bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neprilysin 4, a novel endopeptidase fromDrosophila melanogaster, displays distinct substrate specificities and exceptional solubility states
Authors: Meyer Heiko , Panz Mareike , Zmojdzian Monika , Jagla Krzysztof , Paululat Achim 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYProteins belonging to the family of neprilysins are typically membrane bound M13 endopeptidases responsible for the inactivation and/or activation of peptide signaling events on cell surfaces. Mammalian neprilysins are known to be involved in the metabolism of various regulatory peptides especially in the nervous, immune, cardiovascular and inflammatory systems. Although there is still much to learn about their participation in various diseases, they are potential therapeutic targets. Here we report on the identification and first characterization of neprilysin 4 (NEP4) from Drosophila melanogaster. Reporter lines as well as in situ hybridization combined with immunolocalization demonstrated NEP4 expression during embryogenesis in pericardial cells, muscle founder cells, glia cells and male gonads. Western blot analysis confirmed the prediction of one membrane bound and one soluble isoform, a finding quite unusual among neprilysins with presumably strong physiological relevance. At least one NEP4 isoform was found in every developmental stage indicating protein activities required throughout the whole life cycle of Drosophila. Heterologously expressed NEP4 exhibited substrate preferences comparable to human neprilysin 2 with distinct cleavage of substance P and angiotensin I.
The intensity threshold of colour vision in two species of parrot
Authors: Lind Olle , Kelber Almut 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARY
We have used behavioural tests to determine the intensity thresholds of colour vision in Bourke's parrots (Neopsephotus bourkii) and budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). We have also examined the relationship between these thresholds and the optical sensitivities of single photoreceptors using morphological methods. Bourke's parrots lose colour vision in brighter light (0.4 cd m–2) than budgerigars (0.1 cd m–2) and both birds lose colour vision in brighter light(`end of civil twilight') than humans (0.02 cd m–2,`moonlight'). The optical sensitivities of single cones are similar in both birds (budgerigar 0.27 μm2 sr, Bourke's parrot 0.25μm2 sr) but Bourke's parrots have more (cone to rod ratio,1.2:1.0), thinner (2.8 μm) and longer rods (18.5 μm) than budgerigars(2.1:1.0, 3.4 μm, 13.3 μm). Bourke's parrots thus have an eye type that,with a flexible pooling mechanism, allows for high resolution or high absolute sensitivity depending on the light conditions. The results nicely agree with the activity patterns of the birds, Bourke's parrots being active during the day and in twilight while budgerigars are not normally active before sunrise and after sunset. However, Bourke's parrots have fewer cones than budgerigars,which implies that a smaller number of cones are pooled within each retinal integration area. That could explain why Bourke's parrots have a higher intensity threshold of colour vision than budgerigars. Furthermore, the study emphasises the need to expand the sensitivity measure so that photoreceptor integration units are used rather than single receptors.
Strategies and limits in multi-stage single-point incremental forming
Authors: Skjoedt M , Silva M B , Martins P A F , Bay N 
Published: October 2009

Multi-stage single-point incremental forming (SPIF) is a state-of-the-art manufacturing process that allows small-quantity production of complex sheet metal parts with vertical walls. This paper is focused on the application of multi-stage SPIF with the objective of producing cylindrical cups with vertical walls. The strategy consists of forming a conical cup with a taper angle in the first stage, followed by three subsequent stages that progressively move the conical shape towards the desired cylindrical geometry. The investigation includes material characterization, determination of forming-limit curves and fracture forming-limit curves (FFLCs), numerical simulation, and experimentation, namely the evaluation of strain paths and fracture strains in actual multi-stage parts. Assessment of numerical simulation with experimentation shows good agreement between computed and measured strain and strain paths. The results also reveal that the sequence of multi-stage forming has a large effect on the location of strain points in the principal strain space. Strain paths are linear in the first stage and highly non-linear in the subsequent forming stages. The overall results show that the experimentally determined FFLCs can successfully be employed to establish the forming limits of multi-stage SPIF.
