26
|
Alajmi JA, Elsheikh M, Al Ali B, Al Habshi F, Elshaq M, Hosniyeh B, Joji C, Abraham C, Lukose B, George B, Ma JC, Basco Garcia L, Alkhdor R, Ancy George William J, Geogi CR. Outbreak investigation of Salmonella group D in staff and patients at Hamad Medical Corporation. BMC Proc 2011. [PMCID: PMC3239831 DOI: 10.1186/1753-6561-5-s6-p93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
27
|
Atwell K, Abraham C, Duka T. A Parsimonious, Integrative Model of Key Psychological Correlates of UK University Students' Alcohol Consumption. Alcohol Alcohol 2011; 46:253-60. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agr016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
|
28
|
Kelley K, Bond R, Abraham C. Effective approaches to persuading pregnant women to quit smoking: A meta-analysis of intervention evaluation studies. Br J Health Psychol 2010; 6:207-28. [PMID: 14596723 DOI: 10.1348/135910701169160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to: (1) assess the effectiveness of prenatal smoking cessation interventions, (2) clarify whether the psychological changes targeted by interventions are related to their effectiveness, (3) identify specific intervention components associated with greater effectiveness, and (4) establish whether aspects of evaluation methodology are associated with a greater effectiveness. DESIGN Differences in proportions of women quitting and odds ratios were calculated for the intervention and control groups. Interventions were categorized in relation to the main intervention target (i.e. cognitive preparation versus increased threat perception), use of follow-up contact, use of individual cessation counselling and other characteristics. Methodological approaches to evaluation were also categorized. METHODS A systematic literature review generated 36 controlled evaluations, including one unpublished study. A meta-analysis was used to relate study classifications to effectiveness. This involved univariate analyses and a multivariate model of the relationship between observed univariate effects. RESULTS A weighted mean odds ratio of 1.93 indicated a good overall effectiveness. Cognitive preparation interventions achieved higher quit rates (6.5%) compared to interventions focusing on threat perception (2.2%). However, this effect was not maintained in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Interventions should employ follow-up, but further research is required to assess the impact of one-to-one counselling. Clarification of the psychological change processes underlying the observed effectiveness of these interventions is required. Future research should seek to identify the active ingredients and cognitive mediators of successful interventions.
Collapse
|
29
|
Paulweber B, Valensi P, Lindström J, Lalic NM, Greaves CJ, McKee M, Kissimova-Skarbek K, Liatis S, Cosson E, Szendroedi J, Sheppard KE, Charlesworth K, Felton AM, Hall M, Rissanen A, Tuomilehto J, Schwarz PE, Roden M, Paulweber M, Stadlmayr A, Kedenko L, Katsilambros N, Makrilakis K, Kamenov Z, Evans P, Gilis-Januszewska A, Lalic K, Jotic A, Djordevic P, Dimitrijevic-Sreckovic V, Hühmer U, Kulzer B, Puhl S, Lee-Barkey YH, AlKerwi A, Abraham C, Hardeman W, Acosta T, Adler M, AlKerwi A, Barengo N, Barengo R, Boavida JM, Charlesworth K, Christov V, Claussen B, Cos X, Cosson E, Deceukelier S, Dimitrijevic-Sreckovic V, Djordjevic P, Evans P, Felton AM, Fischer M, Gabriel-Sanchez R, Gilis-Januszewska A, Goldfracht M, Gomez JL, Greaves CJ, Hall M, Handke U, Hauner H, Herbst J, Hermanns N, Herrebrugh L, Huber C, Hühmer U, Huttunen J, Jotic A, Kamenov Z, Karadeniz S, Katsilambros N, Khalangot M, Kissimova-Skarbek K, Köhler D, Kopp V, Kronsbein P, Kulzer B, Kyne-Grzebalski D, Lalic K, Lalic N, Landgraf R, Lee-Barkey YH, Liatis S, Lindström J, Makrilakis K, McIntosh C, McKee M, Mesquita AC, Misina D, Muylle F, Neumann A, Paiva AC, Pajunen P, Paulweber B, Peltonen M, Perrenoud L, Pfeiffer A, Pölönen A, Puhl S, Raposo F, Reinehr T, Rissanen A, Robinson C, Roden M, Rothe U, Saaristo T, Scholl J, Schwarz PE, Sheppard KE, Spiers S, Stemper T, Stratmann B, Szendroedi J, Szybinski Z, Tankova T, Telle-Hjellset V, Terry G, Tolks D, Toti F, Tuomilehto J, Undeutsch A, Valadas C, Valensi P, Velickiene D, Vermunt P, Weiss R, Wens J, Yilmaz T. A European evidence-based guideline