bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isopower maps of the electrogastrogram (EGG) after total gastrectomy or total colectomy
Authors: Homma  , Hasegawa  , Maruta  , Watanabe  , Matsuo  , Tamiya  , Nishimaki  , Suzuki  , Muto  , Hatakeyama  
Published: March 2003

Isopower or topographic electrogastrograms (EGG) correspond to topographic electroencephalograms. Both project the topographic localizations of the spectral frequencies on the abdominal surface or scalp. This paper compares the pre‐operative control isopower EGG maps with those of total gastrectomy or total colectomy.EGGs were recorded simultaneously at 27 locations on the epigastro‐abdominal surface. Spectral analysis by the maximal entropy method (MEM) was performed and the ensemble means of pre‐prandial and post‐prandial spectra were calculated. The spectral frequencies were arbitrarily classified into five groups, 1 cycle per minute (cpm) (0–2.4 cpm), 3 cpm (2.5–4.9 cpm), 6 cpm (5.0–7.4 cpm), 8 cpm (7.5–9.9 cpm) and 10 cpm (10.0–12.9 cpm). Maximal power peaks in each spectral group, and electrode locations which were expressed by x–y coordinates were the indicators for making the isopower EGG maps by using a contour map program. Thereafter, the maximal power spots or foci in each spectral group were determined. The pre‐operative maximal power foci of the 1, 8 and 10 cpm groups were distributed rather evenly on the epigastro‐abdominal surface. Those of the 3 and 6 cpm groups, mainly concentrated in the epigastric region, were absent in almost all patients who had undergone total gastrectomy. The infra‐umbilical foci of the 3 and 6 cpm groups completely disappeared after total colectomy. The infra‐umbilical foci of the 3 and 6 cpm groups (2.5–7.4) may reflect the colonic activities and the epigastric 3 cpm foci, the gastric actvities. The pre‐operative maximal power of the 3 cpm foci decreased significantly after total or sub‐total gastrectomy.
Colorectal transport during defecation in patients with lesions of the sacral spinal cord
Authors: Krogh K. , Olsen N. , Christensen P. , Madsen J. L. , Laurberg S. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Normal defecation involves reflexes between the colorectum and sacral spinal cord. Lesions of the conus medullaris or cauda equina interrupt such reflex arches and cause constipation. The aim of the study was to compare colorectal transport during defecation in patients with sacral spinal cord lesions and healthy volunteers. Ten patients with sacral spinal cord lesions (six men and four women, age 21–57 y, median=36) and 16 healthy volunteers (10 men and six women, age 22–42 y, median=30) took one or two doses of 111In‐labelled polystyrene pellets perorally to mark colorectal contents. Abdominal scintigraphy was performed before and after defecation. Total colorectal emptying and segmental antegrade or retrograde transport was computed. Median colorectal emptying during normal defecation was 81% of the rectosigmoid (range: 53% of the rectosigmoid to complete emptying of the rectosigmoid and 40% of the descending colon) in healthy volunteers and 27% of the rectosigmoid (range: 0–44% of the rectosigmoid) in patients with conal/cauda equina lesions (P < 0.001). Median antegrade transport was 82% (control group) vs 27% (patients) of the rectosigmoid (P < 0.001), 38% vs 4% of the descending colon (P < 0.02), 13% vs 1% of the transverse colon (P=0.28), and 4% vs 2% of the caecum/ascending colon (P=0.76). It is concluded that damage to reflex arches between the colorectum and the sacral spinal cord significantly reduces emptying of the rectosigmoid and descending colon during defecation.