Ritual Circumcision: No Longer a Problem for Health Services in the British Isles
Authors: Atkin GK , Butler C , Broadhurst J , Khan A , Nataraja R , Madden N , Haddad M , Clarke SA 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION Primary care trust (PCT) funding of a ritual circumcision service has recently been withdrawn from our unit, raising concerns that this may result in greater morbidity from community circumcision. The aims of this study were to document our circumcision practice before and after the withdrawal of PCT funding and to determine its effect on the morbidity from circumcision. In addition, we wanted to survey all paediatric surgical centres in the British Isles to ascertain how many still offer a ritual circumcision service. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed our circumcision practice for 1 year prior to the removal of UK Government funding, and then performed a prospective audit of our practice for the 12 months following funding withdrawal. An e-mail survey was also performed of all paediatric surgical units to determine the ritual circumcision service provision throughout the British Isles. RESULTS A total of 213 boys underwent circumcision during the 12 months prior to the withdrawal of funding, of which 106 cases (50%) were ritual circumcisions. After funding withdrawal, 99 boys underwent circumcision, of which 98 cases (99%) were for medical reasons. A similar number of boys were re-admitted after a hospital circumcision during the two review periods (5 versus 4 patients), whereas the number admitted following a community circumcision rose after funding withdrawal (6 versus 11 patients). Only a third of British paediatric surgical centres offer a ritual circumcision service, and a significant proportion of these were either providing the service without PCT funding, or were reconsidering their decision to continue. CONCLUSIONS PCT funding withdrawal for ritual circumcision had an impact on our unit's procedural case volume. This represented a cost saving to the trust, despite a higher rate of admissions for postoperative complications. There is an inequality in healthcare provision throughout the British Isles for ritual circumcision, and we feel it is vital to offer support and training to medical and non-medical practitioners who are being asked to perform a greater number of circumcisions in the community.
Initial Experience of Laparostomy with Immediate Vacuum Therapy in Patients with Severe Peritonitis
Authors: Horwood James , Akbar Fayaz , Maw Andrew 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION To report our initial experience of laparostomy and immediate intra-abdominal vacuum therapy in patients with severe peritonitis due to intra-abdominal catastrophes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-seven patients underwent emergency laparotomy and laparostomy formation with the application of immediate intra-abdominal TRAC–VAC® therapy (male:female ratio, 1:1.2; median age, 73 years; range, 34–84 years). Predicted mortality was assessed using the P-POSSUM score and compared with clinically observed outcomes. RESULTS Ten patients (37%) with a mean predicted P-POSSUM mortality of 72%, died of sepsis and multi-organ failure. Seventeen patients (mean P-POSSUM 48% expected mortality) survived to discharge. One patient with pancreatitis died from small bowel obstruction 1-year post discharge, two patients developed a small bowel fistula. One patient had an allergic reaction to the VAC dressing. Our patients, treated with laparostomy and TRAC VAC therapy, had a significantly improved observed survival when compared to P-POSSUM expected survival (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Laparostomy with immediate intraperitoneal VAC therapy is a robust and effective system to manage patients with intra-abdominal catastrophes. There were significantly improved outcomes compared to the mortality predicted by P-POSSUM scores. Damage control surgery with laparostomy formation and intra-abdominal VAC therapy should be considered in patients with severe peritonitis.
