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Severe Impact (severe + impact)
Selected AbstractsThe Village in a Game Park: Local Response to the Demise of Coal Mining in KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2003Tony Binns Abstract: Changing economic circumstances as a result of deindustrialization and market forces dramatically affect local areas and lead to a variety of local-level responses. Economic change and the reaction to this process have received much attention in the context of the decline of old heavy industrial regions in Western Europe and North America. But deindustrialization is also occurring elsewhere, for example, in countries such as South Africa, where the decline of mining and related industries is having a severe impact on the livelihoods of individuals, households, and communities. Considerations of institutional thickness, resourcefulness, and capacities inherent within host communities contribute to an understanding of the likely potential of the development response undertaken. This article considers the situation in a once important coal-mining region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, focusing particularly on the community of Utrecht. In the postapartheid period, unemployment in the area has escalated, at a time when greater empowerment of the historically disadvantaged black population is urgently needed. Through cooperation within the community, together with the injection of external funding and collaboration in a series of joint ventures, Utrecht is progressively rebranding itself as a center for tourism. A number of community-initiated projects are discussed, and the dynamics of the formulation and implementation of the projects are evaluated in the context of the capabilities of individuals and institutions. [source] Does contact dermatitis to fragrances influence the quality of life?FLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009A descriptive study measuring, comparing the quality of life, skin involvement in patients with contact dermatitis to fragrances Abstract The study of the impact of diseases on individuals' quality of life is an important and useful tool for clinicians, particularly for an efficient follow-up and for the good management of patients suffering from chronic diseases. Contact dermatitis is a common condition in dermatological patients. However, despite efficient screening, the understanding and acceptance of contact allergy remain difficult and avoidance of these allergens is not always possible. The aim of this study was to determine whether contact dermatitis to fragrances affects quality of life and to define whether there is a relationship between the severity of skin involvement and quality of life. To measure the quality of life, we chose the VQ-Dermato (VQ-d) questionnaire, the only valid and reliable questionnaire in French, to which we added 10 non-validated specific questions regarding fragrances. We included patients with pertinent positive patch test reactions to fragrances attending the contact clinic between 1 January 1998 and 30 September 2004. During this time, 2814 patients were patch tested and 310 had positive reactions to the fragrance mix 8% (FM) of the standard series. We recruited non-atopic individuals, exclusively allergic to fragrance mix, with patch test reactions scored ++ and +++; the only additional positive reactions accepted were to balsam of Peru and the patient's own perfumes; 52 patients met these criteria, but only 33 participated. To evaluate the severity of skin involvement, we used the severity scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD index). The quality of life of individuals allergic to fragrances was mostly moderately affected. Patients were more affected psychologically during the first year after the diagnosis of fragrance allergy. Skin reaction during the acute stage of contact allergy to fragrances can be severe. No correlation between VQ-d and SCORAD could be established. It was concluded that there was no severe impact on quality of life because of fragrance contact allergy, but that psychological issues and depression may play an important role in determining the way skin disease affects people. Patch testing improves the quality of life. Lack of correlation between VQ-d and SCORAD demonstrates that an objective measure such as SCORAD may not fully capture the impact of the disease. These results cannot be generalized because of the low response rate and limited sample size. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) epidemics on grapevine under climate changeGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 7 2006SALINARI FRANCESCA Abstract As climate is a key agro-ecosystem driving force, climate change could have a severe impact on agriculture. Many assessments have been carried out to date on the possible effects of climate change (temperature, precipitation and carbon dioxide concentration changes) on plant physiology. At present however, likely effects on plant pathogens have not been investigated deeply. The aim of this work was to simulate future scenarios of downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) epidemics on grape under climate change, by combining a disease model to output from two general circulation models (GCMs). Model runs corresponding to the SRES-A2 emissions scenario, characterized by high projections of both population and greenhouse gas emissions from present to 2100, were chosen in order to investigate impacts of worst-case scenarios, among those currently available from IPCC. Three future decades were simulated (2030, 2050, 2080), using as baseline historical series of meteorological data collected from 1955 to 2001 in Acqui Terme, an important grape-growing area in the north-west of Italy. Both GCMs predicted increase of temperature and decrease of precipitation in this region. The simulations obtained by combining the disease model to the two GCM outputs predicted an increase of the disease pressure in each decade: more severe epidemics were a direct consequence of more favourable temperature conditions during the months of May and June. These negative effects of increasing temperatures more than counterbalanced the effects of precipitation reductions, which alone would have diminished disease pressure. Results suggested that, as adaptation