bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature regulates hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) in a poikilothermic vertebrate, crucian carp (Carassius carassius)
Authors: Rissanen Eeva , Tranberg Hanna K. , Sollid Jørund , Nilsson Göran E. , Nikinmaa Mikko 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARYHypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 (HIF-1) is a master regulator of hypoxia-induced gene responses. To find out whether HIF-1 function is involved in gene expression changes associated with temperature acclimation as well as in hypoxia adaptation in poikilotherms, we studied HIF-1 DNA binding activity and HIF-1α expression in normoxia and during hypoxia (0.7 mg l–1 O2) in crucian carp at temperatures of 26, 18 and 8°C. Temperature had a marked influence on HIF-1 in normoxia. Although HIF-1α mRNA levels remained unaltered, cold acclimation (8°C)increased HIF-1α protein amounts in the liver, gills and heart and HIF-1 DNA binding activity in the heart, gills and kidney of crucian carp by two- to threefold compared to warm acclimated fish (26°C). In the heart and kidney HIF-1 activity was already significantly increased in the 18°C acclimated fish. Temperature also affected hypoxic regulation of HIF-1. Although hypoxia initially increased amounts of HIF-1α protein in all studied tissues at every temperature, except for liver at 18°C, HIF-1 activity increased only in the heart of 8°C acclimated and in the gills of 18°C acclimated fish. At 8°C HIF-1α mRNA levels increased transiently in the gills after 6 h of hypoxia and in the kidney after 48 h of hypoxia. In the gills at 26°C HIF-1α mRNA levels increased after 6 h of hypoxia and remained above normoxic levels for up to 48 h of hypoxia. These results show that HIF-1 is involved in controlling gene responses to both oxygen and temperature in crucian carp. No overall transcriptional control mechanism has been described for low temperature acclimation in poikilotherms, but the present results suggest that HIF-1 could have a role in such regulation. Moreover, this study highlights interaction of the two prime factors defining metabolism,temperature and oxygen, in the transcriptional control of metabolic homeostasis in animals.
Development of the sympatho-vagal balance in the cardiovascular system in zebrafish (Danio rerio) characterized by power spectrum and classical signal analysis
Authors: Schwerte Thorsten , Prem Caroline , Mairösl Anita , Pelster Bernd 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARYThe development of sympatho-vagal control of cardiac activity was analyzed in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae from 2 to 15 days post fertilization (d.p.f.) by pharmacological studies as well as by assessing short term heart rate variability. Changes in heart rate in response to cholinergic and adrenergic receptor stimulation or inhibition were investigated using in situ preparations and digital video-microscopic techniques. The data revealed that the heart responded to adrenergic stimulation starting at 4 d.p.f. and to cholinergic stimulation starting at 5 d.p.f. Atropine application resulted in an increase in heart rate beyond 12 d.p.f., while the inhibitory effect of cholinergic stimulation ceased at this time of development. Adrenergic inhibition (propranolol) reduced heart rate for the first time at 5 d.p.f., but the reduction was only very small (3.8%). Between 5 and 12 d.p.f. propranolol application always resulted in a minor reduction in heart rate, but because the effect was so small it was not always significant. Because the presence of an adrenergic or cholinergic tone may influence the stability of heart rate, we analyzed short-term heart rate variability (HRV). The frequency band width of heart rate variability revealed that HRV increased between 4 d.p.f. and 15 d.p.f. From 13 to 15 d.p.f. atropine reduced the frequency band width of HRV, whereas the combination of atropine and propranolol effectively reduced the frequency band width between 11 and 15 d.p.f. Classical power spectrum analysis using electrocardiograms is not possible in tiny zebrafish larvae and juveniles. It was therefore performed using optical methods, recording cardiac movement and cardiotachograms calculated from these measurements. Whereas heart movements contained frequency components characterizing HRV, the cardiotachogram did not show typical frequency spectra as known from other species.
Do honeybees detect colour targets using serial or parallel visual search?
