Search

Agrarian change affects the supply and demand of ecosystem services (ES) by reducing the extent of natural ecosystems. Agricultural intensification can lead to changes in land covers and livelihood opportunities and it remains unclear how such changes align or misalign with the desires of local communities. Using participatry mapping, we assessed ES uses and desires of Indigenous people and local communities provided by different land cover types along a gradient of agricultural intensification (forest subsistence, agroforestry mosaic, and monoculture and market-dependence) in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. We found that mapped ES use diversity was highest in the forest-dependent zone and lowest near monoculture agricultural systems. The expressed ES uses and desires varied greatly among land cover types amidst loss of old-growth forest and greater reliance on secondary forest and shrub land. The spatial analysis showed that high priority areas of ES use was related to access in the landscape, demonstrating the importance of attending to place-based social values in ES assessments. From this study, we call for a people-centric spatial modelling approach to address the divergence of social and cultural ES values associated with land covers under different intensification contexts. Participatory mapping clarifies the ES desires of local communities, which state policy often fails to address. We recommend a place specific management strategy to reduce ES trade-offs of specific land use practices, which are currently apparent with agrarian change in Indonesia and relevant for other tropical developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Forestry Review is the property of Commonwealth Forestry Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Of the three subspecies of Critically Endangered Bornean orangutans, Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus has the smallest population size. One of its most important habitats is the tropical forest within and around Danau Sentarum National Park (DSNP). Research in the late 1990s estimated that ca. 1025 orangutans inhabited DSNP, while ca. 1717 orangutans inhabited the forest beyond DSNP's boundaries. However, concerns were later raised that incorrectly estimated nest decay rates (t values) may have led to the overestimation of the population size. Furthermore, the area experienced forest degradation and land use change between 2000 and 2013. Given these changing landscapes, updated population estimates were needed to inform policy makers and land‐use planners on the implications of habitat loss for resident orangutans. We conducted this study to recalculate nest decay rates based on current recommended methods, and to update our knowledge on the orangutan population in the region. Our average nest decay rate was 288.3 days; applying this to the study in the late 1990s generated estimates of 807 individuals within DSNP and 1578 beyond DNSP's boundaries. New surveys of the transects undertaken between 2010 and 2014 revealed that the population size had declined substantially in these two areas, to 202 and 71 individuals respectively. Both declines are considerable, but larger losses occurred in logged‐over and cleared forests outside the park. We discuss factors potentially driving these declines, emphasizing the need to improve habitat protection both inside and outside of DSNP, and make recommendations for improving the prospects for future orangutan conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Forestry Review is the property of Commonwealth Forestry Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Forestry Review is the property of Commonwealth Forestry Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on managing landscapes for greater food security and improved livelihoods. Topics discussed include sustainable intensification being advocated as means to reconcile and advance protection of decreasing forest land and feeding the growing population, and goal of sustainable intensification is to produce more food without clearing areas of natural vegetation.

Drastic deforestation is a major problem of Bangladesh which is contributing to negative downstream impacts on the environment. To address this problem various measurements should be taken at different scales. The main objective of this study is to suggest the possible steps that Bangladesh could halt and reverse the trend of deforestation. An extensive literature review and interviews with government officials, professionals and NGO workers have been used to collect relevant information on the drivers of deforestation in the country. Based on the information gathered, this paper presents the reasons and extent of deforestation, and suggests some positive steps where the Government could be the main mitigating performer by implementing integrated programmes, which will also ensure mass awareness and wider impact. Local NGOs and international bodies must also formulate adequate plans to protect valuable areas of remaining forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective Cu(II)-chelator, triethylenetetramine (TETA), is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of heart failure in patients with diabetes. Recently, the authors showed that 2 acetylated metabolites, N(1)-acetyltriethylenetetramine (MAT) and N(1),N(10)-diacetyltriethylenetetramine (DAT), are formed in humans following oral TETA administration. Thus, it became necessary to determine whether the N-acetyltransferase (NAT) 2 phenotype has any effects on the pharmacological properties and safety profile of TETA. Twelve fast and 12 slow NAT2-phenotype healthy participants were recruited. After oral drug administration, the authors collected plasma and urine samples, measured plasma concentrations of TETA and its 2 metabolites along with concomitant urinary copper concentrations, and performed safety tests. They present, for the first time, the complete 24-hour pharmacokinetic profiles of TETA, MAT, and DAT in humans. There was no evidence for clear-cut differences in pharmacokinetic profiles between fast and slow acetylators. Pharmacodynamic analysis showed no significant differences in cupruresis between the 2 NAT2 phenotypes. Safety results were consistent