51
|
Lee P, Alvarez P, Taylor P, Lowenstein J, Molineu A, Kry S, Followill D. SU-E-T-98: An Analysis of TG-51 Electron Beam Calibration Correction Factor Uncertainty. Med Phys 2015. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4924459] [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
|
52
|
Alvarez P, Molineu A, Lujano C, Nguyen T, Followill D. SU-E-T-103: An Evaluation of Multiple Irradiations of the IROC Houston QA Center Anthropomorphic Liver Phantom. Med Phys 2015. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4924464] [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
|
53
|
Saguer E, Alvarez P, Fort N, Espigulé E, Parés D, Toldrà M, Carretero C. Heat-Induced Gelation Mechanism of Blood Plasma Modulated by Cysteine. J Food Sci 2015; 80:C515-21. [DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.12805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
54
|
Kry S, Alvarez P, Stingo F, Followill D. SU-F-BRE-14: Uncertainty Analysis for Dose Measurements Using OSLD NanoDots. Med Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4889052] [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
|
55
|
Followill D, Lowenstein J, Molineu A, Alvarez P, Summers P, Kry S. SU-C-BRD-07: The Radiological Physics Center (RPC): 45 Years of Improving Radiotherapy Dosimetry. Med Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4889720] [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
|
56
|
Summers P, Lowenstein J, Jakel O, Prokesch H, Alvarez P, Followill D. SU-E-T-509: Validation of the Use of OSLD for Carbon Beam Remote Dosimetry. Med Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4888842] [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
|
57
|
Molineu A, Alvarez P, Kry S, Followill D. SU-E-T-543: Is It Feasible to Tighten the Criteria for IROC's Anthropomorphic Phantoms? Med Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4888877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
58
|
Kerns J, Alvarez P, Followill D, Lowenstein J, Molineu A, Summers P, Kry S. SU-E-T-471: Small Field Jaw/MLC Reference Data. Med Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4888804] [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
|
59
|
Kerns J, Alvarez P, Followill D, Lowenstein J, Molineu A, Summers P, Kry S. TU-C-BRE-03: Aggregation of Linac Measurement Data. Med Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4889266] [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
|
60
|
Alvarez P, Gonzalez S, McDonald L, Followill D. SU-E-T-173: Evaluation of the MicroSTAR Reader for the OSLD System for Remote Dosimetry Audits at the IROC HQAC. Med Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4888503] [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
|
61
|
Alvarez P, Giudice LC, Levine JD. Impact of surgical excision of lesions on pain in a rat model of endometriosis. Eur J Pain 2014; 19:103-10. [PMID: 24824436 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is the most common and disabling feature of endometriosis. Surgical excision of endometriosis lesions provides relief but pain relapse is common. Studies in a preclinical model of endometriosis might help to unravel the role of the ectopic lesions as the source of pain. Thus, we evaluated the impact of lesion excision on mechanical hyperalgesia in a preclinical model of endometriosis pain. METHODS Endometriosis was induced by implanting autologous uterine tissue onto the gastrocnemius muscle. Surgical excision or aspiration drainage of the cystic lesion was performed at different times post-implant and mechanical nociceptive thresholds were assessed at the site of the lesion. RESULTS Lesions at 2, 8 and 16 weeks post-implant produced mechanical hyperalgesia of similar magnitude (n = 6/group). Excision of lesions (n = 6/group) produced a longer inhibition, with a magnitude and time course depending upon the timing of excision. Excision at 2 and 8 weeks produced a rapid onset marked attenuation of hyperalgesia, which returned to pre-excision values by post-surgical week 3. In contrast, excision of the lesion at 16 weeks produced a peak of inhibition of hyperalgesia 2 weeks post-excision, but then the inhibition was sustained. Aspiration of fluid from cysts in the lesions briefly attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia (n = 6/group). CONCLUSIONS In this preclinical model, we demonstrate that endometriosis pain is alleviated by surgical excision of the ectopic lesion or drainage of its cysts, providing support for the clinical observation that endometriosis pain is dependent upon the ongoing presence of the lesions.
