bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Regional Assessment of Salt Marsh Restoration and Monitoring in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Konisky Raymond A. , Burdick David M. , Dionne Michele , Neckles Hilary A. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract We compiled salt marsh monitoring datasets from 36 complete or imminent restoration projects in the Gulf of Maine to assess regional monitoring and restoration practices. Data were organized by functional indicators and restoration project types (culvert replacement, excavation works, or ditch plugging) then pooled to generate mean values for indicators before restoration, after restoration, and at reference sites. Monitoring data were checked against the regional standards of a voluntary protocol for the Gulf of Maine. Data inventories showed that vegetation and salinity indicators were most frequently collected (89 and 78% of sites, respectively), whereas nekton, bird, and hydrologic measures were collected at only about half of the sites. Reference conditions were monitored at 72% of sites. Indicators were analyzed to see if project sites were degraded relative to reference areas and to detect ecological responses to restoration activities. Results showed that compared to reference areas, prerestoration sites had smaller tidal ranges, reduced salinity levels, greater cover of brackish plants species, and lower cover of halophyte plants. Following restoration, physical factors rebounded rapidly with increased flood and salinity levels after about one year, especially for culvert projects. Biological responses were less definitive and occurred over longer time frames. Plant communities trended toward recovered halophytes and reduced brackish species at 3+ years following restoration. Nekton and avian indicators were indistinguishable among reference, impacted, and restored areas. The protocol was successful in demonstrating restoration response for the region, but results were limited by regional inconsistencies in field practices and relatively few multiyear datasets. To improve future assessment capabilities, we encourage greater adherence to the standard protocol throughout the Gulf of Maine salt marsh restoration community.
Stream Restoration in the Upper Midwest, U.S.A.
Authors: Alexander Gretchen G. , Allan J. David 
Published: December 2006

Abstract Restoration activities intended to improve the condition of streams and rivers are widespread throughout the Upper Midwest, U.S.A. As with other regions, however, little information exists regarding types of activities and their effectiveness. We developed a database of 1,345 stream restoration projects implemented from the years 1970 to 2004 for the states of Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin in order to analyze regional trends in goals, presence of monitoring, spatial distribution, size, and cost of river restoration projects. We found that data on individual projects were fragmented across multiple federal, state, and county agencies, as well as nonprofit groups and consulting firms. The most common restoration goals reported for this region were in‐stream habitat improvement, bank stabilization, water‐quality management, and dam removal. The former two were most common in Michigan and Wisconsin, where salmonid fisheries enhancement appeared to be an important concern, whereas water‐quality management was most frequent in Ohio. The most common restoration activities were the use of sand traps and riprap, and other common activities were related to the improvement of fish habitat. The median cost was $12,957 for projects with cost data, and total expenditures since 1990 were estimated at $444 million. Over time, the cost of individual projects has increased, whereas the median size has decreased, suggesting that restoration resources are being spent on smaller, more localized, and more expensive projects. Only 11% of data records indicated that monitoring was performed, and more expensive projects were more likely to be monitored. Standardization of monitoring and record keeping and dissemination of findings are urgently needed to ensure that dollars are well spent and restoration effectiveness is maximized.
Invasion by Non‐Native Annual Grasses: The Importance of Species Biomass, Composition, and Time Among California Native Grasses of the Central Valley
Authors: Lulow Megan E. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract The Central Valley of California is noted for its dearth of remnant native grass populations and for low native grass seedling establishment within grasslands now dominated by non‐native annual species. In contrast, remnant populations are common along the coast, and studies have shown an ability for seedlings and adults to compete with non‐native annual grasses. The invasibility of well‐established populations of native grasses in the Central Valley remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to compare the invasibility of native grasses differing in density and species composition and, given the species in this study, to assess the ability of mixes with greater species richness to resist invasion relative to their abilities in monoculture. In the Sacramento Valley of California, six species of native grasses were planted at three densities in monospecific and mixed‐species plots. Percent cover of native perennial and non‐native annual grasses was measured in years 2 and 3, and biomass was sampled in year 5. Native grass biomass and, to a lesser extent, species composition were important in explaining variation in non‐native grass invasibility in the fifth year. Species‐rich treatments did not experience less invasion than would be expected by the proportional invasibility of each species in monoculture. However, invasibility of plots consisting of slower growing, shorter statured species decreased over time, suggesting a successional benefit to diverse communities. This study demonstrates that established stands of native grasses in the Sacramento Valley can resist invasion by non‐native annual grasses and that stand biomass is a particularly important factor in determining invasibility.