with TETA being well tolerated, and no significant differences in safety profiles were observed between the 2 phenotypes. Based on these data, NAT2 phenotype does not affect TETA's pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, or safety profiles. TETA may be acetylated via an alternative mechanism, such as that catalyzed by spermidine/spermine N(1)-acetyltranferase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic revision of the palm genus Podococcus ( Arecaceae) is presented. Two species are recognised: P. barteri, a species relatively widespread in a coastal band from Nigeria to the D. R. Congo and P. acaulis, a species previously considered conspecific to P. barteri, almost exclusively confined to Gabon. The taxonomic history, morphology, distribution and conservation status of the genus and each species are discussed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic revision of the palm genus Sclerosperma ( Arecaceae) is presented. Three species are recognised: S. mannii H. Wendl., which is relatively widespread from Liberia to the Democratic Republic of Congo; S. walkeri A. Chev., which is apparently confined to the interior of Gabon and a band along the Congo River; and S. profiziana, a new species previously considered conspecific to S. mannii that is found in southwest Ghana, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The taxonomic history, morphology, distribution and conservation status of the genus and each species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children of persons with Alzheimer disease (AD), as a group, face an increased risk of developing AD. Many of them, throughout their adult lives, seek input on how to reduce their chances of one day suffering their parent's fate. We examine the state of knowledge with respect to risk and protective factors for AD and recommend a research agenda with special emphasis on AD offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forests of the Cameroon-Nigeria trans-boundary region have been highlighted as a high conservation priority, yet many of the extant forest remnants remain relatively unknown, particularly with regard to the occurrence of large mammals. Between 2002 and 2004 we surveyed the large mammal fauna of the Mone and Ejagham Forest Reserves and the Upper Banyang, Nkwende Hills and Etinde forests of south- west Cameroon. Our objective was to document the extant large mammal species as an important step in the review of government priorities to identify key sites within the region for conservation and management. We reviewed the available literature on mammal distribution and then surveyed the forests for mammal and human signs. Despite a growing illegal commercial trade in wildlife, particularly for bushmeat, many sites retain populations of one or more threatened and locally rare large mammal species of significant conservation importance. Moreover, the sites collectively complement each other in terms of their representation of the threatened large mammal fauna. An emphasis on the enforcement of wildlife legislation and minimizing logging impact are of primary importance for the conservation of large mammals in these and other forest remnants in south-west Cameroon. In addition, at some sites, there already exists community interest in active wildlife management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by pathological results at autopsy of amyloid plaques and tau-associated neurofibrillary tangles, but the clinical diagnosis of AD is determined on the basis of medical history, cognitive symptoms, and exclusionary criteria. The search for antemortem biomarkers is intense and has focused on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) beta-amyloid1-42 and tau proteins.Objectives: To compare CSF beta-amyloid and tau levels in a new population of AD patients and controls. To perform a meta-analysis of studies of CSF beta-amyloid and tau levels in AD patients and controls.Design: Cross-sectional study of the comparison of baseline CSF beta-amyloid1-42 and tau levels in AD patients and controls. Meta-analysis involved 17 studies of CSF beta-amyloid and 34 studies of CSF tau.Setting: Clinical research unit of the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Md.Patients: The Geriatric Psychiatry Branch evaluated AD patients as inpatients at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center between May 1985 and January 2001. A total of 203 patients participated in this study (131 with AD and 72 controls). None had other serious illnesses, and 31 of 131 AD cases had AD confirmed at autopsy. Meta-analysis provided an additional 3133 AD patients and 1481 controls.Main Outcome Measures: Levels of CSF beta-amyloid1-42 were measured by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay with a polyclonal capture antibody and a monoclonal detection antibody. Levels of CSF tau were measured with a standard commercial immunoassay.Results: Levels of CSF beta-amyloid1-42 were significantly lower in the AD patients vs controls (mean [SD], 183 [121] pg/mL vs 491 [245] pg/mL; P<.001). Levels of CSF tau were significantly higher in AD patients (mean [SD], 587 [365] pg/mL vs 244 [156] pg/mL; P<.001). The cutpoints of 444 pg/mL for CSF beta-amyloid1-42 and 195 pg/mL for CSF tau gave a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 89%, respectively, to distinguish AD patients from controls, which is comparable with rates with clinical diagnosis. Meta-analyses of studies comparing CSF beta-amyloid and tau levels in AD participants and controls confirmed an overall difference between levels in these 2 groups.Conclusions: Alzheimer disease is associated with a significant decrease in CSF beta-amyloid1-42 levels along with an increase in CSF tau levels. These findings suggest that the 2 measures are biological markers of AD pathophysiology. While these CSF measures may have a potential clinical utility as biomarkers of disease, the preliminary and retrospective nature of the findings, the absence of assay standardization, and the lack of comparison patient populations must be addressed in future studies testing the usefulness of these CSF measures for predictive, diagnostic, or treatment evaluation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A consensus