Collapse
|
62
|
Trevino A, Soriano V, Poveda E, Parra P, Cabezas T, Caballero E, Roc L, Rodriguez C, Eiros JM, Lopez M, De Mendoza C, Rodriguez C, del Romero J, Tuset C, Marcaida G, Ocete MD, Tuset T, Caballero E, Molina I, Aguilera A, Rodriguez-Calvino JJ, Navarro D, Regueiro B, Benito R, Gil J, Borras M, Ortiz de Lejarazu R, Eiros JM, Manzardo C, Miro JM, Garcia J, Paz I, Calderon E, Leal M, Vallejo A, Abad M, Dronda F, Moreno S, Escudero D, Trigo M, Diz J, Alvarez P, Cortizo S, Garcia-Campello M, Rodriguez-Iglesias M, Hernandez-Betancor A, Martin AM, Ramos JM, Gutierrez F, Rodriguez JC, Gomez-Hernando C, Guelar A, Cilla G, Perez-Trallero E, Lopez-Aldeguer J, Sola J, Fernandez-Pereira L, Niubo J, Hernandez M, Lopez-Lirola AM, Gomez-Sirvent JL, Force L, Cifuentes C, Perez S, Morano L, Raya C, Gonzalez-Praetorius A, Perez JL, Penaranda M, Mena A, Montejo JM, Roc L, Martinez-Sapina A, Viciana I, Cabezas T, Lozano A, Fernandez JM, Garcia Bermejo I, Gaspar G, Garcia R, Gorgolas M, Miralles P, Aldamiz T, Garcia F, Suarez A, Trevino A, Parra P, de Mendoza C, Soriano V. HIV-2 viral tropism influences CD4+ T cell count regardless of viral load. J Antimicrob Chemother 2014; 69:2191-4. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dku119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
63
|
Trachtenberg B, Aldeiri M, Cordero-Reyes A, Alvarez P, Bhimaraj A, Elias B, Suarez E, Bruckner B, Loebe M, Harris R, Zhang Y, Torre-Amione G, Estep J. Persistent Blood Stream Infections Are Associated with Cerebrovascular Accidents in Patients with Continuous Flow LVADs. J Heart Lung Transplant 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2014.01.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
|
64
|
Molineu A, Alvarez P, Kry S, Followill D. PO-0922: Alternate criteria for the Radiological Physics Centerís IMRT anthropomorphic phantoms. Radiother Oncol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(15)31040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
65
|
Alvarez P, Bogen O, Chen X, Giudice LC, Levine JD. Ectopic endometrium-derived leptin produces estrogen-dependent chronic pain in a rat model of endometriosis. Neuroscience 2013; 258:111-20. [PMID: 24239717 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis pain is a very common and extremely disabling condition whose mechanism is still poorly understood. While increased levels of leptin have been reported in patients with endometriosis, their contribution to endometriosis pain has not been explored. Using a rodent model of endometriosis we provide evidence for an estrogen-dependent contribution of leptin in endometriosis-induced pain. Rats implanted with autologous uterine tissue onto the gastrocnemius muscle developed endometriosis-like lesions and local chronic pain. Compared to eutopic uterine tissue, leptin mRNA and protein were up-regulated in the endometriosis-like lesions. Intramuscular injection of recombinant leptin in naive rats produced dose-dependent local mechanical hyperalgesia and nociceptor sensitization to mechanical stimulation. Ovariectomy attenuated the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by recombinant leptin, in rats treated with vehicle compared to those treated with 17β-estradiol replacement, at 1 and 24 h after leptin injection. Finally, intralesional injections of a pegylated leptin receptor (Ob-R) antagonist or of an inhibitor of Janus kinase2, which transduces the Ob-R signal, markedly attenuated pain in the endometriosis model. Taken together these data support the hypothesis that leptin, generated in ectopic endometrial lesions produces mechanical hyperalgesia by acting on nociceptors innervating the lesion. This sensitivity to leptin is dependent on estrogen levels. Thus, interventions targeting leptin signaling, especially in combination with interventions that lower estrogen levels, might be useful for the treatment of endometriosis pain.
