bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Policy analysis for tropical marine reserves: challenges and directions
Authors: Rudd Murray A , Tupper Mark H , Folmer Henk , Van Kooten G C 
Published: December 2004

AbstractMarine reserves are considered to be a central tool for marine ecosystem‐based management in tropical inshore fisheries. The arguments supporting marine reserves are often based on both the nonmarket values of ecological amenities marine reserves provide and the pragmatic cost‐saving advantages relating to reserve monitoring and enforcement. Marine reserves are, however, only one of a suite of possible policy options that might be used to achieve conservation and fisheries management objectives, and have rarely been the focus of rigorous policy analyses that consider a full range of economic costs and benefits, including the transaction costs of management. If credible analyses are not undertaken, there is a danger that current enthusiasm for marine reserves may wane as economic performance fails to meet presumed potential. Fully accounting for the value of ecological services flowing from marine reserves requires consideration of increased size and abundance of focal species within reserve boundaries, emigration of target species from reserves to adjacent fishing grounds, changes in ecological resilience, and behavioural responses of fishers to spatially explicit closures. Expanding policy assessments beyond standard cost–benefit analysis (CBA) also requires considering the impact of social capital on the costs of managing fisheries. In the short term, the amount of social capital that communities possess and the capacity of the state to support the rights of individuals and communities will affect the relative efficiency of marine reserves. Reserves may be the most efficient policy option when both community and state capacity is high, but may not be when one and/or the other is weak. In the longer term, the level of social capital that a society possesses and the level of uncertainty in ecological and social systems will also impact the appropriate level of devolution or decentralization of fisheries governance. Determining the proper balance of the state and the community in tropical fisheries governance will require broad comparative studies of marine reserves and alternative policy tools.
Developing robust frequentist and Bayesian fish stock assessment methods
Authors: Chen Yong , Jiao Yan , Chen Liqiao 
Published: December 2004

AbstractErrors in fitting models to data are usually assumed to follow a normal (or log normal) distribution in fisheries. This assumption is usually used in formulating likelihood functions often required in frequentist and Bayesian stock assessment modelling. Fisheries data are commonly subject to atypical errors, resulting in outliers in stock assessment modelling. Because most stock assessment models are nonlinear and contain multiple variables, it is difficult, if not impossible, to identify outliers by plotting fisheries data alone. Commonly used normal distribution‐based frequentist and Bayesian stock assessment methods are sensitive to outliers, resulting in biased estimates of model parameters that are vital in defining the dynamics of fish stocks and evaluating alternative strategies for fisheries management. Because of the high likelihood of having outliers in fisheries data, frequentist or Bayesian methods robust to outliers are more desirable in fisheries stock assessment. This study reviews three approaches that can be used to develop robust frequentist or Bayesian stock assessment methods. Using simulated fisheries as examples, we demonstrate how these approaches can be used to develop the frequentist and Bayesian stock assessment approaches that are robust to outliers in fisheries data and compare the robust approaches with the commonly used normal distribution‐based approach. The proposed robust approaches provide alternative ways to developing frequentist or Bayesian stock assessment methods.
Learning of foraging skills by fish
Authors: Warburton Kevin 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis chapter outlines the relationships between a number of key factors that influence learning and memory, and illustrates them by reference to studies on the foraging behaviour of fish. Learning can lead to significant improvements in foraging performance in only a few exposures, and at least some fish species are capable of adjusting their foraging strategy as patterns of patch profitability change. There is also evidence that the memory window for prey varies between fish species, and that this may be a function of environmental predictability. Convergence between behavioural ecology and comparative psychology offers promise in terms of developing more mechanistically realistic foraging models and explaining apparently ‘suboptimal’ patterns of behaviour. Foraging decisions involve the interplay between several distinct systems of learning and memory, including those that relate to habitat, food patches, prey types, conspecifics and predators. Fish biologists, therefore, face an interesting challenge in developing integrated accounts of fish foraging that explain how cognitive sophistication can help individual animals to deal with the complexity of the ecological context.
