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Dormon K, Latif E, Pal D, Bashton M, Selby M, Blair H, Rand V, Hall A, Vormoor J, Heidenreich O. A Whole Genome In Vivo CRISPR Screen in Primary ALL Predicts the Relapse. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2016. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1582521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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77
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Lobo N, Hall A, McIntyre C, Meacher R, Mace A. Optimising surgical tracheostomy provision for the intensive care unit: a multicycle audit of 36 cases. Clin Otolaryngol 2016; 41:612-4. [PMID: 26400149 DOI: 10.1111/coa.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Snider J, Hall A, Vadnais P, Regine W, Nichols E, Feigenberg S, Mutaf Y. Projected Improvements in Clinical Outcomes Utilizing a Novel Breast Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (BSRT)-Device for Neoadjuvant Partial-Breast Irradiation (PBI). Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2015.07.2138] [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]
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79
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Snider J, Mutaf Y, Hall A, Vadnais P, Aggarwal S, Regine W, Nichols E, Feigenberg S. Dosimetric Improvements Based on Vacuum Assisted Breast Immobilization Utilized With a Novel Breast Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (BSRT) Device. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2015.07.676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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80
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Cunningham S, Hall A, Jackson A, Jarrett-Smith L, Rees P, Brennan C, Saeed Y, Ng F, Kirkwood G, Orini M, Lambiase P, Srinivasan N, Walker N, Wright G, Goodwin J, Reilly J, Connelly D, Mudd P, Wilson C, Rice A, Iglesias A, Taggart S, James S, Thornley A, Turley A, Linker N, Rashid-Fadel T, Bond R, Rosengarten J, Thomas G, Butcher C, Lysitsas D, Wong T, Markides V, Jones D, Hussain W, Gilmore M, Barry J, Srinivasan N, Patel K, Lowe M, Segal O, Temple I, Borbas Z, Atkinson A, Yanni J, Yanni J, Boyett M, Garratt C, Dobrzynski H, Roney C, Debney M, Eichhorn C, Nachiappan A, Qureshi N, Chowdhury R, Kanagaratnam P, Lyon A, Peters N, Lawless M, Pearman C, Radcliffe E, Caldwell J, Trafford A, Taggart P, Hanson B, Hayward M, Lambiase PD, Yanni J, Orini M, Hanson B, Hayward M, Smith A, Zhang H, Dobrzynski H, Boyett M, Taggart P, Orini M, Simon R, Providencia R, Babu G, Vyas S, Khan F, Chow T, Segal O, Lowe M, Lambiase P. Allied Professionals. Europace 2015; 17:v3-v5. [PMCID: PMC4892104 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euv325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
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81
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Lunt E, Lok C, Aw D, Nandi N, Blundell AG, Makin J, Hall A. 7HOW MUCH DO DOCTORS KNOW ABOUT CLINICAL CODING? Age Ageing 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afv106.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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82
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Eswaran J, Sinclair P, Heidenreich O, Irving J, Russell LJ, Hall A, Calado DP, Harrison CJ, Vormoor J. The pre-B-cell receptor checkpoint in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Leukemia 2015; 29:1623-31. [PMID: 25943180 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The B-cell receptor (BCR) and its immature form, the precursor-BCR (pre-BCR), have a central role in the control of B-cell development, which is dependent on a sequence of cell-fate decisions at specific antigen-independent checkpoints. Pre-BCR expression provides the first checkpoint, which controls differentiation of pre-B to immature B-cells in normal haemopoiesis. Pre-BCR signalling regulates and co-ordinates diverse processes within the pre-B cell, including clonal selection, proliferation and subsequent maturation. In B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP-ALL), B-cell development is arrested at this checkpoint. Moreover, malignant blasts avoid clonal extinction by hijacking pre-BCR signalling in favour of the development of BCP-ALL. Here, we discuss three mechanisms that occur in different subtypes of BCP-ALL: (i) blocking pre-BCR expression; (ii) activating pre-BCR-mediated pro-survival and pro-proliferative signalling, while inhibiting cell cycle arrest and maturation; and (iii) bypassing the pre-BCR checkpoint and activating pro-survival signalling through pre-BCR independent alternative mechanisms. A complete understanding of the BCP-ALL-specific signalling networks will highlight their application in BCP-ALL therapy.
