bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ceasing of muscle function with aging: is it the consequence of intrinsic muscle degeneration or a secondary effect of neuronal impairments?
Authors: Figueiredo P. A. , Mota M. P. , Appell H. J. , Duarte J. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Aging is associated with a significant decline in neuromuscular function leading to an eventual loss of independence and mobility of senescent people. Age-related sarcopenia, characterised by a reduction in muscle mass and strength, is considered one of the most striking features of aging at the level of the skeletal muscle. Morphological alterations in skeletal muscle can be considered as one of the consequences responsible for muscle weakness in the aged population. Beyond 60 years of age, human muscle undergoes a process of continuous denervation and reinnervation, due to an accelerating loss of motor units. It appears evident that phenotypic alterations in muscle depend on the motor drives provided by the nervous system. Because the peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction and motor neurons exhibit degenerative features during advanced age, sarcopenia does not seem to intrinsically develop, but is rather a secondary effect of impaired neuronal function. It is therefore recommended that elderly subjects undergo an exercise program that is aimed towards the improvement of coordinative skills and of muscle strength.
Effectiveness of vegetative filter strips in attenuating nutrient and sediment runoff from irrigated pastures
Authors: HAY V. , PITTROFF W. , TOOMAN E. E. , MEYER D. 
Published: August 2006

Increasing concern about non-point source pollutants released from grazing livestock, a worldwide problem, motivated the present study on the effects of vegetative filter strips (VFS) for controlling pollutants (nutrients, micro-organisms and sediment loading) from grazed, irrigated pastures. Flood-irrigated pastures are an important source of forage for livestock during summer months in California, USA when the surrounding rangelands are dry and dormant. Significant amounts of runoff can be generated from these pastures during irrigation events.Nine plots on an irrigated pasture were assigned randomly to one of three treatments: Control (no VFS), Treatment VFS-1 (8·3×7 m, 0·0058 ha VFS) and Treatment VFS-2 (17·1×7 m, 0·012 ha VFS). In 2000, two grazing events (in April and June/July) occurred during the irrigation season prior to the experiment; further, the experimental plots were grazed between irrigations 2 and 3. Attenuation of runoff loads by VFS treatment was measured during four irrigation events (between 1 August and 3 October 2000) for total suspended solids (TSS), ortho-phosphate (Ortho-P), inorganic phosphate (Inorg-P), total phosphate (Total-P), organic phosphate (Org-P), polyphosphate (Poly-P), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), NH3, NO3 and presumptive faecal coliforms (FC).On average, approximately 0·43 of the applied water left the plots as runoff. Treatment effects approached significance for TSS and TKN and were significant (P<0·05) for Poly-P and NH3. Irrigation number effects were significant for all but TSS, NO3 and FC. The effects of VFS treatments were not consistent. Treatment VFS-2, although representing the largest buffer strip, did not always produce the lowest pollutant loads in runoff. Slope, relatively high runoff volumes and some channelled flow were probably responsible for the limited effectiveness of VFS in the present study. These results suggest that effectiveness of VFS for reducing sediment and nutrient transport from irrigated pastures may be questionable.
Randomized and non-randomized evidence for the effect of compulsory community and involuntary out-patient treatment on health service use: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: KISELY STEPHEN , ANNE CAMPBELL LESLIE , SCOTT ANITA , PRESTON NEIL J. , XIAO JIANGUO 
Published: August 2006