Impact of a Graduate Entry Programme on a Medical School Library service
Authors: Martin Sam 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the use of library facilities by first year undergraduate medical students and Graduate Entry Programme students (GEP). More specifically it tried to determine which library services (if any) were more frequently used by GEP so that this could be taken into account in future Information Services planning. A questionnaire on the use of Library and Information Services was posted to all first year GEP students and undergraduates on the 5‐year course. In addition, user statistics of library entry and borrowing were collated from gate readings and the library Unicorn management system. Overall, GEP students were found to make a greater daily/weekly use of library facilities than undergraduates on the 5‐year course. The facilities most used by both sets of students were essential texts, e‐mail, PCs and study facilities. Computer Aided Learning packages, journals and video facilities were least used. However, on a daily/weekly basis GEP students made 74% more use of journals (P < 0.01), 59% more use of e‐journals (P < 0.05), 36% more use photocopiers (P < 0.05), 42% more use of printers (P < 0.05), 56% more use of the library catalogue (P < 0.05) and 50% more use of databases (P < 0.05). This difference in use should be taken into account by LIS providers as there is expected to be an increase in fast‐track graduate courses offered by medical schools throughout the UK.
Effectiveness of training health professionals in literature search skills using electronic health databases—a critical appraisal
Authors: Garg Anupama , Turtle Kathleen M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe objective was to assess the effect on health professionals’ skills of one to eight hours literature search and retrieval training from electronic health databases. We searched: Cochrane library (2002; Issue 3), medline (1977–2002/5), embase (1980–2002/7); cinahl (1982–2002/5); assia (1982–2002/7), bni (1994–2002/5), eric (1985–2002/6); lisa (1969—current), NRR (2002, Issue 2), the world‐wide‐web and references. The selection criteria consisted of randomised controlled trials, controlled before and after, and controlled cohort studies in comparison with no training. The intervention had to be one to eight hours training in literature search and retrieval skills for health professionals. The outcome was the effect on health professionals’ literature search and retrieval skill levels measured through reliable instruments. For data collection and ana‐lysis, one reviewer extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies and the second reviewer checked it. The results indicate that there is some evidence of positive impact on health professionals’ skill levels in literature searching and they find the training useful. In conclusion, the size of the positive effect is debatable as only three small and methodologically weak studies met the inclusion criteria and out of those only two showed the positive effect.
Effectiveness of cleaning methodologies used for removal of physical, chemical and microbiological residues from produce
Authors: Michaels Barry , Gangar Vidhya , Schattenberg Herb , Blevins Matthew , Ayers Troy 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAn increasing number of disease outbreaks have been associated with produce, while pesticide levels continue to be a safety concern. With increased health awareness, fresh produce consumption has increased. As there is a need for microbial and pesticide removal intervention measures of proven efficacy to maintain confidence in food service produce preparation, a series of experiments were undertaken. Produce cleaning methods were tested by measuring removal of gross dirt, wax and environmental contaminants present on produce surface. Tests were performed on apples, cucumbers and lemons using water wash, produce brush, produce cleaner, produce cleaner with paper towel wipe, and water wash and paper towel wipe. Water rinse and paper towel dry was found superior to all other methods tested. Apples contaminated with a cocktail of pesticides were tested in waxed and unwaxed state. Following cleaning by various methods, including produce wash and produce brush, pesticides on skins were extracted and analyzed to determine concentrations of organophosphorous and organochlorine pesticides. In these experiments, it was shown that any treatment that included wiping with paper towels showed increased effectiveness over similar treatments or controls. Microbial efficacy experiments were performed involving 21 different types of laboratory inoculated produce. Two types of inoculum were employed, Tryptone Soya broth (TSB) and ground beef. After inoculation, produce was cleaned by dry wiping with paper towel, using water wash air dry, water wash paper towel dry or dipped in 200 p.p.m. chlorine dip for either 5 s or 1 min and compared to baseline values. One‐minute dip in 200 p.p.m. chlorine solution was more effective than rinsing and drying with a paper towel when TSB inoculum was used (P < 0.05). The effectiveness of the 200 p.p.m. chlorine dip diminished if ground beef was used as a test inoculum, with water rinse and paper towel providing significantly (P < 0.05) improved results. The efficacy shown by paper towels usage in this diverse set of experiments is based on frictional removal of offending soils.
