bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of the annual weedMonochoria vaginalisin southern China detected by random amplified polymorphic DNA and inter‐simple sequence repeat analyses
Authors: LI W G , SHEN J J , WANG J B 
Published: November 2005

SummaryTwo molecular genetic screening techniques, RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNAs) and ISSR (inter‐simple sequence repeats), were applied to detect the level and pattern of genetic diversity ofMonochoria vaginalis, a common weed of rice fields, in seven populations from southern China. Among these populations, 116 bands were amplified by 18 RAPD primers, of which 34 bands (29.31%) were polymorphic, and 14 ISSR primers produced 111 bands with 87 polymorphic bands (78.38%). Within each population, a relatively low level of genetic diversity was detected by both RAPD and ISSR analyses, with a mean genetic diversity (H) of 0.0348 and 0.0551 respectively. Analysis of molecular variance of the data from the RAPD and ISSR markers detected that the majority of total genetic variation existed among populations (73.50% and 76.70% respectively) and only minor genetic variation within populations (26.50% and 23.30% respectively). Cluster analysis divided the seven populations into two groups, indicating that the genetic relationships among populations have relatively low correlation with their geographical distribution (Mantel test;r = 0.45 and 0.48 respectively). Our results indicated that both RAPD and ISSR markers were effective and reliable for accurately assessing the degree of genetic variation ofM. vaginalis. Comparing the two techniques, ISSR markers were more efficient than the RAPD assay. The Mantel test gaver = 0.16, suggesting no correlation between these two molecular markers.
Competitive interactions in mixtures of broccoli and Chenopodium album grown at two UV‐B radiation levels under glasshouse conditions
Authors: FURNESS N H , JOLLIFFE P A , UPADHYAYA M K 
Published: November 2005

SummaryUltraviolet‐B radiation effects on intra‐ and interspecific competition in broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and Chenopodium album were studied using bivariate factorial experiments. A randomized block design was used in which three monoculture densities for each species [144 (low), 256 (medium), and 400 (high) plants m−2] and all binary combinations were grown in a glasshouse at two (4 and 7 kJ m−2 day−1) UV‐BBE radiation levels for 4 weeks in 1999 and 5 weeks in 2000. Inverse yield–density relationships were more discernible at 4, compared with 7 kJ m−2 day−1 UV‐BBE radiation. Substitution rates, indicating the balance of intra‐ to interspecific competitive effects, declined for broccoli at 7, compared with 4 kJ m−2 day−1 UV‐BBE radiation, largely because of reduced interspecific competitive influences. Conversely, substitution rates increased for C. album grown at 7 kJ m−2 day−1 UV‐BBE radiation, as a result of both decreased intraspecific and increased interspecific competition. Interspecific competitive effects were influenced more than intraspecific competitive effects by UV‐B radiation. Based on relative magnitude of substitution rates, C. album was a stronger competitor than broccoli at 4 kJ m−2 day−1 UV‐BBE radiation in both years, and at 7 kJ m−2 day−1 UV‐BBE radiation in 1999. In 2000, broccoli was the stronger competitor at 7 kJ m−2 day−1 UV‐BBE radiation. Overall, the relative competitiveness of broccoli was enhanced, while that of C. album diminished at 7, compared with 4 kJ m−2 day−1 UV‐BBE radiation. These findings indicate that above‐ambient UV‐B radiation has the potential to alter crop–weed competitive interactions, which could change acceptable weed threshold levels.
Host specificity of Fusarium oxysporum Schlect (isolate PSM 197), a potential mycoherbicide for controlling Striga spp. in West Africa
Authors: MARLEY P S , KROSCHEL J , ELZIEN A 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe ability of Fusarium oxysporum (PSM 197), a potential mycoherbicide for control of Striga hermonthica, to control different Striga species (S. hermonthica, S. asiatica and S. gesneroides) and another parasitic weed, Alectra vogelli, was investigated under glasshouse conditions. Significant reductions in the total number of emerged plants of S. asiatica (91.3%), S. gesneroides (81.8%) and S. hermonthica (94.3%) were achieved in the presence of F. oxysporum (PSM 197). The pathogen only caused a reduction of 8.5% in A. vogelli. This high susceptibility of the three Striga species provides a possible opportunity to control these parasites simultaneously with this mycoherbicide.
Non‐melanoma skin cancer in Catalonia. A community‐based prevalence study
Authors: Estrada Jordi Graells 
Published: November 2005

