying genetic diversification is only one possible evolutionary response to disruptive selection. Another potentially general response is phenotypic diversification in the form of phenotypic plasticity. It has been suggested that genetic variation is favored in stable environments, whereas phenotypic plasticity is favored in unstable and fluctuating environments. We investigate the “competition” between the processes of evolutionary branching and the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in a predator‐prey model that allows both processes to occur. In this model, environmental fluctuations can be caused by complicated population dynamics. We found that the evolution of phenotypic plasticity was generally more likely than evolutionary branching when the ecological dynamics exhibited pronounced predator‐prey cycles, whereas the opposite was true when the ecological dynamics was more stable. At intermediate levels of density cycling, trimorphisms with two specialist branches and a phenotypically plastic generalist branch sometimes occurred. Our theoretical results suggest that ecological dynamics and evolutionary dynamics can often be tightly linked and that an explicit consideration of population dynamics may be essential to explain the evolutionary dynamics of diversification in natural populations.
Short and long distance translocations: Movement and survival in eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina)
Authors: Farnsworth Scott , Seigel Richard , Cain Patrick 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Background/Question/Methods
Human development represents a serious threat to wildlife populations through continued habitat loss and incidental mortality from construction activities. Resource managers responsible for protecting species with legal status or high public profile are faced with difficult decisions on how to best manage populations located in construction zones. One approach to mitigate mortalities is to relocate individuals. The effectiveness of translocation for reptiles and amphibians has been questioned, with studies often reporting higher mortality and increased movements of translocated individuals. Translocations of reptiles and amphibians have primarily involved moving animals long distances, well beyond an individual’s home range. For reptiles this means finding new nesting, foraging, and overwintering sites, which may be problematic. Moving individuals only short distances, within their home range, may reduce those problems. As part of the mitigation plan for a highway construction project in central Maryland, groups of eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) were translocated both short distances (<0.5km), and long distances (~5km). To investigate differences in survival and movement patterns among long distance translocation, short distance translocation, and non-translocation groups, I tracked 94 turtles (31 long distance translocation, 29 short distance translocation, and 34 non-translocation) using radio telemetry.

Results/Conclusions
Eleven animals died during the first activity season after translocation (April through November 2008). The mortalities included two long distance translocation, six short distance translocation, and three non-translocation animals. The causes of mortality included road kill, construction activity, and unknown (1, 4, and 6 mortalities respectively). All construction related mortalities were a result inadequate exclusion fencing to keep turtles from trespassing back onto the construction site. All mortalities due to construction were either non-translocation or short distance translocation animals. Eleven other individuals were located at least once within the construction zone, suggesting that without our intervention mortality rates would have been much higher. Preliminary results for movement show that turtles in the non-translocation group had the lowest average movements while long distance translocation animals had the greatest average movements. Long distance translocation turtles also chose overwintering sites farther away from their initial overwintering sites than either short distance translocation or non-translocation turtles (average distance from original site of 261.8m, 155.6m, and 124.3m respectively). This suggests that movement patterns of short distance translocation turtles are more like native turtles.
Habitat use of Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) in an altered system, the Susquehanna River, Maryland (USA)
Authors: Richards Teal , Seigel Richard 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background/Question/Methods

Riverine turtle populations are declining worldwide and many of these species have been extirpated from large areas of their range. In Maryland, the northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica) occurs only in the lower Susquehanna River, which is the eastern edge of its range. The northern map turtle is a Maryland state endangered species and had not been seen in Maryland since the early 1990’s. The Susquehanna River is divided by a hydroelectric dam and is heavily used for recreational activities, both of which may negatively impact turtles. To determine the status of map turtles in Maryland, we performed visual encounter surveys for basking turtles at 12 sites from April to November 2008.

