bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity—The Appreciation of Different Thought Styles and Values Helps to Clarify the Term
Authors: Mayer Philipp 
Published: February 2006

Abstract In restoration ecology the term biodiversity is widely used to define endpoints, to assess restoration needs, and to monitor restoration success. However, the term is far from clear because different uses of it result in ambiguities and misunderstandings. The appreciation of different thought styles, which are types of worldviews, and different values is crucial for a clearer and more consistent understanding of “biodiversity.” Three groups of thought styles with different uses of the term biodiversity can be distinguished. (1) Natural history perceives biodiversity as biotic elements of nature that can be described and classified. (2) Science considers biodiversity as a measurable parameter that is relevant for ecosystem processes and functions. (3) In environmentalism, biodiversity is used in the context of concerns about species extinctions and habitat destructions. Values play a strong role in some perceptions of biodiversity but are negligible in others. Much confusion arises from some people considering biodiversity as something valuable per se and others seeing it as a virtually value‐free parameter for the description of ecosystems. Because of different thought styles and values the term biodiversity should be used as a general concept, not as a specific element of nature. Biodiversity is a framework for the variety of life on Earth. Biodiversity in this sense is not measurable. However, specific features of biodiversity, e.g., the species richness of vascular plants, can be quantified. The selection of these features depends on thought styles and values. This implies that “biodiversity as general concept” should be distinguished from measurable “features of biodiversity.” Explicit declarations of selected biodiversity features, in every case quantities are in the focus, are inevitable for an unambiguous use of the term.
Establishing Baseline Indices for the Quality of the Biodiversity of Restored Habitats Using a Standardized Sampling Process
Authors: Feest Alan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe need for standardized biodiversity assessment methods to enable biodiversity quality to be measured is outlined. A general approach to sampling is suggested. The results of the use of this sampling process are given for two case studies of different taxonomic groups. The data assessment is made easier by the use of a bespoke computer program. Examples of the program output are presented. The advantage of this standardized measurement of biodiversity compared to species lists and the use of indicator species are outlined in the case studies macrofungi and butterflies. It was shown that the biodiversity quality of sites can be compared by the use of a range of measured biodiversity indices in a way that allows sites to be compared through time or between sites/treatments. In one case (butterflies), data that have been collected systematically in a recording scheme have been analyzed retrospectively and yielded valuable information on changes in biodiversity quality. The uses of this method in establishing baselines in restoration ecology are discussed. The importance of restoration ecology in the conservation of biodiversity could be underlined by the use of the methods presented in this article.
An Approach to the Identification of Indicators for Forest Biodiversity—The Solling Mountains (NW Germany) as an Example
Authors: Schmidt Inga , Zerbe Stefan , Betzin Jörg , Weckesser Martin 
Published: February 2006

Abstract In this study, we present an approach for the identification of indicators for biodiversity within forest ecosystems. We analyze the data of stands of pure Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), as well as mixed P. abies–F. sylvatica forests in the Solling mountains (NW Germany). The analysis is based on 683 vegetation samples in total. For different plant groups, that is, vascular plants, bryophytes, Red List species, we investigate species numbers as a parameter of biodiversity. Species numbers are differentiated into three classes to describe low to high diversity. Plots are separately examined for the three different forest types. In order to take the species–area relationship into account, we only use relevés with a plot size of 100 m2. Our approach focuses on the probability to be in a defined range of species numbers, that is, class, if a certain species occurs. For the purpose of facilitating the differentiation of the classes, we use the presence values of species in the classes for further characterization of indicators. Few indicators were found for the low ranges of species numbers. In addition, there were only a small number of species groups and stand types having indicators for all three classes. Various species have multiple indicator functions, e.g., with regard to the investigated species groups. The focus on a few of these multi‐indicators allows a rapid assessment of forest biodiversity. The catalog of indicators resulting from the investigation helps to facilitate and accelerate biodiversity evaluations of forest stands, in particular with regard to nature conservation and the restoration of natural forests.