Authors: Spaethe Johannes , Tautz Jürgen , Chittka Lars 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY
In humans, visual search tasks are commonly used to address the question of how visual attention is allocated in a specific task and how individuals search for a specific object (`target') among other objects (`distractors')that vary in number and complexity. Here, we apply the methodology of visual search experiments to honeybees, which we trained to choose a coloured disc(target) among a varying number of differently coloured discs (distractors). We measured accuracy and decision time as a function of distractor number and colour. We found that for all colour combinations, decision time increased and accuracy decreased with increasing distractor number, whereas performance increased when more targets were present. These findings are characteristic of a serial search in primates, when stimuli are examined sequentially. We found no evidence for parallel search in bees, which would be characterized by a`pop out' effect, in which the slope of decision time (and accuracy) over distractor number would be near zero. Additionally, we found that decision time and number of errors were significantly higher when bees had to choose a blue target among yellow distractors compared with the inverse colour combination, a phenomenon known as search asymmetry in humans.
The relative contributions of developmental plasticity and adult acclimation to physiological variation in the tsetse fly,Glossina pallidipes(Diptera, Glossinidae)
Authors: Terblanche John S. , Chown Steven L. 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARYRecent reviews of the adaptive hypotheses for animal responses to acclimation have highlighted the importance of distinguishing between developmental and adult (non-developmental) phenotypic plasticity. There has been little work, however, on separating the effects of developmental plasticity from adult acclimation on physiological traits. Therefore, we investigated the relative contributions of these two distinct forms of plasticity to the environmental physiology of adult tsetse flies by exposing developing pupae or adult flies to different temperatures and comparing their responses. We also exposed flies to different temperatures during development and re-exposed them as adults to the same temperatures, to investigate possible cumulative effects. Critical thermal maxima were relatively inflexible in response to acclimation temperatures (21, 25, 29°C) with plasticity type accounting for the majority of the variation (49–67%,nested ANOVA). By contrast, acclimation had a larger effect on critical thermal minima with treatment temperature accounting for most of the variance(84–92%). Surprisingly little of the variance in desiccation rate could be explained by plasticity type (30–47%). The only significant effect of acclimation temperature on standard (resting) metabolic rate of adult flies was at 21°C, resulting in treatment temperature, rather than plasticity type, accounting for the majority of the variance (30–76%). This study demonstrates that the stage at which acclimation takes place has significant,though often different, effects on several adult physiological traits in G. pallidipes, and therefore that it is not only important to consider the form of plasticity but also the direction of the response and its significance from a life-history perspective.
Synthesis of Electroluminescent Polymer Containing Charge Transport and Emissive Chromophores on Polymer Skeleton
Authors: Kim Dong Uk , Tsutsui Tetsuo , Saito Shogo 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Electroluminescent polymer with a distyrylbenzene unit as an emissive group and a triphenylamine unit as a charge transporting group on polymer backbone was designed and synthesized. A single-layer device was composed of ITO/electroluminescent polymer/MgAg, and the polymer layer was fabricated using a spin-coating method. Greenish blue electroluminescence was observed with an emission maximum at 488 nm. Maximum brightness of 22 cd/m2 was observed at a current density of 88 mA/cm2 under drive voltage of 28 V.
High Quality Acute Care for the Severely Injured is not Consistently Available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Report of a Survey by the Trauma Committee, The Royal College of Surgeons of England
Authors: Browne J , Coats TJ , Lloyd DA , Oakley PA , Pigott T , Willett KJ , Yates DW 
Published: March 2006