Results/Conclusions

Overall, we observed 0-38 map turtles per day. The largest consistent aggregations of adult turtles were found at an island complex 5.9 km below the dam. Some aggregations were quite large, with as many as 21 turtles observed basking on a single rock. Observed basking activity began by 12 April and stayed more or less constant through June. Observed basking activity was reduced between July and September, and then increased in mid-September continuing through early November. Most map turtles observed were adults, and the only evidence of ongoing reproduction and recruitment was two small juveniles found above the hydroelectric dam. The adult sex ratio was female biased throughout the study period, with daily sex ratios as high as 33F:2M. This may represent sampling bias (females are much larger than males and are thus easier to detect) or the actual population sex ratio in Maryland is dominated by females. We surveyed for nesting habitat both above and below the hydroelectric dam, by looking for predated nests at potential nesting beaches, but no depredated nests were found. Virtually nothing is known about what specific areas of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries are used for the various aspects of the map turtle’s life histories or what potential negative effects may be caused the by river impoundment and recreation activities. Given the absence of basic ecological data of map turtles in Maryland, we are using radio telemetry, diet analysis, and visual surveys to continue to gather information on nesting, feeding, mating, basking, and hibernation, and how these activities are affected by anthropogenic alterations to the Susquehanna River.
Does Giardia lamblia Cause Villous Atrophy in Children?: A Retrospective Cohort Study of the Histological Abnormalities in Giardiasis
Authors: Koot Bart GP , ten Kate Fiebo JW , Juffrie Mohammad , Rosalina Ina , Taminiau Jan JAM , Benninga Marc A 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:To determine the prevalence and type of histological abnormalities in duodenal mucosa associated with Giardia lamblia in children who undergo esophago‐gastroduodenoscopy.Materials and Methods:Duodenal biopsies containing G lamblia were retrieved from all paediatric patients who had undergone endoscopy in our centre in the last 20 years. These biopsies were scored for histological abnormalities by a single pathologist using a semiquantative scale and staged according to the Marsh criteria. In those with a Marsh stage above 0, the presence of coeliac disease was investigated.Results:After excluding all patients with concomitant coeliac disease, 4 out of 32 (13%) patients had a biopsy showing crypt hyperplasia and 1 out of 32 (3%) had partial villous atrophy. No intraepithelial lymphocytosis was found. In our cohort, 2 patients with giardiasis and mild histological abnormalities were diagnosed with coeliac disease only after a repeated endoscopy and serology were performed; in 1 of them after a delay of 5 years. Other histological abnormalities frequently observed were increased eosinophilic infiltration of the lamina propria (35%) and lymph follicle formation (35%). Infiltration of neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes in the epithelial layer was observed less frequently (16% and 9%, respectively).Conclusions:Villous atrophy, intraepithelial lymphocytosis and/or crypt hyperplasia are rare in children with giardiasis who undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Therefore, other causes, particularly coeliac disease, should always be suspected. This study, however, suggests that giardiasis can cause chronic mucosal inflammation, often of an eosinophilic nature, in these children.
Positive Association Between Helicobacter pylori and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Children
Authors: Moon Aeri , Solomon Aliza , Beneck Debra , Cunningham‐Rundles Susanna 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:The role of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains controversial, particularly in children, because there are limited published data. Adult studies suggested that H pylori infection may protect against GERD by causing atrophic gastritis, which leads to reduced gastric acid secretion. The objective of our study was to determine the role of H pylori infection in the development of GERD in a pediatric population.Patients and Methods:A retrospective analysis of 420 patients (M:F = 214:206) who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsies between January 2000 and April 2006 was conducted. Patient demographics, clinical indications for EGD and the prevalence of reflux esophagitis (RE), the biomarker for GERD, in 2 groups, H pylori positive and H pylori negative, were reviewed. The prevalence of RE in the H pylori–positive and H pylori–negative groups was further analyzed on the basis of sex and age (<1 year, 1–10 years, >10 years). The mean age of the study population was 8.2 years (range 0–20 years). The clinical indications for EGD were as follows: recurrent abdominal pain (n = 186, 44%), malabsorption (n = 80, 19%), persistent vomiting (n = 80, 19%), suspected eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (n = 63, 15%), and others such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding or inflammatory bowel disease surveillance (n = 11, 3%). Statistical analysis was performed by using χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and multivariate logistical regression analysis.Results:Among the 420 patients, 16 patients (3.8%) were positive for H pylori and 167 patients (39.8%) were found to have RE. Thirteen patients with H pylori were found to have histologic evidence of RE. The prevalence of RE in the H pylori–positive population was 81.3% compared with 38.1% in the H pylori–negative population (P ≤ 0.05). There were no patients with H pylori in the youngest age group. In the second age group (1–10 years), 100% of the H pylori–positive patients had RE, whereas 44.6% of the H pylori–negative patients had RE (P ≤ 0.05). Both male and female patients with H pylori had a higher prevalence of RE, 77.8% and 85.7%, respectively. On a multivariate logistical regression, for the overall study cohort, H pylori–positive patients had an odds ratio of 5.79 of developing RE compared with H pylori–negative patients (P ≤ 0.05).Conclusions:Our study results indicate that there is a significantly higher prevalence of RE in an H pylori–infected cohort independent of age or sex. The findings suggest that H pylori infection in children is positively associated with RE.