Short‐Lived Tree Species and Their Role as Indicators for Plant Diversity in the Restoration of Natural Forests
Authors: Kreyer Daria , Zerbe Stefan 
Published: February 2006

Abstract Anthropogenic forests, particularly conifer monocultures, today constitute a large proportion of Central European woodland. Conversion of such forest stands into abundantly structured mixed‐species woodland is within the focus of ecosystem restoration and is considered to affect forest biodiversity. Short‐lived tree species play an important role in such conversion processes and may serve as focal species. However, not much is known about their relationship with forest biodiversity. In this study, the short‐lived tree species, European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia L.), European white birch (Betula pendula Roth), Downy birch (B. pubescens Ehrh.), and Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus P. Mill.), commonly occurring throughout Central Europe, are investigated with regard to their relationship with plant diversity. The focus is on their occurrences in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)–dominated forests in the Northeast German lowlands. A significant increase in vascular plant diversity is revealed in stands with the selected species’ presence, in comparison to stands without them. Increase in plant species numbers is highest where the respective species occurs in the tree and/or shrub layer, compared with their presence only in the herb layer. For bryophyte species, there is a less strong inverse relationship. An analysis of different species groups, such as threatened, woody, and typical forest species of higher plants, reveals no decrease in species numbers in these groups if short‐lived tree species are present. It is concluded that short‐lived tree species can be indicators for plant diversity assessment within forest restoration processes. As to causal explanations, effects of differing site conditions, assessed by use of Ellenberg indicator values, are discussed as well as possible active effects of the tree species changing their environment.
Evaluation of Initial Restoration Measures during the Restoration of Calcareous Grasslands on Former Arable Fields
Authors: Kiehl Kathrin , Thormann Annuschka , Pfadenhauer Jörg 
Published: February 2006

Abstract In 1993, experiments on the restoration of calcareous grasslands on ex‐arable fields were started in order to provide new habitats for species of a small nature reserve with ancient grasslands north of Munich (Germany). The effects of diaspore transfer by the application of seed‐containing hay on vegetation establishment were studied on restoration fields with and without topsoil removal for 5 years. The aim of the study was to assess plant diversity for the evaluation of restoration success by different methods including determination of species with viable seeds in the hay by germination tests, phenological investigations on hay‐transfer source sites at the time of harvest, and vegetation analyses on the restoration sites. Total seed content of the hay and the number and composition of plant species with viable seeds were affected by the time of harvesting and differed between a site which had been used as arable field until 1959 and ancient grassland sites. Nevertheless, the number of established hay‐transfer species showed only few differences between restoration fields. The proportion of species transferred to restoration fields in relation to the number of species with viable seeds in the hay was between 69 and 89%. Five years after the hay transfer, the proportion of the established species was still between 58 and 76%. Up to now, topsoil removal had no significant effect on the number of established hay‐transfer species. After triple hay application the absolute number of transferred grassland species was higher than on sites with single hay application, but restoration efficiency was lower because many of the species with viable seeds in the hay did not establish. In general, our results showed that the transfer of autochthonous hay is a successful method to overcome dispersal limitation in restoration projects.
Effect of Hay Transfer on Long‐Term Establishment of Vegetation and Grasshoppers on Former Arable Fields
Authors: Kiehl Kathrin , Wagner Christian 
Published: February 2006

Abstract The transfer of seed‐containing hay is a restoration measure for the introduction of plant species of local provenance. We investigated the effect of hay transfer on species richness and on long‐term establishment of target plant and grasshopper species on former arable fields with and without topsoil removal in comparison to reference sites in a nature reserve. Plant species richness, the number of target plant species, and Red List plant species were significantly positively affected by hay transfer, both on the scale of whole restoration fields and on permanent plots of 4 m2. Eight years after the start of the restoration, only few of the transferred plant species had disappeared and some target species were newly found. Grasshoppers were affected not by hay transfer but by topsoil removal. The proportion of target grasshopper and plant species and Red List grasshopper species was higher on topsoil removal sites with low standing crop and high cover of bare soil than on sites without soil removal. On topsoil removal sites without hay, however, plant species richness was very low because of the slow natural dispersal of the target species. Vegetation and grasshopper communities still differed between restoration fields and the nature reserve. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the transfer of autochthonous seed‐containing hay is a successful method to establish species‐rich grasslands with a high proportion of target species.