Three-Year Audit and Cost Assessment of Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in a District General Hospital
Authors: Kafsi J El , Wake J , Lintott P , Northeast A , McLaren A 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION The aims of this study were to audit the outcome of elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in a district general hospital, as well as investigate the true costs for this procedure in relation to the national tariff. PATIENTS AND METHODS A database is maintained on AAA surgery in the trust. Data were supplemented by drawing information from blood bank and clinical notes. Patients with symptomatic or emergency aneurysms were excluded. Data from January 2005 to December 2007 were obtained on demographics, morbidity, 30-day mortality and blood usage. Costs were obtained from the trust finance department. RESULTS Between January 2005 and December 2007, 79 elective AAA procedures were undertaken. Median age was 75 years (range, 52–85 years), median aneurysm size was 63 mm (range, 42–105 mm) and median ITU stay was 3 days (range, 1–41 days). Major morbidity rate was 20.3% (16 of 79 patients) and 30-day mortality overall was 5.1% (4 of 79 patients). Average cost per case was £15,012.91 (range, £4,040.03–£82,158.00), when National Tariff is £6,722.00 (£5,649.00 × local Market Forces Factor of 1.19). Loss per case for our trust was £8,290.91 with a total annual loss of £218,299.56. CONCLUSIONS Morbidity and mortality in this district general hospital compare well with national studies; however, the total cost is far in excess of the national tariff.
Update Experience of Surgery for Acute Limb Ischaemia in a District General Hospital – Are We Getting Any Better?
Authors: Morris-Stiff G , D'Souza J , Raman S , Paulvannan S , Lewis MH 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION The aims of this study were to audit results of a 10-year experience of surgery for acute limb ischaemia (ALI) in terms of limb salvage and mortality rates, and to compare results with a historical published series from our unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS All emergency operations performed during the period 1993–2003 were identified from theatre registers and patient notes reviewed to determine indications for, and outcome of, surgery. Data were compared to a similar cohort who underwent surgery from 1980 to 1990. RESULTS There was a 33% increase in workload from 87 to 116 patients between the two time periods. The number of patients with idiopathic ALI reduced (24% versus 4%; P < 0.05), and there were fewer smokers (71% versus 39%; P < 0.05) and a greater number of claudicants (17% versus 35%; P < 0.05) in those treated from 1993–2003. Latterly, more patients underwent pre-operative heparinisation (33% versus 80%; P < 0.05), received prophylactic antibiotics (14% versus 63%; P < 0.05), and had anaesthetic presence in theatre (46% versus 88%; P < 0.05). There was also a reduction in local anaesthetic procedures (80% versus 41%; P < 0.05). Despite increased pre-operative (15% versus 47%; P < 0.05) and on-table imaging (0% versus 16%; P < 0.05) technical success did not improve. Whilst complication rates were identical at 62%, there were fewer cardiovascular complications in the recent cohort. The 30-day mortality rate for embolectomy fell from 45% to 33%. Multivariate analysis revealed age > 70 years, prolonged symptom duration, ASA score ≥ III, lack of prophylactic antibiotics, absence of an anaesthetist, and operations performed under local anaesthetic to be associated with increased risk of mortality. Factors adversely affecting limb salvage included prolonged duration from symptom onset to operation, and a history of claudication or smoking. CONCLUSIONS Despite improvements in pre- and peri-operative management, arterial embolectomy/thrombectomy remains a procedure with a high morbidity and mortality. Further attempts to improve outcome must be directed at early diagnosis and referral as delay from symptom onset to surgery is a major determinant of outcome.
Indications for Tonsillectomy: Are We Documenting Them?
Authors: Toh Alex , Mullin Annemarie , Grainger Joe , Uppal Harpreet 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed operations in the UK. Documentation of the indications for tonsillectomy is vital, and should fulfil evidence-based guidelines where possible. We present a completed audit, evaluating the documentation of our department's practice in meeting the recommendations made by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) on indications for tonsillectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective audit of 100 children undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis at a university hospital during two time periods: October 2007 to January 2008 and March to September 2008. Interventions including the production of posters and rubber stamps were agreed and implemented between the two audit periods. RESULTS Following the implementation of simple changes, significant improvements were seen in documentation relating to the SIGN guidelines for tonsillectomy. Overall, the number of children meeting all four SIGN criteria for tonsillectomy rose from 12% to 44% (χ2 = 57.8; P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant reduction was seen in the number of children below the age of 5 years undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis (χ2 = 14.66; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS With increasing scrutiny on tonsillectomy, it is important to ensure that the reasons for performing tonsillectomy are documented clearly and adhere to evidence-based guidance where possible. We have demonstrated that, with only simple and low-cost interventions, significant improvements in the documentation of tonsillectomy indications can be achieved.
