bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trade, transport and trouble: managing invasive species pathways in an era of globalization
Authors: Hulme Philip E. 
Published: January 2009

Summary

Humans have traded and transported alien species for millennia with two notable step‐changes: the end of the Middle Ages and beginning of the Industrial Revolution. However, in recent decades the world has entered a new phase in the magnitude and diversity of biological invasions: the Era of Globalization. This Special Profile reviews the links between the main drivers of globalization and biological invasions and examines state‐of‐the‐art approaches to pathway risk assessment to illustrate new opportunities for managing invasive species.
Income growth is a primary driver of globalization and a clear association exists between Gross Domestic Product and the richness of alien floras and faunas for many regions of the world. In many cases, the exposure of these economies to trade is highlighted by the significant role of merchandise imports in biological invasions, especially for island ecosystems.
Post‐1950, technical and logistic improvements have accelerated the ease with which commodities are transported across the globe and hindered the traceability of goods and the ease of intercepting pests. New sea, land and air links in international trade and human transport have established novel pathways for the spread of alien species. Increasingly, the science advances underpinning invasive species management must move at the speed of commerce.
Increasing transport networks and demand for commodities have led to pathway risk assessments becoming the frontline in the prevention of biological invasions. The diverse routes of introduction arising from contaminant, stowaway, corridor and unaided pathways, in both aquatic and terrestrial biomes are complex. Nevertheless, common features enable comparable approaches to risk assessment. By bringing together spatial data on climate suitability, habitat availability and points of entry, as well a demographic models that include species dispersal (both natural and human‐mediated) and measures of propagule pressure, it is possible to generate risk maps highlighting potential invasion hotspots that can inform prevention strategies.
Synthesis and applications. To date, most attempts to model pathways have focused on describing the likelihood of invader establishment. Few have modelled explicit management strategies such as optimal detection and inspection strategies and assessments of the effectiveness of different management measures. A future focus in these areas will ensure research informs response.
Indirect effects of invasive species removal devastate World Heritage Island
Authors: Bergstrom Dana M. , Lucieer Arko , Kiefer Kate , Wasley Jane , Belbin Lee , Pedersen Tore K. , Chown Steven L. 
Published: January 2009

Summary

Owing to the detrimental impacts of invasive alien species, their control is often a priority for conservation management. Whereas the potential for unforeseen consequences of management is recognized, their associated complexity and costs are less widely appreciated.
We demonstrate that theoretically plausible trophic cascades associated with invasive species removal not only take place in reality, but can also result in rapid and drastic landscape‐wide changes to ecosystems.
Using a combination of population data from of an invasive herbivore, plot‐scale vegetation analyses, and satellite imagery, we show how a management intervention to eradicate a mesopredator has inadvertently and rapidly precipitated landscape‐wide change on sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island. This happened despite the eradication being positioned within an integrated pest management framework. Following eradication of cats Felis catus in 2001, rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus numbers increased substantially although a control action was in place (Myxoma virus), resulting in island‐wide ecosystem effects.
Synthesis and applications. Our results highlight an important lesson for conservation agencies working to eradicate invasive species globally; that is, risk assessment of management interventions must explicitly consider and plan for their indirect effects, or face substantial subsequent costs. On Macquarie Island, the cost of further conservation action will exceed AU$24 million.