Background. There is limited randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence for compulsory community treatment. Other study methods may clarify their effectiveness. We reviewed RCT and non-RCT evidence for the effect of compulsory community treatment on hospital admissions, bed-days, compliance and out-patient contacts.Method. A systematic review of RCTs, controlled before-and-after (CBA) studies, and interrupted time series (ITS) analyses. Meta-analysis of RCTs.Results. Eight papers covering five studies (two RCTs and three CBAs) met inclusion criteria (total n=1108). There was no statistical difference in 12-month admission rates between subjects on involuntary out-patient treatment and controls. Survival analyses of time to admission were equivocal. All five studies reported decreases in the number of bed-days following involuntary out-patient treatment but this only reached statistical significance in one situation; patients receiving the intervention were less likely to have admissions of over 100 days. There was no difference in treatment adherence between the intervention and control groups in either RCT or two of the CBA studies. However, the third CBA study reported a statistically significant increase of nearly five visits in the mean number of overall contacts in the involuntary out-patient treatment group.Conclusions. The evidence for involuntary out-patient treatment in reducing either admissions or bed-days is very limited. It therefore cannot be seen as a less restrictive alternative to admission. Other effects are uncertain. Evaluation of a wide range of outcomes should be included if this type of legislation is introduced.
Typological effects on spelling development: a crosslinguistic study of Hebrew and Dutch
Authors: GILLIS STEVEN , RAVID DORIT 
Published: August 2006

This study investigates the role of phonological and morphological information in children's developing orthographies in two languages with different linguistic typologies: Hebrew, a Semitic language with a highly synthetic morphology, and Dutch, a Germanic language with a sparse morphology.192 Israeli and 192 Belgian monolingual schoolchildren in grades 1–6 (aged 6;0–12;0) were administered respective dictation tasks in which homophonous segments were the targets. In each language, these phonologically distinct segments are neutralized phonetically but are nevertheless represented orthographically. In both languages the target segments in the test words differed along two dimensions: (1) their morphological function as part of a stem or root versus as part of an affix; and (2) their morphophonological recoverability. The spelling tests in both languages consisted of four conditions which differed in the number and type of cues for retrieving the correct spelling of homophonous graphemes. The cues were of two types: morphological cues, which offer spellers clues to the correct spelling through consistent orthography/morphology mapping regularities; and morphophonological cues, which offer spellers clues to the correct spelling through the manipulation of orthography/morphophonology conversion procedures.A central finding of this study is the differential treatment of morphological cues by Dutch and Hebrew spelling learners. When faced with neutralized segments with and without morphological function, Hebrew-speaking children find morphology an enormously helpful tool. Dutch-speaking children, in contrast, do not find morphology a good cue provider. The impact of typology on the interface between spoken and written language is invoked as an explanation of the main findings.
Facilitation and practice in verb acquisition
Authors: KEREN-PORTNOY TAMAR 
Published: August 2006

This paper presents a model of syntax acquisition, whose main points are as follows: Syntax is acquired in an item-based manner; early learning facilitates subsequent learning – as evidenced by the accelerating rate of new verbs entering a given structure; and mastery of syntactic knowledge is typically achieved through practice – as evidenced by intensive use and common word order errors – and this slows down learning during the early stages of acquiring a structure.The facilitation and practice hypotheses were tested on naturalistic production samples of six Hebrew-acquiring children ranging from ages 1;1 to 2;7 (average ages 1;6 to 2;4 months). Results show that most structures did in fact accelerate; the notion of ‘practice’ is supported by the inverse correlation found between number of verbs and number of errors in the earliest productions in a given structure; and the absence of acceleration in a minority of the structures is due to the fact that they involve relatively less practice.
Tangential breast irradiation – Optimising the technique
Authors: Cormack M. , Calcott J. , Gillies J. , MacLellan J. 
Published: August 2006

Patients receiving tangential breast irradiation represent a significant proportion of the workload in a radiotherapy department. This paper describes the optimisation of an existing technique for tangential breast irradiation. Simulator sessions have been made more efficient by adopting a systematic approach to the simulation process, and set up times on treatment have been reduced and accuracy increased by improving the reliability of the patient set-up. There has been an overall reduction in both the problems and the time taken to both simulate and treat patients.Patient position variation has been minimised by the use of vac-fix bags and the choice of reference tattoo placement on the patient's skin. The single simulation session for planning treatment has been organised into three parts: definition of target volume, calculation of treatment and field parameters and simulation of treatment fields. The improvement in patient set-up on treatment has been confirmed by a reduction in the variability of FSDs measured during treatment.
Changing practice in the radiation treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Mohammed N. , O’Rourke N. 
Published: August 2006

