bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological characterization ofα1‐adrenoceptors in equine digital veins
Authors: ZERPA H. , BAILEY S. R. , BERHANE Y. , ELLIOTT J.
Published: January 2006

α‐Adrenoceptors mediate contractile responses in equine digital veins (EDVs) and arteries. Vascular smooth muscleα1‐adrenoceptor subtypes have been implicated in a number of conditions, such as acute equine laminitis, and are therapeutic targets for the treatment of this condition. Digital veins, rather than arteries, were investigated in the present study because they have been specifically implicated in the pathophysiology of acute laminitis. The order of potency of a series ofα1‐adrenoceptor‐selective agonists and antagonists was determined in isolated rings of EDVs under conditions of isometric tension. A61603 was the most potent agonist, with a higher potency (76‐fold greater) than phenylephrine (PHE), suggesting the presence of theα1A‐adrenoceptor subtype. Prazosin (30 nm) caused competitive inhibition of the responses to A61603 and PHE, with pKbvalues of 8.05 ± 0.28 and 8.20 ± 0.27, respectively. In addition, theα1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist, WB4101 (10 nm), also caused competitive inhibition of the responses to the two agonists, with pKbvalues of 8.37 ± 0.16 and 8.54 ± 0.23, respectively, confirming the presence of theα1A‐adrenoceptor subtype in EDVs. The selectiveα1D‐adrenoceptor antagonist, BMY7378 (100 nm) did not cause a significant change in the response to the agonists, giving lower pKbvalues (6.97 ± 0.27 and 6.88 ± 0.17 vs. A61603 and PHE, respectively). Chloroethylclonidine dihydrochloride (45 μm, 30 min), used to produce selective inactivation ofα1B‐adrenoceptors, caused noncompetitive inhibition of the response to PHE, but was without effect on the response to A61603. These findings indicate that EDVs possess at least two differentα1‐adrenoceptor populations, which are predominantly of theα1Aandα1Bsubtypes. These data may assist in the development of more selective antagonists for therapeutic use in horses.
An investigation of the impact of prolonged waiting times on blood donors in Ireland
Authors: McKeever T. , Sweeney M. R. , Staines A.
Published: January 2006

Background and Objectives  The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of prolonged queuing times on blood donors, by measuring their satisfaction levels, and positive and negative affects. As donation times have increased over the past number of years within the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, this is an important issue to examine in a climate where voluntary donors are becoming scarce and demands on people's time are increasing.

Materials and Methods  Eighty‐five blood donors were sampled from one urban and one rural blood donor clinic. The respondents conducted a questionnaire by means of face‐to‐face interview, while waiting in the clinic. The questionnaire contained the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), and a waiting satisfaction scale. Both actual and perceived waiting times of the donors were noted.

Results  Waiting time was found to be negatively related to satisfaction. Inexperienced donors expressed higher levels of negative affect than experienced donors. Urban donors were significantly more satisfied than rural donors. There was a significant difference in perceived waiting time between lone donors and those queuing in a group, with those waiting alone perceiving their wait as shorter. While all respondents stated that they intended to donate again, over one‐third stated that prolonged waiting times would be their most likely deterrent. However, only 15% stated that long queuing times might actually prevent them from donating in the future, and almost all respondents said that they would recommend donation to a friend, despite long queuing times.

Conclusions  Although our results show that the respondents were not satisfied with current waiting times, it did not seem to affect their future intentions to donate. These findings provide some optimism for the future of blood donation in Ireland, as they suggest a strong sense of commitment to donation within the population sampled. Future research could explore the application of ‘the service industry’ approach to waiting times to blood donation clinics.
Analysis of a Long‐term Experiment with Repeated‐measurement Models
Authors: Richter C. , Kroschewski B.
Published: January 2006

Long‐term experiments are a classical case of repeated measurements. Traits are measured on the same experimental unit over many years so that correlations arise between the observations made on the same plot in consecutive years. This paper describes the analysis of a three‐crop‐rotation long‐term experiment. We analysed the yields of the crops and the organic carbon content in the topsoil over 30 consecutive years. Several variance–covariance approaches are discussed and the trait‐specific best fit is interpreted. Mixed models are used to describe the structure of the experiment. Both yields and soil organic carbon show a more or less pronounced variance heterogeneity. Especially for yields, the heterogeneity of cycles and years is dominant. The consideration of correlations results in a better model fit in all cases.
The Effect of Sward Management on the Mineral Content of Winter Grazed Herbage
Authors: Von Boberfeld W. Opitz , Banzhaf K.
Published: January 2006