AbstractIntroduction  Accurate epidemiologic studies of non‐melanoma skin cancer in South Europe are nearly absent. Incidence studies based on treated cases are difficult and may overlook asymptomatic tumors. Studying cohorts of populations in order to establish prevalence data are necessary to give realistic impressions of the problem.Materials and methods  A population‐based cohort of 1000 women was examined for skin cancer. The sample was obtained from women attending a massive campaign of mammography addressing all women aged 50–65 years in the area of Sant Boi de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain. Examination included full body areas, except those covered by underwear or hair, and feet.Results  Nine cases of basal cell carcinoma were histologically confirmed, resulting in a prevalence of 900 cases in 105 (95% CI 601; 1198). Five of them were located on the trunk, in non‐exposed sites.Conclusion  The prevalence of basal cell carcinoma found in our population is one of the highest reported in Europe. A significant proportion of tumors are on the trunk, suggesting the existence of a high proportion of undetected cases. Similar studies in 5–10‐year intervals could aid detection of changing trends in the prevalence of skin cancer in our population.
The psoriasis disability index in Chinese patients: contribution of clinical and psychological variables
Authors: Yang Yong , Koh David , Khoo Lawrence , Nyunt Shwe Zin , Ng Vivian , Goh Chee Leok 
Published: November 2005

AbstractObjectives  To provide a description of medical and psychological aspects of Chinese psoriasis patients, and to examine the specific contribution of demographic, medical and psychological variables to the Psoriasis Disability Index.Methods  Ninety‐three Chinese psoriasis patients underwent a clinical assessment using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and completed a questionnaire that included questions on demographic and medical data, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI).Results  Psoriasis patients with cosmetic involvement had higher levels of anxiety and depression and higher disability scores than those without cosmetic involvement. Thirty‐four per cent of the patients reported a significant level of anxiety (HADS‐anx. > 11). The clinical severity of psoriasis was not associated with psychological and PDI scores. Multiple regression analysis indicated that psychological variables were associated with PDI scores, and explained 30% of the variance. However, demographic and psoriasis severity variables explained only 6% of the variance.Conclusion  Psoriasis patients suffer from anxiety and depression. Psychological factors are much stronger determinants of the PDI than demographic, disease related variables. Clinical management of the disease should consider both clinical and psychological factors.
Skin diseases in Turkish renal transplant recipients
Authors: Alper Sibel , Kilinc Isil , Duman Soner , Toz Huseyin , Ceylan Can , Unal Idil , Aytimur Derya 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground  Organ transplant recipients are predisposed to a variety of cutaneous complications due to immunosuppressive therapy. We aimed to determine the prevalence and the clinical spectrum of skin diseases in renal transplant recipients (RTRs).Methods  One hundred and eleven RTRs were examined at the Renal Transplantation Center in Ege University Hospital between October 1999 and October 2001. The effects of age, gender and duration time after transplantation on cutaneous manifestations were evaluated and the dermatologic manifestations in RTRs were compared with findings in a control group consisting of 100 patients. The t‐test, χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis.Results  Seventy‐five patients (66.4%) had an infection of the skin, 66 patients (58.4%) had drug‐related manifestations, and 11 patients (9.7%) had premalignant or malignant skin lesions. Human papilloma virus (HPV) infections were the most common skin lesions. There was no significant relation between age and gender and the incidence of skin diseases in RTRs. The incidence of HPV infections, tinea versicolor and premalignant and malignant lesions increased with the duration of immunosuppression. The incidence of infectious skin diseases, especially HPV infections and tinea versicolor, was higher in the study group than in the control group.Conclusions  In this study, we observed that cutaneous lesions, especially those caused by infectious diseases, had a higher frequency in RTRs. The findings emphasize the importance of regular dermatological screening in these patients, which can provide early diagnosis and a better quality of life for RTRs.
Case of pemphigus vulgaris in oral mucosa showing an extension to the body surface with recurrent varicella
Authors: Horiguchi Yuji , Fujii Shinobu , Takase Sawako , Mori Ryoko 
Published: November 2005