Background: Radiotherapy is well established in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) but there is considerable variation in the radiotherapy regimens prescribed, even within one cancer centre. This paper compares the varying radiation schedules prescribed in the Beatson Oncology Centre, Glasgow, in a sample of patients treated in 1996 with a second sample treated in 1999 following the creation of a lymphoma team with defined treatment protocols.Method: In 1997 a retrospective study within the Beatson Oncology Centre recorded the treatment details of 35 patients treated with radiotherapy for NHL in 1996. The various radiotherapy dose and fractionation regimens prescribed were analysed to identify the rationale behind the variations by correlating them to the grade of disease, the age of the patient, the prescribing consultant and use of cytotoxic chemotherapy. A further audit of 36 patients treated over a three-month period in 1999 re-examined the radiotherapy prescribed and was able to include intent of treatment and stage of disease in the analysis.Results: The demographics of the 1996 and 1999 patients were similar. In the latter group all patients had grade of disease recorded and 83% had stage recorded compared to 91% had grade and only 31% had stage recorded in 1996. The range of doses prescribed was 20–45 Gy (Gray) (median 36) for LGNHL (low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) in 1996 with a range of 5–50 Gy (median 30) for HGNHL (high grade NHL). In 1999 the LGNHL range was 20–45 Gy (median 30) with HGNHL 20–50 (median 40). The 1999 audit showed better recording of data and this allowed further analysis of radiotherapy regimens. The patients could be grouped into three categories of treatment intent: primary radical treatment with radiotherapy alone (36%), consolidation following chemotherapy (25%) and palliation (39%). The radical and consolidation groups received similarly high doses (median 40 Gy) which were significantly greater than the palliation group (median 20 Gy).Conclusions: The creation of a lymphoma team has improved the recording of treatment data and reduced the variations in clinical practice. We would advocate that patients with NHL should be irradiated according to evidence based protocols and suitable patients should be considered for the current BNLI trial of radiation dose in NHL.
An assessment of the accuracy of tattoo marks in aligning treatment fields for pelvic radiotherapy
Authors: Mowbray J. , Bonnett D. E. 
Published: August 2006

Electronic portal imaging (EPI) has been used in the assessment of the accuracy of radiotherapy treatments in the pelvis. The daily reproducibility of any treatment is primarily dependent on the effectiveness of the set-up method. Treatments of radical planned volumes within the pelvis are subject to field placement errors (FPE) which could potentially compromise the successful outcome of radiotherapy treatment. Increasing use of shaped treatment fields to limit the dose delivered to surrounding normal tissues has prompted a more detailed examination of set-up methods.Within the radiotherapy department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary it was noted that tattooed marks on the anterior or posterior and the lateral skin surface, marked at simulation, could not always be aligned for daily radiotherapy treatment.An assessment of the relative merit of the anterior/posterior or the lateral tattoos in determining the isocentre position in the superior-inferior (cranio-caudal) plane is presented. This study showed that changes in the use of tattoo marks during set-up would have reduced the incidence of FPE >5 mm for a small sample group of patients. Implementation of changes in clinical practice, or research using a larger sample group is now needed to verify any improvement in accuracy using a modified treatment set-up technique.
An overview of age-related macular degeneration and its management using external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Newnham John 
Published: August 2006