No information is available regarding the mineral content of autumn‐saved herbage during winter grazing under Central European conditions. Therefore, P, K, Na, Mg and Ca concentrations of autumn‐saved growths of Festuca arundinacea and Lolium perenne were analysed considering the potential influence of pre‐utilization (saved from June or July), date of winter harvest (December, January, February) and year (three winters). For all years date of winter harvest was the main source of variance, whereas date of preceding cut had no relevant effect on the mineral concentrations during winter. Already in December P [2.3 to 4.0 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)], Na (0.3 to 3 g kg−1 DM) and Mg (1.0 to 2.4 g kg−1 DM) concentrations were mostly below the required levels for ruminants. The lowest values were detected in February. K levels ranged between 6.6 g kg−1 DM in February and 23.4 g kg−1 DM in December; on average, K concentrations decreased about 10 g kg−1 DM with advancing winter. Ca concentrations (2.9 to 7.4 g kg−1 DM) hardly changed during winter. Related to higher growth rates of F. arundinacea before December, P and Ca concentrations were diluted, but regarding Mg, more wintergreen F. arundinacea reached higher values than L. perenne especially at the beginning of winter.
The Effect of Cultivar and Environment on β‐amylase Activity is Associated with the Change of Protein Content in Barley Grains
Authors: Zhang G. P. , Chen J. X. , Dai F. , Wang J. M. , Wu F. B.
Published: January 2006

Eight malt barley cultivars were grown in seven locations with wide ecological differences in China for two successive years to study the cultivar and environmental variation of β‐amylase activity and its association with the change of protein content in grains. The results showed that the variation in β‐amylase activity was mainly attributable to the environment (location and year), although the effect of cultivar was also highly significant. The response of β‐amylase activity to the environment differed markedly among cultivars, reflected by large difference in coefficients of variation for the cultivars grown across diverse locations. The effect of cultivar and environment on protein content showed a pattern similar to that on β‐amylase, but the variations caused by cultivar and, in particular, environment were relatively smaller for protein content than for enzymatic activity. Regression analysis showed that there was a highly significant correlation between protein content and β‐amylase activity for all cultivars but ZAU 3. However, an obvious difference existed in the constants and regressive coefficients of the equation among cultivars, suggesting genetic differences in the effect of the changed protein content on β‐amylase activity.
Solute Accumulation as a Cause for Quality Losses in Sugar Beet Submitted to Continuous and Temporary Drought Stress
Authors: Bloch D. , Hoffmann C. M. , Märländer B.
Published: January 2006

Adaptation to low water availability in sugar beet includes the accumulation of solutes relevant for the technical quality of the beet. Two sugar beet genotypes were grown in pot experiments under drought stress of different severity to study effects on taproot composition and concentration of solutes relevant for technical quality, reversibility of drought effects after re‐watering and genotypic differences in drought response. Differences in stress sensitivity between the genotypes were not observed as reductions in taproot and leaf dry weight and white sugar yield were the same. Increasing dry matter concentration with decreasing water supply could, in part, be attributed to an increase in the concentration of cell wall components. The major solutes in the taproot were sucrose, potassium, amino N (the sum of amino acids) and betaine. Sucrose concentration decreased considerably under drought, indicating limited availability of assimilates. In contrast, all further solutes increased in concentration with increasing severity of stress. However, the response of individual solutes varied largely. Changes in amino N and nitrate were most pronounced and probably reflect accumulation of non‐utilized metabolites under limited growth. The drought‐induced accumulation of taproot solutes implicates a considerable decrease in the technical quality of the beet. It was only in part reversible by re‐watering. Genotypic variability for solute accumulation under water deficiency was observed but was not linked to drought tolerance.
Water Relation, Photosynthetic Ability and Growth of Thai Jasmine Rice (Oryza sativaL. ssp.indicacv. KDML 105) to Salt Stress by Application of Exogenous Glycinebetaine and Choline
Authors: Cha‐um S. , Supaibulwatana K. , Kirdmanee C.
Published: January 2006

Rice reportedly possesses a very low capacity to accumulate glycinebetaine (Glybet), but may be accumulated by the exogenous application of Glybet or Choline (Cho) as an alternative way to improve its salt‐tolerant ability. The aim of this research was to determine whether Glybet accumulation could be induced in Thai jasmine rice by the exogenous application of Glybet and Cho, and to determine the effects of Glybet and Cho treatment on various growth parameters of seedlings cultured under salt‐stress conditions. Thai jasmine rice seeds were aseptically germinatedin vitroon solidified Murashige–Skoog media, supplied with either Glybet or Cho in the culture media for 12 days and then treated with 342 mmNaCl (salt stress) for 4 days. GlyBet content, water relation, photosynthetic capabilities and growth characteristics of salt‐stressed seedlings were measured. The addition of Glybet or Cho to plant culture media containing 342 mmNaCl resulted in increased accumulation of Glybet in rice seedlings. Increased Glybet accumulation was strongly associated with a high efficiency of water usage (r = 0.96), which in turn correlated with increased maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) (r = 0.86). Moreover, the pigment concentrations of seedlings cultured under salt stress were maintained by a function of Glybet, led to high efficiency of photochemical and non‐photochemical quenching of PSII as well as to exhibit on net photosynthetic rate. Thus, our results suggest that the addition of either Glybet or Cho to the plant growth media can improve growth performance under salt stress conditions by increasing the salt tolerance of Thai jasmine rice. The exogenous application of Glybet and/or Cho to culture media may be an effective method of improving resistance to salt stress via the promotion of Glybet accumulation with in rice seedlings.
Yield Components of Apical and Subapical Ear Contributing to the Grain Yield Responses of Prolific Maize at High and Low Plant Populations
Authors: Svečnjak Z. , Varga B. , Butorac J.
Published: January 2006