Collapse
|
66
|
Mardomingo A, Sánchez-Mariscal F, Alvarez P, Pizones J, Zúñica L, Izquierdo E. [Is local bone graft sufficient to maintain the surgical correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves?]. Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol (Engl Ed) 2013; 57:318-23. [PMID: 24071046 DOI: 10.1016/j.recot.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative clinical and radiological results in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves treated by posterior arthrodesis using autogenous bone graft from iliac crest (CI) versus only local autograft bone (HL). PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective matched cohort study was conducted on 73 patients (CI n=37 and HL n=36) diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and treated surgically by posterior arthrodesis. The mean post-operative follow-up was 126 months in the CI group vs. 66 months in the HL group. The radiographic data collected consisted of preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up antero-posterior and lateral full-length radiographs. Loss of correction and quality of arthrodesis were evaluated by comparing the scores obtained from the Spanish version of the SRS-22 questionnaire. RESULTS There were significant differences in the post-operative results as regards the correction of the Cobb angle of the main curve (HL 61 ± 15% vs. CI 51 ± 14%, P<.004), however a greater loss of correction was found in the local bone group (CI 4.5 ± 7.3° vs. HL 8.5 ± 6.3°, P=.02). There were no significant differences as regards the correction of the Cobb angle of the main curve at the end of follow-up. There were no clinical differences between the two groups in the SRS-22 scores. CONCLUSION At 5 years of follow-up, there was a statistically significant greater loss of radiographic correction at the end of final follow-up in the local bone graft group. However clinical differences were not observed as regards the SRS-22 scores.
Collapse
|
67
|
Feuer G, Alvarez P, Rao S, Lakhi N, Burrell M. Comparison of perioperative and clinical outcomes in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer: Robotic vs. abdominal approach. Gynecol Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2013.04.431] [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]
|
68
|
Alvarez P, Carrillo E, Vélez C, Hita-Contreras F, Martínez-Amat A, Rodríguez-Serrano F, Boulaiz H, Ortiz R, Melguizo C, Prados J, Aránega A. Regulatory systems in bone marrow for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells mobilization and homing. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:312656. [PMID: 23844360 PMCID: PMC3703413 DOI: 10.1155/2013/312656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of hematopoietic stem cell release, migration, and homing from the bone marrow (BM) and of the mobilization pathway involves a complex interaction among adhesion molecules, cytokines, proteolytic enzymes, stromal cells, and hematopoietic cells. The identification of new mechanisms that regulate the trafficking of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) cells has important implications, not only for hematopoietic transplantation but also for cell therapies in regenerative medicine for patients with acute myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, and stroke, among others. This paper reviews the regulation mechanisms underlying the homing and mobilization of BM hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, investigating the following issues: (a) the role of different factors, such as stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), among other ligands; (b) the stem cell count in peripheral blood and BM and influential factors; (c) the therapeutic utilization of this phenomenon in lesions in different tissues, examining the agents involved in HSPCs mobilization, such as the different forms of G-CSF, plerixafor, and natalizumab; and (d) the effects of this mobilization on BM-derived stem/progenitor cells in clinical trials of patients with different diseases.
