Showing papers by "Queen's University Belfast published in 1998"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors calculate the mobilities ui of the metal cations Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, and Ca2+ at infinite dilution by molecular dynamics simulation using the SPC/E model for water at 25 °C and a reaction field for the long-range interactions.
Abstract: We calculate the mobilities ui of the metal cations Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, and Ca2+ and the halides F-, Cl-, Br-, and I- at infinite dilution by molecular dynamics simulation using the SPC/E model for water at 25 °C and a reaction field for the long-range interactions. The ion mobilities show the same trends as the experimental results with distinct maxima for cations and anions. The mobilities (defined by ui = Di/kT) of the corresponding uncharged species are also determined by simulation and are in qualitative agreement with Stokes' law. The mobilities of Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+ and F- increase on discharge, whereas Cl, Br, and I have smaller mobilities than the corresponding anions. The mobility of the fictitious I+ ion, which differs from I- only in its charge, lies between that of I- and I in the order uI < uI+ < uI−. The residence time of water in the first solvation shell of small cations (Li+ and Na+) and Ca2+ decreases when the ions are discharged, while the opposite is observed on neutralizing I-, su...
881 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Architecture and nursing and midwifery students worked with employers from local trusts on a project exploring design issues for a new maternity unit, and the benefits for students and employers.
Abstract: Architecture and nursing and midwifery students worked with employers from local trusts on a project exploring design issues for a new maternity unit. Marlene Sinclair and George Brown report on how it was organised, and the benefits for students and employers.
806 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors studied CO oxidation on Pt(111) with ab initio density functional theory and identified the low energy pathway and transition state for the reaction and the key event is the breaking of an O-metal bond prior to the formation of a chemisorbed ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$ molecule.
Abstract: CO oxidation on Pt(111) is studied with ab initio density functional theory The low energy pathway and transition state for the reaction are identified The key event is the breaking of an O-metal bond prior to the formation of a chemisorbed ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$ molecule The pathway can be rationalized in terms of competition of the O and C atoms for bonding with the underlying surface, and the predominant energetic barrier is the strength of the O-metal bond
659 citations
TL;DR: Cl cloning and characterization of novel circovirus DNAs purified from virus isolates made from tissues of North American and European pigs with wasting syndromes are reported, providing evidence for a new type of possibly pathogenic PCV.
Abstract: Porcine circovirus (PCV) was initially recognized as a contaminant of continuous pig kidney cell lines and was not thought to be pathogenic. Antibodies reactive to the cell culture isolate of PCV (PCV PK-15) are prevalent in the swine population worldwide. Recently, PCV PK-15-like antigen and nucleic acid were demonstrated in lesions associated with wasting syndromes in pigs in North America and Europe. Monoclonal antibodies raised to circoviruses isolated from pigs with wasting syndromes highlighted differences between these circoviruses and the PCV PK-15 cell culture isolate. This has led to speculation that a new pathogenic PCV may have emerged in the swine populations of several countries. We report the cloning and characterization of novel circovirus DNAs purified from virus isolates made from tissues of North American and European pigs with wasting syndromes. These North American and European circoviruses form a closely related group at the nucleotide sequence level (> 96% intra-group nucleotide sequence identity) but exhibit < 80% nucleotide sequence identity with the PCV PK-15 cell culture isolate. This report provides evidence for a new type of possibly pathogenic PCV. We propose that these new circoviruses should be referred to as PCV2 as opposed to the original PK-15 cell culture isolate, which should be referred to as PCV1.
528 citations
01 Jan 1998
520 citations
TL;DR: A phylogenetic analysis of the mammalian order Soricomorpha has been conducted by as discussed by the authors, which includes representatives of all six families of insectivores, as well as 37 other taxa representing marsupials, monotremes, and all but two orders of placental mammals.
