bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Purification and characterisation of endo-β-1,4-glucanase and laminarinase enzymes from the gecarcinid land crab Gecarcoidea natalis and the aquatic crayfish Cherax destructor
Authors: Allardyce Benjamin J. , Linton Stuart M. 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY
Laminarinase and endo-β-1,4-glucanase were purified and characterised from the midgut gland of the herbivorous land crab Gecarcoidea natalis and the crayfish Cherax destructor. The laminarinase isolated from G. natalis was estimated to have a molecular mass of 41 kDa by SDS-PAGE and 71 kDa by gel filtration chromatography. A similar discrepancy was noted for C. destructor. Possible reasons for this are discussed. Laminarinase (EC 3.2.1.6) from G. natalis had a Vmax of 42.0 μmol reducing sugars produced min–1 mg protein–1, a Kmof 0.126% (w/v) and an optimum pH range of 5.5–7, and hydrolysed mainlyβ-1,3-glycosidic bonds. In addition to the hydrolysis ofβ-1,3-glycosidic bonds, laminarinase (EC 3.2.1.39) from C. destructor was capable of significant hydrolysis of β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It had a Vmax of 19.6 μmol reducing sugars produced min–1 mg protein–1, a Km of 0.059% (w/v) and an optimum pH of 5.5. Laminarinase from both species produced glucose and other short oligomers from the hydrolysis of laminarin. Endo-β-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) from G. natalis had a molecular mass of 52 kDa and an optimum pH of 4–7. It mainly hydrolysed β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, but was also capable of significant hydrolysis of β-1,3-glycosidic bonds. Two endo-β-1,4-glucanases, termed 1 and 2, with respective molecular masses of 53±3 and 52 kDa, were purified from C. destructor. Endo-β-1,4-glucanase 1 was only capable of hydrolysingβ-1,4-glycosidic bonds and had an optimum pH of 5.5. Endo-β-1,4-glucanases from both species produced some glucose, cellobiose and other short oligomers from the hydrolysis of carboxymethyl cellulose.
Stable carbon isotopes in exhaled breath as tracers for dietary information in birds and mammals
Authors: Voigt Christian C. , Baier Leonie , Speakman John R. , Siemers Björn M. 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY
The stable carbon isotope ratio of exhaled CO2(δ13Cbreath) reflects the isotopic signature of the combusted substrate and is, therefore, suitable for the non-invasive collection of dietary information from free-ranging animals. However,δ 13Cbreath is sensitive to changes in ingested food items and the mixed combustion of exogenous and endogenous substrates. Therefore, experiments under controlled conditions are pivotal for the correct interpretation of δ13Cbreath of free-ranging animals. We measured δ13Cbreath in fasted and recently fed insectivorous Myotis myotis (Chiroptera) to assess the residence time of carbon isotopes in the pool of metabolized substrate, and whether δ13Cbreath in satiated individuals levels off at values similar to the dietary isotope signature(δ13Cdiet) in insect-feeding mammals. Meanδ 13Cbreath of fasted individuals was depleted by–5.8‰ (N=6) in relation toδ 13Cdiet. After feeding on insects, bats exchanged 50% of carbon atoms in the pool of metabolized substrates within 21.6±10.5 min, which was slower than bats ingesting simple carbohydrates. After 2 h, δ13Cbreath of satiated bats levelled off at –2.6‰ belowδ 13Cdiet, suggesting that bats combusted both exogenous and endogenous substrate at this time. A literature survey revealed that small birds and mammals metabolize complex macronutrients at slower rates than simple macronutrients. On average, δ13Cbreathof fasting birds and mammals was depleted in 13C by–3.2±2.0‰ in relation toδ 13Cdiet. δ13Cbreathof satiated animals differed by –0.6±2.3‰ fromδ 13Cdiet when endogenous substrates were not in isotopic equilibrium with exogenous substrates and by +0.5±1.8‰(N=6 species) after endogenous substrates were in isotopic equilibrium with exogenous substrates.
Thermal biology of the deep-sea vent annelidParalvinella grasslei:in vivostudies
Authors: Cottin Delphine , Ravaux Juliette , Léger Nelly , Halary Sébastien , Toullec Jean-Yves , Sarradin Pierre-Marie , Gaill Françoise , Shillito Bruce 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARYThe annelid Paralvinella grasslei is a deep-sea vent endemic species that colonizes the wall of active chimneys. We report here the first data on its thermal biology based on in vivo experiments in pressurized aquaria. Our results demonstrate that P. grassleisurvives a 30 min exposure at 30°C, and suggest that the upper thermal limit of this species is slightly above this temperature. The first signs of stress were noticed at 30°C, such as a significant increase in the animal's activity and the expression of HSP70 stress proteins. A preliminary investigation of the kinetics of stress protein expression surprisingly showed high levels of HSP70 proteins as late as 3.5 h after the heat shock. Finally,we provide here the first sequences for vent annelid hsp70 (P. grasslei, Hesiolyra bergi and Alvinella pompejana). These constitute valuable tools for future studies on the thermal biology of these annelids.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin 
Published: June 2008