Collapse
|
69
|
Alvarez P, Molineu A, Amador C, Nguyen T, Followill D. SU-E-CAMPUS-T-01: Results of Irradiations Performed On Radiological Physics Center's Anthropomorphic Lung Phantom and Respiratory Simulating Motion Table. Med Phys 2013. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4815185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
70
|
Pham C, Alvarez P, Kry S, Luo D, Stingo F, Followill D. SU-E-T-56: Characterization of OSLDs for Use in Small Field Photon Beam Dosimetry. Med Phys 2013. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4814491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
71
|
Kry S, Molineu A, Alvarez P, Faught A, Huang J, Kerns J, Pulliam K, Tonigan J, Followill D. TU-E-108-05: In-House IMRT QA Versus External Phantom Audit Results. Med Phys 2013. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4815420] [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
|
72
|
Molineu A, Alvarez P, Amador C, Craig T, Gillin M, Followill D. SU-E-T-410: Initial Results From Multiple Irradiations of An Anthropomorphic Liver Phantom. Med Phys 2013. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4814844] [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
|
73
|
Dhanesar S, Sahoo N, Kerr M, Taylor M, Summers P, Alvarez P, Wu R, Poenisch F, Zhu X, Gillin M. SU-E-T-403: Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy Plans with Multiple Fields for Prostate Cancer. Med Phys 2013. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4814837] [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
|
74
|
Kry S, Alvarez P, Molineu A, Amador C, Galvin J, Followill D. Algorithms Used in Heterogeneous Dose Calculations Show Systematic Error as Measured With the Radiological Physics Center's Anthropomorphic Thorax Phantom Used for RTOG Credentialing. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2012.07.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
75
|
Alvarez P, Chen X, Hendrich J, Irwin JC, Green PG, Giudice LC, Levine JD. Ectopic uterine tissue as a chronic pain generator. Neuroscience 2012; 225:269-82. [PMID: 22922120 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
While chronic pain is a main symptom in endometriosis, the underlying mechanisms and effective therapy remain elusive. We developed an animal model enabling the exploration of ectopic endometrium as a source of endometriosis pain. Rats were surgically implanted with autologous uterus in the gastrocnemius muscle. Within two weeks, visual inspection revealed the presence of a reddish-brown fluid-filled cystic structure at the implant site. Histology demonstrated cystic glandular structures with stromal invasion of the muscle. Immunohistochemical studies of these lesions revealed the presence of markers for nociceptor nerve fibers and neuronal sprouting. Fourteen days after surgery rats exhibited persistent mechanical hyperalgesia at the site of the ectopic endometrial lesion. Intralesional, but not contralateral, injection of progesterone was dose-dependently antihyperalgesic. Systemic administration of leuprolide also produced antihyperalgesia. In vivo electrophysiological recordings from sensory neurons innervating the lesion revealed a significant increase in their response to sustained mechanical stimulation. These results are consistent with clinical and pathological findings observed in patients with endometriosis, compatible with the ectopic endometrium as a source of pain. This model of endometriosis allows mechanistic exploration at the lesion site facilitating our understanding of endometriosis pain.
Collapse
|
76
|
Casey K, Alvarez P, Lawyer A, Kry S, Howell R, Davidson S, Followill D. SU-E-T-81: Development and Implementation of a Remote Audit Tool for High Dose Rate (HDR) Ir-192 Brachytherapy Using Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimetry. Med Phys 2012. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4735138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
77
|
Lowenstein J, Kry S, Molineu A, Alvarez P, Aguirre J, Summers P, Followill D. SU-E-T-223: High-Energy Photon Standard Dosimetry Data: A Quality Assurance Tool. Med Phys 2012; 39:3754. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4735286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
78
|
Hendrich J, Alvarez P, Chen X, Levine JD. GDNF induces mechanical hyperalgesia in muscle by reducing I(BK) in isolectin B4-positive nociceptors. Neuroscience 2012; 219:204-13. [PMID: 22704965 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We have assessed the mechanism underlying glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in the gastrocnemius muscle, using patch clamp electrophysiology, in vivo electrophysiology and behavioral studies. Cultured isolectin B4-positive (IB4+) dorsal root ganglion neurons that innervated this muscle were held under current clamp; the majority developed an increase in action potential duration (a factor of increase of 2.29±0.24, compared to 1.13±0.17 in control, P<0.01) in response to GDNF (200 ng/ml) by 15 min after application. They also demonstrated a depolarization of resting membrane potential, but without significant changes in rheobase, action potential peak, or after-hyperpolarization. Large-conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels, which have recently been shown to play a role in the repolarization of IB4+ nociceptors, were inhibited under voltage clamp, as indicated by a significant reduction in the iberiotoxin-sensitive current. In vivo single-fiber recording from muscle afferents revealed that injection of iberiotoxin into their peripheral nociceptive field caused an increase in nociceptor firing in response to a 60s suprathreshold stimulus (an increase from 392.2±119.8 spikes to 596.1±170.8 spikes, P<0.05). This was observed in the absence of changes in the mechanical threshold. Finally, injection of iberiotoxin into the gastrocnemius muscle produced dose-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia. These data support the suggestion that GDNF induces nociceptor sensitization and mechanical hyperalgesia, at least in part, by inhibiting BK current in IB4+ nociceptors.
