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PubMed2006

Landscape ecological assessment: a tool for integrating biodiversity issues in strategic environmental assessment and planning.

To achieve a sustainable development, impacts on biodiversity of urbanisation, new infrastructure projects and other land use changes must be considered on landscape and regional scales. This requires that important decisions are made after a systematic evaluation of environmental impacts. Landscape ecology can provide a conceptual framework for the assessment of consequences of long-term development processes like urbanisation on biodiversity components, and for evaluating and visualising the impacts of alternative planning scenarios. The aim of this paper was to develop methods for integrating biodiversity issues in planning and strategic environmental assessment in an urbanising environment, on landscape and regional levels. In order to test developed methods, a case study was conducted in the region of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, and the study area embraced the city centre, suburbs and peri-urban areas. Focal species were tested as indicators of habitat quality, quantity and connectivity in the landscape. Predictive modelling of habitat distribution in geographic information systems involved the modelling of focal species occurrences based on empirical data, incorporated in a landscape ecological decision support system. When habitat models were retrieved, they were applied on future planning scenarios in order to predict and assess the impacts on focal species. The scenario involving a diffuse exploitation pattern had the greatest negative impacts on the habitat networks of focal species. The scenarios with concentrated exploitation also had negative impacts, although they were possible to mitigate quite easily. The predictions of the impacts on habitats networks of focal species made it possible to quantify, integrate and visualise the effects of urbanisation scenarios on aspects of biodiversity on a landscape level.

Biodiversity↗
PubMed2004

Capacitative calcium entry in guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle in vitro.

This study investigates the involvement of capacitative Ca2+ entry in excitation-contraction coupling in guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle. Thapsigargin (0.1 nM-1 microM, a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor) produced slowly developing sustained tonic contractions in guinea pig isolated gallbladder strips. All contractions approached 50% of the response to carbachol (10 microM) after 55 min. Contractile responses to thapsigargin (1 microM) were abolished in a Ca(2+)-free medium. Subsequent re-addition of Ca2+ (2.5 mM) produced a sustained tonic contraction (99 +/- 6% of the carbachol response). The contractile response to Ca2+ re-addition following incubation of tissues in a Ca(2+)-free bathing solution in the absence of thapsigargin was significantly less than in its presence (79 +/- 4 % vs 100 +/- 7 % of carbachol; p < 0.05). Contractile responses to Ca2+ re-addition following treatment with thapsigargin were attenuated by (a) the L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel antagonist, nifedipine (10 microM) and (b) the general inhibitor of Ca2+ entry channels including store-operated channels, SK&F96365 (50 microM and 100 microM). In separate experiments, responses to Ca2+ re-addition were essentially abolished by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein (100 microM). These results suggest that capacitative Ca2+ entry provides a source of activator Ca2+ for guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle contraction. Contractile responses to Ca2+ re-addition following depletion of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin, are mediated in part by Ca2+ entry through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and by capacitative Ca2+ entry through store-operated Ca2+ channels which can be blocked by SK&F96365. Furthermore, capacitative Ca2+ entry in this tissue may be modulated by tyrosine kinase.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Anthropogenic regulation of the phosphorus balance in the Thau catchment-coastal lagoon system (Mediterraean Sea, France) over 24 years.

In the Thau lagoon, despite there being no phosphate limitation policy, the annual mean phosphate concentrations decreased by 90% between 1971 and 1994. The present study indicates a relationship between the decrease of phosphate concentrations and changes in urban, industrial and agricultural activities within the catchment generating phosphorus (P) inputs; and shellfish farming leading to phosphorus storage and export. The relationship (tonnes of P) is: P-PO(4)(3-) in the lagoon waters=1.0124 anthropogenic phosphorus balance--47.62 (r(2) = 0.824, p < 0.000). As population growth is expected in coastal zones, sustainable development requires the need for addressing the role played by human activities and the multi-scale regulation of them. As an element of integrated coastal zone management, the present study provides a regional scale analysis of these aspects.

Agrochemicals↗
PubMed2004

Sustainable impact of mussel farming in the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea): evidence from biochemical, microbial and meiofaunal indicators.

