bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diurnal, seasonal and annual variation in net ecosystem CO2 exchange of an alpine shrubland on Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau
Authors: ZHAO LIANG , LI YINGNIAN , XU SHIXIAO , ZHOU HUAKUN , GU SONG , YU GUIRUI , ZHAO XINQUAN 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThus far, grassland ecosystem research has mainly been focused on low‐lying grassland areas, whereas research on high‐altitude grassland areas, especially on the carbon budget of remote areas like the Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau is insufficient. To address this issue, flux of CO2 were measured over an alpine shrubland ecosystem (37°36′N, 101°18′E; 325 above sea level [a. s. l.]) on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, China, for 2 years (2003 and 2004) with the eddy covariance method. The vegetation is dominated by formation Potentilla fruticosa L. The soil is Mol–Cryic Cambisols. To interpret the biotic and abiotic factors that modulate CO2 flux over the course of a year we decomposed net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) into its constituent components, and ecosystem respiration (Reco). Results showed that seasonal trends of annual total biomass and NEE followed closely the change in leaf area index. Integrated NEE were −58.5 and −75.5 g C m−2, respectively, for the 2003 and 2004 years. Carbon uptake was mainly attributed from June, July, August, and September of the growing season. In July, NEE reached seasonal peaks of similar magnitude (4–5 g C m−2 day−1) each of the 2 years. Also, the integrated night‐time NEE reached comparable peak values (1.5–2 g C m−2 day−1) in the 2 years of study. Despite the large difference in time between carbon uptake and release (carbon uptake time < release time), the alpine shrubland was carbon sink. This is probably because the ecosystem respiration at our site was confined significantly by low temperature and small biomass and large day/night temperature difference and usually soil moisture was not limiting factor for carbon uptake. In general, Reco was an exponential function of soil temperature, but with season‐dependent values of Q10. The temperature‐dependent respiration model failed immediately after rain events, when large pulses of Reco were observed. Thus, for this alpine shrubland in Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau, the timing of rain events had more impact than the total amount of precipitation on ecosystem Reco and NEE.
Effects of grazing intensity on soil carbon stocks following deforestation of a Hawaiian dry tropical forest
Authors: ELMORE ANDREW J. , ASNER GREGORY P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe effects of forest‐to‐pasture conversion on soil carbon (C) stocks depend on a combination of climatic and management factors, but factors that relate to grazing intensity are perhaps the least understood. To understand the long‐term impact of grazing in converted pastures, methods are needed that accurately measure the impact of grazing on recent plant inputs to soil C in a variety of pasture management and climate settings. Here, we present an analysis from Hawai'i of changes in vegetation structure and soil organic carbon (SOC) along gradients of grazing intensity and elevation in pastures converted from dry tropical forest 100 years ago. We used hyperspectral remote sensing of photosynthetic vegetation, nonphotosynthetic vegetation (NPV) and exposed substrate to understand the effects of grazing on plant litter cover, thus, estimating recent plant inputs to soils (the NPV component). Forest‐to‐pasture conversion caused a shift from C3 to C4 plant physiology, thus the δ13C method was used in soil cores to measure the fraction of SOC accumulated from pasture vegetation sources following land conversion. SOC decreased in pasture by 5–9 kg C m−2, depending upon grazing intensity. SOC derived from C3 (forest) sources was constant across the grazing gradient, indicating that the observed variation in SOC was attributable to changes in C inputs following deforestation. Soil C stocks were also reduced in pastures relative to forest soils. We found that long‐term grazing lowers SOC following Hawaiian forest‐to‐pasture conversion, and that these changes are larger in magnitude that those occurring with elevation (climate). Further we demonstrate a relationship between remotely sensed measurements of surface litter and field SOC measurements, allowing for regional analysis of pasture condition and C storage where limited field data are available.