Restoration Success of Backfilling Canals in Coastal Louisiana Marshes
Authors: Baustian Joseph J. , Eugene Turner R. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract The need for effective marsh restoration techniques in Louisiana is a pressing issue as the state continues to lose coastal wetlands. Returning spoil banks to canals, known as “backfilling,” is an attractive restoration option because it restores marsh, prevents future wetland loss, and is cost effective. The restoration of 30 canals backfilled 20 years ago was examined in this study and compared to restoration success 5 and 10 years after backfilling. Ultimately, the success of backfilling was controlled by the amount of spoil returned to the canal and the position of the canal in the marsh. Up to 95% of the spoil area was restored to marsh when the spoil banks were adequately removed, but only 5% of the spoil area was restored at sites where spoil removal was poor. Restoration of organic matter, bulk density, water content, and plant communities of the former spoil areas was also constrained by the adequacy of spoil removal. Backfilling restored up to 90% of the organic matter, 92% of the bulk density, and 93% of the water content after 20 years at sites where spoil was properly removed. Canals backfilled in areas of intact marsh showed greater restoration success than canals backfilled in highly degraded marshes. This study indicates that the benefits of backfilling continue to increase over time, although complete restoration will take longer than 20 years. Improving the completeness of spoil removal, coupled with appropriate site selection, could speed up the restoration process and enhance the success of future backfilling projects.
Assessment of Potential Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) (Family: Lycanidae) Reintroduction Sites in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Chan Pak Kin , Packer Laurence 
Published: December 2006

Abstract Although species reintroduction is useful as both an integral part and a performance indicator of habitat restoration, it is not a risk‐free process. Evaluation of potential reintroduction sites is often crucially important in reducing chances of failure. Despite its importance, there is no standard way to do so. This study applied a systematic scheme to evaluate five potential reintroduction sites for the endangered Karner Blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis Nabokov) in Ontario, Canada, by looking at both biotic and abiotic aspects. Field data were collected in 2003 from these sites, and three potential founder butterfly sites in the United States. We used data collected from the U.S. sites to determine the minimum standards for ecological requirements of the Karner Blue. Data from the Ontario sites were then compared against these standards. The results show that all five potential reintroduction sites are of lower quality, at least in certain aspects, compared with the three potential founder butterfly sites. This implies that success is not guaranteed if the Karner Blue is reintroduced into these sites under current habitat conditions. Further site restoration is required and should focus on the shortcomings identified for individual sites in this study. The lessons from this study are useful for potential reintroduction site assessment in other restoration projects because they reveal whether the sites are ready for species reintroduction and, if not, how they need to be improved.
Prioritization of Target Areas for Rehabilitation: A Case Study from West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Marjokorpi Antti , Otsamo Riikka 
Published: December 2006

Abstract To rehabilitate degraded forestlands and conserve the remaining forests in Kalimantan, effective measures are needed that accommodate various land uses in the landscape. We present a pragmatic model for prioritizing target areas for rehabilitation and discuss a potential approach, combining traditional reforestation and the forest management methods of local Dayak tribes with the operations of a commercial tree plantation venture, to promote the rehabilitation of elements of the tropical lowland rainforest. We characterized the vegetation and land use in the study area and assume that rehabilitation and conservation value will be maximized by concentrating rehabilitation efforts around forest patches with high cultural and economic value to the local Dayaks. We simulated potential enlargement of these culturally important forests and built a model to calculate a rehabilitation value for each forest fragment and fragment group with easily measurable criteria of vegetation and area. The model gives priority to areas where large continuous areas of culturally important forests already exist and/or will be created. The individual culturally important forest patches and their total area in the landscape are small, but even a small potential enlargement may be enough to establish relatively large concentrations. The potential matrix area for rehabilitation is dominated by young successional woody vegetation. Forested areas, although heavily degraded, connect several culturally important forest concentrations and are the most desirable target for rehabilitation. A well‐managed commercial tree plantation can enhance conditions for the protection and rehabilitation of degraded forestlands through traditional reforestation and forest management methods.
Olive baboon (Papio anubis anubis) as a model for intrauterine research
Authors: Chai D. , Cuneo S. , Falconer H. , Mwenda J.M. , D'Hooghe T. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackground  The Olive baboon is a popular animal model for reproductive and surgical research. The Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya, has been using the animal for reproductive research for many years. In the baboon, compared with other smaller non‐human primates, it is possible to insert uterine probes such as, catheters, curettes and other linear instruments (to cannulate cervix for uterine procedures like flushing, endometrium biopsy, embryo transfer, etc.).Methods  However we noticed in a few animals this was difficult and problematic, particularly in some stages of the menstrual cycle, in retroverted uteri, in extensive adhesions or in some anatomically unique animals and we have developed a technique called ‘Chai technique’ for this purpose.Results and Conclusions  The Chai technique is unique to the baboon and not possible in human. It does not seem to cause injuries as frequently as uterine perforation and, in our experience, has been surprisingly successful.
