bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grass silage as a basic feed for store lambs. 1. Effect of wilting, chop length and stage of maturity of grass silage on intake and performance of store lambs
Authors: FITZGERALD J. J.
Published: April 2006

Two experiments were carried out with grass silages cut at a leafy (Experiment 1) and a more mature (Experiment 2) stage of growth to evaluate the effect of wilting and chop length on silage intake and performance of store lambs. In each experiment, the herbage was cut with a rotary mower and was either ensiled within 24 h as unwilled silage (U) or wilted for 1–3 d (W). Each silage type was harvested with either a double‐chop harvester (D) or a precision‐chop harvester (P). All silages were treated with formic acid at 3 1 t−1 and were well preserved. The silages were fed ad libitum to Suffolk crossbred store lambs (twenty‐four lambs per treatment) without any supplement over a period of 8 or 9 weeks.

Wilting of the silages had little effect on silage intake (797 vs. 809g dry matter (DM) d−1) or on lamb performance in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, wilting of the D silage increased silage DM intake (589 vs. 534 g DM d−1; +10%) and reduced the extent of liveweight losses. Wilting of the P silage reduced silage intake (770 vs. 791g DM d−1; ‐3%) and reduced liveweight gains.

In Experiment 1 intakes of the D silages were 650–667g DM d−1 and just maintained lamb live weights. Intakes of the P silages were 39–49% higher than the D silages (927–968 g DM d−1) and increased liveweight gains. In Experiment 2 intakes of the D silages were 534–589 g DM d−1 and resulted in a loss in lamb live weight. Precision‐chopping increased silage intakes by 31–48% (770–791 DM d−1)in Experiment 2 and improved lamb liveweight gains. Lamb performance was higher on the UP silage than on the WP silage.

The rumen retention lime (RRT), estimated from the rumen contents of the lambs at slaughter and their silage intake before slaughter, was much shorter for the lambs fed on the P silages (12.6–20.6 h) than those fed on the D silages (21.4–29.3 h) in each experiment.

Silage intake and liveweight gain were positively related to silage in vivo DM digestibility (DMD), whereas RRT was negatively related to DMD. However, there were distinct differences between the P and D silages in the elevation and, to a lesser extent, in the slope of the regression lines, indicating that intake of D silage was limited by factors other than the digestibility of the silage

The results of this study show that the chop length of grass silage had a far greater effect on intake and on lamb performance than silage digestibility, whereas wilting had little or no effect.
Grass silage as a basic feed for store lambs. 2. Effect of harvesting system and chop length of grass silage on silage intake and performance of store lambs
Authors: FITZGERALD J. J.
Published: April 2006

A perennial ryegrass sward was cut at a leafy stage of growth and harvested with different harvesters to produce silages differing in chop length to evaluate the effect of silage chop length on silage intake and on the performance of store Iambs when silage was fed as the sole diet. The silage was harvested in late May either as long silage (L), single‐chopped (S). double‐chopped (D). long precision‐chopped (LP) or medium precision‐chopped (MP) silage with (he appropriate machinery. The silages were treated with formic acid at 2.5 1 t−1. were well preserved (pH 3.7–3.8) and were of high dry‐matter digestibility [749–810 g DMD kg−1 dry‐matter (DM)]. The silages were fed ad libitum as the sole diet to Suffolk crossbred store lambs over a period of 11 weeks.

Silage intake and lamb performance progressively increased as silage chop length declined from 32.4 cm (L) to 6.8 cm (MP). Silage intakes were 572, 661, 750, 893 and 1129 (± 21) g DM d−1 for silages L, S, D, LP and MP respectively. The corresponding daily liveweight gains were ‐3, 40, 53, 85 and 151 (± 7.6) g d−l. Similar increases in empty body weight gain and carcass weight gain were obtained as silage chop length declined.

Rumen retention time (RRT), estimated from the rumen contents of the lambs at slaughter and their silage intake in the week before slaughter, was much shorter for silages LP and MP compared with silages L or S. Silage intake was negatively related to RRT(b= ‐24.5 ± 6.1 gDM h−l RRT).

The results of this study showed that high intakes of grass silage and liveweight gains were achieved when grass was cut at a leafy stage of growth and harvested with a precision‐chop harvester set to produce a moderate chop length (7 cm). The feeding of long or flail‐chopped silages resulted in lower intakes and lower liveweight gains.
Mechanical removal of surface moisture from grass
Authors: KNIGHT A. C. , PRICE J. S. , GALE G. E.
Published: April 2006

A laboratory‐scale study was conducted to evaluate various methods of removing surface moisture from grass during forage harvesting. This moisture originates from dew or rain deposits, and contributes directly to the production of silage effluent. Measurements were made to determine the quantity of surface moisture on unharvested grass and the removal efficiency that centrifuging, shaking, squeezing and blowing treatments might be expected to achieve. The absolute quantity of surface moisture on the samples, which included four varieties, was estimated by blotting. The results indicated that tall fescue retained 53% more surface moisture when left in swaths during prolonged wet weather compared with unmown crop. When the wet standing crop was mown, the brush mower conditioner removed 57% of its surface moisture.

