Neighbourhood catchments: a new approach for achieving ownership and change in catchment and stream management.

The Neighbourhood Catchment approach integrates land and stream management practices at a property and through to a local catchment scale, links production and environmental goals, and is a building block to achieve ownership and change at a sub-catchment scale and larger. Research conducted in two 'focus' Neighbourhood Catchments has shown that land management practices that retain >30% soil cover reduce sediment movement to streams. The Neighbourhood Catchment approach engages both early and cautious adopters, and enables continuous improvement of resource management to take place, and be recorded at an individual property and local catchment scale.

James Wardrop (1782-1869): from Whitburn to Windsor Castle.

The medical career of a Scottish doctor, James Wardrop, in the 19th century is described. An early interest in the developing science of Pathology in the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was expanded further when he moved to London, due to financial needs. Despite being outside the London teaching hospital scene, he continued to publish and teach in the private schools of the time. His interest in ophthalmology led him to describe what we now know as retinoblastoma, with recommendation for treatment. He also described sympathetic ophthalmitis and performed paracentesis in acute angle-closure glaucoma. He became surgeon to the Prince of Wales, later King George IV, but his criticism of other medical men at court led to his exclusion from the King at the scene of his death. He owned a notable collection of pictures and presented two of them to the National Gallery of Scotland on its foundation in 1850. In recent years, his work has been recognised by leading ophthalmologists, particularly in the USA. The Library of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh contains several of his works, and his portrait hangs in the College.

Substance abuse and childhood maltreatment. Conceptualizing the recovery process.

Research exploring the dual, yet related, issues of adulthood substance abuse and childhood maltreatment remains limited to the effects of such experiences on the individual. To date, clinical literature has failed to explore the ways in which individuals, particularly women, cope with and recover from these experiences. The current study applied a qualitative methodology to a sample of six women. Respondents had completed a minimum of 3 years of chemical-free living and self-identified as survivors of prolonged childhood sexual abuse. Women participated in a semi-structured interview to detail their recovery process. Results show support for a multifactorial process of recovery; specifically, strategies aimed at affect regulation, development of a new self-concept, and the forging of more adaptive attachment styles. The implications of these results are discussed in the context of improving clinical intervention strategies and encouraging additional research endeavors to understand this complex process.

Observations on the trajectory of the bullet in 15 horses euthanased by free bullet.

The trajectories taken by the free bullets used to euthanase 15 horses were examined. The point of entry of the bullet relative to the recommended site was measured, together with the angle of the trajectory of the bullet relative to a tangent to its point of entry, the deviation of the trajectory from the midline of the brain, the structures of the brain that were damaged and the extent of this damage. Despite a reasonably consistent point of entry, there were wide variations in the damage inflicted, ranging from the total destruction of the hindbrain to injury to the cerebral cortex alone. The extent of the bullet's lateral deviation from the midline appeared to be the most significant factor affecting the level of destruction to the hindbrain, suggesting that angular direction may be more important than precise surface location in effecting a satisfactory kill.

Urinary kallikrein excretion in normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies: 8 years later.

In a previous longitudinal study of urinary kallikrein (UK) excretion in pregnancy we reported that women with low inactive UK (IUK) to creatinine ratio (IUK:Cr), measured at 16-20 weeks gestation, were at increased risk of developing pregnancy induced hypertension. In this study, 8 years later, we have recalled 14 women who had an IUK:Cr < or = 170 (Gp1) and became hypertensive in late pregnancy and 14 women who had IUK:Cr > 170 and remained normotensive (Gp2). Resting blood pressure (BP) and BP response following application of cutaneous cold to assess vasoconstrictor reactivity were measured. A timed urine sample was also collected for measurements of components of the kallikrein kinin system (KKS): IUK, active UK (AUK), kininogen (UKg), urinary kinins (UKi). Urinary creatinine (UCr) was also measured. The correlation between IUK:Cr during the 1989-1990 study and current measurement was r2 = 0.52, p < 0.0001. Although resting BP was higher in Gp1 than Gp2 this was not significantly different. However, there was a greater change in diastolic BP in Gp1 than in Gp2 in response to the cold pressor test (p < 0.04). Excretion rates of IUK, UKg and UKi were significantly lower in Gp1, p < 0.006, p < 0.003, p < 0.03, respectively. AUK was also reduced in Gp1 but did not reach statistical significance. Women with reduced activity of the renal KKS combined with increased sympathetic drive may be at increased risk of developing hypertension.

Dynamic imaging of structural changes in silver catalysts by environmental scanning electron microscopy.