This paper aims to provide an overview of age related macular degeneration (ARMD) and its radiotherapy management.ARMD is already the leading cause of adult blindness in the western world. The neovascular form of ARMD is responsible for some 85% of blindness caused by ARMD as a whole. Its aetiology is unknown. The natural course of the disease is rapid progression from onset to disciform scarring and accompanying loss of visual acuity. Laser photocoagulation is only suitable for 10% of patients with neovascular ARMD. Initial studies using low dose fractionated external beam radiotherapy have demonstrated stable visual acuity over the range of 40–93% at short term follow-up. Only transient acute side effects have been observed. No radiation-induced retinopathy or vasculopathy have been observed. Common radiotherapy macula techniques are reviewed, field sizes examined and criteria for a simple macula technique proposed. A subset of patients with rapidly progressing neovascular ARMD may be candidates for rapid treatment starts. Although follow up times have been short, radiotherapy is a promising option for those patients facing imminent blindness due to rapidly progressive neovascular ARMD.
Interprofessional work in cancer care: towards team work through interprofessional education
Authors: Hammick M. , Robertshaw H. 
Published: August 2006

This paper explores some of the characteristics associated with learning about the care and management of people with cancer in an interprofessional setting. Most cancer patients have contact with a variety of health care professionals on their cancer journey. This journey is explored for a woman with breast cancer who experiences, reports and receives advice for the chronic fatigue that many such patients have during and after treatments. Recent literature, especially that informed by patients’ viewpoints, indicates that some patients perceive their care as fragmented and can be given conflicting advice from different professionals within the team. This paper demonstrates that working in an interprofessional way is full of complexities for the practitioners involved and argues for interprofessional education as a way towards more effective team work when two or more health care professionals are members of that team.The paper discusses theoretical aspects of interprofessional education, with a focus on knowledge development through shared learning and how this may be achieved for students studying cancer care. Barriers to the effective development of interprofessional knowledge are elaborated upon.
The effect of implementing ICRU 50 in breast radiotherapy technique: the significance of inhomogeneities and off axis ratios
Authors: Cornelius N. 
Published: August 2006

This report examines the recommendations of The International Commission for Radiation Units and Measurements, ICRU 50 and a typical interpretation of them. It hypothesises that there is a small identifiable group of patients that may be at risk of long term damage due to current radiotherapy treatment to the breast.The report emphasises the variation in dose obtained when the whole volume of the irradiated breast is considered. The dose distribution beyond the central contour and the effect of lung density is analysed. Even if three-dimensional planning and inhomogeneity correction factors are not available, consideration must be given to their significance.This report acknowledges that the ICRU reference point is a much-needed method of comparing radiotherapy treatments between hospitals, but points out that it was not intended to be a means of determining dosimetry, despite the suggestion that it may be advantageous if its relative dose is 100%.The report concludes that there should be greater awareness and attention paid to the recommendation that heterogeneity should be within +7 and −5% of the prescribed dose.
Radiotherapy dose and fractionation regimens prescribed for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (a local study)
Authors: Young W. , Meredith C. 
Published: August 2006

Background: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL) are considered to be a highly radiosensitive group of diseases with radiotherapy playing a major role in their treatment. It is recognised that the different grades and stages of NHL require different treatment approaches with current recommendations including combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy, chemotherapy alone or radiotherapy alone. Despite these recommendations there still remains a variation in the radiotherapy dose and fractionation regimens prescribed for NHL and this could be attributed to a lack of written treatment protocols for these patients. This paper gives an overview of the literature and reports on a small local study.Method: A retrospective study recorded the treatment details of 35 patients treated with radiotherapy for NHL between April and September 1996 in a major radiotherapy centre. An analysis of the various radiotherapy dose and fractionation regimens identified was carried out and an attempt to identify the rationale behind the variations was made by correlating them to the grade of disease, the age of the patients, the prescribing consultants and whether chemotherapy was part of the treatment regimen.Results: Thirteen consultants were identified as prescribing treatment for NHL. Forty-nine percent of patients presented as low, 11% intermediate and 31% high grade NHL. Of the 60% of patients who underwent chemotherapy the majority (62%) were prescribed Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxydaunorubicin, Oncovin (Vincristine) and Prednisolone (the CHOP regimen). Nineteen different radiotherapy dose and fractionation regimens were identified, 20 Gy in 5 fractions being the most common. No correlation was found between the age of the patients and the radiotherapy dose delivered. A strong positive relationship (r = 0.95) was identified between the radiotherapy dose and the number of fractions. There was no effect on the radiotherapy dose delivered between the different grades of disease or whether chemotherapy was administered.Conclusions: It is considered that the implementation of a NHL treatment protocol is important and in an attempt to initiate this, specific NHL teams should be formed.
A randomised controlled trial to test a non-metallic deodorant used during a course of radiotherapy
Authors: Gee A. , Moffitt D. , Churn M. , Errington R.D. 
Published: August 2006