Stressors, social support, depressive symptoms and general health status of Taiwanese caregivers of persons with stroke or Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Huang Chiung‐Yu , Sousa Valmi D , Perng Shao‐Jen , Hwang Mei‐Yi , Tsai Chun‐Ching , Huang Mei‐Huang , Yao Shu‐Ying 
Published: January 2009

Aims and objectives.  This study examined the relationships among stressors, social support, depressive symptoms and the general health status of Taiwanese caregivers of individuals with stroke or Alzheimer’s disease.Background.  Caring for a disabled or cognitively impaired person can be extremely stressful and often has adverse effects on caregivers’ health. While research on caregiving in Taiwan has examined caregivers’ characteristics, caregivers’ need and caregivers’ burden in caring for older people in general, little is known about Taiwanese caregivers of individuals with stroke or Alzheimer’s disease.Design.  Cross‐sectional, descriptive correlation design.Methods.  Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 103 Taiwanese informal caregivers in the South of Taiwan and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlations, multiple and hierarchical regressions and t‐tests.Results.  Caregivers who had lower household incomes and were taking care of individuals with more behaviour problems had more depressive symptoms. In addition, caregivers who were older and were taking care of individuals with more behaviour problems had worse general health. Caregivers who had more emotional support had less depressive symptoms.Conclusions.  Caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease had more depressive symptoms and worse general health than caregivers of persons with stroke. Only emotional support moderated the relationship between one of the stressors (household income) and depressive symptoms.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study may be helpful for nurses and other health care professionals in designing effective interventions to minimise the negative impacts of stressors on the psychological and general health of caregivers in Taiwan.
Feasibility and acceptability of continuous glucose monitoring and accelerometer technology in exercising individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Allen Nancy A , Jacelon Cynthia S , Chipkin Stuart R 
Published: January 2009

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to develop role model data for an intervention to motivate non‐exercising individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus to engage in regular physical activity. Toward that end, the study 1) described Continuous Glucose Monitoring System data and obtained role model CGMS graphs, 2) described a monitor to measure exercise amount and intensity and 3) explored participants’ experiences of the monitors and perceptions of the glucose monitoring data.Background.  Physical activity is a cornerstone of diabetes treatment yet the majority of individuals with diabetes are inactive. Thus, increasing physical activity in these individuals demands innovative interventions.Design.  A two‐phase, multi‐method design was used.Methods.  In phase 1, a descriptive design was used to describe physical activity patterns and glucose levels for 72 hours in nine exercising adults with type 2 diabetes. In phase 2, a focus group interview was used to collect data from seven phase‐1 participants. Verbatim transcripts of the audio taped focus group were analysed for themes and trends.Results.  The glucose monitor data captured lower glucose levels after exercise. Compared to formal diabetes education, visual data from the glucose monitoring technology were perceived as more relevant to participants’ particular, everyday experiences with exercise, diet and stress. Participants reported a reinforced commitment to their exercise and diet regimens after using Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Technology issues were identified, e.g. discomfort wearing activity monitors and forgetting to enter calibration and event data in glucose monitors.Relevance to clinical practice.  Participants found that visual glucose monitoring data reinforced self‐management behaviors, such as exercise. Our results suggest that data depicting the response of glucose levels to diet and exercise could be a useful tool to change behavior in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
A review of why patients with leg ulcers do not adhere to treatment
Authors: Van Hecke Ann , Grypdonck Maria , Defloor Tom 
Published: January 2009

Aim.  To provide an overview of what is known thus far about reasons for and determinants of non‐adherent behaviour.Background.  Compression, leg exercises and leg elevation are regarded as essential components in leg ulcer treatment and in the prevention of ulcer recurrence. Non‐adherence to leg ulcer regimen is a major problem. Reasons for non‐adherence are not fully understood.Design.  Systematic review.Method.  Medline, CINAHL and the Cochrane database were explored from 1995 – December 2007. Reference lists of retrieved articles were searched. Studies were eligible if they included patients with venous or mixed leg ulcers, reported reasons or determinants of non‐adherence and were published in English, Dutch, French or German. Thirty‐one studies were included.Results.  Non‐adherence is a multidimensional problem. Pain, discomfort and lack of valid lifestyle advice by healthcare professionals were primary reasons for non‐adherence from patient’s perspective.Conclusions.  Healthcare professionals mainly focus on patient‐related factors such as poor motivation, lack of knowledge and understanding and unwillingness. The beliefs that compression was unnecessary, uncomfortable, worthwhile and prevented recurrence significantly determined (non‐)adherence.Relevance to nursing and nursing science.  Interventions to promote adherence will require a multifaceted approach and a holistic comprehensive assessment. Therapeutic non‐judgemental relationships are essential to enhance patient adherence. Effective pain management is recommended and social support by family or significant others could be encouraged. Healthcare professionals should give clear, unambiguous and tailored information. Research can best focus on the factors and processes affecting patient adherence to leg ulcer treatment. Comprehensive adherence‐enhancing strategies could be developed and their effectiveness should be tested.