Polycrystalline silver catalysts are used extensively for the partial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde, which is then primarily incorporated in the synthesis process for adhesives and resins. In order to maximize formaldehyde production it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex microstructural changes which occur in the catalyst during reaction conditions. However, conventional electron microscopic techniques are incapable of imaging catalysts at high temperatures and in the presence of a gaseous atmosphere. Therefore, an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) has been used to image polycrystalline silver catalysts during simulated industrial conditions. The most dramatic effect of heating various catalysts to 700 degrees C in the ESEM chamber was the formation of "pinholes" in the silver surface. These "pinholes" occur at specific temperatures and are inherently associated with the catalytic process, resulting from near-surface explosions caused by subsurface hydroxyl recombination. Of particular interest was the nature and location of the holes, which preferentially occur in the vicinity of surface defects such as platelets and edge structures. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first time that the progress of a catalytic reaction has been observed under in situ conditions by scanning electron microscopy.

Visual handicap in south-east Scotland.

A study of 288 cases was made of those registered blind and partially sighted patients in Lothian Health Board area. The purpose of this study was to identify the trend of the main cause of visual handicap in a general population. The registration rates were analysed by age, sex and causes. It was found that the leading causes for blindness were age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) (58.8%), chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG) (12.8%), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (4.9%), while for partial sight (PS) the main causes were age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) (57.1%), chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG) (8.8%) and congenital (4.7%). For both men and women the incidence rate of blindness remains low until the age of 65, followed by a considerable increase, especially after the age of 75. The male to female ratio for blindness was 1:2.06 and for partial sight 1:2.58.

An audit of the 1995 Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines for screening for retinopathy of prematurity applied retrospectively in one regional neonatal intensive care unit.

To test the effectiveness of the 1995 Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO) guidelines for screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in one regional neonatal intensive care unit, an analysis was carried out of screening examination results over a 4 year period, retrospectively applying the rules of the 1995 RCO guidelines. Four hundred and forty-eight examinations would have been performed in 258 infants, significantly fewer than the 764 examinations which had been performed using our existing screening protocol. Threshold ROP developed in 36 infants, and would have been detected promptly in every case. No case of threshold ROP developed in infants of birth weight greater than 1250 g. The 1995 RCO guidelines for ROP screening provide an effective and efficient means of detecting treatable ROP. The need to include infants of birth weight > 1250 g should be reviewed at a future date, following a period of further national data collection.

Comparison of colour Doppler ultrasound with venography in the diagnosis of axillary and subclavian vein thrombosis.

The primary imaging technique in suspected venous occlusive disease has for many years been contrast venography. Recent studies have shown ultrasound with the addition of colour Doppler imaging to be a suitable alternative method in the diagnosis of lower limb venous thrombosis. We have applied these techniques to the upper limb venous system, and have performed a prospective study of 19 patients (30 limbs) comparing colour Doppler ultrasound with venography in the diagnosis of axillary and subclavian vein thrombosis, for which colour Doppler ultrasound has a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. If vein stenosis is included, the sensitivity falls to 89%. We propose that colour Doppler ultrasound is a suitable first-line alternative to venography in the diagnosis of axillary and subclavian vein thrombosis. In addition to showing the major venous drainage of the upper limb, ultrasound routinely assesses patency of the internal jugular vein, which is, on occasion, of clinical relevance when determining possible future sites of venous access. If, however, colour Doppler ultrasound is normal then bilateral upper limb venography is indicated to exclude a more central venous problem or localized stenotic lesion.

Nasopharyngeal carriage and antibiotic resistance of Haemophilus influenzae in healthy children.

An investigation was undertaken to determine the isolation rate and antibiotic resistance of Haemophilus influenzae from the nasopharynx of young children. The 996 subjects studied were up to 6 years of age. H. influenzae was isolated from 304 (30.5%) and strains of capsular type b from 11 (1.1%). Age, sibling status, season, respiratory infection and antibiotic therapy all influenced isolation rates. The overall prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the strains isolated was ampicillin 5.4% (all beta-lactamase producers), cefaclor 0.3%, chloramphenicol 1.3%, erythromycin 38.2%, tetracycline 1.3%, trimethoprim 5.4% and sulphamethoxazole 0%. Ampicillin resistance was more common in type b than non-capsulated strains.

The overexpression, purification and complete amino acid sequence of chorismate synthase from Escherichia coli K12 and its comparison with the enzyme from Neurospora crassa.

