The results of this study provide further evidence for a link between hyperopia and impaired literacy standards in children.

A 24-week CR programme for patients with stable heart failure showed some long-term benefit at 5 years. Differences in the mean values of most of the functional and quality of life measures were evidently to the advantage of the CR group, which also showed a better exercise profile.

A new compilation of underwater terrain provides the most up-to-date mapping of portions of the western Arctic and North Pacific.

Changes in patient measures were evident over 5 years and most differentiated between survivor and deceased groups. In comparison to the use of the MLHF and EuroQuol-vas, the EuroQuol score was limited by impairments of the ageing process.

This study provides an analysis of the diagnostic trends in autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) for children aged under 17 years in the Rhondda and Taff Ely districts of South Wales. In the period 1988-2004, 336 children received a diagnosis of ASD and represent the case registry data of one community paediatric team. For the period 1994-2003, the caseload of 267 comprised Asperger (58%), Kanner (20%) and ;other forms' of autism (22%). In comparison to the previous 5 year period, diagnosis of ASD in 1999-2003 increased for Asperger (2.9 fold) and ;other forms' (4.4) but decreased for Kanner autism (0.69). Male:female gender ratios and age at diagnosis fell for all subcategories of ASD. Prevalences per 10,000 children born in Rhondda Taff Ely are ASD 61.2, Asperger 35.4, Kanner autism 12.7, and 'other forms' 13.0. Detected prevalences and trends for ASD are in line with national standards and do not show an increase for Kanner autism.