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Alton EWFW, Boyd C, Cunningham S, Davies JC, Hyde SC, Innes JA, Gill DR, Greening A, Griesenbach U, Higgins T, Porteous DJ. S18 Longitudinal assessment of biomarkers for clinical trials of novel therapeutic agents: the run-in study. Thorax 2010. [DOI: 10.1136/thx.2010.150912.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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52
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Nathanson B, Higgins T. The Use of Scan Statistics and Control Charts in Assessing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Quality Control Programs. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2010. [DOI: 10.1260/2040-2295.1.4.579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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53
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54
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Saulnier Sholler GL, Bergendahl G, Lenox S, Zage PE, Roberts W, Kraveka JM, Eslin D, Kaplan J, Higgins T, Ferguson W. A phase I trial of TPI-287 as a single agent and its combination with temozolomide in relapsed neuroblastoma or medulloblastoma. J Clin Oncol 2010. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.28.15_suppl.tps329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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55
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Higgins T, Heazlewood T, Climstein M. Contrast water immersion combined with electrical muscle stimulation is beneficial for recovery from rugby league in comparison to contrast water immersion alone. J Sci Med Sport 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.108] [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]
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56
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Lenehan B, Boran S, Street J, Higgins T, McCormack D, Poynton AR. Demographics of acute admissions to a National Spinal Injuries Unit. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2009; 18:938-42. [PMID: 19283414 PMCID: PMC2899575 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-009-0923-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2008] [Revised: 01/06/2009] [Accepted: 02/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This prospective demographic study was undertaken to review the epidemiology and demographics of all acute admissions to the National Spinal Injuries Unit in Ireland for the 5 years to 2003. The study was conducted at the National Spinal Injuries Unit, Mater Miscericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Records of all patients admitted to our unit from 1999 to 2003 were compiled from a prospective computerized spinal database. In this 5-year period, 942 patients were acutely hospitalized at the National Spinal Injuries Unit. There were 686 (73%) males and 256 (27%) females, with an average age of 32 years (range 16-84 years). The leading cause of admission with a spinal injury was road traffic accidents (42%), followed by falls (35%), sport (11%), neoplasia (7.5%) and miscellaneous (4.5%). The cervical spine was most commonly affected (51%), followed by lumbar (28%) and thoracic (21%). On admission 38% of patients were ASIA D or worse, of which one-third were AISA A. Understanding of the demographics of spinal column injuries in unique populations can help us to develop preventative and treatment strategies at both national and international levels.
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57
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Paul RV, Petron D, Crim J, Higgins T. Persistent Hip Pain In A Football Player. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2009. [DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000353889.19068.b3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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58
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Mailloux PT, McGee WT, Higgins T, Tucker J, Kozikowski K. BLOOD VOLUME CHANGES DURING DIALYSIS AND THEIR IMPACT ON CARDIAC PERFORMANCE. Chest 2008. [DOI: 10.1378/chest.134.4_meetingabstracts.p120002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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59
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Hennessy B, Murray I, O'Connor K, Crowley T, Higgins T, Kent D. Prevailing attitude amongst current senior intercounty hurlers to head and facial protection: a pilot study. Ir J Med Sci 2007; 176:279-81. [PMID: 17704966 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-007-0073-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2006] [Accepted: 07/18/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and facial injury is a major cause of morbidity associated with the game of hurling. Yet, little is known about either players' experience of these injuries and their prevention with safety devices. AIMS To survey the attitude of some of the country's senior intercounty players towards the use of protective head and facial devices and their experience of injuries relating to the head and face. METHODS A questionnaire-based study. Player attitude to the use of protective devices will be reported here. RESULTS Forty-five players completed the survey. Thirty-two (71%) players currently wear helmets with 28 (87.5%) of these also wearing faceguards. Twenty-four (75%) players have been injured despite wearing a helmet and/or faceguard. Thirteen (40.6%) players expressed frustration with helmet performance. CONCLUSIONS Injury is an unavoidable feature of hurling. To this end perhaps more should be done to involve players in overall apparatus design and safety.
