Search

There are nearly 65 million people with chronic heart failure (CHF) globally, with no treatment directed at the pathologic cause of the disease, the loss of functioning cardiomyocytes. We have an allogeneic cardiac patch comprised of cardiomyocytes and human fibroblasts on a bioresorbable matrix. This patch increases blood flow to the damaged heart and improves left ventricular (LV) function in an immune competent rat model of ischemic CHF. After 6 months of treatment in an immune competent Yucatan mini swine ischemic CHF model, this patch restores LV contractility without constrictive physiology, partially reversing maladaptive LV and right ventricular remodeling, increases exercise tolerance, without inducing any cardiac arrhythmias or a change in myocardial oxygen consumption. Digital spatial profiling in mice with patch placement 3 weeks after a myocardial infarction shows that the patch induces a CD45pos immune cell response that results in an infiltration of dendritic cells and macrophages with high expression of macrophages polarization to the anti-inflammatory reparative M2 phenotype. Leveraging the host native immune system allows for the potential use of immunomodulatory therapies for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases not limited to ischemic CHF. Biologic epicardial patch induces macrophage mediated pathophysiologic repair in chronically infarcted mice and swine hearts shows an immune cell response that results in an infiltration of M2 macrophages [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observational networks enhance real‐time situational awareness for emergency and water resource management during extreme weather events. We present examples of how a diverse, multitiered observational network in California provided insights into hydrometeorological processes and impacts during a 3‐day atmospheric river storm centered on 14 February 2019. This network, which has been developed over the past two decades, aims to improve understanding and mitigation of effects from extreme storms influencing water resources and natural hazards. We combine atmospheric reanalysis output and additional observations to show how the network allows: (1) the validation of record cool season precipitable water observations over southern California; (2) the identification of phenomena that produce natural hazards and present difficulties for short‐term weather forecast models, such as extreme precipitation amounts and snow level variability; (3) the use of soil moisture data to improve hydrologic model forecast skill in northern California's Russian River basin; and (4) the combination of meteorological data with seismic observations to identify when a large avalanche occurred on Mount Shasta. This case study highlights the value of investments in diverse observational assets and the importance of continued support and synthesis of these networks to characterize climatological context and advance understanding of processes modulating extreme weather. Key Points: A multitiered observational network in California is evaluated during an extreme atmospheric river storm spanning 13–15 February 2019The network validates record precipitable water and detects mesoscale atmospheric processes driving flood, snowfall, and mass wasting eventsDiverse, high frequency observational networks are valuable investments to aid water resource management and natural hazard mitigation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Simulation-based training has a fundamental role in medical education as it allows the learner to gain experience managing emergencies in a safe, controlled environment. Methods: This 1-day course consisted of eight high-fidelity simulation scenarios, followed by a video-assisted debrief focusing on the technical and non-technical (communication skills, teamwork, leadership and situational awareness) aspects of managing ENT and head and neck emergencies. Results: Eight courses have run since June 2014. Post-course questionnaires demonstrated that candidates' confidence scores in managing airway and head and neck emergencies increased following completion of the course (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This was the first fully immersive ENT simulation course developed in the region. The learning objectives for each scenario were mapped to the ENT Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme. Feedback from the course indicated a continued demand for this style of training, leading to its inclusion in the training calendar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study focusing on tumour volume measurements using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in oropharyngeal carcinomas. Topics discussed include the prevalence of head and neck cancer across the globe, the primary tumour volume in hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer, and the Smartbrush software from Brainlab to measure tumour volume.