Abstract: The traditional views regarding the mammalian order Insectivora are that the group descended from a single common ancestor and that it is comprised of the following families: Soricidae (shrews), Tenrecidae (tenrecs), Solenodontidae (solenodons), Talpidae (moles), Erinaceidae (hedgehogs and gymnures), and Chrysochloridae (golden moles). Here we present a molecular analysis that includes representatives of all six families of insectivores, as well as 37 other taxa representing marsupials, monotremes, and all but two orders of placental mammals. These data come from complete sequences of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA, tRNA-Valine, and 16S rRNA genes (2.6 kb). A wide range of different methods of phylogenetic analysis groups the tenrecs and golden moles (both endemic to Africa) in an all-African superordinal clade comprised of elephants, sirenians, hyracoids, aardvark, and elephant shrews, to the exclusion of the other four remaining families of insectivores. Statistical analyses reject the idea of a monophyletic Insectivora as well as traditional concepts of the insectivore suborder Soricomorpha. These findings are supported by sequence analyses of several nuclear genes presented here: vWF, A2AB, and α-β hemoglobin. These results require that the order Insectivora be partitioned and that the two African families (golden moles and tenrecs) be placed in a new order. The African superordinal clade now includes six orders of placental mammals.
386 citations
TL;DR: It is reported that aggregates of NAC and α‐syn proteins induced apoptotic cell death in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells, indicating that accumulation of α‐ Synuclein and its degradation products may play a major role in the development of the pathogenesis of these neurodegenerative diseases.
370 citations
TL;DR: In water microcosm experiments, Campylobacter isolates differed by up to twofold, as determined by culturing; this difference increased to fourfold when particular combinations of temperature and oxygenation were used.
Abstract: In water microcosm experiments, the survival times of Campylobacter isolates differed by up to twofold, as determined by culturing; this difference increased to fourfold when particular combinations of temperature and oxygenation were used. The mean survival times were much longer at 4 and 10°C (202 and 176 h, respectively) than at 22 and 37°C (43 and 22 h, respectively). The influence of anaerobiosis on survival time was less dramatic and differed considerably between isolates. In a two-stage water distribution model preparation containing a biofilm consisting of standardized autochthonous water microflora, Campylobacter isolates continued to differ in survival time. However, the survival times of cultures were considerably longer in the presence of the autochthonous water microflora (strains CH1 and 9752 survived 700 and 360 h, respectively, at 4°C) than in the sterile microcosms (strains CH1 and 9752 survived 230 and 157 h, respectively). Although increased temperature and oxygenation were generally detrimental to culturability, the interaction of these two factors influenced the two strains examined differently. When the organisms were grown aerobically at 30°C, the survival of the two strains was reversed; aerobiosis decreased the survival time of strain CH1 by 30%, but unexpectedly improved the persistence time of strain 9752 by more than threefold. Persistence times within biofilms were much longer when they were determined by detection methods not involving culturing. Immunofluorescent-antibody staining demonstrated that the pathogen persisted up to the termination of the experiments after 28 and 42 days of incubation at 30 and 4°C, respectively. The specificity of detection within intact biofilms was reduced because of high background fluorescence. However, preliminary studies with a Campylobacter-specific rRNA probe revealed the same extended persistence of the pathogen within the biofilms.
355 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the same bacterial species were cultured by routine microbiological techniques from only five corresponding tissue samples and inflammatory cells were present in 87% of the samples taken from patients whose implants were culture-negative.
Abstract: Our aim was to determine if the detection rate of infection of total hip replacements could be improved by examining the removed prostheses. Immediate transfer of prostheses to an anaerobic atmosphere, followed by mild ultrasonication to dislodge adherent bacteria, resulted in the culture of quantifiable numbers of bacteria, from 26 of the 120 implants examined. The same bacterial species were cultured by routine microbiological techniques from only five corresponding tissue samples. Tissue removed from 18 of the culture-positive implants was suitable for quantitative tissue pathology and inflammatory cells were present in all samples. Furthermore, inflammatory cells were present in 87% of tissue samples taken from patients whose implants were culture-negative. This suggests that these implants may have been infected by bacteria which were not isolated by the techniques of culture used. The increased detection of bacteria from prostheses by culture has improved postoperative antibiotic therapy and should reduce the need for further revision.
344 citations
TL;DR: Natural fracture healing was studied in 43 cases of isolated, closed, conservatively treated tibial shaft fracture with serial measurements of bending stiffness and standard radiographs, and the callus index predicted behavior in those fractures that showed no tendency to heal at the 10-week stage.