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60
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Thomas JJ, Tidswell M, Shah A, Octaviani R, Kozikowski K, Higgins T, Nathanson B, Steingrub J. INITIATION OF DROTRECOGIN ALFA (ACTIVATED) [DTAA] VERSUS PLACEBO INFUSION ACUTELY IMPROVES HEMODYNAMICS IN PATIENTS WITH SEPTIC SHOCK. Chest 2006. [DOI: 10.1378/chest.130.4_meetingabstracts.149s-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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61
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Hunter AD, Zeller M, Wagner TR, Bond M, Butcher RJ, Crundwell G, Ferrence GM, Kantardjieff K, Ramirez L, Higgins T, Szalay P. The STaRBURSTT – CyberInstrumentation Consortium – CyberEnabled crystallographic education. Acta Crystallogr A 2006. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767306097637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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62
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O'Connor K, Hennessy B, Murray I, Crowley T, Higgins T, Kent D. Prevalence of head and facial trauma in current senior intercounty hurlers. IRISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 2006; 99:17-8. [PMID: 16506685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Head and facial injury are a major cause of morbidity associated with the game of hurling. A questionnaire-based study was undertaken to survey the attitude of some of the country's top senior intercounty players towards the use of protective head and facial wear and their experience of injuries relating to the head and face. Player's experience of head and facial injury will be reported here. Forty five players completed the survey. Thirty nine players (86.7%) have received injuries to the head and face during their careers. Thirteen (33.3%) of these players received such injuries on at least 5 occasions. Twenty five players (64.1%) have received eye injuries, 14 (56%) of which were described as serious by the players. Only 6 (42.9%) of these 14 players underwent a subsequent eye examination. In conclusion, these findings underscore the necessity of both compulsory head and facial protection and less haphazard access to specialist care.
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63
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Mailloux P, Higgins T, Cook J. Crit Care 2006; 10:P189. [DOI: 10.1186/cc4536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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64
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Boran S, Hurson C, Gul R, Higgins T, Poynton AR, O’Byrne J, McCormack D. Functional outcome following teardrop fracture of the axis. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/s00590-005-0236-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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65
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66
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Higgins T, Rescorla RA. Extinction and retraining of simultaneous and successive flavor conditioning. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 32:213-9. [PMID: 15281393 DOI: 10.3758/bf03196022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In three experiments, rats received pairings of flavor conditioned stimuli with polycose unconditioned stimuli, in either a simultaneous or a sequential relation. Both temporal relations produced excellent conditioned increases in consumption of the flavors. Separate presentation of the flavors resulted in extinction in both cases. However, restoring the pairing of the flavor with polycose resulted in reconditioning only with the sequential, not with the simultaneous, relation.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND We studied previously patterns of organ donation in a teaching hospital. Eleven years later we repeated the study to investigate how patterns had changed. We also wanted to see whether non-heart beating donation was being practised in our intensive care units. METHODS All deaths were prospectively audited to identify potential heart beating and non-heart beating organ donors. The actual organ donors and reasons for not donating were identified. RESULTS Overall, there was a significant reduction in the number of potential organ donors in the 11-yr period. This was accompanied by an increase in refusal rates by relatives from 10 to 29%, and a decrease in refusal rates by the coroner from 28 to 11%. CONCLUSIONS In this hospital the number of potential and actual organ donors has fallen in 11 yr. This is a combination of decreasing numbers of patients becoming brain dead and increased relative refusal rate. It has only been partially offset by a more liberal attitude of the coroner and non-heart beating donors.
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68
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Dillon JP, Higgins T, Curtin J. Focal dystonia in a professional musician. IRISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 2003; 96:182-3. [PMID: 12926762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
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69
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Higgins T, Kelly M, Curtin J. Osteoid osteoma of the distal humerus mimicking tennis elbow. IRISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 2002; 95:248-9. [PMID: 12405504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Osteoid osteoma is an uncommon bony neoplasm which rarely occurs in the elbow region. We present a case in a sixteen year old male whose symptoms were suggestive of lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, and he had been treated as such for a period of eighteen months. CT scan and isotope bone scan showed typical features of osteoid osteoma and his symptoms resolved rapidly following excision of the lesion. Tennis elbow is rare in the adolescent age group, and other diagnoses should be excluded in cases where the clinical findings are suggestive of this condition.