for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Horm Metab Res 2010; 42 Suppl 1:S3-36. [PMID: 20391306 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1240928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence and socioeconomic burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and associated co-morbidities are rising worldwide. AIMS This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for preventing T2DM. METHODS A European multidisciplinary consortium systematically reviewed the evidence on the effectiveness of screening and interventions for T2DM prevention using SIGN criteria. RESULTS Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are the main modifiable risk factors. Age and ethnicity are non-modifiable risk factors. Case-finding should follow a step-wise procedure using risk questionnaires and oral glucose tolerance testing. Persons with impaired glucose tolerance and/or fasting glucose are at high-risk and should be prioritized for intensive intervention. Interventions supporting lifestyle changes delay the onset of T2DM in high-risk adults (number-needed-to-treat: 6.4 over 1.8-4.6 years). These should be supported by inter-sectoral strategies that create health promoting environments. Sustained body weight reduction by >or= 5 % lowers risk. Currently metformin, acarbose and orlistat can be considered as second-line prevention options. The population approach should use organized measures to raise awareness and change lifestyle with specific approaches for adolescents, minorities and disadvantaged people. Interventions promoting lifestyle changes are more effective if they target both diet and physical activity, mobilize social support, involve the planned use of established behaviour change techniques, and provide frequent contacts. Cost-effectiveness analysis should take a societal perspective. CONCLUSIONS Prevention using lifestyle modifications in high-risk individuals is cost-effective and should be embedded in evaluated models of care. Effective prevention plans are predicated upon sustained government initiatives comprising advocacy, community support, fiscal and legislative changes, private sector engagement and continuous media communication.
Collapse
|
30
|
Abraham C, Low D, Sowell R, Grimm C, Gokhroo G, Michaletz-Lorenz M, Ma D, Olsen J, Creach K. INTER-OBSERVER VARIABILITY IN NON-TRANSVERSE SEGMENTATION. Radiother Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(12)73080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
31
|
Abraham C, Low D, Sowell R, Gokhroo G, Grimm C, Ju T, Liu L. SU-FF-I-106: Volume Viewer: A Segmentation and Surface Reconstruction Toolset for Non-Transverse Image Planes. Med Phys 2009. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3181227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
32
|
Abraham C, Low D, Liu L, Ju T, Deasy J. Development of a Three Dimensional Anatomical Library. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2008.06.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
33
|
Lemmens KPH, Abraham C, Ruiter RAC, Veldhuizen IJT, Bos AER, Schaalma HP. Identifying blood donors willing to help with recruitment. Vox Sang 2008; 95:211-7. [PMID: 18637902 DOI: 10.1111/j.1423-0410.2008.01079.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Social influence shapes behaviour and donors are ambassadors for blood banks. Donors are role models for family and friends and, therefore, so may be able to help with donor recruitment. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire was used to assess donors' willingness to engage in donor recruitment. Measures included willingness to recruit new donors and antecedents of recruitment motivation based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). RESULTS More than half of our participants were willing to try to recruit friends and family (57%). Self-efficacy was the most important correlate of intention to recruit as were cognitive attitude and experience with the blood bank. The findings suggest that the TPB provides a good basis for understanding cognitive antecedents of donors' willingness to recruit other donors. CONCLUSION Results suggest that using existing donors to recruit new donors could be an efficient and cost-effective way to recruit additional donors. This approach warrants further investigation.