Excitable but Lacking in Energy: Contradictions in the Human Epileptic Hippocampus
Authors: Sills Graeme J. 
Published: February 2006

Extracellular Metabolites in the Cortex and Hippocampus of Epileptic Patients Cavus I, Kasoff WS, Cassaday MP, Jacob R, Gueorguieva R, Sherwin RS, Krystal JH, Spencer DD, Abi-Saab WM Ann Neurol 2005 Feb;57(2):226–235 Interictal brain energy metabolism and glutamate–glutamine cycling are impaired in epilepsy and may contribute to seizure generation. We used the zero-flow microdialysis method to measure the extracellular levels of glutamate, glutamine, and the major energy substrates glucose and lactate in the epileptogenic and the nonepileptogenic cortex and hippocampus of 38 awake epileptic patients during the interictal period. Depth electrodes attached to microdialysis probes were used to identify the epileptogenic and the nonepileptogenic sites. The epileptogenic hippocampus had surprisingly high basal glutamate levels, low glutamine/glutamate ratio, high lactate levels, and indication for poor glucose utilization. The epileptogenic cortex had only marginally increased glutamate levels. We propose that interictal energy deficiency in the epileptogenic hippocampus could contribute to impaired glutamate reuptake and glutamate-glutamine cycling, resulting in persistently increased extracellular glutamate, glial and neuronal toxicity, increased lactate production together with poor lactate and glucose utilization, and ultimately worsening energy metabolism. Our data suggest that a different neurometabolic process underlies the neocortical epilepsies.
Immunohistochemical detection of retinoblastoma protein and E2 promoter‐binding factor‐1 in ameloblastomas
Authors: Kumamoto Hiroyuki , Ooya Kiyoshi 
Published: February 2006

Background:  To clarify the roles of cell cycle regulation in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic tumors, expression of retinoblastoma protein (RB) and E2 promoter‐binding factor‐1 (E2F‐1) was analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as in tooth germs.Methods:  Tissue specimens of 10 tooth germs, 40 benign ameloblastomas, and five malignant ameloblastomas were examined immunohistochemically with the use of antibodies against RB, E2F‐1, and phosphorylated RB. Ki‐67 antigen immunostaining was made as a marker of cell proliferation.Results:  Immunohistochemical reactivity for RB, E2F‐1, phosphorylated RB, and Ki‐67 was detected in the nuclei of odontogenic epithelial cells near the basement membrane in tooth germs and benign and malignant ameloblastomas. The number of cells positive for phosphorylated RB was nearly equal to or slightly less than the number of cells positive for RB or E2F‐1. The number of Ki‐67‐positive cells was slightly more than the numbers of cell positive for RB, E2F‐1, or phosphorylated RB. The levels of immunoreactivity for RB, E2F‐1, phosphorylated RB, and Ki‐67 were slightly higher in benign and malignant ameloblastomas than in tooth germs. Plexiform ameloblastomas showed significantly higher expression of RB than follicular ameloblastomas. Ki‐67 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in ameloblastic carcinomas than in metastasizing ameloblastomas.Conclusion:  Similar immunoreactivity for RB, E2F‐1, phosphorylated RB, and Ki‐67 in tooth germs and ameloblastomas indicated cellular expression of phosphorylated RB and active‐free E2F‐1 in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic tissues. Expression of RB, E2F‐1, and phosphorylated RB was considered to be involved in cell proliferation and differentiation of odontogenic epithelium via control of the cell cycle.
