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Gissis I, Behar E, Fisher A, Aricha S, Yeger E, Avni U, Schnitzer I. GLIDER-A pulsed-current generator for laboratory astrophysics x-ray absorption experiments. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2020; 91:024701. [PMID: 32113414 DOI: 10.1063/1.5133056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the field of pulse-power, there has always been an interest on small and medium size pulsed-current generators (≤2 MA) which are affordable and of low maintenance. We developed the GLIDER, a compact and modular generator, that drives a gas-puff z-pinch load as a soft x-ray source (0.1-1 keV) for laboratory astrophysics absorption experiments. It comprises 48 bricks, tightly packed in a 1.7 m × 3.5 m × 0.8 m transformer oil container. Its compactness and reliability was enabled owing to unique multilayered oil-soaked insulators, and more than 100 post-hole convolutes. Its stripline includes interchangeable tiles for ease of construction and maintenance. Six triggering units enable current pulse shaping. The GLIDER was tested up to ±60 kV (34 kJ) and produced 2 MA in 450 ns rise time on a 5 nH load. We present grating spectra of K-shell absorption of neutral O and N proving the experimental concept and demonstrating column density and ionization measurements.
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Day K, Campbell H, Fisher A, Gibb K, Hill B, Rose A, Jarman SN. Development and validation of an environmental DNA test for the endangered Gouldian finch. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Daneman N, Chateau D, Dahl M, Zhang J, Fisher A, Sketris IS, Quail J, Marra F, Ernst P, Bugden S. Fluoroquinolone use for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: a retrospective cohort study. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 26:613-618. [PMID: 31655215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The United States Food & Drug Administration released an advisory in 2016 that fluoroquinolones be relegated to second-line agents for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) given reports of rare but serious side effects; similar warnings have followed from Health Canada and the European Medicines Agency. The objective was to determine whether alternative non-fluoroquinolone agents are as effective as fluoroquinolones in the treatment of UTIs. METHODS We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using administrative health data from six Canadian provinces. We identified women (n = 1 585 997) receiving antibiotic treatment for episodes of uncomplicated UTIs (n = 2 857 243) between January 1 2005 and December 31 2015. Clinical outcomes within 30 days from the initial antibiotic dispensation were compared among patients treated with a fluoroquinolone versus non-fluoroquinolone agents. High-dimensional propensity score adjustments were used to ensure comparable treatment groups and to minimize residual confounding. RESULTS Fluoroquinolone use for UTI declined over the study period in five of six Canadian provinces and accounted for 22.3-48.5% of treatments overall. The pooled effect across the provinces indicated that fluoroquinolones were associated with fewer return outpatient visits (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.87-0.92), emergency department visits (OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.61-0.89), hospitalizations (OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.77-0.88), and repeat antibiotic dispensations (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.75-0.80) within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS Fluoroquinolones are associated with improved clinical outcomes among women with uncomplicated UTIs. This benefit must be weighed against the risk of fluoroquinolone resistance and rare but serious fluoroquinolone side effects when selecting first-line treatment for these patients.
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Kunadian V, Wilson N, Stocken D, Ali H, McColl E, Burns G, Howe N, Fisher A, De Soyza A. P666Anti-platelet therapy in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: randomised controlled proof of concept trial (APPLE COPD-ICON 2). Eur Heart J 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz747.0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The APPLE COPD-ICON2 trial is a prospective 2x2 factorial, double blinded proof of concept randomised controlled trial targeting patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The primary goal was to investigate if antiplatelet therapy (APT) will produce the predefined cut-off of platelet inhibition measured using the Multiplate test. We also assessed inflammatory biomarkers in serum.
Patients were randomised to Aspirin plus placebo, ticagrelor plus placebo, Aspirin plus ticagrelor or placebo only for 6 months. The primary outcome is inhibition of arachidonic acid (ASPI-test, cut-off <40) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP-test, cut-off <46) induced platelet aggregation at 6 months based on intention to treat (ITT) and sensitivity per protocol (PP) analyses. Safety outcomes included rates of major/minor bleeding.