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70
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Mofidi A, Higgins T, Borton D, Fenelon GC, Smyth HA. Bilateral posterior shoulder dislocation associated with fracture. Ir J Med Sci 2002; 171:170-1. [PMID: 15736362 DOI: 10.1007/bf03170511] [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: 10/20/2022]
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71
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Velders MP, McElhiney S, Cassetti MC, Eiben GL, Higgins T, Kovacs GR, Elmishad AG, Kast WM, Smith LR. Eradication of established tumors by vaccination with Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replicon particles delivering human papillomavirus 16 E7 RNA. Cancer Res 2001; 61:7861-7. [PMID: 11691804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The etiological role of human papillomaviruses (HPV) in cervical and other cancers suggests that therapeutic vaccines directed against requisite viral antigens may eradicate tumors or their precursors. A Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) alphavirus vector delivering the HPV16 E7 RNA was evaluated for antitumor efficacy using a murine E7+ tumor model. Vaccination with VEE replicon particles expressing E7 (E7-VRP) induced class I-restricted CD8+ T-cell responses as determined by IFN-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT), tetramer, and cytotoxicity assays. E7-VRP vaccination prevented tumor development in all of the mice and effectively eliminated 7-day established tumors in 67% of tumor-bearing mice. The induction of protective T-cell responses was dependent on CD8+, but not CD4+ T cells. Long-lasting T-cell memory responses developed in E7-VRP-vaccinated mice as determined by complete protection from tumor challenge 3 months after the final vaccination. These promising results highlight the potent CD8+ T-cell-mediated antitumor effects elicited by VEE replicon-based vectors and support their further development toward clinical testing against cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or carcinoma.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine/genetics
- Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine/immunology
- Female
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Immunologic Memory/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/immunology
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins
- RNA, Viral/administration & dosage
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- Replicon/genetics
- Replicon/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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72
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Murray PG, Grassick A, Laffey CD, Cuffe MM, Higgins T, Savage AV, Planas A, Tuohy MG. Isolation and characterization of a thermostable endo-beta-glucanase active on 1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucans from the aerobic fungus talaromyces emersonii CBS 814.70. Enzyme Microb Technol 2001; 29:90-98. [PMID: 11427240 DOI: 10.1016/s0141-0229(01)00354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A novel endoglucanase active on 1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucans was purified to apparent homogeneity from submerged cultures of the moderately thermophilic aerobic fungus Talaromyces emersonii CBS 814.70. The enzyme is a single subunit glycoprotein with M(r) and pI values of 40.7 +/- 0.3 kDa and 4.4, respectively, and an estimated carbohydrate content of 77% (w/w). The purified beta-glucanase displayed activity over broad ranges of pH and temperature, yielding respective optima values of pH 4.8 and 80 degrees C. This enzyme was markedly thermostable with 15% of the original activity remaining after incubation for 15 min at 100 degrees C. Substrate specificity studies revealed the identity of the enzyme to be a 1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucanase. Identical K(m) values (13.38 mg.ml(-1)) were obtained with lichenan and BBG, while the V(max) value with lichenan (142.9 IU.mg(-1)) was approximately twice the value obtained with BBG (79.3 IU.mg(-1)). Time-course hydrolysis of barley-beta-glucan did not proceed linearly with respect to time indicating an 'endo' or more processive action for the enzyme. HPAEC fractionation of the products of hydrolysis yielded a range of oligosaccharides, with cellobiose, cellotriose and cellotetraose being the predominant oligosaccharide products.
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73
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Velders MP, Weijzen S, Eiben GL, Elmishad AG, Kloetzel PM, Higgins T, Ciccarelli RB, Evans M, Man S, Smith L, Kast WM. Defined flanking spacers and enhanced proteolysis is essential for eradication of established tumors by an epitope string DNA vaccine. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2001; 166:5366-73. [PMID: 11313372 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.166.9.5366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Loss of immunogenic epitopes by tumors has urged the development of vaccines against multiple epitopes. Recombinant DNA technologies have opened the possibility to develop multiepitope vaccines in a relatively rapid and efficient way. We have constructed four naked DNA-based multiepitope vaccines, containing CTL, Th cell, and B cell epitopes of the human papillomavirus type 16. Here we show that gene gun-mediated vaccination with an epitope-based DNA vaccine protects 100% of the vaccinated mice against a lethal tumor challenge. The addition of spacers between the epitopes was crucial for the epitope-induced tumor protection, as the same DNA construct without spacers was significantly less effective and only protected 50% of the mice. When tested for therapeutic potential, only the epitope construct with defined spacers significantly reduced the size of established tumors, but failed to induce tumor regression. Only after targeting the vaccine-encoded protein to the protein degradation pathway by linking it to ubiquitin, the vaccine-induced T cell-mediated eradication of 100% of 7-day established tumors in mice. The finding that defined flanking sequences around epitopes and protein targeting dramatically increased the efficacy of epitope string DNA vaccines against established tumors will be of importance for the further development of multiepitope DNA vaccines toward clinical application.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/genetics