Centrifuging and blowing to achieve aerodynamic dispersion of surface moisture were found to be more effective than shaking and squeezing, but estimations of the likely complexity, size and cost of field equipment showed them to be unrealistic options at the farm scale. Italian ryegrass was found to release surface moisture slightly more readily than perennial ryegrass, tall fescue or Yorkshire fog.
An assessment of the relative importance of specific traits for the genetic improvement of nutritive value in dairy pasture
Authors: Smith K. F. , Reed K. F. M. , Foot J. Z.
Published: April 2006

There have been few successful programmes to select forage plants with improved nutritive value for dairy cattle, despite the implications of improved forage quality for dairy production. Part of this lack of progress has been attributed to differences in opinion on the relative importance of improving individual traits relating to nutritive value. This paper reports the use of the Delphi survey technique to obtain an estimate of the priority for improvement of individual nutritive value traits among a large group of respondents. The Delphi technique has been used previously to rank nutritive value traits in forages for liveweight gain and wool production (Wheeler and Corbett, 1989, Grass and Forage Science, 44, 77–83). Increasing dry‐matter digestibility (DMD) was ranked as the most important goal for grasses; increased non‐structural carbohydrate (WSC) and improved rate of digestion were ranked second and third in importance. The absence of anti‐quality factors, and an ‘optimal ratio’ of rumen degradable protein to undegradable protein (RDP/UDP) were ranked most highly for legumes, with increased DMD and WSC following closely behind. Increased magnesium and increased lipid content were ranked lowest for both grasses and legumes. Similar rankings were achieved when mean rankings from Australian and New Zealand scientists were compared with those from US and European scientists. Rankings were also similar when results from nutrition scientists were compared with those from plant breeders/agronomists.
Effect of sward height and vertical distribution of clover on performance of cashmere goats in autumn
Authors: Del Pozo M. , Osoro K.
Published: April 2006

To investigate the effect of sward height on liveweight change in goats grazing grass/white clover swards, an experiment was conducted from mid‐August to mid‐November with groups of non‐lactating female cashmere goats that continuously grazed perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)/white clover (Trifolium repens) swards. Three replicated different sward height treatments — 10–8 cm (high), 7–5 cm (medium) and 5–3 cm (low) — were used to examine the effects on the competitive ability of grass and clover components within the sward canopy and their effect on liveweight. The pasture after grazing by goats had relatively higher ryegrass leaf (+0·26, high; +0·32, medium; and +0·18, low) and lower dead ryegrass proportions (−0·28, high; −0·23, medium; and −0·18, low) than at the beginning of the experiment, whereas the white clover fraction in the sward remained constant (+0·04, high; −0·02, medium; and +0·03, low). Higher proportions of the white clover leaf lamina and petiole were found near the top of the sward canopy and were negatively correlated with the rate of liveweight gain by goats (P < 0·05). Goats gained 50·2 g Live weight (LW) d−1 on the tallest treatment (high) but lost 0·01 and 42·3 g LW d−1 on the medium and low sward height treatments respectively (s.e.d. 13·21, P < 0·001). Liveweight changes that occurred between sampling periods were also correlated (R2= 0·858, P < 0·001) with changes in the mean sward height and proportion of white clover lamina‐petiole at the sward surface in relation to the proportion found within the whole sward. These results suggest that goat liveweight gains would be increased if another species was introduced to reduce the white clover proportion in the surface horizon.
Effects of spring fertilizer nitrogen and sward height on production from perennial ryegrass/white clover swards grazed by beef cattle
Authors: Johnson R. H. , Morrison J.
Published: April 2006

An experiment was carried out to compare the effects of two compressed sward height treatments, each at two fertilizer nitrogen (N) treatments (0 and 50 kg ha−1 in spring), on the date of turnout and liveweight gain of steers grazing a perennial ryegrass/white clover (Lolium perenne/Trifolium repens) sward sited on clay loam in south‐west England. The sward height treatments were 6 cm all season, and 4 cm in the spring rising to 6 cm in June; these were maintained using continuously variable stocking with Hereford × Friesian steers. Cattle were turned out on average 11·5 days earlier on the 4‐cm sward height compared with the 6‐cm sward height treatment. Liveweight gain early in the season was lower on the 4‐cm swards than on the 6‐cm swards. Liveweight gain ha−1 over the whole season was similar for the two sward height treatments. Fertilizer N did not affect turnout date or liveweight gain.
Shoot characteristics of Trifolium repens grown in association with Lolium perenne or Holcus lanatus in pastures grazed by sheep
Authors: Barthram G. T.
Published: April 2006

The morphological characteristics of Trifolium repens, grown in association with either Lolium perenne or Holcus lanatus and grazed by sheep to maintain sward surface heights of 3 cm, 5 cm and 10 cm, were measured. The lamina area, petiole length, internode length and internode weight of T. repens were significantly greater when H. lanatus was the companion grass than when L. perenne was the companion grass. All of these characteristics, together with the number of laminae per stolon, were also greater in the taller swards than in the shorter swards. The number of branches on each shoot did not vary significantly with either companion species or sward height treatment. Except for the effects of the treatments on the number of branches, the results are generally consistent with the known effects of variation in foliar shading on the morphology of T. repens.
Efficiencies of ryegrass and white clover herbage utilization in mixtures continuously grazed by sheep
Authors: LOUAULT F. , CARRÈRE P. , SOUSSANA J. F.
Published: April 2006