Subapical ears are largely responsible for grain yield variations in prolific maize (Zea mays L.) grown under conditions favourable for the expression of prolificacy trait, but limited information exists on yield components contributing to yield responses. A field experiment was conducted to determine the yield components of apical and subapical ear in prolific maize after various pollination treatments at two plant populations. Hybrid Pioneer 3733 was grown in the perfect stands of 71 428 and 35 714 plants ha−1. Three pollination treatments were carried out: (i) free pollination; (ii) subapical earshoots were covered to prevent pollination; and (iii) apical earshoots were covered to prevent pollination. Grain yields of free pollinated plants were by 50.1 % larger at low plant population (265 g per plant) than at high plant population (177 g per plant) due to a 45.3 % increase in kernels per plant, whereas 1000‐kernel weight slightly increased by 3.3 %. These increased kernels per plant at low plant population were, in part, the result of kernel increments on apical ear (10.1 %), and mainly associated with kernels from subapical ears that did not occur at high plant population. At low plant population, the total grain yield per plant was reduced by 94 g (35.5 %) after the apical ear was bagged to prevent pollination, but only 52 g (19.6 %) when the subapical ear was bagged. When subapical ear development was stopped at low plant population, grain yield on apical ears increased by only 3.9 % as a result of heavier 1000‐kernel weights, clearly demonstrating limitations in kernel set and size. After grain development on apical ear was prevented, subapical ear enlarged to 80.3 % of maximum apical ear yield because the former had, on average, 2.5 % lighter 1000‐kernel weight and 17.5 % fewer kernels than the latter. Ears did not differ in row number when only apical or subapical ear was developed on plant, whereas subapical ears tended to have fewer rows than apical ears when both were present on the same plant. Our results showed that: (i) plant population affected all yield components on both apical and subapical ear except row number; (ii) the occurrence of subapical ear is triggered by achieving maximum potential kernel set on apical ear; and (iii) subapical ear is inferior in potential grain yield to apical one even when the latter was prevented from pollination.
Effects of Foliar Application of Elicitors on Red Clover Isoflavone Content
Authors: Sivesind E. , Seguin P.
Published: January 2006

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) contains high concentrations of isoflavones, compounds that have received much interest lately due to their presumed benefits for human health. In this experiment we tested the possibility to induce isoflavone production in the foliage of two greenhouse‐grown red clover cultivars (‘Azur’ and ‘Start’) through the application of elicitor compounds. Foliar applications of different concentrations of acetic acid (50, 100, 250 and 500 mm), yeast extract (1, 2, 3 and 4 g l−1), and chitosan (125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg l−1) were carried out on plants at the late vegetative stage, which were harvested 2 or 8 days after spraying. Concentrations of genistein, daidzein, formononetin and biochanin A were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The two cultivars differed in isoflavone concentrations, ‘Azur’ having on average 36 % higher biochanin A, formononetin and total isoflavone concentrations than ‘Start’ (P < 0.05). A cultivar × sampling date interaction (P < 0.1) reflected a 20 % increase over time in total isoflavone concentration with ‘Azur’, which was not observed with ‘Start’. Effects of elicitors were limited, contrasts indicating overall, 12, 14 and 15 % greater total isoflavone concentration in yeast extract (P < 0.1), chitosan (P < 0.05) and acetic acid (P < 0.05)‐treated plants, respectively, than in untreated control plants. There were few differences between the various elicitors and none between concentrations of each elicitor.
Tuscany autochthonous cattle breeds: an original genetic resource investigated by AFLP markers
Authors: Negrini R. , Milanesi E. , Bozzi R. , Pellecchia M. , Ajmone‐Marsan P.
Published: January 2006

The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of four autochthonous cattle breeds of Tuscany and their relationships in comparison with Italian Friesian and Italian Brown, using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. A total of 212 individuals were genotyped with three primer combinations generating 102 polymorphic markers. Average expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.23 in Mucca Pisana to 0.26 in Chianina, Italian Friesian, Italian Brown and Maremmana. The differences resulted not significant (Kruskall–Wallis test, p = 0.416). Gst‐B index revealed that 86% of the total genetic variance is retained within population and only 14% is accounted by the between populations component. Multivariate analysis at individual and population level indicated that: (i) Calvana and Chianina are quite separate from the other breeds as an effect of the bottleneck experienced or as a signature of different origin; (ii) Podolian, Maremmana and Italian Brown clustered with the double purpose Mucca Pisana, revealing their contribution to its admixed genetic make up; (iii) Italian Friesian behaved always as out group. The ‘analysis of molecular variance’ recovered a significant subdivision clustering the six populations into three groups: Italian Friesian and Italian Brown versus Maremmana and Mucca Pisana versus Chianina and Calvana (6% of the total variance).
Association of a melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) polymorphism with performance traits in Lithuanian White pigs
Authors: Jokubka R. , Maak S. , Kerziene S. , Swalve H. H.
Published: January 2006