Of 543 patients screened, 120 were recruited (mean age of 67.5 years). The ITT response rate to Aspirin was 48.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35.8–61.0%) according to ASPI-test and the response rate to ticagrelor was 41.4% (95% CI 29.3–54.6%) according to ADP-test. The PP ASPI-test response rate to Aspirin was 68.3% (95% CI 52.3–80.9%) and the PP ADP-test response rate to ticagrelor was 68.8% (95% CI 50.4–82.6%). There were no differences between the groups in the changes in Quality of Life using questionnaires (EQ5D 5L, St. George's COPD-C), inflammatory markers, carotid intima media thickness and vascular stiffness from baseline to 6-months. There were 5 type 1 bleeds according to the BARC criteria recorded in this study; 2 in the placebo arm, 2 in the Aspirin arm, and 1 in the ticagrelor arm. The MRC Dyspnoea score, FEV1 and FVC was similar across the groups.
Primary outcome measures Aspirin No Aspirin Ticagrelor No Ticagrelor ITT analysis set* n 60 60 58 62 Baseline No. of responders 1 6 4 1 % (95% CI) 1.7 (0.2, 11.3) 10 (4.5, 20.8) 6.9 (2.6, 17.3) 1.6 (0.2, 10.9) 6 months No. of responders 29 7 24 2 % (95% CI) 48.3 (35.8, 61) 11.7 (5.6, 22.8) 41.4 (29.3, 54.6) 3.2 (0.8, 12.3) PP analysis set** n 41 45 32 54 6 months No. of responders 28 7 22 2 % (95% CI) 68.3 (52.3, 80.9) 15.6 (7.5, 29.6) 68.8 (50.4, 82.6) 3.7 (0.9, 14.0) *Descriptive statistics for the primary outcome of response for the comparative groups at baseline and 6 months for the ITT analysis set and **PP analysis set. Note that response is ASPI response in the Aspirin and No Aspirin columns and ADP response in the ticagrelor and No ticagrelor columns.
Primary outcome measure
Nearly one third of COPD patients did not have a platelet response to antiplatelet therapy with Aspirin and ticagrelor. These findings support the high pro-thrombotic milieu and the need for further research in COPD patients.
Acknowledgement/Funding
Astra Zeneca (Funder reference number ISSBRIL0303)
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Southwell DM, Einoder LD, Lahoz-Monfort JJ, Fisher A, Gillespie GR, Wintle BA. Spatially explicit power analysis for detecting occupancy trends for multiple species. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01950. [PMID: 31187919 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the statistical power to detect changes in wildlife populations is a crucial yet often overlooked step when designing and evaluating monitoring programs. Here, we developed a simulation framework to perform spatially explicit statistical power analysis of biological monitoring programs for detecting temporal trends in occupancy for multiple species. Using raster layers representing the spatial variation in current occupancy and species-level detectability for one or multiple observation methods, our framework simulates changes in occupancy over space and time, with the capacity to explicitly model stochastic disturbances at monitoring sites (i.e., dynamic landscapes). Once users specify the number and location of sites, the frequency and duration of surveys, and the type of detection method(s) for each species, our framework estimates power to detect occupancy trends, both across the landscape and/or within nested management units. As a case study, we evaluated the power of a long-term monitoring program to detect trends in occupancy for 136 species (83 birds, 33 reptiles, and 20 mammals) across and within Kakadu, Litchfield, and Nitmiluk National Parks in northern Australia. We assumed continuation of an original monitoring design implemented since 1996, with the addition of camera trapping. As expected, power to detect trends was sensitive to the direction and magnitude of the change in occupancy, detectability, initial occupancy levels, and the rarity of species. Our simulations suggest that monitoring has at least an 80% chance at detecting a 50% decline in occupancy for 22% of the modeled species across the three parks over the next 15 yr. Monitoring is more likely to detect increasing occupancy trends, with at least an 80% chance at detecting a 50% increase in 87% of species. The addition of camera-trapping increased average power to detect a 50% decline in mammals compared with using only live trapping by 63%. We provide a flexible tool that can help decision-makers design and evaluate monitoring programs for hundreds of species at a time in a range of ecological settings, while explicitly considering the distribution of species and alternative sampling methods.