California’s winter storms produce intense rainfall capable of triggering shallow landslides, threatening lives and infrastructure. This study explores where hourly rainfall in the state meets or exceeds published values thought to trigger landslides after crossing a seasonal antecedent precipitation threshold. We answer the following questions: 1) Where in California are overthreshold events most common? 2) How are events distributed within the cool season (October–May) and interannually? 3) Are these events related to atmospheric rivers? To do this, we compile and quality control hourly precipitation data over a 22-yr period for 147 Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS). Stations in the Transverse and Coast Ranges and portions of the northwestern Sierra Nevada have the greatest number of rainfall events exceeding thresholds. Atmospheric rivers coincide with 60%–90% of these events. Overthreshold events tend to occur in the climatological wettest month of the year, and they commonly occur multiple times within a storm. These statewide maps depict where to expect intense rainfalls that have historically triggered shallow landslides. They predict that some areas of California are less susceptible to storm-driven landslides solely because high-intensity rainfall is unlikely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006, our Institution changed the treatment strategy for small volume primary oropharyngeal tumours to transoral laser microsurgery (TOLM). The main aim of this cohort study was to report the health related quality of life (HRQOL) at around 2 years following TOLM in consecutive patients treated from July 2006 through April 2013. The University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire was administered annually up to Spring 2014 and adjusting for mortality the overall response rate was 71 % (108/153). Tonsil primary site characterised 60 % (98) of patients, base of tongue 25 % (40), soft palate 13 % (21) and others 2 %, (3). Most patients had TOLM, neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy, with 21 % (34) of tumours at stage 1 or 2, 25 % (40) at stage 3 and 54 % (88) at stage 4. Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival were 94 % at 1 year, 88 % at 2 years and 68 % at 5 years after TOLM. Three-quarters (76 %) reported their overall QOL as being good, very good or outstanding, and by domain a clear majority of patients (range 57-94 %, median 79 %) reported none or only minor problems, most notably for swallowing, chewing and speech. The main dysfunction was in saliva (39 %). In conclusion, the outcomes in TOLM for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma are very encouraging. The data supports the current treatment strategy in the Unit. Further outcomes research is required to help refine patient selection to help optimise the survival and HRQOL benefit of TOLM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. A rational plan to manage the neck is necessary for all head and neck primaries. With the emergence of new level 1 evidence across several domains of neck metastases, this guideline will identify the evidence-based recommendations for management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The TNM classification system for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck neglects to incorporate volumetric analysis of the primary tumour. Tumour volume (TV) has been implicated prognostically in laryngeal SCC treated by primary radiotherapy (RT), but data for patients treated surgically are lacking. We evaluated such for glottic SCCs resected by transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). Design: Retrospective cohort study utilising TVs calculated as the product of tumour resection dimensions and time-toevent analyses using the Kaplan-Meier method. The prognostic ability of variables was estimated using log-rank statistics, univariate Cox regression and receiver-operating characteristics analysis where appropriate. Setting: Tertiary referral head and neck cancer centre. Participants: Patients undergoing primary TLM for glottic SCC with curative intent (2007-2011) with at least 12 months follow-up data. Main outcomemeasures: Prognostic impact ofTVon local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Results: Eligible patients (n = 129) had a median followup of 40 months (range 14-79 months). Median TV for all cases was 300 mm3 (range 2-19800 mm3). Three-year LC, OS and DSS were 92%, 92% and 98%, respectively. Tumour volume was not a significant predictor of any oncological outcome measure. Otherwise, a significant influence of pT stage on DSS was observed and of age on OS. Conclusions: In contrast to laryngeal SCC treated by RT, TV does not appear to portend oncological outcome in glottic SCC managed specifically by TLM and consequently does not warrant incorporation into current prognostic models for such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Transoral endoscopic ENT surgical procedures are a mainstay of treatment for a variety of conditions and are often preferable to open surgery where possible. Cases of micrognathia, prominent incisor teeth or trismus may create difficulties in gaining