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Stones S, Swallow V, Majeed-Aris R, Hall A. OP0243-PARE Involvement of Children and Young People with Long-Term Conditions in the Development of Mobile APP Technology to Promote Disease Self-Management. Ann Rheum Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-eular.1450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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84
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Roddy E, Ogollah R, Zwierska I, Datta P, Hall A, Hay E, Jackson S, Lewis M, Shufflebottom J, Stevenson K, van der Windt D, Young J, Foster N. Randomised controlled trial testing physiotherapy-led exercise and ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection for subacromial impingement syndrome: the support trial. Physiotherapy 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2015.03.632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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85
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Smith AL, Bascuñana C, Hall A, Salman A, Andrei AZ, Volenik A, Rothenmund H, Ferland D, Lamoussenery D, Kamath AS, Amre R, Caglar D, Gao ZH, Haegert DG, Kanber Y, Michel RP, Omeroglu-Altinel G, Asselah J, Bouganim N, Kavan P, Arena G, Barkun J, Chaudhury P, Gallinger S, Foulkes WD, Omeroglu A, Metrakos P, Zogopoulos G. Establishing a clinic-based pancreatic cancer and periampullary tumour research registry in Quebec. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:113-21. [PMID: 25908910 DOI: 10.3747/co.22.2300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enrolling patients in studies of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (pdac) is challenging because of the high fatality of the disease. We hypothesized that a prospective clinic-based study with rapid ascertainment would result in high participation rates. Using that strategy, we established the Quebec Pancreas Cancer Study (qpcs) to investigate the genetics and causes of pdac and other periampullary tumours (pats) that are also rare and underrepresented in research studies. METHODS Patients diagnosed with pdac or pat were introduced to the study at their initial clinical encounter, with a strategy to enrol participants within 2 weeks of diagnosis. Patient self-referrals and referrals of unaffected individuals with an increased risk of pdac were also accepted. Family histories, epidemiologic and clinical data, and biospecimens were collected. Additional relatives were enrolled in families at increased genetic risk. RESULTS The first 346 completed referrals led to 306 probands being enrolled, including 190 probands affected with pdac, who represent the population focus of the qpcs. Participation rates were 88.4% for all referrals and 89.2% for pdac referrals. Family history, epidemiologic and clinical data, and biospecimens were ascertained from 91.9%, 54.6%, and 97.5% respectively of patients with pdac. Although demographics and trends in risk factors in our patients were consistent with published statistics for patients with pdac, the qpcs is enriched for families with French-Canadian ancestry (37.4%), a population with recurrent germ-line mutations in hereditary diseases. CONCLUSIONS Using rapid ascertainment, a pdac and pat research registry with high participation rates can be established. The qpcs is a valuable research resource and its enrichment with patients of French-Canadian ancestry provides a unique opportunity for studies of heredity in these diseases.