Collapse
|
34
|
Lemmens KPH, Abraham C, Ruiter RAC, Veldhuizen IJT, Dehing CJG, Bos AER, Schaalma HP. Modelling antecedents of blood donation motivation among non-donors of varying age and education. Br J Psychol 2008; 100:71-90. [PMID: 18547458 DOI: 10.1348/000712608x310237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Understanding blood donation motivation among non-donors is prerequisite to effective recruitment. Two studies explored the psychological antecedents of blood donation motivation and the generalisability of a model of donation motivation across groups differing in age and educational level. An older well-educated population and a younger less well-educated population were sampled. The studies assessed the role of altruism, fear of blood/needles and donation-specific cognitions including attitudes and normative beliefs derived from an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Across both samples, results showed that affective attitude, subjective norm, descriptive norm, and moral norm were the most important correlates of blood donation intentions. Self-efficacy was more important among the younger less well-educated group. Altruism was related to donation motivation but only indirectly through moral norm. Similarly, fear of blood/needles only had an indirect effect on motivation through affective attitude and self-efficacy. Additional analyses with the combined data set found no age or education moderation effects, suggesting that this core model of donation-specific cognitions can be used to inform future practical interventions recruiting new blood donors in the general population.
Collapse
|
35
|
Low D, Abraham C, Parikh P, Mutic S, Thorstad W, Liu L, Khullar D, Apte A, Deasy J, Ju T. SU-GG-J-192: Use of Optimized Oblique Anatomical Planes for Efficient and Accurate Organ and Tumor Segmentation. Med Phys 2008. [DOI: 10.1118/1.2961741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
36
|
Abraham C, Low D, Liu L, Parikh P, Mutic S, Thorstad W, Khullar D, Apte A, Deasy J, Ju T. SU-GG-I-105: A Process to Determine Optimal Oblique Contouring Planes. Med Phys 2008. [DOI: 10.1118/1.2961503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
37
|
Molinero LL, Zhou P, Wang Y, Harlin H, Kee B, Abraham C, Alegre ML. Epidermal Langerhans cells promote skin allograft rejection in mice with NF-kappa B-impaired T cells. Am J Transplant 2008; 8:21-31. [PMID: 18021281 PMCID: PMC2829624 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2007.02038.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
T cells play a major role in the acute rejection of transplanted organs. Using mice transgenic for a T-cell-restricted NF-kappaB super-repressor (IkappaBalphaDeltaN-Tg mice), we have previously shown that T-cell-NF-kappaB is essential for the acute rejection of cardiac but not skin allografts. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which skin grafts activate IkappaBalphaDeltaN-Tg T cells. Rejection was not due to residual T-cell-NF-kappaB activity as mice with p50/p52(-/-) T cells successfully rejected skin grafts. Rather, skin but not cardiac allografts effectively induced proliferation of graft-specific IkappaBalphaDeltaN-Tg T cells. Rejection of skin grafts by IkappaBalphaDeltaN-Tg mice was in part dependent on the presence of donor Langerhans cells (LC), a type of epidermal dendritic cells (DC), as lack of LC in donor skin grafts resulted in prolongation of skin allograft survival and injection of LC at the time of cardiac transplantation was sufficient to promote cardiac allograft rejection by IkappaBalphaDeltaN-Tg mice. Our results suggest that LC allow NF-kappaB-impaired T cells to reach an activation threshold sufficient for transplant rejection. The combined blockade of T-cell-NF-kappaB with that of alternative pathways allowing activation of NF-kappaB-impaired T cells may be an effective strategy for tolerance induction to highly immunogenic organs.