A method for measuring the growth, senescence and defoliation fluxes in a mixture consisting of alternate rows of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens) was used to calculate the actual and potential efficiencies of grass and clover utilization under continuous sheep grazing. White clover contributed relatively more to the growth than to the herbage mass of the mixture and its relative growth rate was usually significantly greater than that of its companion grass. The primary reason for the greater potential efficiency of herbage use of the white clover component was, however, its lower rate of senescence. Greater potential efficiency was not reflected in a greater actual efficiency because the contribution of white clover to the total herbage removed was always smaller than its contribution to the growth flux of the mixture. Despite the commonly assumed sheep preference for white clover, the legume was usually the least defoliated species, presumably because of the lower surface height of white clover compared with grass, which resulted in a lower vertical availability of white clover, thereby restricting its defoliation rate. The positive net herbage accumulation observed with white clover at a constant sward surface height occurred partly through stolon and bud development and partly through the growth of undefoliated leaves from axillary growing points and contributed to a net herbage accumulation per unit dry weight in white clover greater than that in ryegrass. This resulted in an increase in the white clover content of the sward, which was observed independently by destructive measurements.
Congenital platelet disorders: overview of their mechanisms, diagnostic evaluation and treatment
Authors: HAYWARD C. P. M. , RAO A. K. , CATTANEO M.
Published: April 2006

Summary.  The bleeding problems associated with common and rare inherited platelet disorders illustrate the importance of platelets to normal haemostasis. At sites of injury, platelets normally adhere, undergo activation, secretion and aggregate formation, and they provide the membrane surface for the assembly of coagulation to generate thrombin. The causes of inherited disorders that alter platelet haemostatic functions are quite diverse, ranging from defects in receptors critical to platelet adhesion and aggregation, to defects in signalling molecules or in transcription factors important for production of functional platelets. The mechanisms of impaired platelet function are largely unknown for the more common disorders that alter platelet activation, secretion and the secondary wave of platelet aggregation. The diagnostic evaluation of congenital platelet disorders has been challenging as some ‘platelet‐type’ bleeding symptoms, such as bruising, are quite common in the general population. Moreover, the diagnostic tests used by clinical laboratories to evaluate disorders of platelet function have not been standardized. In individuals recognized to have an inherited defect in platelet function, therapy is important for controlling and preventing bleeding episodes. Presently, there are a number of choices to consider for the management of bleeding symptoms, including menorrhagia. This paper reviews the causes, diagnostic evaluation and therapies for common and rare congenital platelet disorders.
Current understanding of von Willebrand's disease in women – some answers, more questions
Authors: KOUIDES P. A.
Published: April 2006

Summary.  Considerable progress has been made in the past decade in describing the obstetrical and gynaecological aspects of von Willebrand's disease (VWD). In addition, epidemiological studies have established an approximately 11–16% prevalence of the laboratory diagnosis of VWD in women presenting with menorrhagia. However, it is not established presently whether an upfront VWD screening should be a part of the standard evaluation of menorrhagia. This is because it is presently not known whether therapy in the VWD patient tailored specifically for VWD will appreciably alter the natural history of menorrhagia compared with the non‐VWD menorrhagia patient. There are also subtleties involved in securing the diagnosis of VWD in women presenting with menorrhagia in terms of fluctuation of von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels vis‐à‐vis the menstrual cycle and the potential impact of oral contraceptive on VWF levels. Regarding management of VWD‐related menorrhagia, pending ongoing comparative trials of intranasal desmopressin (DDAVP), tranexamic acid, oral contraceptive and the levonorgestrel intrauterine device, specific recommendations cannot be made presently regarding the superiority of one intervention compared with the other. The management of VWD‐related postpartum haemorrhage is also an area of active debate in terms of ‘best practice’ in type 1 (? prophylactic DDAVP), type 2 [? expectant management if factor VIII:C (FVIII:C) level normalizes] and type 3 patients (? intensity and duration of infusional therapy with a VWF‐containing plasma‐derived FVIII concentrate). This review summarizes the present state of knowledge and highlights numerous questions for future study based on our present understanding of VWD in women.
Achieving and maintaining quality in the laboratory
Authors: HERTZBERG M. S. , MAMMEN J. , MCCRAW A. , NAIR S.C. , SRIVASTAVA A.
Published: April 2006