Empathy, inclusion and enclaves: the culture of care of people with HIV/AIDS and nursing implications
Authors: Hodgson Ian 
Published: July 2006

Aim.  This paper reports an empirical research study investigating specific features of the culture of care on a specialized unit supporting people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).Background.  The anxiety felt by healthcare workers coming into contact with people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) has been recognized in numerous studies. There is often an amplified notion of threat and a worldview fuelled by stereotypes, which inevitably leads to negative attitudes and stigmatization.Methods.  An ethnographic approach was used, including a 14‐month period of observation and 31 semistructured interviews. The data were collected during 2000 and 2001 in a large teaching hospital in the United Kingdom.Findings.  Carers working on this unit who regularly contributed to the care of this client group had a broad range of experience and in many cases had chosen to work in the field. They worked within a social context that had a high level of egalitarianism, a view of PLWHA that appeared more positive and less pejorative than others, and a strongly empathetic approach accompanied by close engagement with the client group.Conclusion.  Using nursing staff specially prepared for the care of PLWHA could be the most effective way to minimize stigma and discrimination against this client group in the healthcare sector.
Explaining inequalities in access to treatment in lung cancer
Authors: Jack Ruth H. , Gulliford Martin C. , Ferguson Jamie , Møller Henrik 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground  Geographical inequalities in lung cancer treatment and patient survival have been described. We hypothesized that lung cancer patients’ access to treatment may be influenced by deprivation and the pathway to care.Methods  Case notes were reviewed for patients resident in south‐east London who were registered with lung cancer at the Thames Cancer Registry in 1998. Use of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or any specific treatment and one‐year survival were examined. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, histology, stage and basis of diagnosis.Results  Data for 695 out of 958 (73%) patients were analysed. Subjects who were initially referred to a specialist in thoracic medicine, surgery or oncology were more likely to receive active treatment (71%) than subjects who were referred to other consultants (51%) or who were admitted as emergencies (42%) (P < 0.0001).Conclusion  Socio‐economic deprivation was associated with lower rates of treatment and this partly explained variations in survival. Subjects who were referred to specialists were more likely to receive active treatment and treatment patterns varied between first trust attended.
The Learning Practice Inventory: diagnosing and developing Learning Practices in the UK
Authors: Rushmer Rosemary K. , Kelly Diane , Lough Murray , Wilkinson Joyce E. , Greig Gail J. , Davies Huw T. O. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground and setting  This paper outlines the development of a diagnostic tool to help Primary Care general practitioner (GP) Practices diagnose the extent to which they are developing effective techniques for collective learning and if their Practice culture supports innovation. This project is undertaken by the University of St Andrews and NHS Education for Scotland.Methods  Based on Learning Organization and Organizational Learning theory, and using a modified Behaviourally Anchored Rating Scale, the Learning Practice Inventory (LPI) identifies attitudes, behaviours, processes, systems and organizational arrangements associated with being a Learning Practice. The LPI is a self‐assessment, fixed‐choice, survey‐feedback tool that surveys all Practice members.Results  The survey‐feedback tool empowers Practice members to view, assess and prioritize the developments they wish to make collectively to Practice life. The LPI assumes complexity and non‐linearity in change processes, used longitudinally it tracks the impact of change on Practice life through time. Practitioners and Practices involved in its development give favourable feedback on the tool, and its potential usefulness.Discussion  This contributes to our wider understanding in three main ways: first, it applies the ideas of Learning Organizations and Organizational Learning to health care settings. Second, as a practical advance, the tool assumes complexity, non‐linearity and systemic knock‐on effects during change in Primary Care. Third, it offers practitioners who work together the opportunity to share knowledge and learning in practical ways helping them to change by themselves and for themselves and their patients.