The enzyme chorismate synthase was purified in milligram quantities from an overproducing strain of Escherichia coli. The amino acid sequence was deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the aroC gene and confirmed by determining the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified enzyme. The complete polypeptide chain consists of 357 amino acid residues and has a calculated subunit Mr of 38,183. Cross-linking and gel-filtration experiments show that the enzyme is tetrameric. An improved purification of chorismate synthase from Neurospora crassa is also described. Cross-linking and gel-filtration experiments on the N. crassa enzyme show that it is also tetrameric with a subunit Mr of 50,000. It is proposed that the subunits of the N. crassa enzyme are larger because they contain a diaphorase domain that is absent from the E. coli enzyme.

The cloning and expression of the aroL gene from Escherichia coli K12. Purification and complete amino acid sequence of shikimate kinase II, the aroL-gene product.

The aroL gene encoding the enzyme shikimate kinase II was cloned from Escherichia coli K12. Construction of over-expressing strains permitted for the first time the purification to homogeneity of a monofunctional shikimate kinase. The complete amino acid sequence of shikimate kinase II was determined by a combined nucleotide and direct amino acid sequencing strategy. E. coli shikimate kinase II is a monomeric enzyme containing 173 amino acid residues with a calculated Mr 18,937. The amino acid sequence contains a region homologous with other kinases and ATP-requiring enzymes. Evidence is presented suggesting that the transcriptional start site of the aroL gene is located within a potential operator site.

The complete amino acid sequence of 3-dehydroquinate synthase of Escherichia coli K12.

The complete amino acid sequence of the Escherichia coli 3-dehydroquinate synthase has been determined by a combined nucleotide and direct amino acid sequencing strategy. E. coli 3-dehydroquinate synthase is 362 amino acids long and has a calculated Mr of 38 880. Analysis of the aroB nucleotide sequence and its 5'- and 3'-flanking regions has identified the aroB promoter elements and a possible 3'-terminator site.

Simple mechanical methods for cardioversion: defence of the precordial thump and cough version.

A prospective study was made of the value of the precordial thump and of cough version in life threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Of about 5000 medical and surgical patients, 68 were treated for persistent ventricular tachycardia and 248 for ventricular fibrillation, 86 of whom had presented outside hospital. Mechanical intervention was successful in 26 incidents occurring in 23 patients. Electrocardiographic records were obtained in 14 instances. Ventricular fibrillation was terminated by a thump in five patients and ventricular tachycardia by either a thump or a cough in a total of 17 patients. Four additional instances were recorded of successful recovery from asystolic or unspecified circulatory arrest after a precordial thump. Fifteen patients survived to be discharged from hospital. The potential benefit of the precordial thump and cough versions greatly outweighs their risks; hence these manoeuvres should probably be reintroduced into schedules for first aid resuscitation.

Steroid excretion in urine during suppression and stimulation of adrenals in the 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency syndrome.

Twenty-three steroids were determined by capillary column gas chromatography in urine specimens from a patient with the 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency syndrome during dexamethasone suppression and ACTH stimulation tests. These steroids included pregnanediols and pregnenediols, 21-deoxy metabolites of corticosterone (e.g. 3 alpha, 20 alpha-dihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-11-one), and 21-hydroxy metabolites [e.g. allo-tetrahydrocorticosterone (3 alpha, 11 beta, 21-trihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one)]. During dexamethasone suppression or ACTH stimulation, the excretion of all steroids decreased and increased, respectively, indicating the pituitary-dependent adrenal origin of each compound. The changes in excretion of 21-deoxy steroids responded slowly (compared with the 21-hydroxylated metabolites) to these maneuvers, thereby providing further evidence for extensive enterohepatic circulation of corticosterone metabolites. 21-Dehydroxylated corticosterone metabolites accounted for approximately 40% the total steroids excreted during the control period, and this percentage probably approximates the proportion of corticosterone excreted in bile.

Prostaglandin release from cat and dog spleen.

1. The output of prostaglandins from the spleens of cats and dogs was studied. Comparison is made between the results found in the two species. 2. The release of prostaglandins was investigated in isolated saline-perfused spleens and in incubates of spleen slices. Release in response to nerve stimulation, and exposure to adrenaline or noradrenaline was compared with resting release. 3. A resting release of prostaglandins was found in the dog but not in the cat spleen. 4. Whereas stimulated dog spleens released microgram quantities of prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha, prostaglandin output from the cat spleen under similar conditions was undectectable or barely detectable. 5. The identity of the prostaglandins released from the dog spleen (prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha) was confirmed by mass spectrometry. 6. The species difference in prostaglandin output from the spleen is discussed in relation to the hypothesis that endogenous prostaglandins modify the responses of this organ to nervous stimuli.