A 60‐year‐old female with pemphigus vulgaris limited to the oral mucosa being treated with prednisolone showed a widespread extension of lesions to the body and extremities over a short period. The eruptions on the body began as small vesicles that looked unlike the blisters of pemphigus vulgaris, and increased to large blisters and erosions compatible with pemphigus. A smear test of the vesicles in the early stage demonstrated multinucleated acantholytic keratinocytes, which were positively stained with an antivaricella zoster virus (VZV) antibody by the immunoperoxidase method. The widespread eruptions improved immediately after 5 days’ administration of valaciclovir hydrochloride tablets and increased dosage of prednisolone, leaving tiny shallow scars and pigmentation. The anti‐VZV antibody in the serum was not elevated, and there were no zosteriform eruptions noted during the course. We thought that widespread extension of the pemphigus vulgaris in this case was provoked by recurrent varicella, in a similar fashion to Koebner phenomenon.
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis with cutaneous lesions clinically mimicking mycosis fungoides
Authors: Crum Nancy F. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis report describes the second known case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis mimicking mycosis fungoides since the original description more than 100 years ago. Coccidioidomycosis should be considered in persons from an endemic area presenting with nonhealing or suspicious skin lesions. Diagnosis is established by skin biopsy and silver staining showing granulomas and classic Coccidioides immitis spherules. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis most commonly involves the skin and can have a variety of cutaneous manifestations. The first description of a Coccidioides immitis infection in 1892 was initially diagnosed as mycosis fungoides. We present the second case of coccidioidomycosis masquerading as mycosis fungoides.
A case of erythema elevatum diutinum associated with breast carcinoma
Authors: Yilmaz Fikriye , Araç Mehmet , Çiftçioglu M. Akif , Yilmaz Ertan 
Published: November 2005

A 53‐year‐old woman diagnosed with invasive ductal‐type breast carcinoma was referred to our clinic with red–purple lesions on the hands and legs. She had neither pruritus nor pain. The first lesion developed on the dorsal hand. In the following days, new lesions appeared on the extensor surface of the legs. The patient had been treated with modified radical mastectomy and three courses of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and fluorouracil chemotherapy.Dermatologic examination revealed reddish‐violaceous papules and plaques ranging from a few millimeters to 2 cm in diameter, bilaterally located on the dorsal hands, especially over the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints (Fig. 1). Multiple red–purple, circumscribed papules and plaques of various diameters were observed bilaterally over the shins (Fig. 2). The largest of these plaques showed an annular configuration. The nails showed distal subungual keratosis and yellow discoloration. The rest of the physical examination was normal.Violaceous papules and plaques on the dorsal handsimageRed–purple, circumscribed, papules and plaques over the shinsimageA biopsy taken from the medial side of the shin revealed a predominantly neutrophilic infiltrate and nuclear dust around the dermal vessels and orthokeratotic stratum corneum (Fig. 3).Predominantly neutrophilic infiltrate and nuclear dust around the dermal vessels and orthokeratotic stratum corneum (hematoxylin and eosin stain, ×100)imageComplete blood count, routine biochemical tests and fasting lipids, serologic tests of bacterial and viral agents, serum electrophoresis, and serologic profiles for autoimmune connective tissue diseases revealed normal results. Mycologic examination of nail clippings did not show any evidence of fungal infection.In the light of our clinical and histopathologic findings, a diagnosis of erythema elevatum diutinum was made, and the patient was given topical clobetasol propionate therapy. Complete clearance was achieved in 3 weeks (Fig. 4). After six courses of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and fluorouracil chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, no recurrence of erythema elevatum diutinum lesions was observed.Healed lesion 3 weeks after high‐potency topical glucocorticoidsimage
Intergenerational Earnings Mobility in Norway: Levels and Trends*
Authors: Bratberg Espen , Anti Nilsen Øivind , Vaage Kjell 
Published: November 2005

