Phenology of vegetation in Southern England from Envisat MERIS terrestrial chlorophyll index (MTCI) data

Given the close association between climate change and vegetation response, there is a pressing requirement to monitor the phenology of vegetation and understand further how its metrics vary over space and time. This article explores the use of the Envisat MERIS terrestrial chlorophyll index (MTCI) data set for monitoring vegetation phenology, via its estimates of chlorophyll content. The MTCI was used to construct the phenological profile of and extract key phenological event dates from woodland and grass/heath land in Southern England as these represented a range of chlorophyll contents and different phenological cycles. The period 2003–2008 was selected as this was known to be a period with temperature and phenological anomalies. Comparisons of the MTCI-derived phenology data were made with ground indicators and climatic proxy of phenology and with other vegetation indices: MERIS global vegetation index (MGVI), MODIS normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and MODIS enhanced vegetation index (EVI). Close correspondence between MTCI and canopy phenology as indicated by ground observations and climatic proxy was evident. Also observed was a difference between MTCI-derived phenological profile curves and key event dates (e.g. green-up, season length) and those derived from MERIS MGVI, MODIS NDVI and MODIS EVI. The research presented in this article supports the use of the Envisat MTCI for monitoring vegetation phenology, principally due to its sensitivity to canopy chlorophyll content, a vegetation property that is a useful proxy for the canopy physical and chemical alterations associated with phenological change.     

Onychomycosis. Baseline results of an observational study

The investigators present an analysis of baseline quality-of-life and patient-management approaches from an observational study of 150 patients being treated by podiatric physicians and dermatologists for onychomycosis. The majority (73%) made the initial office visit specifically because of their onychomycosis. Both men and women indicated that they had substantial physical discomfort as well as concerns related to appearance. Women reported significantly more problems than did men as a result of their onychomycosis. Physicians reported that 54% of patients suffered from toenail discomfort, 36% had pain while walking, 40% reported that their condition limited wearing of shoes, and 67% were embarrassed by the condition. The results of this study suggest that the treatment approach of podiatric physicians is more likely to address the palliative concerns of patients with onychomycosis, while the approach of dermatologists is more likely to attempt a definitive cure.     

Topical fluorides: efficacy, administration, and safety

Fluoride's role in decreasing dental caries has been recognized for decades. The professional fluoride treatment has recently been augmented with home-use fluoride products. The introduction of many attractive products makes it difficult for dental professionals to know which are effective. Both professional and home-use products are described, as are proven techniques for their use. Recognition of fluoride toxicity, and its prevention and treatment, are also discussed.     

Prognostic classification for esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula: Waterston versus Montreal

Since 1962, the Waterston classification has been used to stratify neonates who have esophageal atresia (EA) and/or tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) into prognostic categories based on birth weight, the presence of pneumonia, and the identification of other congenital anomalies. In response to advances in neonatal care, the surgeons from the Montreal Children's Hospital proposed a new categorization system in 1993 in an attempt to define the current risk factors for patients who have EA/TEF. In the Montreal experience only two characteristics independently affected survival: preoperative ventilator dependence and associated major anomalies. The goal of this study was to determine which system had the greatest validity for the evaluation of prognosis in our patients with EA/TEF. The charts of 94 patients who had EA/TEF treated between 1972 and 1991 were reviewed. Patients were classified using both the Waterston and Montreal systems. Groups were compared with Fisher's Exact test using a 95% confidence level for statistical significance. Eleven infants were ventilator dependent preoperatively; 62 children had major associated anomalies, 8 of which were considered life threatening. Sixteen children died within 4 years, eight during their initial hospital stay. Five of the eight early postoperative deaths occurred in the highest-risk patients (Waterston C or Montreal II). Analysis was performed for multiple risk factors and mortality. As in the Montreal study, the presence of life-threatening and major congenital anomalies represented significant risk factors for death. Pulmonary disease as delineated by ventilator dependence appeared to be more accurate than pneumonia. This study confirms the accuracy of the Montreal classification in defining prognosis for EA/TEF. The Montreal system more accurately identifies children at highest risk than the Waterston classification.     

Reduced performance of male and female athletes at 580 m altitude

Patients with craniocervical mandibular (TMD) disorders can present with tinnitus as a primary or secondary complaint. The embryology and functional anatomy of the middle ear, temporomandibular joint, muscles of mastication and associated tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics was found to be helpful in establishing etiologic concepts which relate tinnitus to these temporomandibular disorders. In addition to etiologic concepts, treatment modalities are described. The authors relate their experiences as well as those of others with different patient populations.     

Influence of maternal bodyweight on size, conformation and survival of newborn lambs

Although body condition score was not significantly different between light (<55 kg, n = 6) and heavy (> or =60 kg, n = 7) ewes at mating, it declined between Day 30 and Day 90 of gestation in light but not heavy ewes, and remained lower up to term. All ewes bore twins, delivered near term (Days 144-146) by Caesarean section. One lamb was immediately placed into a warm (30 degrees C; WD) and its twin into a cool (15 degrees C; CD) ambient temperature, and tissues were sampled at 0.5 h or 6 h. All CD lambs born to light ewes exhibited hypothermia and/or respiratory failure and did not survive longer than 30 min; these symptoms were not observed in their WD twins or any lamb born to heavy ewes. Total lamb birth weight, placental weight and fetal cotyledonary weight were lower with light than with heavy ewes. Lambs born to light ewes had less perirenal adipose tissue and smaller liver, heart, kidneys, brain, adrenals and thyroid, although their heart, brain and pancreas represented a larger proportion of total bodyweight; pancreas weight was similar to that in lambs born to heavy ewes. Hence, maternal bodyweight critically influences placental weight and lamb size and survival after birth.