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Cobb L, Whitaker R, Hall A, Broadwater G, Murphy S, Berchuck A, Gaillard S. Evaluation of ERRα expression and association with survival in advanced ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.01.513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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87
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Lyster H, Soresi S, Leaver N, Hall A, Simon A, Reed A, Carby M. Serial Monitoring of Plasma Voriconazole Levels in Lung Transplant Recipients: Results From a Single Centre Experience. J Heart Lung Transplant 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2015.01.669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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88
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Arora A, Hall A, Kotecha J, Burgess C, Khemani S, Darzi A, Singh A, Tolley N. Virtual reality simulation training in temporal bone surgery. Clin Otolaryngol 2015; 40:153-9. [DOI: 10.1111/coa.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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89
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Chima P, Maw M, Kausar S, Hall A. Interhemispheric subdural haematoma. Assoc Med J 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.h820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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90
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Nettle R, Ayre M, Beilin R, Waller S, Turner L, Hall A, Irvine L, Taylor G. Empowering farmers for increased resilience in uncertain times. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/an14882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
As farmers continue to face increasingly uncertain and often rapidly changing conditions related to markets, climate or the policy environment, people involved in agricultural research, development and extension (RD&E) are also challenged to consider how their work can contribute to supporting farmer resilience. Research from the social sciences conducted in the past decade has focussed on adaptability or adaptive capacity as a key attribute for individuals and groups to possess for managing resilience. It is, therefore, timely to ask the following: do current ways of doing and organising RD&E in the dairy sector in New Zealand and Australia contribute to supporting farm adaptability? This paper reports on results from an examination of case studies of challenges to resilience in the dairy sector in Australia and New Zealand (i.e. dairy farm conversion, climate-change adaptation, consent to farm) and the contribution of dairy RD&E in enhancing resilience of farmers, their farms and the broader industry. Drawing on concepts from resilience studies and considering an empowerment perspective, the analysis of these cases suggest that, currently, agricultural RD&E supports adaptability in general, but varies in the strength of its presence and level of activity in the areas known to enhance adaptability. This analysis is used to generate principles for dairy scientists and others in the RD&E system to consider in (1) research designs, (2) engaging different farmers in research and (3) presenting research results differently. This represents a significant shift for the science and advisory communities to move to methods that acknowledge uncertainty and facilitate learning.
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Bamford RF, Hall A, Loftus IM, Thompson MM, Black SA. Rationalising cross-match requests in vascular surgery is safe and cost effective. J Perioper Pract 2014; 24:206-9. [PMID: 25326941 DOI: 10.1177/175045891402400904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study describes how a vascular centre rationalised their blood transfusion policy. A multidisciplinary panel reviewed data for blood transfusion protocols and implemented improvements that were analysed. The number of units cross-matched fell from 272 to 183 over a six month period. Unused blood reduced from 80% to 61%. The study concluded that rationalisation of cross matching policies is safe and provides cost and resource benefits.
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Schumacher J, Hendry P, Hall A, Lutz B, Carden D. EMF-250 An Emergency Department-to-Home Intervention to Improve Patient Activation. Ann Emerg Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2014.07.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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93
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Steinbauer MJ, Burns AE, Hall A, Riegler M, Taylor GS. Nutritional enhancement of leaves by a psyllid through senescence-like processes: insect manipulation or plant defence? Oecologia 2014; 176:1061-74. [PMID: 25241296 PMCID: PMC4226843 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-014-3087-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Some herbivores can modify the physiology of plant modules to meet their nutritional requirements. Induction of premature leaf senescence could benefit herbivores since it is associated with the mobilisation of nutrients. We compared the effects of nymphal feeding by Cardiaspina near densitexta on Eucalyptus moluccana with endogenous processes associated with senescence to assess the relative merits of an insect manipulation or plant defence interpretation of responses. Evidence supporting insect manipulation included increased size of fourth and fifth instar nymphs (in the latter the effect was restricted to forewing pad length of females) on leaves supporting high numbers of conspecifics and feeding preventing leaf necrosis. Intra-specific competition negated greater performance at very high densities. High and very high abundances of nymphs were associated with increased concentrations of amino acid N but only very high abundances of nymphs tended to be associated with increased concentrations of six essential amino acids. Contrary to the insect manipulation interpretation, feeding by very high abundances of nymphs was associated with significant reductions in chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins. Evidence supporting plant defence included the severity of chlorosis increasing with the abundance of nymphs. Leaf reddening did not develop because ambient conditions associated with photoinhibition (high irradiance and low temperature) were not experienced by leaves with chlorotic lesions. Leaf reddening (from anthocyanins) alone is not expected to adversely affect nymphal survival; only leaf necrosis would kill nymphs. For senescence-inducing psyllids, nutritional enhancement does not fit neatly into either an insect manipulation or plant defence interpretation.