Expression profile of chemokines and chemokine receptors in epithelial cell layers of oral lichen planus
Authors: Ichimura Mana , Hiratsuka Koichi , Ogura Naomi , Utsunomiya Tadahiko , Sakamaki Hiroyuki , Kondoh Toshirou , Abiko Yoshimitsu , Otake Shigeo , Yamamoto Masafumi 
Published: February 2006

Background: To understand the immunopathological features of oral lichen planus (OLP), we analyzed the expression of chemokines in the epithelial cell layers.Methods: Epithelia from OLP or healthy gingiva were collected by laser microdissection. The chemokine and chemokine receptor expressions in the epithelia were analyzed by DNA microarray.Results: High levels of MIP‐3α/LARC/CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 were expressed in the lesional epithelia. Furthermore, DC‐CK1/CCL18, ELC/CCL19, SDF‐1/CXCL12 and CXCR4 expressions were also increased. Immunohistologial analysis showed that high numbers of Langerhans cells (LCs) were present in the epithelia of OLP. Lesional epithelia also expressed high levels of the ligands specific for CXCR3 (e.g. MIG/CXCL9, IP‐10/CXCL10 and I‐TAC/CXCL11) and CCR5 (e.g. RANTES/CCL5).Conclusions: Infiltration of LCs is orchestrated by CCR6. Further, LCs residing in the lesional epithelia may be a mature phenotype. Moreover, infiltration of T cells in OLP could be mediated by signaling pathways through CXCR3 and CCR5.
Discharge planning and patient satisfaction in an emergency short‐stay unit
Authors: Arendts Glenn , MacKenzie John , Lee John K 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectives:  To determine the adequacy of discharge planning from an emergency short‐stay unit (ESSU), and patient knowledge of and satisfaction with the ESSU.Methods:  Prospective follow up of patients discharged from an ESSU using patient surveys and a computerized patient information system, with descriptive and comparative data analysis.Results:  Eighty‐five per cent of respondents stated that they received adequate discharge instruction, and 89% that they benefited from their ESSU admission. However, 29% of patients made unscheduled visits to another medical practitioner post discharge and 9% were readmitted to hospital for the same problem with which they were discharged from the ESSU. Patient satisfaction with all aspects of care in the ESSU was high.Conclusions:  Most patients discharged from an ESSU are provided with adequate discharge instruction, but a sizeable proportion require subsequent medical care for the same problem after discharge. Patient satisfaction with all aspects of care in an ESSU is high.
Anaphylaxis to bull dog ant and jumper ant stings around Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Gilhotra Yuri , Brown Simon GA 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:  To determine the main causative species, reaction characteristics and geographical locations of ant sting anaphylaxis around Perth, Western Australia (WA).Methods:  Structured interviews were performed on a cohort of 10 patients referred to our Anaphylaxis Clinic who were allergic to ant venom, followed by field trips to collect ant specimens. A descriptive analysis of clinical data was performed.Results:  Around Perth, Myrmecia gratiosa, a bull dog ant, was the only species of stinging ant found around the locations where reactions had occurred (eight patients). To the south‐west of Perth, species implicated were another bull dog ant Myrmecia nigriscapa (one patient), and a jumper ant Myrmecia ludlowi (one patient). Twelve reactions were documented as mild (one), moderate (seven) and severe with hypotension (four). In three bull dog ant venom allergic patients, specific IgE was analysed, demonstrating substantial cross‐reactivity with other bull dog ant species. Clinical patterns of reaction severity and response to repeated stings were consistent with known features of insect sting allergy.Conclusions:  A single species of bull dog ant, M. gratiosa, appears to be responsible for ant sting anaphylaxis around Perth. Further investigation is required for other regions of WA. The provision of effective immunotherapies for people allergic to native Australian ants might be simplified by the dominance of a limited number of ant species and IgE binding cross‐reactivity between venoms, as was evident in this study.
