bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical models to evaluate invertebrate–plant trophic interactions in arable systems
Authors: Bohan D.A. , Hawes C. , Haughton A.J. , Denholm I. , Champion G.T. , Perry J.N. , Clark S.J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractOver the past 40 years there have been marked shifts in arable farmland management that are widely believed to have had a considerable impact on flowering plants and invertebrates and the small mammals and birds that rely upon them. It is not yet possible to predict the dynamics of plants and invertebrates either with past or future changes in farmland management. This study investigates whether a basic invertebrate classification, formed of broad trophic groups, can be used to describe interactions between invertebrates and their resource plants and evaluate management impacts for genetically modified, herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) and conventional herbicide management in both spring- and winter-sown oilseed rape. It is argued that the analyses validate trophic-based approaches for describing the dynamics of invertebrates in farmland and that linear models might be used to describe the changes in invertebrate trophic group abundance in farmland when driven by primary producer abundance or biomass and interactions between invertebrates themselves. The analyses indicate that invertebrate dynamics under GMHT management are not unique, but similar to conventional management occurring over different resource ranges, and that dynamics differed considerably between spring- and winter-sown oilseed rape. Thus, herbicide management was of much lower impact on trophic relationships than sowing date. Results indicate that invertebrate dynamics in oilseed rape are regulated by a combination of top-down and bottom-up trophic processes.
Treating hop plants with (Z)-jasmone increases colonization by Phorodon humuli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) spring migrants
Authors: Pope T.W. , Campbell C.A.M. , Hardie J. , Wadhams L.J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractHop plants were sprayed with (Z)-jasmone, at a rate of 50 g ha−1, during the spring migration of the damson–hop aphid Phorodon humuli (Schrank) in 2002 and 2003. Numbers of P. humuli spring migrants colonizing hop plants, Humulus lupulus L., 2–6 and 7–11 days after applying this treatment were assessed in both years. During the first five-day period, significantly more spring migrants were found on hop plants treated with (Z)-jasmone, in comparison with control plants, in 2002. By contrast, no significant difference was evident in the second five-day period. Although the migration in 2003 was much lighter than in 2002, greater numbers of migrants were again removed from treated plants. Indeed, more spring migrants were removed from plants sprayed with (Z)-jasmone in this year during both five-day periods (11 and 44%, respectively) compared with the 23% greater numbers removed in the first five-day period in 2002. Therefore, unlike some other species of aphid, where numbers were consistently lower on plots sprayed with (Z)-jasmone, spraying the secondary host of P. humuli with this compound appears to increase colonization by spring migrants.
Management of chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis using a ‘doughnut pillow’
Authors: Sanu A , Koppana R , Snow D G 
Published: May 2007

AbstractChondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis is a well-recognised painful condition of the pinna. There have been several modes of treatment described for this condition. Although the most common mode of treatment is surgery,1,2several conservative approaches have also been tried.Objectives:To determine if chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis can be treated conservatively using a doughnut-shaped pillow.Design and setting:Prospective study in Wrexham Maelor Hospital, which is a district general hospital.Participants:All the patients clinically diagnosed with chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis between September 2003 and September 2004. All such patients were seen by an ENT consultant with a special interest in facial lesions. Patients who could not be clinically diagnosed with chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis were excluded from the study.Main outcome measure:Pain relief following the use of a doughnut pillow was used as the main outcome measure.Results:Twenty-three (14 female and 9 male) patients were treated with a special doughnut-shaped pillow designed to relieve the pressure on the affected ear. Of the 23 lesions treated 13 remained pain free after a follow-up period of one year.Conclusion:Conservative treatment of chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis using a doughnut pillow is very cost effective.
