The relative effectiveness of two expanding bullet designs in young harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus): A randomised controlled field study in the Norwegian harp seal hunt

The aim of this study was to investigate the relative effectiveness of a rapidly expanding Bonded hunting bullet and an explosively expanding Varmint bullet in young harp seals (P). The study was conducted as an open, controlled and randomised parallel-group designed field trial. The animals were pre-randomised (1:1) into one explosively expanding (Varmint) and one expanding (Bonded) bullet type group, with 75 animals in each. The study sample consisted of young, weaned harp seals, 2–7 weeks of age, of both sexes, from the Greenland Sea harp seal population. The study was conducted during the regular hunt. Instantaneous death rate (IDR) and time to death (TTD) were the main variables. The observed IDR was 84 in both bullet groups. Correcting for Weather Condition Index, the IDR for the Varmint bullet was significantly higher compared to the Bonded. The mean TTD was shortest in the Varmint group, but the difference did not reach significance. Compared to the Bonded, a significantly higher total cranial damage score and bleeding intensity, and significantly lower frequencies of bullet exit wounds were detected in the Varmint group. The post mortem reflex movements caused by the Varmint bullet were significantly more powerful with longer duration and higher frequencies of clonic contractions. In conclusion, the results indicate a higher effectiveness of the Varmint bullet relative to the Bonded. The Varmint bullet may thus improve animal welfare in the hunt of young harp seals.

Arbuscular mycorrhizas are present on Spitsbergen

A previous study of 76 plant species on Spitsbergen in the High Arctic concluded that structures resembling arbuscular mycorrhizas were absent from roots. Here, we report a survey examining the roots of 13 grass and forb species collected from 12 sites on the island for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonisation. Of the 102 individuals collected, we recorded AM endophytes in the roots of 41 plants of 11 species (Alopecurus ovatus, Deschampsia alpina, Festuca rubra ssp. richardsonii, putative viviparous hybrids of Poa arctica and Poa pratensis, Poa arctica ssp. arctica, Trisetum spicatum, Coptidium spitsbergense, Ranunculus nivalis, Ranunculus pygmaeus, Ranunculus sulphureus and Taraxacum arcticum) sampled from 10 sites. Both coarse AM endophyte, with hyphae of 5-10 μm width, vesicles and occasional arbuscules, and fine endophyte, consisting of hyphae of 1-3 μm width and sparse arbuscules, were recorded in roots. Coarse AM hyphae, vesicles, arbuscules and fine endophyte hyphae occupied 1.0-30.7, 0.8-18.3, 0.7-11.9 and 0.7-12.8% of the root lengths of colonised plants, respectively. Principal component analysis indicated no associations between the abundances of AM structures in roots and edaphic factors. We conclude that the AM symbiosis is present in grass and forb roots on Spitsbergen.

Particle fluxes above forests: observations, methodological considerations and method comparisons

This paper reports a study designed to test, evaluate and compare micro-meteorological methods for determining the particle number flux above forest canopies. Half-hour average particle number fluxes above a representative broad-leaved forest in Denmark derived using eddy covariance range from -7x10(7) m(-2) s(-1) (1st percentile) to 5x10(7) m(-2) s(-1) (99th percentile), and have a median value of -1.6x10(6) m(-2) s(-1). The statistical uncertainties associated with the particle number flux estimates are larger than those for momentum fluxes and imply that in this data set approximately half of the particle number fluxes are not statistically different to zero. Particle number fluxes from relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) and eddy covariance are highly correlated and of almost identical magnitude. Flux estimates from the co-spectral and dissipation methods are also correlated with those from eddy covariance but exhibit higher absolute magnitude of fluxes.