Prevention of zona hardening in non‐human primate oocytes cultured in protein‐free medium
Authors: VandeVoort Catherine A. , Hung Pei‐hsuan , Schramm R.D. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackground Development of a protein‐free medium for in vitro maturation of oocytes that prevents zona hardening is essential for the study of components that affect the maturation process.Methods Immature macaque oocytes were cultured in modified CMRL medium with serum protein or without protein [with or without polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)] for 24 hours.Results Sperm penetration of oocytes cultured for 24 hours prior to insemination was poor in CMRL medium alone, but was dramatically improved in CMRL medium with the addition of either PVA or BCS. In the second experiment, in vivo matured oocytes were cultured in CMRL with PVA or serum for 6 hours prior to insemination. The incidence of fertilization and embryo development to the blastocyst stage were similar in CMRL with PVA.Conclusions These results indicate that fertilization failure occurs when macaque oocytes are cultured in medium without protein, but can be prevented with PVA.
Susceptibility of type 2 diabetic mice to low‐virulence bacterial infection: induction of abscess formation by gingipain‐deficientPorphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Ishihara Y. , Anan H. , Yoneda M. , Maeda K. , Hirofuji T. 
Published: December 2006

Background and Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is considered an important risk factor of adult periodontitis. However, recent studies have revealed that the subgingival microbial flora of diabetes mellitus patients does not differ from that of healthy individuals. In this study, we examined the response of type 2 diabetes mellitus hosts to low‐virulence bacteria in a murine abscess model.Material and Methods: Porphyromonas gingivalisATCC 33277 or KDP128 (rgpA rgpB kgp) were injected into two mouse strains – C57BL/6J and its derivative, KK/AY, which becomes diabetic spontaneously.Results: Lesions of KK/AYmice injected with either low‐virulenceP. gingivalisKDP128 or wild‐type 33277 were significantly larger than those of C57BL/6J mice injected with the same strains. Histologically, more neutrophils and macrophages migrated to the lesions in the KK/AYmice injected withP. gingivalis33277 and KDP128 compared with those of C57BL/6J mice injected with the same respective strains.Conclusion: These results suggest that severe inflammation is observed in response to low‐virulence bacteria in addition to the highly virulent bacteria in type 2 diabetes mellitus hosts.
Leptin levels in gingival crevicular fluid in periodontal health and disease
Authors: Karthikeyan B. V. , Pradeep A. R. 
Published: December 2006

Background and Objective:  A high concentration of leptin is associated with healthy gingival tissue, and the concentration of leptin decreases as periodontal disease progresses. However, to date, the leptin concentration in gingival crevicular fluid has not been documented. Hence, the present study was carried out to explore the presence of leptin in gingival crevicular fluid in periodontal health and disease, and to probe further into its possible role in periodontal disease progression.Material and Methods:  A total of 45 adult patients were selected, based on their body mass index, for the study. They were categorized into three groups of 15 patients each, based on their periodontal tissue status, as follows: group I (clinically healthy gingiva with no loss of attachment); group II (chronic gingivitis with no loss of attachment); and group III (chronic periodontitis). Gingival crevicular fluid samples of 1 µL were collected extracrevicularly using white color‐coded 1–5 µL calibrated volumetric microcapillary pipettes from one site in each person, and samples were analyzed for leptin using a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.Results:  The concentration of leptin in gingival crevicular fluid of patients in group I (2292.69 pg/mL) was statistically higher (p < 0.05) than in those of groups II (1409.95 pg/mL) and III (1071.89 pg/mL). This suggests a negative correlation of gingival crevicular fluid leptin concentration with clinical attachment loss (p < 0.05).Conclusion:  As periodontal tissue destruction increased, there was a substantial decrease in gingival crevicular fluid leptin concentration. This observation extends our knowledge of the protective role of leptin in periodontal health.
Comparison of experimental gingivitis with persistent gingivitis: differences in clinical parameters and cytokine concentrations
Authors: Deinzer R. , Weik U. , Kolb‐Bachofen V. , Herforth A. 
