bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrous oxide emission from agricultural drainage waters
Authors: Reay David S. , Smith Keith A. , Edwards Anthony C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractUncertainty about the amounts of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O), which arise from N leaching from agricultural soils, predominantly as nitrate (NO3–), is large. To date, the bulk of studies of N2O in aquatic systems have relied upon measurement of dissolved N2O concentrations at wide spatial intervals (of the order of km) down a stream, river or estuary. When we combined a fine‐scale (m) assessment of N2O concentrations in agricultural drainage water with novel measurement of net N2O emission from the same drainage system, we found that dissolved N2O in agricultural drainage water was very rapidly lost to the atmosphere, while dissolved NO3– in the same water was conserved. Consequently, the N2O emission factor (as a proportion of the nitrate‐N present, the IPCC's ‘EF5’) fell by a factor of more than 5 within only 100 m. Direct measurement of N2O emission from the drainage water confirmed the disappearance of N2O as being due to emission from water to the atmosphere, rather than in situ consumption by denitrification. Our findings indicate that making widely spaced measurements of dissolved N2O concentration and/or emissions from the water surface will not take account of this much more dynamic behaviour over short distances. Realistic assessment of the ‘indirect’ agricultural emissions of N2O from leached N will necessitate much more intensive sampling of the whole drainage system, from ditch to stream to river to estuary, accompanied by measurements of in‐stream production. The quantities of N2O actually released in the ditches gave values for EF5‐g (the IPCC's emission factor for N2O from surface drainage and groundwaters) of between 0.02 and 0.03%, compared with the IPCC value of 1.5%. For the latter to be realistic, the quantity of N2O required to be formed after the initial entry of water into the drainage system would need to exceed the initial load by the order of 50‐fold.
Nitrogen oxide gas emissions from temperate forest soils receiving long‐term nitrogen inputs
Authors: VENTEREA RODNEY T. , GROFFMAN PETER M. , VERCHOT LOUIS V. , MAGILL ALISON H. , ABER JOHN D. , STEUDLER PAUL A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFrom spring 2000 through fall 2001, we measured nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes in two temperate forest sites in Massachusetts, USA that have been treated since 1988 with different levels of nitrogen (N) to simulate elevated rates of atmospheric N deposition. Plots within a pine stand that were treated with either 50 or 150 kg N ha−1 yr−1 above background displayed consistently elevated NO fluxes (100–200 µg N m−2 h−1) compared to control plots, while only the higher N treatment plot within a mixed hardwood stand displayed similarly elevated NO fluxes. Annual NO emissions estimated from monthly sampling accounted for 3.0–3.7% of N inputs to the high‐N plots and 8.3% of inputs to the Pine low‐N plot. Nitrous oxide fluxes in the N‐treated plots were generally < 10% of NO fluxes. Net nitrification rates (NRs) and NO production rates measured in the laboratory displayed patterns that were consistent with field NO fluxes. Total N oxide gas flux was positively correlated with contemporaneous measurements of NR and concentration. Acetylene inhibited both nitrification and NO production, indicating that autotrophic nitrification was responsible for the elevated NO production. Soil pH was negatively correlated with N deposition rate. Low levels (3–11 µg N kg−1) of nitrite () were detected in mineral soils from both sites. Kinetic models describing NO production as a function of the protonated form of (nitrous acid [HNO2]) adequately described the mineral soil data. The results indicate that atmospheric deposition may generate losses of gaseous NO from forest soils by promoting nitrification, and that the response may vary significantly between forest types under similar climatic regimes. The lowering of pH resulting from nitrification and/or directly from deposition may also play a role by promoting reactions involving HNO2.
Litter dynamics of Dactylis glomerata and Vicia villosa with respect to climatic and soil characteristics
Authors: Kalburtji  , Mamolos  , Kostopoulou  
Published: March 2003

The rates of litter decomposition, organic matter loss and nutrient release for Dactylis glomerata (Gramineae) and Vicia villosa (Leguminosae) were studied at two sites in north Greece, which differed in soil pH, soil particle distribution and nutrient availability.Climate, soil characteristics and taxonomic plant differences affected the rates of litter decomposition. Litter loss was higher at site A (neutral soil) than at site B (acid soil). Organic matter loss was generally low. Dry weather affected both parameters. Nitrogen release from litter was higher for both species at site A. The rate of P and K release was higher in the neutral soil than in the acid soil for both species, while that of Ca for both species and of Mg for Vicia was higher in the acid soil. Phosphorus, Ca and Na release from the litter of the leguminous species began earlier than from the graminaceous species. P mineralization from Vicia litter seemed to start just after its incorporation into the soil.