response to future climate change, more attention would have to be paid in the management of early downy mildew infections; two more fungicide sprays were necessary under the most negative climate scenario, compared with present management regimes. At the same time, increased knowledge on the effects of climate change on host,pathogen interactions will be necessary to improve current predictions. [source] The impact of inflammatory bowel disease on labor force participation: Results of a population sampled case-control studyINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 6 2002Annelies Boonen Abstract Introduction Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic conditions that might cause a severe impact on social life. The aim of the study was to assess employment, chronic work disability, and sick leave in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods A postal questionnaire was sent to 984 patients with inflammatory bowel disease and 1504 controls. Age- and gender-adjusted employment and chronic work disability ratios and rates were calculated using indirect standardization. In subjects in paid employment, proportions of those having an episode of sick leave and lost workdays were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to assess the contribution of age, gender, education, and course of disease. Results The results of 680 (69%) patients and 715 (48%) controls could be analyzed. For the entire group of patients, employment was 6.5% lower, compared with controls (95% CI: 4.0,9.0). Chronic work disability was 17.1% higher than expected (95% CI: 15.1,19.1). In those in paid employment, 62% of patients compared with 53% of controls had experienced one or more episodes of sick leave during the past year (p = 0.002). This resulted in 19.2 versus 11.8 days of sick leave per subject per year for patients and controls respectively (p = 0.002). Relative to controls, the risk of chronic work disability was more increased in younger (p = 0.02) and higher educated (p = 0.02) patients. Course of disease contributed to chronic work disability and sick leave. Conclusion IBD has a significant impact on labor force participation that is higher in CD compared with UC and highest in younger and more highly educated patients. [source] Anthropogenic impacts on lake and stream ecosystems, and approaches to restorationJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2007MARTIN SØNDERGAARD Summary 1Freshwater ecosystems have long been affected by numerous types of human interventions that have a negative impact on their water quality and ecological state. Fortunately, in most western countries the input of sewage to freshwater systems has been reduced, but hydromorphological alterations, eutrophication-related turbidity and loss of biodiversity remain major problems in many parts of the world. Such impacts prevent the achievement of a high or good ecological state, as defined by the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) or other standards. 2This paper synthesizes and links the findings presented in the seven papers of this special profile, focusing on the effects of anthropogenic stressors on freshwater ecosystems and on how to maintain and restore ecological quality. The papers cover a broad range of research areas and methods, but are all centred on the relationship between dispersal barriers, the connectivity of waterways and the restoration of rivers and lakes. 3The construction of dams and reservoirs disturbs the natural functioning of many streams and rivers and shore-line development around lakes may reduce habitat complexity. New methods demonstrate how reservoirs may have a severe impact on the distribution and connectivity of fish populations, and new techniques illustrate the potential of using graph theory and connectivity models to illustrate the ecological implications. Hydromorphologically degraded rivers and streams can be restored by addition of wood debris, but ,passive' restoration via natural wood recruitment may be preferable. The most cost-effective way to restore streams may also include information campaigns to farmers on best management practices. Removal of zooplanktivorous fish often has marked positive effects on trophic structure in lakes, but there is a tendency to return to turbid conditions after 8,10 years or less unless fish removal is repeated. 4Synthesis and applications. Development of new methods, as well as derivation of more general conclusions from reviewing the effects of previous restoration efforts, are crucial to achieve progress in applied freshwater research. The papers contained in this Special Profile contribute on both counts, as well as illustrating the importance of well-designed research projects and monitoring programmes to record the effects of the interventions. Such efforts are vital if we are to improve our knowledge of freshwater systems and to elaborate the best and most cost-effective recommendations. They may also help in achieving a good ecological state or potential in water bodies by 2015, as demanded by the European WFD. [source] The influence of forest variation and possible effects of poaching on duiker abundance at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, UgandaAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Jeremiah S. Lwanga Abstract Duikers were censused at the Ngogo study area, Kibale National Park, Uganda, between July 2002 and August 2004. Censuses were conducted along three transects, of which, two (colonizing forests 1 and 2) were located in colonizing forests naturally replacing anthropogenic grasslands and one in old growth forest. Colonizing forest 1 was more prone to poaching than both colonizing forest 2 and the old growth forest that were closest to the research camp. Duikers that were actually sighted were identified to species, red or blue. However, on some occasions, duikers were detected by alarm calls and/or movements as they fled; these were simply recorded as duikers. Duiker abundance, regardless of species or mode of detection, was higher in colonizing forest 2 than colonizing forest 1 and the old growth forest. However, when the analysis was restricted only to duikers that were sighted, and hence identified to species, red duiker abundance was highest in colonizing forest 2 followed by the old growth forest and was lowest