INTRODUCTION A survey was undertaken to determine the extent to which acute hospitals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were meeting the acute trauma management standards published in 2000 by The Royal College of Surgeons of England and the British Orthopaedic Association. METHODS A questionnaire comprising 72 questions in 16 categories of management was distributed in July 2003 to all eligible hospitals via the link network of the British Orthopaedic Association. Data were collected over a 3-month period. RESULTS Of 213 eligible hospitals, 161 (76%) responded. In every category of acute care, failure to meet the standards was reported. Only 34 (21%) hospitals met all the 13 indicative standards that were considered pivotal to good trauma care, but all hospitals met at least 7 of these standards. Failures were usually in the organisation of services rather than a lack of resources, with the exception of the inadequate capacity for admission to specialist neurosurgery units. A minority of hospitals reported an inability to provide emergency airway control or insertion of chest tube. The data have not been verified and deficiencies in reporting cannot be excluded. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this survey suggest that high quality care for the severely injured is not available consistently across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and appear to justify concerns about the ability of the NHS to deal effectively with the current trauma workload and the consequences of a major incident.
Subspecialisation and its Effect on the Management of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Ng Vivien V , Tytherleigh Matthew G , Fowler Lucy , Farouk Ridzuan 
Published: March 2006

INTRODUCTION To assess the impact of subspecialisation on surgical and oncological outcomes after rectal cancer surgery in a single surgical unit within a district general hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 207 patients with rectal cancer treated surgically by two colorectal surgeons and four experienced general surgeons at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, England between January 1995 and December 1999 were studied. A retrospective case-note review of each patient's personal details, operative and histological findings, their subsequent clinical progress and oncological outcomes, including 5-year survival were recorded. RESULTS In the study group, 127 patients were treated by a colorectal surgeon and 80 by general surgeons. Pre-operative radiotherapy was more likely to be given to patients treated by a colorectal surgeon. Fewer permanent stomas were performed by colorectal surgeons. Postoperative morbidity, transfusion requirements, anastomotic leak rates and 30-day mortality were not significantly different. Tumour-involved circumferential resection margins, local recurrence rates and risk of distant metastases were similar between the two groups of surgeons. CONCLUSIONS Colorectal subspecialisation has resulted in an increased use of pre-operative radiotherapy and fewer permanent stomas. No significant improvement in surgical or oncological outcomes after rectal cancer surgery have been observed.
Current Management of Facial Wounds in UK Accident and Emergency Departments
Authors: Allonby-Neve CL , Okereke CD 
Published: March 2006

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to determine the current practice in the management of adult facial soft tissue injuries in patients presenting to UK accident and emergency departments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Questionnaire study to the lead clinicians of 217 UK emergency departments seeing over 30,000 new patients annually. RESULTS There was a 76% response rate. Suturing was the preferred method of closure, with the majority of clinicians preferring 6/0 or 5/0 non-resorbable sutures. Use of a regional nerve block would be considered by a quarter of clinicians, and adrenaline vasoconstrictor by a third. Referral rates ranged from 5–77% for a more complex wound. Maxillofacial services were preferred by 51% of respondents; on-site referral availability was indicated by only 28%, with an average journey of 16 miles for treatment. Up to 30% of clinicians considered prescribing antibiotics after wound closure, with flucloxacillin and co-amoxiclav most commonly suggested. Accident and emergency review rates ranged from 16% to 45%, with most wounds either being referred to the GP or no formal review being suggested. CONCLUSIONS The results of this survey suggest that there is considerable variation in the initial management, referral and review of facial wounds in the UK. Further work is required to formulate guidelines for optimal patient care, ideally in conjuncture with the receiving surgical specialties.
Validated Simple Tip to Aid Eliminating Light Scatter in Viewing Overexposed Radiographs
Authors: Hussainy Haydar AJ AL , Wong Smeeta 
Published: March 2006

INTRODUCTION Overexposed radiographs can hinder the diagnostic performance of the examining physician. We describe a new, simple technique to aid eliminating light scatter in overexposed radiographs and examine its effect objectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS The new technique is simply manufacturing a monocular device out of another rolled up XR sheet and examining the object radiograph through it to mask the light scatter. Controlled environments were created to examine five different radiographs and register the light scatter reduction using a digital high resolution camera. RESULTS The light scatter reduction was noted to be statistically significant by using the new technique. (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This technique is simple, readily available and avoids the need to repeat radiographs with the associated increased cost, chronological delays and potential radiological harm.
Which Patients would Prefer to Walk to Theatre?
Authors: Nagraj Shobhana , Clark Celia Ingham , Talbot Janine , Walker Simon 
Published: March 2006