Collapse
|
79
|
Amador C, Hernandez N, Molineu A, Alvarez P, Followill D. SU-E-T-180: The Radiological Physics Center's Anthropomorphic Quality Assurance Phantom Program. Med Phys 2012; 39:3744. [PMID: 28517794 DOI: 10.1118/1.4735239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the phantoms, program logistics and current results for the Radiological Physics Center's (RPC) anthropomorphic QA phantom program for credentialing institutions for participation in NCI-sponsored advanced technology clinical trials. METHODS The RPC has developed an extensive phantom credentialing program consisting of four different phantoms designs: H&N, pelvis, lung and spine. These QA phantoms are water-filled plastic shells with imageable targets, avoidance structures, and heterogeneities that contain TLD and radiochromic film dosimeters. Institutions wishing to be credentialed request a phantom and are prioritized for delivery. At the institution, the phantom is imaged, a treatment plan is developed, the phantom is positioned on the treatment couch and the treatment is delivered. The phantom is returned and the measured dose distributions are compared to the institution's electronically submitted treatment plan dosimetry data. RESULTS The RPC currently has an inventory of 31 H&N, 10 pelvis, 9 lung, and 8 spine phantoms that are mailed to institutions nationally and internationally. In 2011, 444 of these phantoms were mailed out for credentialing. Once the phantom is sent, it takes the institution an average of 26 days to return it to the RPC. On average the dosimeters are analyzed within 17 days and the report is sent 21 days after receipt of the phantom data. In 2011 the percent of phantoms meeting the acceptance criteria increased by 12, 13 and 6 percentage points for the H&N, spine and lung phantoms, respectively. It fell by 5 percentage points for the pelvis phantom. CONCLUSIONS The RPC's QA phantom program has been an effective and responsive QA tool for assessing the use of advanced technologies in NCI sponsored clinical trials. The RPC has been efficient in its mailing of phantoms, and analyzing and reporting results. Work supported by PHS grant CA10953 and CA081647 (NCI, DHHS).
Collapse
|
80
|
Bergene J, Kry S, Molineu A, Bellezza D, Court L, Alvarez P, Johnson V, Followill D. SU-E-T-86: Development and Implementation of the Use of Optically Stimulated Luminescent Detectors in the Radiological Physics Center Anthropomorphic Quality Assurance Phantoms. Med Phys 2012; 39:3722. [PMID: 28517125 DOI: 10.1118/1.4735143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the angular dependence of optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLD) in the Radiological Physics Center anthropomorphic quality assurance pelvic phantom to provide accurate dosimetric measurements as a replacement for TLD. METHODS A spherical phantom was constructed to investigate the angular response of the OSLD as oriented in the RPC pelvic phantom. Three OSLD per irradiation angle, placed at the center of the spherical phantom, were irradiated with 100 cGy from six different angles. The angular response at each angle was determined relative to the OSLD response when the beam was incident normally on the OSLD surface. A pelvic phantom dosimetry insert was modified to include both TLD and OSLD. Three treatment plans were developed in Pinnacle v9.0 and one in Accuray's Multiplan, each with increasing angular beam delivery (4 field, IMRT, SmartArc, CyberKnife) for the pelvic phantom using a common dose prescription and constraints. Each plan was delivered to the phantom three times, containing two TLD and two OSLD, oriented in the transverse plane, at the center of the PTV. The dose delivered to the TLD and OSLD was calculated for each treatment and then compared. RESULTS The angular dependence correction factor for the spherical phantom was found to be uniformly 1.041 ± 0.003 from single beam edge-on irradiations. The angular dependence correction in the pelvic phantom from multiple beam orientation irradiations was 1.024 ± 0.002, such that the OSLD dose agreed with the TLD dose. Applying the OSLD pelvic phantom correction factor, the RPC measured dose to planning system calculated dose ratio was 0.995 ± 0.009. The established RPC phantom TLD dose to calculated dose ratio was 0.995 ± 0.010. CONCLUSIONS An anthropomorphic phantom OSLD angular dependence correction factor was established such that the final OSLD dose measurements agreed with RPC's TLD dose measurements to within 1%. Work supported by grant CA 10953, awarded by NCI, DHHS.