Effluent production from grass silages treated with additives and made in large‐scale bunker silos
Authors: Haigh  
Published: March 2003

Data from twenty experiments, conducted at ADAS Research Centres in England and Wales during 1986–92, were used to determine effluent production from additive‐treated grass silages made in large‐scale bunker silos. The additives compared were formic acid at 4·0  l t–1, rolled barley at 44·0 kg t–1, dried molassed sugar beet feed at 40·0 kg t–1 and liquid inoculants at 2·2 l t–1 together with a non‐additive‐treated control. The silages were made from herbage with an average dry‐matter (DM) content of 177 (s.e. 3·8) g kg–1 and water‐soluble carbohydrate content of 140 g kg–1 DM. Average silage toluene DM content was 213 (s.e. 3·8) g kg–1. The formic acid and sugar beet feed silages were both well fermented, whereas the other silages were less well fermented.Effluent produced was determined as either effluent production (l t–1 grass ensiled) during the 52‐d period in which it was measured or peak flow (l h–1) during the first 2 d of ensilage. Compared with non‐additive‐treated silage, dried molassed sugar beet feed significantly reduced both effluent production (27%) and peak flow (36%). Formic acid significantly increased peak flow (51%), but had little effect upon effluent production, and significantly reduced effluent N and lactic acid content. Barley and inoculant treatment had no significant effect upon effluent production.In general, poor relationships were found between DM content and effluent production. Nevertheless for silages, except those treated with absorbents or formic acid, a significant (P < 0·001) negative relationship between silage effluent production (l t–1 grass ensiled) and the DM (g kg–1) content of the ensiled grass was found.
Incarcerated hernia after laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy: a cautionary tale
Authors: Chan Norman 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo report a case of an incarcerated hernia after laparoscopic surgery. To review the literature in order to discuss the risk factors for and prevention of incarcerated hernias at laparoscopic trocar wounds.Case reportThe patient developed an incarcerated hernia through a 12‐mm laparoscopic trocar wound and small bowel obstruction following a laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy. She required a laparotomy to reduce the hernia.ConclusionSmall bowel herniation following laparoscopic surgery is rare. As laparoscopic operations become more complicated, the risk of bowel herniation also increases. Awareness of this condition may prompt prevention, earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Reality of pelvic lymphadenectomy by laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Mettler Liselotte M. , Bidzinski Marins B. , Morawski Andrej M. , Zielinski Jan Z. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectivePelvic lymphadenectomy, as part of the surgical management in many gynaecological malignancies, has so far been performed by laparotomy. Laparoscopy offers a new surgical route for lymphadenectomy. Although numerous papers report on laparoscopic lymphadenectomy, the adequacy at each centre has to be proven. If indicated, the surgery can be combined with laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy.DesignA retrospective clinical study.SettingOver a period of 2 years, 50 laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomies and laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomies, as total and radical hysterectomies, were performed at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kiel, Germany and at the Oncological Center in Warsaw, Poland. The lymphadenectomy strategies were identical in all cases, the aim being primarily a lymph node sampling. A transperitoneal route was chosen. A total of 36 cases of endometrial cancer stage I, treated by laparoscopy, were compared with 20 cases of total hysterectomy by laparotomy.ResultsFrom the 50 patients treated for cervical cancer, borderline ovarian lesions and endometrial cancer stage I, the average number of removed lymph nodes was 14. The aim of these operations was primarily lymph node sampling. No intra‐operative complications were observed. The operation time varied from 2 to a maximum of 4 h. The blood loss did not exceed 250 ml for any case. In three patients tumour metastases were found in 1–3 lymph nodes.ConclusionAs no symptoms indicating a disadvantage owing to the laparoscopic path of the lymphadenectomy were encountered, laparoscopic lymphadenectomy was found to be a feasible operation, giving identical surgical results but saving the patients a laparotomy. The vaginal hysterectomy, together with a laparoscopic lymphadenectomy, gives the patient a better quality of life within the extensive treatment of genital cancer. The organ itself, that is the uterus with parametrial surroundings and adnexae can be obtained as radically as by laparotomy.
Laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy in advanced cervical carcinoma: the Taiwan experience. II
Authors: Chu Kiu‐Kwong , Chang Shuenn‐Dyh , Soong Yung‐Kuei 
Published: March 2003

ObjectivesTo present the Taiwanese experience of para‐aortic lymphadenectomy by laparoscopy in the pretreatment surgical staging of advanced cervical cancer and evaluate the benefits of these procedures.DesignPatients were prospectively evaluated for different treatment modalities and the results were analysed.SettingThe Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung Center.Subjects43 consecutive, eligible patients with advanced cervical cancer, operated upon and followed up for at least 20 months, were included in this study.InterventionsRight‐ and left‐sided para‐aortic lymphadenectomies by laparoscopy were performed. Two groups of patients were delineated, for different treatment modalities. Patients with negative para‐aortic lymph nodes were treated with whole‐pelvic irradiation only; patients with proven para‐aortic lymph node metastasis in surgical staging were treated concurrently with chemotherapy.Main outcome measuresThe 2‐year survival rates for patients with metastasis (receiving concurrent chemotherapy) and without metastasis (receiving irradiation only).ResultsOn average, 10.8 lymph nodes were retrieved from both sides of the aorta. The operating time for the procedure ranged from 53 to 138 min, with an average of 93.5 min. After a median follow up of 36.8 months, the progression‐free interval for all patients was 6–55 months (median 26 months). The 2‐year survival rates for patients with metastasis and without metastasis were 68% and 85.5%, respectively.ConclusionsLaparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy was an efficient and feasible surgical staging procedure for the pretreatment evaluation of advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix, and made possible a better choice of treatment modality by the clinician.
Early evaluation of an electromechanical morcellator for laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy
Authors: Daniell James F. , Channell Calvin , Lindsay James , Staggs Stephen , Henry Traci 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and cost effectiveness of electromechanical morcellation of the uterus and adnexae to enhance laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH).Design41 consecutive LSH procedures with and without adnectomy were reviewed. An electromechanical morcellator was used in each procedure to accomplish laparoscopic removal of the uterus and adnexae.SettingA private gynaecological practice in a full service hospital.InterventionsLSH.ResultsThe mean uterine weight was 146 g (60–569 g). The mean operating time was 94 min (60–225 min). The time for morcellation was available in 19 cases by reviewing videotape; the average morcellation time was 11.8 min (4–23 min). Average blood loss was 125 ml (20–600 ml), with one case of late postoperative bleeding requiring operative intervention. The average cost for the procedure was $7998 ($6989–$11 581). All patients were discharged within 48 h of the time of admission, and 36 patients were discharged within 23 h from the time of admission.ConclusionsLSH is a safe and effective method of managing patients who lack cervical pathology or pelvic relaxation. Electromechanical morcellation can enhance the performance of LSH by decreasing operating time.
Use of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy in the UK: a national survey
Authors: Saidi Samir A. , Butler‐Manuel Simon A. , Powell Martin C. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveLaparoscopic surgery may be considered the gold standard in the management of ectopic pregnancy (EP), yet the technique may not be widely available in the UK. The aim of the study was to investigate its availability.MethodA postal questionnaire was sent to all 1420 practising consultant gynaecologists registered with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.Results772 consultants responded (55%). At only 13% of hospitals was laparoscopic surgery performed routinely (defined as >75% of cases) for EP. In 43% of hospitals a laparoscopic service for EP was available (>25% of cases managed laparoscopically). Teaching hospitals were significantly more likely than non‐teaching hospitals to have a laparoscopic service available (72 vs. 32%, P < 0.001), and to use the technique routinely (27 vs. 7%, P < 0.001). The main reasons cited for not routinely managing EP using laparoscopic surgery were lack of training of seniors (83% of respondents) and of juniors (86%). Factors significantly associated with provision of a laparoscopic service were the ready availability of consultants in theatre and of juniors trained in the technique. Surgery is still the most common form of treatment for EP, with less than 4% of hospitals routinely using medical treatment as first‐line therapy.ConclusionLaparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy is still not available to the majority of British women. The development of training programmes in the technique is a priority.
Laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy after total vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: Köster Stefanie , Volz Joachim , Melchert Frank 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo present an unusual case of extrauterine pregnancy after vaginal hysterectomy.SubjectA 38‐year‐old patient presented with increasing lower abdominal pain having had a vaginal hysterectomy for myoma 8 weeks previously. A pregnancy test was positive.InterventionsAn immediate operative laparoscopy revealed approximately 2.5 l of blood in the abdomen and a ruptured left tube. A large fetus was found floating freely in the abdomen. The tube was dissected by bipolar coagulation and removed completely, with the product of conception, by Endobag.
The laparoscopic approach of the transabdominal cerclage of the uterine cervix in case of cervical incompetence
Authors: Brölmann Henricus A. M. , Oei Swan G. 