Probiotic Lactobacilli in Breast Milk and Infant Stool in Relation to Oral Intake During the First Year of Life
Authors: Abrahamsson Thomas R , Sinkiewicz Gabriela , Jakobsson Ted , Fredrikson Mats , Björkstén Bengt 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:This is to identify factors affecting the prevalence of Lactobacillus reuteri in maternal faeces and breast milk and infant faeces after oral supplementation with L reuteri and to assess the influence on microbial ecology, particularly Clostridium difficile and Bifidobacterium colonization.Materials and Methods:In this double‐blind trial, 232 mothers with a family history of atopic disease were randomized to a daily intake of either L reuteri American‐type culture collection (ATCC) 55730 (1 × 108 colony‐forming units [CFU]) or placebo for the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Their babies then continued with the same study product daily from birth until 12 months of age. Bacterial counts and prevalence were assessed in maternal breast milk and faeces and infant faeces, using conventional cultivation methods.Results:The prevalence of L reuteri was higher during the first year of life in the stool samples from infants in the active as compared with the placebo‐treated group. The highest prevalence was recorded at 5 to 6 days of age (82% in the treated vs 20% in the placebo group, P < 0.001). Lactobacillus reuteri was isolated from 12% and 2%, respectively, in the colostrum samples (P < 0.05). Breast‐feeding seemed to reduce faecal L reuteri counts, although antibiotics did not influence the levels of L reuteri. The administration of L reuteri did not affect bifidobacteria or C difficile colonization.Conclusion:Lactobacillus reuteri may be detected in breast milk after oral supplementation to the mother and in almost all infants after oral supplementation during the first year of life, as well as occasionally in many untreated infants.
Growth Assessment of Paediatric Patients With CF Comparing Different Auxologic Indicators: A Multicentre Italian Study
Authors: Lucidi Vincenzina , Alghisi Federico , Raia Valeria , Russo Beatrice , Valmarana Lauretta , Valmarana Rossella , Coruzzo Anna , Beschi Stefano , Dester Silvia , Rinaldi Daniela , Maglieri Marica , Guidotti Maria L , Ravaioli Emanuela , Pesola Marisa , De Alessandri Alessandra , Padoan Rita , Grynzich Luigi , Ratclif Luigi , Repetto Teresa , Ambroni Maura , Provenzano Ettore , Tozzi Alberto E , Colombo Carla 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:To evaluate growth in Italian patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).Patients and Methods:A multicentre cross‐sectional study was carried out on patients with CF attending Italian reference centres. Anthropometric data were evaluated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 reference data. Nutritional failure was defined as height‐for‐age percentile (HAP) <5th (all patients); weight‐for‐length percentile (WLP) <10th (patients <2 years); body mass index percentile (BMIp) <15th (patients between 2 and 18 years). The risk of malnutrition (defined as HAP, WLP, and BMIp <25th) and the proportion of patients below the “BMIp goal” (BMIp ≥50th) were also evaluated. Nutritional status was evaluated in the whole population and in relation to age, sex, pancreatic insufficiency, meconium ileus, and lung function.Results:A total of 892 patients with CF (50.7% males, mean age 9.2 years, range 0.1–18 years) were enrolled. The proportion of children with HAP <5th, WLP<10th and BMIp<15th was 12.2%. 12.9%, 20.9%, respectively, and 54.4% did not fulfill the BMIp ≥50th goal. HAP <25th identified the highest proportion of children at risk of malnutrition, whereas BMIp <15th identified the highest proportion of children with nutritional failure. Whatever the criterion used to define malnutrition, the highest proportion of children with nutritional failure was found in adolescence (11–18 years). z scores for height, weight, and BMI were significantly associated with pancreatic status and lung function. Differences among centres for the auxologic parameters were not significant, except for BMIp.Conclusions:Nutritional failure is present in a minority of Italian patients with CF, particularly during adolescence. Different auxologic indicators should be used for identifying children at risk for or with actual malnutrition.