The melanocortin 4 receptor is expressed in virtually all brain regions of mammals and plays an important role in energy homeostasis. Polymorphisms in this gene may thus be related to growth and obesity. In pigs, a non‐synonymous polymorphic site was described (Asp298Asn) and demonstrated to affect cAMP production and to alter adenylyl cyclase signalling. Association studies revealed significant linkage of this mutation with production trait in pigs. In this study, 207 Lithuanian White pigs were genotyped at the MC4R locus and analysed on relationships between genotype and breeding values for several performance traits. The observed allele and genotype frequencies did not deviate significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (wildtype allele 0.59; mutant allele 0.41) and are comparable with those described in other Large White populations. The mutant Asn298 allele of the MC4R gene was significantly associated with increased test daily gain, higher lean meat percentage and lower backfat thickness. There was a trend towards an improved feed conversion ratio (p = 0.065) in animals with the mutant allele whereas no significant effect was found on lifetime daily gain. These results indicate that the MC4R polymorphism should be integrated in selection programmes in the Lithuanian White to improve carcass composition.
Quantitative analysis of production traits in saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus): IV. number of scale rows
Authors: Isberg S.R. , Thomson P.C. , Nicholas F.W. , Webb G.J.W. , Manolis S.C. , Barker S.G. , Moran C.
Published: January 2006

A total of 3156 scale row records, comprising 1739 full‐sibling records from 30 families from Janamba Croc Farm (NT, Australia) and 1417 parent–offspring records from 19 families from Wildlife Management International, Pty Ltd (NT, Australia), collected at each facility using a different method, were analysed using ASReml. The full‐sibling heritability estimate for the Janamba data was 0.37 (SE 0.03). The animal model estimate of heritability for the Wildlife Management International (WMI) data, also based predominantly on full‐sibling data, was 0.42 (SE 0.04). The counts from three counting methods were evaluated by regression analysis on 100 individuals and were found to be highly correlated. Using the regression relationship, the WMI data were transformed and pooled with the Janamba data to give an animal model heritability estimate of 0.42 (SE 0.04). A multitrait analysis revealed negligible correlations (both phenotypical and genetical) between hatchling size traits and the number of scale rows. There is ample genetic variation to incorporate this trait into a genetic improvement programme for farmed saltwater crocodiles.
Genetic variability in French dog breeds assessed by pedigree data
Authors: Leroy G. , Rognon X. , Varlet A. , Joffrin C. , Verrier E.
Published: January 2006

Pedigree data of nine French dog breeds, namely Barbet (BAR), Basset fauve de Bretagne (BAF), Beauceron (BEN), Berger des Pyrénées (BRP), Bouledogue Français (BUF), Braque Saint‐Germain (BQG), Dogue de Bordeaux (DOB), Epagneul Breton (EPB) and Montagne des Pyrénées (MOP), were analysed. The effective numbers of ancestors of dogs born from 1997 to 2001 were equal to 6.7 (BAR), 40.2 (BAF), 36.5 (BEN), 16.0 (BRP), 37.0 (BUF), 13.1 (BQG), 28.9 (DOB), 33.3 (EPB) and 34.0 (MOP). The expected contributions of the major ancestors were found to be highly unbalanced in the EPB and BRP. The average coefficient of inbreeding of dogs born from 1997 to 2001 with both parents known was equal to 12.4% (BAR), 3.9% (BAF), 5.4% (BEN), 7.2% (BRP), 3.3% (BUF), 6.0% (BQG), 4.1% (DOB), 4.5% (EPB) and 4.0% (MOP). These values were found to be significantly higher than the average coefficient of kinship between the male and the female parents of these animals, except in the BAR and BQG, revealing an usual practice of mating between related animals. The results are discussed in relation with the demographic situation and the use of each breed. The method used to class an endangered breed and the ways to preserve the genetic variability, when necessary, are evoked.
Presymptomatic diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma associated with bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation
Authors: Sen Julia , Clewes Adrian R , Quah Say‐Aun , Hiscott Paul S , Bucknall Roger C , Damato Bertil E
Published: January 2006