Energetics of chemolithoautotrophy in the hydrothermal system of Vulcano Island, southern Italy
Authors: Amend Jan P. , Rogers Karyn L. , Shock Everett L. , Gurrieri Sergio , Inguaggiato Salvatore 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe hydrothermal system at Vulcano, Aeolian Islands (Italy), is home to a wide variety of thermophilic, chemolithoautotrophic archaea and bacteria. As observed in laboratory growth studies, these organisms may use an array of terminal electron acceptors (TEAs), including O2, , Fe(III), , elemental sulphur and CO2; electron donors include H2, , Fe2+, H2S and CH4. Concentrations of inorganic aqueous species and gases were measured in 10 hydrothermal fluids from seeps, wells and vents on Vulcano. These data were combined with standard Gibbs free energies () to calculate overall Gibbs free energies (ΔGr) of 90 redox reactions that involve 16 inorganic N‐, S‐, C‐, Fe‐, H‐ and O‐bearing compounds. It is shown that oxidation reactions with O2 as the TEA release significantly more energy (normalized per electron transferred) than most anaerobic oxidation reactions, but the energy yield is comparable or even higher for several reactions in which , or Fe(III) serves as the TEA. For example, the oxidation of CH4 to CO2 coupled to the reduction of Fe(III) in magnetite to Fe2+ releases between 94 and 123 kJ/mol e−, depending on the site. By comparison, the aerobic oxidation of H2 or reduced inorganic N‐, S‐, C‐ and Fe‐bearing compounds generally yields between 70 and 100 kJ/mol e−. It is further shown that the energy yield from the reduction of elemental sulphur to H2S is relatively low (8–19 kJ/mol e−) despite being a very common metabolism among thermophiles. In addition, for many of the 90 reactions evaluated at each of the 10 sites, values of ΔGr tend to cluster with differences < 20 kJ/mol e−. However, large differences in ΔGr (up to ∼ 60 kJ/mol e−) are observed in Fe redox reactions, due largely to considerable variations in Fe2+, H+ and H2 concentrations. In fact, at the sites investigated, most variations in ΔGr arise from differences in composition and not in temperature.
Multiple sulphur isotopic interpretations of biosynthetic pathways: implications for biological signatures in the sulphur isotope record
Authors: Farquhar James , Johnston David T. , Wing Boswell A. , Habicht Kirsten S. , Canfield Donald E. , Airieau Sabine , Thiemens Mark H. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTIsotopic fractionations produced by biosynthetic processes are the result of networks of individual biochemical reactions that operate at differing efficiencies and with distinct fractionation factors. These reaction networks determine the magnitude and direction of the net isotopic fractionation associated with a given process. Here we examine the ways that biological reaction networks control mass‐dependent isotopic fractionations of multiple sulphur isotopes. We describe how material‐flow through some networks can produce characteristic multiple‐sulphur‐isotope signatures that differ from those produced by their constituent steps and demonstrate that experimental results with Archaeaglobus fulgidus can be evaluated using multiple sulphur isotopes in the context of previously published models for dissimilatory sulphate reduction. Our evaluation of these data is consistent with the interpretation that the dependence of sulphur isotope fractionation on external sulphate concentration is rooted in differences between the forward and reverse ↔ adenosine‐5′‐phosphosulphate (APS) ↔ steps. The framework provided by our analysis has the potential to evaluate the biosynthetic pathways that produce the isotopic fractionations, to isolate the primary sources of isotopic fractionations (sulphate reduction or disproportionation reactions) and to establish criteria to identify the signature of specific sulphur metabolisms in the geological record. The results highlight the new types of information that can be obtained by including measurements of δ33S {δ33S = [(33S/32S)sample/(33S/32S)reference − 1]*1000} with measurements of δ34S.
