bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why do raptors take domestic prey? The case of Bonelli's eagles and pigeons
Authors: PALMA LUIS , BEJA PEDRO , PAIS MIGUEL , CANCELA DA FONSECA LUIS 
Published: August 2006

Summary

Predator conservation management requires detailed understanding of the ecological circumstances associated with predation, especially that on economically valuable prey. We examined the mechanisms behind Bonelli's eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus predation on prey of domestic origin, using dietary data from 22 pairs breeding in south‐west Portugal (1992–2001) together with information on landscape composition and prey availability.
Numerically, 42·7% (37·7% in biomass) of eagle prey comprised domestic species, about 70% of which were rural pigeons Columba livia and the remainder were racing pigeons Columba livia and domestic fowl Gallus gallus. Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, red‐legged partridges Alectoris rufa and jays Garrulus glandarius were the most frequent wild prey (43·1%; 50·8% in biomass). This dietary pattern was remarkably stable over a decade, but within each year the intake of pigeons almost halved over the course of the breeding season.
Landscape composition significantly affected the dietary proportion of wild and domestic prey items. This was particularly evident in territories dominated by eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus plantations, where there was reduced consumption of rural pigeons and partridges, an increased intake of minor avian prey items and greater diversity in the diet overall.
Bonelli's eagles showed type II functional responses while preying on the most important wild (rabbit) and domestic (rural pigeon) prey, although the former was much stronger. Eagle predation on rabbits declined with increasing abundance of pigeons, and vice versa, but there was no switching in the traditional sense, as selection between these two species was inversely frequency dependent.
Synthesis and applications. Predation by Bonelli's eagle on domestic pigeons results from a combination of high vulnerability of the pigeons to eagles and a shortage of key wild prey such as rabbits and partridges, especially during the early breeding season. Given the relatively low economic value of rural pigeons and their importance in the diet of Bonelli's eagles, they could probably be used as a conservation tool to enhance food resources in breeding territories and to deflect predation from more valuable prey such as partridges and racing pigeons.
Invasive pneumococcal disease in children <5 years of age in rural Mozambique
Authors: Roca A. , Sigaúque B. , Quintó Ll. , Mandomando I. , Vallès X. , Espasa M. , Abacassamo F. , Sacarlal J. , Macete E. , Nhacolo A. , Levine M. , Alonso P. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjectives  To estimate the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children <5 years of age living in a rural area of southern Mozambique.Methods  As part of the clinical management of children admitted to Manhiça District Hospital, prospective surveillance for invasive bacterial disease was conducted from June 2001 to May 2003. The level of antibiotic resistance of the isolates was also analysed.Results  Pneumococcus was the most commonly isolated bacterium, accounting for 212 episodes. The estimated crude incidence rate of IPD in the study area among children <5 years of age was 416/100 000 per child‐year at risk. The youngest age group (<3 months) had the highest incidence (779/100 000). Cases were detected during both rainy and dry seasons. The most common clinical diagnosis was pneumonia, made in 146/212 (69%) of the episodes of IPD. The overall case fatality rate was 10%, being highest among children with pneumococcal meningitis (5/9 = 56%). Pneumococcal isolates were highly susceptible to penicillin (86% susceptible and 14% with intermediate resistance) and chloramphenicol (98% susceptible). In contrast, up to 37% of the isolates tested were non‐susceptible to cotrimoxazole.Conclusions  Incidence rates of IPD and associated mortality shown in this study highlight the need for pneumococcal vaccines in rural Africa, which must be effective in infants and young children.
Microbiological performance of a water treatment unit designed for household use in developing countries
Authors: Clasen Thomas , Nadakatti Suresh , Menon Shashikala 
Published: August 2006

SummaryInterventions to improve water quality, particularly when deployed at the household level, are an effective means of preventing endemic diarrhoeal disease, a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Following a national survey indicating widespread faecal contamination of drinking water in Indian cities, a point‐of‐use water treatment unit was developed, which combines filtration and disinfection, does not require power or water pressure and has an operating cost of Rs. 0.25 (US$0.0057) per litre. We assessed the microbiological performance of the unit in the laboratory over the full 1500 l design life of the unit's consumable components. Geometric mean reductions for the units were more than 6 logs (99.9999%) for bacteria, more than 7 logs (99.99999%) for viruses and more than 3 logs (99.9%) for the test surrogate for protozoan cysts. Geometric mean reductions exceeded levels established for microbial water purifiers. The product water was free of detectable chlorine. If these results are validated in field trials, the deployment of the unit on a wide scale among vulnerable populations may make an important contribution to public health efforts to control intractable waterborne diseases.