Efficacy of alosetron in irritable bowel syndrome: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cremonini F. , Delgado‐Aros S. , Camilleri M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract The 5HT3 receptor antagonist alosetron has been tested in several trials on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. The aim of the present meta‐analysis was to determine its effect on adequate relief of pain or global improvement of symptoms in IBS patients. Six large, multicentre, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials fulfilled pre‐set criteria for high quality and were included in the meta‐analysis; 1762 patients were randomized to alosetron treatment and 1356 to placebo. Seventy‐five per cent of the patients experienced diarrhoea‐predominant IBS and 93% were females. The pooled odds ratio for adequate relief of pain or global symptoms improvement was 1.81 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57–2.10). The average number of patients needed to treat with alosetron for one patient to achieve improvement over placebo treatment was seven (95% CI 5.74–9.43). The present analysis shows that alosetron 1 mg b.i.d. positively impacts global symptoms, and pain and discomfort in non‐constipated IBS female patients. One in four patients treated with alosetron may develop constipation. The efficacy of alosetron is unclear in male patients.
Transcription factors c‐Jun/activator protein‐1 and nuclear factor‐kappa B in oxidative stress response in mitochondrial diseases
Authors: Filosto M. , Tonin P. , Vattemi G. , Savio C. , Rizzuto N. , Tomelleri G. 
Published: March 2003

M. Filosto, P. Tonin, G. Vattemi, C. Savio, N. Rizzuto and G. Tomelleri (2003) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 29, 52–59

Transcription factors c‐Jun/activator protein‐1 and nuclear factor‐kappa B in oxidative stress response in mitochondrial diseasesMitochondrial dysfunction leads to oxygen free radical (ROS) generation with consequent oxidative stress and cellular damage. Recently, activation of the cellular antioxidant system and apoptosis were demonstrated in skeletal muscle fibres from patients with mitochondrial diseases, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Hydrogen peroxide, a by‐product of ROS generation, is a chemical inducer of gene expression able to activate apoptosis and to promote the antioxidant response through the activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) transcription factor. Using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, we evaluated the expression of NF‐κB and AP‐1 in muscle biopsies from patients with mitochondrial disease. In addition, we examined the expression of factors involved in their activation, such as NF‐κB inducing kinase (NIK) and phosphorylated Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (p‐JNK). Most fibres with respiratory chain dysfunction displayed nuclear staining for activated c‐Jun/AP‐1, but not for NF‐κB. The same fibres reacted for p‐JNK. Only some ragged red fibres immunoreacted for NIK. These data suggest that AP‐1 is involved in the oxidative stress response in muscle fibres from patients with mitochondrial disease.
The status and prospects for conservation of the Mongolian saiga Saiga tatarica mongolica
Authors: Lushchekina Anna A. , Dulamtseren S. , Amgalan L. , Neronov Valery M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractData are presented on the changes in distribution and abundance of the Mongolian saiga Saiga tatarica mongolica in the last few decades, based on an analysis of the literature and the authors' field observations. The subspecies has suffered a considerable decline in its range because of hunting and competition with domesticated stock. In 1997 a survey was made of almost all the known range, which consists of two disjunct areas and covers a total of 2200 sq km. A total of 609 animals was recorded and analysis of the census results suggests that c. 1300 saiga remain in total. The authors recommend strengthening the nature reserve established in 1993 in the Shargyn Gobi, and creating several sanctuaries outside this area, where Mongolian saiga from the main remaining population could be reintroduced. These measures would enhance prospects for the survival of this endemic subspecies of the semideserts of western Mongolia.
Extant populations of endemic partulids on Tahiti, French Polynesia
Authors: Coote Trevor , Loeve Eric , Meyer Jean-Yves , Clarke Dave 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe current distribution of endemic partulid snails on Tahiti in French Polynesia reflects the danger of ignoring expert advice and introducing an alien species into a fragile island ecosystem. The endemic tree-snail fauna of the island now faces extinction. Although the extinction of the native species of Partula (Partulidae; Polynesian tree snails) on Moorea in French Polynesia is well known in the world of conservation biology, losses on other Pacific islands are less well described. This paper presents an update on the status of partulid snail populations on Tahiti in the light of fieldwork undertaken between 1995 and 1997. Native snails still exist in good numbers in two areas, at opposite ends of the island. In other areas, sightings of single or a few individuals indicate remnant populations now on the edge of extinction. Efforts to protect these populations and others in French Polynesia are being planned in collaboration with local government authorities.