Reading the Small Print – Labelling Recommendations for Orthopaedic Implants
Authors: Haene Roger A , Sandhu Ranbir S , Baxandall Richard 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION There exist, currently, no clear guidelines regarding standards for surgical implant labelling. Dimensions of the laminar flow canopies in orthopaedic use fixes the distance at which implant labels can be read. Mistakes when reading the label on an implant box can pose health risks for patients, and financial consequences for medical institutions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Using scientifically validated tools such as the Snellen Chart Formula, a theoretical minimum standard for text on implant labels was reached. This theoretical standard was then tested under real operating conditions. After discovering a minimum practical standard for implant labels, the authors then audited current labels in use on a wide range of orthopaedic implant packages. Furthermore, other non-text-related labelling problems were also noted. RESULTS There is a definite minimum standard which should be observed when implant labels are manufactured. Implants in current use bear labels on the packaging that are of an insufficient standard to ensure patient safety in theatre. CONCLUSIONS The authors have established text parameters that will increase the legibility of implant labels. In the interests of improving risk management in theatre, therefore, the authors propose a standard for orthopaedic implant labelling, and believe this will provide a useful foundation for further discussion between the orthopaedic community and implant manufacturers.
The Management of Spinal Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Langdon James , Way Adam , Heaton Samuel , Bernard Jason , Molloy Sean 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION Osseous metastases occur in 50% of patients with renal cell carcinoma; of these, 15% occur in the spine. The treatment options for spinal metastases secondary to renal cell carcinoma are limited. This paper considers the current management options available for spinal metastases secondary to renal cell carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS A review of four patients with spinal metastases secondary to renal cell carcinoma. RESULTS The presentation of four cases highlighting the current management options for spinal metastases secondary to renal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Historically, spinal metastases from renal cell carcinoma have been poorly managed; however, as the treatment of the primary disease improves, better treatment of the secondary disease is needed. Cement augmentation, used alone for prophylactic stabilisation or in conjunction with a posterior decompression and fixation, provides a useful addition in the management of these patients optimising their chance to remain ambulant, continent, and pain-free.
What does a transdiagnostic approach have to offer the treatment of anxiety disorders?
Authors: McManus Freda. , Shafran Roz. , Cooper Zafra. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to review the rationale for ‘transdiagnostic’ approaches to the understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders.Methods. Databases, searches and examination of the reference lists of relevant studies were used to identify papers of relevance.Results. There is increasing recognition that diagnosis‐specific interventions for single anxiety‐disorders are of less value than might appear since a large proportion of patients have more than one coexisting anxiety disorder and the treatment of one anxiety disorder does not necessarily lead to the resolution of others. As transdiagnostic approaches have the potential to address multiple coexisting anxiety disorders they are potentially more clinically relevant than single anxiety disorder interventions. They may also have advantages in ease of dissemination and in treating anxiety disorder not otherwise specified.Conclusions. The merits of the various transdiagnostic cognitive‐behavioural approaches that have been proposed are reviewed. Such approaches have potential benefits, particularly in striking the balance between completely idiosyncratic formulations and diagnosis‐driven treatments of anxiety disorders. However, caution is needed to ensure that transdiagnostic theories and treatments benefit from progress made by research on diagnosis‐specific treatments, and further empirical work is needed to identify the shared maintaining processes that need to be targeted in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Are modern health worries, environmental concerns, or paranormal beliefs associated with perceptions of the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine?
