bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variability in French dog breeds assessed by pedigree data
Authors: Leroy G. , Rognon X. , Varlet A. , Joffrin C. , Verrier E. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryPedigree 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

AbstractA 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.
Mobile Space‐Time Envelopes for Location‐Based Services
Authors: Brimicombe Allan , Li Yang 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe 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

AbstractLocation‐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

AbstractWhen 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.
A retrospective review of 20 hypertensive leg ulcers treated with mesh skin grafts
Authors: Dagregorio G , Guillet G 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  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

AbstractHairdressers 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

AbstractClothing 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

AbstractBackground  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

AbstractBackground  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.
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.
Real‐Time Monitoring of Luminal Esophageal Temperature During Left Atrial Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Observations About Esophageal Heating During Ablation at the Pulmonary Vein Ostia and Posterior Left Atrium
Authors: PERZANOWSKI CHRISTIAN , TEPLITSKY LIANE , HRANITZKY PATRICK M. , BAHNSON TRISTRAM D. 
Published: January 2006

Introduction: Left atrial radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) is gaining acceptance as treatment for drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). This therapy has been associated with esophageal injury and atrioesophageal fistula formation causing death. Methods: We describe 3 patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF during real‐time monitoring of luminal esophageal temperature. Results: We observed heating of the esophagus during short duration low power RFA, at either the left or right pulmonary vein ostia. Cryoablation at the pulmonary vein ostium in one patient resulted in esophageal cooling. Furthermore, we observed that fluoroscopic localization of the ablation catheter at a site apparently distant from the esophagus is not adequate to assure avoidance of ablation‐induced esophageal heating. Conclusions: Real‐time monitoring of luminal esophageal position and temperature is feasible, enhances recognition of esophageal heating, and may add useful information beyond that provided by fluoroscopic assessment of esophageal position. There is a potential role for esophageal monitoring to help avoid thermal injury to the esophagus during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Chronic Myocardial Infarction is a Substrate for Bradycardia‐Induced Spontaneous Tachyarrhythmias and Sudden Death in Conscious Animals
Authors: KILLINGSWORTH CHERYL R. , WALCOTT GREGORY P. , GAMBLIN TRACY L. , GIROUARD L.V.T.,* STEVEN D. , SMITH WILLIAM M. , IDEKER RAYMOND E. 
Published: January 2006

Introduction: Patients with bradycardia can have severe tachyarrhythmias but it is unclear whether bradycardia alone can induce arrhythmias or whether an additional substrate is necessary. While several animal models of ventricular tachycardia (VT) exist, no model has been reported to mimic the clinical condition of spontaneous VT and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the presence of bradycardia and chronic myocardial infarction (MI) in large animals without manipulation of the autonomic nervous system. We tested the hypothesis that MI and bradycardia cause more spontaneous sustained VT than does bradycardia alone. Methods and Results: Sheep (42–56 kg) underwent atrioventricular (AV) node catheter ablation alone (n = 5) or AV node ablation and 150 minutes of angioplasty balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (n = 9). An implantable cardioverter defibrillator delivered rescue shocks and demand pacing at 90 beats per minute for the first week and at 40 beats per minute thereafter. Electrograms were continuously radiotelemetered and recorded for 6 weeks. Acute post‐MI VT disappeared by day 4. The sudden bradycardia on day 8 triggered numerous premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and episodes of sustained VT lasting >30 seconds during the next 5 weeks. There were 43 episodes of sustained VT and no spontaneous ventricular fibrillation (VF) with bradycardia alone. However, in the presence of both MI and bradycardia there were 970 episodes of VT/VF (P < 0.05) and three deaths at days 13, 15, and 34. The average 24‐hour count of PVCs was similar at day 7 between the two groups but by days 11 and 40, the PVC counts were 35 times and 4 times greater, respectively, in the presence of bradycardia and chronic MI compared to bradycardia alone. No significant difference in the incidence of PVCs was detected because of large individual variation between the two groups (P = 0.21). A high PVC count did not appear to predict SCD. Conclusion: The combination of MI and bradycardia secondary to AV node ablation in sheep produces a higher incidence of VT than bradycardia alone, suggesting that this preparation can serve as a model for the study of VT and sudden cardiac death.
Defibrillation Energy Requirements in an ICD Population Receiving Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: SCHUGER CLAUDIO , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. , FADDIS MITCHELL , KNIGHT BRADLEY P. , YONG PATRICK , SAMPLE ROSS ,   for the VENTAK CHF/CONTAK CD Study Investigators
Published: January 2006

Objectives: While defibrillation energy requirements (DERs) have been extensively studied in patients receiving conventional defibrillators, the DERs of patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillation capability (CRT‐D) devices have not been well described. The purpose of this analysis was to characterize DERs (defined as true threshold or the presence of appropriate safety margins) in patients undergoing implant of a CRT‐D and to determine whether DERs in this population were similar to those reported for patients undergoing implantation of conventional defibrillators. Methods: Data were analyzed retrospectively from the VENTAK CHF/CONTAK CD biventricular pacing study. An appropriate safety margin of at least 10 J was verified with at least two successful conversions with 21 J or less. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine baseline predictors of failed DER testing. Results: Of 501 patients enrolled, 444 (89%) had successful DER test outcomes. Of the remaining 57 patients, 34 converted with energies ≥21J, and 23 had their testing terminated prematurely or were not tested, primarily due to patient condition. Larger left ventricular internal dimension in diastole (P = 0.003) and prolonged procedure time (P = 0.01) were significant predictors of higher energy requirements. Few significant complications arose from DER testing. Conclusions: DER testing can be accomplished safely and successfully in the majority of CRT‐D patients. However, safety margins cannot be ascertained in a significant number of these patients. Left ventricular inner diameter in diastole (LVIDd) and prolonged procedure time may predict higher DERs, and could be used to anticipate the need for a high‐energy device or inclusion of a subcutaneous array.