Identifying the European fossil fuel plumes in the atmosphere over the Northeast Atlantic Region through isotopic observations and numerical modelling

As part of the Danish NEAREX project the origin and variability of anthropogenic atmospheric CO(2) over the Northeast Atlantic Region (NEAR) has been studied. The project consisted of a combination of experimental and modelling activities. Local volunteers operated CO(2) sampling stations, built at University of Copenhagen, for (14)C analysis at four locations (East Denmark, Shetland Isles, Faroe Isles and Iceland). The samples were only collected during winter periods of south-easterly winds in an attempt to trace air enriched in fossil-fuel derived CO(2) due to combustion of fossil fuels within European countries. In order to study the transport and concentration fields over the region in detail, a three-dimensional Eulerian hemispheric air pollution model has been extended to include the main anthropogenic sources for atmospheric CO(2). During the project period (1998-2001) only a few episodes of transport from Central Europe towards NEAR arose, which makes the data set for the evaluation of the method sparse. The analysed samples indicate that the signal for fossil CO(2), as expected, is largest (up to 3.7+/-0.4% fossil CO(2)) at the Danish location closest to the European emissions areas and much weaker (up to approximately 1.5+/-0.6% fossil CO(2)) at the most remote location. As the anthropogenic signal is weak in the clean atmosphere over NEAR these numbers will, however, be very sensitive to the assumed background (14)CO(2) activity and the precision of the measurements. The model simulations include the interplay between the driving processes from the emission into the boundary layer and the following horizontal/vertical mixing and atmospheric transport and are used to analyse the meteorological conditions leading to the observed events of high fossil CO(2) over NEAR. This information about the history of the air masses is essential if an observed signal is to be utilised for identifying and quantifying sources for fossil CO(2).

Buffer zones as a sink for sediment and phosphorus between the field and stream: Danish field experiences

Rill erosion, surface runoff and storage of sediment and phosphorus in buffer zones were investigated during three winters on ca. 140 arable field slope units in twenty places in Denmark covering all landscape types, climate gradients and dominant soil types. The dominant soils are Alfisols and Spodosols, with textural composition typically ranging from sand to loam. The average slope is 7% (range: 2-20%) and median buffer zone width was 8.3 m (range: 0.6-125 m). The geometric mean annual rill erosion was 0.33 m3 ha(-1) equalling to 495 kg sediment ha(-1) and 0.25 kg P ha(-1). The deposition of sediment on the field, in the buffer zone and delivery of soil to the stream was surveyed within the 140 slope units following three winters. Deposition of sediment in the buffer zone was observed in 31% (1997/98), 31% (1998/99) and 29% (1999/2000) of the slope units. Delivery of soil across the edge of the stream was observed in 23% (1997/98), 17% (1998/99) and 25% (1999/2000) of the 140 slope units. Median dissolved P concentration in surface runoff was 0.18 mg Pl(-1) (range: 0.029-16.294 mg Pl(-1)). A probability model was developed to predict the efficiency of different widths of buffer zones.

[Diluted injectable quinine in the intramuscular and intrarectal route: comparative efficacity and tolerance in malaria treatment for children ]

The intramuscular (i.m.) route is generally used for treatment of childhood falciparum malaria in outlying health care units in Togo. The purpose of this randomized therapeutic trial was to compare the efficacy and tolerance of diluted injectable quinine administered by the i.m. versus intrarectal (IR) route. A total of 64 children ranging in age from 8 months to 15 years were treated, i.e. 32 for each administration route. All children presented uncomplicated falciparum malaria in association with vomiting in 30 cases, a single unrecurring seizure with postictal coma lasting less than 30 minutes in 25 patients, or prostration without neurological manifestations in 9. Injectable quinimax (an association of cinchona alkaloids) was diluted to a concentration of 60 mg base/ml for i.m. injection into the thigh and 30 mg base/ml for use by the IR route. Administration was performed every 12 hours for 72 hours at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg for patients in the i.m. group or at a dose of 15 mg/kg in the IR group. The anus and lower rectal mucosa were examined using an anal valve before and after treatment using the IR route. Analysis of mean temperature curves demonstrated no significant difference between the clinical effectiveness of quinimax administered by the i.m. versus IR route (p > 0.05). Similar effect were also observed on parasitemia which disappeared completely in all patients by the end of the 72-hour treatment. The main problems were insufficient product retention requiring re-administration in 25% of patients in IR group and residual pain at the injection site in 12.5% of patients in the i.m. group. Endoscopic examination revealed no evidence of ulceration or necrosis of the anorectal mucosa. These findings indicate that administration of diluted injectable quinine by IR route is an effective, well-tolerated alternative for treatment of childhood falciparum malaria. It should be used preferentially in outlying health care units in patients presenting severe malaria pending transfer to an hospital, or signs of "intermediate severity" such as hyperpyrexia, hyperparasitemia, unrepeated seizure, or intensive vomiting.

