Night-Time Ionospheric Localized Enhancements (NILE) Observed in North America Following Geomagnetic Disturbances.

The Ionospheric Data Assimilation Four-Dimensional (IDA4D) technique has been coupled to Sami3, which is another model of the ionosphere (SAMI3). In this application, ground-based and space-based GPS total electron content (TEC) data have been assimilated into SAMI3, while in-situ electron densities, autoscaled ionosonde NmF2, and reference GPS stations have been used for validation. IDA4D/SAMI3 shows that night-time ionospheric localized enhancements (NILE) are formed following geomagnetic storms in November 2003 and August 2018. The NILE phenomenon appears as a moderate, longitudinally extended enhancement of NmF2 at 30°-40°N MLAT, occurring in the late evening (20-24 LT) following much larger enhancements of the equatorial anomaly crests in the main phase of the storms. The NILE appears to be caused by upward and northward plasma transport around the dusk terminator, which is consistent with eastward polarization electric fields. Independent validation confirms the presence of the NILE, and indicates that IDA4D is effective in correcting random errors and systematic biases in SAMI3. In all cases, biases and root-mean-square errors are reduced by the data assimilation, typically by a factor of 2 or more. During the most severe part of the November 2003 storm, the uncorrected ionospheric error on a GPS 3D position at 1LSU (Louisiana) is estimated to exceed 34 m. The IDA4D/SAMI3 specification is effective in correcting this down to 10 m.

Attenuated tubal and endometrial urocortin 1 and corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor expression in ectopic pregnancy.

Fallopian tube (FT) and endometrial urocortin 1 (Ucn1) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-receptor (CRH-R1/CRH-R2) expression were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry in nonpregnant and pregnant women (intrauterine, IUP; ectopic pregnancy, EP). Tubal Ucn1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was higher in luteal compared to follicular phase (P < .01) and equivalent to follicular phase in FT from EP. Tubal CRH-R1/CRH-R2 mRNA was lower in luteal phase (P < .05) and in FT from EP compared to follicular phase (P < .01). Ucn1 mRNA was lower in endometrium from EP compared to IUP (P < .05). Corticotropin-releasing hormone-R1 mRNA was higher in endometrium from EP compared to viable IUP (P < .05). No differences were observed in CRH-R2 expression. Corticotropin-releasing hormone-R1 protein was primarily localized to epithelium of FT and endometrium. Quantitative analysis of tubal CRH-R1 protein expression reflected that seen at the mRNA level but endometrial expression was equivocal. The demonstration of attenuated tubal/endometrial Ucn1/CRH-R expression in EP further supports a role of the CRH-family in embryo implantation.

Expression of the repulsive SLIT/ROBO pathway in the human endometrium and Fallopian tube.

We investigated whether the repulsive SLIT/ROBO pathway is expressed in the endometrium and is negatively regulated during implantation. We also examined whether deficient expression in the Fallopian tube (FT) may predispose to ectopic pregnancy (EP). Endometrium (n = 21) and FT (n = 17) were collected across the menstrual cycle from fertile women with regular cycles. Decidualized endometrium (n = 6) was obtained from women undergoing termination, and FT (n = 6) was obtained from women with EP. SLIT/ROBO expression was quantified by reverse transcription-PCR and protein localized by immunohistochemistry. The regulation of SLIT/ROBO expression in vitro, by sex steroids and hCG, was assessed in endometrial (hTERT-EEpC) epithelial cells, and the effects of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and smoking were studied in oviductal (OE-E6/E7) epithelial cells. Endometrial SLIT3 was highest in the mid-secretory phase (P = 0.0003) and SLIT1,2 and ROBO1 showed a similar trend. ROBO2 was highest in proliferative phase (P = 0.027) and ROBO3,4 showed a similar trend. SLIT2,3 and ROBO1, 4 were lower in decidua compared with mid-secretory endometrium (P < 0.05). SLITs and ROBOs, excepting ROBO2, were expressed in FT but there were no differences across the cycle or in EP. SLIT/ROBO proteins were localized to endometrial and FT epithelium. Treatment of hTERT-EEpC with a combination of estradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate inhibited ROBO1 expression (P < 0.01) but hCG had no effect. Acute treatment of OE-E6/E7 with smoking metabolite, cotinine, and C. trachomatis had no effect. These findings imply a regulated role for the endometrial SLIT/ROBO interaction during normal development and pregnancy but that it may not be important in the aetiology of EP.