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Hernandez-Montfort J, Ton VK, Xie R, Fisher A, Meyns B, Nakatani T, Netuka I, Pettit S, Shaw S, Yanase M, Kirklin J, Rowe A, Goldstein D, Cowger J. Longitudinal Impact of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support on Durable Left Ventricular Assist Device Outcomes: An IMACS Registry Analysis. J Heart Lung Transplant 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2019.01.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Van Raemdonck D, Keshavjee S, Levvey B, Cherikh W, Snell G, Erasmus M, Simon A, Glanville A, Clark S, D'Ovidio F, Catarino P, McCurry K, Hertz M, Venkateswaran R, Hopkins P, Inci I, Walia R, Kreisel D, Mascaro J, Dilling D, Camp P, Mason D, Musk M, Burch M, Fisher A, Yusen R, Stehlik J, Cypel M. 5-Year Results from the ISHLT DCD Lung Transplant Registry Confirm Excellent Recipient Survival from Donation after Circulatory Death Donors. J Heart Lung Transplant 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2019.01.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Pugh G, Hough R, Gravestock H, Davies C, Horder R, Fisher A. The development and user evaluation of health behaviour change resources for teenage and young adult Cancer survivors. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2019; 5:9. [PMID: 30815279 PMCID: PMC6377718 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-019-0142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PLAIN ENGLISH SUMMARY This paper describes the methods that were used to develop a health behaviour intervention specifically for teenage and young adult cancer survivors (TYACS). The program of work, carried out in partnership with CLIC Sargent (a UK based cancer charity for children and young people) was guided by The Behaviour Change Intervention Design Process. A systematic review of existing intervention studies was carried out and TYACS were surveyed on their interest in receiving health behaviour information and their preference regarding the format, delivery and timing of such information. Health professionals were also surveyed to gather their views on how health behaviour information would be best delivered to young people with cancer. The results of these studies informed the development of a collection of health behaviour change intervention resources containing comprehensive lifestyle information and behaviour change support tools. TYACS and TYA health professionals were invited to review and provide feedback on the relevance, appeal and usability of the resources. It is hoped that by involving TYACS and TYA representatives at every stage of intervention development the problem of low uptake and adherence commonly encountered during intervention piloting will be prevented. ABSTRACT Background Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Survivors (TYACS) are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the impact of cancer and its treatments upon their long-term health. However, at present there are no interventions available in the UK to support TYACS to lead a healthy lifestyle. To inform the development of a lifestyle intervention for TYACS a partnership was set up between academic behavioural scientists and CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity which supports children and young people. Methods A series of studies to understand patient and professionals needs and perspectives regarding health behaviour change were carried out. TYACS were surveyed to gather data on their current health behaviour status; interest in, and experience of receiving, lifestyle advice; and preference regarding the type, format, and delivery of a lifestyle intervention. Health care professionals were surveyed simultaneously to gather their views on how best to promote health behaviour change to TYACS. In this paper we summarise key findings from the development work, the resulting lifestyle intervention, and new data from a preliminary evaluation study exploring TYACS and TYA health professionals' views on the relevance, appeal and usability of the intervention resources. Results A collection of health behaviour change intervention resources containing lifestyle information and behaviour change support tools were developed. These intervention resources were well received by TYACS and health professionals with the majority rating the information as high quality, helpful and relevant. Over 80% of TYACS reported they would find the support tools 'very appealing' or 'quite appealing'. TYACS and health professionals provided feedback on how the resources could be improved including commenting that more personalized or tailored health behaviour information would be beneficial. Discussion and conclusion It is hoped that by involving TYACS and TYA representatives at every stage of intervention development,and carrying out a preliminary evaluation of the intervention resources, the problem of low uptake and adherence commonly encountered during formal intervention piloting and evaluation will be prevented.