Published: December 2006

Background and Objective:  Experimental gingivitis has been studied extensively as a well‐controlled laboratory model of gingivitis. It is unclear, however, how experimental gingivitis compares with persistent plaque and gingivitis in more naturalistic settings. The present study compares both conditions in a randomized controlled design.Material and Methods:  Twenty‐six students suffering from plaque and gingivitis were randomly assigned to either a persistent gingivitis or an experimental gingivitis condition. Subjects with persistent gingivitis continued their habitual (i.e. insufficient) oral hygiene behaviour, resulting in persistence of plaque and gingivitis. Experimental gingivitis consisted of initial prophylaxis and subsequent total neglect of oral hygiene. Crevicular interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐8 and clinical data were assessed weekly.Results:  After 4 wk, subjects with experimental gingivitis showed significantly more plaque accumulation (p = 0.005), higher interleukin‐1β (p = 0.037), and lower interleukin‐8 (p = 0.043) concentrations than subjects with persistent gingivitis. Whereas in experimental gingivitis we observed considerable fluctuations in clinical and immunological parameters over the 4‐wk period, persistent gingivitis was characterized by little fluctuation, indicating that we were monitoring an inflammatory steady state.Conclusion:  The data indicate that conditions observed after 4 wk of experimental gingivitis are not comparable with persistent gingival inflammation in a naturalistic setting. Results are discussed with respect to current studies, indicating that chronic inflammation may reflect a stage of down‐regulated pro‐inflammatory response.
Adoption of a Ventilator‐Associated Pneumonia Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Abbott Cynthia A. , Dremsa Theresa , Stewart Della W. , Mark Debra D. , Swift Caren C. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTConceptual Framework:The Academic Center for Evidence‐based Practice (ACE) Star Model was used to implement an evidence‐based clinical practice guideline (CPG) in order to decrease ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) incidence rates and ventilator days. The goal was to interrupt person‐to‐person transmission of bacteria and bacterial colonization using low‐cost, evidence‐based strategies to prevent VAP.Discovery:Two geographically proximate medical centers, inclusive of five intensive care units located in the southwestern region of the United States had significant variations in their VAP rates.Evidence summary:Using the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force grading criteria, the results of 69 studies were used to establish a clinical practice guideline to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia.Translation:A clinical practice guideline was developed for the prevention of VAP and included five nursing activities: (a) head‐of‐bed elevation; (b) oral care; (c) ventilator tubing condensate removal; (d) hand hygiene; and (e) glove use. The effect of the CPG, inclusive of an educational intervention, was measured using an observational, prospective, quasi‐experimental design.Integration:A multidisciplinary education team developed a self‐learning packet, educational materials, and storyboards for the staff as dissemination strategies. Strategies also included e‐mail, one‐on‐one teaching with clinicians, and feedback on guideline adoption and VAP rate reports.Evaluation:Observation data were collected to evaluate adoption of the CPG while caring for 106 ventilated patients. VAP rates changed at both hospitals although the change was not statistically significant. Additionally, the ICU length of stay declined at both facilities, causing cost savings.Discussion:These results support the idea that adoption of evidence‐based practices contributes to decreased VAP rates. For a successful program, ICU leaders should emphasize strategies that routinize adoption of evidence‐based CPGs.
Understanding Work Contextual Factors: A Short‐Cut to Evidence‐Based Practice?
Authors: Wallin Lars , Ewald Uwe , Wikblad Karin , Scott‐Findlay Shannon , Arnetz Bengt B. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT Background: It has become increasingly clear that workplace contextual factors make an important contribution to provider and patient outcomes. The potential for health care professionals of using research in practice is also linked to such factors, although the exact factors or mechanisms for enhancing this potential are not understood. From a perspective of implementing evidence‐based nursing practice, the authors of this article report on a study examining contextual factors. Aim: The objective of this study was to identify predictors of organizational improvement by measuring staff perceptions of work contextual factors. Method: The Quality Work Competence questionnaire was used in a repeated measurement survey with a 1‐year break between the two periods of data collection. The sample consisted of 134 employees from four neonatal units in Sweden. Findings: Over the study period significant changes occurred among staff perceptions, both within and between units, on various factors. Changes in staff perceptions on skills development and participatory management were the major predictors of enhanced potential of overall organizational improvement. Perceived improvement in skills development and performance feedback predicted improvement in leadership. Change in commitment was predicted by perceived decreases in work tempo and work‐related exhaustion. Conclusions and Implications: These findings indicate the potential for organizational improvement by developing a learning and supportive professional environment as well as by involving staff in decision‐making at the unit level. Such initiatives are also likely to be of importance for enhanced use of research in practice and evidence‐based nursing. On the other hand, high levels of work tempo and burnout appear to have negative consequences on staff commitment for improving care and the work environment. A better understanding of workplace contextual factors is necessary for improving the organizational potential of getting research into practice and should be considered in future implementation projects.