Collapse
|
38
|
Henderson M, Wight D, Raab GM, Abraham C, Parkes A, Scott S, Hart G. Impact of a theoretically based sex education programme (SHARE) delivered by teachers on NHS registered conceptions and terminations: final results of cluster randomised trial. BMJ 2007; 334:133. [PMID: 17118950 PMCID: PMC1779834 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.39014.503692.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of a theoretically based sex education programme (SHARE) delivered by teachers compared with conventional education in terms of conceptions and terminations registered by the NHS. DESIGN Follow-up of cluster randomised trial 4.5 years after intervention. SETTING NHS records of women who had attended 25 secondary schools in east Scotland. PARTICIPANTS 4196 women (99.5% of those eligible). INTERVENTION SHARE programme (intervention group) v existing sex education (control group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE NHS recorded conceptions and terminations for the achieved sample linked at age 20. RESULTS In an "intention to treat" analysis there were no significant differences between the groups in registered conceptions per 1000 pupils (300 SHARE v 274 control; difference 26, 95% confidence interval -33 to 86) and terminations per 1000 pupils (127 v 112; difference 15, -13 to 42) between ages 16 and 20. CONCLUSIONS This specially designed sex education programme did not reduce conceptions or terminations by age 20 compared with conventional provision. The lack of effect was not due to quality of delivery. Enhancing teacher led school sex education beyond conventional provision in eastern Scotland is unlikely to reduce terminations in teenagers. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN48719575 [controlled-trials.com].
Collapse
|
39
|
Abraham C, Deshpande SK. Isoflurane damage to a Draeger Primus water trap. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2006; 23:531-2. [PMID: 16672098 DOI: 10.1017/s0265021506240754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
40
|
Abraham C, Lutz S. 2571. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2006.07.984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
41
|
Lemmens KPH, Abraham C, Hoekstra T, Ruiter RAC, De Kort WLAM, Brug J, Schaalma HP. Why don't young people volunteer to give blood? An investigation of the correlates of donation intentions among young nondonors. Transfusion 2005; 45:945-55. [PMID: 15934993 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2005.04379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past decade, the number of blood donors has steadily declined in the Netherlands, and young adults are underrepresented among registered donors. An understanding of the correlates of donation intentions among nondonors could facilitate targeting psychological prerequisites of donation decisions in recruitment campaigns. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS. A cross-sectional study with self-administered questionnaires based on an extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; a social cognition model to study the determinants of volitional behavior) was conducted to assess potential cognitive determinants of willingness to donate blood in a student sample. A response rate of 50.5 percent yielded a sample of 311. RESULTS Just over 7 percent of participants were registered blood donors but most (61.7%) had never seriously considered becoming donors. Self-efficacy (confidence in performing the behavior), attitude (the overall evaluation of the behavior), and personal moral norm (the perceived personal responsibility to perform the behavior) regarding blood donation were the most important correlates of the intention to become a blood donor. In total, 43 percent of the variance in the intentions toward blood donation could be explained by a TPB-based model. CONCLUSION Among students, determinants of the intention to become a blood donor include self-efficacy, attitude, personal moral norm regarding blood donation, and subjective norm (perceived social support). Future research could establish whether campaigns targeting these psychological prerequisites would be more effective than current strategies.
Collapse
|
42
|
Michie S, Johnston M, Abraham C, Lawton R, Parker D, Walker A. Making psychological theory useful for implementing evidence based practice: a consensus approach. Qual Saf Health Care 2005; 14:26-33. [PMID: 15692000 PMCID: PMC1743963 DOI: 10.1136/qshc.2004.011155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1988] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based guidelines are often not implemented effectively with the result that best health outcomes are not achieved. This may be due to a lack of theoretical understanding of the processes involved in changing the behaviour of healthcare professionals. This paper reports the development of a consensus on a theoretical framework that could be used in implementation research. The objectives were to identify an agreed set of key theoretical constructs for use in (1) studying the implementation of evidence based practice and (2) developing strategies for effective implementation, and to communicate these constructs to an interdisciplinary audience. METHODS Six phases of work were conducted to develop a consensus: (1) identifying theoretical constructs; (2) simplifying into construct domains; (3) evaluating the importance of the construct domains; (4) interdisciplinary evaluation; (5) validating the domain list; and (6) piloting interview questions. The contributors were a "psychological theory" group (n = 18), a "health services research" group (n = 13), and a "health psychology" group (n = 30). RESULTS Twelve domains were identified to explain behaviour change: (1) knowledge, (2) skills, (3) social/professional role and identity, (4) beliefs about capabilities, (5) beliefs about consequences, (6) motivation and goals, (7) memory, attention and decision processes, (8) environmental context and resources, (9) social influences, (10) emotion regulation, (11) behavioural regulation, and (12) nature of the behaviour. CONCLUSIONS A set of behaviour change domains agreed by a consensus of experts is available for use in implementation research. Applications of this domain list will enhance understanding of the behaviour change processes inherent in implementation of evidence-based practice and will also test the validity of these proposed domains.
