United Kingdom Department Research Articles

The 1.6‐Å resolution crystal structure of NovW: A 4‐keto‐6‐deoxy sugar epimerase from the novobiocin biosynthetic gene cluster of Streptomyces spheroides

Piotr Jakimowicz Monica Tello, Caren L. Freel Meyers, Christopher T. Walsh, Mark J. Buttner Robert A. Field, and David M. Lawson* Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom Centre for Carbohydrate Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts

A framework for Heritage, Multiculturalism and Citizenship Education: Seminar Papers and Proceedings, April 15 -17, 2002, Johannesburg, South Africa; Coordinated by Amina Osman and Brenda Leibowitz, under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat, United Kingdom Department for Education and Employment and the Ministry of Education, South Africa. London: Commonwealth Secretariat, 2003.136 pp. ISBN: 0-85092-755-2

A framework for Heritage, Multiculturalism and Citizenship Education: Seminar Papers and Proceedings, April 15 -17, 2002, Johannesburg, South Africa; Coordinated by Amina Osman and Brenda Leibowitz, under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat, United Kingdom Department for Education and Employment and the Ministry of Education, South Africa. London: Commonwealth Secretariat, 2003.136 pp. ISBN: 0-85092-755-2 - Volume 100

Congenital Pouch Colon (CPC) Associated with Anorectal Agenesis: A Case Report and Review of Literature

With Anorectal Agenesis: A Case Report and Review of Literature N. J. ARESTIS, C. CLARKE, F. D. MUNRO, C. MICALLEF, AND M. J. O'SULLIVAN* Department of Surgery, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Department of Radiology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of British Columbia, Room L214, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3V4, Canada

Comment on “Molecular Origin of Anticooperativity in Hydrophobic Association”

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVCommentNEXTComment on “Molecular Origin of Anticooperativity in Hydrophobic Association”Seishi Shimizu, Maria Sabaye Moghaddam, and Hue Sun ChanView Author Information York Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5YW, United Kingdom Department of Biochemistry, and Department of Medical Genetics & Microbiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada Cite this: J. Phys. Chem. B 2005, 109, 44, 21220–21221Publication Date (Web):October 18, 2005Publication History Received21 April 2005Revised8 September 2005Published online18 October 2005Published inissue 1 November 2005https://doi.org/10.1021/jp052076tCopyright © 2005 American Chemical SocietyRIGHTS & PERMISSIONSArticle Views186Altmetric-Citations3LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InReddit PDF (30 KB) Get e-AlertsSUBJECTS:Cooperativity,Free energy,Hydrocarbons,Mathematical methods,Thermodynamics Get e-Alerts

Preventing platinum‐induced ototoxicity in children—is there a potential role for sodium thiosulfate?

Pediatric Blood & CancerVolume 47, Issue 2 p. 120-122 Commentary Preventing platinum-induced ototoxicity in children—is there a potential role for sodium thiosulfate?† Roderick Skinner MBChB, PhD, FRCPCH, Corresponding Author Roderick Skinner MBChB, PhD, FRCPCH [email protected] Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomDepartment of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, United Kingdom.===Search for more papers by this author Roderick Skinner MBChB, PhD, FRCPCH, Corresponding Author Roderick Skinner MBChB, PhD, FRCPCH [email protected] Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomDepartment of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, United Kingdom.===Search for more papers by this author First published: 03 October 2005 https://doi.org/10.1002/pbc.20627Citations: 8 † Roderick Skinner is a Consultant and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer in Paediatric Oncology. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Citing Literature Volume47, Issue2August 2006Pages 120-122 RelatedInformation

Breaking traditions: sexual health and ethnicity in nursing research: a literature review