Summary  In order to ensure the delivery of a service of the highest possible quality, it is an essential requirement that laboratories undertake strict internal quality control (QC) measures as well as participate in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes. For any given test, a critical part of the internal QC process involves the establishment of reference intervals using samples taken from normal individuals, and then calculating limits representing the 95% range. This forms the basis for assessment of abnormal test results, which will in turn impact on laboratory performance in proficiency testing exercises in EQA programmes. Whereas for plasma‐based assay systems, variability in performance in EQA exercises is usually determined by measurement of a coefficient of variation (CV), results of genetic testing is usually measured in absolute terms. Despite this, results of genetic EQA programmes confirm that errors in testing do occur, as much because of inadvertent sample switching and transcription errors as to analytical mistakes. EQA programmes involving identification of mutations by DNA sequencing, such as haemophilia, is made difficult by the high information content of sequence data. Nevertheless, results show that errors are usually made in the naming of the mutations, indicating that this is an evolving and poorly standardized area. Developing countries face particular challenges in the encouragement of laboratories to participate in local EQA programmes, as well as in relation to the logistical issues of sample provision, distribution and result collation in an effective and affordable manner.
Dexmedetomidine or medetomidine premedication before propofol–desflurane anaesthesia in dogs
Authors: GÓMEZ‐VILLAMANDOS R. J. , PALACIOS C. , BENÍTEZ A. , GRANADOS M. M. , DOMÍNGUEZ J. M. , LÓPEZ I. , RUIZ I. , AGUILERA E. , SANTISTEBAN J. M.
Published: April 2006

The objective of this study was to evaluate dexmedetomidine as a premedicant in dogs prior to propofol–desflurane anaesthesia, and to compare it with medetomidine. Six healthy dogs were anaesthetized. Each dog received intravenously (i.v.) five preanaesthetic protocols: D1 (dexmedetomidine, 1 μg/kg, i.v.), D2 (dexmedetomidine, 2 μg/kg, i.v.), M1 (medetomidine, 1 μg/kg, i.v.), M2 (medetomidine, 2 μg/kg, i.v.), or M4 (medetomidine, 4 μg/kg, i.v.). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (2.3–3.3 mg/kg) and maintained with desflurane. The following variables were studied: heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, systolic arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure, respiratory rate (RR), arterial oxygen saturation, end‐tidal CO2, end‐tidal concentration of desflurane (EtDES) required for maintenance of anaesthesia and tidal volume. Arterial blood pH (pHa) and arterial blood gas tensions (PaO2, PaCO2) were measured during anaesthesia. Time to extubation, time to sternal recumbency and time to standing were also recorded. HR and RR decreased significantly during sedation in all protocols. Cardiorespiratory variables during anaesthesia were statistically similar for all protocols. EtDES was significantly different between D1 (8.1%) and D2 (7.5%), and between all doses of medetomidine. Desflurane requirements were similar for D1 and M2, and for D2 and M4 protocols. No statistical differences were observed in recovery times. The combination of dexmedetomidine, propofol and desflurane appears to be effective for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia in healthy dogs.
Innate immune responses regulate trypanosome parasite infection of the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans morsitans
Authors: Hu Changyun , Aksoy Serap
Published: April 2006

Tsetse flies transmit the protozoan parasite African trypanosomes, the agents of human sleeping sickness in sub‐Saharan Africa. Parasite transmission in the insect is restricted by a natural resistance phenomenon (refractoriness). Understanding the mechanism of parasite resistance is important as strengthening fly’s response(s) via transgenic approaches can prevent parasite transmission and lead to the development of novel vector control strategies. Here, we investigated the role of one of the two major pathways regulating innate immunity in invertebrates, the immunodeficiency (Imd) pathway, for Glossina morsitans morsitans’s natural defence against Trypanosoma brucei spp. infections. We determined the molecular structure of the Imd pathway transcriptional activator Relish (GmmRel), which shows high amino acid identity and structural similarity to its Drosophila homologue. Through a double‐stranded RNA‐based interference approach, we showed that the pathogen‐induced expression profile of the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attacin and cecropin is under the regulation of GmmRel. Unexpectedly, the AMP diptericin appears to be constitutively expressed in tsetse independent of the presence of the Rel factor. Through GmmRel knock‐down, we could successfully block the induction of attacin and cecropin expression in the immune responsive tissues fat body and proventriculus (cardia) following microbial challenge. The midgut and salivary gland trypanosome infection prevalence, as well as the intensity of midgut parasite infections were found to be significantly higher in flies when attacin and relish expression were knocked down. Our results provide the first direct evidence for the involvement of antimicrobial peptides in trypanosome transmission in tsetse.
Case of multiple myeloma associated with extramedullary cutaneous plasmacytoma and pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Yoon Yang Hyun , Cho Wan Ik , Seo Seong Jun
Published: April 2006

A variety of cutaneous manifestations has been described in multiple myeloma including extramedullary cutaneous plasmacytomas, cutaneous amyloidosis, pyoderma gangrenosum, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, scleromyxedema, Sweet's syndrome, subcorneal pustular dermatosis, scleredema, and plane xanthomas etc. An 89‐year‐old Korean man, who had been suffering from multiple myeloma 1 year previous, presented for evaluation of two nodules on the right side of the forehead, left side of the chest (7th rib area), and multiple ulcers with papulopustules on both the thigh and the left side of the chest (2nd rib area) during 15 days, which developed at the same time. A biopsy of a lesion which manifested as a cutaneous nodule on the right side of the forehead revealed dermal infiltration by well‐differentiated plasma cells, similar to those found on a bone marrow biopsy, and a biopsy of the lesion manifested as a painful ulceration on the right thigh area showing dermal neutrophilic infiltration. Histologic findings were consistent with plasmacytoma and pyoderma gangrenosum, respectively. We present a case of multiple myeloma which developed extramedullary cutaneous plasmacytoma and pyoderma gangrenosum simultaneously, which is very rare.1 The patient was treated with a systemic steroid and conservative therapy.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation and Th1/Th2 cytokine production in response to streptococcal M protein in psoriatic patients
Authors: Pérez‐Lorenzo Rolando , Núñez‐Oreza Luis Alberto , Garma‐Quen Patricia Margarita , López‐Pacheco Eduardo , Bricaire‐Bricaire Guadalupe
Published: April 2006

Background  Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is probably a T cell‐mediated autoimmune condition which is strongly associated with streptococcal throat infections. Although some groups have associated the involved response with different streptococcal antigens, M protein has been described as the major virulence factor of Streptococcus pyogenes. Thus, it is necessary to describe some features of the cellular responses to this streptococcal antigen.

