Since the Age of Exploration began, there has been a drastic breaching of biogeographic barriers that previously had isolated the continental biotas for millions of years. We explore the nature of these recent biotic exchanges and their consequences on evolutionary processes. The direct evidence of evolutionary consequences of the biotic rearrangements is of variable quality, but the results of trajectories are becoming clear as the number of studies increases. There are examples of invasive species altering the evolutionary pathway of native species by competitive exclusion, niche displacement, hybridization, introgression, predation, and ultimately extinction. Invaders themselves evolve in response to their interactions with natives, as well as in response to the new abiotic environment. Flexibility in behavior, and mutualistic interactions, can aid in the success of invaders in their new environment. 相似文献
Studied four separate samples to examine the relationship between personality traits and edging on the Memory-For-Designs test. In two samples, edgers and non-edgers were compared on their MMPI results; one sample used 16PF data; and one sample used the HSPQ. The results showed that while edging is not common, it is not related to any unique personality traits, when compared to non-edgers. 相似文献
Aortic atherosclerosis reduces compliance in the systemic circulation and increases peripheral resistance, afterload and left ventricular wall stress. In patients with heart failure, these changes can impair left ventricular systolic function and energy efficiency, which could reduce exercise capacity. Though the interaction and the impact of aortic atherosclerosis on left ventricular function have been investigated, its prognostic implications in patients with heart failure are unclear. We used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and gadolinium-enhanced abdominal aortography to investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of atherosclerotic disease of the abdominal aorta and its side branches in 355 patients with heart failure. Sclerotic abdominal aortic disease was defined as a luminal narrowing >50% of the aorta and its side branches or the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Patients with disease of the aorta and its branches were older (P?0.0001), had overall longer stay in hospital (P?=?0.006) and had more admissions (P?=?0.001) and worse prognosis (hazard ratio: 1.97, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-3.00, P?=?0.002) than those without. In a multivariable model, increasing age and pulse pressure, diabetes mellitus and increasing left ventricular end-diastolic volume were associated with a worse prognosis, but sclerotic abdominal aortic disease was not independently related to outcome (hazard ratio: 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 0.64-1.74; P?=?0.823). These data demonstrate that atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta and its side branches is common and associated with increased morbidity in patients with chronic heart failure. How such disease should be managed remains uncertain, but its recognition and characterisation are the first steps in finding out. 相似文献
BACKGROUND: Abnormalities of longitudinal left ventricular (LV) contraction and relaxation may be early markers of cardiac disease. This study was designed to assess the relationship between long-axis LV function and age in healthy subjects. METHODS: 118 healthy individuals aged 57 +/-19 years (range 20-90 years) with no evidence of cardiovascular disease under-went echocardiography with Doppler examination of transmitral flow. To assess longitudinal LV function, systolic (S(m)), early diastolic (E(m)) and late diastolic (A(m)) mitral annular velocities were measured using colour-coded tissue Doppler imaging. RESULTS: The left atrium was enlarged (P<0.001) in subjects >/=60 years of age compared to those <60 years, but there were no differences in LV volumetric indices and ejection fraction. Peak E velocity was lower (P<0.001) and peak A velocity of transmitral flow was higher in older subjects (P<0.001) with a higher E/A ratio (P<0.001) and longer isovolumic relaxation time (P= 0.001) indicative of impaired ventricular relaxation. S m and E m mitral annular velocities decreased (P<0.001) and A m velocity increased (P=0.002) in the older group. E m velocity and E m /A m ratio showed a strong negative correlation with age (r= -0.80, P<0.001 and r=-0.78, P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Global LV systolic function is preserved but the velocity of long-axis systolic shortening is depressed in older individuals, indicating selective impairment of the longitudinal component of systolic contraction. The decline in the velocity of early diastolic long-axis LV lengthening and the changes in the pattern of transmitral flow suggest impaired ventricular relaxation. These measures of cardiac function may be a useful index of normal cardiac ageing. 相似文献
Background: Ambiguity in understanding what “professionalism” means, and uncertainty in how best to teach it, remains. This study aimed to explore experiences of senior faculty in their endeavor to develop and include professionalism within a curriculum reform (CR), and illuminate challenges encountered.
Methods: Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected from interviews with faculty who were involved in a major CR, plus archived document analysis to provide context, and aid triangulation. Data coding and analysis were inductive, using thematic analysis to generate initial coding scheme; exploring themes in the data.
Results: Seventeen interviews were undertaken and approximately 90 documents were reviewed. Analysis revealed: faculty may unintentionally influence, through mixed messages and hidden meanings, the content and processes of professionalism teaching and learning. We identified several intersecting tensions related to the nature of the existing curriculum, staff knowledge, resources, and lack of clear guidance about the “what and how” to teach professionalism.
Conclusion: This study illustrates, hidden messages and contextual factors can enable or inhibit the translation of professionalism into curricula. Those involved in implementing professionalism must be reflective, keep the “hidden curriculum” in the spotlight to consider how presuppositions and prejudices of their cultural milieu may shape curricular outcomes. 相似文献
Patients with sensory deficits are especially prone to heating pad burns. Two cases are reported of patients with anesthetic skin who received partial and full-thickness burns of their feet from an electric heating pad. These burn injuries could have been prevented if the patients understood the potential hazard of heating pads. 相似文献
Rationale Person‐centred medicine depends on combining best research evidence with the unique values (including the preferences, concerns, needs and wishes) of individual patients and their families. Aims and objectives The paper gives a brief introduction to values‐based practice as a new approach to incorporating patients' values into clinical decision making alongside best research evidence as derived from evidence‐based practice. Method The role of values‐based practice as a partner to evidence‐based practice is illustrated through a series of policy, training and service development initiatives in mental health from the UK Department of Health in London. Results These initiatives have supported person‐centred developments in key areas of mental health practice including, (1) the use of involuntary treatment; and (2) a shared approach of assessment. Early moves are underway to extend values‐based practice to other areas of health care beyond mental health. Conclusion Values‐based practice offers a new approach to incorporating patients' unique values into clinical decision making that is complementary to evidence‐based practice as a resource for person‐centred medicine. 相似文献