sufficient access to undertake such procedures. Extraction of the anterior maxillary teeth can help overcome these problems in appropriate cases, with subsequent prosthetic tooth replacement supported by dental implants. To date, this approach has not been reported in the literature.Case reports:This paper reports on two cases which illustrate this approach; the first case involved pharyngeal pouch management where previous open surgery had failed, and the second case involved glottic carcinoma management where oral access was compromising resection.Conclusion:This technique is recommended to facilitate effective transoral surgical procedures as a low-morbidity alternative to either open surgery or non-surgical therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives To determine the feasibility of drain-free surgery in selective neck dissection ( SND) by investigating the effects of the use of synthetic fibrin glue Tisseel™ on the drain output and overall wound healing. Study design Retrospective case review. Setting Tertiary referral unit in Head and Neck surgery. Participants The case notes of 30 patients who had undergone SND in levels I to IV were examined and compared. Tisseel was applied prior to wound closure in fifteen patients only. Main outcome measures Drain output, number of days of drain in situ and total number of days of hospitalisation as well as complications rate and type between the Tisseel and non-Tisseel groups. Results Patients who had Tisseel applied in the wound had a mean drain output of 67.1 ml, which was significantly lower than 174.4 ml in patients who did not have it. Patients in the Tisseel group had the drain in situ for a shorter period and were hospitalised for fewer days than the ones in the non-Tisseel group. Conclusions The use of Tisseel in SND resulted in lower drain output and shorter period of drain in situ and hospitalisation. There was no additional morbidity or complication associated with its use, and the initial conclusion is that this technique may have benefits not only to patient recovery but also for healthcare providers as they could potentially reduce the overall costs of surgery by reducing the length of hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is frequently upregulated in various types of human cancer; however, its role in cancer angiogenesis remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate the role of miR-155 in angiogenesis through targeting von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumour suppressor in breast cancer. Ectopic expression of miR-155 induced whereas knockdown of miR-155 inhibited human umbilical vein endothelial cell network formation, proliferation, invasion and migration. Furthermore, mammary fat pad xenotransplantation of ectopically expressed miR-155 resulted in extensive angiogenesis, proliferation, tumour necrosis and recruitment of pro-inflammatory cells such as tumour-associated macrophages. Expression of VHL abrogated these miR-155 effects. Moreover, miR-155 expression inversely correlates with VHL expression level and is associated with late-stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis, as well as triple-negative tumour in breast cancer. These findings indicate that miR-155 has a pivotal role in tumour angiogenesis by downregulation of VHL, and provide a basis for miR-155-expressing tumours to embody an aggressive malignant phenotype, and therefore miR-155 is an important therapeutic target in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) with lip-split mandibulotomy (LSM) and radial forearm free-flap reconstruction, for the resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCOP). This study is designed as a case-control study matching 24 patients treated with TLM for SCCOP with those treated with LSM. Patients were matched by age (in 5-year epochs), sex, TNM stage, tumour sub site and type of neck dissection. Each group comprised 20 males and 4 females (mean age 56 years). Seven patients treated with TLM had an elective tracheostomy compared with all patients undergoing LSM. Moreover, the time for decanulation was reduced in patients undergoing tracheostomy for TLM. Although similar rates of patients were able to swallow to some degree on discharge, 29 % of patients having LSM were discharged requiring enterostomy feeding compared with 4 % of patients treated using TLM. Of those able to swallow on discharge, patients who had TLM resumed swallowing in half the time taken for those having LSM. Moreover, those treated with TLM remained in hospital for half the length of time than those treated with LSM. Due to these factors, overall cost for TLM is reduced in comparison with LSM. In comparison with LSM, TLM for the treatment of SCCOP results in fewer tracheostomies and shorter time to decanulation; a quicker recovery of swallowing function and a reduced length of hospital stay. As a result of this, treatment with TLM is on average cheaper. These factors should be considered when deciding on the surgical treatment of a patient with SCCOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Tabalumab, a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody, neutralizes soluble and membrane-bound BAFF. The aim of this study was to examine the tolerability and efficacy of tabalumab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis receiving methotrexate. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, multiple-dose study, patients who were naive to biologic therapy received infusions of tabalumab (30, 60, or 160 mg) or placebo at weeks 0, 3, and 6 in combination with methotrexate and were evaluated for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the percentage of patients meeting American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (achieving an ACR20 response) at week 16. Results At week 16, the percentages of patients achieving an ACR20 response in the 30-mg (57.6%), 60-mg (67.6%), and 160-mg (51.5%) groups were significantly greater than the percentage of patients achieving an ACR20 response in the placebo group (29.4%; P < 0.05). There were initial transient increases from baseline in the frequency of CD20+ and IgD+/CD27− B cells, followed by reductions, although B cells were not completely depleted. Also, the frequency of IgD−/CD27+ B cells increased in all tabalumab groups compared with the placebo group and returned toward baseline levels by the end of the study. The incidence of adverse events was similar across all treatment groups; no deaths occurred. Serum IgM levels decreased significantly in all tabalumab groups combined compared with the placebo group. There were no significant decreases in serum IgG or IgA levels in the tabalumab groups compared with the placebo group. Conclusion Tabalumab treatment significantly reduces the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and has a safety profile similar to that seen with placebo treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative approach to virtual-lesion physiology is presented which integrates event-related fMRI, image-guided, repetitive, transcranial magnetic stimulation (irTMS), and simultaneous recording of 3-D movement kinematics. By linking motor neuroscience with clinical disorders of motor function, our method allows development of a healthy, human system model of disorders of skilled action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Carboplatin and cisplatin, alone or in combination with paclitaxel, have similar efficacies against ovarian cancer (OVCA) yet exhibit different toxicity profiles. We characterised the common and unique cellular pathways that underlie OVCA response to these drugs and analyse whether they have a role in OVCA survival.Methods:Ovarian cancer cell lines (n=36) were treated with carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, or carboplatin-paclitaxel (CPTX). For each cell line, IC50 levels were quantified and pre-treatment gene expression analyses were performed. Genes demonstrating expression/IC50 correlations (measured by Pearson; P<0.01) were subjected to biological pathway analysis. An independent OVCA clinico-genomic data set (n=142) was evaluated for clinical features associated with represented pathways.Results:Cell line sensitivity to carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and CPTX was associated with the expression of 77, 68, 64, and 25 biological pathways (P<0.01), respectively. We found three common pathways when drug combinations were compared. Expression of one pathway ('Transcription/CREB pathway') was associated with OVCA overall survival.Conclusion:The identification of the Transcription/CREB pathway (associated with OVCA cell line platinum sensitivity and overall survival) could improve patient stratification for treatment with current therapies and the rational selection of future OVCA therapy agents targeted to these pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubidium (86Rb+) fluxes were used to probe for K+ uptake in Xenopus erythrocytes in vitro following exposure to various ambient osmolalities. Rb+ uptake is composed of two major components, one which is ouabain-sensitive and linearly related to changes in medium osmolarity, and a smaller (1/10 of total) that was ouabain-insensitive. The latter component that was activated when medium osmolarity was diluted 40% to 166 mOsm/l increased 2.5 times. The ouabain-insensitive K+ uptake was reduced to one-third on replacement of Cl– by other anions and was not influenced by DIDS, an anion transport inhibitor. Cl– uptake that was probed from SO4 2– uptake was tripled on medium dilution and was almost completely inhibited by DIDS (4, 4 diisothiocyanatostilbene-2, 2-disulfonic acid). The β-adrenergic stimulating agonist, isoproterenol, had no effect on these processes. Parallel measurements of Rb+ and taurine uptake in relation to medium osmolarity show different kinetics. Parallel measurements of 86Rb+ and taurine fluxes were made on erythrocytes from Bufo viridis. Based on the dissimilarity of responses on inhibitors and the different kinetics, it is concluded that the two solutes that are engaged in cellular volume regulation are transported separately. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives:We examined the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing thyroid cartilage and thyroid gland invasion in patients undergoing total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma, by comparing histopathology results with imaging findings.Study design:A retrospective study reviewed histology and magnetic resonance scan results for all total laryngectomies performed between 1998–2008 at University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool.Methods:Pre-operative magnetic resonance images were reviewed independently by two consultant head and neck radiologists masked to the histology; their opinions were then compared with histology findings.Results:Eighty-one magnetic resonance scans were reviewed. There were 22 laryngectomy patients with histologically verified thyroid cartilage invasion and one patient with thyroid gland invasion. There were 31 patients with apparent radiological thyroid cartilage invasion pre-operatively (with 17 false positives), giving sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 64, 71, 45 and 84 per cent, respectively. On assessing thyroid gland invasion, there were nine false positive scans and no false negative scans, giving sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 100, 89, 10 and 100 per cent, respectively.Conclusion:Magnetic resonance scanning over-predicts thyroid cartilage and gland invasion in patients undergoing total laryngectomy. Magnetic resonance scans have limited effectiveness in predicting thyroid cartilage invasion by squamous cell carcinoma in laryngectomy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Intranasal medication administration which aims to deliver to the eustachian tube orifice has been adopted for the management of a number of otological conditions, acting via a reduction in tubal oedema and improved ventilation. Evidence for the optimal head position for such drug administration is limited. We compared four different positions and also assessed spray versus drop formulation, to determine optimal delivery conditions.Methods:Prospective, five-period, cross-over study using methylene blue dyed saline in a drops or spray container. Five healthy volunteers tested the Mygind, Ragan, Mecca and ‘head back’ head positions. Nasal spray drug delivery in the most effective head position was then compared with drops drug delivery (administered in the head back position). Intranasal delivery was assessed photographically using a 30° rigid naso-endoscope.Results:Maximal nasal drops delivery was achieved with the Mygind and Ragan positions. Drops were more successful than spray in reaching the eustachian tube orifice.Conclusion:The Mygind and Ragan positions are best for eustachian tube orifice drug delivery, and drops preparations are better than spray preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LY2439821 which is humanized anti-interleukin-17 (anti-IL-17) monoclonal antibody in treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It states that treating RA traditionally includes corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) which provides benefits with limited efficacy. It notes that the result of the study indicates that LY2439821 may offer therapeutic alternative for patients having active RA.

The prefrontal cortex, a part of the limbic-thalamic-cortical network, participates in regulation of mood, cognition and behavior and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Many neuropsychological studies demonstrate impairment of working memory in patients with MDD. However, there are few functional neuroimaging studies of MDD patients during working memory processing, and most of the available ones included medicated patients or patients with both MDD and bipolar disorder. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure prefrontal cortex function during working memory processing in untreated depressed patients with MDD. Fifteen untreated individuals with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition recurrent MDD (mean age±s.d.=34.3±11.5 years) and 15 healthy comparison subjects (37.7±12.1 years) matched for age, sex and race were studied using a GE/Elscint 2T MR system. An echo-planar MRI sequence was used to acquire 24 axial slices. The n-back task (0-back, 1-back and 2-back) was used to elicit frontal cortex activation. Data were analyzed with a multiple regression analysis using the FSL-FEAT software. MDD patients showed significantly greater left dorsolateral cortex activation during the n-back task compared to the healthy controls (P<0.01), although task performance was similar in the two groups. Furthermore, the patients showed significant anterior cingulate cortex activation during the task, but the comparison subjects did not (P<0.01). This study provides in vivo imaging evidence of abnormal frontolimbic circuit function during working memory processing in individuals with MDD.Molecular Psychiatry (2007) 12, 158–166. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001894; published online 19 September 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After instigation of rapid access referrals from GPs and the Calman-Hine 2-week rule, the times taken from initial presentation to the GP, until the start of definitive treatment for patients with head and neck cancer managed was audited and compared with national guidelines.