The aim of this paper is to explore some reasons for the lack of focus on ethnicity and sexual health in nursing research, and suggest ways to advance the nursing evidence-base required for practice development. The United Kingdom National Strategy for Sexual Health and human immunodeficiency virus published in July 2001 highlighted the continued rise in sexual ill health amongst minority ethnic groups. In order to improve sexual health, research evidence is needed explain why particular ethnic groups appear to be at greater risk of sexual ill health. The Strategy identified nurses as key to bringing about improvements in sexual health. Nursing research includes many studies exploring links between ethnicity and health. However, with the exception of extensive work on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome as a specific disease, nursing research into ethnicity has not systematically included sexual health. Literature searches were conducted using the BIDS database, World Wide Web and United Kingdom Department of health website between June 2000 and August 2003. Papers written in English incorporating the keywords 'sexual health', 'sexually transmitted infection' and 'health and ethnicity' in the title or abstract were selected for review. Nursing research into the association between sexual health and ethnicity is rare. It has been hampered by a variety of political and social constraints concerning the nature of sexual health practice in nursing, researching sexual health, and researching ethnicity and health. The result is a dearth of research evidence to support the development of sexual health practice and the education of healthcare professionals to underpin care of minority ethnic clients. Barriers to researching ethnicity and sexual health by nurses must be addressed through nursing education and practice. Without this, a detailed evidence base will fail to materialize and healthcare practices to implement the priorities to improve sexual health in minority ethnic communities will remain undeveloped.

The expert patient: Valid recognition or false hope?

The United Kingdom Department of Health initiative on "The Expert Patient" (2001) reflects recent trends in political philosophy, ethics and health services research. The overall objective of the initiative is to encourage patients, particularly those suffering from chronic conditions to become more actively involved in decisions concerning their treatment. In doing so there would be (perhaps) an expectation of better patient compliance and (arguably) a resultant improvement in quality of life. Despite these anticipated beneficial influences on health outcomes, there may be a danger that such initiatives are being carried along by the general swell of enthusiasm for recognising and facilitating the claims of disadvantaged or discriminated against groups. What more attractive than that patients should be "liberated" from what might be seen as the oppression of medical paternalism? To a great extent the potential for success of the Expert Patient venture turns on:(a) whether and to what extent a patient can be considered truly to be an expert and (b) full acceptance by the medical and heath care professions of allowing patients a more equitable and positive role. Whilst clearly the patient is an expert in the hermeneutic sense - it is they and they alone who experience their illness - there is nevertheless a risk of confusing experience with expertise. Experience limited to an individual does not of itself give rise to the generalisations that underlie reliable clinical treatment. Neither do the vast majority of patients possess the physiological and pharmacological knowledge to fully appreciate the biological nature of their illness nor the basis, risks or limitations of therapeutic measures. Might the notion of "The Expert Patient" as informed co-decision maker become a well-meaning but rather vacuous aspiration similar to that of informed consent? Even worse, could patient "empowerment" have a deleterious effect? The paper reviews some of the major issues and concludes that the expert patient initiative could have benefits for both patients and health professionals if operated on the basis of concordance: an informed collaborative alliance that optimises the potential benefits of medical care.

The expert patient: Outline of UK government paper

This introduction outlines key elements in a recent United Kingdom Department of Health report that, it is hoped, will change attitudes, expectations and practices in the care of patients with chronic illness [Department of Health: 2001, The Expert Patient: A New Approach to Chronic Disease Management for the 21st Century. London: Department of Health.]. The findings of the Task Force are summarised as accurately as possible and without comment. Analysis and comment can be found in the accompanying papers.

National Biometry Audit II

To determine the change in compliance with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists biometry guidelines since the last National Audit 2 years ago and in particular to quantify the adoption of modern methods of axial length measurement and customization of A constants. A structured telephone questionnaire of individuals who perform biometry in all eye departments in the United Kingdom. A biometrist was interviewed in 94 of the 178 United Kingdom Ophthalmology departments. Compared with 2 years ago, nurses alone perform biometry more frequently (67 vs 51%) and junior doctors less frequently (9 vs 15%). More biometrists now attend external training courses (45 vs 37%). The Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommended intraocular lens calculation formulae (SRK-T, Hoffer Q, and Holladay) are used more commonly (30 and 15%) and audit of prediction error is being performed more frequently (78 vs 71%). The routine use of a partial coherence laser interferometry has increased from 35 to 61% in United Kingdom Ophthalmology departments. Currently, only one United Kingdom department is routinely using immersion ultrasound biometry. 'A' constants are customized in 47% of departments. Over the last 2 years, there has been improved implementation of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines on biometry. It is essential that the Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines are updated to include current best practice of routine use of partial coherence laser interferometry or immersion biometry and customization of A constants. A benchmark standard of 85-90% of patients achieving a final postoperative refraction within 1 dioptre of the predicted should be established.