in colonizing forest 1; all these differences were significant. Blue duiker abundance was lowest in the old growth forest despite its proximity to the research camp; however, this was only significantly lower than in colonizing forest 2. Apart from colonizing forest 1, red duikers were significantly more abundant than blue duikers in the other two forest sections. This study suggests that forests colonizing anthropogenic grasslands may support more duikers than old growth forests; poaching in colonizing forest 1 has a severe impact on the duiker population and, red duikers are affected more severely by poaching than blue duikers. Résumé Les duikers furent recensés dans la zone d'étude de Ngogo dans le Parc National de Kibale en Ouganda entre juillet 2002 et août 2005. Les recensements furent menés le long de trois transects, desquels deux (forêts colonisatrices 1 et 2) furent situés dans les forêts colonisatrices en train de remplacer naturellement la prairie anthropogène, et un dans la forêt surannée. La colonisation de forêt 1 fut plus enclin au braconnage que la forêt 2 et la forêt surannée qui était les plus près du camp de recherche. Les duikers vraiment aperçus furent identifiés par espèce - le céphalophe du natal ou le céphalophe bleu. Par contre, les duikers décelés par alarme, ou entrevus en train de s'enfuir furent simplement enregistrés comme duikers. L'abondance de duikers, sans regarder l'espèce ou le mode de détection, fut plus élevée dans la forêt colonisatrice 2 que dans la forêt 1 et la forêt surannée. Cependant, quand l'analyse fut contrainte aux duikers vraiment aperçus, et donc identifiés par espèce, l'abondance du céphalophe du natal fut plus élevée dans la forêt colonisatrice 2, suivi par la forêt surannée, et fut plus bas dans la forêt colonisatrice 1 ; toutes ces différences furent importantes. L'abondance du céphalophe bleu fut plus bas dans la forêt surannée malgré sa proximité du camp de recherche ; cependant, ce fut seulement beaucoup plus bas que dans la forêt colonisatrice 2. A part dans la forêt colonisatrice 1, les céphalophes du natal furent plus abondants que les céphalophes bleus dans les deux autres sections forestières. Cette étude impliquent que les forêts colonisant la prairie anthropogène peuvent soutenir un plus grand nombre de duikers que les forêts surannées ; le braconnage dans la forêt colonisatrice 1 entraîne des conséquences sévères pour la population de duikers et les céphalophes du natal sont plus gravement touchés que les céphalophes bleus. [source] Total Heme and Non-heme Iron in Raw and Cooked MeatsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 5 2002G. Lombardi-Boccia ABSTRACT: This study provides data on the total heme and non-heme iron contents in poultry (chicken, turkey), beef, veal, lamb, horse, ostrich, rabbit, and pork meat cuts. The effect of cooking on heme iron content was also studied. Total iron and heme iron contents markedly differed between muscles in poultry. Heme iron in red meats ranged from 72 to 87%. Heme iron in rabbit and pork was 56 and 62% of total iron. Heating decreased heme iron, the severity of the losses depended on cooking methods: in poultry, losses ranged from 22 to 43%; less severe impact was detected in pan-cooked meat, where the losses ranged from 1 to 24%. [source] Quality of life in patients with lepromatous leprosy in ChinaJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 7 2010J-G An Abstract Background, Leprosy has an impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). However, there has been no study specifically on the impact of the severest type of leprosy-lepromatous leprosy on QoL. Objective, To describe the use of Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) among patients with lepromatous leprosy in China. Methods, Sixty-four inpatients with lepromatous leprosy of Shangluo hospital and Hanzhong hospital and sixty-four controls (healthy volunteers or patients with other dermatoses) matched for age and gender were asked to complete DLQI questionnaires from 2 September 2008 to 20 December 2008. Extensive data were collected besides DLQI, including demographic data and disease-related characteristics. Absence or presence of disability among patients with lepromatous leprosy was evaluated at the same time. Results, The overall mean DLQI score for lepromatous leprosy (18.78) was higher than that for control (9.00) (P < 0.001). Patients with lepromatous leprosy scored significantly higher for all items (P < 0.001) except Q4 (clothes choice). Controls scored significantly lower for all domains of DLQI. Scores of LL increased markedly with increasing clinical severity, but were not associated with educational level, gender, age and disease duration. The inter-item correlation averaged 0.240 and Cronbach's alpha was 0.759, indicating high internal consistency. Conclusions, This is the first exclusive study to attempt to measure the impact of lepromatous leprosy on QoL. Lepromatous leprosy has a severe impact on QoL. [source] Relationship between biochemical biomarkers and pre-copulatory behaviour and mortality in Gammarus pulex following pulse-exposure to lambda-cyhalothrinPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 7 2005Lars-Henrik Heckmann Abstract The impact of the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin was studied in an in-stream mesocosm placed in a natural riffle of a Danish stream. Twice during summer 2002, the natural macroinvertebrate community was exposed in situ to a 30-min pulse of lambda-cyhalothrin. During exposure, nets caught macroinvertebrates in drift. Exposed and unexposed individuals of the amphipod Gammarus pulex (L) were transferred to aquaria in the laboratory and monitored for biochemical changes (ie biomarkers), pre-copulatory behaviour and mortality. Biochemical biomarkers were identified by screening extracts of exposed and unexposed G pulex using high-performance planar chromatography (HPPC). Biochemical biomarkers were detected 3 h after pulse-exposure, and one biomarker was persistent up to 7 days after exposure. Pre-copulatory behaviour (ie pair formation) was significantly impaired up to 5 days after exposure, and had not fully recovered at the end of the observation period. EC10(0.5 h) and EC50(0.5 h) values for pre-copulatory behaviour were 0.04 and 0.20 µg litre,1, respectively. Mortality was significant at 0.35 µg litre,1 with an LC50(0.5 h) of 5.69 µg litre,1. There was a significant relationship between two biomarkers and mortality. The study demonstrated that pulse-exposure at expected environmental concentrations can reduce local populations of G pulex, resulting in severe impact on populations with limited possibilities of re-colonisation. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Latest news and product developmentsPRESCRIBER, Issue 10 2007Article first published online: 13 SEP 200 Sitagliptin: novel drug for type 2 diabetes Sitagliptin (Januvia), the first dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, has been introduced for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in combination with metformin or a glitazone when either agent plus exercise and diet fail to control blood glucose. Inhibition of DPP-4 prevents the breakdown of incretin hormones that promote insulin release from pancreatic beta cells. In trials lasting up to 24 weeks, adding sitagliptin to established therapy reduced HbA1C by 0.67-0.90 per cent. It is contraindicated in patients with moderate or more severe renal impairment. At the recommended dose of 100mg per day, a month's treatment with sitagliptin costs £33.36. Guide to treating mentalillness in primary care A new guide from the Centre for Clinical and Academic Workforce Innovation aims to help health professionals and others treating people with mental illness. A Complete Guide to Primary Care Mental Health, a toolkit presented as a reference book and CD, covers aspects of treatment, the law and working with the voluntary sector and includes training materials compatible with evidence-based guidance. Copies are available from amazon.co.uk. Follow-up improves statin adherence Patients may take long holidays from statin treatment but a visit to the doctor is among the most effective ways to improve adherence, a US study shows (Arch Intern Med 2007;167:847,52). Observation of 239 911 patients who began statin treatment during a seven-year period showed that 54 per cent stopped their treatment for at least 90 days. Of these, 48 per cent restarted within one year and 60 per cent within two years. Factors associated with restarting treatment were a visit to the doctor who prescribed the statin (odds ratio, OR, 6.1) or a visit to a different doctor (OR 2.9). A cholesterol test and hospital admission for a cardiovascular event were also significant factors. Pharmacist MUR does not reduce heart failure deaths Medication review by trained community pharmacists does not reduce admissions or deaths among patients with heart failure, according to a study from East Anglia (BMJ online: 23 April 2007; doi:10.1136/bmj.39164.568183.AE). Patients admitted as emergencies with heart failure were randomised to usual care or two home visits by a community pharmacist within two and eight weeks after discharge. Pharmacists reviewed medication and advised on self-management of symptoms and lifestyle. There were no significant differences in hospital admissions over the next six months (rate ratio 1.15 for pharmacist vs control) or deaths (rate ratio 1.18); quality of life scores were similar in the two groups. The authors speculate that the interventions may have been too brief or too late (lifestyle changes having been made already), or disadvantaged by not adjusting beta-blocker doses. A Cardiff study of pharmacist medication reviews for elderly patients (BMJ online: 20 April 2007; doi:10.1136/bmj.39171. 577106.55), found that their advice had the potential to undermine patients' ,confidence, integrity and self-governanc'. The study found that pharmacists gave advice unnecessarily and uninvited. CHD targets met early The national programme to tackle heart disease has made substantial progress towards it targets, the Department of Health says in a 10-year report, and a 40 per cent cut in mortality will be achieved ahead of the deadline of 2010. Coronary Heart Disease Ten Years On: Improving Heart Care, a report by Professor Roger Boyle, National Director for Heart Disease and Stroke, states that 7 per cent of the population is now taking statins, resulting in 9700 deaths avoided annually. The prevalence of untreated hypertension fell from 32 to 24 per cent between 1998 and 2003. The report also summarises changes in service delivery, nutrition and smoking cessation. HRT: ovarian cancer risk The MHRA has not altered its advice on the use of HRT following news that five years' use increases ovarian cancer risk in women over 50. The Million Women Study revealed an approximately 20 per cent increased risk of ovarian cancer or death among women still using HRT after five or more years. There was no difference in risk between oestrogen-only and combined formulations. The MHRA says HRT is still indicated for relieving symptoms of the menopause for short-term use; as an alternative for women over 50 who cannot take other treatments to prevent osteoporosis, or when such options fail; and in women under 50 who experience a premature menopause. Poor angina treatment Over half of patients with angina continue to experience attacks despite treatment, according to a survey by the British Cardiac Patients Association. The survey of 600 patients with angina also found that twot-hirds of respondents reported that angina had a moderate to severe impact on their lives. Half said that the adverse effects of their treatment negatively affected their work, two-thirds reported an adverse impact on sex, and almost three-quarters of patients taking beta-blockers reported fatigue. A second survey of 2000 adults revealed widespread ignorance about the prevalence and symptoms of angina. The surveys were sponsored by Servier Laboratories Limited and conducted in collaboration with Research Quorum. Cabergoline restriction Indications for the dopamine agonist cabergoline (Cabaser) are being restricted to match those of pergolide (Celance), the MHRA has announced. Pergolide was recently withdrawn in the United States and its use in the EU is limited because of the risk of cardiac valvular damage. Similar toxicity has been reported with cabergolide, which is now restricted to second-line use when a nonergot treatment for Parkinson's disease has failed. It is contraindicated in patients with valvular damage or a history of fibrotic disorders and requires patient monitoring. Sodium reduction cuts CV events Long-term reduction in dietary sodium may reduce cardiovascular events by 25 per cent, US epidemiologists say (BMJ online: 20 April 2007; doi:10.1136/bmj.39147.604896.55). Participants in the two Trials of Hypertension Prevention (TOHP I and II) reduced their sodium intake by 44 and 33mmol per 24hr. After 10,15 years' follow-up of 2415 participants, the adjusted relative risk of cardiovascular events was 0.75 compared with controls. There was a nonsignificant 20 per cent reduction in mortality. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Identification of novel heat shock factor-dependent genes and biochemical pathways in Arabidopsis thalianaTHE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 1 2005Wolfgang Busch Summary In order to assess specific functional roles of plant heat shock transcription factors (HSF) we conducted a transcriptome analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana hsfA1a/hsfA1b double knock out mutants and wild-type plants. We used Affymetrix ATH1 microarrays (representing more than 24 000 genes) and conducted hybridizations for heat-treated or non-heat-treated leaf material of the respective lines. Heat stress had a severe impact on the transcriptome of mutant and wild-type plants. Approximately 11% of all monitored genes of the wild type showed a significant effect upon heat stress treatment. The difference in heat stress-induced gene expression between mutant and wild type revealed a number of HsfA1a/1b-regulated genes. Besides several heat shock protein and other stress-related genes, we found HSFA-1a/1b-regulated genes for other functions including protein biosynthesis and processing, signalling, metabolism and transport. By screening the profiling data for genes in biochemical pathways in which known HSF targets were involved, we discovered that at each step in the pathway leading to osmolytes, the expression of genes is regulated by heat stress and in several cases by HSF. Our results document that in the immediate early phase of the heat shock response HSF-dependent gene expression is not limited to known stress genes, which are involved in protection from proteotoxic effects. HsfA1a and HsfA1b-regulated gene expression also affects other pathways and mechanisms dealing with a broader range of physiological adaptations to stress. [source] Objective scoring of hidradenitis suppurativa reflecting the role of tobacco smoking and obesityBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2009K. Sartorius Summary Background, Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a long-standing disease with abscess and often fistula formation, predominantly in the axillae and groins. The disease is difficult to treat and has a severe impact on quality of life. A clinically relevant system for scoring disease severity is lacking in HS. Objectives, To evaluate the modified Hidradenitis Suppurativa Score (HSS) and to study the impact of body mass index (BMI) and smoking habits on disease severity. Methods, Two hundred and fifty-one consecutive patients with HS referred to a clinic with special interest in the disease were included, of whom 115 were scored. Points were given for regions involved, types of lesion (nodules, fistulas), total area involved and whether lesions were separated by normal skin. Background characteristics included BMI and smoking habits. Two hundred and forty-six patients completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results, The median (interquartile range, IQR) HSS for all patients was 38 (18,66): women 38 (18,71) and men 37 (19,51). Median (IQR) HSS for smokers was 41 (22,75·5), former smokers 27 (16,53) and nonsmokers 22 (10,57). Median (IQR) HSS for patients with BMI < 25 kg m,2 was 32 (12,54), BMI 25,30 kg m,2 44 (22,56) and BMI , 30 kg m,2 50 (18,86). Mean ± SD DLQI for the whole group of patients was 10·3 ± 7·5, median 9, and showed no significant differences between the groups studied. There was a significant positive correlation of fair degree between HSS and DLQI. There were significant differences in HSS between nonsmokers and smokers as well as between women of normal weight compared with obese women. Conclusions, The modified HSS is simple and practical and it extracts important clinical information. A connection between disease severity and BMI as well as smoking habits in patients with HS is presented. The results suggest that the HSS may be a relevant outcome measure in future therapeutic trials in HS. [source] Depression, anxiety and quality of life in parents of children with epilepsyACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2009R. Lv 0bjectives,,, To assess the impact of childhood epilepsy on parental quality of life (QOL) and psychological health, and to investigate possible correlations between parental QOL and background variables as well as parental anxiety and depression. Subjects and methods,,, Parents having an epileptic child (n = 263) and parents having a healthy child (n = 270) were enrolled. Groups were in balance for background variables. Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Questionnaire, Zung Depression Scale (ZDS) and Zung Anxiety Scale (ZAS) were applied to all parents. Patients were divided into the first visit group (newly diagnosed epilepsy) and follow-up visit group. Results,,, The parents of children with epilepsy had significantly lower QOL scores in SF-36 for all subscales and higher levels of depression and anxiety by using ZDS and ZAS. The factors correlated with parental QOL were seizure control, visit status, anxiety, depression, employment, cost of epilepsy, status epilepticus, drug side effect and age of parents. Conclusions,,, Childhood epilepsy has a severe impact on parental QOL and psychological health, and recognition of possible correlations between parental QOL and background variables will be helpful to improve parental QOL. [source] Significant impact of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma on patients' quality of lifeCANCER, Issue 10 2006Results of a 2005 National Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation Survey Abstract BACKGROUND. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) can have a profound impact on a patient's health-related quality of life; however, little is known about its actual impact. The authors evaluated patients' perspectives on the impact of CTCL on physical functioning, lifestyle, emotional well being, and satisfaction with treatment. METHODS. A 4-page, self-administered questionnaire was mailed and made available online in March 2005 to the entire United States membership of the Mycosis Fungoides Foundation (n = 930 members). Outcome measures were patients' perspectives on the psychosocial impact of CTCL and the management of their disease. RESULTS. The response rate was 68%, and 93.6% of respondents were white. The majority of respondents had mycosis fungoides (89%). Respondents were bothered by skin redness (94%) and by the extent of symptoms that affected their choice of clothing (63%). For most patients, the disease had a functional impact, rendering them tired or affecting their sleep. Health distress was reported by almost all respondents, with 94% reporting that they worried about the seriousness of their disease and 80% worrying about dying from the disease. Sixty-two percent of respondents reported that their disease made them feel unattractive, 85% reported that their treatment made their disease seem more manageable, but 61% reported that they felt burdened financially by their disease. CONCLUSIONS. The high response rate and patients' responses to the survey provided compelling evidence that patients believed CTCL had a profound and severe impact on their functioning, emotional, and social well being. A striking health distress was prevalent in almost all respondents. Although the majority of patients reported that treatments made their disease more manageable, a significant proportion reported that they felt burdened financially by their disease. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] Neuro-ophthalmological sequelae of horse-related accidentsCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 4 2001P Richard I Fleming FRACO ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to highlight the neuro-ophthalmological dangers associated with horse riding, and working around horses, and the importance of wearing adequate headgear to protect the rider from neuro- ophthalmic injuries. It raises the questions of whether the current laws regarding helmet use are satisfactory, and whether helmets currently used are of an adequate standard. Methods: The records over a 20-year period of one neuro-ophthalmologist in Adelaide were reviewed producing 22 patients with neuro-ophthalmological sequelae of head injuries as a result of horse-related accidents. Results: There were 22 patients (16 female, six male), one of whom was involved in three separate accidents. Of these, seven were professional riders and 15 amateur. In 20 of the 24 accidents, patients were either thrown or fell from the horse. Helmets were worn in 15 of the accidents. All the patients had closed head injuries of varying severity. The most common neuro-ophthalmological complication found was a fourth-nerve palsy in 11 patients. Five patients had a significant loss of vision and two of these were severe enough to warrant a blind pension. Conclusions: Horse riding and working around horses constitute an occupation or recreation with inherent dangers. Previous studies have shown that wearing of protective headgear reduces the risk and severity of head injuries, and helmet use should be vigorously promoted. The current laws and practices regarding helmet use are not uniform and seem to be inadequate. The current standard for equestrian safety helmets (AS/NZS 3838:1998) embodies improvements on earlier helmet standards and certainly increases the rider's chances of surviving a severe impact. Nevertheless, serious brain injuries have occurred in wearers of approved helmets, and further research is desirable to ensure the optimum degree of protection compatible with rider acceptance. [source] Wildfire Policy and Public Lands: Integrating Scientific Understanding with Social Concerns across LandscapesCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2004MICHAEL P. DOMBECK administración de bosques; fuego no controlado; política; Servicio Forestal Estados Unidos; tierras públicas Abstract:,Efforts to suppress wildfires have become increasingly problematic in recent years as costs have risen, threats to firefighter safety have escalated, and detrimental impacts to ecosystems have multiplied. Wildfires that escape initial suppression often expand into large, high-intensity summer blazes. Lost is the legacy of smaller fires that likely burned outside extreme weather and fuel conditions and resulted in less severe impacts. Despite the recognized need for modifications to existing policies and practices, resource agencies have been slow to respond. The spread of exotic species, climate change, and increasing human development in wildlands further complicates the issue. New policies are needed that integrate social and ecological needs across administrative boundaries and broad landscapes. These policies should promote a continuum of treatments with active management and reduction of fuel hazard in wildland-urban interface zones and reintroduction of fire in wildlands. Management goals should focus on restoration of the long-term ecological health of the land. Projects that reduce fuel loads but compromise the integrity of soil, water supplies, or watersheds will do more harm than good in the long run. Despite significant ecological concerns, learning to live with fire remains primarily a social issue that will require greater political leadership, agency innovation, public involvement, and community responsibility. Resumen:,En años recientes, los esfuerzos para suprimir los fuegos no controlados se han vuelto cada vez más problemáticos por el incremento de costos, el aumento de las amenazas a la seguridad de bomberos y se la multiplicio, de los impactos perjudiciales a los ecosistemas. Los incendios que escapan la supresión inicial a menudo se expanden a grandes conflagraciones estivales de alta intensidad. Se ha perdido el legado de fuegos menores que probablemente se llevaban a cabo en condiciones climáticas y de combustible extremas que tenían impactos menos severos. A pesar del reconocimiento de la necesidad de modificaciones a las políticas y prácticas actuales, las agencias han respondido lentamente. La expansión de especies exóticas, el cambio climático y el incremento