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Carroll C, Encarnacion A, Khan M, Fisher A, Rodriguez K. ELUCIDATING THE ROLE OF SMALL HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 25 IN PROTEIN AGGREGATION. Innov Aging 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Fisher A, Cloutier D. ALL THE SINGLE LADIES’: PERSPECTIVES ON IDENTITY AND WELL-BEING ACROSS THE LIFESPAN. Innov Aging 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Einoder LD, Southwell DM, Lahoz-Monfort JJ, Gillespie GR, Fisher A, Wintle BA. Correction: Occupancy and detectability modelling of vertebrates in northern Australia using multiple sampling methods. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206373. [PMID: 30335847 PMCID: PMC6193721 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Einoder LD, Southwell DM, Lahoz-Monfort JJ, Gillespie GR, Fisher A, Wintle BA. Occupancy and detectability modelling of vertebrates in northern Australia using multiple sampling methods. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203304. [PMID: 30248104 PMCID: PMC6152866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding where species occur and how difficult they are to detect during surveys is crucial for designing and evaluating monitoring programs, and has broader applications for conservation planning and management. In this study, we modelled occupancy and the effectiveness of six sampling methods at detecting vertebrates across the Top End of northern Australia. We fitted occupancy-detection models to 136 species (83 birds, 33 reptiles, 20 mammals) of 242 recorded during surveys of 333 sites in eight conservation reserves between 2011 and 2016. For modelled species, mean occupancy was highly variable: birds and reptiles ranged from 0.01–0.81 and 0.01–0.49, respectively, whereas mammal occupancy was lower, ranging from 0.02–0.30. Of the 11 environmental covariates considered as potential predictors of occupancy, topographic ruggedness, elevation, maximum temperature, and fire frequency were retained more readily in the top models. Using these models, we predicted species occupancy across the Top End of northern Australia (293,017 km2) and generated species richness maps for each species group. For mammals and reptiles, high richness was associated with rugged terrain, while bird richness was highest in coastal lowland woodlands. On average, detectability of diurnal birds was higher per day of surveys (0.33 ± 0.09) compared with nocturnal birds per night of spotlighting (0.13 ± 0.06). Detectability of reptiles was similar per day/night of pit trapping (0.30 ± 0.09) as per night of spotlighting (0.29 ± 0.11). On average, mammals were highly detectable using motion-sensor cameras for a week (0.36 ± 0.06), with exception of smaller-bodied species. One night of Elliott trapping (0.20 ± 0.06) and spotlighting (0.19 ± 0.06) was more effective at detecting mammals than cage (0.08 ± 0.03) and pit trapping (0.05 ± 0.04). Our estimates of species occupancy and detectability will help inform decisions about how best to redesign a long-running vertebrate monitoring program in the Top End of northern Australia.
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Greenville AC, Burns E, Dickman CR, Keith DA, Lindenmayer DB, Morgan JW, Heinze D, Mansergh I, Gillespie GR, Einoder L, Fisher A, Russell-Smith J, Metcalfe DJ, Green PT, Hoffmann AA, Wardle GM. Biodiversity responds to increasing climatic extremes in a biome-specific manner. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 634:382-393. [PMID: 29627562 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An unprecedented rate of global environmental change is predicted for the next century. The response to this change by ecosystems around the world is highly uncertain. To address this uncertainty, it is critical to understand the potential drivers and mechanisms of change in order to develop more reliable predictions. Australia's Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN) has brought together some of the longest running (10-60years) continuous environmental monitoring programs in the southern hemisphere. Here, we compare climatic variables recorded at five LTERN plot network sites during their period of operation and place them into the context of long-term climatic trends. Then, using our unique Australian long-term datasets (total 117 survey years across four biomes), we synthesize results from a series of case studies to test two hypotheses: 1) extreme weather events for each plot network have increased over the last decade, and; 2) trends in biodiversity will be associated with recent climate change, either directly or indirectly through climate-mediated disturbance (wildfire) responses. We examined the biodiversity responses to environmental change for evidence of non-linear behavior. In line with hypothesis 1), an increase in extreme climate events occurred within the last decade for each plot network. For hypothesis 2), climate, wildfire, or both were correlated with biodiversity responses at each plot network, but there was no evidence of non-linear change. However, the influence of climate or fire was context-specific. Biodiversity responded to recent climate change either directly or indirectly as a consequence of changes in fire regimes or climate-mediated fire responses. A national long-term monitoring framework allowed us to find contrasting species abundance or community responses to climate and disturbance across four of the major biomes of Australia, highlighting the need to establish and resource long-term monitoring programs across representative ecosystem types, which are likely to show context-specific responses.