INTRODUCTION Increasing patient autonomy in the pre-operative period may help to lessen the anxiety associated with undergoing a surgical procedure, and may enhance patient satisfaction. This study seeks to explore patients’ preferences for mode of travel to the operating theatre. PATIENTS AND METHODS A questionnaire survey was undertaken with all patients having an in-patient or day-case surgical procedure over a 4-week period at one hospital. Results were analysed with respect to the patients’ age, gender and surgical specialty. RESULTS In all, 171 patients completed the questionnaire, 118 day-cases and 53 in-patients. In both sexes and in all age groups, the majority of patients expressed a preference to walk to theatre. The only sub-group which demonstrated an equal preference for a trolley transfer compared with walking were gynaecology patients. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that a high proportion of patients would prefer to walk to theatre for their operation if given the choice. If the policy of offering choice were adopted, it would enhance patient autonomy and may reduce delays in transferring patients to theatre. It may also release portering resources for other purposes.
Day-Case Septoplasty and Unexpected Re-Admissions at a Dedicated Day-Case Unit: A 4-Year Audit
Authors: Georgalas Christos , Obholzer Rupert , Martinez-Devesa P , Sandhu G 
Published: March 2006

INTRODUCTION Septal surgery has been identified as suitable for day-surgery, but is not widely performed as such. Guidelines for day-surgery state that the unexpected admission rate should be 2–3%. Previous audits have not achieved this figure and septoplasty is not universally considered suitable for day-surgery. We have reviewed practice over 4 years in our institution to identify surgical and patient factors associated with unexpected admission following septoplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective case note based audit of day-case septoplasty procedures reviewed at the end of each year between October 1998 and October 2002. RESULTS A total of 432 septal surgery procedures were performed, comprising 378 septoplasties and 54 submucous resections. Thirty-eight patients were admitted, overwhelmingly because of haemorrhage in the immediate postoperative period, giving an overall admission rate of 8.8% within the first 24 h. Factors associated strongly with re-admission were the use of intranasal splints, the performance of revision surgery, submucous resection (as opposed to septoplasty) and, less so, the performance of additional procedures and the peri-operative administration of diclofenac. There was no correlation between unexpected admission and grade of surgeon, surgical technique or any of the patient factors analysed. CONCLUSIONS The unexpected admission rate of septal surgery performed at our unit is above that recommended for day-case procedures, but is within the range previously published. Patient satisfaction with day-case septoplasty has been shown to be high. We believe that septoplasty should be performed in this setting but there is a significant chance that patients may need admission, and a pathway should be in place for this to occur with minimal disruption to the patient.
The Rectal Administration of Lignocaine Gel and Periprostatic Lignocaine Infiltration During Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy Provides Effective Analgesia
Authors: Siddiqui EJ , Ali S , Koneru S 
Published: March 2006

INTRODUCTION Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate needle biopsy (TRUS) is the standard procedure to diagnose or exclude prostate cancer. This procedure can be associated with significant discomfort, both on insertion of the ultrasound probe as well as on taking the biopsy. We evaluated a new technique for pain relief during TRUS biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS In Group 1 (n = 60), the biopsies were taken without any analgesia. In Group 2 (n = 60), 11 ml of Instillagel (2% lignocaine) was administered rectally prior to probe insertion and 5 ml of 1% lignocaine periprostatic injection was administered before taking the biopsy. The discomfort encountered during the procedure was graded by the patient on a scale ranging from no discomfort to mild, moderate and severe pain. RESULTS In Group 2, there was a marked reduction in the pain experienced during the procedure. The Chi-squared test for trend showed a significant association between the rectal administration of local anaesthetic gel and reduction in pain on probe insertion (P = 0.0001). There was also a significant association between the use of periprostatic lignocaine injection and reduction in pain on taking the biopsy (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The use of lignocaine gel prior to probe insertion and periprostatic infiltration of lignocaine before taking the needle biopsy significantly reduces the pain experienced by the patient during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy.
The Positive Predictive Value of Diagnostic Ultrasound for Occult Herniae
Authors: Bradley M , Morgan J , Pentlow B , Roe A 
Published: March 2006