Elephants in Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa: reconstruction of the population's history
Authors: Whitehouse Anna. M. , Hall-Martin Anthony. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe history of the Addo elephant population in South Africa, from the creation of the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) in 1931 to the present (every elephant currently living within the park is known), was reconstructed. Photographic records were used as a primary source of historical evidence, in conjunction with all documentation on the population. Elephants can be identified in photographs taken throughout their life by study of the facial wrinkle patterns and blood vessel patterns in their ears. These characteristics are unique for each elephant and do not change during the individual's life. The life histories of individual elephants were traced: dates of birth and death were estimated and, wherever possible, the identity of the individual's mother was ascertained. An annual register of elephants living within the population, from 1931 to the present, was compiled, and maternal family trees constructed. Preliminary demographic analyses for the period 1976–98 are presented. The quantity and quality of photographs taken during these years enabled thorough investigation of the life histories of all elephants. Prior to 1976, insufficient photographs were available to provide reliable data on the exact birth dates and mothers' identities for every calf born. However, data on annual recruitment and mortality are considered sufficiently reliable for use in analyses of the population's growth and recovery.
Amphibians and reptiles of the Dominican Republic: species of special concern
Authors: Powell Robert , Ottenwalder José A. , Incháustegui Sixto J. , Henderson Robert W. , Glor Richard E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe Dominican Republic faces multiple threats to biodiversity. A list of native species of amphibians and reptiles (excluding sea turtles) is presented. Some may have become extinct recently, substantial populations of others have been extirpated, some have greatly reduced numbers, and others appear to be rare or have restricted ranges. Most of the 13 taxa listed are relatively large, vulnerable to human exploitation or introduced predators, and/or have limited distributions and specific habitat requirements. To be listed, evidence must exist that: (1) populations are dwindling, (2) the range is shrinking, or (3) a species must be vulnerable to exploitation and historically rare. Two iguanas (Cyclura cornuta, C. ricordii), two turtles (Trachemys decorata, T. stejnegeri vicina), and one crocodilian (Crocodylus acutus) have been exploited extensively and have long been recognized as threatened or endangered. The ranges of Cyclura ricordii and T. decorata are very localized and the previously widespread ranges of the others have shrunk or become fragmented. A toad (Bufo fluviaticus), a large galliwasp (Celestus anelpistus), and a snake (Alsophis melanichnus) have not been collected recently. Only a few specimens of another galliwasp (C. carraui) and a dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus cochranae) have been taken recently. In addition, extensive portions of the habitats of these species have been severely altered. Three other snakes (Alsophis anomalus, laltris agyrtes, I. dorsalis) are rare and may never have been common. Their size and habits render them vulnerable to predation by the introduced mongoose and to decimation by humans who fear and dislike them.
Threats to the maleo Macrocephalon maleo and recommendations for its conservation
Authors: Baker Gillian C. , Butchart Stuart H. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe maleo Macrocephalon maleo (Megapodiidae; Galliformes) is a megapode, endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, that lays its eggs communally in geothermally or solar-heated soil. The majority of maleo nesting grounds are threatened to some degree and over one-third of known sites have been abandoned. Maleos are severely threatened by habitat degradation and uncontrolled egg-collecting. Hunting of adult birds is also contributing to their decline in some areas. Conservation measures implemented so far have not been sufficiently effective in preventing maleo population declines. In order to safeguard the maleo from further declines we recommend that the laws protecting the maleo and its habitat be strengthened as a matter of urgency and that long-term community conservation and environmental awareness projects be implemented. To achieve these goals we advocate the formation of a collaborative network of international NGOs, Indonesian conservationists, government departments and local communities.