Collapse
|
43
|
Qiu Y, Garren J, Samara E, Cao G, Abraham C, Cheskin HS, Engh KR. Once‐a‐Day Controlled‐Release Dosage Form of Divalproex Sodium II: Development of a Predictive In Vitro Drug Release Method. J Pharm Sci 2003; 92:2317-25. [PMID: 14603516 DOI: 10.1002/jps.10486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
During formulation design of a once-daily controlled release matrix system of divalproex sodium, the in vitro dissolution test (USP II, 100 rpm, pH 6.8 buffer) was found to result in release rates that were slower than in vivo absorption. The test method also did not sufficiently discriminate formulations with different in vivo absorption rates. To develop an in vitro method that is directly correlated with in vivo absorption, statistically designed studies were carried out to investigate the effects of various in vitro testing variables on drug release using USP dissolution apparatuses. The variables studied included agitation intensity, apparatus, pH, surfactant and ionic strength of the dissolution medium. Experimental data were analyzed using ANOVA. In vitro/in vivo correlation was tested based on the hypothesis that the same linear regression equation holds for three formulations with different release rates. A mixed effects model was used in which the dependence among observations from the same subject was taken into account. Factorial studies indicated that higher pH, addition of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) to the dissolution medium, and higher agitation intensity increased the release rate from the matrix tablet. Use of SLS not only lead to increased release rates that are more comparable to in vivo absorption rates, but also improved differentiation among formulations with varying release rates. Furthermore, drug release was also affected by interactions among the variables studied. Statistical analysis indicated that a combination of higher SLS concentration and lower pH provided enhanced differentiation between release profiles of the fast and slow releasing formulations. Based on the above findings, a new set of testing conditions was identified and demonstrated to be predictive of in vivo drug absorption for various controlled release formulations of divalproex sodium. The new method uses USP Apparatus II operating at 100 rpm in 500 mL of 0.1 N HCl for 45 min followed by 900 mL of 0.05 M phosphate buffer containing 75 mM SLS, pH 5.5, 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C. In conclusion, adjusting dissolution testing conditions to match the behavior of the formulations in vitro with that in vivo is a useful approach in identifying a predictive method in development of in vitro-in vivo correlation.
Collapse
|
44
|
Abraham C, Cornillon PA, Matzner-Lober E, Molinari N. Unsupervised Curve Clustering using B-Splines. Scand Stat Theory Appl 2003. [DOI: 10.1111/1467-9469.00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
45
|
Bastie JN, Suzan F, Garcia I, Isnard F, de Revel T, Terre C, Mayeur D, Abraham C, Lavielle R, Castaigne S. Veno-occlusive disease after an anti-CD33 therapy (gemtuzumab ozogamicin). Br J Haematol 2002; 116:924. [PMID: 11886404 DOI: 10.1046/j.0007-1048.2002.03346.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
46
|
Bastie JN, Suzan F, Garcia I, Isnard F, de Revel T, Terre C, Mayeur D, Abraham C, Lavielle R, Castaigne S. Veno-occlusive disease after an anti-CD33 therapy (gemtuzumab ozogamicin). Br J Haematol 2002. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2002.3346_2.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
47
|
Ramalingam S, Kannangai R, Zachariah A, Mathai D, Abraham C. CD4 counts of normal and HIV-infected south Indian adults: do we need a new staging system? THE NATIONAL MEDICAL JOURNAL OF INDIA 2001; 14:335-9. [PMID: 11804363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The normal range of CD4 lymphocyte count varies among different ethnic groups. In populations with CD4 counts inherently lower than in the West, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification system of HIV-infected individuals may not be appropriate. No such criterion is currently available for ethnic south Indian HIV-infected individuals. We undertook this study to assess the applicability of the western case definition to south Indian HIV patients. METHODS The CD4 counts of 104 normal