A Deterministic Method for Deriving Site-Specific Human Health Assessment Criteria for Contaminants in Soil

A method for deriving Site-Specific Assessment Criteria (SSAC) for use when considering risk to human health from chronic exposure to heavy metals (except lead), metalloids, and organic substances in soil, with application to the United Kingdom (UK), is described. The SSAC represents the soil concentration above which an unacceptable risk to human health may be indicated. The method considers the UK standard land uses (residential with and without plant uptake, allotment gardens, and commercial/industrial) by applying the default exposure factors and algorithms provided. Non-standard land uses can be also considered. Site-specific determinations of contaminant bioaccessibility or of plant-to-soil concentration factors may be used if available. The method adopts the risk-based source-pathway-receptor pollutant linkage framework and a deterministic methodology. Exposure pathways considered are direct ingestion of soil and dust, consumption of home grown or allotment vegetables, ingestion of soil attached to such vegetables, inhalation of soil vapors outdoors and inhalation of soil vapors indoors. A test for the significance of the dermal pathway is also included. It is not intended that the method be used to generate or replace UK Soil Guideline Values, because this can only be done by the appropriate authoritative bodies within the UK (Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Environment Agency).

A 20-YEAR-OLD BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, United Kingdom (Schumacher) Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, United Kingdom (Huang) Correspondence to Dr. Schumacher, 4 Foster Road, Cambridge CB2 2JR, United Kingdom, [email protected] Correspondence and brief communications are welcomed and need not concern only what has been published this journal. We shall print items of interest to our readers, such as experimental, clinical, and philosophical observations; reports of work in progress; educational notes; and travel accounts relevant to plastic surgery. We reserve the right to edit communications to meet requirements of space and format. Any financial interest relevant to the content of the correspondence must be disclosed. Submission of a letter constitutes permission for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and its licensees and assignees to publish it in the journal and in any other form or medium. The views, opinions, and conclusions expressed in the Letters to the Editor represent the personal opinions of the individual writers and not those of the publisher, the Editorial Board, or the sponsors of the journal. Any stated views, opinions, and conclusions do not reflect the policy of any of the sponsoring organizations or of the institutions with which the writer is affiliated, and the publisher, the Editorial Board, and the sponsoring organizations assume no responsibility for the content of such letters.

Data monitoring in randomized controlled trials: surveys of recent practice and policies

Data Monitoring Committees (DMCs) are increasingly involved in the conduct of randomized controlled trials, but there is little documented evidence of what they do. Three interlinked surveys were carried out as part of the DAMOCLES project to explore recent and current DMC practice and policy. 1) A questionnaire about DMC practice was sent to sample of 45 authors of trials published in selected journals in 2000. The sample was stratified by centre (single/multiple), disease area, and presence of DMC. 2) A sample of investigators in trials ongoing in the United Kingdom in 2001-02 was also sent a questionnaire about DMC practice. The sample was drawn from trials funded by the Medical Research Council, the United Kingdom Department of Health's Health Technology Assessment Programme, and a local and a multicentre research ethics committee. The sample was additionally stratified by funder (public/industry), centre (single/ multiple), and disease area. 3) A sample of major organisations involved in randomised controlled trials was sent a questionnaire about DMC policies. Information about DMC practice from the first survey was obtained from 31 trials (69%), of which four had a DMC. Information about DMC practice from the second survey was obtained about 36 trials (90%), of which 20 had a DMC. Information about DMC policy from the third survey was obtained from 25 out of 25 organisations. There was general agreement about the sorts of trials particularly needing independent DMCs, but there were few uniform approaches to their modes of functioning, and few of the organisations surveyed had developed formal policies. The roles of existing DMCs and policies governing DMC functioning vary widely across trials and organisations that sponsor or oversee trials, both within the UK and internationally. These findings reinforce previous calls for development of such policies across a wider range of organisations, better means to monitor their implementation within trials, and wider use of structured "charters", which set out DMC modus operandi in advance. Clinical Trials 2005; 2: 22-33. www.SCTjournal.com