Methods  Proliferation and Th1/Th2 cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in response to total soluble extracts from type M5 S. pyogenes with (TSE37Sp) and without (M−TSESp) M protein were analyzed in 10 psoriatic patients and 10 healthy controls.

Results  PBMC from both patients and controls proliferated to both extracts. Responses to M−TSESp were significantly lower than those to TSE37Sp (P < 0.05). PBMC IL‐2 and γIFN production after TSE37Sp stimulus was much higher than after M−TSESp antigenic stimulation in both groups (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, IL‐4 production was quite low in both groups and in response to both extracts. We found a differential production of IL‐10 between groups. PBMC from healthy controls responded to TSE37Sp with a much higher production of this cytokine as compared to the responses showed to M−TSESp while the cells from psoriatic patients responded without differences in the production of IL‐10.

Conclusion  Results obtained suggest an important Th1 response to M protein in psoriatic patients which could be associated with the cellular responses involved in psoriasis, while healthy subjects respond in a probably non‐Th2 IL‐10 producing regulatory T cells fashion.
Attitudes of Iranian patients with skin problems towards using the Internet as a medical resource
Authors: Zargari Omid , Kimyai‐Asadi Arash
Published: April 2006

Background  Internet use has grown rapidly in Iran, but there is no information about how Iranian Internet users gather medical information through this medium.

Objective  To study the use of the Internet as a medical resource by Iranian patients with chronic dermatologic problems.

Methods  We carried out a structured interview of all patients 20–40 years of age attending a private dermatology clinic between July and September 2003 for chronic skin disease.

Results  Of the 205 patients enrolled in the study, 104 (50.8%) had computer access and 74 (36.1% of the total) had Internet access. Nine patients (4.4%) had performed a search on the Internet for their skin condition, but only one had used an academic website.

Conclusion  Despite the significant growth in Internet use in Iran, it appears that the Internet is not a significant medical resource for patients in Iran.
Two cases of generalized lichen nitidus treated successfully with narrow‐band UV‐B phototherapy
Authors: Kim You Chan , Shim Sang Dae
Published: April 2006

Background  Narrow‐band ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy has not been used in the treatment of lichen nitidus.

Aim  To report two cases of generalized lichen nitidus successfully treated with narrow‐band UV‐B phototherapy.

Methods  A 7‐year‐old girl presented with a persisting, asymptomatic, papular eruption refractory to topical steroid for 3 months. Another 10‐year‐old boy presented with an asymptomatic papular eruption present for 6 months. The histopathologies of both lesions were consistent with lichen nitidus. The lesions were treated with narrow‐band UV‐B phototherapy.

Results  The lesions of the patients were almost completely cleared after the 30th and the 17th irradiation, respectively.

Conclusions  Narrow‐band UV‐B may be an effective alternative therapy for the treatment of generalized lichen nitidus unresponsive to common therapies.
Eberconazole 1% cream is an effective and safe alternative for dermatophytosis treatment: multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, comparative trial with miconazole 2% cream
Authors: Repiso Montero Trinidad , López Sara , Rodríguez Carmen , Del Rio Ruben , Badell Anna , Gratacós M. Rosa
Published: April 2006

Background  Eberconazole is a topical, broad‐spectrum imidazole derivative, effective in dermatophytoses, candidiasis, and pityriasis treatment. In previous trials, it showed a higher efficacy than clotrimazole in the treatment of dermatophytoses. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of eberconazole 1% cream compared with miconazole 2% cream in the treatment of dermatophytoses.

Methods  A multicenter, double‐blind, randomized trial was performed in 653 patients with dermatophytoses, randomized to eberconazole 1% cream every 12 h or miconazole 2% cream every 12 h for 4 weeks. Treatment efficacy was assessed on the basis of the percentage of effective response after 4 weeks through mycologic and clinical assessment.

Results  Of the 653 patients included in the trial, 360 produced positive baseline mycologic cultures and were included in the efficacy assessment. Clinical efficacy was shown in 76.1% of patients receiving eberconazole and in 75.0% of patients receiving miconazole. The incidence of adverse events related to treatment was 0.91% for eberconazole and 0.92% for miconazole, none being serious, and all being local and transient.