Health considerations of the rehabilitation of illegally traded houbara bustards Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii in the Middle East
Authors: Bailey Tom , Silvanose Christu-Das , Naldo Jesus , Combreau Olivier , Launay Frederic , Wernery Ulrich , Kinne Joerg , Gough Richard , Manvell Ruth 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThere is a large illegal trade in trapped houbara bustards Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii, which are smuggled into the Middle East for falconry. Mortality is high and is associated with poor transport conditions, malnutrition, overcrowding and exposure to multiple infectious diseases, in particular aspergillosis, avian pox and paramyxovirus type 1 virus. Other pathogens include Salmonella sp., Pseudomoims sp., Trichomonas sp., intestinal endoparasites, avian leucosis, reovirus, adeno-virus, paramyxovirus type 2 and Chlamydia sp. Various regional initiatives have been initiated to confiscate and rehabilitate illegally trapped birds. This paper reviews the causes of morbidity and mortality seen in illegally traded houbara bustards and provides health recommendations for those involved in rehabilitation.
Conservation issues and priorities in the Mikea Forest of south-west Madagascar
Authors: Seddon Nathalie , Tobias Joe , Yount James W. , Ramanampamonjy Julien Rémi , Butchart Stuart , Randrianizahana Hiarinirina 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe dry forests constitute one of the most distinct, yet least protected, ecosystems in Madagascar, an island renowned for high levels of endemism. They have generally been considered one of the most intact of Madagascar's climax vegetation types and accordingly have received little conservation effort. In particular, the Mikea Forest, a unique area between the Mangoky and Fiherenana rivers, currently receives negligible formal protection. It contains remarkably diverse plant and reptile assemblages, including several taxa that are found nowhere else, plus the only populations of two threatened bird species: the subdesert mesite Monias benschi and long-tailed ground-roller Uratelornis chimaera. From satellite imagery we estimate that primary forest cover declined by 15.6 per cent from 1962 to 1999, and that the rate of deforestation has increased from 0.35 per cent per annum in 1962–94 to 0.93 per cent per annum over the past 5 years. The most important factors underlying this process are slash-and-burn maize cultivation in the northern Mikea Forest and charcoal production at its southern fringe. Given these alarming circumstances, we suggest that combinations of conservation measures are required to safeguard the biological diversity of the area. Specifically, we recommend the establishment of a large protected area to the north of Manombo, a co-ordinated network of community-based conservation areas throughout the Mikea Forest, development projects to improve agriculture, and a regional research and education centre.
Casual factors underlying the dramatic decline of the Sumatran orang-utan
Authors: Robertson J. M. Yarrow , van Schaik Carel P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe Sumatran orang-utan is in dramatic decline, including the population in its main stronghold, the Leuser Ecosystem, in Sumatra, Indonesia (C. P. van Schaiket al.(2001)Oryx35, 14–25). The major threats to the survival of Sumatran orang-utans are identified as habitat loss (mainly from conversion to oil palm plantations), habitat degradation and habitat fragmentation. The immediate causes of this are identified as weak compliance with regulations and laws; weak law enforcement and the weak legal environment. Corruption is identified as the ultimate causal factor underlying these three immediate causal factors, along with a frontier mentality and bureaucratic constraints. Together, they have resulted in the destruction of prime orang-utan habitat. Several political actions are recommended to improve the effectiveness of habitat conservation for the orang-utan and several technical challenges are to be overcome once the policy context is right. The most crucial problem to solve is the lack of regular funds for enforcement operations and establishing a new system of enforcement that is effective. In addition, the Gunung Leuser National Park needs to be redesigned by enlarging it to cover all high biodiversity areas within the Leuser Ecosystem. Moreover, habitat corridors between important forest tracts need to be re-established.
Dramatic decline in orang-utan numbers in the Leuser Ecosystem, Northern Sumatra
Authors: van Schaik Carel P. , Monk Kathryn A. , Robertson J. M. Yarrow 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe Leuser Ecosystem, northern Sumatra, Indonesia, contains the world's largest orang-utan Pongo pygmaeus population. We examine the consequences of the recent wave of forest conversion, and legal and illegal logging, on orang-utan numbers in the Leuser Ecosystem. We review density variation inside the Leuser Ecosystem and its causes, and the consequences of selective logging, exhaustive logging and clear-felling for habitat conversion on orang-utan densities. The analysis of the orang-utan's decline is based on information on forest loss, logging intensity, and the delineation of logging concessions and legal changes in land use status. The results indicate a very rapid decline, by c. 45 per cent, from c.. 12,000 in early 1993, over a 6- to 7-year period. During 1998 and 1999, losses occurred at a rate of about 1000 orang-utans per year. At this rate, further losses in the near future are expected to put the survival of Leuser's orang-utans in serious doubt.