Mode of attachment and lesions associated with trypanorhynch cestodes in the gastrointestinal tracts of two species of sharks collected from coastal waters of Borneo
Authors: Borucinska J D , Caira J N 
Published: July 2006

AbstractLesions associated with two species of tapeworms within the digestive tract of wild‐caught specimens of the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas, and the sicklefin weasel shark, Hemigaleus microstoma, from Malaysian Borneo are described. Portions of the glandular stomach and pyloric gut with parasites were removed and fixed in 10% formalin buffered in sea water. Whole mounts, histological sections of tissues with and without worms in situ, and scanning electron microscopy images of detached worms were examined. Both species of cestodes belonged to the trypanorhynch family Tentaculariidae. Heteronybelinia estigmena was found in large numbers parasitizing the pyloric gut of C. leucas; an unidentified tentaculariid was found in relatively small numbers in both the glandular stomach and pyloric gut of H. microstoma. Both species burrowed their scoleces deeply in the mucosa and attached via hooked tentacles and unciniform microtriches of the scolex. The lesions induced by the parasites were marked in both sharks and ranged from acute necrotizing to chronic granulomatous gastroenteritis. Regenerative hyperplasia and intestinal metaplasia of gastric epithelium were also present. The severity and character of pathology was causally linked to the intensity of infection, the attachment mode of the parasites, and to the anatomophysiological relationships within the gut of the host shark.
Supporting parents of youths with intellectual disabilities and psychopathology
Authors: Douma J. C. H. , Dekker M. C. , Koot H. M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground  Parents of children and adolescents with both intellectual disabilities (ID) and psychopathology often experience high levels of parenting stress. To support these parents, information is required regarding the types of support they need and whether their needs are met.Method  In a sample of 745 youths (aged 10–24 years) with moderate to borderline ID, 289 parents perceived emotional and/or behavioural problems in their child. They were asked about their needs for support and whether these needs were met. Logistic regression analysis revealed the variables associated with both needing and receiving specific types of support. In addition, we asked those parents who had refrained from seeking support about their reasons.Results  Most parents (88.2%) needed some supports, especially a friendly ear, respite care, child mental health care and information. Parents who perceived both emotional and behavioural problems in their child needed support the most. In addition, parents whose child had any of these problems before the past year, who worried most about their child and suffered from psychopathology themselves, more often needed support. Parents of children with moderate ID or physical problems especially needed ‘relief care’, that is, respite care, activities for the child and practical/material help. The need for a friendly ear was met most often (75.3%), whereas the need for parental counselling was met least often (35.5%). Not receiving support despite having a need for it was primarily related to the level of need. Parents who indicated to have a stronger need for support received support more often than parents who had a relatively low need for support. The parents’ main reasons for not seeking support concerned their evaluation of their child’s problems (not so serious or temporary), not knowing where to find support or wanting to solve the problems themselves first.Conclusions  Most parents had various support needs that were frequently unmet. Service providers should especially aim at providing information, activities, child mental health care and parental counselling. Furthermore, parents need to be informed about where and how they can obtain what kind of support. A case manager can be of help in this.
Co‐infection of malaria with HIV: an immunological perspective
Authors: RÉNIA L. , POTTER S. M. 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Plasmodium parasites are pathogens that induce significant perturbation and activation of the immune system. Due to their geographical overlap, there have been concerns that co‐infection with the two pathogens may be a factor in the modification of their development, and in the severity and rate of disease progression that they induce. In this article, we have reviewed some of the studies that have addressed this topic and we have tried to provide immunological mechanisms to explain these potential interactions.
A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine in Gambian multigravidae
Authors: Mbaye A. , Richardson K. , Balajo B. , Dunyo S. , Shulman C. , Milligan P. , Greenwood B. , Walraven G. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWe investigated the ability of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine to prevent anaemia and low birthweight in Gambian multigravidae. Between July 2002 and February 2004, 2688 multigravidae living in a rural area of The Gambia received SP (1346 women) or placebo (1342 women) up to four times during pregnancy and were followed until 6‐weeks post‐partum. Shortly after delivery, 10.7% of women in the intervention group and 8.8% in the control group were severely anaemic [Hb < 7 g/dl, risk difference = 0.02 (95% CI −0.01, 0.04), P = 0.17]. The overall mean birthweight of infants born to women who had received SP (3103 g) was very similar to that observed in infants born to women in the control group [3075 g; difference = 28 g (95% CI −11 g, 67 g), P = 0.16]. However, among women who did not use a bednet (either insecticide treated or untreated), infants born to women who had received SP weighed more than infants born to women in the control group [3147 g vs. 3044 g; difference 143 g (95% CI 53 g, 232 g), interaction test P < 0.001]. This study did not show that IPTp with SP benefited Gambian multigravidae overall but that it may benefit a sub‐group of women who do not use a bednet. In areas such as The Gambia, provision of insecticide‐treated bednets to multigravidae may provide an adequate means of protection against malaria in pregnancy without the need for additional IPTp.