Restoring lions Panthera leo to northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: short-term biological and technical success but equivocal long-term conservation
Authors: Hunter L.T.B. , Pretorius K. , Carlisle L. C. , Rickelton M. , Walker C. , Slotow R. , Skinner J. D. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe success of efforts to re-establish mammalian carnivores within their former range is dependent on three key factors: methodological considerations, the biological requirements of the target species, and the involvement of local human communities for whom large carnivores pose a threat. We consider the role of these factors in the first 13 years of an effort to re-establish wild lions in northern KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. We employed soft-release methods to mitigate the characteristic problems associated with restoration of large carnivores. A pre-release captivity period facilitated acclimatization of reintroduced lions and promoted long-term bonding of unfamiliar individuals into cohesive groups. All individuals remained in the release area and established enduring, stable home ranges. Reintroduced lions successfully reproduced and raised 78% of their cubs to independence. Human activity was the cause of all post-release mortality. Despite rapid population growth and the re-establishment of the species at Phinda Private Game Reserve, the population is small and isolated with little prospect for re-colonizing additional areas where the species has been extirpated, or for connecting with other isolated lion populations in the region. Accordingly, although we essentially overcame the short-term technical and biological challenges facing lion reintroduction, the long-term value of the Phinda population for addressing the conservation issues facing the species remains equivocal.
Determinants of attitudes towards predators in central Kenya and suggestions for increasing tolerance in livestock dominated landscapes
Authors: Romañach Stephanie S. , Lindsey Peter A. , Woodroffe Rosie 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWhere people and livestock live with predators there is often conflict that can lead to lethal control of predators. We evaluated attitudes of local people towards large predators and developed a novel index of tolerance by quantifying the number of livestock respondents would be willing to lose before killing the predator responsible. We interviewed 416 subsistence livestock farmers (community members) and commercial livestock ranchers in central Kenya. Commercial ranchers had more positive attitudes and higher tolerance than community members. Community members said their tolerance would increase if they were to derive income from ecotourism or trophy hunting. We found that community members with land title deeds were most tolerant of predators, stressing the importance of land security for conservation efforts. Subsistence livestock farming is the primary land use throughout much of Africa and, as a result, identifying strategies to improve tolerance of predators under this land tenure system is of major conservation significance.
Habitat changes reduce the carrying capacity of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa, for Critically Endangered black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis
Authors: Reid Caroline , Slotow Rob , Howison Owen , Balfour Dave 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe Critically Endangered black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis occurs mainly in protected areas. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa, contains a key source population for black rhino conservation, and declining population productivity has been attributed to negative habitat changes and a reduction in carrying capacity. As home range increase may be an index of declining habitat quality we determined the home ranges of the black rhino in the Park and compared these ranges with previous estimates. The average size of the home ranges during 1991–2001 was 23.07 ± SE 0.81 km2, which is 54% greater than in the 1980s. Sex and the availability of water did not influence home ranges. Home ranges decreased in winter. Female:male ratios varied across the Park, indicating that one or both sexes may prefer specific areas. Changes in vegetation structure and composition may have caused rhino to maintain larger ranges in order to meet their nutritional requirements. Ongoing review of stocking rates, population performance (including indicators such as range size), and intervention strategies are necessary to manage black rhino in dynamic savannah ecosystems.
Rates and causes of mortality in Endangered African wild dogs
Lycaon pictus: lessons for management and
monitoring
Authors: Woodroffe Rosie , Davies-Mostert Harriet , Ginsberg Joshua , Graf Jan , Leigh Kellie , McCreery Kim , Robbins Robert , Mills Gus , Pole Alistair , Rasmussen Gregory , Somers Michael , Szykman Micaela 
Published: May 2007

AbstractEffective species conservation depends upon correctly identifying the threats
that cause decline or hinder recovery. Because estimates of the relative
viability of different populations of Endangered African wild dogs Lycaon pictus are most strongly influenced by adult
and pup mortality, we analysed rates and causes of mortality in eight wild dog
populations under study in southern and eastern Africa. The probabilities of
detecting wild dog deaths were influenced by the monitoring methods used. The
least biased estimates of mortality causes were obtained through intensive
monitoring of radio-collared individuals; this is impossible for pups, however.