Filling in the gaps: modelling native species richness and invasions using spatially incomplete data
Authors: Jarnevich Catherine S. , Stohlgren Thomas J. , Barnett David , Kartesz John 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTDetailed knowledge of patterns of native species richness, an important component of biodiversity, and non‐native species invasions is often lacking even though this knowledge is essential to conservation efforts. However, we cannot afford to wait for complete information on the distribution and abundance of native and harmful invasive species. Using information from counties well surveyed for plants across the USA, we developed models to fill data gaps in poorly surveyed areas by estimating the density (number of species km−2) of native and non‐native plant species. Here, we show that native plant species density is non‐random, predictable, and is the best predictor of non‐native plant species density. We found that eastern agricultural sites and coastal areas are among the most invaded in terms of non‐native plant species densities, and that the central USA appears to have the greatest ratio of non‐native to native species. These large‐scale models could also be applied to smaller spatial scales or other taxa to set priorities for conservation and invasion mitigation, prevention, and control efforts.
Diversity, ecological structure, and conservation of the landbird community of Dadia reserve, Greece
Authors: Kati Vassiliki I. , Sekercioglu Cagan H. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTBirds are integral to many environmental monitoring schemes. However, there has been little research on the ecological basis of utilizing bird species as indicators of their respective communities and habitats. We used point counts to survey 72 landbird species, 16 of conservation concern, in the Dadia Nature Reserve, Greece, in order to understand the ecology of bird diversity patterns, analyse community composition, identify species characteristic of major vegetation types, and improve long‐term management and monitoring protocols. We sampled 36 sites representing 21 vegetation types. Highly heterogeneous sites were the most species rich and rural mosaics (small fields and pastures of low intensity land use, separated by thick hedgerows and tree lines) were twice as rich as intensified crop monocultures. Using multivariate analysis, we found that vegetation cover and height affected the composition of the avifauna. Twenty‐one predefined vegetation categories clustered into eight distinct bird habitat types: field crops, rural mosaics, mosaic sites, poplar trees, broadleaved woods, pinewoods, shrubs, and heaths. Ten bird species were highly characteristic of the main bird habitat types in the study area. Our results emphasize the importance of conserving rural mosaics, hedgerows, and openings within forests for landbird conservation in the Mediterranean countryside. We also provide evidence in support of maintaining horizontal heterogeneity at a local scale. Finally, we suggest that monitoring populations of certain indicator bird species can be a cost‐effective and efficient way to monitor the state and habitat quality of the entire landbird community, thereby integrating the knowledge of community structure into conservation decision‐making.