Treatment of femoral shaft fractures with Grosse-Kempf intramedullary nail

Ninety consecutive femoral shaft fractures in 87 patients treated by reamed Grosse-Kempf intramedullary nailing were reviewed. The median observation time was 45 months. The functional results were excellent or good in 82% of the fractures, fair in 16%, and poor in 2%. Four non-unions and two superficial infections were observed. Leg shortening of more than 2 cm was recorded in 2 patients. Rotatory malalignment exceeded more than 15 degrees in 2 patients. We conclude that reamed Grosse-Kempf intramedullary nailing is an excellent treatment for femoral shaft fractures. Although this study represents the first period during which we used the nail, the number of complications was acceptable.

[Inhaled budesonide versus intramuscular dexamethasone in the treatment of pseudo-croup]

We randomised 59 children hospitalized for croup to treatment with either inhaled budesonide or injected dexamethasone. Group A were treated with two inhalations of 1000 micrograms budesonide and group B received dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg intramuscularly. We used a modified Westley-score, based on chest-wall retractions, barking cough, respiratory frequency and stridor. The children was aged three months to six years (mean 20 months). Three hours after the first treatment there was significant improvement in score amongst all children (p < 0.001), but no difference between the two groups (p < 0.20). Six and 12 hours after the first treatment there were significantly better clinical scores in group B (p = 0.001, p = 0.0004). Based on this study we recommend dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg intramuscularly for children to be treated for croup.

Sports injuries in school-aged children. A study of traumatologic and socioeconomic outcome

In this Danish study we attempted to identify the socioeconomic consequences of sports injuries in children. A total of 1320 children, 650 boys and 670 girls, aged 6-17, completed questionnaires covering the period from the injury to recovery. The incidence rate was 74 per 1000 per year. The hospitalization rate was 4.1%. Due to the injury 37.2% of the children were absent from school for an average of 1.2 days (range 0-60 days), resulting in 1598 days' absence from school. Most of the children were injured during training (34.7%) or competition (22.6%). The other injuries occurred during recreational sporting activities (32.0%) or at school (10.7%). Fifty-four percent were absent from training or games, on average 6.0 times (range 0-99), with a total loss of 7897 training sessions. Fifteen percent of the parents were absent from work, on average for 2.2 days. Two hundred and nineteen children were absent from an after-school job, for an average of 8.6 days. The total loss was 1896 working days. The study shows that the socioeconomic consequences of sports injuries in children are a complex consisting of different parts and that the injuries had a substantial impact on the functional and social status of the children and their families.

The epidemiology of sports injuries in school-aged children

In the 5-year-period 1988-1992, 6096 children aged 6-17 (54.5% boys and 45.5% girls) were treated at the Emergency Department at Esbjerg Central Hospital after having sustained a sports injury. The data were registered according to the European Home- and Leisure-Accident Surveillance System (EHLASS) protocol. We found a total incidence rate in the municipality of Esbjerg of 73.3 per 1000 per year. Boys were most often injured in soccer, skateboard, handball, gymnastics and basketball, and girls in handball, horse-riding, gymnastics, basketball and roller-skating. The types of injuries were contusions 37.1%, fractures 22.0%, sprains 24.8%, wounds 9.5%, strains 5.0% and luxations 1.4%. The hospitalization rate was 3.8%. Compared to other studies the total incidence rate was high.