• An improvement in time from GP referral to first outpatient clinic (2.1 weeks), time to fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC; 2.9 days), time to endoscopic examination (2.3 weeks) and to staging scans (3.3 weeks) was seen, these fell just outside the standards set. Time to histological report was within the standards set (0.4 weeks).• As a result of the improvement in preoperative work up of cancer patients, there has been an increased delay to primary surgery (7.7 weeks) and a continued delay to primary radiotherapy (10.2 weeks).• Delays because of poor patient education about head and neck cancer are still very apparent and need to be addressed, as well as further improvement in GP education about early referral to ENT services.• The shortfalls seen need to be addressed by an increase in infrastructure as well as medical and paramedical staffing to ensure patients are managed within given time standards. Although patient throughput can be enhanced by improvements in system efficiency, it is unlikely that targets will be met consistently without an increase in resources to fund greater capacity and more personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven different types of nematocyst are detailed and illustrated from the Zoanthidea. We studied the size population structure of nematocyst capsules: how they are affected by preservation, and how and what should be measured. Populations of two types, large holotrichs andp-mastigophores, from the mesenterial filaments ofProtopalythoa heliodiscusandPr. mutukihave been compared using length, width, and (forp-mastigophores) shaft length. The analysis employed bivariate scattergrams and discriminant analysis. The two species are strongly differentiated by their holotrichs, less well by theirp-mastigophores. The problem of bimodal size distributions is considered and resolved. It is recommended that nematocyst capsule population descriptors should always be included in species’ descriptions, in addition to or instead of the customary minimum-maximum range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges facing nursing higher education necessitate that academic administrators have a focused vision for their schools of nursing. Nursing, like other areas of higher education, embraced the concept of strategic planning to set priorities, use resources wisely, and take advantage of available opportunities that were consistent with the strategic direction. While there has been a shift toward a less-structured approach to planning, nursing deans need tools to assess the environment, make rational decisions, set priorities, plan for change, and develop strategies to meet the short-term and long-term goals of the unit. Given the challenges facing nursing education and higher education, the need for a planning approach is critical. The case study in this article describes a flexible and creative approach to the planning process that helped the University of Virginia School of Nursing set priorities and achieve its goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of North Sea benthic invertebrate and fish communities is an important indicator of anthropogenic and environmental impacts. Although North Sea fish stocks are monitored regularly, benthic fauna are not. Here, we report the results of a survey carried out in 2000, in which five nations sampled the epibenthic and fish fauna at 270 stations throughout the North Sea. The aim of the survey was to investigate the diversity and community structure of epibenthic and fish communities and to identify relationships with environmental factors, including the frequency of commercial otter and beam trawling disturbance. Epibenthic species diversity was lower in the southern North Sea than in central and northern areas. Fish, conversely, were more diverse in the south. The 50 m, 100 m and 200 m depth contours broadly defined the boundaries of benthic and fish communities. The abundance of epibenthos of the southern North Sea was dominated by free-living species, whilst north of the 50 m contour sessile species prevailed. A hybrid area, with sessile species typical of the north and free-living species characteristic of the south, was found off the Norfolk and Flamborough coast stretching towards the Dogger Bank.Large-scale hydrodynamic phenomena were most likely to be responsible for the main divisions between communities, especially the boundary between mixed and stratified water masses. However, bottom temperature, sediment parameters and beam trawling were closely correlated with species richness and diversity, as well as community patterns, and may modify regional species composition.Our study shows that effective large-scale sampling of benthic communities can be conducted during existing fisheries surveys. Since annual fisheries surveys are conducted throughout the northeast Atlantic shelf seas, concurrent benthic surveys would allow benthic sampling on unprecedented spatial and temporal scales. The samples would help to monitor the environmental impacts of trawling disturbance, climate change, pollution and other natural and anthropogenic factors. Copyright 2002 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]