Relationship between HbA1c and indices of glucose tolerance derived from a standardized meal test in newly diagnosed treatment naive subjects with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Peter R. , Luzio S. D. , Dunseath G. , Pauvaday V. , Mustafa N. , Owens D. R. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractAims  To determine the relationship between HbA1c and other indices of glycaemic status derived during a standardized meal tolerance test (MTT) in newly diagnosed treatment‐naive subjects with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods  T2DM subjects (n = 262) consumed a standard MTT in the morning after a 10‐h overnight fast. Frequent samples for plasma glucose (PG) were collected over the 4‐h test period. The relationship between HbA1c and other glycaemic indices derived from the MTT were explored. The postprandial glucose exposure was calculated as the area under the incremental plasma glucose curve above the fasting level for the test period (AUC1). Excess hyperglycaemia was calculated as the AUC0−4 h above the arbitrary PG concentrations of 6.0 mmol/l (AUC2) and 5.5 mmol/l (AUC3), respectively [upper limit of fasting normoglycaemia according to World Health Organization (WHO) and American Diabetes Association (ADA), respectively]. Fasting hyperglycaemia was also estimated, being the difference between each of the above and the postprandial excursion. The participants were divided into three subgroups according to HbA1c (Group 1, ≤ 7.0%; Group 2, 7.1–9.0%; Group 3, > 9.0%) and the relative contribution calculated of the postprandial glucose and fasting hyperglycaemia to the excess hyperglycaemia above the designated international thresholds for fasting plasma glucose.Results  HbA1c was more strongly correlated with the fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.85, P < 0.001) than the overall postprandial glucose exposure (r = 0.539, P = 0.003). The contribution of fasting hyperglycaemia to excess hyperglycaemia using the WHO criteria for normal fasting plasma glucose for the three groups (Groups 1, 2 and 3) was 50.4%, 54.3% and 69.8%, respectively, and 57.8%, 58.8% and 71.4% using the ADA criteria.Conclusions  The contribution of fasting hyperglycaemia to excess hyperglycaemia increases as glycaemic control deteriorates, becoming dominant with an HbA1c in excess of 7.0%. These findings indicate which therapeutic approach needs to be adopted based on the HbA1c of the person with T2DM.
Aging is associated with increased clonogenic potential in rat liver in vivo
Authors: Pasciu Daniela , Montisci Stefania , Greco Marianna , Doratiotto Silvia , Pitzalis Sabrina , Pani Paolo , Laconi Sergio , Laconi Ezio 
Published: August 2006

SummaryCancer increases with age and often arises from the selective clonal growth of altered cells. Thus, any environment favoring clonal growth per se poses a higher risk for cancer development. Using a genetically tagged animal model, we investigated whether aging is associated with increased clonogenic potential. Groups of 4‐, 12‐, 18‐, and 24‐month‐old Fischer 344 rats were infused (via the portal vein) with 2 × 106 hepatocytes isolated from a normal syngenic 2‐month‐old donor. Animals deficient in dipeptidyl‐peptidase type IV (DPP‐IV–) enzyme were used as recipients, allowing for the histochemical detection of injected DPP‐IV+ cells. Groups of animals were sacrificed at various times thereafter. No growth of DPP‐IV+ transplanted hepatocytes was present after either 2 or 6 months in the liver of rats transplanted at young age, as expected. In striking contrast, significant expansion of donor‐derived cells was seen in animals transplanted at the age of 18 months: clusters comprising 7–10 DPP‐IV+ hepatocytes/cross‐section were present after 2 months and were markedly enlarged after 6 months (mean of 88 ± 35 cells/cluster/cross‐section). These results indicate that the microenvironment of the aged liver supports the clonal expansion of transplanted normal hepatocytes. Such clonogenic environments can foster the selective growth of pre‐existing altered cells, thereby increasing the overall risk for cancer development associated with aging.
Abundance Patterns of Landbirds in Restored and Remnant Riparian Forests on the Sacramento River, California, U.S.A.
Authors: Gardali Thomas , Holmes Aaron L. , Small Stacy L. , Nur Nadav , Geupel Geoffrey R. , Golet Gregory H. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractRiparian vegetation along the Sacramento River—California’s largest river—has been almost entirely lost, and several wildlife species have been extirpated or have declined as a result. Large‐scale restoration efforts are focusing on revegetating the land with native plants. To evaluate restoration success, we conducted surveys of landbirds on revegetated and remnant riparian plots from 1993 to 2003. Our objectives were to estimate population trends of landbirds, compare abundance patterns over time between revegetated and remnant riparian forests, and evaluate abundance in relation to restoration age. Of the 20 species examined, 11 were increasing, 1 was decreasing (Lazuli Bunting [Passerina amoena]), and 8 showed no trend. The negative trend for Lazuli Bunting is consistent with information on poor reproductive success and with Breeding Bird Survey results. There was no apparent guild association common to species with increasing trends. Nine species were increasing on revegetated and remnant plots, four were increasing on revegetated plots only, three were increasing on remnant plots only, the Lazuli Bunting was decreasing on both, and three species were stable on both. Although many species were increasing at a faster rate on revegetated plots, their abundance did not reach that of the remnant plots. For revegetated plots, “year since planting” was a strong predictor of abundance trends for 13 species: positive for 12, negative for 1. Our study shows that restoration activities along the Sacramento River are successfully providing habitat for a diverse community of landbirds and that results from bird monitoring provide a meaningful way to evaluate restoration success.