Collapse
|
81
|
Followill D, Lowenstein J, Molineu A, Alvarez P, Aguirre J, Kry S, Summers P, Ibbott G. MO-D-BRB-02: The Radiological Physics Center's Quality Audit Program: Where Can We Improve? Med Phys 2012; 39:3866. [PMID: 28518233 DOI: 10.1118/1.4735783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the findings of the Radiological Physics Center's (RPC) QA audits of institutions participating in NCI sponsored clinical trials. METHODS The RPC has developed an extensive Quality Assurance (QA) program over the past 44 years. This program includes on-site dosimetry reviews where measurements on therapy machines are made, records are reviewed and personnel are interviewed. The program's remote audit tools include mailed dosimeters (OSLD/TLD) to verify output calibration, comparison of dosimetry data with RPC 'standard' data, evaluation of benchmark and patient calculations to verify the treatment planning algorithms, review of institution's QA procedures and records, and use of anthropomorphic phantoms to verify tumor dose delivery. The RPC endeavors to assist institutions in finding the origins of any detected discrepancies, and to resolve them. RESULTS Ninety percent of institutions receiving dosimetry recommendations has remained level for the past 5 years. The most frequent recommendations were for not performing TG-40 QA tests, wedge factors, small field size output factors and off-axis factors. Since TG-51 was published, the number of beam calibrations audited during visits with ion chambers, that met the RPC's ±3% criterion, decreased initially but has risen to pre-TG-51 levels. The OSLD/TLD program shows that only ∼3% of the beams are outside our ±5% criteria, but these discrepancies are distributed over 12-20% of the institutions. The percent of institutions with ï,3 l beam outside the RPC's criteria is approximately the same whether OSLD/TLD or ion chambers were used. The first time passing rate for the anthropomorphic phantoms is increasing with time. The prostate phantom has the highest pass rate while the spine phantom has the lowest. CONCLUSIONS Numerous dosimetry errors continue to be discovered by the RPC's QA program and the RPC continues to play an important role in helping institutions resolve these errors. This work was supported by PHS grants CA10953 and CA081647 awarded by NCI.
Collapse
|
82
|
Alvarez P, Aguirre J, Smith S, Followill D. SU-E-T-102: Evaluation of the Characteristics of TLD LiF:Mg.Ti-100 Powder: A Measure of Consistency between Multiple Batches of Powder. Med Phys 2012; 39:3726. [PMID: 28517137 DOI: 10.1118/1.4735160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Analyze the characteristics of TLD LiF-100 powder between multiple LiF crystal batches. METHODS The RPC used TLD LiF-100 encapsulated powder to verify the output for photon and electron beams for 4 to 23 MV X-ray beams and 6 to 23 MeV electron beams, respectively, from the past 15 years. During that time period, the RPC commissioned more than 15 batches of TLD powder. Commissioning of each batch of powder encompassed determining the system sensitivity (dose response), linearity, energy and fading characteristics of each batch of powder to determine the correction factors for the calculation of dose. The system sensitivity is the signal/mg per unit known dose of 60Co for each reading session. Other correction factors account for the loss of signal (fading) between the irradiation and read dates, supralinearity of the dose response and energy differences as compared to the 60Co irradiated standards. RESULTS More than 15 batches of TLD were commissioned to determine correction factors for the calculation of dose. The correction for fading, a characteristic of the LiF crystal, varied by ±1% between the multiple batches. The linearity correction, between 25 and 600cGy, normalized to 300cGy, showed a maximum variation of ±3% between batches. The energy correction factors, as defined for the RPC beam output audit system varied within ±1.7% (one std dev.) for the 15 batches. The system sensitivity is highly dependent on the LiF crystal grown for each batch, specific TLD reader and reading session conditions. The system sensitivity, while keeping the readers and reading sessions constant, varied by as much as 20% between batches. CONCLUSIONS Each batch of LiF-100 TLD powder showed variability in their powder characteristics such that calculation of dose accurately, with minimal uncertainty, requires a new commissioning. Work supported by PHS CA010953 awarded by NCI, DHHS.