Treatment perspectives for human African trypanosomiasis
Authors: Bouteille Bernard , Oukem Odile , Bisser Sylvie , Dumas Michel 
Published: December 2004

AbstractHuman African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, is currently on the rise. HAT develops in two stages, the first involving the hemolymphatic system, and the second, the neurological system. Left untreated, HAT is invariably fatal. There have been no therapeutic advances in more than 40 years. Stage 1 can be treated with pentamidine and suramin, but stage 2 can only be treated with melarsoprol, a toxic arsenic derivative that has a 2–12% incidence of fatal side‐effects (encephalopathy). Eflornithine has never achieved widespread use because it is difficult to administer under field conditions. Nifurtimox has been used successfully in the treatment of American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, but only in small studies or as a compassionate use treatment. There is little research and development for new drugs in this area: only one prodrug is in the clinical development phase, a pentamidine analog that offers hope for the replacement of injectable pentamidine with an orally administered drug. Current efforts appear to be focused on reevaluating older drugs. A course of treatment with melarsoprol for 10 days at 2.2 mg/kg/day is now in the multicenter evaluation phase. Orally administered eflornithine is also slated for reevaluation. In addition, studies of drug combinations are recommended to determine possible combined or synergistic effects and find ways to reduce toxicity.
Albendazole for the treatment of echinococcosis
Authors: John Horton 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTwenty years after the first cases of echinococcal disease were treated with albendazole, it has become an important component in the overall management of both cystic and alveolar echinococcosis. This paper reviews some of the key steps and issues facing those who work in clinical research and who deal on a day‐to‐day basis with echinococcal disease. In many situations, chemotherapy alone is sufficient, but it is also used as an adjunct to surgery and to minimally invasive approaches to cyst management. While treatment may not be as effective as hoped, attempts to provide new regimens are progressing to increase cure rates further. There is now a greater understanding of the limitations of all approaches, and treatment guidelines as developed by the World Health Organization are now widely followed. As diagnostic tools are ever more widely available, the question as to who should be treated in endemic communities has to be answered.
High Anti‐Helicobacter pylori Antibody Seropositivity Associated with the Combination of IL‐8–251TT and IL‐10–819TT Genotypes
Authors: Hamajima Nobuyuki , Katsuda Nobuyuki , Matsuo Keitaro , Saito Toshiko , Hirose Kaoru , Inoue Manami , Zaki Toshiro Take , Tajima Kazuo , Tominaga Suketami 
Published: December 2004

abstractBackground. Helicobacter pylori induces inflammation of gastric mucosa regulated by several interleukins. This study examined associations between anti‐Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G antibody seropositivity and functional polymorphisms of interleukin‐8 T‐251 A and interleukin‐10 T‐819C.Materials and Methods. The subjects were 454 health check‐up examinees (126 males and 328 females) without a history of cancer, aged 35–85 years, residing in Nagoya, Japan. After written informed consent was obtained individually, residual blood was anonymously applied for anti‐Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G antibody testing and genotyping by the polymerase chain reaction with confronting two‐pair primers.Results. The genotype frequency of interleukin‐8 T‐251 A was 52.2% for TT, 39.5% for TA, and 8.3% for AA, and that of interleukin‐10 T‐819C was 49.5% for TT, 39.9% for TC and 10.6% for CC. Although the differences in the positive rates among the genotypes were not marked, 115 individuals with interleukin‐8–251TT (low expression genotype) and interleukin‐10–819TT (high expression genotype) had a higher rate (63.5%) than the others (52.0%). Relative to the combination of interleukin‐8–251TT and interleukin‐10–819TT, the sex‐age‐adjusted odds ratio for those with the other combinations was 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.98). The adjusted odds ratio among 65 current smokers was 0.13 (0.03–0.61).Conclusions. The observed association suggests that individuals with interleukin‐8–251TT and interleukin‐10–819TT, a combination presumably causing mild inflammation, have a higher probability of the continuing Helicobacter pylori infection, especially among current smokers.