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. However, we do not review software. To submit a book for review, please send it to me at the above address. Although we cannot review all books because of space limitations, we do list all books that we receive. We commission all book reviews and do not accept unsolicited reviews. To become a reviewer, please send me your name, address, and specific areas of expertise. We encourage readers to suggest books for review or to ask publishers to send copies of such books. The authors or editors of books we review in this issue are Jeffrey W. Herrmann, Cheng Hsu, Zbigniew Michalewicz, Martin Schmidt, Matthew Michalewicz, Constantin Chiriac, Wil Michiels, Emile Aarts, Jan Korst, Jeffrey Pfeffer, and Robert I. Sutton.
Prevalence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Over 65-Year-Old Men with Inguinal Hernias
Authors: Anderson Oliver , Shiralkar Sandy 
Published: June 2008

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in over 65-year-old men who have inguinal hernias and discuss if pre-operative selective screening of this population is appropriate. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective study on 70 consecutive male patients with an age range of 65–88 years (mean, 74 years) who were referred to a single vascular consultant's out-patient clinic with an inguinal hernia were screened for the presence of an AAA with an ultrasound scan before hernia repair over a period of 3 years. RESULTS Two patients were found to have an AAA measuring 3.8 cm and 6.0 cm giving an AAA prevalence of 3% (exact 95% confidence interval = 0–10%). CONCLUSIONS This study does not demonstrate an increased AAA prevalence in over 65-year-old male patients with inguinal hernias, scanned pre-operatively when compared to screening programmes. Selective screening of this cohort cannot be justified on this evidence.
Sinus Excision, Release of Coccycutaneous Attachments and Dermal-Subcuticular Closure (XRD Procedure): A Novel Technique in Flattening the Natal Cleft in Pilonidal Sinus Treatment
Authors: Marzouk Deya M , Abou-Zeid Ahmed A , Antoniou Anthony , Haji Amyn , Benziger H 
Published: June 2008

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to analyse, prospectively, the outcome of a new technique – excision of pilonidal sinus and flattening the natal cleft by division of the coccycutaneous attachments at the lower end of the incision. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-six consecutive patients with chronic pilonidal sinuses were treated between 1995 and 2001. The procedure consisted of an elliptical, wide, local excision, release of the coccycutaneous attachments and primary closure using dermal-subcuticular closure (XRD). Suction drains were used until drainage was minimal. The height of skin level at the lower angle of the wound from the coccyx was measured intra-operatively before and after division of the coccycutaneous attachments. Postoperatively, patients were assessed for hospital stay, return to normal activity, complications and recurrence. RESULTS Sixty-four patients (97%) were males, median age 27 years. The height of skin level rose from a mean of 1.8 cm (95% CI, 1.78–1.85) to a mean of 3.8 cm (95% CI, 3.77–3.88; P < 0.001). Morbidity affected 12 patients (18%), epidermal separation of the lower wound angles (6 patients), seromas (5 patients) and 1 wound dehiscence at 2 weeks. All other wounds healed primarily without dehiscence. There were no recurrences after a median follow-up of 22.5 months (range, 12–38 months). CONCLUSIONS Release of the coccycutaneous attachments is an easy technique to learn, which seems to be an effective way of flattening the natal cleft and may result in lower recurrence rate. This technique should be tried in uncomplicated pilonidal sinus disease before more complex procedures are attempted.
The ‘Parent's Kiss’: An Effective Way to Remove Paediatric Nasal Foreign Bodies
Authors: Purohit Neeraj , Ray Shalina , Wilson Tom , Chawla OP 
Published: June 2008