Collapse
|
83
|
Molineu A, Alvarez P, Hernandez N, Yin F, Followill D. TH-C-BRB-01: Credentialing Results from a Spine Anthropomorphic Phantom. Med Phys 2012. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4736304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
84
|
Scarboro S, Cody D, Followill D, Alvarez P, McNitt-Gray M, Zhang D, Court L, Kry S. TU-G-217BCD-01: Investigation of a Commercial OSLD System for CT Dosimetry. Med Phys 2012. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4736015] [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
|
85
|
Saguer E, Alvarez P, Ismail A. Heat-induced denaturation/aggregation of porcine plasma and its fractions studied by FTIR spectroscopy. Food Hydrocoll 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2011.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
86
|
Alvarez P, Puente VM, Blasco MJ, Salgado P, Merino A, Bulbena A. Concurrent Koro and Cotard syndromes in a Spanish male patient with a psychotic depression and cerebrovascular disease. Psychopathology 2012; 45:126-9. [PMID: 22310658 DOI: 10.1159/000329739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Koro and Cotard syndromes are uncommon conditions described in a variety of psychiatric and medical disorders. The authors report the third case of a simultaneous presentation of both syndromes, in a 62-year-old inpatient Spanish male with major depressive disorder with psychotic features, parkinsonism and cognitive impairment. A discussion of the literature and the possible relationship between both syndromes and other neuropsychiatric disorders are presented.
Collapse
|
87
|
Ruiz J, Alvarez P, Arbib Z, Garrido C, Barragán J, Perales JA. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus concentration on their removal kinetic in treated urban wastewater by Chlorella vulgaris. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2011; 13:884-96. [PMID: 21972511 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2011.573823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the feasibility of removing nutrients by the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, using urban wastewater as culture medium, namely the effluent subjected to secondary biological treatment in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). For this, laboratory experiments were performed in batch cultures to study the effect of initial nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations on growth and reduction of nutrient performance of C. vulgaris. The microalga was cultivated in enriched wastewater containing different phosphorus (1.3-143.5 mg x L(-1) P.PO4(3-)), ammonium (5.8-226.8 mg x L(-1) N-NH4+) and nitrate (1.5-198.3 mg x L(-1) N-NO3-) concentrations. The nutrient removal and growth kinetics have been studied: maximum productivity of 0.95 g SS x L(-1) x day(-1), minimum yield factor for cells on substrate (Y) of 11.51 g cells x g nitrogen(-1) and 0.04 g cells x g phosphorus(-1) were observed. The results suggested that C. vulgaris has a high potential to reduce nutrients in secondary WWTP effluents.