Abstract: Laboratory and clinical scientists and practicing clinicians need definitions of union, delayed union, and nonunion. Fracture union is a gradual process, so quantitative measures are the most meaningful. However, end point definitions also are useful, but they need empirical validation. The measure that has received the best validation in human fractures is bending stiffness. Quantitative radiologic assessment of healing is difficult because varying patterns of bone bridging can occur, including periosteal, endosteal, and intercortical patterns. Natural fracture healing was studied in 43 cases of isolated, closed, conservatively treated tibial shaft fracture with serial measurements of bending stiffness and standard radiographs. Three healing groups were defined on the basis of stiffness recovery patterns. Four cases showed delayed union, defined as failure to reach a stiffness of 7 N-m per degree by 20 weeks from fracture. The remaining cases had normal union, but at differing rates. Callus index was used as a measure of periosteal new bone formation. Stiffness measurements correlated more strongly than callus index with injury severity and functional outcome at 6 months. However, the callus index predicted behavior in those fractures that showed no tendency to heal at the 10-week stage. That is, absence of periosteal new bone in these cases presaged delayed union. These delayed union cases all eventually healed, still without producing periosteal callus, but other fractures in the series healed very rapidly, also without periosteal callus. The implication is that endosteal healing is capable of very rapid fracture bridging if conditions are right, but it also can occur late, after the periosteal healing response has ceased. These observations suggest a more rational approach to the definition of union, delayed union, and nonunion than that provided by the selection of arbitrary times. For conservatively treated fractures at least, delayed union can be defined as the cessation of the periosteal response before the fracture successfully has been bridged. Nonunion is the cessation of both the periosteal and endosteal healing responses without bridging.
312 citations
TL;DR: A comprehensive approach aids the accurate direction of treatment and, while CVA, PNDS and GOR remain the most important causes of CNPC to consider, a group with no identifiable aetiology remains.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Asthma, post-nasal drip syndrome (PNDS), and gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) account for many cases of chronic non-productive cough (CNPC). Each may simultaneously contribute to cough even when clinically silent, and failure to recognise their contribution may lead to unsuccessful treatment. Methods —Patients (all lifetime non-smokers with normal chest radiographs and spirometric measurements) referred with CNPC persisting for more than three weeks as their sole respiratory symptom underwent histamine challenge, home peak flow measurements, ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination, sinus CT scanning, and 24 hour oesophageal pH monitoring. Treatment was prescribed on the basis of diagnoses informed by investigation results. RESULTS Forty three patients (29 women) of mean age 47.5 years (range 18–77) and mean cough duration 67 months (range 2–240) were evaluated. On the basis of a successful response to treatment, a cause for the cough was identified in 35 patients (82%) as follows: cough variant asthma (CVA) (10 cases), PNDS (9 cases), GOR (8 cases), and dual aetiologies (8 cases). Histamine challenge correctly predicted CVA in 15 of 17 (88%) positive tests. ENT examination and sinus CT scans each had low positive predictive values for PNDS (10 of 16 (63%) and 12 of 18 (67%) positive cases, respectively), suggesting that upper airways disease frequently co-exists but does not always contribute to cough. When negative, histamine challenge and 24 hour oesophageal pH monitoring effectively ruled out CVA and GOR, respectively, as a cause for cough. CONCLUSION This comprehensive approach aids the accurate direction of treatment and, while CVA, PNDS and GOR remain the most important causes of CNPC to consider, a group with no identifiable aetiology remains.
TL;DR: The fulcrum effect has a major detrimental influence on acquisition of endoscopic skills and the role of image inversion in clinical endoscopic training is investigated.
Abstract: Background: The loss of three-dimensional visual depth cues has been thought to be the main hindrance to the acquisition of endoscopic skills. However, the fulcrum effect of the abdominal wall on the manipulation of instruments has not to our knowledge been previously investigated. Methods: Subjects with no experience in endoscopy were required to make multiple defined incisions under laparoscopic laboratory conditions, within ten two-minute periods in the first study and 50 in the second. Eleven subjects operated under normal imaging conditions and 11 with the y-axis inverted. Results: Subjects who operated with the image inverted made significantly more incisions and significantly more correct incisions than those working under normal conditions. This effect persisted over 50 trials. Conclusions: The fulcrum effect has a major detrimental influence on acquisition of endoscopic skills. Further work is required to investigate the role of image inversion in clinical endoscopic training.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the processes responsible for the production of N2O and N2 in one soil at pH values of 5.6, 6.0 and 8.0.