Strategies for Savanna Restoration in the Southern Great Plains: Effects of Fire and Herbicides
Authors: Ansley R. James , Castellano Michael J. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract Woody plant encroachment has degraded grassland and savanna ecosystems worldwide by decreasing herbaceous production and diversity, and altering these physiognomies toward woodlands. This study evaluated the long‐term efficacy of fire and herbicide restoration strategies used in the southern Great Plains to reduce Honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) dominance, restore a grassland/savanna physiognomy, and increase herbaceous production and diversity. Three treatments were evaluated: high‐intensity winter fire, aerial spray of clopyralid + triclopyr (C + T), and aerial spray of clopyralid and were compared to untreated mesquite woodland (control). Post‐treatment mesquite stand physiognomy was different between fire (low mortality, high basal sprouting), C + T (high mortality, high basal sprouting of surviving plants), and clopyralid (moderate mortality, low basal sprouting of surviving plants) treatments. From 6 to 8 years post‐treatment, herbaceous production was increased in C + T and clopyralid treatments but not in the fire treatment. Mesquite regrowth in the fire treatment exerted a competitive influence that limited herbaceous production. Herbaceous functional group diversity was increased in fire and C + T treatments due to a decrease in C3 perennial grass dominance and an increase in C4 perennial grasses and/or C3 forbs. Treatments that maintained mesquite overstory (control and clopyralid) had lower herbaceous diversity due to C3 perennial grass dominance and lower C4 perennial grass cover. The clopyralid treatment demonstrated greatest potential for long‐term restoration of southern Great Plains savanna by reducing mesquite canopy cover to historic levels, limiting mesquite basal regrowth and increasing grass production.
Vegetation Response Following Invasive Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) Removal and Implications for Riparian Restoration
Authors: Harms Rebecca S. , Hiebert Ron D. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract Using a retrospective study of tamarisk removal sites across five states in the southwestern United States, we investigated (1) decreases in tamarisk cover; (2) the effects of tamarisk removal on vegetation; and (3) whether cutting or burning tamarisk has differing effects on plant communities. Our study provides an important first step in recognizing the effects of removing a dominant invasive species on meeting long‐term goals of riparian restoration. We found that (1) both cutting and burning reduced mean tamarisk foliar cover by 82–95%, and this reduction was sustained over time. (2) Native foliar cover was 2‐ to 3‐fold higher on tamarisk removal sites, but total foliar cover remained 60–75% lower than on control transects. No trend toward increases in native cover was noted over time. When tamarisk was included in the analyses, diversity in tamarisk removal sites was 2‐ to 3‐fold higher than in the control sites and vegetation communities differed between treated and untreated sites. When tamarisk was excluded from the analyses, diversity was not greater at tamarisk removal sites, and there were no community differences between the treated and untreated transects. Differences in diversity were found to be driven by differences in evenness; overall species richness did not change following tamarisk removal. Sites in the Mojave showed the strongest increase in native foliar cover and diversity, Chihuahuan‐transition sites showed a slight increase, and sites on the Colorado Plateau showed no overall increase. (3) There were no differences between plant communities at burned and cut sites. Our research indicates that vegetation response to tamarisk removal is often negligible. Land managers should be prepared for persistent depauperate plant communities following tamarisk removal if additional restoration measures are not instigated.