AbstractUsing longitudinal data for Norwegian children born in 1950, 1955, 1960 and 1965, we find a relatively high degree of earnings mobility. There is no tendency toward decreasing mobility over the cohorts. Conditioning on the position in the earnings distribution, the analysis indicates quite high mobility in the middle of the distribution and somewhat more persistence at the top and bottom. This approach also reveals increased mobility over time for sons, but a less clear picture for daughters.
Optimal Workfare with Voluntary and Involuntary Unemployment*
Authors: Kreiner Claus Thustrup , Tranæs Torben 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis paper addresses the welfare implications of introducing workfare into unemployment benefit policy. We consider a population composed of employed and unemployed workers and of individuals who do not seek employment. Job search behavior is unobservable, which means that voluntarily unemployed individuals can claim unemployment insurance (UI) benefits intended for unemployed workers. As a consequence, pecuniary benefit schemes underinsure workers against unemployment. We show that requiring unproductive activities (workfare) in exchange for UI benefits may generate a Pareto improvement by facilitating better unemployment insurance for workers, and we characterize the situations where this is the case.
Social behavior and cortisol reactivity in children with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Hessl David , Glaser Bronwyn , Dyer‐Friedman Jennifer , Reiss Allan L. 
Published: November 2005

Objective:  To examine the association between limbic‐hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (L‐HPA) axis reactivity and social behavior in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS).Method:  Salivary cortisol changes and concurrent anxiety‐related behaviors consistent with the behavioral phenotype of FXS were measured in 90 children with the fragile X full mutation and their 90 unaffected siblings during a social challenge task in the home.Results:  Boys and girls with FXS demonstrated more gaze aversion, task avoidance, behavioral signs of distress, and poorer vocal quality than the unaffected siblings. Multiple regression analyses showed that after accounting for effects of IQ, gender, age, quality of the home environment, and basal cortisol level, cortisol reactivity to the task was significantly associated with social gaze in children with FXS. The most gaze‐aversive children with FXS had cortisol reductions, whereas those with more eye contact demonstrated the most cortisol reactivity. Unaffected siblings demonstrated an opposite pattern in which less eye contact was associated with increased cortisol reactivity.Conclusions:  Results of the study suggest a unique relation between abnormal gaze behavior and L‐HPA mediated stress reactivity in FXS.
Fine‐motor skill deficits in childhood predict adulthood tic severity and global psychosocial functioning in Tourette's syndrome
Authors: Bloch Michael H. , Sukhodolsky Denis G. , Leckman James F. , Schultz Robert T. 
Published: November 2005

Background: Most children with Tourette's syndrome (TS) experience a significant decline in tic symptoms during adolescence. Currently no clinical measures have been identified that can predict whose tic symptoms will persist into adulthood. Patients with TS have deficits on neuropsychological tests involving fine‐motor coordination and visual‐motor integration. We seek to determine if these neuropsychological tests are useful in predicting future symptom severity.Methods: Thirty‐two children, aged 8–14, with TS underwent clinical evaluation and a focused neuropsychological testing battery consisting of the Purdue Pegboard, Beery Visual‐Motor Integration (VMI) Test and the Rey‐Osterreith Complex Figure Task (RCFT). A follow‐up clinical assessment was performed on these children an average of 7.5 years later. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to correlate neuropsychological testing at Time 1 with tic severity, OCD severity and global psychosocial functioning at Time 2.Results: Poor performance with the dominant hand on the Purdue Pegboard test predicted worse adulthood tic severity and correlated with tic severity at the time of childhood assessment. Poor performance on the VMI and Purdue Pegboard tests (both dominant and non‐dominant hand) also predicted worse adulthood global psychosocial functioning. None of the neuropsychological tests were useful in predicting the future course of OCD symptoms in TS patients.Conclusion: Fine motor skill deficits may be a predictor of future tic severity and global psychosocial function in children with TS. We hypothesize that performance on the Purdue Pegboard test may serve as a useful endophenotype in the study of TS and provide a rough measure of the degree of basal ganglia dysfunction present in TS patients.
Studying health information from a distance: refining an e‐learning case study in the crucible of student evaluation
Authors: Booth Andrew , Levy Philippa , Bath Peter A. , Lacey Terence , Sanderson Mark , Diercks‐O’Brien Gabi 
Published: November 2005