Authors: Jeswani Mamta , Furnham Adrian 
Published: October 2009

Objective. To investigate to what extent paranormal beliefs, modern health worries (MHWs), and environmental concerns were related to beliefs about, and behaviour associated with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).Methods. Of the participants, 150 completed a four‐part questionnaire measuring use and perception of CAM, MHWs, paranormal beliefs, and environmental concerns.Results. A factor analysis on the CAM questions revealed three clear components, labelled efficacy of CAM, attitudes to CAM, and safety of CAM. Age, total MHWs, paranormal beliefs, and environmental concerns were used as predictor variables in regression analyses with efficacy as criterion variable. Age was found to be a significantly related to efficacy of CAM. When total MHW score, paranormal belief score, and environmental concern score were added to the model, the r2 increased by 29%. Environmental concern did not significantly relate to efficacy but spiritualism beliefs did. A factor analysis of the MHW scale items revealed nine factors. Out of these, radiation, doctors playing God, disasters, and epidemics, as well as harmful rays and air contaminants significantly predict belief in the efficacy of CAM.Conclusion. Overall, older people, with more MHWs, and who believe in the paranormal are more likely to believe that CAM works, possibly because of a more intuitive, ‘holistic’, thinking style. Limitations of the study are considered.
Benthic microalgal production in the Arctic: applied methods and status of the current database
Authors: Glud Ronnie N. , Woelfel Jana , Karsten Ulf , Kühl Michael , Rysgaard Søren 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
The current database on benthic microalgal production in Arctic waters comprises 10 peer-reviewed and three unpublished studies. Here, we compile and discuss these datasets, along with the applied measurement approaches used. The latter is essential for robust comparative analysis and to clarify the often very confusing terminology in the existing literature. Our compilation demonstrates that i) benthic microalgae contribute significantly to coastal ecosystem production in the Arctic, and ii) benthic microalgal production on average exceeds pelagic productivity by a factor of 1.5 for water depths down to 30 m. We have established relationships between irradiance, water depth and benthic microalgal productivity that can be used to extrapolate results from quantitative experimental studies to the entire Arctic region. Two different approaches estimated that current benthic microalgal production in the Arctic is between 1.1 and 1.6×107 tons C year-1. Climate change is expected to increase the overall primary production and affect the balance between pelagic and benthic productivity in the Arctic. It is therefore imperative to get better quantitative understanding of the relationship between increased freshwater run-off, shrinking sea-ice cover, light availability and benthic primary production to assess future impact on the Arctic food web and trophic coupling.
Molecular and Morphometric Data Indicate a New Species of the Aphid GenusRhopalosiphum(Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Valenzuela I , Eastop V F , Ridland P M , Weeks A R 
Published: October 2009

AbstractHere, we provide evidence for a new aphid species from the genus Rhopalosiphum Koch, based upon an Australian survey of variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene, and subsequently validated by cytochrome b, nuclear microsatellites, nuclear sequence characterized amplified region locus, and karyotypic analyses. Despite the new species being morphologically very similar to Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), there was significant genetic differentiation, with the new species being closer to the Rhopalosiphum insertum (Walker) group. Karyotypic analyses indicated a putative hybrid origin for the new species, but mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data showed that the available Australian and overseas populations of Rhopalosiphum spp. did not serve as parental lineages. Diagnostic methods were developed that enabled the identification of the new species based on morphometric data and a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism based molecular technique.
A Review of Pseudacteon (Diptera: Phoridae) That Parasitize Ants of the Solenopsis geminata Complex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Plowes Robert M , Lebrun Edward G , Brown Brian V , Gilbert Lawrence E 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Some phorid flies of the genus Pseudacteon Coquillett parasitize workers of Solenopsis geminata (F.) complex fire ants. The group is found to comprise at least 21 species of flies, of which 11 are new to science and described here: P. amuletum, P. andinus, P. annulus, P. catarinae, P. deltoides, P. hippeus, P. kungae, P. laticarinatus, P. palomita, P. quinni, and P. robustus. An identification key to the females is included. This expansion of known Pseudacteon species parasitizing the S. geminata complex makes it an interesting system for comparison with Pseudacteon flies that parasitize fire ants of the S. saevissima (Smith) complex.