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Merchant FM, Hoskins M, Musat D, Passman R, Fisher A, Kerr MSD, Roberts G, Snell J, Nabutovsky Y, Mittal S. P6592Atrial fibrillation hospitalizations are reduced after implantable cardiac monitor implant. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy566.p6592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Bourke L, Stevenson R, Turner R, Hooper R, Sasieni P, Greasley R, Morrissey D, Loosemore M, Fisher A, Payne H, Taylor SJC, Rosario DJ. Exercise training as a novel primary treatment for localised prostate cancer: a multi-site randomised controlled phase II study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8374. [PMID: 29849032 PMCID: PMC5976628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26682-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative management strategies for localised prostate cancer are required to reduce morbidity and overtreatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and acceptability of exercise training (ET) with behavioural support as a primary therapy for low/intermediate risk localised prostate cancer. Men with low/intermediate-risk prostate cancer were randomised to 12 months of ET or usual care with physical activity advice (UCwA) in a multi-site open label RCT. Feasibility included acceptability, recruitment, retention, adherence, adverse events and disease progression. Secondary outcomes included quality of life and cardiovascular health indices. Of the 50 men randomised to ET (n = 25) or UCwA (n = 25), 92% (n = 46) completed 12 month assessments. Three men progressed to invasive therapy (two in UCwA). In the ET group, men completed mean: 140 mins per week for 12 months (95% CI 129,152 mins) (94% of target dose) at 75% Hrmax. Men in the ET group demonstrated improved body mass (mean reduction: 2.0 kg; 95% CI -2.9,-1.1), reduced systolic (mean: 13 mmHg; 95%CI 7,19) and diastolic blood pressure (mean:8 mmHg; 95% CI 5,12) and improved quality of life (EQ.5D mean:13 points; 95% CI 7,18). There were no serious adverse events. ET in men with low/intermediate risk prostate cancer is feasible and acceptable with a low progression rate to radical treatment. Early signals on clinically relevant markers were found which warrant further investigation.
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Jelenkovic A, Yokoyama Y, Sund R, Hur YM, Harris JR, Brandt I, Nilsen TS, Ooki S, Ullemar V, Almqvist C, Magnusson PKE, Saudino KJ, Stazi MA, Fagnani C, Brescianini S, Nelson TL, Whitfield KE, Knafo-Noam A, Mankuta D, Abramson L, Cutler TL, Hopper JL, Llewellyn CH, Fisher A, Corley RP, Huibregtse BM, Derom CA, Vlietinck RF, Bjerregaard-Andersen M, Beck-Nielsen H, Sodemann M, Krueger RF, McGue M, Pahlen S, Alexandra Burt S, Klump KL, Dubois L, Boivin M, Brendgen M, Dionne G, Vitaro F, Willemsen G, Bartels M, van Beijsterveld CEM, Craig JM, Saffery R, Rasmussen F, Tynelius P, Heikkilä K, Pietiläinen KH, Bayasgalan G, Narandalai D, Haworth CMA, Plomin R, Ji F, Ning F, Pang Z, Rebato E, Tarnoki AD, Tarnoki DL, Kim J, Lee J, Lee S, Sung J, Loos RJF, Boomsma DI, Sørensen TIA, Kaprio J, Silventoinen K. Associations between birth size and later height from infancy through adulthood: An individual based pooled analysis of 28 twin cohorts participating in the CODATwins project. Early Hum Dev 2018; 120:53-60. [PMID: 29656171 PMCID: PMC6532975 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that birth size is positively associated with height in later life, but it remains unclear whether this is explained by genetic factors or the intrauterine environment. AIM To analyze the associations of birth weight, length and ponderal index with height from infancy through adulthood within mono- and dizygotic twin pairs, which provides insights into the role of genetic and environmental individual-specific factors. METHODS This study is based on the data from 28 twin cohorts in 17 countries. The pooled data included 41,852 complete twin pairs (55% monozygotic and 45% same-sex dizygotic) with information on birth weight and a total of 112,409 paired height measurements at ages ranging from 1 to 69 years. Birth length was available for 19,881 complete twin pairs, with a total of 72,692 paired height measurements. The association between birth size and later height was analyzed at both the individual and within-pair level by linear regression analyses. RESULTS Within twin pairs, regression coefficients showed that a 1-kg increase in birth weight and a 1-cm increase in birth length were associated with 1.14-4.25 cm and 0.18-0.90 cm taller height, respectively. The magnitude of the associations was generally greater within dizygotic than within monozygotic twin pairs, and this difference between zygosities was more pronounced for birth length. CONCLUSION Both genetic and individual-specific environmental factors play a role in the association between birth size and later height from infancy to adulthood, with a larger role for genetics in the association with birth length than with birth weight.