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to ascertain the accuracy of diagnostic ultrasound in the assessment of the occult abdominal and groin herniae. The authors have previously demonstrated its efficacy in diagnosing the type of clinical groin herniae but occult herniae provide a further diagnostic problem. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 113 consecutive patients were referred prospectively for ultrasound examinations with clinically suspected occult herniae. All positive scans were offered surgery whilst the negative results were offered further imaging or other diagnostic tests depending on the clinical criteria. The end point for negative scans was based on 18-month follow-up or resolution of symptoms. RESULTS Overall, 59 scans showed positive results for herniae and 56 of these had surgery. In the other three patients, two refused an operation, and one had no hernia detected at operation. In the remaining 57 scans, ultrasound offered alternative soft tissue diagnoses in 23 patients and surgical/endoscopic diagnoses accounted for a further 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound offered a diagnosis for the symptomology in 82 patients (70.6%) of which 59 were herniae. The positive predictive value for hernia is 98.3%. Twenty-six patients with no diagnosis or confirmation of herniae on follow-up showed symptom resolution in 22 cases, and four patients were treated by the pain clinic.
Surgical Skills and Lessons from Other Vocations
Authors: Kirk RM 
Published: March 2006

Formerly, a few lucky trainees, attached to talented masters * keen to teach, derived excellent, well-rounded training – but many others struggled alone. Now, formal courses allow experts to teach simple, safe methods, often using simulations. Courses are usually delivered as modules – each unit designed to provide an assessable competence. Simulations are, however, imperfect substitutes for living tissues. Such courses are aids, not substitutes, for operative experience – but this, for many irreversible reasons, is restricted. Successful operators in all specialties and all countries, have in common the combination of good judgement, commitment, intimate knowledge of anatomy and pathology, together with technical skills that are more easily recognised than described. We need to identify good trainers and relieve them of commitments that reduce their ability to pass on their skills. As a trainee, try to identify and copy their characteristics. This advice comes not from a gifted surgeon but from one fortunate to have worked with, and watched, surgical masters – and who is still privileged to teach.
Promoted Ignition of a Cylinder Valve in NF3
Authors: Chiffoleau G , Newton B , Chou T , Wilson B 
Published: March 2006

AbstractNitrogen trifluoride (NF3) is used in the manufacturing process of semiconductors and is believed to be 1.5 times more oxidizing than oxygen. Compatibility data of materials with NF3 is limited and has only recently been addressed by companies which routinely handle NF3. Even more limited is the ability to conduct configuration testing of components in NF3 to evaluate kindling chain and reaction effects. In NF3 systems, the cylinder valve is subjected to severe operating conditions, and is known to have experienced fires in service. A new test approach was developed to positively ignite the non-metallic seat of a cylinder valve pressurized with NF3. The goal of the work was to investigate whether the ignition of the seat would kindle the surrounding sub-components of the valve and ultimately whether a kindling reaction would develop that could breach the valve body. The ignition concept of the test method consists of electrically heating a thin section of wire positioned across the seat to act as a promoter. The concept required minimal modifications to the valve and the overall valve design remained consistent with normal operation. The assembled valves were tested at a pressure of 1500 psig and no burn-through was observed during any test. The post-test valve disassembly and inspection confirmed the wire fused and successfully ignited the seat but the seat retainer and surrounding sub-components did not kindle. All of the other parts of the valve were unaffected by the ignition and consumption of the non-metallic seat. The new test provides an approach for evaluating the propagation propensity of NF3 components containing nonmetallic materials.