We have investigated the impact of a large mussel farm on the benthic environment using a battery of benthic indicators of environmental quality (including biochemical, microbial and meiofaunal parameters). These were analysed through a multi-control sampling strategy over one year. The differences across the seasons are typically higher than those between the impacted and the control stations. No effects are seen in terms of the sediment oxygen penetration and the downward fluxes (as the total mass, organic and phytopigment fluxes). The indicators based on the biochemical compositions of the sediment organic matter and the microbial parameters also show no evidence of the eutrophication process, except as a slight increase in the bacterial density in the sediments beneath the long-lines of the farm during the period of highest mussel stocks. Finally, no effects are observed in terms of the benthic faunal indicators, as the meiofaunal abundance, the community structure and the taxa richness are all indistinguishable between the farm sediments and the controls. These results show that mussel farming in the investigated system is eco-sustainable and does not significantly alter the coastal marine ecosystem, both in terms of the functioning and the trophic state. The battery of indicators selected in this study represents a useful tool for the monitoring of the potential ecological impact of mussel farms, towards guaranteeing the sustainable development of aquacultures in shallow coastal environments.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Participatory action research: the Indian Family Stories Project.

Community-based research projects are critically needed to reduce health disparities and ensure the delivery of health care that is culturally appropriate and relevant to families and communities. The purpose of this article is to share experiences and lessons learned from utilizing a participatory action approach in a series of five subprojects within the Indian Family Stories Project. Participatory action research (PAR) focuses on identifying community needs and designing action plans in partnership with the community. To effectively implement PAR projects, investigators need to: (a) Build and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with a broad network of community representatives, (b) Secure funding that addresses community needs and provides mechanisms for giving back to the community, (c) Ensure that the project fits the particular cultural and community context, (d) Evaluate and adapt the project as needed, (e) Keep the community informed, (f) Develop sustainable community resources, and (g) Advocate on behalf of the community.

Cultural Characteristics↗
PubMed2005

Spinal administration of MK-801 and NBQX demonstrates NMDA-independent dorsal horn sensitization in incisional pain.

Surgery commonly causes pain and neural plasticity that are unique compared to other persistent pain problems. To more precisely study central sensitization and plasticity, we examined the role of ionotropic EAA receptors in dorsal horn neuron sensitization early after incision. Sensitization, in the form of increased background activity, increased mechanosensitivity or pinch receptive field expansion, was induced by plantar incision 1 h later in 30 neurons. (+)-5-Methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo(a,d)cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801) or 1 mM 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-nitro-2,3-dioxo[f]quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide (NBQX) was administered through a microdialysis fiber to block NMDA and nonNMDA EAA receptors, respectively. Dorsal horn neuron sensitization was reexamined 1 h later. Spinal administration of NBQX blocked AMPA-induced excitation but did not affect excitation by NMDA. NBQX decreased background activity in the neurons that developed sustained increased activity after incision. The median decrease caused by NBQX was from 2.3 to 0.0 imp/s. Spinal administration of 5 mM MK-801 blocked NMDA-induced excitation but did not affect excitation by AMPA. The median change (from 2.6 to 1.1 imp/s) in background activity increased by incision was not significantly affected by MK-801. The responses to mechanical stimuli were enhanced after incision in wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons. NBQX eliminated these responses but MK-801 had no effect. The pinch receptive field (RF) expansion into uninjured areas of the paw and hindquarters occurred after incision. Only 1 of 13 neurons exhibited RF expansion after spinal NBQX administration; 9 of 12 neurons had RF expansion remaining after MK-801. Thus, nonNMDA receptors are critical and NMDA-independent factors influence the increased responsiveness of dorsal horn neurons that occur early after incision.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Governance for a sustainable future.

The paper discusses the concepts of governance and sustainability in the context of public health, drawing on the report of the World Humanity Action Trust on governance. It emphasises the importance of poverty reduction, economic valuation of the environment and natural resources and horizontal and vertical integration in policy and decision-making. Examples of water quality regulation are used as illustrations and the outcomes of the Johannesburg Earth Summit are discussed. The paper recognises some progress but concludes that sustainable development must become more than just words.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Atmospheric emission inventory of the Maurienne valley for an atmospheric numerical model.

Within the framework of an air quality study of the French alpine valleys (POVA program), an atmospheric emission inventory concerning major pollutants: CO, NOx, SO(2), CH(4), particles (PT) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) was carried out. This inventory has a spatial resolution of 1 km(2) and was established for the reference year 2003. The coexistence of economic activities and the Vanoise national park makes the Maurienne valley a sensitive site, particularly representative of the problems of sustainable development in alpine areas, where air pollution is one of the most important aspects. The area, which covers 4588 km(2), is an alpine valley that is sensitive to air pollution due to the emission sources (traffic, industries, private heating, etc.), its morphology (a narrow valley surrounded by high ranges), and local meteorology (temperature inversions and slope winds). As expected, the result which includes both biogenic and anthropogenic sources shows serious emissions of pollutants that are mainly due to the presence of highways and industries around. Two emission inventories were drawn up: one with emission factors determined by CORINAIR (from the European Environment Agency) and the other with emission factors determined by BUWAL-OFEFP (from Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape). The inventories were then compared thanks to concentrations calculated from a numerical model. Computations were run for an intensive field observation period from 25 June to 2 July 2003.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2004

Occupational health management and service for small-scale industries in Shanghai.