Background: Radiotherapy skin reactions have been well documented in the past. Until recently, washing of the treated area and the use of perfumed products that contain metals has not been advocated during treatment. The aims of this study were to assess the skin reactions of patients using a non-metallic deodorant and to see whether there were any psychological benefits from being able to use the deodorant.Method: 41 women attending for radiotherapy to either the breast or breast and axilla were recruited into the trial. They were randomised into one of two groups. Complete data was obtained for 36 patients. 20 patients used the deodorant and 16 did not. Any skin reactions noted were recorded on a weekly basis. Patients were also asked to complete a questionnaire relating to feelings and activities and to comment on the deodorant if they had used it.Results: Skin reactions did seem to be slightly worse in the patients using deodorant, and it was only in this group of patients that axillary reactions were noted. However, neither of these results were statistically significant. The use of the deodorant did not have any impact on the psychological well being of the patients, but patients using it had found it pleasant to use and the majority said that they would use it again.Conclusion: Further study is indicated to look at skin reactions using the deodorant with a larger sample of patients.
Identification of TRIO‐GEFD1 chemical inhibitors using the yeast exchange assay
Authors: Blangy Anne , Bouquier Nathalie , Gauthier‐Rouvière Cécile , Schmidt Susanne , Debant Anne , Leonetti Jean‐Paul , Fort Philippe 
Published: August 2006

Background information. Rho GTPases are involved in many biological processes and participate in cancer development. Their activation is catalysed by exchange factors [RhoGEFs (Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide‐exchange factor)] of the Dbl family. RhoGEFs display proto‐oncogenic features, thus appearing as candidate targets for anticancer drugs. Dominant‐negative Rho GTPase mutants have been widely used to block RhoGEF signalling. However, these tools suffer from limitations, due to the high number of RhoGEFs and the complex mechanisms that control Rho GTPase activation.Results. RhoG‐T17N is a poor inhibitor of its exchange factor TRIO‐GEFD1 (first exchange domain of the exchange factor TRIO) in vivo: although it binds to TRIO‐GEFD1, RhoG‐T17N does not block the downstream signalling. Using the yeast exchange assay, we show that in the presence of TRIO‐GEFD1, RhoG‐T17N can bind to its effectors, which illustrates how negative mutants may produce misleading interpretations and emphasizes the need for new types of RhoGEF inhibitors. In that prospect, we adapted the yeast exchange assay method to identify RhoGEF inhibitors. Using this novel approach, we screened a 3500‐chemical‐compound library and identified a potential inhibitor of TRIO‐GEFD1. This molecule inhibited TRIO‐GEFD1 in vitro. Among the chemical analogues of this compound, we identified two molecules with better inhibitory activity. The three TRIO‐GEFD1 inhibitors had no effect on ARHGEF17 and ARNO [ARF (ADP‐ribosylation factor) nucleotide‐binding‐site opener], two exchange factors for RhoA and Arf1 respectively.Conclusions. The development of RhoGEF inhibitors appears as a valuable tool for the study of Rho GTPase signalling pathways. The yeast exchange assay adaptation we present here is suitable to screen for chemical or peptide libraries and identify candidate inhibitors.