Mortality patterns varied substantially between populations. Rates of
human-caused mortality were higher for wild dogs radio-collared outside
protected areas than for those collared inside, but rates of natural mortality
were comparable, suggesting that anthropogenic mortality is additive to natural
mortality. The relative importance of factors such as snaring and infectious
disease also varied regionally. Hence, although our analyses identified no new
threats beyond those highlighted in a 1997 range-wide Action Plan, they suggest
that local plans will be valuable to target conservation activities more
precisely.
The potential of forest reserves for augmenting the protected area network in Africa
Authors: Burgess Neil D. , Loucks Colby , Stolton Sue , Dudley Nigel 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe protected area network of Africa has grown from nothing to over 2 million km2 in the past 110 years. This network covers parts of all biomes and priority areas for biodiversity conservation but protected area gaps remain, as identified at the 5th World Parks Congress in 2003. Forest reserves, managed by Forest Departments, are typically excluded from global protected area lists, but in Africa they are found in 23 countries and cover at least 549,788 km2, adding 25% to the conservation estate. Forest reserves protect 5.3% (2,027 km2) of the dry forest habitats, 5% (165,285 km2) of lowland and montane moist forests, 2.6% (364,354 km2) of savannah woodlands, 1.8% (10,561 km2) of flooded grasslands, and 1.65% (1,177 km2) of mangroves. Forest reserves also protect parts of three conservation schemes: 6.5% (61,630 km2) of BirdLife's Endemic Bird Areas, 3.4% (147,718 km2) of Conservation International's Hotpots and 3.4% (346,864 km2) of WWF's Global 200 Ecoregions. Several of the global protected area gaps identified in Africa are also covered by forest reserves, in the Eastern Arc Mountains, Eastern African coastal forests, Kenyan Highlands, Cameroon-Nigerian Mountains, West African Forests and mountain areas of Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia. Some African forest reserves have a legally defined role in biodiversity conservation and are strictly protected; they thus fit criteria for protected areas. Working with forest departments in individual countries may help develop a more comprehensive protected area network without creating additional new reserves.
Using membrane stress to our advantage
Authors: Shearman G.C. , Attard G.S. , Hunt A.N. , Jackowski S. , Baciu M. , Sebai S.C. , Mulet X. , Clarke J.A. , Law R.V. , Plisson C. , Parker C.A. , Gee A. , Ces O. , Templer R.H. 
Published: May 2007

The nature of the bilayer motif coupled with the ability of lipids and proteins to diffuse freely through this structure is crucial to the viability of cells and their ability to compartmentalize domains contained therein. It seems surprising to find then that biological as well as model membranes exist in a dynamic state of mechanical stress. The stresses within such membranes are surprisingly large, typically reaching up to 50 atm (1 atm=101.325 kPa) at the core of the membrane and vary as a function of depth. The uneven distribution of lateral pressures within monolayer leaflets causes them to bend away from or towards the water interface. This can result in the formation of complex, self-assembled mesophases, many of which occur in vivo. Our knowledge of the principles underlying membrane mechanics has reached the point where we are now able to manipulate them and create nano-structures with reasonable predictability. In addition, they can be used both to explain and control the partitioning of amphipathic proteins on to membranes. The dependence of the dynamics of membrane-bound proteins and the chemical reactivity of amphipathic drug molecules on membrane stresses suggests that Nature itself takes advantage of this. Understanding and manipulating these internal forces will be a key element in creating self-assembled, biocompatible, nanoscale cell-like systems.
The proteins BACE1 and BACE2 and β-secretase activity in normal and Alzheimer's disease brain
Authors: Stockley J.H. , O'Neill C. 