Because occupational hazards of small-scale industries were severe and the occupational health management lagged behind in Shanghai, we selected some districts as experimental units to explore a model of community management and service for the occupational health in small-scale industries for controlling occupational hazards. The results indicated that the model is useful. The features of occupational health in these small-scale industries have been improved markedly. For example, the monitoring rate of occupational hazards increased, the rate for occupational health recording and training also increased, and the knowledge of the occupational health among managers and employees has been also enhanced after implementing the new management model. The practice has shown that it is a low-cost and wide-covered, effective model. The communities may offer the standard, agreeable and low-price occupational health management and service to the small-scale industries which are able to pay the service fee although their economic base is comparatively weak. A solution for protecting the occupational population with relatively high mobility and keeping small-scale industries sustainable development has been reported.

China↗
PubMed2005

Ethnobotanical survey of folk toxic plants in southern part of Jordan.

Thirteen representative phytogeographical sites in the southern part of Jordan was surveyed to recognize the folk toxic plant wealth by calculating of FL, RPL, and ROP values. One hundred and twenty-five toxic species were recorded in the area of study belonging to 56 plant families that were mentioned by three informants or more, 53 toxic species (42.4%) were popular, since they were cited by more than half of the maximum number of informants which is 30; therefore have Rank-Order Priority (ROP) value 50 or more, while 72 species (57.6%) were unpopular, since they were cited by less than half of the maximum number of informants; therefore have ROP value less than 50. Eighty species (63.5%) have known toxicity in neighboring countries while 46 species (36.5%) have not such known toxicity. Major toxic effects cited by popular species have exhibited major symptoms ranging from skin irritation, gastric and abdominal disturbances, abortion, sterility, neuralgic pains including hysteria, and fatigue. The studied area has been shown a high level of toxic species diversity, since it is dominated by at least four phytogeographical elements, which requires certain ecological awareness to protect and reserve the wild and endemic species from further threats to enhance the sustainable development.

Biodiversity↗
PubMed2005

Urban solid waste management in Chongqing: challenges and opportunities.

The dual influences of the resource supply and protection in ecological environments will pose a significant challenge to China's sustainable development. Solid waste management offers opportunities to improve profits by conserving resources and improving environmental performance. This paper examines municipal solid waste (MSW) management in urban Chongqing, the nation's fourth largest municipality after Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. In this paper, we will provide information on the quantity and composition of MSW, as well as give an overview of different methods for collection, transport, treatment and disposal of MSW. At present the daily amount of MSW generated per person is about 1.08 kg; food waste accounts for about 59% of total MSW. MSW in Chongqing has a higher moisture content (64.1%) and a lower LHV (3728 kJ/kg) than other cities in Asia, which is an obstruction for incineration. Landfills are the main method of disposal in Chongqing, but pollution caused by simple landfills and lack of backup MSW disposal capacity are becoming major problems in the main districts of Chongqing. In this paper, the challenges being faced and opportunities to MSW in Chongqing are analyzed and some suggestions are given for improving the MSW system in the future.

Cities↗
PubMed2004

Aspects of decision support in water management--example Berlin and Potsdam (Germany) I--spatially differentiated evaluation.

Decisions about sustainable development demand spatially differentiated evaluations. As an example, we demonstrate the evaluation of water management strategies in the cities of Berlin and Potsdam (Germany) with respect to their ecological effects in 14 sections of the surface water system. Two decision support systems were compared, namely PROMETHEE, which is designed to obtain a clear decision (linear ranking), and Hasse Diagram Technique (HDT), normally providing more than one favourable solution (partial order). By PROMETHEE, the spatial differentiation had unwanted effects on the result, negating the stakeholders determined weighting of indicators. Therefore, the stakeholder can barely benefit from the convenience of obtaining a clear decision (linear ranking). In contrast, the result obtained by HDT was not influenced by spatial differentiation. Furthermore, HDT provided helpful tools to analyse the evaluation result, such as the concept of antagonistic indicators to discover conflicts in the evaluation process.