Changes in surgical consent practices for common otolaryngology procedures: impact of Modernising Medical Careers.

OBJECTIVES: To assess elective surgery consent practices amongst senior house officers from a selection of UK ENT departments, and to compare results with similar surveys in 2002 and 2005. METHODS: A telephone survey of senior house officers in 40 UK ENT departments was conducted to assess departmental consent policies and knowledge of complications of common ENT operations. RESULTS: A total of 77.5 per cent of responding senior house officers were responsible for consenting, reduced from 92.5 per cent in 2002 (p = 0.06). There had been a significant improvement in the use of patient information sheets, from 25 per cent of departments in 2002 to 65 per cent in 2008 (p = 0.0002). There had been no improvement in training or in the use of standard National Health Service consent forms, and the senior house officers' knowledge of specific complications remained poor. Of the senior house officers surveyed, 37.5 per cent were foundation trainees. CONCLUSIONS: There has been some improvement in information delivery to patients during the consent process, in accordance with General Medical Council, Department of Health and Modernising Medical Careers guidelines. However, most senior house officers are still required to obtain patient consent without appropriate training.

A randomised controlled trial comparing Rapid Rhino Mannheim and Netcell series 5000 packs following routine nasal surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is a difference in discomfort between Netcell Series 5000 and Rapid Rhino Mannheim 8.0 cm (Cat. No. 800) packs used after routine nasal surgery, whilst in situ and during removal. This was tested in a single blind, randomised controlled trial at the ENT Department, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 16-65 undergoing nasal septal surgery and trimming of inferior turbinates. Patients were excluded if they were undergoing revision surgery, taking anticoagulants, or had a history of sino-nasal disease or trauma. Thirty nine entered and 32 completed the study. The intervention was a different nasal pack in each side of the nose, removed the morning after surgery. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Pain experienced by patients while packs are in situ and on removal as recorded on a standard unmarked 100 mm visual analogue scale. RESULTS: There was no difference in the pain scores whilst in situ. Rapid Rhino Mannheim was more painful on removal (difference = 10.6 mm, p < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed ranks test). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid Rhino Mannheim packs do not confer a benefit over Netcell Series 5000 packs after routine nasal surgery.

Changing practices in the consent process for nose and throat procedures: a three-year study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess elective surgery consent practices amongst senior house officers from a selection of UK ENT departments, and to compare results with those obtained in a similar survey in 2002. METHODS: A telephone survey of senior house officers in 40 UK ENT departments was carried out to assess departmental consent policies and knowledge of complications of common ENT operations. RESULTS: Over 80 per cent of the senior house officers surveyed remained responsible for obtaining consent for routine surgery. Since 2002, there had been a significant increase in the proportion of departments which: used the Department of Health model consent form; provided patient information leaflets; and had an established informed consent protocol. Senior house officers' knowledge of specific complications remained poor. CONCLUSION: There has been a small change in the practice of obtaining informed consent, in accordance with General Medical Council guidelines. Many senior house officers continue to perform this duty, however, and the majority are poorly trained.

Radiological anatomy of the anterior ethmoidal artery for functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

AIM: This study investigated the extent to which the anterior ethmoidal artery and anterior ethmoidal foramen could be reliably identified on routine coronal sinus computed tomography scans. Where they could be identified, the relationship of these structures with the vertical height of the skull base, and their distance from an anterior landmark, were measured. METHODS: Fifty consecutive coronal sinus computed tomography scans were viewed independently by two observers. Scans were reviewed when the observers' opinions differed. RESULTS: Inter-observer concordance was high. The anterior ethmoidal foramen was visualised in 95 per cent of cases bilaterally and in the remaining 5 per cent unilaterally. The anterior ethmoidal artery was visualised in 33 per cent of scans. The anterior ethmoidal foramen was at skull base level in 72 per cent of sides studied, and below it in the remainder. The distance from the lacrimal crest to the anterior ethmoidal foramen was 22.4 mm (mean; standard deviation 3.7). CONCLUSION: The anterior ethmoidal foramen is a reliable landmark on coronal computed tomography scans of the paranasal sinuses. From this, the position of the anterior ethmoidal artery can be inferred.