Optical and Terahertz Characterization of Be-Doped GaAs/AlAs Multiple Quantum Wells

B. Cechavicius, J. Kavaliauskasa,∗, G. Krivaitė, D. Seliuta, E. Sirmulis, J. Devenson, G. Valusis, B. Sherliker, M.P. Halsall, M.J. Steer and P. Harrison Semiconductor Physics Institute, A. Gostauto 11, 01108, Vilnius, Lithuania Department of Physics, UMIST, Manchester M60 1QD, United Kingdom Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom IMP, School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom

Experimental Study of Optical Transitions in Be-Doped GaAs/AlAs Multiple Quantum Wells

Experimental Study of Optical Transitions in Be-Doped GaAs/AlAs Multiple Quantum Wells J. Kundrotasa,e,∗, A. Cerskus, S. Asmontas, G. Valusis, B. Sherliker, M.-P. Halsall, P. Harrison and M.-J. Steer Semiconductor Physics Institute, A. Gostauto 11, 01108 Vilnius, Lithuania Department of Physics, UMIST, University of Manchester Manchester M60 1QD, United Kingdom IMP, School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield Sheffield S1 3JJD, United Kingdom Vilnius Gediminas Technical University Saulėtekio al. 11, 10223 Vilnius, Lithuania

The Determinants of Private Medical Insurance Prevalence in England, 1997–2000

The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that determine the prevalence of private medical insurance (PMI) in England. Secondary data sources are the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) 1997-2000, Laing's Healthcare Market Review 1999-2000, the United Kingdom (U.K.) Department of Health's National Health Service Waiting Times Team, and the Work Force Statistics Branch of the Department of Health. Logistic regression models for panel data were used to compare non-PMI subscribers with individual subscribers and those with employer-provided PMI. The BHPS data are collected by the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex. Other data used were collected by Laing and Buisson and the U.K. Department of Health. Individual PMI is more prevalent among the well-educated and healthy. Income, age, sex, and political preference are key determinants of PMI prevalence for both individual and employer paid PMI. Individuals are also likely to reflect on information with regard to waiting times in deciding whether or not to purchase PMI cover. The withdrawal of the tax subsidy in 1997 to PMI subscribers over 60 years of age did not impact on their rate of withdrawal from PMI coverage relative to the rate among all PMI subscribers, but may have discouraged potential new subscribers. Current trends in the PMI market suggest that, over time, individually purchased PMI is likely to be partially displaced by PMI purchased as part of a company-based plan. However, having PMI is linked to economic factors in both groups, suggesting a similar segment of the population valuing the responsiveness that PMI provides. Geographic factors relating to waiting times and supply-side factors are associated with both individual and company-based PMI. The withdrawal of the tax subsidy to individual subscribers older than age of 60 resulted in a significant decline in the demand for PMI. In particular, the number of new subscribers in this group declined substantially.

Use of web-enabled databases for complex animal health investigations

Web-enabled databases developed in the late 1990s to help organise large web sites and allow data capture via browser-based forms. By enabling users outside a closed network access to a central database, they permit greater flexibility than traditional 'client-server' systems. Accordingly, web-enabled databases introduce a new tool for epidemiologists, permitting direct data capture at source and thus avoiding many of the delays and errors arising from paper forms and manual data entry. In addition, real-time data collection permits sophisticated decision support and reporting, and thus improved project co-ordination and participation. Nevertheless, the technology is complex and the development of a web-application requires an attention to information technology project management equal to that of the scientific trial or investigation. The potential and problems of web database applications are illustrated by a bespoke system ('PathMan') developed by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency of the United Kingdom Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to manage a large multi-site study investigating the pathogenesis of bovine tuberculosis in England and Wales.