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Pradère P, Tudorache I, Magnusson J, Savale L, Brugière O, Douvry B, Reynaud-Gaubert M, Claustre J, Le Borgne A, Holm A, Schulz H, Knoop C, Godinas L, Fisher A, Hirschi S, Gottlieb J, Le Pavec J. Lung Transplantation for Scleroderma Lung Disease: Indications, Survival and Prognosis. J Heart Lung Transplant 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2018.01.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Koutsokera A, Benden C, Cantu E, Chambers D, Cypel M, Edelman J, Emtiazjoo A, Fisher A, Greenland J, Hayes D, Hwang D, Keller B, Lease E, Perch M, Sato M, Todd J, Verleden S, von der Thüsen J, Weight S, Keshavjee S, Martinu T. Bronchoalveolar Lavage Practices in Lung Transplantation: Results of a Large-scale International Survey. J Heart Lung Transplant 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2018.01.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Shafir G, Krasik YE, Bliokh YP, Levko D, Cao Y, Leopold JG, Gad R, Bernshtam V, Fisher A. Ionization-Induced Self-Channeling of an Ultrahigh-Power Subnanosecond Microwave Beam in a Neutral Gas. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2018; 120:135003. [PMID: 29694181 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.120.135003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ionization-induced self-channeling of a ≤500 MW, 9.6 GHz, <1 ns microwave beam injected into air at ∼4.5×10^{3} Pa or He at ∼10^{3} Pa is experimentally demonstrated for the first time. The plasma, generated by the impact ionization of the gas driven by the microwave beam, has a radial density distribution reducing towards the beam axis, where the microwave field is highest, because the ionization rate is a decreasing function of the microwave amplitude. This forms a plasma channel which prevents the divergence of the microwave beam. The experimental data obtained using various diagnostic methods are in good agreement with the results of analytical calculations, as well as particle in cell Monte Carlo collisional modeling.
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Stokeld D, Fisher A, Gentles T, Hill B, Triggs B, Woinarski JCZ, Gillespie GR. What do predator diets tell us about mammal declines in Kakadu National Park? WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr17101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Small- and medium-sized native mammals have suffered severe declines in much of northern Australia, including within protected areas such as Kakadu National Park. Several factors have been implicated in these declines but predation, particularly by feral cats (Felis catus), has been identified as potentially the most direct cause of decline for many species.
Aims
We evaluated how prey frequency changed in cat and dingo scats in Kakadu from the early 1980s to 2013–15, with this period spanning a severe decline in the small- and medium-sized mammal fauna.
Methods
Chi-square test of independence and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare prey frequencies between dingoes and cats, and among years to assess significance of temporal change.
Key results
Small-sized native mammals were the prey item occurring at the highest frequency in scats for both dingoes and cats in the 1980s. Prey content in dingo and cat scats differed in the 2010s with macropods predominating in the scats of dingoes, and medium-sized native mammals predominating in cat scats. The frequency of occurrence of small-sized native mammals declined in both dingo and cat scats between the 1980s and 2010 sampling periods, while the frequency of occurrence of medium-sized native mammals remained constant in dingo scats and increased in cat scats.
Conclusions
Small mammals were a major component of the diets of both dingoes and cats in Kakadu in the 1980s, when small mammals were much more abundant. Despite marked reduction from the 1980s to the 2010s in the capture rates of both small- and medium-sized native mammals, some species continue to persist in the diets of cats and dingoes at disproportionally high frequencies. Both predators continue to exert predatory pressure on mammal populations that have already experienced substantial declines.
Implications
Although predation by feral cats is a major threat to small- and medium-sized native mammals, dingoes may also play an important role in limiting their recovery. Disturbance from fire and grazing by introduced herbivores has been shown to augment predatory impacts of feral cats on native mammals. Predation more generally, not just by feral cats, may be exacerbated by these disturbance processes. Management programs that solely focus on mitigating the impact of feral cats to benefit threatened species may be inadequate in landscapes with other significant disturbance regimes and populations of predators.
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Fisher A, Craigie AM, Macleod M, Steele RJC, Anderson AS. The impact of social deprivation on the response to a randomised controlled trial of a weight management intervention (BeWEL) for people at increased risk of colorectal cancer. J Hum Nutr Diet 2017; 31:306-313. [PMID: 29171112 PMCID: PMC6001549 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although 45% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases may be avoidable through appropriate lifestyle and weight management, health promotion interventions run the risk of widening health inequalities. The BeWEL randomised controlled trial assessed the impact of a diet and activity programme in overweight adults who were diagnosed with a colorectal adenoma, demonstrating a significantly greater weight loss at 12 months in intervention participants than in controls. The present study aimed to compare BeWEL intervention outcomes by participant deprivation status. METHODS The intervention group of the BeWEL trial (n = 163) was classified by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintiles into 'more deprived' (SIMD 1-2, n = 58) and 'less deprived' (SIMD 3-5, n = 105). Socio-economic and lifestyle variables were compared at baseline to identify potential challenges to intervention adherence in the more deprived. Between group differences at 12 months in primary outcome (change in body weight) and secondary outcomes (cardiovascular risk factors, diet, physical activity, knowledge of CRC risk and psychosocial variables) were assessed by deprivation status. RESULTS At baseline, education (P = 0.001), income (P < 0.001), spending on physical activity (P = 0.003) and success at previous weight loss attempts (P = 0.007) were significantly lower in the most deprived. At 12 months, no between group differences by deprivation status were detected for changes in primary and main secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Despite potential barriers faced by the more deprived participants, primary and most secondary outcomes were comparable between groups, indicating that this intervention is unlikely to worsen health inequalities and is equally effective across socio-economic groups.