Cities↗
PubMed2026

Integrated RNA-seq and RNAi analyses reveal that ABCF2 is involved in defense against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Penaeus vannamei.

The sustainable development of shrimp aquaculture is significantly compromised by Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections. Identifying host resistance genes and characterizing their immunological roles are essential for developing effective disease control strategies. In this study, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of intestinal tissues from Penaeus vannamei exhibiting varying degrees of pathological damage post-V. parahaemolyticus challenge to identify key resistance genes. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the ABC transporter pathway was markedly enriched among upregulated genes in both the 9&#xa0;h vs 0&#xa0;h and 48&#xa0;h vs 0&#xa0;h comparison groups. Based on the expression profiles and domain characteristics of genes within this pathway, the full transporter PvABCA3, half transporter PvABCC1, and soluble protein PvABCF2 were selected for RNAi assays. The result indicated that silencing PvABCF2, but not PvABCA3 and PvABCC1, significantly increased mortality, tissue damage, and Vibrio load in V. parahaemolyticus-challenged shrimp. Further investigation revealed that PvABCF2 silencing substantially suppressed the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), components of the proPO-activating system, and key genes involved in the JAK-STAT and NF-&#x3ba;B signaling pathways. These findings suggested that the increased susceptibility of shrimp to V. parahaemolyticus following PvABCF2 silencing may be associated with downregulation of these specific immune-related genes. Moreover, one SNP within PvABCF2 was found to be markedly associated with resistance to V. parahaemolyticus via SNP association analysis. Collectively, these results suggested that PvABCF2 was involved in defense response against V. parahaemolyticus and identified a potential molecular marker for disease-resistant breeding.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Regional Network for Research, Surveillance and Control of Asian Schistosomiasis (RNAS).

In order to strengthen the communication, cooperation and coordination among scientists and control authorities concerned with these parasitic diseases at the regional level, the establishment of the Regional Network on Asian Schistosomiasis (RNAS) was initiated 1998 in Wuxi, People's Republic of China. The RNAS was facilitated by an initiating collaborative research grant from WHO/TDR in 1999. The main activities and achievements of the RNAS during its first 2 years of existence are described. It is hoped that more interested parties will become involved in the network activities and other international agencies will consider providing technical and financial support to the network in the future to ensure the sustained development of the RNAS. The website of RNAS is now available in both English and Chinese versions with URL address: http://www.rnas.org. Thus far, the RNAS has held two important meetings with a third planned for 2002. The annual meeting will involve scientists and control authorities from all countries endemic for Asian schistosomiasis, providing a forum for more regional cooperation and coordination. More focus will be directed at training activities in specific fields such as immunodiagnostics, standardization of ultrasound use for monitoring infection-related morbidity, cost factor analysis, application of GIS/RS technology, environmental modification and human behaviour, agricultural efforts including livestock management for control of schistosome transmission, etc.

Asia↗
PubMed2003

Left ventricular aneurysm resection with port-access surgery: a new mini-invasive surgical approach.

BACKGROUND: In recent years port-access and endovascular extra-corporeal circulation techniques have allowed valvular and coronary operations to be performed by mini-thoracotomy. Experience with the technique suggested application to resection of ventricular aneurysms, which are usually approached through a median sternotomy with the use of traditional cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: We performed a left port-access mini-thoracotomy, with 6 to 8 cm skin incisions, in 7 patients undergoing endoventricular pericardial patch repair for anterior left ventricular aneurysm. Cardiopulmonary bypass was effected using the Heartport system. The mean interval between myocardial infarction and operation was 60.4 +/- 57.7 months. Three patients developed sustained ventricular tachicardia. Mean preoperative ejection fraction was 34% +/- 11%. Associated procedures were coronary bypass grafting in 2 patients and cryosurgery in 3 patients. RESULTS: All patients survived to discharge and are alive and well after an average 14.5 months. They are all in NYHA class I-II. Postoperative echocardiograms revealed an average ejection fraction of 48.0% +/- 7.5% (p = 0.006 compared with preoperative value). The 3 patients who had cryosurgery did not demonstrate any recurrence of arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular aneurysm can be successfully treated through port-access mini-thoracotomy with endovascular cardiopulmonary bypass, avoiding median sternotomy. This mini-invasive approach allows effective ventricular remodeling. Revascularization and antiarrhythmia surgery can also be done at the same time. In case of severely reduced ventricular function this approach permits fibrillatory arrest without aortic cross-clamping. The results are also good in terms of hospitalization time and long-term survival.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Phorbol ester contracts rabbit thoracic aorta by increasing intracellular calcium and by activating calcium influx.