Conclusions  Eberconazole 1% cream is an effective treatment for fungal infections produced by dermatophytes, with a good safety and tolerability profile, and can be considered a good alternative for the treatment of dermatophytoses.
The frequency of scarring after genital ulcers in Behçet's syndrome: a prospective study
Authors: Mat M. Cem , Goksugur Nadir , Engin Burhan , Yurdakul Sabahattin , Yazici Hasan
Published: April 2006

Background  Although genital ulceration with or without scar formation is an important manifestation of Behçet's syndrome, formal data on the rate of genital scarring are lacking.

Objective  To study prospectively the frequency of genital scar formation after genital ulcers in patients with Behçet's syndrome.

Methods  One hundred and two patients (72 males and 30 females) with fresh genital ulcers presenting at a dedicated Behçet's syndrome outpatient clinic were followed for 6 weeks. The ulcer location, size, and frequency of scar formation were noted. All patients were treated with similar topical therapy.

Results  Two hundred and ten genital ulcers were followed in both sexes. The rate of scar formation was 66.2% (102/154) in male patients and 60.7% (34/56) in female patients. When genital ulcers were stratified as a function of size, large genital ulcers (≥ 1 cm in diameter) developed scars more frequently than did smaller ulcers (< 1 cm). The rate of scar formation in male patients with large genital ulcers was 89.4% (59/66) and with small ulcers was 48.9% (43/88) (P < 0.001). In females, all 19 large ulcers healed with scarring, and the same was true for 40.5% (15/37) of the small ulcers (χ2 = 18.61, P < 0.001).

Conclusion  About two‐thirds of genital ulcers in Behçet's syndrome leave scars. The rate of scar formation depends on the ulcer size.
Non‐syndromic, autosomal‐recessive deafness
Authors: Petersen MB , Willems PJ
Published: April 2006

Non‐syndromic deafness is a paradigm of genetic heterogeneity with 85 loci and 39 nuclear disease genes reported so far. Autosomal‐recessive genes are responsible for about 80% of the cases of hereditary non‐syndromic deafness of pre‐lingual onset with 23 different genes identified to date. In the present article, we review these 23 genes, their function, and their contribution to genetic deafness in different populations. The wide range of functions of these DFNB genes reflects the heterogeneity of the genes involved in hearing and hearing loss. Several of these genes are involved in both recessive and dominant deafness, or in both non‐syndromic and syndromic deafness. Mutations in the GJB2 gene encoding connexin 26 are responsible for as much as 50% of pre‐lingual, recessive deafness. By contrast, mutations in most of the other DFNB genes have so far been detected in only a small number of families, and their contribution to deafness on a population scale might therefore be limited. Identification of all genes involved in hereditary hearing loss will help in our understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying normal hearing, in early diagnosis and therapy.
Promotion of flowering in the Pinaceae by gibberellins
Authors: WHEELER N. C. , WAMPLE R. L. , PHARIS R. P.
Published: April 2006

Significant female flowering of 6‐ to 11‐year‐old seedlings and grafted ramets of sexually mature scions of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.) was promoted by both topical and spray applications of a gibberellin (GA) A4/7 mixture (1.6 to c. 5 mg per plant in total) during that period (June to September) when sexual differentiation of lateral primordia would be expected to take place. Girdling was used in most experiments to enhance the GA4/7 effect, as was the auxin, naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Average frequency of flowering branches on treated plants over all experiments ranged from 27 to 59% (control ranged from 0 to 36%) and average number of female strobili was increased from 2‐ to 6‐fold by growth regulator treatment, relative to controls. Within an experiment, clonal or family frequency of flowering for treated plants ranged from 11 to 67% (controls were 0 to 28%), and number of female strobili was increased from 2‐ to 14‐fold by growth regulator treatment, relative to controls. Movement of the flowering stimulus from the point of application was apparent in several experiments, the response in adjacent branches being correlated positively with increasing dosage of GA4/7. Significant male flowering occurred only in one experiment, girdling and GA4/7 treatment being promotive factors. The use of spray applications of GA4/7+ NAA is warranted to induce early and enhanced flowering in lodgepole pine seedlings and vegetative propagules for genetic improvement programs.
No Evidence for Female Association with High‐Performance males in the Green Anole Lizard, Anolis carolinensis
Authors: Lailvaux Simon P. , Irschick Duncan J.
Published: April 2006

Sexual selection theory suggests that females may gain significant indirect fitness benefits from mating with males expressing good genes, particularly in animal species where the males provide no parental care. Whole‐organism performance abilities have previously been shown to enhance both survival and reproductive success in a range of taxa, and females who mate with high‐performance males might therefore gain significant indirect performance benefits. We tested the hypothesis that females associate preferentially with high‐performance males in the green anole lizard Anolis carolinensis in laboratory trials using multivariate statistical techniques. Our results indicate that male performance abilities do not influence female mating preferences, either in isolation or as a combined suite of traits. Thus, any indirect performance benefits that a female might gain for her offspring are likely not a result of a female choice process.
The Effects of Experimentally Induced Polyandry on Female Reproduction in a Monandrous Mating System
Authors: Arnqvist Göran , Andrés José A.
Published: April 2006