Abstract: Nitrous oxide can be produced by nitrification, denitrification or dissimilatory NO3− reduction to NH4+ (DNRA), whereas N2 can only be produced by denitrification. Nitrite is a common intermediate in all three processes, high pH favouring NO2− accumulation and DNRA. During denitrification the mole fraction of N2O decreases as pH increases, but little is known about the effect of soil pH on the production of N2O during DNRA, and on the relative importance of nitrification, denitrification and DNRA to N-gas fluxes. We investigated the processes responsible for the production of N2O and N2 in one soil at pH values of 5.6, 6.0, 6.5 and 8.0. A range of aeration conditions were created by 24 h incubations at 20°C with factorial combination of two rates of NO3− (1.0 and 4.0 μmol N g−1 oven-dry soil), two rates of C (20 and 80 μmol C g−1 oven-dry soil), and water to attain three soil moisture contents (50, 65, 80% WFPS). The added NO3− was labelled at 40 atom% excess 15N. Automated isotope-ratio mass spectrometry was used to determine the fluxes of N2 and N2O, and the source of the N2O. The flux of N2 increased with pH but the effect of pH on the flux of N2O was inconsistent. The maximum flux of N2O occurred at pH 6.5 and the minimum fluxes at pH 6.0 and 8.0. The dominant source of N2 and N2O was from the NO3− pool. There was evidence that DNRA was occurring as well as denitrification particularly at the higher pH values. At pH 8 NO2− accumulated and there was a direct relationship between N2O flux and NO2− concentration. The 15N content of the NO2− pool was similar to that of the NO3− pool, and the NH4+ pool became significantly enriched. At pH 6.5 DNRA was probably also occurring, because the NH4+ pool was significantly enriched, but NO2− did not accumulate. Nitrification occurred in all treatments and contributed 23% of the N2O flux in the treatments with the lowest contents of moisture and C. The flux due to nitrification was low ( 6.5 at microsites so DNRA as a process for N2O production may be much more important that presently realised. The relative contributions of denitrification and DNRA to N2O production are impossible to quantify using only 15N-labelled NO3−. Confirmation of simultaneous fermentation and denitrification would require bacterial identification and enumeration.
TL;DR: Sorption isotherms were determined for potatoes at three different temperatures (30, 45 and 60 °C) using a standard gravimetric method using a Clausius-Clapeyron equation as mentioned in this paper.
TL;DR: Findings suggest that accumulation of α‐syn as insoluble deposits of amyloid may play a major role in the pathogenesis of these neurodegenerative diseases.
TL;DR: BAT‐26 alleles were quasi‐monomorphic in RER‐ samples and shortened in R ER+ tumors, including four tumors shown to have been misclassified on the basis of dinucleotide repeat microsatellite analysis.
Abstract: Microsatellite instability (MI) characterizing tumors with replication errors (RER+ tumors) was first described in colorectal tumors from hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) patients as well as in sporadic cases It has also been observed in subgroups of extracolonic sporadic tumors, but there is no consensus as to the number of microsatellite loci to examine, and the threshold percentage of unstable loci required to classify a tumor as RER+ We have recently shown that BAT-26, a mononucleotide repeat microsatellite, was quasi-monomorphic in DNA from normal individuals and from colorectal RER- samples, and showed important size variations in RER+ samples In the present work, we analyzed BAT-26 allelic profiles in tumors of the breast (n = 107), brain (n = 78), stomach (n = 59), prostate (n = 49), esophagus (n = 36), thyroid (n = 31), endometrium (n = 12), and cervix (n = 10) whose RER status was already known, thus extending BAT-26 analysis to a total of 542 human solid tumors BAT-26 alleles were quasi-monomorphic in RER- samples (475/481) and shortened in RER+ tumors (57/61), including four tumors shown to have been misclassified on the basis of dinucleotide repeat microsatellite analysis In 3/481 RER- and 4/61 RER+ cases, BAT-26 size variation was important enough to attract attention, but not sufficient to establish the RER status of the corresponding tumors In these cases, the analysis of BAT-25 and BAT-34C4, two other mononucleotide repeat microsatellites, was necessary to resolve the ambiguity There were only 3 false positive cases In conclusion, BAT-26 was able to identify the RER status of 539 out of 542 tumors from various origins (995% efficiency) in a single-step experiment without the requirement for matching normal DNA
TL;DR: Polynomial expression derived from the Gompertz variables were used to devise simple models which predicted the inactivation of each pathogen at various pressure-temperature combinations, providing flexibility in selecting optimum pressure conditions without compromising microbiological safety.