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O'Callaghan J, Holmes H, Powell N, Wells JA, Ismail O, Harrison IF, Siow B, Johnson R, Ahmed Z, Fisher A, Meftah S, O'Neill MJ, Murray TK, Collins EC, Shmueli K, Lythgoe MF. Tissue magnetic susceptibility mapping as a marker of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Neuroimage 2017; 159:334-345. [PMID: 28797738 PMCID: PMC5678288 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is connected to a number of other neurodegenerative conditions, known collectively as 'tauopathies', by the presence of aggregated tau protein in the brain. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in AD are associated with tau pathology and both the breakdown of axonal sheaths in white matter tracts and excess iron accumulation grey matter brain regions. Despite the identification of myelin and iron concentration as major sources of contrast in quantitative susceptibility maps of the brain, the sensitivity of this technique to tau pathology has yet to be explored. In this study, we perform Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) and T2* mapping in the rTg4510, a mouse model of tauopathy, both in vivo and ex vivo. Significant correlations were observed between histological measures of myelin content and both mean regional magnetic susceptibility and T2* values. These results suggest that magnetic susceptibility is sensitive to tissue myelin concentrations across different regions of the brain. Differences in magnetic susceptibility were detected in the corpus callosum, striatum, hippocampus and thalamus of the rTg4510 mice relative to wild type controls. The concentration of neurofibrillary tangles was found to be low to intermediate in these brain regions indicating that QSM may be a useful biomarker for early stage detection of tau pathology in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Soerjadi N, Lau B, Srikusalanukul W, Fisher A. RENAL IMPAIRMENT AND ANAEMIA IN HOSPITALISED OLDER PATIENTS: IMPACT ON SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.3275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Sawyer A, Smith L, Ucci M, Jones R, Marmot A, Fisher A. Perceived office environments and occupational physical activity in office-based workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2017; 67:260-267. [PMID: 28339829 PMCID: PMC5927093 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqx022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals in office-based occupations have low levels of physical activity but there is little research into the socio-ecological correlates of workplace activity. AIMS To identify factors contributing to office-based workers' perceptions of the office environment and explore cross-sectional relationships between these factors and occupational physical activity. METHODS Participants in the Active Buildings study reported perceptions of their office environment using the Movement at Work Survey. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on survey items. A sub-sample wore the ActivPAL3TM accelerometer for ≥3 workdays to measure occupational step count, standing, sitting and sit-to-stand transitions. Linear regression analyses assessed relationships between environmental perceptions and activity. RESULTS There were 433 participants, with accelerometer data available for 115 participants across 11 organ izations. The PCA revealed four factors: (i) perceived distance to office destinations, (ii) perceived office aesthetics and comfort, (iii) perceived office social environment and (iv) perceived management discouragement of unscheduled breaks. Younger participants perceived office destinations as being closer to their desk. Younger and female participants perceived more positive office social environments; there were no other socio-demographic differences. Within the sub-sample with accelerometer data, perceived discouragement of breaks by management was related to occupational step count/hour (B = -64.5; 95% CI -109.7 to -19.2). No other environmental perceptions were related to activity or sitting. CONCLUSIONS Perceived managerial discouragement of breaks could be related to meaningful decreases in occupational step count. Future research should aim to elucidate the role of the workplace socio-cultural environment in occupational walking, with a focus on the role of management.
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Kawonga R, Connolly E, Fisher A, Dunbar E, McMeel L, Kapira S, Wroe E. Does a One Size Fit All Approach Work for Community Management of Acute
Malnutrition in Rural Malawi? Ann Glob Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2017.03.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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