[It is not always necessary to establish a "first aid station" at mass gatherings. Cutty Sark Tallships Race 1993]

Previous studies from outdoor music festivals have recommended medical service facilities at first-aid stations. The Cutty Sark Tallships Race was a large outdoor event that took place over four days in Esbjerg harbour with about 500,000 participants and spectators. A total of 68 patients were treated, 28 in the first-aid station at the harbour and 40 at the nearby located hospital. The disease and injuries presented were not severe. The orthopaedic casualties dominated (82%), wounds, contusions and fractures being the most common ones. Only seven casualties were related to alcohol abuse. No casualties were related to drug abuse. The economic expense was estimated to DKK 14,676. Thus, at outdoor mass gatherings of a nature like the Cutty Sark Tallships Race, located near a hospital, first-aid stations are not necessary.

Paradoxical effects of bleomycin and heavy water (D2O) in mice

Bleomycin (BLM) lacks many side effects of other cytostatic drugs. Pulmonary toxicity is the major dose-limiting effect of BLM. This is based in part on generation of free radicals. It is conceivable that deuterium in body fluids lessens the production of free radicals, thus preventing or diminishing the morphologic expression of pulmonary BLM toxicity. We therefore studied the effect of moderate deuteration of body fluids on BLM-induced lung damage in BALB/c-mice. In addition to conventional histopathological methods, we used a vertical sectioning design for stereological estimation of pulmonary volumes and surface areas. BLM (low/medium/high dose: 25/50/75 IU/kg body weight) was injected i.p. once a week for 6 weeks. Half the mice drank deuterated water before, during and after BLM treatment. Three weeks after the last injection, the lungs were fixed by airway instillation. Deuterated animals treated with BLM lacked signs of irreversible BLM-induced pulmonary damage. Conversely, focal sub-pleural fibrosis and fibrosing alveolitis were present in BLM-treated mice drinking tap water. Deuterated mice had stereological values for almost all lung parameters that were lower than in non-deuterated mice. The organ-specific advantage of deuteration was offset by marked enhancement of systemic toxicity of BLM. We conclude that (1) moderate concentrations of deuterium may prevent the development of fibrosing alveolitis in BLM-treated mice, possibly by reducing proliferation of alveolar fibroblasts, and, less probably, by impairing generation or enhancing capture of free radicals; (2) the toxicity of BLM was enhanced by ingestion of deuterium, resulting in morphological liver alterations and increased mortality.

Fluctuations of visual field interpretation related to cluster and scotoma analysis by one interpreter

A total of 189 numerical printouts of the visual fields of 189 eyes of individuals either suspected of or verified as having glaucoma and displaying varying degrees of glaucomatous visual field damage were analyzed by one expert interpreter. The amount of clusters (or scotomas) was counted and delineated in each visual field under both a more stringent and a more liberal criterion. The interpretations of the visual fields differed significantly in both groups, as did the subjective certainty the interpreter allotted to his assessment. In the group of certain decisions, only 144 defects were assessed as opposed to 364 when a more stringent rather than a more liberal criterion was adopted. In uncertain cases, a reverse trend was observed, since only 11 as opposed to 324 defects were assessed when a more liberal rather than a more stringent criterion was adopted. Both trends may be explained by an increase in sensitivity at the expense of specificity (i.e., a change in the receiver-operating characteristic of the expert when the latter is pressed to change the criterion in a subjective cluster or scotoma assessment task). The ambiguity of the task and the difference in the criterion adopted by the interpreter significantly influences the assessment of normality and pathology, in particular its extent and spatial distribution.