TL;DR: The PKC pathway, which is known to be upregulated on exposure to high ambient glucose concentrations, is implicates as a possible factor in the inhibition of eNOS expression in RMECs and suggests that glycated proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular endothelium dysfunction by modulating the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/NO pathway in retinal vascular endothelial cells.
Abstract: It has been suggested that increased production of nitric oxide (NO), a potent endothelium-derived vasodilator, may be responsible for increased blood flow in the retinal and renal vascular beds in early diabetes. However, NO-mediated vasodilation has been reported as impaired in diabetes, and there is evidence that the synthesis and release of NO by the vascular endothelium may be flawed in this condition. We examined the effect of high ambient glucose and exposure to exogenous glycated proteins on NO synthesis in cultured retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs), using a polarographic sensor to measure released NO gas. Nitrite (the stable end product of the reaction between NO and molecular oxygen) was measured in tissue culture supernatants. The expression of vascular endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which is responsible for NO synthesis in endothelial cells, was studied by Western blot analysis and Northern hybridization experiments. A dose-dependent reduction of NO synthesis by RMECs occurred 5 days after exposure to 15 and 25 mmol/l glucose, and concomitantly we found that accumulation of nitrite in culture supernatants of high-glucose exposed cells was also reduced. Coincubation of endothelial cells with inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) increased the accumulation of nitrite but did not restore it to the levels obtained when cells were cultured in 5 mmol/l glucose. The expression of eNOS by RMECs was markedly reduced by 5 days of exposure to 25 mmol/l glucose and glycated albumin. This study implicates the PKC pathway, which is known to be upregulated on exposure to high ambient glucose concentrations, as a possible factor in the inhibition of eNOS expression in RMECs. This study also suggests that glycated proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular endothelial dysfunction by modulating the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/NO pathway in retinal vascular endothelial cells.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of antioxidant supplementation in vitro on endogenous DNA damage in spermatozoa using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay and, second, to assess the effect of antioxidant supplements given prior to X-ray irradiation on induced DNA damage.
Abstract: The integrity of sperm DNA is crucial for the maintenance of genetic health. A major source of damage is reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation; therefore, antioxidants may afford protection to sperm DNA. The objectives of the study were, first, to measure the effects of antioxidant supplementation in vitro on endogenous DNA damage in spermatozoa using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay and, second, to assess the effect of antioxidant supplementation given prior to X-ray irradiation on induced DNA damage. Spermatozoa from 150 patients were prepared by Percoll centrifugation in the presence of ascorbic acid (300, 600 microM), alpha tocopherol (30, 60 microM), urate (200, 400 microM), or acetyl cysteine (5, 10 microM). DNA damage was induced by 30 Gy X-irradiation. DNA strand breakage was measured using the comet assay. Sperm DNA was protected from DNA damage by ascorbic acid (600 microM), alpha tocopherol (30 and 60 microM) and urate (400 microM). These antioxidants provided protection from subsequent DNA damage by X-ray irradiation. In contrast, acetyl cysteine or ascorbate and alpha tocopherol together induced further DNA damage. Supplementation in vitro with the antioxidants ascorbate, urate and alpha tocopherol separately has beneficial effects for sperm DNA integrity.
TL;DR: Both sperm motility parameters and percent normal morphology are significant factors in predicting fertilization and pregnancy rates in IVF.
TL;DR: A formal method is proposed for representing precedents and it is discussed how such representations can be used in a formally defined dialectical protocol for dispute.
Abstract: This paper analyses legal reasoning with precedents in the setting of a formally defined dialogue game. After giving a legal-theoretical account of judicial reasoning with precedents, a formal method is proposed for representing precedents and it is discussed how such representations can be used in a formally defined dialectical protocol for dispute. The basic ideas are to represent cases as argument structures (including pro and con arguments, and the arguments for adjudicating their conflicts) and to define certain case-based reasoning moves as strategies for introducing information into a dispute. In particular, analogizing and distinguishing are conceived as elementary theory construction moves, which produce new information on the basis of an existing stock of cases. The approach also offers the possibility of using portions of precedents and of expressing criteria for determining the outcome of precedent-based disputes.