Abstract

A 62‐year‐old man presented with bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferations (BDUMP) and painful flexor contractures of the fingers of both hands. All these features were considered paraneoplastic but extensive and repeated investigations revealed no underlying malignancy. Oral steroids and orbital radiotherapy were ineffective. The diagnosis was confirmed by trans‐scleral biopsy of the right choroid. Rapidly progressive cataracts were treated by phacoemulsification. Severe exudative retinal detachment with rubeosis and neovascular glaucoma in the left eye were treated successfully by partial choroidectomy. Fifteen months after presentation, investigations detected a 22 mm, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, which was resected without complication. The ocular tumours in both eyes regressed, without improvement in vision of Light Perception, and the palmar fasciitis also improved. The patient remained free of tumour recurrence until sudden death from myocardial infarction five years after he first presented.
New Labour, Economic Reform and the European Social Model
Authors: Hopkin Jonathan , Wincott Daniel
Published: January 2006

The European debate on the challenges of globalisation often degenerates into a contest between a purportedly ‘Anglo-American’ model of liberalised markets lacking a social dimension, and an inflexible ‘European Social Model’ of generous welfare provision but slow growth and high unemployment. We argue in this article that this is a false choice. Data on the comparative performance of European states in implementing the ‘Lisbon Agenda’ show that countries which perform well in terms of economic efficiency and liberalisation also perform well socially. Although combining efficiency and equity may be easier for some political economies than for others, we question the notion that European states are irrevocably ‘locked in’ to particular welfare regime types, suggesting instead that they are generally ‘hybrids’, and that successful reforms may be achieved even in the most unlikely cases.
So what exactly do teacher‐researchers think about doing research?
Authors: WATKINS AMANDA
Published: January 2006

The desirability of teacher engagement with research has been made apparent by several recent secretaries of state and encouraged through legislation and some support mechanisms intended to encourage practitioner‐led investigations. Yet it is still regarded as exceptional, rather than the norm, when teachers become involved in formal research processes. In this article Amanda Watkins examines the factors which might encourage teachers to become more involved in research, discussing their motivations, the support required and the advantages which they perceive as emanating from classroom inquiry. Having conducted her own classroom‐based research she suggests that there is a clear case for promoting practitioner inquiry, but that there remains a need to examine the conditions which must be created in order to move this agenda forward.
Wishful thinking or a bag of tricks? Helping the beginning special educator
Authors: BLAKE CHRISTOPHER , MONAHAN ELIZABETH C.
Published: January 2006

This article, written from a North American perspective, illustrates that the beginning special educator needs more than just a behavioural ‘bag of tricks’ to help her or him develop confidence in managing the learning environment. Chris Blake and Elizabeth Monahan work from the premise that all teachers need to be systematically trained to use meta‐cognitive tools of reflection to comprehend the uniqueness of their students' learning and their corresponding pedagogical instincts and practices.
Using a sensory approach with children who challenge
Authors: CHILVERS DENISE , COLE ANGELA
Published: January 2006

In this article Denise Chilvers and Angela Cole describe a school‐based study which is located very much in an action‐research idiom. Starting from a questioning, but collegial, stance on identifying positive interventions for children who challenge, the authors illustrate how theory and reflection on practice can lead to significant innovations in pedagogy and curriculum. They provide a thought‐provoking account of how a multi‐sensory approach in one setting has had a notable impact on pupils' social behaviour.
Mobile Space‐Time Envelopes for Location‐Based Services
Authors: Brimicombe Allan , Li Yang
Published: January 2006

The convergence and miniaturisation of a range of information and communication technologies, together with increasing bandwidth availability and near ubiquity of mobile phones, are giving rise to a technological environment in which location‐based services (LBS) can realistically develop. In this paper we review the nature of location‐based services and the implications for data and spatial queries. In doing so, we put forward a research agenda that arises for geographical information science and engineering. Central to LBS are problems of response time and the information utility of responses to queries and any pushed alerts, where information utility refers to content, timeliness and geographical footprint. Within a publish/subscribe model of LBS provision, we propose mobile space‐time envelopes as a novel approach to event brokerage. These envelopes simultaneously provide ‘soft clip’ pruning of candidate data sets in anticipation of queries, and provide the trigger that subscribers are pertinently in‐range for alerts. We present the geometrical, algebraic and algorithmic concepts of mobile space‐time envelopes and provide an example of these mobile envelopes in action. We conclude with a discussion of how this initial implementation could be further developed to incorporate added spatio‐temporal intelligence.
A Test Environment for Location‐Based Services Applications
Authors: Li Chao , Longley Paul
Published: January 2006

Location‐Based Services (LBS) are the delivery of information to mobile devices customised to location and context of the user. Some research has focused on data content, while other studies have emphasised the role of multimedia communication. However, very few objective tests have been carried out concerning usage and behaviour. In this paper, a conceptual model and a LBS test environment are presented which aim to study the behaviour and interaction between environments, individuals and mobile devices. The test environment was created, for this purpose, with three main components: urban VR models that allow individuals to ‘walk around’ at street level, a mobile device as information source which simulates LBS applications, and software for recording participant actions and reactions within the test environment. Multi‐source data were collected regarding movement tracking, information accessed through mobile device and participant observations using a combination of automated and semi‐automated methods. A case study on pedestrian wayfinding in urban settings is presented. This illustrates how the test environment can be used for LBS applications and how the data collected can be analysed. The research presented in this paper provides a novel approach in studying and understanding the interaction between environments, individuals and mobile devices.
Development of a Speech‐Based Augmented Reality System to Support Exploration of Cityscape
Authors: Bartie Phil J. , Mackaness William A.
Published: January 2006