conference on the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD) and related disorders was organized by the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, the Alzheimer's Association, and the American Geriatrics Society on January 4 and 5, 1997. The target audience was primary care physicians, and the following questions were addressed: (1) How prevalent is AD and what are its risk factors? What is its impact on society? (2) What are the different forms of dementia and how can they be recognized? (3) What constitutes safe and effective treatment for AD? What are the indications and contraindications for specific treatments? (4) What management strategies are available to the primary care practitioner? (5) What are the available medical specialty and community resources? (6) What are the important policy issues and how can policymakers improve access to care for dementia patients? (7) What are the most promising questions for future research?Participants: Consensus panel members and expert presenters were drawn from psychiatry, neurology, geriatrics, primary care, psychology, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, epidemiology, and public health and policy.Evidence: The expert presenters summarized data from the world scientific literature on the questions posed to the panel.Consensus Process: The panelists listened to the experts' presentations, reviewed their background papers, and then provided responses to the questions based on these materials. The panel chairs prepared the initial drafts of the consensus statement, and these drafts were read by all panelists and edited until consensus was reached.Conclusions: Alzheimer disease is the most common disorder causing cognitive decline in old age and exacts a substantial cost on society. Although the diagnosis of AD is often missed or delayed, it is primarily one of inclusion, not exclusion, and usually can be made using standardized clinical criteria. Most cases can be diagnosed and managed in primary care settings, yet some patients with atypical presentations, severe impairment, or complex comorbidity benefit from specialist referral. Alzheimer disease is progressive and irreversible, but pharmacologic therapies for cognitive impairment and nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments for the behavioral problems associated with dementia can enhance quality of life. Psychotherapeutic intervention with family members is often indicated, as nearly half of all caregivers become depressed. Health care delivery to these patients is fragmented and inadequate, and changes in disease management models are adding stresses to the system. New approaches are needed to ensure patients' access to essential resources, and future research should aim to improve diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two patients with moderately severe AD, when asked directly, could identify their own images in a mirror, but also consistently misidentified their own reflections as that of another person. Both patients were paranoid and mildly depressed at times, but had no evidence of other concurrent psychotic symptoms. It appeared that mood substantially modified the nature of the symptom and the patients' reaction to it over time. These cases illustrate the ability of an organic symptom to be modified by a concurrent affective state, indicating the importance of the interaction between biological and psychological factors in the expression of such symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective review of 71 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease was analyzed with respect to nursing evaluations of sundowning status (recurring confusion or agitation in the late afternoon or early evening). The prevalence of sundowning (including probable sundowners) was 24%. Sundowners and non-sundowners differed with regard to number of sedatives received daily, particularly chloral hydrate, and the number of days on the inpatient unit. There were no differences between sundowners and non-sundowners with respect to other types of medications, medical diagnoses, current age, age of onset of Alzheimer's disease, or Mini-Mental State Exam. Restlessness was the most common sundowning behavior, although multiple behavioral disturbances were seen. This survey suggests that the sundown syndrome is a common problem in severely demented Alzheimer's patients and requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Using the Daily Activities Questionnaire, we found a significant difference in independent Activities of Daily Living (ADL) functioning between two group -- 32 Alzheimer's patients and 18 normal controls. There was a significant inverse relationship between severity of dementia and global ADL functioning in the Alzheimer's group. However, this relationship was not consistent among the discrete daily living tasks that comprise global ADL functioning. We found the interrater reliability of the questionnaire to be statistically significant. This manuscript reviews the development of the Daily Activities Questionnaire and presents implications for its use in clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ongoing debate over the impacts of protected areas on rural communities in central Africa has become increasingly polarized in recent years, even as definitions of displacement have shifted from outright expulsion to economic dislocation precipitated by lost access to natural resources. Although forcible removal of communities to make way for the creation of National Parks has certainly occurred in the past in some parts of the world, we contend that not a single individual has been physically removed from any of the protected areas created in central Africa over the past decade, despite claims to the contrary of hundreds of thousands of "conservation refugees." Furthermore, we recognize that a scarcity of data precludes impartial evaluation of the potential impacts of economic displacement of local communities living adjacent to protected areas, and we call for a concerted effort by conservationists and the social scientists who criticize conservation efforts, in order to measure the effects of protected areas on livelihoods, and to work towards a more socially responsible conservation paradigm.