TL;DR: This study presents the first use of electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy in conjunction with the spin-trapping technique, to measure directly the production of radical species in the venous blood of healthy human volunteers pre- and post-exhaustive aerobic exercise.
Abstract: Free radicals or oxidants are continuously produced in the body as a consequence of normal energy metabolism. The concentration of free radicals, together with lipid peroxidation, increases in some tissues as a physiological response to exercise – they have also been implicated in a variety of pathologies. The biochemical measurement of free radicals has relied in the main on the indirect assay of oxidative stress by-products. This study presents the first use of electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy in conjunction with the spin-trapping technique, to measure directly the production of radical species in the venous blood of healthy human volunteers pre- and post-exhaustive aerobic exercise. Evidence is also presented of increased lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity post-exercise.
TL;DR: The overall picture to emerge is one of considerable variability in such areas as course content, timing, duration and assessment, and tentative recommendations for the further development of CST in the medical curriculum proffered are discussed.
Abstract: It is now widely accepted that effective interpersonal communication is at the heart of quality health care delivery but that current standards in medicine must be improved (Numann 1988; Cowan et al. 1992). One approach acknowledged by the General Medical Council (1991) devotes more attention during training to the theme of communication, and quite significant modifications of the undergraduate medical curriculum are presently taking place. This article documents the results of a postal survey of the 26 UK Schools of Medicine, designed to illuminate current practices and future plans in respect of communication skills training (CST). As such, it takes advantage of the present period of ongoing curricular innovation and change to extend and update earlier reviews (Whitehouse 1991; Frederikson & Bull 1992). A total of 19 responses was received. Following preliminary analysis, the four schools who had already implemented their new curriculum were selected for further in-depth investigation by means of telephone interviews. In addition to reporting frequencies and percentages for responses to questions, cross-tabulations were carried out to explore relationships between certain of the findings. Apart from some consistency in CST teaching methods adopted, the overall picture to emerge is one of considerable variability in such areas as course content, timing, duration and assessment. Foremost among the difficulties encountered in implementing CST appeared to be lack of adequate physical resources and suitably trained staff. Future plans were often sketchy and inchoate. Results are discussed and tentative recommendations for the further development of CST in the medical curriculum proffered.
TL;DR: There was a highly significant preference for foetuses to move their right arm more than their left arm, 85% exhibiting more right arm than left arm movements, which is likely to be under brain control but is probably of more muscular or spinal determination.
TL;DR: The distribution of shocks to GDP growth rates is found to be exponential rather than normal as discussed by the authors, where the standard deviation scales with GDP β where β=−0.15±0.03.
TL;DR: Balance sheets of inputs, recycling of P through the soil–plant–animal pathway and outputs are presented to determine the potential rate of P accumulation in the two contrasting grassland farming systems in the UK; intensive dairy farming and extensive hill sheep production.
Abstract: . Phosphorus budgets have been compiled for two contrasting grassland farming systems in the UK; intensive dairy farming and extensive hill sheep production. Balance sheets of inputs, recycling of P through the soil–plant–animal pathway and outputs are presented to determine the potential rate of P accumulation in the two systems. A typical 57 ha intensive dairy farm with 129 lactating cows imports 2.48t P via fertilizer, bedding and concentrates, plus a small amount from the atmosphere, of which 0.98t are exported in milk, calves and transfer from soil to the aquatic environment. Therefore 1.5t of P are retained within the farm each year, which equates to an accumulation rate of 26 kg/ha in the plant-soil system. This surplus occurs despite a fertilizer input of only 16 kg/ha. However, a large proportion of P, equivalent to 27 kg/ha, is imported in feed concentrates.
