bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased abundance of native and non‐native spiders with habitat fragmentation
Authors: Bolger Douglas T. , Beard Karen H. , Suarez Andrew V. , Case Ted J. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTHabitat fragmentation and invasive species often contribute to the decline of native taxa. Since the penetration of non‐native species into natural habitat may be facilitated by habitat fragmentation, it is important to examine how these two factors interact. Previous research documented that, in contrast to most other arthropod taxa, spiders increased in density and morphospecies richness with decreasing fragment area and increasing fragment age (time since insularization) in urban habitat fragments in San Diego County, California, USA. We tested whether a specific mechanism, an increase in non‐native species with fragmentation, is responsible for this pattern. We found that both native and non‐native taxa contributed to the pattern. Abundance of native spiders per pitfall trap sample increased significantly with decreasing fragment size (i.e. a negative density–area relationship) and abundance of non‐natives increased significantly with increasing fragment age. The proportion of non‐native individuals also increased significantly with age. One non‐native species, Oecobius navus, comprised the majority of non‐native individuals (82.2%) and a significant proportion of total individuals (25.1%). Richness of spider families per sample (family density) increased with fragment age due to an increase in the occurrence of non‐natives in older fragments, however, native family richness did not vary with age or area. Due to increasing dominance by non‐native and some native families, family evenness declined with decreasing fragment size and increasing fragment age. Native and non‐native abundance covaried positively arguing against strong negative interactions between the two groups. O. navus had a strong positive association with another common non‐native arthropod, the Argentine ant (Linepitheme humile), suggesting a possible direct interaction. In contrast, abundance of native spiders was negatively correlated with Argentine ant abundance. We hypothesize that fragmentation in this semiarid habitat increases productivity in smaller and older fragments enhancing the density of both native and non‐native taxa.
Out of South America: multiple origins of non‐native apple snails in Asia
Authors: Hayes K. A. , Joshi R. C. , Thiengo S. C. , Cowie R. H. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTApple snails (Ampullariidae: Pomacea) native to the New World have become agricultural and environmental pests widely in southern and eastern Asia since their introduction in about 1980. Although their impacts have been extensively documented, considerable confusion persists regarding their identities and geographical origins. Efforts to resolve the confusion have suffered from inadequate taxonomic and geographical sampling from both native and introduced ranges. Using phylogenetic and genealogical methods, we analysed 610–655 bp of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I DNA sequences from 783 apple snails from 164 Asian locations and 57 native South American locations. In Asia, we found four species of Pomacea in two clades: (1) Pomacea canaliculata and P. insularum, and (2) P. scalaris and P. diffusa. Parsimony networks and mismatch distributions indicate that the non‐native ranges of the two most widespread species, P. canaliculata and P. insularum, probably result from multiple introductions. Molecular analyses are consistent with early accounts; non‐native P. canaliculata populations trace back to multiple locations in Argentina and have probably been introduced more than once. In contrast, P. insularum was probably introduced from Brazil and Argentina independently. Multiple introductions may, in part, explain the success and rapid spread of these two species. Unlike P. canaliculata and P. insularum, P. scalaris and P. diffusa were probably introduced through the aquarium trade, derived originally from Argentina and Brazil, respectively. Possible physiological, ecological, and native range differences among these four species highlight the importance of accurate identification in understanding invasion patterns and processes, which is vital in developing and implementing management strategies.
Electronic Medical Record System in a Headache Specialty Practice: A Patient Satisfaction Survey
Authors: Freeman Marshall C. , Taylor Anne P. , Adelman James U. 
Published: February 2009

Background.— Since November 2002, Headache Wellness Center, a specialty headache practice in Greensboro, NC, has used exclusively an electronic medical record (EMR) system for all patient clinical contacts.Objective.— To assess patient satisfaction and perceptions regarding this new office technology and to better understand the EMR‐patient–physician relationship.Methods.— An EMR satisfaction survey was administered from February to June 2006 and was completed by 394 patients. All patients were known to the practice and completed the survey at the time of a headache revisit evaluation.Results.— The majority of respondents believed that EMR system use was not intrusive; did not draw attention away from patient contact; provided more efficient and accurate interactions; and preferred an EMR system in this particular headache setting.Conclusion.— Patient satisfaction with an EMR system in a headache specialty practice was high.
Cytokines and Chemokines in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Dhungana Samish , Sharrack Basil , Woodroofe Nicola 
Published: February 2009