Published: May 2007

The insidious progression of AD (Alzheimer's disease) is believed to be linked closely to the production, accumulation and aggregation of the ∼4.5 kDa protein fragment called Aβ (amyloid β-peptide). Aβ is produced by sequential cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein by two enzymes referred to as β- and γ-secretase. β-Secretase is of central importance, as it catalyses the rate-limiting step in the production of Aβ and was identified 7 years ago as BACE1 (β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1). Soon afterwards, its homologue BACE2 was discovered, and both proteins represent a new subclass of the aspartyl protease family. Studies examining the regulation and function of β-secretase in the normal and AD brain are central to the understanding of excessive production of Aβ in AD, and in targeting and normalizing this β-secretase process if it has gone awry in the disease. Several reports indicate this, showing increased β-secretase activity in AD, with recent findings by our group showing changes in β-secretase enzyme kinetics in AD brain caused by an increased Vmax. This article gives a brief review of studies which have examined BACE1 protein levels and β-secretase activity in control and AD brain, considering further the expression of BACE2 in the human brain.
Endogenous retrovirus expression in testis and epididymis
Authors: Crowell R.C. , Kiessling A.A. 
Published: May 2007

ERVs (endogenous retroviruses), which comprise 8–10% of mouse and human genomes, are present in thousands of copies, ranging in size from complete 9 kb virus to truncated partial sequences. Despite well-documented differential expression of ERVs in normal and diseased tissues, their biological significance remains controversial. Work in this laboratory revealed remarkably high ERV expression in mouse epididymis, but not in testis. Similar early studies revealed expression of human ERV-E4.1 in both testis and epididymis, but expression of other HERVs (human ERVs) was not examined. Using degenerate primers to conserved regions of reverse transcriptase specific for each of nine HERV families, we have detected expression of six HERV families in epididymis and three in testis. Differential HERV expression may reflect the fully differentiated state of epididymal epithelium in contrast with the immature germ cell population in the testis. These two tissues may therefore lay the groundwork not only for understanding the influence of cellular differentiation on HERV expression, but also to reveal HERVs that are routinely exposed to sperm.
Obstetric and perinatal complications in HIV‐infected women. Analysis of a cohort of 167 pregnancies between 1997 and 2003
Authors: MARTÍ COVADONGA , PEÑA JOSE M. , BATES ISABEL , MADERO ROSARIO , DE JOSÉ ISABEL , PALLARDO LUIS FELIPE , RAMÓN ARRIBAS JOSE , GONZALEZ‐GARCIA JUAN , GONZALEZ ANTONIO , JOSÉ VAZQUEZ JUAN 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. The unquestionable benefit of antiretroviral therapy in reducing the rate of mother‐to‐child transmission can be lessened by potential maternal or neonatal toxicity. Objective. To analyze obstetric and perinatal complications in a cohort of HIV‐infected pregnant women and their relationship with maternal antiretroviral therapy. Population. One hundred and sixty‐seven HIV‐infected pregnant women who delivered at Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain between January 1997 and December 2003. Methods. Data on the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of HIV‐infected patients, previous and current antiretroviral therapy, gestational diabetes mellitus, length of pregnancy, mode of delivery, and weight of the newborn were collected. Pregnancy outcomes were compared with those of all the pregnant women attended at our hospital. Main outcome measures. Gestational diabetes mellitus, premature delivery, and low birth weight. Results. Gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 8.9% of patients. All the cases of gestational diabetes were in the combined antiretroviral therapy group, and the majority were receiving triple antiretroviral therapy with a protease inhibitor. The risk of developing this pathology was greater among women receiving antiretroviral therapy prior to pregnancy. The premature delivery rate was 29% and the low birth weight rate was 28%. Conclusion. Gestational diabetes mellitus is more common in HIV‐infected women than in the general population and is related to combined antiretroviral therapy, especially the use of protease inhibitors, which suggests the need for close follow‐up during pregnancy in HIV‐infected patients. Nevertheless, the adverse perinatal consequences observed were more related to maternal factors than to antiretroviral therapy.