Variation in Care in Pediatric Crohn Disease
Authors: Colletti Richard B , Baldassano Robert N , Milov David E , Margolis Peter A , Bousvaros Athos , Crandall Wallace V , Crissinger Karen D , D'Amico Michael A , Day Andrew S , Denson Lee A , Dubinsky Marla , Ebach Dawn R , Hoffenberg Edward J , Kader Howard A , Keljo David J , Leibowitz Ian H , Mamula Petar , Pfefferkorn Marian D , Qureshi M Azim ,   PIBDNet, the Pediatric IBD Network for Research and Improvement
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:Variation in medical care can be a barrier to improving clinical outcomes. We aim to describe the variation in care of Crohn disease as provided by a broad sample of pediatric gastroenterologists.Methods:Two hundred forty‐six Crohn disease patients of 93 pediatric gastroenterologists from 48 practice sites starting treatment with either thiopurine or infliximab were studied. We assessed variation in diagnostic testing that had been performed to establish the diagnosis of Crohn disease and to assess the phenotype, extent, and severity of disease. We also assessed variation in initial thiopurine and infliximab dosage and in nutritional therapy.Results:Diagnostic studies in which care was uniform included complete blood count, performed in 100% of patients, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and colonoscopy in 96%, and upper endoscopy in 89%. However, imaging of the small bowel had not been performed in 19%, and a stool test for pathogens had not been performed in 29%. Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) had been measured in 61% of patients before treatment with a thiopurine; in 85%, TPMT was normal. Nonetheless, even when TPMT was normal, 40% of patients received an initial dose of thiopurine that was lower than recommended. Testing for tuberculosis before initiating treatment with infliximab was not performed in 30%. In addition, 36% of severely underweight patients were not receiving a multivitamin supplement, supplemental formula, or tube feeding.Conclusions:There is variation in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the management of pediatric Crohn disease, and gaps exist between recommended and actual care.
Colonisation by Dreissena of Great Lakes coastal ecosystems: how suitable are wetlands?
Authors: NELSON KRISTIN M. , RUETZ CARL R. , UZARSKI DONALD G. 
Published: August 2009

Summary1. Invasive zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) have become widespread throughout the Great Lakes basin. However, some types of Great Lakes coastal wetlands may be unsuitable for Dreissena invasion.2. To test this observation, artificial substrata were placed in wetlands (with emergent vegetation) and in adjacent open water (without emergent vegetation) habitats in two types of Great Lakes coastal ecosystems: drowned river mouth (DRM) and coastal fringing systems. Wetlands in DRM systems generally have deep organic sediment and limited water movement, whereas coastal fringing wetlands generally have low to moderate amounts of organic sediment and intense wind and wave action.3. We did not find a significant difference in Dreissena colonisation between wetlands and adjacent open water habitat in fringing systems. However, Dreissena colonisation was significantly lower in DRM wetlands than in the adjacent open water. We also found significantly lower survival in DRM wetlands than adjacent open water habitats, whereas survival did not differ significantly in coastal fringing wetlands and the adjacent open water.4. Our results suggest that vulnerability to Dreissena invasion varied among wetland types with DRM wetlands being less suitable than fringing wetlands. We suggest that colonisation and survival of Dreissena is lower in wetlands with deep organic sediment and less turbulent water.