Collapse
|
88
|
Aguirre J, Alvarez P, Ibbott G, Followill D. SU-E-T-126: Analysis of Uncertainties for the RPC Remote Dosimetry Using Optically Stimulated Light Dosimetry (OSDL). Med Phys 2011. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3612077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
89
|
Alvarez P, Aguirre J, Followill D. SU-E-T-86: Evaluation of the OSLD System for Remote Dosimetry Audits Implemented by the RPC. Med Phys 2011. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3612037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
90
|
Molineu A, Hernandez N, Alvarez P, Ibbott G, Galvin J, Followill D. WE-C-BRB-05: Results from 1005 IMRT Irradiations of an Anthropomorphic Head and Neck Phantom. Med Phys 2011. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3613324] [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
|
91
|
Cho J, Alvarez P, Followill D, Gillin M, Ibbott G. SU-E-T-153: Proton Linearity and Energy Dependence Studies of Optically Stimulated Luminescent Detectors for Remote Audits of Proton Beam Calibrations by the Radiological Physics Center. Med Phys 2011. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3612103] [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
|
92
|
Followill D, Alvarez P, Molineu A, Gillin M, Ibbott G. SU-E-T-542: Evaluation of Lung Treatment Deliveries Using the Radiological Physics Centerˈs (RPC) Thorax Phantom: Monte Carlo Heterogeneity Correction Algorithms vs. All Other Modern Heterogeneity Correction Algorithms. Med Phys 2011. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3612504] [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
|
93
|
Reyes G, Prieto M, Alvarez P, Orts M, Bustamante J, Santos G, Sarraj A, Planas A. Cell saving systems do not reduce the need of transfusion in low-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2011; 12:189-93. [DOI: 10.1510/icvts.2010.251538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
|
94
|
Hotopan GR, Ver Hoeye S, Vazquez Antuna C, Camblor Diaz R, Fernandez Garcia M, Las-Heras Andrés F, Alvarez P, Menéndez R. MILLIMETER WAVE MICROSTRIP MIXER BASED ON GRAPHENE. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.2528/pier11051709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
95
|
Wang BY, Alvarez P, Hong J, Kuramitsu HK. Periodontal pathogens interfere with quorum-sensing-dependent virulence properties in Streptococcus mutans. J Periodontal Res 2010; 46:105-10. [PMID: 21108642 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2010.01319.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The mechanism by which periodontal pathogens dominate at disease sites is not yet understood. One possibility is that these late colonizers antagonize the quorum-sensing systems of early colonizers and render those early colonizers less resistant to environmental factors. In this study, we utilized Streptococcus mutans, a well-documented oral Streptococcus with many quorum-sensing-dependent properties, as an example of an earlier colonizer antagonized by periodontal pathogens. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, S. mutans NG8 and S. mutans LT11 were used in experiments assessing transformation, and S. mutans BM71 was used in experiments investigating bacteriocin production. The effects of the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola on these competence-stimulating peptide-dependent properties were evaluated in mixed-broth assays. RESULTS Both P. gingivalis (either live bacteria or membrane vesicles) and T. denticola antagonized transformation in S. mutans NG8 and LT11. The production of bacteriocin by S. mutans BM71 was also inhibited by P. gingivalis and T. denticola. Boiling of these late colonizers before addition to the broth cultures abolished their ability to inhibit S. mutans transformation and bacteriocin production. P. gingivalis and T. denticola inactivated S. mutans exogenous competence-stimulating peptide, whereas the boiled bacteria did not. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that periodontal pathogens antagonize S. mutans quorum-sensing properties. This may render S. mutans less virulent and less resistant to environmental antibacterial factors.
Collapse
|
96
|
Aguirre J, Alvarez P, Amador C, Tailor A, Followill D, Ibbott G. WE-D-BRB-08: Validation of the Commissioning of an Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) System for Remote Dosimetry Audits. Med Phys 2010. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3469396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
97
|
Shiu A, Drzymala R, Alvarez P, Followill D, Tailor R. SU-GG-T-516: Investigation of Large Discrepancies in Dose-Rates of Gamma-Knife Units at Various Institutions. Med Phys 2010. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3468912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
98
|
Molineu A, Hernandez N, Alvarez P, Followill D, Ibbott G. TU-E-BRB-06: Results from Multiple Radiations of an Anthropomorphic Spine Phantom. Med Phys 2010. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3469289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
99
|
Potel C, Alvarez-Fernández M, Constenla L, Alvarez P, Perez S. First human isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sequence type 398 in Spain. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2010; 29:351-2. [PMID: 20094897 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-009-0860-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 12/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
100
|
Tagle LH, Terraza CA, Leiva A, Alvarez P. Polyesters based on two silarylene or germarylene moieties: Synthesis under phase-transfer conditions. J Appl Polym Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/app.30645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|