University of Vermont

About: University of Vermont is a education organization based out in Burlington, Vermont, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 17592 authors who have published 38251 publications receiving 1609874 citations. The organization is also known as: UVM & University of Vermont and State Agricultural College.

Early and Late Repair of Lateral Ligament of the Ankle

Abstract: Utilizing an apparatus for separately testing the status of the anterior talofibular and the calaneofibular ligaments of the ankle in 25 healthy, 15 to 30-year-old adults, it became apparent that t

The mid-domain effect and species richness patterns:what have we learned so far?

Abstract: If species' ranges are randomly shuffled within a bounded geographical domain free of environmental gradients, ranges overlap increasingly toward the center of the domain, creating a “mid‐domain” peak of species richness. This “mid‐domain effect” (MDE) has been controversial both in concept and in application. Empirical studies assess the degree to which the evolutionary, ecological, and historical processes that undeniably act on individual species and clades produce geographical patterns that resemble those produced by MDE models. MDE models that resample empirical range size frequency distributions (RSFDs) balance the risk of underestimating and overestimating the role of MDE, whereas theoretical RSFDs are generally biased toward underestimating MDE. We discuss the inclusion of nonendemic species in MDE models, rationales for setting domain limits, and the validity of one‐ and two‐dimensional MDE models. MDE models, though null models, are not null hypotheses to be simplistically rejected or ...

Invasion by Exotic Forest Pests: A Threat to Forest Ecosystems

Abstract: For millions of years the distribution of the world's biota has been restricted by oceans and other natural barriers. During the last 100 years, human activities, especially international travel and trade, have circumvented these barriers and species are invading new continents at an increasing rate. Biological invasions of insect, plants, and fungal pest species often cause substantial disturbance to forest ecosystems and as well as severe socioeconomic impacts. The invasion process is composed of three phases: arrival, establishment, and spread. Arrival occurs when a species is initially transported to the new area (e.g. transportation to a new continent). Establishment is essentially the opposite of extinction; it is the process by which a population becomes abundant enough to prevent extinction. Spread is the process by which a species expands its range into adjoining uninfested areas. Management of pest invasions focuses on preventing arrival, establishment, or spread. We present case histories that illustrate the invasion process via details of the arrival, spread, impact, and management of selected exotic forest pests. Biological invasions are probably the most significant environmental threat to the maintenance of natural forest ecosystems in North America and elsewhere. The magnitude of this problem necessitates increased efforts to reduce the incidence and impacts of pest invasions. FOR. SCI. MONOGR. 30:1-49. ADDITIONAL

Prevalence and risk factors of carotid plaque in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract: Objective To determine the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Carotid plaque and intima-media wall thickness (IMT) were measured by B-mode ultrasound in women with SLE. Risk factors associated with carotid plaque and IMT were determined at the time of the ultrasound scan and included traditional cardiovascular risk factors, SLE-specific variables, and inflammation markers. Results The 175 women with SLE were predominantly white (87%), with a mean age of 44.9 years (SD 11.5). Twenty-six women (15%) had a previous arterial event (10 coronary [myocardial infarction or angina], 11 cerebrovascular [stroke or transient ischemic attack], and 5 both). The mean ± SD IMT was 0.71 ± 0.14 mm, and 70 women (40%) had focal plaque. Variables significantly associated with focal plaque (P < 0.05) included age, duration of lupus, systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure, body mass index, menopausal status, levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels, SLE-related disease damage according to the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) damage index (modified to exclude cardiovascular parameters), and disease activity as determined by the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure. Women with longer duration of prednisone use and a higher cumulative dose of prednisone as well as those with prior coronary events were more likely to have plaque. In logistic regression models, independent determinants of plaque (P < 0.05) were older age, higher systolic blood pressure, higher levels of LDL cholesterol, prolonged treatment with prednisone, and a previous coronary event. Older age, a previous coronary event, and elevated systolic blood pressure were independently associated with increased severity of plaque (P < 0.01). Older age, elevated pulse pressure, a previous coronary event, and a higher SLICC disease damage score were independently related to increased IMT (P < 0.05). Conclusion B-mode ultrasound provides a useful noninvasive technique to assess atherosclerosis in women with SLE who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Potentially modifiable risk factors were found to be associated with the vascular disease detected using this method.