Reduction in the prevalence and intensity of infection in Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae according to ethnicity and community after 8 years of ivermectin treatment on the island of Bioko, Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Mas J. , Ascaso C. , Escaramis G. , Abellana R. , Duran E. , Sima A. , Sánchez M. J. , Nkogo P. R. , Nguema R. , Untoria M. D. , Echeverria M. A. , Ardevol M. M. , De Jiménez Anta M. T. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBioko is the only island known in the world with endemic onchocerciasis. The island's rural communities consist of villages and cocoa plantations inhabited by Bubi and Fang ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 8 years of vertical ivermectin distribution on the prevalence and intensity of Onchocerca volvulus infection in the rural population by means of pre‐ (1989) and post‐long term treatment (1998) epidemiological surveys. In both surveys, the entire population of 12 randomly selected communities (1723 and 1082 individuals) was examined. The mean ivermectin therapeutic coverage for the 8 years was 53.2%. Iliac crest skin snips were used for differential diagnosis between O. volvulus and Mansonella streptocerca. The crude O. volvulus infection prevalence before ivermectin intervention was 74.5% (1284/1723); after the intervention it was 38.4% (415/1082). The Community Microfilarial Load (CMFL) before and after ivermectin intervention was 28.29 microfilariae/snip vs. 2.32 microfilariae/snip. The reduction in prevalence and CMFL after eight annual rounds of ivermectin treatment corroborates the drug microfilaricidal activity and good tolerability. In the pre‐treatment survey, the prevalence was higher in the Bubi group (77.1%, 1126/1461); post‐treatment it was higher among the Fang (51.1%, 92/180). The reduction in prevalence and intensity of O. volvulus infection differed between ethnic groups and communities.
Mortality rates in conflict zones in Karen, Karenni, and Mon states in eastern Burma
Authors: Lee Thomas J. , Mullany Luke C. , Richards Adam K. , Kuiper Heather K. , Maung Cynthia , Beyrer Chris 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjectives  To estimate mortality rates for populations living in civil war zones in Karen, Karenni, and Mon states of eastern Burma.Methods  Indigenous mobile health workers providing care in conflict zones in Karen, Karenni, and Mon areas of eastern Burma conducted cluster sample surveys interviewing heads of households during 3‐month time periods in 2002 and 2003 to collect demographic and mortality data.Results  In 2002 health workers completed 1290 household surveys comprising 7496 individuals. In 2003, 1609 households with 9083 members were surveyed. Estimates of vital statistics were as follows: infant mortality rate: 135 (95% CI: 96–181) and 122 (95% CI: 70–175) per 1000 live births; under‐five mortality rate: 291 (95% CI: 238–348) and 276 (95% CI: 190–361) per 1000 live births; crude mortality rate: 25 (95% CI: 21–29) and 21 (95% CI: 15–27) per 1000 persons per year.Conclusions  Populations living in conflict zones in eastern Burma experience high mortality rates. The use of indigenous mobile health workers provides one means of measuring health status among populations that would normally be inaccessible due to ongoing conflict.