del desarrollo humano en áreas silvestres complican el problema aún más. Se requieren políticas nuevas que integren necesidades sociales y ecológicas más allá de límites administrativos y en paisajes amplios. Estas políticas deben promover un continuo de tratamientos con gestión activa y reducción de riesgo de combustión en la interfase área silvestre-urbana y la reintroducción de fuego en áreas silvestres. Las metas de la gestión deben enfocar en la restauración de la salud ecológica a largo plazo. Los proyectos que reducen la carga de combustible pero que comprometen la integridad del suelo, las reservas de agua o cuencas hidrológicas no serán de mucha utilidad en el largo plazo. A pesar de preocupaciones ecológicas significativas, aprender a vivir con fuego seguirá siendo un aspecto social que requerirá de mayor liderazgo político, innovación de agencias, participación del público y responsabilidad comunitaria. [source] Sponge disease: a global threat?ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Nicole S. Webster Summary Sponges are the most simple and primitive metazoans, yet they have various biological and ecological properties that make them an influential component of coral-reef ecosystems. Marine sponges provide refuge for many small invertebrates and are critical to benthic-pelagic coupling across a wide range of habitats. Reports of sponge disease have increased dramatically in recent years with sponge populations decimated throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Reports also suggest an increased prevalence of sponge disease in Papua New Guinea, the Great Barrier Reef and in the reefs of Cozumel, Mexico. These epidemics can have severe impacts on the survival of sponge populations, the ecology of the reef and the fate of associated marine invertebrates. Despite the ecological and commercial importance of sponges, the understanding of sponge disease is limited. There has generally been a failure to isolate and identify the causative agents of sponge disease, with only one case confirming Koch's postulates and identifying a novel Alphaproteobacteria strain as the primary pathogen. Other potential disease agents include fungi, viruses, cyanobacteria and bacterial strains within the Bacillus and Pseudomonas genera. There is some evidence for correlations between sponge disease and environmental factors such as climate change and urban/agricultural runoff. This review summarizes the occurrence of sponge disease, describes the syndromes identified thus far, explores potential linkages with environmental change and proposes a strategy for future research towards better management of sponge disease outbreaks. [source] Blister rust and western forest biodiversity: ecology, values and outlook for white pinesFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 3-4 2010D. F. Tomback Summary Eight white pine species are widely distributed among the forests of western Canada and the United States. The different forest communities with these species contribute biodiversity to the western landscape. The trees themselves provide various ecosystem services, including wildlife habitat and watershed protection. White pine communities range in elevation from lower to upper treeline, in successional stage from seral to climax, and in stand type from krummholz to closed-canopy forest. Many white pine species are moderately to strongly fire-dependent for regeneration; several species are extreme stress tolerators and persistent on harsh sites. Among the white pines are the oldest-living trees, the world's largest pines, species dependent on birds for seed dispersal, species important for grizzly bear habitat and species of high commercial timber value. The principal threats to white pine populations are blister rust (Cronartium ribicola, pathogen), fire suppression, succession, mountain pine beetle and climate change. Severe population declines in several white pine species are attributed to losses caused by these factors acting either alone or together, and sometimes in concert with logging and other land-use changes. The importance and particular interactions of these threats vary by region and species. For example, many northern and western populations of whitebark pine are seriously declining from a combination of mountain pine beetle outbreaks and severe blister rust infestations. As whitebark pines provide many keystone services on high-elevation sites, their loss would impact forest composition and structure, succession, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Although there are serious challenges to science-based management and conservation (especially in remote American wilderness areas), prompt and effective intervention promoting regeneration of blister rust-resistant white pines could mitigate these severe impacts. [source] A regional frequency analysis of United Kingdom extreme rainfall from 1961 to 2000INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 11 2003H. J. Fowler Abstract Multi-day rainfall events are an important cause of recent severe flooding in the UK, and any change in the magnitude of such events may have severe impacts upon urban structures such as dams, urban drainage systems and flood defences and cause failures to occur. Regional pooling of 1-, 2-, 5- and 10-day annual maxima for 1961 to 2000 from 204 sites across the UK is used in a standard regional frequency analysis to produce generalized extreme value growth curves for long return-period rainfall events for each of nine defined climatological regions. Temporal changes in 1-, 2-, 5- and 10-day annual maxima are examined with L-moments using both a 10 year moving window and the fixed decades of 1961,70, 1971,80, 1981,90 and 1991,2000. A bootstrap technique is then used to assess uncertainty in the fitted decadal growth curves and to identify significant trends in both distribution parameters and quantile estimates. There has been a two-part change in extreme rainfall event occurrence across the UK from 1961 to 2000. Little change is observed at 1 and 2 days duration, but significant decadal-level changes are seen in 5- and 10-day events in many regions. In the south of the UK, growth curves have flattened and 5- and 10-day annual maxima have decreased during the 1990s. However, in the north, the 10-day growth curve has steepened and annual maxima have risen during the 1990s. This is particularly evident in Scotland. The 50 year event in Scotland during 1961,90 has become an 8-year, 11-year and 25-year event in the East, South and North Scotland pooling regions respectively during the 1990s. In northern England the average recurrence interval has also halved. This may have severe implications for design and planning practices in flood control. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society [source] How important is climate?JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Effects of warming, fish on phytoplankton in shallow lake microcosms, nutrient addition Summary 1Climate is changing. Predictions are for at least a 3 °C rise in mean temperature in northern Europe over the next century. Existing severe impacts of nutrients and inappropriate fish stocking in freshwater systems remain. 2Effects of warming by 3 °C above ambient, nutrient addition and the presence or absence of sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus were studied in experimental microcosms dominated by submerged plants, mimicking shallow lake ecosystems. 3Warming had considerably smaller effects on the phytoplankton community than did fish and nutrients. It had very minor effects on chlorophyll a and total phytoplankton biovolume. However, it significantly decreased the biovolumes of Cryptophyceae (a major component in the controls) and Dinophyceae. Contrary to expectation, warming did not increase the abundance of blue-green algae (cyanophytes). Warming decreased the abundances of Cryptomonas erosa (Cryptophyceae) and Oocystis pusilla (Chlorophycota) and increased those of two other green algae, Tetraedron minimum and Micractinium pusillum. It had no effect on a further 17 species that were predominant in a community of about 90 species. 4Fish and nutrients, either together or separately, generally increased the crops of most of the 21 abundant species and of the algal groups. Exceptions were for diatoms and chrysophytes, which were very minor components of the communities. Fish, but neither nutrients nor warming, increased the number of species of phytoplankton detected. This was probably through removal of zooplankton grazers, and parallels terrestrial studies where the presence of top predators, by controlling herbivores, leads to increased plant diversity. 5There was no particular pattern in the taxonomy or biological characteristics of those species affected by the treatments. In particular, there was no link between organism size (a surrogate for many important biological features of phytoplankton species) and the effects of warming, nutrient addition or presence or absence of fish. However, all species were relatively small and potentially vulnerable to grazing. 6Synthesis and applications. The results suggest that fears of an increasing abundance of cyanophytes with current projections of global warming may be unrealized, at least in shallow unstratified lakes still dominated by macrophytes. However, they emphasize that eutrophication and fish manipulations remain very important impact factors that determine the abundance of phytoplankton and subsequent problems caused by large growths. [source] Dispersal and population structure of a New World predator, the army ant Eciton burchelliiJOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008S. M. BERGHOFF Abstract The army ant Eciton burchellii is probably the most important arthropod predator in the Neotropics, and many animal species depend upon it. Sex-biased dispersal with winged males and permanently wingless queens may render this species especially sensitive to habitat fragmentation and natural barriers, which might have severe impacts on population structure and lead to population decline. Using nuclear microsatellite markers and mitochondrial sequences, we investigated genetic differentiation in a fragmented population in the Panama Canal area. While nuclear markers showed little differentiation between subpopulations (FST = 0.017), mitochondrial differentiation was maximal in some cases (,ST = 1). This suggests that, while females are not capable of crossing barriers such as large rivers, flying males are able to promote nuclear gene flow between the studied forest patches. Consistent with this interpretation, we did not find any evidence for inbreeding or genetic deterioration on Barro Colorado Island over the last 90 years since its formation. [source] Predator behaviour and morphology mediates the impact of an invasive species: cane toads and death adders in AustraliaANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 1 2010B. L. Phillips Abstract The arrival of an invasive species can have severe impacts on native species. The extent of the impact, as well as the speed at which native species may mount an adaptive response, depend upon the correlation between impact and the individual phenotypes of the native species. Strong correlation between phenotype and impact within the native species raises the possibility of rapid adaptive response to the invader. Here, we examine the impact of a dangerous newly arrived prey species (the highly toxic cane toad Bufo marinus) on naïve predators (death adders Acanthophis praelongus) in northern Australia. During laboratory trials and field radiotracking, toads killed 48% of the adders we studied. Long-term monitoring of the population also suggests a massive decline (>89%) in recent years concurrent with the arrival of toads. Variation in snake physiology (resistance to toad toxin) had little bearing on snake survival in the field. Snake behaviour (tendency to attack toads) and morphology (body size and head size), however, were strong predictors of snake survival. Smaller snakes with relatively small heads, and snakes that were unwilling to attack toads in the laboratory, had much higher survival rates in the field. These results show that toads have a massive impact on death adder populations, but that snake phenotypes strongly mediate this impact. Thus natural selection is operating on these adder populations and an adaptive response is a possibility. If these adders can rapidly shift toad-relevant morphological and behavioural traits (either through plastic or evolved means), they will ultimately face a lowered impact from this toxic invader. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||