Development of immunoassays for tyramine and tryptamine toxins of Phalaris aquatica L.

The leaves of the perennial pasture grass Phalaris aquatica L. (phalaris) contain two groups of known toxins, indole alkaloids, primarily dimethyltryptamines and N-methyltyramines, which cause illnesses in grazing animals, especially sheep. Using amino-reactive and phenolic hydroxyl-reactive homobifunctional reagents, simple methods were devised for coupling toxins representative of those in phalaris to carrier proteins and enzymes for ELISA development. ELISAs were produced for both groups of toxins. Dimethyltryptamines were most sensitively detected [lower limit of detection (LLD) of 1 microg/L for bufotenine] using rabbit anti-bufotenine antibodies, coupled to ovalbumin using divinyl sulfone, with detection using a peroxidase conjugate prepared using the same hapten coupled with 1, 4-butanediol diglycidyl ether. The assay cross-reacted with other toxins of the same class (N,N-dimethyltryptamine and N, N-dimethyl-5-methoxytryptamine) but not with the structurally related amino acids histidine and tryptophan. The most sensitive N-methyltyramine assay (LLD of 1 microg/mL for N-methyltyramine) utilized antisera to tyramine with N-methyltyramine coupled to peroxidase. Significant cross-reaction was seen with the low-grade toxin hordenine, but detection of tyramine was poorer, whereas the amino acid tyrosine was not detected. These assays could be applied to the analysis of simple extracts of Phalaris leaves with minimal interference. A good correspondence was observed between toxin levels by ELISA and estimates from a more tedious thin-layer chromatography method. The method has now been incorporated in a Phalaris breeding program.

A study of the relationship among body position, bladder function and urine variables in spinal cord injured subjects.

Clinical observations of nurses working with spinal cord patients describe positional changes affecting diuresis. Research has not documented this phenomenon in detail. Knowledge of the timing of diuresis may allow more control over bladder management. The purpose of this descriptive pilot study was to determine the relationship among body position, timing of diuresis, urine volume, and fluid intake in spinal cord injured subjects. A convenience sample of six subjects with varying levels of spinal cord injury were studied. For five consecutive days, positional changes were determined during bed, wheelchair, and tilt activities. Fluid intake and urine volume, specific gravity, and colony count were measured. Data analysis using correlation and regression statistics revealed head and foot elevation and fluid intake may account for some variance but do not predict total variance in urine output. Future research to validate findings in a controlled setting may provide a scientific basis for bladder management.

Avian pox in blue-fronted Amazon parrots.

During a 1-month period at a quarantine station, an epornitic of avian pox occurred in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva). Clinical signs included conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and varying degrees of anorexia and respiratory distress. Lesions included periocular ulcerations and scabs and necrotic plaques in the oral cavity. Histologically, the lesions consisted of epithelial hyperplasia, secondary inflammatory changes, and eosinophilic inclusions which, by electron microscopy, were shown to contain poxvirus. When chicken embryos were inoculated with material from eyelid scabs and pharyngeal plaques, lesions of avian pox developed on the chorioallantoic membrane. The death rate of infected birds was high because of secondary bacterial and fungal infections, but uncomplicated cases were usually self-limiting. Periocular lesions also developed in 2 other species of psittacine birds housed in the same facility.

Physiologic and hematologic values in Nelson desert bighorn sheep.

Physiologic and hematologic values were established for two groups of free ranging Nelson desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni). Eleven sheep (Group I) were captured with a drop net, 16 sheep (Group II) were immobilized with Etorphine introduced in projectile syringes. The mean glucose level, respiration rate and leucocyte count values for Group I sheep were more than twice those observed in Group II sheep. There were no differences between the groups in the other values. Data obtained were compared to values previously established for free ranging and captive Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (O. c. canadensis), California bighorn sheep (O. c. californiana) and domestic sheep (O. aries).

Trixacarus caviae infestation in two guinea pigs.

Sarcoptid mites identified as Trixacarus caviae (Acarina: Sarcoptidae) were found in skin scrapings taken from two pet guinea pigs with generalized skin lesions. Clinical signs included intense pruritus, widespread alopecia and hyperkeratosis. The lesions regressed following treatment with lime sulfur.