INTRODUCTION The objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate the effectiveness of ‘parent's kiss’ as a technique for removal of nasal foreign bodies in children; and (ii) determine whether this technique reduces the number of children requiring general anaesthesia for their removal. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a prospective observational study in the accident and emergency and ENT departments at Luton and Dunstable Hospital. The participants were 31 children with nasal foreign bodies, under the age of 5 years, presenting via the acute services over a 6-month period. The primary outcome measured was successful removal of nasal foreign body with the ‘parent's kiss’ technique. Secondary outcome was reduction in the number of general anaesthetics following introduction of the technique. RESULTS The technique was successful in 20 out of the 31 children (64.5%) in the study group. Only one patient required general anaesthesia for removal of nasal foreign body (3%). This compares with a rate of 32.5% requiring removal under general anaesthetic in the preceding 6-month period. The ‘parent's kiss’, when not successful, seemed to improve the visibility of the foreign body making their subsequent removal easier. CONCLUSIONS The ‘parent's kiss’ is an effective technique. It is non-traumatic, both physically and emotionally, for the child subjected to it. We advocate that it should be used routinely as a first line of management in children with a nasal foreign body in the primary care setting.
Redefining Urological History Taking – Anal Intercourse as the Cause of Unexplained Symptoms in Heterosexuals
Authors: Coull Nadine , Mastoroudes Heleni , Popert Rick , O'Brien Timothy S 
Published: June 2008

INTRODUCTION Symptoms suggestive of genito-urinary infection are frequent reasons for visits to general practitioners and account for approximately 15% of referrals to out-patient urology. The symptoms may be non-specific, and patients can undergo multiple investigations in an attempt to identify a cause. PATIENTS AND METHODS We have seen several such patients, all of whom had engaged in unprotected heterosexual anal intercourse prior to the onset of their symptoms. Presenting complaints included urethral discomfort, acute epididymitis resistant to standard antibiotics, and sudden onset of overactive bladder symptoms. RESULTS These patients illustrate the importance of careful history taking. Whilst some questions may be difficult to ask, they may reveal precipitating factors that the patient will be reluctant to volunteer. The repetitive nature of the behaviour may explain the chronicity of symptoms experienced by the patients, and avoidance of this activity may be the only management needed to improve them. For those with infective symptoms, the clinician's choice of antibiotic can be altered to provide anaerobic cover. CONCLUSIONS A history of anal intercourse should be sought in patients with unexplained genito-urinary symptoms.
Perception of Abnormal Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Results amongst Family Practitioners
Authors: Rochester MA , Donaldson PJ , McLoughlin J 
Published: June 2008

INTRODUCTION With increased use of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, prostate cancers are diagnosed at an earlier stage in younger men, when radical curative treatments are appropriate. Modifications of the PSA test such as PSA velocity and age-adjusted values are available to aid in the selection of patients for biopsy. However, it is not clear whether these data are used in general practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all primary care practices within one region in the UK. A series of visual analogue questions designed to identify referral thresholds for age-adjusted PSA levels and PSA velocity were used to identify patterns in referral behaviour. RESULTS Individual family practitioners see only small numbers of patients requesting PSA tests or with newly diagnosed prostate cancer each year. The median (range) thresholds considered for referral at ages 45, 55, 65, 75 and 85 years were 4.5 ng/ml (2.5–15.5 ng/ml), 5.5 ng/ml (3.0–15.5 ng/ml), 6.5 ng/ml (3.5–15.5 ng/ml), 6.5 ng/ml (3.5–25.5 ng/ml), and 7.5 ng/ml (3.5–25.5 ng/ml), respectively. Only 5% of practitioners correctly identified the age-specific PSA threshold for referral of a 45-year-old man. CONCLUSIONS It is important to remember that younger men (even those in their forties and fifties) may be at risk of prostate cancer even if asymptomatic. It is important in a climate of increasing demand for PSA testing that those who initiate the process understand the implications and limitations of testing, including appropriate triggers for referral to secondary care. The exact approach required for the successful dissemination of this information to primary care is not clear, but our data suggest that a better understanding is required.
Adherence to Recommendations Designed to Decrease Intra-Operative Wound Contamination
Authors: Mackain-Bremner Alice A , Owens Kate , Wylde Vikki , Bannister Gordon C , Blom Ashley W 
Published: June 2008