Females of most insect species maximize their fitness by mating more than once. Yet, some taxa are monandrous and there are two distinct scenarios for the maintenance of monandry. While males should always benefit from inducing permanent non‐receptivity to further mating in their mate, this is not necessarily true for females. Since females benefit from remating in many species, cases of monandry may reflect successful male manipulation of female remating (i.e. sexual conflict). Alternatively, monandry may favor both mates, if females maximize their fitness by mating only once in their life. These two hypotheses for the maintenance of monandry make contrasting predictions with regards to the effects of remating on female fitness. Here, we present an experimental test of the above hypotheses, using the monandrous housefly (Musca domestica) as a model system. Our results showed that accessory seminal fluid substances that males transfer to females during copulation have a dual effect: they trigger female non‐receptivity but also seem to have a nutritional effect that could potentially enhance female fitness. These results suggest that monandry is maintained in house flies despite potential benefits that females would gain by mating multiply.
Effects of glypican‐1 on turkey skeletal muscle cell proliferation, differentiation and fibroblast growth factor 2 responsiveness
Authors: Velleman Sandra G. , Liu Caini , Coy Cynthia S. , McFarland Douglas C.
Published: April 2006

The heparan sulfate proteoglycan, glypican‐1, is a low affinity receptor for fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Fibroblast growth factor 2 is a potent stimulator of skeletal muscle cell proliferation and an inhibitor of differentiation. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans like glypican‐1 are required for FGF2 to transduce an intracellular signal. Understanding the role of glypican‐1 in the regulation of FGF2‐mediated signaling is important in furthering the understanding of the biological processes involved in muscle development and growth. In the current study, a turkey glypican‐1 expression vector construct was transfected into turkey myogenic satellite cells resulting in the overexpression of glypican‐1. The proliferation, differentiation, and responsiveness to FGF2 were measured in control and transfected cell cultures. The overexpression of glypican‐1 in turkey myogenic satellite cells increased both satellite cell proliferation and FGF2 responsiveness, but decreased the rate of differentiation. The current data support glypican‐1 modulation of both proliferation and differentiation through an FGF2‐mediated pathway.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CAROTID BODY TUMOURS: A 24‐YEAR SURGICAL EXPERIENCE
Authors: Atefi Sohrab , Nikeghbalian Saman , Yarmohammadi Hooman , Assadi‐Sabet Ania
Published: April 2006

Background:  Carotid body tumours (CBT) are rare tumours, best treated by complete surgical resection. However, there is no uniform agreement on the method of resection. The aim of this study was to review our 24 years’ experience of meticulous subadventitial excision of CBT.

Methods:  A retrospective study, from March 1980 to September 2004 of patients with CBT was undertaken, detailing presentation, diagnosis and treatment and postoperative complications.

Results:  Twenty‐five patients (six men and 19 women) with an age range of 23–72 years had been operated on, and all were treated by surgical excision. All patients had neck mass. No patient had a positive family history. Angiography was the main method of diagnosis. All of the patients had unilateral tumours. There was no postoperative permanent neurological deficit. Temporary neurological problems developed in only four patients. External carotid artery was ligated in three patients to facilitate excision of the tumour. Surgical care limited blood loss to an average of 480 mL.

Conclusions:  Subadventitial excision, carried out meticulously, allowed complete resection to be achieved in all of the patients with minimal morbidity and no surgical mortalities. This method is therefore recommended. Facilities for shunting and arterial repair should always be available.
Re‐reading Castells: Indifference or Irrelevance Twenty Years On?
Authors: STAEHELI LYNN A.
Published: April 2006

This essay considers the relevance of The City and the Grassroots to contemporary debates within critical urban analysis. It argues that the book addresses many of the same empirical topics as more recent scholarship, but that shifts in the kinds of questions asked about those topics may make the book seem less relevant to contemporary debates. In particular, Castells’ attempt to abstract from local experience to understand the process of political and social change in something specifically ‘urban’ may be at odds with the goals of contemporary research and of researchers outside Europe, many of whom attempt to provide a differentiated analysis attuned to context and the positionality of agents within social movements. So, while the book makes important contributions to theoretical and empirical arguments because of its deep and rich comparative analysis, intellectual debates and approaches over the past 20 years may have shifted focus.
Corporate Failure Prediction Modeling: Distorted by Business Groups' Internal Capital Markets?
Authors: Dewaelheyns Nico , Van Hulle Cynthia
Published: April 2006

Abstract:  Most models in the bankruptcy prediction literature implicitly assume companies are stand‐alone entities. However, in view of the importance of business groups in Continental Europe, ignoring group ties may have a negative impact on predictive reliability. We find that models encompassing both bankruptcy variables defined at subsidiary level and at group level have a substantially better fit and classification performance. Furthermore we find that the group's support causes improved survival chances for subsidiaries, especially when these subsidiaries belong to the group's core business. Overall our results are consistent with existing theoretical and empirical findings from the internal capital markets literature.
The Effect of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act on Analyst Forecast Properties: The Impact of Firm Size and Growth Opportunities
Authors: Leung Sidney , Srinidhi Bin
Published: April 2006