Conservation of Zino's petrelPterodroma madeirain the archipelago of Madeira
Authors: Zino Francis , Oliveira Paulo , King Susan , Buckle Alan , Biscoito Manuel , Neves H. Costa , Vasconcelos Amilcar 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBirds restricted to islands are susceptible to extinction, and burrow or ground-nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to introduced mammalian predators. Human intervention has also played a vital part. Birds have been used as a source of food, and in more recent times the rarer species have suffered from specimen and egg collection. The island of Madeira and its resident species, which include the endemic Zino's petrel or Madeira freiraPterodroma madeira, are no exception. From subfossil evidence, this bird was once abundant. It was first recorded in 1903, and was already limited to the high central mountain massif of Madeira. By the middle of the century it was considered extinct, but a relict population was rediscovered in 1969. By 1985, all known breeding attempts were disrupted by introduced rats, to the extent that no young fledged. In 1986 the Freira Conservation Project was founded with the aim of increasing the population of Zino's petrel, by controlling rats and human interference, the principal perceived threats to the species. This control was extended to cats after the disaster of 1991, in which a cat(s) managed to get onto one of the breeding ledges and kill 10 adult birds. The results of these efforts have been positive and the small colony is making a slow, but steady recovery. To maintain this success, a conservation strategy for the future is suggested.
Conservation of the coniferous forests of Lebanon: past, present and future prospects
Authors: Talhouk S. N. , Zurayk R. , Khuri S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractConiferous forests are an important component of the Lebanese landscape. Ten species of conifers in five genera are found as wild populations in Lebanon: Cilician fir Abies cilicica, cedar of Lebanon Cedrus libani, Mediterranean Cyprus Cupressus sempervirens, Syrian juniper Juniperus drupacea, Grecian juniper J. excelsa, willdenow J. foetidissima, prickly juniper J. oxycedrus, Calabrian pine Pinus brutia, Aleppo pine P. halepensis and stone pine P. pinea. Although none of these species are seriously threatened in a global context, they exist in Lebanon mostly as fragmented and degraded populations, and their habitats are under great pressure from urbanization and associated development. Conservation efforts in Lebanon have concentrated mainly on the cedar of Lebanon, with two cedar of Lebanon forests protected as Nature Reserves. Large areas of forest, coniferous and otherwise, remain unprotected. In this review, the need for an integrated approach to conservation of the coniferous landscape of Lebanon and the importance of the participation of local communities in this process are emphasized.
Hot under the collar: the failure of radio-collars on black rhinocerosDiceros bicornis
Authors: Alibhai Sky K. , Jewell Zoë C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRadio-collaring is widely used as a monitoring tool in the conservation of the black rhinocerosDiceros bicornis. We examined rates and causes of radio-transmitter collar failure on black rhino in the Sinamatella Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ), Zimbabwe, between September 1993 and February 2000. Two collar designs, hose and strap, were fitted on immobilized rhinos in four main collaring operations. Eighty nine collars were monitored: 28 hose and 61 strap. Within 12 months of placement, all hose collars had failed. Of the strap collars, 73 per cent of those on males and 44 per cent on females had failed within 12 months. Failure rates were significantly higher in males for both collar types. For strap collars older males had higher failure rates than younger males. There was some evidence of a higher failure rate of strap collars during the wet season. Thirteen per cent of strap and 4 per cent of hose collars were removed because of poor transmission; 15 per cent of strap collars were removed because of injury. The implications of collar failure rates and the use of radio-collaring as a routine protection and /or monitoring strategy are discussed.