Evaluation of attendance and weight loss in an intensive weight management clinic compared to standard dietetic care
Authors: Hickson M. , Macqueen C. , Frost G. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground:  With increasing rates of obesity, the effectiveness of weight reduction programmes come under increasing scrutiny. This nonrandomized study aimed to review the effectiveness of two weight loss clinics in terms of percent and rate of weight loss, and attendance.Methods:  Data were collected on consecutive obese patients, attending either an intensive weight management clinic (IWMC) or a general dietetic outpatient clinic. The IWMC had a structured approach with six once‐a‐month appointments, a signed agreement to attend, an initial screening of readiness to change and consistent advice from one dietitian. The general clinic was less structured, had more ad hoc follow up and did not guarantee one dietitian.Results:  Seventy percent of patients referred were female [mean (SD) age 48 (14.2) years]. Thirty‐three percent (103/313) of all patients referred did not book an appointment. Of those attending with a body mass index ≥ 32 kg m−2, 55% were seen in the general and 45% in the intensive clinic, but only 19% and 53%, respectively, completed the programmes. The total amount and rate of weight loss did not differ significantly between clinics. However, analysis using the last recorded weight revealed a median weight reduction of 1.8% (interquartile range = −5.6–0) at the median rate of −0.4 kg month−1(−1–0) in the intensive clinic, compared to no overall weight loss in the general clinic (P ≤ 0.001).Conclusions:  A more structured approach and initial screening of readiness to change is likely to achieve better weight loss results and therefore will comprise a better use of dietetic time than including obese patients in general clinics.
Population structure of spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) in a fragmented landscape
Authors: PURRENHAGE J. L. , NIEWIAROWSKI P. H. , MOORE F.B.‐G. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractUnderstanding the impacts of landscape‐level processes on the population biology of amphibians is critical, especially for species inhabiting anthropogenically modified landscapes. Many pond‐breeding amphibians are presumed to exist as metapopulations, but few studies demonstrate the extent and consequences of this metapopulation structure. Gene flow measures may facilitate the construction of more realistic models of population structure than direct measures of migration. This is especially true for species that are cryptic, such as many amphibians. We used eight polymorphic microsatellite loci to determine the genetic population structure of spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) breeding at 17 ponds in northeastern Ohio, a landscape fragmented by roads, agriculture, urban areas and the Cuyahoga River. Using a variety of analyses (Bayesian clustering,F‐statistics, AMOVA) we generated a model of salamander population genetic structure. Our data revealed patterns of genetic connectivity that were not predicted by geographical distances between ponds (no isolation by distance). We also tested for a relationship between population structure and several indices of landscape resistance, but found no effect of potential barriers to dispersal on genetic connectivity. Strong overall connectivity among ponds, despite the hostile habitat matrix, may be facilitated by a network of riparian corridors associated with the Cuyahoga River; however, high gene flow in this system may indicate a general ability to disperse and colonize beyond particular corridors.
Cortical microtubule as a sensor and target of nitric oxide signal during the defence responses to Verticillium dahliae toxins in Arabidopsis
Authors: SHI FU‐MEI , YAO LIN‐LIN , PEI BAO‐LEI , ZHOU QUN , LI XIU‐LI , LI YUN , LI YING‐ZHANG 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe molecular mechanisms of signal transduction of plants in response to Verticillium dahliae (VD) are not known. Here, we show that Arabidopsis reacts to VD‐toxins with a rapid burst of nitric oxide (NO) and cortical microtubule destabilization. VD‐toxins treatment triggered a disruption of cortical microtubules network. This disruption can be influenced by NO production. However, cortical microtubule disruptions were not involved in regulating the NO production. The results indicated that NO may act as an upstream signalling molecule to trigger the depolymerization of cortical microtubule. Cortical microtubules may act as a target of NO signal and as a sensor to mediate the activation of PR‐1 gene expression. These results suggested that NO production and cortical microtubule dynamics appeared to be parts of the important signalling system and are involved in the defence mechanisms to VD‐toxins in Arabidopsis.