Background.— The pathogenesis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) remains unclear and as such it remains a diagnosis of exclusion.Objectives.— To identify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum cytokine and chemokine profiles associated with IIH.Method.— Semiquantitative assessment with cytokine antibody arrays was used to detect the relative expression of 42 different cytokines and chemokines in the CSF and serum of 8 IIH patients and 8 controls. Subsequently, quantitative assay with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was performed for chemokine CCL2, interleukin‐1 alpha (IL‐1α), and leptin.Results.— Cytokine antibody array showed elevated levels of CCL2 in the CSF and CCL7, CCL8, IL‐1α, and leptin levels in serum in IIH patients compared with controls. Subsequent quantitative assessment with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay showed significantly elevated CSF CCL2 in IIH patients compared with controls (P < .01) but there was no significant difference in leptin and IL‐1α levels between the groups.Conclusion.— This is the first report demonstrating differences in cytokine expression in the serum and CSF in IIH patients compared with controls. Since the pathogenesis of IIH is unclear, the heterogeneity of the cytokine expression reported here may help understand the pathogenesis of this condition.
Funding of Research on Headache Disorders by the National Institutes of Health
Authors: Schwedt Todd J. , Shapiro Robert E. 
Published: February 2009

Background.— Despite the high level of individual and societal burden resulting from headache disorders, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has funded relatively little research on these disorders.Objective.— The objective of this study was to define current patterns of NIH funding of research on headache disorders.Methods.— The Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects database was searched using the terms “migraine” or “headache” or “trigeminovascular” and inclusive of the dates 1987 to November 2007. Titles and abstracts of the resulting projects were reviewed to identify headache research projects and to extract data. E‐mails were sent to each of the principal investigators to identify investigators experienced in serving on NIH study sections. E‐mails and membership directories were used to determine if principal investigators were members of the American Headache Society. Comparisons were made for levels of NIH funding for migraine, headache disorders, and 10 other medical disorders relative to 3 measures of disease burden.Results.— A total of 111 headache research projects led by 93 different investigators were identified. Research project grants (Rs) accounted for 61 (55%) of the grants. Migraine was the most common headache type studied, being the focus in 77 (69.4%) of the projects. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke was responsible for funding 66 (59.5%) of the projects. At least 30 (32.3%) of the principal investigators were American Headache Society members and 14 (15%) had served on NIH study sections.Conclusions.— A small number of research grants on headache disorders were funded by the NIH over the last 2 decades, with 2007 funding estimated between $6.8 and $13 million. By comparison to NIH funding of research on 10 chronic medical conditions relative to disease burden, headache research funding should exceed $103 million annually.
A Comparison of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension With and Without Papilledema
Authors: Digre Kathleen B. , Nakamoto Beau K. , Warner Judith E.A. , Langeberg Wendy J. , Baggaley Susan K. , Katz Bradley J. 
Published: February 2009

Objective.— To compare clinical features, visual characteristics, and treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients with and without papilledema.Background.— Idiopathic intracranial hypertension does not often occur without papilledema. This study estimates the prevalence and compares the clinical characteristics of idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients with and without papilledema.Methods.— We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of all idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients diagnosed at the University of Utah Neuro‐Ophthalmology Unit between 1990 and 2003. Patient records were reviewed for presence of papilledema and other signs, symptoms, and treatment characteristics. Each patient without papilledema was matched to the patient with papilledema who was closest to his/her age and sex. McNemar's and Wilcoxon‐signed rank sum tests were used to compare characteristics between matched pairs.Results.— Among all patients (n = 353), the prevalence of those without papilledema was 5.7% (n = 20). Patients without papilledema reported photopsias (20%), and were found to have spontaneous venous pulsations (75%) and non‐physiologic visual field constriction (20%) more often than did those with papilledema. Mean opening pressure, although above normal, was lower in patients without papilledema (mean = 309 mm cerebrospinal fluid) compared with those with papilledema (mean = 373 mm cerebrospinal fluid, P = .031). Idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients without papilledema had more frequent diagnostic lumbar punctures than did patients with papilledema. Visual acuities and treatment were similar between groups.Conclusions.— The clinical presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema is only somewhat different from that of idiopathic intracranial hypertension with papilledema. The lower opening pressure in patients without papilledema may explain variations in symptoms and signs between the 2 groups. When there are visual field changes in idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema, non‐physiologic visual loss should be considered.
How Children and Parents Evaluate the Headache Centre's Intervention
Authors: Ferrari Anna , Pileri Francesca , Spaccapelo Luca , Zappaterra Maurizio , Ruggerini Ciro , Tacchi Raffaella , Bertolini Alfio 
Published: February 2009