Lafutidine, a Novel Histamine H2‐Receptor Antagonist, vs. Lansoprazole in Combination with Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Isomoto Hajime , Inoue Kenichiro , Furusu Hisashi , Nishiyama Hitoshi , Shikuwa Saburo , Omagari Katsuhisa , Mizuta Yohei , Murase Kunihiko , Murata Ikuo , Kohno Shigeru 
Published: December 2004

abstractBackground. In contrast to the growing amount of data concerning proton pump inhibitor‐based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection, it is still controversial whether proton pump inhibitor can be replaced by H2 receptor antagonist without compromising efficacy. Lafutidine is a novel potent H2 receptor antagonist with gastroprotective activities such as enhancement of gastric mucosal blood flow.Methods. 122 outpatients with positive cultures and subsequent successful cultivation of H. pylori for antimicrobial susceptibility tests were randomized to receive a 7‐day course of either lafutidine (20 mg twice daily) or lansoprazole (30 mg twice daily), plus clarithromycin (200 mg twice daily) and amoxicillin (750 mg twice daily). Eradication was considered successful if the rapid urease test, culture, histology and [13]C‐urea breath test were all negative at least 4 weeks after cessation of therapy. Cytochrome p450 2C19 genotype status using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism was also studied.Results. On intention‐to‐treat basis, H. pylori cure was achieved in 52 of 61 (85.2%) patients and 49 of 61 (80.3%) patients for the lafutidine‐ and lansoprazole‐based therapies, respectively. The predicted 95% confidential intervals for the 4.9% of the difference were −1.8–11.6%. Using per protocol analysis, the eradication rates were 88.2% (52/59) and 84.5% (49/58), respectively. The predicted 95% confidential intervals for the 3.7% of the difference were −2.6–10.0%. Adverse events were observed in five and six patients, from the lafutidine and lansoprazole groups, respectively, but they were generally mild. Genetic predisposition of cytochrome p450 2C19 had no significant influence on treatment outcome in both regimens.Conclusions. The lafutidine‐clarithromycin‐amoxicillin therapy yielded satisfactory results for eradicating H. pylori, which was comparable with those of the lansoprazole‐based regimen with the same drug combination.
Does N‐acetyl Cystein Affect the Sensitivity and Specificity of Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen Test?
Authors: Demirtürk Levent , Yazgan Yusuf , Tarçın Orhan , Özel Melih , Diler Muhittin , Öncül Oral , Yıldırım Şükrü 
Published: December 2004

abstractBackground. N‐acetyl cystein, a mucolytic agent, might make Helicobacter pylori antigens shed more easily to stool, and might therefore contribute to the diagnostic accuracy of the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test. The aim of this study is to investigate if N‐acetyl cystein contributes to the diagnostic accuracy of the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test by increasing the sensitivity and specificity of the test.Materials and Methods. 107 patients were separated into treatment and placebo groups. The AC group (n = 53) was given 5 ml of acetyl cystein (4%) t.i.d. and the Placebo group (n = 54) was given placebo, for 3 days. Helicobacter pylori status was determined by both histology and CLOtest. Stool samples were assayed using a specific ELISA kit for Helicobacter pylori stool antigen.Results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test were 76%, 79%, 90%, 55%, and 77%, respectively, in AC group; and 85%, 89%, 93%, 76% and 86%, respectively, in placebo group.Conclusions. N‐acetyl cystein did not increase, and actually decreased, the sensitivity and specificity of the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test according to our results. We believe that this finding can be taken into consideration when setting up the exclusion criteria for future studies, which will use Helicobacter pylori stool antigen tests.