Effect of maternal herpes simplex virus (HSV) serostatus and HSV type on risk of neonatal herpes
Authors: BROWN ELIZABETH L. , GARDELLA CAROLYN , MALM GUNILLA , PROBER CHARLES G. , FORSGREN MARIANNE , KRANTZ ELIZABETH M. , ARVIN ANN M. , YASUKAWA LINDA L. , MOHAN KATHLEEN , BROWN ZANE , COREY LAWRENCE , WALD ANNA 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a rare but devastating disease. We have conducted pooled analyses of data from 3 cohorts to evaluate the effects of maternal HSV serostatus and HSV type on risk of neonatal HSV acquisition and severity. Methods. Data from cohorts in Seattle, WA, and Stanford, CA, USA, and Stockholm, Sweden were pooled using Mantel–Haenszel methods. Results. Seventy‐eight infants with documented neonatal HSV and known maternal HSV serostatus were included. The risk of neonatal HSV‐2 infection was similar in infants born to HSV seronegative women compared with HSV‐1 seropositive women (pooled OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 0.6–4.0). The odds of neonatal HSV infection was increased in the presence of exposure to maternal HSV‐1 versus HSV‐2 (adjusted pooled OR: 19.2; 95% CI: 5.8–63.6). An elevated odds of disseminated HSV in infants born to women with newly acquired genital herpes was observed in Stockholm (OR = 13.5; 95% CI: 1.4–630), but not in Seattle or Stanford. Conclusion. Our results suggest that maternal HSV‐1 antibody offers little, if any, protection against neonatal HSV‐2 infection. During reactivation, HSV‐1 appears more readily transmissible to the neonate than HSV‐2, a concerning finding given the rising frequency of genital HSV‐1 infection.
Risk factors for unsuccessful medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol
Authors: HAIMOV‐KOCHMAN RONIT , ARBEL REVITAL , SCIAKY‐TAMIR YAEL , BRZEZINSKI AMNON , LAUFER NERI , YAGEL SIMCHA 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of medical abortions with mifepristone and misoprostol following the approval of medical abortion in Israel. Methods. A retrospective review of 377 consecutive medical records at an ambulatory care unit of a university medical centre was performed, screening all women undergoing medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol. Transvaginal ultrasonographic study and serum βhCG measurement were performed 14–20 days after the procedure. The clinical outcome was defined as complete expulsion of intrauterine contents with (failed group) or without (successful group) surgical intervention. Results. Surgical intervention was performed in 7.4% of patients. Residual products of conception were confirmed in 89%. Older age, previous spontaneous abortions, multigravidity, and earlier follow‐up visit were independently associated with unsuccessful medical abortion. Significant differences were found in mean serum βhCG and mean endometrial thickness in the successful versus failed procedure groups. Conclusions. Medical termination of pregnancy with mifepristone and misoprostol is >90% effective. High risk group for failure of the procedure can be characterised. An algorithm of follow up using follow‐up visit date, serum βhCG and sonographic endometrial stripe is suggested to define high risk patients for failed medical abortion.
Training or EPT in perimenopause on balance and flushes
Authors: BERGSTRÖM INGRID , LANDGREN BRITT‐MARIE , PYYKKÖ ILLMARI 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWith advancing age, the postural balance function deteriorates as a consequence of decreased functional capacity. Deteriorating balance is a risk factor for bone fractures due to increased risks of falls. It has been suggested that the loss of estrogen, which occurs in relation to the menopause, may be associated with loss of balance. Regular physical exercise without balance training has, in some studies, been shown to have positive effects on the postural balance. The aim of the present study was to examine balance function during the perimenopausal period, and evaluate the effect of estrogen plus progesterone therapy (EPT) or aerobic training on balance. Sixty perimenopausal women were recruited to the study. The subjects were then randomised to either physical training (n = 20), EPT (n = 20), or to a control group (n = 20). The study period was 18 months. Postural stability was measured every third month using a custom‐made force platform. The women using EPT achieved better results in 3 of 6 parameters, after 18 months.