Abstract:  We provide evidence that the effect of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (the Act) of 1995 on analyst forecast properties is conditional on firm size and growth opportunities. We show that analyst coverage, frequency of forecast revisions, forecast errors and dispersion after the Act decreased for large firms and for firms with low growth opportunities but increased for small firms and for firms with high growth opportunities. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the Act results in additional high quality disclosures in large firms, which face higher litigation risk and tighter scrutiny from investors but not in smaller firms. Our findings of increases in analyst coverage and revision but deterioration in accuracy and precision of analyst forecasts for firms with high growth opportunities after the Act suggest that in spite of increased corporate disclosures, the information environment for analysts deteriorated in those firms.
Characterization of microsatellite markers for rough fescue species (Festuca spp.)
Authors: FU YONG‐BI , QIU JIE , PETERSON GREGORY W. , WILLMS WALTER D. , WILMSHURST JOHN F.
Published: April 2006

One major challenge in genetic diversity analysis of minor grass species is the lack of informative molecular markers. A set of 210 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed from wheat and barley were evaluated for their transferability to three rough fescue species [Festuca altaica Trinius, F. campestris (Rydb.) and F. hallii (Vassey) Piper]. Twelve SSR primer pairs displayed scorable polymorphism among and within the species. The number of alleles per primer pair ranged from three to 17 with an average of 8.3 for all the species and greatly varied for each species. About 82% of SSR variation resided within the species. Festuca hallii was genetically most distinct among the three species.
INSIGHTS INTO NORTH MESOPOTAMIAN ‘METALLIC WARE’*
Authors: BROEKMANS T. , ADRIAENS A. , PANTOS E.
Published: April 2006

With the aim of shedding new light on the still poorly understood North Mesopotamian metallic ware, ceramic and soil samples from Tell Beydar (northeastern Syria, third millennium bc) were investigated using a range of analytical techniques, including optical microscopy, SR–XRD and SEM–EDX. The objective of this work was to differentiate calcareous metallic ware from non‐calcareous ware without the aid of chemical analyses and to find further validation of the existing hypothesis that the former group is an imitation of the latter. A third group of metallic wares from Tell Beydar is believed to be of non‐local, still regional origin.
THE PROVENANCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF NEAR EASTERN GLASS: OXYGEN ISOTOPES BY LASER FLUORINATION AS A COMPLEMENT TO STRONTIUM*
Authors: LESLIE K. A. , FREESTONE I. C. , LOWRY D. , THIRLWALL M.
Published: April 2006

The ability to make rapid measurements on small samples using laser fluorination enhances the potential of oxygen isotopes in the investigation of early inorganic materials and technologies. δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr values are presented for glass from two primary production sites, four secondary production sites and a consumer site in the Near East, dating from Late Antiquity to the medieval period. δ18O is in general slightly less effective than 87Sr/86Sr in discriminating between sources, as the spread of measured values from a single source is somewhat broader relative to the available range. However, while 87Sr/86Sr is derived predominantly from either the lime‐bearing fraction of the glass‐making sand or the plant ash used as a source of alkali, δ18O derives mainly from the silica. Thus the two measurements can provide complementary information. A comparison of δ18O for late Roman – Islamic glasses made on the coast of Syria–Palestine with those of previously analysed glasses from Roman Europe suggests that the European glasses are relatively enriched in 18O. This appears to contradict the view that most Roman glass was made using Levantine sand and possible interpretations are discussed.
BRONZE AGE CHILDHOOD MIGRATION OF INDIVIDUALS NEAR STONEHENGE, REVEALED BY STRONTIUM AND OXYGEN ISOTOPE TOOTH ENAMEL ANALYSIS*
Authors: EVANS J. A. , CHENERY C. A. , FITZPATRICK A. P.
Published: April 2006

Contrasting lifestyles are recorded by the isotope composition of Bronze Age Beaker people (c. 2500–2000 bc) from three burial sites (Boscombe Down, Normanton Down and the ditch around Stonehenge) at or near to the Stonehenge monument in Wiltshire, southern England. Seven individuals (three adults, a sub‐adult, two juveniles and an infant) were recovered from a single grave at Boscombe Down. Strontium and oxygen isotope analysis of tooth enamel from two teeth (a premolar and third molar) from each of three of the adults in this grave (referred to as Boscombe Bowmen) show that they had all shared a pattern of mobility and migration during their lives. The three adult males spent their early childhood (as represented by data from the premolar teeth) in an area with a radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr isotope signature of around 0.7135. They each then moved, during early adolescence (as represented by the third molar results), to a less radiogenic area, where they acquired an 87Sr/86Sr signature of around 0.7112. This implies that they must then have travelled to the Stonehenge area of Wiltshire at a later time in their lives. Wales provides the closest area with rocks that supply suitable 87Sr/86Sr ratios and δ18O isotope compositions for these individuals, although other areas of Palaeozoic rock, such as Scotland and parts of Europe, cannot be ruled out.

Enamel from the two juveniles from the Boscombe Down burial yields 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7098 and 0.7099, and strontium concentrations for both of 55 ppm. The very close match of the data for the two juveniles supports the possibility that they were raised in the same environment. The difference in strontium isotope data between the juveniles and three adult males described above shows that the children did not come from the same homeland as the adults with whom they share a grave.

The two adult males from the single burials at Normanton Down, and from Stonehenge itself, had static lifestyles and show no evidence of migration, in contrast to the Boscombe Bowmen. Their oxygen and strontium data are consistent with a childhood in the Stonehenge area.