INTRODUCTION The incidence of wound infection following total hip and knee arthroplasty has fallen with the introduction of laminar vertical laminar airflow, occlusive clothing and prophylactic antibiotics. However, infection still occurs after prosthetic joint replacement and can have devastating consequences. Intra-operative wound contamination is the major source of infection. Measures proven to decrease intra-operative wound contamination include chlorhexidine lavage, removal of jewellery, covering old jewellery, ears, nose, mouth and hair and wearing theatre clothing in an occlusive manner. PATIENTS AND METHODS Posters explaining this practice were placed at eye level in the scrub area of orthopaedic theatres and adoption of these techniques was observed covertly before and after. RESULTS Eighty-two personnel were audited before the poster was erected and 90 afterwards. Only 2 of 12 observed standards were adhered to 100% of the time. CONCLUSIONS Education by posters did not significantly improve adherence to protocols. Compliance with protocols was worse amongst non-scrubbed theatre personnel.
Removing Symptomatic Gallstones at their First Emergency Presentation
Authors: Anwar Hanny A , Ahmed Qamar A , Bradpiece Howard A 
Published: June 2008

INTRODUCTION Early operations for symptomatic gallstones are gaining favour as the complication rate is thought to be lower and it reduces the overall morbidity. This study was performed to clarify how frequently early operations were being performed and what benefits resulted. PATIENTS AND METHODS Case notes of 171 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Princess Alexandra Hospital Harlow were retrospectively reviewed. They were grouped according to their initial diagnosis (cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis) and the delay to surgery (early, interval). Forty-one cases were excluded as they either had incomplete notes or the initial diagnosis was a different manifestation of gallstones such as pancreatitis. Those receiving interval operations were then grouped according to the mode of their initial presentation. A total of 130 case notes were analysed. RESULTS The delay for an interval operation was 3–6 months compared with less than 2 weeks for early operations. Of patients with acute cholecystitis, 43% had early operations but only 12% of patients with cholelithiasis. Waiting for interval operations was associated with multiple re-admissions equivalent to an average of one extra presentation to accident and emergency per patient. This was particularly marked if the initial presentation was to accident and emergency rather than out-patients (P = 0.003). Complication rates were also higher in the interval group. CONCLUSIONS Early cholecystectomy on the next available list is likely to reduce morbidity and the long-term in-patient burden so should be recommended for all patients presenting as an emergency with symptomatic gallstones.
Non-Attendance at the Colorectal Clinic: A Prospective Audit
Authors: Corfield Lorraine , Schizas Alexis , Williams Andrew , Noorani A 
Published: June 2008

INTRODUCTION Non-attendance in the out-patient department has financial costs for the NHS and clinical implications to the non-attender and those awaiting an appointment. The aim of this audit was to quantify the percentage of non-attenders at colorectal clinics in a UK teaching hospital, assess which factors affected attendance, establish why individuals fail to attend and to implement appropriate change. PATIENTS AND METHODS The number of ‘did-not-attend’ patients was recorded initially for 686 appointments. Non-attenders were contacted by post or telephone to ask why this was so. The study was then repeated following telephone reminders to 391 patients due to attend clinic. The ‘did-not-attend’ rates in the two limbs of the completed audit cycle were then compared. RESULTS The initial study revealed a ‘did-not-attend’ rate of 21%, with significantly more males than females failing to attend (males, 28.6%; females, 16.9%; P = 0.001). The ‘did-not-attend’ rate was not significantly affected by the day of the week, time of appointment or by the weather. There were 51.7% responses to either the postal or telephone questionnaire regarding non-attendance. Of these, 27.7% did not receive an appointment letter or received it after the appointment. Hospital administration problems were cited as accounting for 34.2% of ‘did-not-attends’. In the post-intervention limb, 87 patients (22%) replied to the reminder telephone call, of whom 9 (10%) cancelled their appointment and 78 (90%) confirmed that they would attend. The ‘did-not-attend’ rate fell to 19.7% although this was not a significant reduction. CONCLUSIONS Telephoning patients before their appointments is labour intensive and did not significantly improve the ‘didnot-attend’ rate. Although hospital administration errors account for a significant number of the ‘did-not-attends’, patients also have a responsibility to notify the hospital if they are unable to attend.
Does Limiting Long-Term Follow-Up for Breast Cancer Allow All Referrals to be Seen in 2 Weeks?
Authors: Potter S , Govindarajulu S , Shere M , Braddon F , Turner J , Sahu AK , Cawthorn SJ 
Published: June 2008