Characteristics of Rabbit Transgenic Mammary Gland Expressing Recombinant Human Factor VIII
Authors: Chrenek P. , Makarevich A. V. , Pivko J. , Massanyi P. , Lukac N. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe objective of this research was to compare (i) the content of milk protein and recombinant human factor VIII (rhFVIII) in the milk of transgenic and non‐transgenic rabbit females at three lactations and (ii) histological structure, ultrastructural morphology and occurrence of apoptosis in rabbit transgenic and non‐transgenic mammary gland during third lactation and involution. Significant differences (t0.05) in milk protein content were found between transgenic and non‐transgenic at all three lactations. The percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly higher (t0.01) in non‐transgenic ones compared with transgenic mammary gland tissues (6.5% versus 2.4%) taken at the involution stage. Morphometrical analysis of histological preparations at the involution stage detected a significantly higher (t0.05) relative volume of lumen in transgenic animals compared with non‐transgenic ones (60.00 versus 46.51%). Ultrastructural morphology of the transgenic mammary gland epithelium at the involution stage revealed an increased relative volume of protein globules (t0.05); at the lactation stage, a significantly higher volume of mitochondria (13.8%) compared with the non‐transgenic (9.8%) ones was observed. These results, although revealing differences in some parameters of ultrastructure and histology, indicate no harmful effect of the mouse whey acid protein‐hFVIII transgene expression on the state of mammary gland of transgenic rabbit females.
New Insights in Vascular Development: Vasculogenesis and Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Käßmeyer S. , Plendl J. , Custodis P. , Bahramsoltani M. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryIn the course of new blood vessel formation, two different processes – vasculogenesis and angiogenesis – have to be distinguished. The term vasculogenesis describes the de novo emergence of a vascular network by endothelial progenitors, whereas angiogenesis corresponds to the generation of vessels by sprouting from pre‐existing capillaries. Until recently, it was thought that vasculogenesis is restricted to the prenatal period. During the last decade, one of the most fascinating innovations in the field of vascular biology was the discovery of endothelial progenitor cells and vasculogenesis in the adult. This review aims at introducing the concept of adult vasculogenesis and discusses the efforts to identify and characterize adult endothelial progenitors. The different sources of adult endothelial progenitors like haematopoietic stem cells, myeloid cells, multipotent progenitors of the bone marrow, side population cells and tissue‐residing pluripotent stem cells are considered. Moreover, a survey of cellular and molecular control mechanisms of vasculogenesis is presented. Recent advances in research on endothelial progenitors exert a strong impact on many different disciplines and provide the knowledge for functional concepts in basic fields like anatomy, histology as well as embryology.
Distribution and Cytoarchitecture of Sympathetic Neurons Innervating the Pineal Gland in Chick: A CTB‐HRP Study
Authors: Jia L. , Wang Z. , Chen Y. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe neurons in bilateral superior cervical ganglia (SCG) innervating the chick pineal gland were labelled by using the technique of retrograde axonal labelling with cholera toxin B subunit linked to horseradish peroxidase (CTB‐HRP). To our results, perikarya of these sympathetic neurons distributed from rostral to caudal in the SCG, and mainly localized in the opposite side of the paravertebral trunk. The fibres of these neurons were collected by the cephalic carotid nerve. According to the sizes of somal area and dendritic field, these sympathetic neurons projecting to the pineal gland were classified into four major groups: group I cells (52.4%) with a small somal area (303.5 μm2 on average) and narrow dendritic field (3767.8 μm2 on average), group II cells (39.0%) with a middle‐sized somal area (473.3 μm2) and middle‐sized dendritic field (7522.2 μm2), group III cells (6.4%) with a middle‐sized somal area (473.4 μm2) and wide dendritic field (13 104.4 μm2), and group IV cells (2.2%) with a large somal area (940.7 μm2) and wide dendritic field (14 553.2 μm2). Of these pineal projecting neurons, most took on a lesser dendritic field. The neurons with small or middle‐sized dendritic field from group I and II were about 91.4% of the total neurons labelled with CTB‐HRP, and the neurons with wide dendritic field from group III and IV were less with 8.6%.