A retrospective analysis of case series using home‐prepared and chicken hydrolysate diets in the diagnosis of adverse food reactions in 181 pruritic dogs
Authors: Loeffler Anette , Soares‐Magalhaes Ricardo , Bond Ross , Lloyd David H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this retrospective study was to compare home‐prepared and chicken hydrolysate diets in the diagnosis of canine adverse food reactions (AFR). Seventy‐two dogs were fed home‐prepared diets and 109 were fed hydrolysate. Owners chose the type of diet at presentation, and ingredients of home‐prepared diets were selected depending on each dog's dietary history. Ectoparasitic infestations and microbial infections were treated during the trials. Cutaneous and gastrointestinal signs and pruritus scores were recorded before starting the diet, 6 weeks into the trials and after provocation with the original diets. AFR was diagnosed if pruritus resolved during the trial and recurred on dietary provocation. The dropout rate was lower for home‐prepared diets although not statistically significant (18.1% home prepared; 24.7% hydrolysate,P = 0.377). AFR alone was diagnosed in 10 dogs (17%) using home‐prepared diets and in 15 (18.3%) fed the hydrolysate. Gastrointestinal problems were more frequent in dogs with AFR than in dogs without AFR (P = 0.001). Another 11 dogs (18.6%) in the home‐prepared diet group and 20 (24.4%) in the hydrolysate diet group had AFR concurrent with other pruritic diseases, mainly atopy. The similar frequencies of AFR diagnosis in the two groups (P = 0.837 AFR;P = 0.416 concurrent AFR) indicate that the chicken hydrolysate diet may be a valuable alternative to home‐prepared diets in the diagnosis of canine AFR. Prospective cross‐over studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Management of canine atopic dermatitis using the plant extract PYM00217: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study
Authors: Ferguson Ewan A. , Littlewood Janet D. , Carlotti Didier‐Noël , Grover Rob , Nuttall Tim 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis study evaluated PYM00217, a proprietary blend of plant extracts, in the management of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). One hundred and twenty dogs were diagnosed with perennial AD on the basis of history, clinical signs, a positive test for perennial allergens and elimination of other dermatoses. Exclusion criteria included antimicrobials within 7 days, antihistamines within 14 days, oral/topical glucocorticoids or ciclosporin within 28 days, and parenteral glucocorticoids, essential fatty acids or immunotherapy within 56 days. Flea control, shampoos and ear cleaners were permitted. Dogs with a minimum canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI) of 25 were randomly allocated to receive PYM00217 (100, 200 or 400 mg kg−1 day−1) or placebo for 12 weeks. The mean reductions in CADESI (intention‐to‐treat population) were 3.9% (placebo; n = 29), 4.4% (100 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 30), 23.4% (200 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 29) and 8.5% (400 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 29). The reduction in the 200 mg kg−1 day−1 group was significant (P < 0.01). For dogs with a baseline CADESI ≥ 50, the mean changes were +10.6% (placebo; n = 12), +0.6% (100 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 14), −29.3% (200 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 14) and −3.4% (400 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 15). The 200 mg kg−1 day−1 dose was significantly more effective than placebo (P = 0.038). No serious adverse effects were reported. Minor adverse effects seen in 10% (placebo and 100 mg kg−1 day−1), 24% (200 mg kg−1 day−1) and 42% (400 mg kg−1 day−1) of cases were mainly minor gastrointestinal disorders and only five cases required cessation of dosing. Two dogs (one in each of the 100 mg kg−1 day−1 and 200 mg kg−1 day−1 groups) refused to eat the medicated food. In conclusion, PYM00217 at 200 mg kg−1 appears to be an effective, palatable and well‐tolerated treatment for canine AD.
Dormancy cycle and viability of buried seeds of Papaver rhoeas
Authors: CIRUJEDA A , RECASENS J , TABERNER A 
Published: July 2006

SummarySeeds of three Spanish Papaver rhoeas populations (two resistant to both tribenuron‐methyl and 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and one susceptible to both herbicides) were buried at 2, 8 and 20 cm depth in Lleida (Catalonia, Spain). At various intervals up to 77 months they were exhumed and tested for germination in an agar medium and for viability in a tetrazolium test. A similar annual dormancy cycle was found for each population in 3 years. Maximum germination occurred between September and December. Practically no seeds germinated between February and May. Burial depth influenced the germination cycle in the first 16 months after burial, and higher germination was found to occur in the seeds that were buried at 2 or 8 cm, but no consistent effect was observed thereafter. In a second study, burial depth had no effect on the loss of dormancy of P. rhoeas seeds in the first 2 months after burial. Viability of the buried seeds decreased slowly throughout the 77‐month experimental period and, at the end of this period, it was 53, 72 and 61% for seeds buried 2, 8 and 20 cm respectively. No significant differences were observed between the three populations.