When people explore new environments they often use landmarks as reference points to help navigate and orientate themselves. This research paper examines how spatial datasets can be used to build a system for use in an urban environment which functions as a city guide, announcing Features of Interest (FoI) as they become visible to the user (not just proximal), as the user moves freely around the city. Visibility calculations for the FoIs were pre‐calculated based on a digital surface model derived from LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. The results were stored in a text‐based relational database management system (RDBMS) for rapid retrieval. All interaction between the user and the system was via a speech‐based interface, allowing the user to record and request further information on any of the announced FoI. A prototype system, calledEdinburgh Augmented Reality System (EARS), was designed, implemented and field tested in order to assess the effectiveness of these ideas. The application proved to be an innovative, ‘non‐invasive’ approach to augmenting the user's reality.
Immunological aspects of Botox®, Dysport® and MyoblocTM/NeuroBloc®
Authors: Dressler D. , Hallett M.
Published: January 2006

In some patients treated with botulinum toxin (BT), antibodies are produced in association with certain treatment parameters, patient characteristics and immunological properties of the BT preparation used. Therapeutic BT preparations are comprised of botulinum neurotoxin, non‐toxic proteins and excipients. Antibodies formed against botulinum neurotoxin can block BT's biological activity. The antigenicity of a BT preparation depends on the amount of botulinum neurotoxin presented to the immune system. This amount is determined by the specific biological activity, the relationship between the biological activity and the amount of botulinum neurotoxin contained in the preparation. For Botox® the specific biological activity is 60 MU‐EV/ng neurotoxin, for Dysport® 100 MU‐EV/ng neurotoxin and for MyoblocTM/NeuroBloc® 5 MU‐EV/ng neurotoxin. For MyoblocTM/NeuroBloc® this translates into an antibody‐induced therapy failure rate of 44% in patients treated for cervical dystonia, whereas for BT type A preparations this figure is approximately 5%. No obvious differences in antigenicity of BT type A preparations have been detected thus far. For the current formulation of Botox®, the rate of antibody‐induced therapy failure is reportedly less than 1%. To determine the antigenicity of different BT preparations in more detail, prospective studies on large series of unbiased patients with sensitive and specific BT antibody tests are necessary.
Treatment of cervical dystonia with botulinum toxins
Authors: Comella C. L. , Thompson P. D.
Published: January 2006

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) treatment has been used extensively for the treatment of cervical dystonia. In most studies, there is significant improvement following treatment for head posture and pain. The common side effects following treatment include dysphagia, dry mouth, and neck weakness. There are five brands and two serotypes of BoNT available. The dosing of each serotype and brand differs. Perhaps more importantly, each brand and serotype may differ in immunogenic potential and occurrence of secondary unresponsiveness, an issue that is currently under active investigation. Although many aspects of the technique of injection have not been adequately studied, general guidelines are available.
Botulinum toxin therapy of hemifacial spasm: comparing different therapeutic preparations
Authors: Frei K. , Truong D. D. , Dressler D.
Published: January 2006

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by involuntary irregular clonic or tonic movements of the muscles innervated by cranial nerve VII on one side of the face, and is most often a result of vascular compression of the facial nerve at the root exit zone (Muscle and Nerve 1998;21:1740). Disability associated with this disorder ranges from social embarrassment to interference with vision resulting from involuntary eye closure. Treatment of HFS most often involves botulinum toxin injections, but may also include medications and surgery. We describe treatment with the three types of botulinum toxin currently commercially available – Botox®, Dysport® and Myobloc®/NeuroBloc®.
Botulinum toxin therapy of laryngeal muscle hyperactivity syndromes: comparing different botulinum toxin preparations
Authors: Truong D. D. , Bhidayasiri R.
Published: January 2006

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a focal dystonia characterized by a strained, strangled voice. Botulinum toxin is a symptomatic treatment for SD and has become the mainstay of therapy over the last two decades. In this manuscript, we briefly review different laryngeal muscle hyperactivity syndromes, their injection techniques and toxins currently available. Adductor SD is the most common indication for botulinum toxin treatment in the larynx. All studies report similar results with regard to improvement, patient satisfaction and side effects. We describe different injection techniques to treat this disorder such as the percutaneous, transoral, transnasal, point‐touch techniques. In abductor SD, a subtype of SD, the treatment is aimed at the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. Other applications of botulinum toxin in the larynx include spasmodic laryngeal dyspnea and voice tremors. We also review injection techniques, the different toxin types used, and toxin doses.
A retrospective review of 20 hypertensive leg ulcers treated with mesh skin grafts
Authors: Dagregorio G , Guillet G
Published: January 2006

Background  Few articles have been published about hypertensive leg ulcers and their surgical treatment. Since mid of the year 2000, it has been our policy to treat all hypertensive leg ulcers very early with mesh split‐thickness skin grafts. The present series consists of 15 patients whose hypertensive leg ulcers, including five bilateral cases, were treated with 20 mesh grafts from 2000 to 2002.