INTRODUCTION The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that breast cancer follow-up should be limited to 2–3 years stating this will ‘release resources’ making it ‘possible for all women with breast symptoms to be seen within 2 weeks’. In 2000, breast cancer follow-up services in North Bristol were redesigned to reflect evidence-based best practice. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of this policy on numbers of follow-ups, clinic capacity and waiting times. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data regarding the numbers of new and follow-up patients seen in breast clinic between January 2000 and December 2005 were collected from the hospital Patient Administration System. New patients were categorised as either ‘routine’ or ‘urgent’ according to ‘2-week wait’ rule guidelines. Median waiting times were calculated for each group and nominal appointment times assigned in an attempt to assess the effect of any changes on clinic capacity. RESULTS The number of follow-ups decreased by 33% as a result of the new policy. Numbers of referrals over the same period, however, increased by 14%. Routine referrals declined, but there was a 27% increase in ‘2-week wait’ patients. Waiting times for routine appointments initially decreased in response to reduced follow-up, but then rose as the number of ‘2-week wait’ referrals increased. CONCLUSIONS Reducing long-term follow-up is a simple and effective method of increasing clinic capacity but its effects are inadequate and transient in the face of increasing service demand. Additional innovative and creative strategies will be required if all breast patients are to be seen within 2 weeks.
Geology and mineralogy of late miocene clayey sediments in the southeastern part of the Central Anatolian Volcanic Province, Turkey
Authors: Gürel Ali , Kadir Selahattin 
Published: June 2008

AbstractLate Miocene clayey sediments were deposited in lake-margin and shallow-lake environments of the southeastern Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (CAVP). Yellow to red mudstone, alternating with thin beds of conglomerate and sandstone in the Mustafapaşa Formation, is overlain by altered white Cemilköy ignimbrite. Grain size fines upward in each sequence (conglomerate, sandstone, and mudstone). The occurrence of reddish coloration upward, ripple marks, desiccation cracks, plant rootlets and remnants, and the development of initial-stage paleosols in association with smectite reveal that the area underwent alternating periods of siliciclastic and volcaniclastic sediment supply (wet) and drying. Micromorphologically, the development of spongy smectite in mudstone of the Mustafapaşa Formation and vermiform kaolinite in the Cemilköy ignimbrite on resorbed detrital feldspar and devitrified glass reveals in situ precipitation driven by dissolution and precipitation mechanisms. In addition, alteration of these sediments may have resulted in the depletion of soluble alkaline elements, such as Ca, Na, and K, from the ignimbrite downward into the Mustafapaşa Formation. Alternatively, the leaching of these elements — due to the hydrologically open system of the lake environment — may have resulted in the enhancement of Al+Fe/Si-favored precipitation of kaolinite in an acidic environmental condition, namely, of the altered Cemilköy ignimbrite at the top of the profile of the Mustafapaşa Formation, and of smectite in an alkaline setting within lower-level sediments where carbonate minerals were lacking. The coexistence of smectite with accessory illite indicates that illitization occurred via release of K and Al during excess desorption of feldspar. Large Ni and Co values in mudstone samples, and Fe oxidized and partly chloritized pyroxene and hornblende, indicate that the basin was also affected by ophiolite-related supply.