Background.— While adult headache patients' satisfaction with treatments has been widely investigated, less attention has been paid to children and adolescent headache patients' opinions and their parents' views.Objective.— The aim of our follow‐up survey was to analyze the outcomes of the Headache Centre's intervention and the evolution of headache according to patients until the age of 16 and their parents.Methods.— We studied all outpatients suffering from episodic primary headache according to International Classification of Headache Disorders 2nd edition criteria, seen for the first time in 2005‐2006 at the Headache Centre of the University Hospital of Modena (Italy), and at least one of their parents. The duration of the follow‐up ranged from 1 to 3 years. For the purpose of the study, a specific questionnaire was created and administered by a telephone interview.Results.— We enrolled 84 patients (38 females, 45%; 46 males, 55%; mean age ± SD: 12.9 ± 2.9 years) with primary headache: migraine without aura 66%, episodic tension‐type headache 23%, migraine with aura 11%. At the follow‐up, 70% of the patients reported that headache had improved; frequency had decreased significantly more than severity (P = .000, Fisher's exact test), both in those who had followed a prophylactic treatment and in those who had not. A high percentage of the children and parents could precisely indicate trigger factors for headache: especially excessive worrying and studying. The patients reporting an improvement attributed it to pharmacological prophylactic treatment, but also to other factors: first of all, better school results and more happiness than before. Seventy‐seven percent of the parents thought that the Headache Centre's intervention had helped them to better understand and manage their children's headache.Conclusions.— Children's and adolescents' headache has in most cases a favorable prognosis; the Headache Centre's intervention is considered effective by most parents. We must increase and focus therapeutic efforts addressed to the few patients with worsening headaches in spite of treatment, since these children's/adolescents' headache also is at risk to progress in the adult age.
Evaluation of Carisbamate for the Treatment of Migraine in a Randomized, Double‐Blind Trial
Authors: Cady Roger K. , Mathew Ninan , Diener Hans‐Christoph , Hu Peter , Haas Magali , Novak Gerald P. 
Published: February 2009