Subjects and methods  All patients, nine women and six men, had a long history of hypertension. The same surgical procedure was applied to all 15 patients: a complete mechanical debridement of all necrotic tissues, immediately followed by mesh skin grafting.

Results  Patients were discharged from the hospital after an average post‐operative period of 16 days. Upon leaving the hospital, the patients had lesions completely healed in 14 of 20 cases. The graft take had been complete after an average period of 14 days. In six cases, one or two very small patches of skin graft had necrosed and complete healing required an additional period of 1 to 3 months. In all 20 cases, pain had disappeared within 1 week from surgery.

Discussion  All patients were on opioid therapy before surgery. With medical treatment only, hypertensive leg ulcers used to heal after a mean period of 15 months. After surgery, the average healing period was 2 weeks and opioids were stopped within 1 month after surgery.

Conclusion  The review of the present series shows that early mesh grafting of hypertensive leg ulcers is beneficial, because healing is very quick and the pain will disappear quasi‐instantly.
Barber's hair sinus in a female hairdresser: uncommon manifestation of an occupational dermatosis
Authors: Schröder CM , Merk HF , Frank J
Published: January 2006

Hairdressers are prone to developing occupational skin diseases, particularly hand eczema of different origins. Rather uncommon, however, is the so‐called barber's hair sinus that is caused by hair fragments penetrating the skin preferably in the interdigital spaces of their hands. Whereas, to date, the disease has almost exclusively been reported to occur on the hands of male hairdressers, we herein present the first case of a female hairdresser who developed a barber's hair sinus on one of her feet.
The European standard for sun‐protective clothing: EN 13758
Authors: Gambichler T , Laperre J , Hoffmann K
Published: January 2006

Clothing is considered one of the most important tools for sun protection. Contrary to popular opinion, however, some summer fabrics provide insufficient ultraviolet (UV) protection. The European Committee for Standardization (CEN), has developed a new standard on requirements for test methods and labelling of sun‐protective garments. This document has now been completed and is published.

Within CEN, a working group, CEN/TC 248 WG14 ‘UV protective clothing’, was set up with the mission to produce standards on the UV‐protective properties of textile materials. This working group started its activities in 1998 and included 30 experts (dermatologists, physicists, textile technologists, fabric manufacturers and retailers of apparel textiles) from 11 European member states. Within this working group, all medical, ethical, technical and economical aspects of standardization of UV‐protective clothing were discussed on the basis of the expertise of each member and in consideration of the relevant literature in this field. Decisions were made in consensus.

The first part of the standard (EN 13758‐1) deals with all details of test methods (e.g. spectrophotometric measurements) for textile materials and part 2 (EN 13758‐2) covers classification and marking of apparel textiles. UV‐protective cloths for which compliance with this standard is claimed must fulfill all stringent instructions of testing, classification and marking, including a UV protection factor (UPF) larger than 40 (UPF 40+), average UVA transmission lower than 5%, and design requirements as specified in part 2 of the standard. A pictogram, which is marked with the number of the standard EN 13758‐2 and the UPF of 40+, shall be attached to the garment if it is in compliance with the standard.

The dermatology community should take cognizance of this new standard document. Garment manufacturers and retailers may now follow these official guidelines for testing and labelling of UV‐protective summer clothes, and the sun‐aware consumer can easily recognize garments that definitely provide sufficient UV protection.
Psoralen–ultraviolet A vs. narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Parsad D , Kanwar AJ , Kumar B
Published: January 2006

Background  Although many treatment modalities have been tried for the treatment of vitiligo, none is uniformly effective. Psoralen phototherapy (psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA)) is established as efficacious treatment for vitiligo. Recently, narrow‐band UVB (NBUVB) has been reported to be an effective and safe therapeutic option in patients with vitiligo.

Objective  To compare the efficacy of PUVA and NBUVB in the treatment of vitiligo.

Design and setting  Retrospective analysis of 69 patients with vitiligo who were treated either with PUVA or NBUVB at the pigmentary clinic of the Dermatology Department of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Outcome measures  The following variables were compared between the two groups of patients: repigmentation status, number of treatments for marked to complete repigmentation in existing lesions, appearance of new lesions or increase in size of existing lesions, adverse effect of therapy, stability of repigmentation and colour match.

Results  In PUVA‐treated group, 9 patients showed marked to complete repigmentation (23.6%) and 14 patients showed moderate improvement (36.8%), whereas in NBUVB‐treated group, 13 patients showed marked to complete repigmentation (41.9%) and 10 patients showed moderate improvement (32.2%). A statistically significantly better stability and colour match of repigmentation with surrounding skin was seen in NBUVB‐treated patients.