For the typical 841 ha hill sheep farm supporting 694 Blackface ewes, P inputs and outputs are 0.66 and 0.42 t/yr, respectively. Therefore, approximately 0.24t P are retained within the farm, which is equivalent to an accumulation rate of 0.28 kg/ha per yr. In comparison to the small annual inputs and outputs of P on the hill farm, much P, 2.48t, is recycled through the plant-soil and plant-animal-soil pathways on the hill sheep farm. For both farming systems there is a net input of P, although the rate of accumulation is ten times greater for the dairy farm where the annual retention of P represents 60% of the total P inputs, compared with 36% on the hill sheep farm.
TL;DR: In this article, the potential of NIRS to accurately determine the chemical composition and a range of digestibility parameters of undried grass silage with the objective of characterising the feeding value of forage to the ruminant animal was evaluated.
TL;DR: The potential of telemedicine to diagnose and manage dermatology cases referred from primary care and the potential consequences for the provision of dermatological services in the U.K. are illustrated.
Abstract: The objective of this multicentre study was to undertake a systematic comparison of face-to-face consultations and teleconsultations performed using low-cost videoconferencing equipment. One hundred and twenty-six patients were enrolled by their general practitioners across three sites. Each patient underwent a teleconsultation with a distant dermatologist followed by a traditional face-to-face consultation with a dermatologist. The main outcome measures were diagnostic concordance rates, management plans and patient and doctor satisfaction. One hundred and fifty-five diagnoses were identified by the face-to-face consultations from the sample of 126 patients. Identical diagnoses were recorded from both types of consultation in 59% of cases. Teledermatology consultations missed a secondary diagnosis in 6% of cases and were unable to make a useful diagnosis in 11% of cases. Wrong diagnoses were made by the teledermatologist in 4% of cases. Dermatologists were able to make a definitive diagnosis by face-to-face consultations in significantly more cases than by teleconsultations (P = 0.001). Where both types of consultation resulted in a single diagnosis there was a high level of agreement (kappa = 0.96, lower 95% confidence limit 0.91-1.00). Overall follow-up rates from both types of consultation were almost identical. Fifty per cent of patients seen could have been managed using a single videoconferenced teleconsultation without any requirement for further specialist intervention. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the teleconsultations. General practitioners reported that 75% of the teleconsultations were of educational benefit. This study illustrates the potential of telemedicine to diagnose and manage dermatology cases referred from primary care. Once the problem of image quality has been addressed, further studies will be required to investigate the cost-effectiveness of a teledermatology service and the potential consequences for the provision of dermatological services in the U.K.
TL;DR: Differences between Verbal and Performance IQ, and between receptive and expressive language skills, were smaller than generally found in studies of children with this condition, but an examination of subtest scores revealed an almost identical cognitive profile to that found in children.
Abstract: This paper reports the results of cognitive, linguistic, and academic assessments in a representative sample of 62 adults with Williams syndrome. The average age of the group was 26 years and their mean full scale IQ was 61. Differences between Verbal and Performance IQ, and between receptive and expressive language skills, were smaller than generally found in studies of children with this condition. However, an examination of subtest scores revealed an almost identical cognitive profile to that found in children. Skills in other areas, such as reading, spelling, arithmetic, and social adaptation remained at a low level, with functioning generally being around a 6-8-year age equivalent. The consistency of reports on intellectual abilities in both child and adult studies of individuals with Williams syndrome lends increased support to the notion of a syndrome specific pattern of cognitive, linguistic, and adaptive functioning.
TL;DR: In this article, the same bacterial species were cultured by routine microbiological techniques from only five corresponding tissue samples and inflammatory cells were present in 87% of the samples taken from patients whose implants were culture-negative.
Abstract: Our aim was to determine if the detection rate of infection of total hip replacements could be improved by examining the removed prostheses. Immediate transfer of prostheses to an anaerobic atmosphere, followed by mild ultrasonication to dislodge adherent bacteria, resulted in the culture of quantifiable numbers of bacteria, from 26 of the 120 implants examined. The same bacterial species were cultured by routine microbiological techniques from only five corresponding tissue samples. Tissue removed from 18 of the culture-positive implants was suitable for quantitative tissue pathology and inflammatory cells were present in all samples. Furthermore, inflammatory cells were present in 87% of tissue samples taken from patients whose implants were culture-negative. This suggests that these implants may have been infected by bacteria which were not isolated by the techniques of culture used.The increased detection of bacteria from prostheses by culture has improved postoperative antibiotic therapy and should r...