AbstractPurpose: To present a formative evaluation of the impact of a multimedia case study as a component of a masters course in health informatics delivered by distance learning.Setting/Participants/Resources: First and second year health informatics students undertaking four core modules of a masters programme at the University of Sheffield.Methodology: Individual qualitative user surveys and interviews.Results/Outcomes: Formative evaluation has played a significant role in refining the case study through its text‐based, intermediate and CD‐ROM based stages. Feedback from students has resulted in clarification of case study tasks, clearer definition of teaching roles and a revised approach to assessment. At the same time it has highlighted the importance of ongoing revision and maintenance in keeping the scenarios realistic and current.Discussion/Conclusion: The multimedia case study has met many of its original aims in providing greater cohesion for core modules and encouraging greater levels of interaction and multidisciplinary collaboration.
A strategic approach to developing e‐learning capability for healthcare
Authors: Clarke Angie , Lewis Dina , Cole Ian , Ringrose Liz 
Published: November 2005

AbstractObjectives:  This article examines a strategic approach to developing e‐learning capability to enhance learning opportunities for the workforce of a healthcare organization. Emphasis is given to the procurement of a bespoke Managed Learning Environment (MLE). Strategic organizational issues impacting on future e‐learning developments are considered.Methods:  The 2‐year implementation plan was evaluated through a two phase external research project. The first phase focused on the effectiveness of a training programme designed to build capacity for e‐learning within the Northern area and also included a virtual learning environment usability study which informed the MLE specification. The second phase evaluation is ongoing during 2005 and interim findings are presented.Results:  The MLE has been piloted and on‐line learning packages have been acquired. There has been a phased take‐up of e‐learning opportunities and e‐tutor training. Some virtual Communities of Practice have been established. Key organizational issues have been identified and ongoing findings are informing strategic planning.Conclusions:  The healthcare MLE is offering enhanced learning opportunities and assisting area healthcare providers in training their dispersed workforces. Blended learning strategies are most successful. The need for protected time for e‐learning is a key issue, financial savings are available. Progress has been slowed by identified organizational constraints—the MLE's benefits are widely recognized.
Effective e‐learning for health professionals and students—barriers and their solutions. A systematic review of the literature—findings from the HeXL project
Authors: Childs Sue , Blenkinsopp Elizabeth , Hall Amanda , Walton Graham 
Published: November 2005

AbstractIntroduction: In 2003/4 the Information Management Research Institute, Northumbria University, conducted a research project to identify the barriers to e‐learning for health professionals and students. The project also established possible ways to overcome these barriers. The North of England Workforce Development Confederation funded the project.Methodology: The project comprised a systematic review of the literature on barriers to and solutions/critical success factors for e‐learning in the health field. Fifty‐seven references were suitable for analysis. This review was supplemented by a questionnaire survey of learners and an interview study of learning providers to ensure that data identified from the literature were grounded in reality.Results: The main barriers are: requirement for change; costs; poorly designed packages; inadequate technology; lack of skills; need for a component of face‐to‐face teaching; time intensive nature of e‐learning; computer anxiety.A range of solutions can solve these barriers. The main solutions are: standardization; strategies; funding; integration of e‐learning into the curriculum; blended teaching; user friendly packages; access to technology; skills training; support; employers paying e‐learning costs; dedicated work time for e‐learning.Conclusions: The authors argue that librarians can play an important role in e‐learning: providing support and support materials; teaching information skills; managing and providing access to online information resources; producing their own e‐learning packages; assisting in the development of other packages.