Implementation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines in elderly care departments across: a survey of 13 hospitals shows wide variability in practice

The United Kingdom Department of Health advises hospitals that they should implement a policy relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that takes account of published guidelines relating to decision making for resuscitation. We wished to see if these guidelines were leading to implementation of a similar policy in different Elderly Care (EC) departments. The acute and rehabilitation wards in 13 hospitals from the South Thames West region. On one day the notes of all in-patients, over 55 years, under the care of an EC physician were reviewed. A CPR decision had been made in 465 (47%) of the 990 in-patients, 379 Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) orders were made. The percentage of patients in whom a CPR decision had been made varied from 15 to 97% between departments. Implementation of the guidelines for decision making for resuscitation varies greatly across this region of the United Kingdom.

P0239* IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY OF INFORMATION TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AT THE LIVER UNIT

Introduction: A number of United Kingdom Department of Health initiatives have been published which support accessibility of information for children and families. 1,2,3 In order to empower them to make informed decisions regarding their child’s or their own care.4 We evaluated the accessibility of information for children and families in a specialist Liver Unit. Methods: A multidisciplinary interest group was formed which evaluated all information available to children and families within the Liver unit. A small audit of families and children was conducted as to how they gather information. An audit of the new systems is planned for January to March 2004. Results: A poster was designed with user participation to help children and families know where to access information. All information boards and welcome packs were updated. Initial feedback from families suggests that the information has improved their experience Conclusion: Early results show that systematic review and user participation can improve accessibility of information to families and children. We await the results of a further audit

Routes of sensitization in peanut allergy

Rationale The mechanism by which sensitization occurs in peanut allergy remains unclear. The United Kingdom Department of Health (DoH) recommendation of peanut avoidance by mothers during pregnancy and lactation is based on the hypothesis that peanut sensitization occurs as a consequence of exposure in utero or via breast milk. Methods A questionnaire based retrospective case controlled study comparing detailed maternal peanut consumption during pregnancy and lactation, between children who have peanut allergy and children who don't. Awareness of and compliance, where appropriate, with maternal peanut avoidance advice during pregnancy and lactation is also assessed. Results Average weekly maternal peanut consumption during pregnancy in the peanut allergic group (n=43) was 41.67g as compared to 32.90g in the normal controls (n=31). Average consumption during lactation in the peanut allergic group (n=37) was 23.40g as compared to 26.44g in the normal controls (n=28). These differences were not statistically significant (p=0.48, p=0.86). Mothers of children with peanut allergy were no less likely to have adhered to Department of Health guidelines, where relevant, compared to mothers from the control group regarding consumption during pregnancy and lactation. Conclusions The lack of statistically significant differences in both maternal peanut consumption and compliance with allergen avoidance guidance, does not support in utero or breast milk exposure as being the main routes of peanut sensitization. Further work is required to explore the role of other routes of exposure to peanut as a possible cause of sensitization in peanut allergy.

Reply to “Crista aortae ascendentis, ascending aortic fold or Rindfleisch's fold—an enigma”

Clinical AnatomyVolume 17, Issue 2 p. 161-162 Letter to the Editor Reply to “Crista aortae ascendentis, ascending aortic fold or Rindfleisch's fold—an enigma” J.J. Morrison, J.J. Morrison Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Little France Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomSearch for more papers by this authorM. Codispoti, M. Codispoti Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Little France Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomSearch for more papers by this authorC. Campanella, Corresponding Author C. Campanella Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Little France Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomDepartment of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh, Scotland, UKSearch for more papers by this author J.J. Morrison, J.J. Morrison Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Little France Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomSearch for more papers by this authorM. Codispoti, M. Codispoti Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Little France Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomSearch for more papers by this authorC. Campanella, Corresponding Author C. Campanella Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Little France Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomDepartment of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh, Scotland, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 13 February 2004 https://doi.org/10.1002/ca.10222AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume17, Issue22004Pages 161-162 RelatedInformation