- Animals
- Antigen Presentation/genetics
- Cell Line, Transformed
- Cysteine Endopeptidases/genetics
- Cysteine Endopeptidases/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- DNA, Intergenic/administration & dosage
- DNA, Intergenic/genetics
- DNA, Intergenic/immunology
- Epitopes/genetics
- Epitopes/immunology
- Epitopes/metabolism
- Female
- Genetic Vectors/administration & dosage
- Genetic Vectors/immunology
- Genetic Vectors/metabolism
- HLA-A2 Antigen/genetics
- HLA-A2 Antigen/immunology
- HLA-A2 Antigen/metabolism
- Humans
- Hydrolysis
- Injections, Intradermal
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Injections, Subcutaneous
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Multienzyme Complexes/genetics
- Multienzyme Complexes/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Experimental/enzymology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/prevention & control
- Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Ubiquitins/genetics
- Ubiquitins/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
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74
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Vaile JH, Dyke L, Kherani R, Johnston C, Higgins T, Russell AS. Is high titre ANA specific for connective tissue disease? Clin Exp Rheumatol 2000; 18:433-8. [PMID: 10949716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A positive antinuclear antibody (ANA), while sensitive, is not specific for systemic lupus erythematosus or connective tissue diseases (CTD). The purpose of the present study was to review those sera with a high titre (> or = dilutions above screening) ANA and determine from a review of the charts if these higher titres offered a satisfactory specificity for CTD. METHODS All FANA testing in this region is carried out in one of two related laboratories. We reviewed the medical records of patients who had a positive ANA at a titre 4 dilutions above screening at this city-wide laboratory over a 6-month period to determine whether this titre ("high titre") may offer relative diagnostic certainty. Antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) and native DNA were also obtained. RESULTS 422 ANA results were positive at high titre. The medical record was available for review in 320 patients, of whom 238 (75%) were seen by a specialist physician, almost always including a rheumatologist. Our review determined that 35% had a diagnosis of connective tissue disease, 21% had a diagnosis of a possible/probable inflammatory disease, 16% had an alternative specific diagnosis provided, and in 29% no final disease specific diagnosis was recorded but CTD was not suggested to us or the specialist by the data available. One or more anti-ENA antibodies and/or anti-DNA were positive in 69 (22%) and 8% of the sera tested respectively. CONCLUSION While long term follow-up is still required, a significant proportion of patients with high titre ANA have no CTD at the time of testing. Setting a higher cutoff for reporting of ANA may not increase specificity sufficiently to make it a useful alternative or addition to reporting a positive or negative value at screening titre alone.
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75
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Rapoport J, Teres D, Steingrub J, Higgins T, McGee W, Lemeshow S. Patient characteristics and ICU organizational factors that influence frequency of pulmonary artery catheterization. JAMA 2000; 283:2559-67. [PMID: 10815120 DOI: 10.1001/jama.283.19.2559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hemodynamic monitoring of patients with a pulmonary artery catheter is controversial because there are few data confirming its effectiveness, and patient and intensive care unit (ICU) organizational factors associated with its use are unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine pulmonary artery catheter use in relationship to type of ICU organization and staffing, and patient characteristics, including severity of illness and insurance coverage. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Retrospective database study of 10,217 nonoperative patients who received treatment at 34 medical, mixed medical and surgical, and surgical ICUs at 27 hospitals during 1998 (patients were enrolled in Project IMPACT). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pulmonary artery catheter use based on severity of illness measured by the Simplified Acute Physiology Score, resuscitation status at ICU admission, and ICU organizational variables, including type, size, and model. RESULTS A pulmonary artery catheter was used for 831 patients (8.1%) in the ICU. In multivariate analysis adjusted for severity of illness, age, diagnosis, and do-not-resuscitate status, full-time ICU physician staffing was associated with a two-thirds reduction in the probability of catheter use (odds ratio [OR], 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-0.45). Higher catheter use was associated with white race (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.10-1.72) and private insurance coverage (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.10-1.60). Admission to a surgical ICU was associated with a 2-fold increase in probability of catheter use (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.70-2.76) compared with either medical or mixed medical and surgical ICUs. CONCLUSION Organizational characteristics of ICUs, insurance reimbursement, and race, as well as clinical variables, are associated with variation in practice patterns regarding pulmonary artery catheter use. Understanding such influences, combined with studies measuring clinical and economic outcomes, can contribute to the development of policies for the rational use of pulmonary artery catheters. JAMA. 2000;283:2559-2567
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