The ability of the phorbol ester tumor promoter, PDB, to activate contraction and stimulate calcium influx was investigated in rabbit thoracic aorta. PDB caused a strong, slowly-developing sustained contraction in physiological salt solution which was concentration-related (0.01 to 10.0 microM). PDB-induced contractions (0.1 microM) in calcium-free medium were attenuated but not prevented. PDB (1.0 microM) maximally stimulated Ca influx above basal control, vehicle = 39.2 +/- 2.2; PDB 1.0 microM = 70.7 +/- 6.7 mumoles Ca/kg tissue; N = 16, p less than 0.01). These data suggest that PDB activates rabbit thoracic aorta by a combination of intracellular and extracellular calcium dependent mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Dose-dependent hyperlipidemia in rabbits following administration of poloxamer 407 gel.

Poloxamer 407 (P-407) is a tri-block polymer that exhibits concentration-dependent reverse thermal gelation, a characteristic potentially useful for developing sustained release injectable drugs. While some reports suggest that P-407 is 'non-toxic', rodent studies demonstrate that P-407 induces hyperlipidemia, an action that makes this polymer a questionable drug delivery vehicle. Unfortunately, the majority of earlier studies employed supra-physiologic doses of P-407. The present study examined if lower, clinically useful, doses of gel-forming concentrations of P-407 induced hyperlipidemia in rabbits. Male and female rabbits were injected with 5.5 mg/kg (0.025 mL/kg), 27.5 mg/kg (0.125 mL/kg), or 137.5 mg/kg (0.625 mL/kg) of 22% P-407 and the actions of this polymer on blood chemistry were assessed at 6 h, 1 d, 2 d, 7 d, and 14 d following injection. Control rabbits received no injection. The highest dose of P-407 (137.5 mg/kg) significantly increased serum triglycerides and cholesterol in both male and female rabbits with the maximum increase observed at 2 d after injection. Male rabbits were more sensitive to P-407 than females following injection of 137.5 mg/kg P-407. The lower doses of P-407 did not alter serum triglycerides or cholesterol. In all groups, serum triglycerides and cholesterol were at baseline levels by 14 d. P-407 did not affect other blood chemistry parameters. Although P-407 induces a dose-dependent hyperlipidemia in rabbits, low doses of this polymer may be used in controlled release drug delivery applications without the untoward hyperlipidemic effect.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Marine and coastal environmental awareness building within the context of UNESCO's activities in Asia and the Pacific.

UNESCO is one of the specialized agencies under the United Nations charged with the advancement and improvement of education, social and natural sciences, culture and communication. This global mandate translates into programmes in the field tailored to the member states' specific requirements that build on the full breadth of expertise available in UNESCO. Environmental awareness building is an integral component of many of UNESCO's programmes. This paper describes how UNESCO addresses the need for awareness building in a variety of settings under different programmes and sectors. A first example is taken from the work of the education sector, which aims at introducing innovative learning methods and curricula that change or cultivate the perspective of people of all ages on sustainable development. The second example is taken from the Man and Biosphere Programme. The Biosphere Reserve concept has had a long history within UNESCO and is increasingly applied to protected areas in the coastal zone. Notable examples are Ranong Biosphere Reserve in Thailand, Can Gio Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam and the Island of Palawan in the Philippines. The concept is currently experiencing a revival as more and more countries realize the importance of striking a balance between human development and strict conservation. Many people know about UNESCO through the so-called World Heritage Sites. These are sites that are recognized by the world community as particular monuments, either natural or cultural, that warrant preservation for the whole of mankind. In the Asia-Pacific region, there are quite a number of coastal and marine sites that have been designated as natural world heritage sites, e.g. Halong Bay in Vietnam, the Komodo marine national park, Indonesia, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, East-Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands, and Tubbataha Reef in the Philippines. The need for a cross-sectoral approach is evident under the so-called Coastal Zone and Small Islands endeavour, which aims at assisting Member States towards environmentally sound, socially equitable and culturally appropriate development in coastal regions and in small islands. Four examples of current pilot projects (Surin Island, Thailand, Jakarta Bay, Indonesia, Upolo Island, Samoa and Ulugan Bay, the Philippines) are highlighted. Each setting and each audience requires a different strategy. UNESCO's strength is to learn from all these experiences and make such new insights universally available and to put novel concepts into practice.

Animals↗