Reappraisal of repeated transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion
Authors: Kim Kang Mo , Kim Jong Hoon , Park Ik Soo , Ko Gi‐Young , Yoon Hyun‐Ki , Sung Kyu‐Bo , Lim Young‐Suk , Lee Han Chu , Chung Young Hwa , Lee Yung Sang , Suh Dong Jin 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with additional radiation therapy (RT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein (PV) invasion.Methods:  We performed survival analysis of consecutive HCC patients with PV invasion according to the treatment modalities after stratification by the degree of PV invasion and liver function retrospectively.Results:  During 2005, 281 patients were newly diagnosed to have HCC with PV invasion at our institution. Repeated TACE or transarterial chemoinfusion (TACI) was performed in 202 (71.9%) patients and additional RT was performed for PV invasion in 43 of them. A total of 281 patients had a median survival of 5.2 months and a 2‐year survival rate (YSR) of 19.2%. Repeated TACE showed significant survival benefits compared with conservative management in patients with PV branch invasion; median survival and 2‐YSR was 10.2 vs 2.3 months and 33.7% vs 0% in Child–Pugh A categorized patients and 5.5 vs 1.3 months and 10.3 vs 0% in Child–Pugh B categorized patients, respectively (P < 0.001). In patients with PV branch invasion, the survival rate was significantly longer with TACE/TACI plus RT than with TACE/TACI alone both in Child–Pugh A categorized patients (1‐YSR: 63.6 vs 35.6%, P = 0.031) and Child–Pugh B categorized patients (1‐YSR: 66.7 vs 7.7%, P = 0.007). Repeated TACE was well tolerated in our patients, with only one dying within one month after TACE.Conclusion:  Repeated TACE with additional RT can be performed safely and showed a significant survival benefit in HCC patients with PV branch invasion with conserved liver function.
DD genotype of angiotensin‐converting enzyme in type 2 diabetes mellitus with renal disease in Mexican Mestizos
Authors: PALOMO‐PIÑÓN SILVIA , GUTIÉRREZ‐RODRÍGUEZ MARGARITA E , DÍAZ‐FLORES MARGARITA , SÁNCHEZ‐BARRERA REYNA , VALLADARES‐SALGADO ADÁN , UTRERA‐BARILLAS DOLORES , DURÁN‐REYES GENOVEVA , GALVÁN‐DUARTE ROSA E , TRINIDAD‐RAMOS PEDRO , CRUZ MIGUEL 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYAim: The DD genotype of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) has been suggested as a major contributor of diabetic nephropathy in several populations. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether micro/macroalbuminuria is associated with ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in Mexican Mestizos with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: A total of 435 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, of whom 233 had albuminuria, were characterized for the ACE I/D polymorphism by the polymerase chain reaction method.Results: Clinical and biochemical characteristics and frequencies according to DD, ID and II genotypes in patients with and without albuminuria showed no significant differences. However, only females with micro/macroalbuminuria showed higher frequency of a DD genotype than those without albuminuria (27.9%, 21.2% and 10.5%, respectively;P ≤ 0.044). In addition, female patients with macroalbuminuria without dialysis showed no significant differences with patients undergoing dialysis.Conclusion: The ACE DD genotype is a risk factor for the development of renal disease in Mexican Mestizo females with type 2 diabetes, indicating a possible DD genotype‐associated sex effect in renal disease.