Published: March 2003

Cervical incompetence is characterized by painless cervical dilation in the second or early in the third trimester, with prolapse or ballooning of membranes in the vagina and expulsion of an immature fetus. Unless effectively treated, this sequence tends to recur at each pregnancy. Usually a ‘purse‐string’ cerclage as described by McDonald, using a vaginal approach, is effective. If the cervix is too short for this or even absent, a transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage (TCC) is indicated. After TCC an eventual pregnancy always culminates in a Caesarean section, as the cerclage cannot be removed vaginally. This is, in fact, the main drawback of this technique.ObjectiveTo present the laparoscopic approach to TCC.Case historyThe patient was a 34‐year‐old woman with a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and electrosurgical excision of the transformation zone. The pregnancy following this operation ended with an immature delivery, which was attributed to cervical incompetence. Before the next pregnancy, TCC using a laparoscopic approach was carried out. Using one 12‐mm port and two 5‐mm ports, the cervix was laparoscopically freed from the bladder. The avascular space between the ascending and descending branch of the uterine artery was penetrated and a Mersilene band was guided through, just above the level of the sacrouterine ligaments and tied. The operation lasted 40 minutes and the patient was discharged from the hospital, in a good state of health, the next day. Some months later she had an uneventful pregnancy, and a healthy but growth‐retarded son, weighing 1890 g, was delivered by Caesarean section at 37 weeks of gestational age.ConclusionThe laparoscopic approach to TCC was successful. The growth retardation in the subsequent pregnancy seemed coincidental. The laparoscopic approach is to be preferred for a planned TCC.
Conservative treatment of rectovaginal fistula after laparoscopic treatment of rectovaginal adenomyotic nodule
Authors: Anaf Vincent , De Groote Alexandre , Simon Philippe , Nakadi Issam El 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo report a case of successful conservative treatment of a single rectovaginal fistula occurring after laparoscopic treatment for rectovaginal adenomyosis.SettingGynaecology department at a university hospital.SubjectA young healthy patient who presented with a high rectovaginal fistula (RVF) 3 weeks after laparoscopic resection of a rectovaginal adenomyotic nodule.InterventionThe patient was treated medically under parenteral nutrition over a period of 18 days, along with a fluid diet and oral intake of loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg three times daily for the first week, and a fibre‐rich regimen during the rest of the hospital stay.ResultsGastrograffin enema controls showed the closure of the fistula track after 18 days of treatment, when the patient had already been asymptomatic for 4 days.ConclusionHigh RVF are considered to rarely heal under medical therapy. Nevertheless in non‐septic healthy patients with an RVF of small diameter and few symptoms, medical treatment may be attempted under close clinical and biological monitoring. RVF must be considered as a rare but possible complication of rectovaginal adenomyosis surgery. Great care must be taken when dissecting, manipulating or coagulating on the anterior rectal wall which is most usually involved in adenomyosis. Other adapted surgical alternatives must be considered in the case of failure of this conservative medical treatment.
Convalescence after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: Fahy Una , Watkins Karen , Duffin Stephanie , Kirwan Philip H. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo compare convalescence in women following laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and following total abdominal hysterectomy.DesignA prospective comparative study.Subjects72 women who underwent hysterectomy.Main outcome measurePhysical functioning score according to the SF‐36 Health Status Questionnaire at, 1 and 6 weeks postoperatively.ResultsThe physical functioning scores were similar, both preoperatively and at 1 week after the operation, in women who had laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (n = 35) and in those who had conventional total abdominal hysterectomy (n = 37). However 6 weeks after operation, women who had undergone laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy had significantly higher physical functioning scores (26, range 19–30 vs. 22, range 14–30; P = 0.041), and significantly less reduction in physical functioning score relative to baseline than the conventional hysterectomy group (3% vs 13%; P = 0.031).ConclusionWomen appear to recover more quickly after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy than after total abdominal hysterectomy.
Complete resection of adnexal masses with endobag extraction: the risk of involuntary tumour rupture
Authors: Kühn Thorsten , Mangold Raphael , Santjohanser Claudia , Heuser Thomas , Hock Sebastian , Zippel Heinz‐Herbert , Kreienberg Rolf 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveIn a prospective study we analysed the frequency of intraoperative capsule rupture among 161 ovarian tumours operated on endoscopically, using total removal of the adnexa with protected retrieval.Subjects and methodsBetween June 1993 and September 1997 we carried out endoscopic surgery on 161 consecutive patients, presenting with ovarian tumours up to 10 cm in diameter, and assumed to have an increased risk for malignancy on the basis of menopausal status, sonography findings or endoscopic evaluation. The risk of tumour rupture was related to the different phases of the operation (resection and extraction) and to the presence and location of intra‐abdominal adhesions.ResultsMalignancies were found in 6.83% of the patients. Capsule rupture occurred in 13 cases (8%). There was no instance of malignant cell spillage because of intraoperative capsule rupture. The statistical probability of malignant cell dissemination was 0.55% in our series. During resection, rupture of suspicious but not malignant tumours occurred in six cases (3.7%). The probability of spilling cyst contents was closely associated with the presence and the location of intra‐abdominal adhesions, the highest spillage rate (16.6%) being found in tumours with adhesions to intestine. During extraction, contamination on account of bag rupture occurred in seven cases (4.3%).ConclusionUsing adequate endoscopic resection and removal techniques, suspicious ovarian tumours under 10 cm in diameter can be operated on endoscopically with a low risk of tumour rupture.