The efficacy of cw Nd:YAG laser trabeculoplasty

The long-term (mean follow up, 51 weeks) efficacy of cw Nd:YAG laser trabeculoplasty in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) was studied in 106 eyes of 75 patients. Fifty patients (73 eyes) of this group had primary open-angle glaucoma; 11 (17), mixed glaucoma; 10 (12), pseudoexfoliation syndrome; and 4 (4), secondary glaucoma of varied etiology. Fifty laser impacts were delivered over 180 degrees of the circumference of the chamber angle with an Nd:YAG laser working in the cw mode (spot diameter, 100 microns; exposure duration, from 200 to 300 milliseconds; constant power level, 9 W, resulting in 1.8 to 2.7 J/pulse and a total energy dose/session of 90 to 135 J). In a few cases, an exposure duration of 400 milliseconds was used, corresponding to a pulse energy of 3.6 J/pulse and a total energy dose/session of 180 J. Success was defined as a reduction in IOP to 22 mm Hg or less without any further laser or surgical intervention. The cumulative success rate was 97.2% at 1 month, 93.3% at 3 months, 83.3% at 6 months, 78.7% at 12 months, and 71.5% at 24 months. Thus, the efficacy of cw Nd:YAG laser trabeculoplasty is comparable to that reported for trabeculoplasty performed using the argon laser (ALT), the Nd:YAG laser working in the free-running mode, and the diode laser. Biomicroscopy failed to reveal any serious inflammatory reactions persisting longer than 1 week. We conclude that cw Nd:YAG laser trabeculoplasty is a safe and effective alternative to ALT.

Doppler duplex for the evaluation of the degree of stenosis in carotid arteries in the rat

This study evaluates the accuracy of the Doppler duplex technique for providing reliable information about the level of stenosis in microanastomoses. Stenoses ranging between 30 and 85 percent of the cross-sectional area of carotid arteries were evaluated in rats. Peak systolic velocities were measured in prestenotic, stenotic, and poststenotic segments, using the duplex technique. Surgical results with duplex measurements were expressed as percentage of stenosis (calculated from a ratio of two cross-sectional areas), and later correlated. The correlation coefficient between the two sets of measurements was 0.82 (p < 0.01), and the hypothesis of a simple linear relationship was clearly accepted (p = 0.92). Results of the study show that duplex measurements become increasingly unreliable in stenoses with severity less than 50 percent. With increasing degrees of stenosis (50 percent and above), the variance of measurements with duplex decreases. According to the data, the limiting value for the duplex method appears to lie at about 85 percent. When methods for continuous measurement of flap perfusion indicate a hindrance of inflow, Doppler duplex can provide valuable information about the causes. This technique can be used clinically for the evaluation of microanastomoses in 1-mm vessels. In clinical cases, if a 50 percent or more stenosis is diagnosed by duplex technique, the measurement should be repeated within 1 to 2 hr. If the stenosis persists or intensifies, revision should be considered.

Evaluation of numerical displays of visual field data by human observers--the definition of scotomas and clusters by human interpreters

Numerical printouts of 23 visual field examinations performed with glaucoma program G1 were analyzed by 3 perimetrists. The task consisted of defining the existence of clusters or scotomas. Considerable discrepancy with regard to the existence or the size of clusters and/or scotomas was found among the three perimetrists. The median difference in number of clusters as compared for each pair of interpreters was found to differ from zero at a significance level of 5% (Wilcoxon's signed-rank nonparametric test). These findings suggest that the interpretation of a visual field status by human observers will always remain subjective and to a large extent contradictory. This situation calls for the implementation of interpretative computer software to supplement the currently available algorithms.

A functionally based approach to the treatment of self-injurious behavior

This study examined the efficacy of basing treatment interventions for self-injurious behavior on data gathered in functional assessment sessions designed to evaluate the environmental determinants that control the rate of responding. Two moderate and one severely retarded school-age children served as subjects in this study. Data from the assessments revealed that Subjects 1 and 2 emitted the highest rates of self-injury under positive reinforcement conditions, while Subject 3 exhibited higher rates during sensory-input alone conditions. Treatments, implemented by classroom teachers, consisted of differential reinforcement procedures that sought to replace the self-injury with functionally equivalent responses. Results of the interventions indicate that self-injury that is maintained by socially mediated reinforcers could be reduced through the training of alternative communicative responses. In addition, self-injury that functioned as sensory stimulation was reduced by the application of a mild restraint and differential reinforcement of incompatible response procedure. These results are discussed in relation to the identified motivational determinants of the responses and the limitations of such assessments.