Objective.— This study explored the dose‐response relationship of carisbamate administered at doses of 100 mg per day, 300 mg per day, or 600 mg per day, in the prevention of migraine.Background.— Carisbamate ([S]‐2‐O‐carbamoyl‐1‐o‐chlorophenyl‐ethanol; RWJ 333369) is a new chemical entity being studied for efficacy as adjunctive therapy in partial onset epilepsy. Because some antiepileptic drugs are also efficacious in migraine, for example, topiramate and valproate sodium, we tested carisbamate in migraine prophylaxis.Design/Methods.— This was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, approximately 22‐week duration. The primary efficacy variable was the percent reduction from baseline through the double‐blind phase in average monthly migraine frequency using a 48‐hour rule. Patients were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 to treatment with carisbamate 100, 300, or 600 mg per day, or placebo. Migraine attacks were counted during a prospective 4‐week baseline period, which was followed by a 2‐week titration period, a 12‐week maintenance period, a 1‐week medication reduction period, and a 3‐week observation period. Patients had an established history of migraine, with or without aura, for at least 1 year and a 3‐month history of 3‐12 migraine attacks per month.Results.— Patients (n = 323) were predominantly women (85%) and white (89%); mean age was 41 years. There were no statistically significant differences between any of the carisbamate groups and placebo (P ≥ .6) for the median (range) percentage reduction from baseline to end point in average monthly migraine frequency (P value vs placebo): 37% (−250%, 100%) for placebo; 33% (−210%, 100%; P = .7) CRS 100 mg/day; 27% (−100%, 100%; P = .8) CRS 300 mg/day; and 35% (−87%, 100%; P = .6) CRS 600 mg/day. Results for secondary efficacy measures (responder rate, percent reduction in average monthly migraine frequency using the 24‐hour rule, and percent reduction in average monthly migraine days) were consistent (P ≥ .075). The proportion of patients discontinuing because of adverse events was similar for placebo and carisbamate‐treated patients (13% each). The most common (occurring in ≥5% of patients) treatment‐emergent adverse events in patients treated with carisbamate were fatigue (17%) and nasopharyngitis (13%). Fatigue appeared to be dose related.Conclusions.— Carisbamate was not more efficacious in migraine prophylaxis than placebo in this well‐controlled study that included a suitable population. However, carisbamate monotherapy was well tolerated at doses up to 600 mg per day.
Helicobacter pylori, helminth infections and growth: a cross‐sectional study in a high prevalence population
Authors: Cherian Sarah , Forbes David , Sanfilippo Frank , Cook Angus , Burgner David 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is usually acquired in childhood and may adversely affect growth, although data are inconsistent. This study investigated growth parameters in a paediatric cohort with a high prevalence of H. pylori and helminth infection.Methods: A cross‐sectional study of African refugee children (<16 years) recruited at their initial health assessment following resettlement in Australia. Detailed demographic, infection and anthropometric data were obtained. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by monoclonal faecal antigen enzyme immunoassay testing (MFAT). Growth restriction was defined as children with any anthropometric measures below the fifth centile for age and gender.Results: H. pylori infection was detected in 149/182 (81.9%). Children with H. pylori infection were older (mean 8.5 years, standard deviation (SD) 4.2 years vs. 5.8 years, SD 4.5 years, p < 0.001). No gender differences were observed. After adjustment for age, H. pylori did not adversely affect body mass index or other anthropometric measurements. Helminth infections were common (41.8%) but not associated with reduced growth or with H. pylori infection.Conclusion: H. pylori and helminth infections are prevalent in African refugee children but neither is associated with growth restriction. Longitudinal growth velocity studies are necessary to identify any long‐term consequences of H. pylori on childhood growth.
Simvastatin and Indomethacin Have Similar Anti‐Inflammatory Activity in a Rat Model of Acute Local Inflammation
Authors: Nežić Lana , Škrbić Ranko , Dobrić Silva , Stojiljković Miloš P. , Jaćević Vesna , Šatara Svjetlana Stoisavljević , Milovanović Zoran A. , Stojaković Nataša 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Statins, such as simvastatin, lower circulating cholesterol levels and are widely prescribed for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. Several studies have shown unexpected effects of statins on inflammation. We studied the anti‐inflammatory effect of simvastatin using a standard model of an acute local inflammation, the carrageenan‐induced footpad oedema. Experimental groups (n = 6–8) were given simvastatin in a dose range 5–30 mg/kg, indomethacin 1–8 mg/kg and methylcellulose (control)per os. Footpad volume was measured with a plethysmograph and compared with the pre‐injection volume of the same paw. Swelling (in microlitres) was then calculated, and in drug‐treated animals, per cent inhibition was derived through comparison with the control group. Histopathological examination of the skin biopsies was performed to examine severity of paw skin lesions and to confirm the simvastatin‐induced inhibition of acute inflammation. Both simvastatin and indomethacin administered orally, 1 hr before carrageenan injection, significantly reduced the extent of footpad oedema. Indomethacin dose‐dependently blocked the swelling; the maximal effect was obtained with 8 mg/kg by 48.3% (P < 0.05). Simvastatin produced a comparable anti‐inflammatory activity at a dose of 5 mg/kg (32%), while 10 and 30 mg/kg caused a 47.6% and 51.7% reduction, respectively, with the maximal effect observed at 20 mg/kg by 57.2% (P < 0.05). The comparison of the ED50of these agents on molar basis showed equipotent anti‐inflammatory activity. Histopathological examination of the footpad skin biopsies revealed that simvastatin, dose‐dependently and comparablly to indomethacin, reduced polymorphonuclear leucocyte infiltration. These data support the hypothesis that simvastatin has an acute anti‐inflammatory activity.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED Treatment of Trauma‐ and Abuse‐Related Dissociative Symptom Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Weber Scott 
Published: February 2009

TOPIC:  Dissociation is believed to be one of the most common underlying psychological processes among children and adolescents receiving mental health treatment, but most of the dissemination of information about dissociation has occurred among psychiatrists and psychologists. PURPOSE:  Modes of treatment for dissociation as it affects children and adolescents are described. SOURCES USED:  Current research and practice scholarly articles on treatment of children and adolescents for dissociation and dissociative symptom disorders were accessed and critically reviewed. CONCLUSIONS:  Prognosis in children and adolescents can vary widely among patients and between the specific types of dissociation disorder; however, expert clinicians and researchers agree that early, intense treatment offers the greatest possibility of full recovery.
Poverty and Adolescent Mental Health
Authors: Dashiff Carol , DiMicco Wendy , Myers Beverly , Sheppard Kathy 
Published: February 2009

PROBLEM:  Poverty and accelerations of inequality, manifested by the increasing difference between the richest and poorest populations, have significant effects on the mental health of vulnerable groups. Adolescents are vulnerable to the effects of poverty. As a time of change and transition for youth and their families, adolescence creates both challenges and opportunities to intervene in the effects of poverty. PURPOSE:  The purpose of this article is to discuss the significance of poverty and its impact on adolescent mental health and mental health services. SOURCES:  An interdisciplinary literature search was conducted on the topic of poverty and adolescent mental health. CONCLUSIONS:  Results indicated that nurses need to remain active participants in the provision of mental health services to adolescents in poverty and increase their advocacy for the creation of policy changes that address mental health needs of this population.