Conclusion  We showed that NBUVB is more effective than PUVA and repigmentation induced with NBUVB is statistically significantly more stable.
The handicap caused by atopic dermatitis – sick leave and job avoidance
Authors: Holm EA , Esmann S , Jemec GBE
Published: January 2006

Background  The handicap caused by skin diseases is insufficiently described in comparison to other types of diseases (e.g. rheumatological diseases). Estimates of disease handicap provide important data for overall disease assessment, resource planning and background data for planning possible preventive intervention studies.

Objective  Primarily to describe the degree of handicap caused by atopic dermatitis (AD) in relation to the choice of education and occupation. Secondarily to describe the frequency of social pensions awarded due to AD in Denmark and the development of pensions awarded over time.

Methods  A descriptive study based on questionnaires gathered from members of the Danish Association of Atopic Eczema. Information was obtained on age, disease duration, severity, localization of eczema and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Additional data about sick days due to eczema and patients’ choice of education or employment were obtained from the Danish Ministry of Social Affairs.

Results  Study population 112 (24 males and 88 females), aged 15 years and older, self‐assessed morbidity was mild (1/3), moderate (1/2) or severe (approximately 1/5). Mean DLQI score was 9.67. Mean loss of working days due to AD was 5.8 days/6 months (95% CI: 0.36–11.30). The mean total loss of working days due to eczema alone was 148% of the national average, and 38% of the respondents had abstained from a specific education or a job due to AD. Since 1970, the average number of pension due to AD awarded in Den‐mark has grown from 4.2 per year for 1970–1976 to18.0 per year for 1999–2002.

Conclusion  Even mild to moderate AD causes handicap as seen from increased sick leave and the number of awarded early retirement pensions. There are therefore both individual as well as societal consequences of AD.
An Experimental Test of Matrix Permeability and Corridor Use by an Endemic Understory Bird
Authors: CASTELLÓN TRACI D. , SIEVING KATHRYN E.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Because of widespread habitat fragmentation, maintenance of landscape connectivity has become a major focus of conservation planning, but empirical tests of animal movement in fragmented landscapes remain scarce. We conducted a translocation experiment to test the relative permeability of three landscape elements (open habitat, shrubby secondary vegetation, and wooded corridors) to movement by the Chucao Tapaculo (Scelorchilus rubecula), a forest understory bird endemic to South American temperate rainforest. Forty‐one radio‐tagged subjects were translocated (individually) to three landscape treatments consisting of small release patches that were either entirely surrounded by open habitat (pasture), entirely surrounded by dense shrubs, or linked to other patches by wooded corridors that were otherwise surrounded by open matrix. The number of days subjects remained in release patches before dispersal (a measure of habitat resistance) was significantly longer for patches surrounded by open habitat than for patches adjoining corridors or surrounded by dense shrubs. These results indicate that open habitat significantly constrains Chucao dispersal, in accord with expectation, but dispersal occurs equally well through wooded corridors and shrub‐dominated matrix. Thus, corridor protection or restoration and management of vegetation in the matrix (to encourage animal movement) may be equally feasible alternatives for maintaining connectivity.
Guidelines Abstracted from the Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Rodin Miriam , Saliba Debra , Brummel‐Smith Kenneth ,   on behalf of the American Geriatrics Society Clinical Practice Committee
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVES: To assist facilities in identifying those evidence‐based processes of poststroke care that enhance measurable patient outcomes. The guideline(s) should be used by facilities (hospitals, subacute‐care units and providers of long‐term care) to implement a structured approach to improve rehabilitative practices and by clinicians to determine best interventions to achieve improved patient outcomes.

OPTIONS: The guideline considers five elements of poststroke rehabilitation care: interdisciplinary teams; use of standardized assessments; intensity, timing, and duration of therapy; involvement of patients' families and caregivers in decision‐making; and educational interventions for patients, families, and caregivers. Evidence, benefits, harms, and recommendations for each of the five designated elements and specific annotated recommendations for poststroke managements are presented separately.

OUTCOMES: The overall guideline considers improvement in functional status measures as the primary outcome. Achieving community‐dwelling status and preventing complications, death, and rehospitalization are also important outcomes. Costs are not specifically addressed.

PARTICIPANTS: The Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense (VA/DoD) Stroke Rehabilitation Working Group consisted of 28, largely VA and military hospital, representatives of medical and allied professions concerned with stroke diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. Nine additional members with similar credentials served as the editorial committee. Technical consultation was contracted from ACS Federal Health Care, Inc., and the Center for Evidence‐Based Practice, State University of New York—Upstate Medical University, Department of Family Medicine conducted evidence appraisal. Consensus was achieved over several years of facilitated group discussion and iterative evaluation of draft documents and supporting evidence.

SPONSOR: The guideline was prepared under the auspices of the VA/DoD. No other source of support was identified in the document, or supporting documents.