and 79 HIV-infected south Indian adults were estimated by flowcytometry. The mean CD4 counts were estimated and compared between CDC groups A, B and C and controls. Receiver operator characteristics curves were generated to determine the cut-off that correlated best with clinical staging for this population. RESULTS The mean CD4 and CD8 cell counts/microl and the CD4/CD8 ratio of the control group were 799.0, 919.6 and 0.94, respectively. For CDC groups A, B and C, the mean CD4 counts/microl were 454.4, 254.4 and 168; mean CD8 counts/microl were 1156, 1070.9 and 1191.3; and mean CD4/CD8 ratios were 0.44, 0.25 and 0.15, respectively. CONCLUSION The mean CD4 count among normal south Indians is significantly lower than that in the western population and parallels that of the Chinese. When categorized based on the CDC classification system, the mean CD4 count of HIV-infected individuals was lower. Categories of CD4 counts > 300, 81-300 and < or =80 cells/microl and CD4% > 14, 7-14 and < or = 6 correlate better with disease progression among HIV-infected individuals. A longitudinal study is required before guidelines for the Indian population can be devised.
Collapse
|
48
|
Abraham C, Miller J. Molecular mechanisms of IL-2 gene regulation following costimulation through LFA-1. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2001; 167:5193-201. [PMID: 11673532 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.167.9.5193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The integrin LFA-1 serves as an accessory molecule in T cell activation. In addition to its well-known role as an adhesion molecule, LFA-1 can contribute to T cell activation and up-regulation of IL-2 gene expression. However, the specific mechanisms by which LFA-1 influences T cell activation have not been elucidated. Therefore, we examined the impact of LFA-1:ICAM-1 interactions on transcriptional and posttranscriptional IL-2 gene regulation, using a costimulation-negative cell line transfected with MHC class II alone, or in combination with ICAM-1 or B7-1. IL-2 transcription was assessed utilizing transgenic mice expressing an IL-2 promoter luciferase reporter construct crossed to DO11.10 TCR-transgenic mice, and IL-2 mRNA stability was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. Comparison of naive and previously activated T cells demonstrates a dramatic increase in IL-2-luciferase transcription in activated T cells that can, in part, be attributed to downstream signaling events. Costimulation through LFA-1 enhances transcription of the transgenic reporter construct across a wide Ag dose range, but does not affect IL-2 mRNA stability. In contrast, CD28 costimulation is clearly mediated through up-regulation of IL-2 transcription and through enhancement of mRNA stability. These results indicate that the primary pathway whereby engagement of LFA-1 through its ligand ICAM-1 up-regulates IL-2 gene expression is through enhanced IL-2 transcription, in the absence of any effect on IL-2 mRNA stabilization.
Collapse
|
49
|
Abraham C, Dyson R, Kingman J. PART I: BIOMECHANICS. J Sports Sci 2001. [DOI: 10.1080/026404101750070157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
|
50
|
Abstract
This study examined the way in which a terminal cancer prognosis was negotiated by patients and their lay carers, and the complexities involved in managing a context of awareness. Individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 16 patients and 14 lay carers. These were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a grounded theory approach. The process started with being given bad news, when the concept of life was no longer open-ended. The need to maintain hope influenced the amount of information sought by patients and their families and was an important strategy in helping patients cope with the knowledge of their disease. Levels of awareness appeared to be influenced less by setting, than by the way the prognosis was managed within individual families. Difficulties facing patients and carers in knowing how to communicate with each other within a context of open awareness suggest that they need help in learning how to do this. Achieving an environment to enable this requires private space and staff skilled in enabling and facilitating the complexities of communication between patients and their carers.
Collapse
|