Timed Up and Go test is not useful as a discharge risk screening tool
Authors: Walker Katherine J , Bailey Michael , Bradshaw Sally J , Cameron Peter , Dziukas Linas , Maguire Emma K , Smith Catherine J 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:  To determine whether the ‘Timed Up and Go’ (TUG) test is a useful test for predicting re‐attendance at an ED, emergency hospital admission or death within 90 days in elderly patients discharged from the ED.Methods:  This was a prospective blinded cohort study at a tertiary referral ED. Patients completed a TUG test during their Allied Health assessment prior to discharge from the department. After 90 days, patient ED attendances, emergency admissions to hospital or deaths were recorded and confirmed by phone. Data were analysed using logistic regression and reported as odds ratios (OR) or log‐transformation and Pearson analysis.Results:  One hundred patients were enrolled: 78 (78%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 70–86%) patients remained event free, 22 (22%, 95% CI 14–30%) patients re‐attended an ED and 15 (15%, 95% CI 8–22%) were admitted to hospital as an emergency admission. There was no significant difference between TUG test times and whether patients re‐attended an ED (OR 1.0 [0.93–1.06]P = 0.9) or were admitted to hospital (OR 0.99 [0.91–1.07]P = 0.74). There was no significant correlation between a patient's TUG test time and the number of days to ED re‐attendance (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.38 [−0.04 to 0.69]P = 0.08) or admission (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.32 [−0.23 to 0.71]P = 0.25).Conclusion:  This study did not detect any predictive value of the TUG test for ED re‐attendance or hospital admission within 90 days of discharge among aged ED patients.
Use of emergency departments by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Authors: Thomas David P , Anderson Ian PS 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:  To review published Australian literature about ED care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.Method:  Six databases were searched electronically for articles about ED use by Indigenous people in Australia. This strategy was complemented by manual searches of two websites, Emergency Medicine (1994–2004) and three bibliographies.Results:  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples attend EDs about twice as often as other Australians. The waiting times of Indigenous patients are similar to, or slightly shorter than, those of non‐Indigenous patients. However, more Indigenous than other patients choose to walk out before being seen, indicating possibly greater Indigenous dissatisfaction with ED care.Conclusions:  Further conclusions of the present literature review were limited by contradictory results in the few studies of reasonable quality and by general concerns about data quality, especially the poor (but slowly improving) identification of Indigenous people in routine ED data sets. Closer collaboration between ED staff and Indigenous hospital liaison staff, combined with regular monitoring of routinely‐collected ED data, have the potential to improve Indigenous ED care and so contribute to improvements in Indigenous health.
Baclofen overdose: Defining the spectrum of toxicity
Authors: Leung Nicola Y , Whyte Ian M , Isbister Geoffrey K 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectives:  To describe the spectrum of toxicity of baclofen in overdose, and investigate dose‐related clinical effects.Methods:  Consecutive baclofen overdoses were identified from a prospective database of all poisoning admissions presenting to a regional toxicology service. Ingestion was corroborated on more than one occasion and from multiple sources. Demographic, clinical and outcome variables were extracted for each presentation for a retrospective review, and the data sets were divided into high dose (≥200 mg) and low dose (<200 mg) groups for comparison of clinical effects.Results:  There were 23 presentations, of which eight patients ingested baclofen alone. Seizures were reported in four cases, a decreased level of consciousness (GCS < 9) occurred in eight patients and delirium was recorded in eight patients. Five patients had miosis and seven patients had dilated pupils, 13 patients had absent or depressed reflexes. The only arrhythmias were sinus bradycardia in six patients and sinus tachycardia in five. Hypertension occurred in 13 patients and hypotension in one. The reported total ingested dose of baclofen was known in 19 patients (Mean 630 mg, SD 730 mg; 80–2500 mg). A higher ICU admission rate, rate of mechanical ventilation and prolonged length of stay occurred in those ingesting 200 mg or more. Coma, delirium and seizures occurred only with doses of 200 mg or more, and hypertension was more common with higher doses.Conclusions:  Baclofen overdose causes mainly neurological effects and excepting hypertension cardiovascular effects were uncommon. Doses greater than 200 mg were predictive of patients developing delirium, coma and seizures, requiring long hospital admissions and ICU admission.