OC2 Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor of the mandible with clear cell component treated by conservative surgery: report of a case with 30 months of follow‐up
Authors: Bornstein MM , Germanier Y , Stauffer E , Buser D 
Published: August 2006

Signs and symptoms  A 44‐year‐old Caucasian woman was referred by her dentist for evaluation and treatment of a cystic lesion in the right mandibular angle. The referring dentist identified this lesion 3 weeks earlier by way a of routine dental radiograph.Medical history and social history  The patient reported a chronic swelling of the right cheek caused by a recurrent lymphangioma, which had been surgically removed four times at other institutions. A cutaneous basal cell carcinoma located at the left side of the nose was successfully excised 7 years earlier. The patient didn't take any medication.Oral disease history  Before the onset of repeated swelling and food impaction distal to the right second mandibular molar 2‐months ago, the patient did not have any symptoms. On palpation there was a hard and painless induration located at the lateral border of the right angle of the mandible. A panoramic radiograph demonstrated a well‐defined, multilocular radiolucency at the right mandibular angle and enclosing the crown of a deeply impacted third molar.Diagnoses  Based on the clinical and radiological findings, the presumptive diagnosis was a calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT). The differential diagnosis included among others calcified odontogenic cyst, ameloblastic fibro‐odontoma, or ossyfying fibroma. The definite, histopathologically confirmed diagnosis was calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor with clear cell component (CCCEOT).Treatment  The CCCEOT was treated by conservative surgery (enucleation). No recurrence was seen 30 months after treatment. This brings one more argument for a conservative surgical approach for the CEOTs/CCCEOTs of limited size.
OC7 Trigeminal neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy – a rare combination
Authors: Frezzini C , Pabari S , Chaudhry SI , Hodgson TA , Porter SR 
Published: August 2006

Introduction  Idiopathic trigeminal neuropathy is an uncommon orofacial symptom giving rise to paraesthesia and/or anaesthesia of one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve in the absence of an obvious aetiology. Idiopathic autonomic neuropathy is a rare disorder giving rise to cholinergic and/or adrenergic dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. The combination of trigeminal and autonomic neuropathy in the absence of diabetes mellitus is unusual.Signs and symptoms  A 45‐year‐old male was referred to the Oral Medicine Unit of UCL Eastman Dental Institute and UCLHT Eastman Dental Hospital for assessment of possible xerostomia secondary to autonomic neuropathy. Medical history & social history. The patient had long‐standing trigeminal neuropathy, long‐standing autonomic neuropathy giving rise to dysphagia, gastrointestinal and bladder function and orthostatic hypotension. There was a previous history of Hodgkin's disease.Oral disease history  Clinical examination revealed neurotrophic destruction of the nasal septum (trigeminal trophic syndrome), chronic periodontitis, but no features of long‐standing xerostomia. Resting sialometry was >0.1 ml min–1.Diagnosis  Trigeminal trophic syndrome secondary to trigeminal neuropathy and partial autonomic neuropathy.Treatment  The patient was referred for appropriate periodontal therapy.Conclusion  This is a unique example of trigeminal sensory neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy in the absence of diabetes mellitus. Early diagnosis of both disorders is important to ensure avoidance of facial complications such as trigeminal trophic syndrome and the oral consequences of long‐standing xerostomia.
Seed Rain Produced by Bats and Birds in Forest Islands in a Neotropical Savanna1
Authors: Arteaga Luis L. , Aguirre Luis F. , Moya M. Isabel 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThe high degree of isolation of forest “islands” relative to “continental” forested areas creates a naturally fragmented landscape in the savanna ecosystem. Because fragmentation can affect the intensity and quality of biological interactions (e.g., seed dispersal) we examined the abundance and species richness of seed rain produced by birds and bats in three different parts of forest islands (center, edge, and exterior) located at the Estación Biológica del Beni, Bolivia. Despite the fact that we found higher species density of seeds in the seed rain at the center of forest islands, when comparing species richness corrected for observed differences in density, species richness was higher at the edge of islands. The three parts of the islands did not differ in total number of seeds. Three genera (Byrsonima, Ficus, and Piper) contributed the most seeds to the seed rain. We found differences in the abundance of dispersed seeds probably because of the variation related with the disturbance line, where the savanna matrix interacts with the forest islands. Carollia perspicillata, Carollia brevicauda, and Sturnira lilium were the bats that contributed most to seed dispersal within forest islands, and Schistochlamys melanopis and Tyranneutes stolzmanni were the most important birds. The movement of seeds produced by bats and birds within forest islands of the savanna is crucial to assure the continuity of ecological process and dynamics of these forest islands.