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Snider J, Nichols E, Feigenberg S, Hall A, Vadnais P, Regine W, Mutaf Y. A Dosimetric Comparison of a Novel Breast Stereotactic Radiotherapy Device for the Delivery of Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI) Versus Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) PBI. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2014.05.104] [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]
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Lousada M, Jesus LMT, Hall A, Joffe V. Intelligibility as a clinical outcome measure following intervention with children with phonologically based speech-sound disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2014; 49:584-601. [PMID: 24861159 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of two treatment approaches (phonological therapy and articulation therapy) for treatment of 14 children, aged 4;0-6;7 years, with phonologically based speech-sound disorder (SSD) has been previously analysed with severity outcome measures (percentage of consonants correct score, percentage occurrence of phonological processes and phonetic inventory). Considering that the ultimate goal of intervention for children with phonologically based SSD is to improve intelligibility, it is curious that intervention studies focusing on children's phonology do not routinely use intelligibility as an outcome measure. It is therefore important that the impact of interventions on speech intelligibility is explored. AIMS This paper investigates the effectiveness of the two treatment approaches (phonological therapy and articulation therapy) using intelligibility measures, both in single words and in continuous speech, as the primary outcome. METHODS & PROCEDURES Fourteen children with phonologically based SSD participated in the intervention. The children were randomly assigned to phonological therapy or articulation therapy (seven children in each group). Two assessment methods were used for measuring intelligibility: a word identification task (for single words) and a rating scale (for continuous speech). Twenty-one unfamiliar adults listened and judged the children's intelligibility. Reliability analyses showed overall high agreement between listeners across both methods. OUTCOMES & RESULTS Significant improvements were noted in intelligibility in both single words (paired t(6)=4.409, p=0.005) and continuous speech (asymptotic Z=2.371, p=0.018) for the group receiving phonology therapy pre- to post-treatment, but no differences in intelligibility were found for those receiving the articulation therapy pre- to post-treatment, either for single words (paired t(6)=1.763, p=0.128) or continuous speech (asymptotic Z=1.442, p=0.149). CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS Intelligibility measures were sensitive enough to show changes in the phonological therapy group but not in the articulation therapy group. These findings emphasize the importance of using intelligibility as an outcome measure to complement the results obtained with other severity measures when exploring the effectiveness of speech interventions. This study presents new evidence for the effectiveness of phonological therapy in improving intelligibility with children with SSD.
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Snider J, Mutaf Y, Feigenberg S, Hall A, Vadnais P, Regine W, Nichols E. Theoretical Improvements in Cosmetic Outcomes Utilizing a Novel Breast Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (BSRT)–Device Compared to 3-Dimensional Partial Breast Irradiation Using IMRT (IMRT PBI): A Dosimetric Analysis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2014.05.952] [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]
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Abstract
Norovirus infections are notoriously difficult to prevent and control, owing to their low infectious dose, high shedding titre, and environmental stability. The virus can spread through multiple transmission routes, of which person-to-person and foodborne are the most important. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics have helped to establish norovirus as the most common cause of sporadic gastroenteritis and the most common cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis across all ages. In this article, we review the epidemiology and virology of noroviruses, and prevention and control guidelines, with a focus on the principles of disinfection and decontamination. Outbreak management relies on sound infection control principles, including hand hygiene, limiting exposure to infectious individuals, and thorough environmental decontamination. Ideally, all infection control recommendations would rely on empirical evidence, but a number of challenges, including the inability to culture noroviruses in the laboratory and the challenges of outbreak management in complex environments, has made it difficult to garner clear evidence of efficacy in certain areas of infection control. New experimental data on cultivable surrogates for human norovirus and on environmental survivability and relative resistance to commonly used disinfectants are providing new insights for further refinining disinfection practices. Finally, clinical trials are underway to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines, which may shift the current infection control principles to more targeted interventions.
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Barclay L, Park GW, Vega E, Hall A, Parashar U, Vinjé J, Lopman B. Infection control for norovirus. Clin Microbiol Infect 2014. [PMID: 24813073 DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12674.infection] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Norovirus infections are notoriously difficult to prevent and control, owing to their low infectious dose, high shedding titre, and environmental stability. The virus can spread through multiple transmission routes, of which person-to-person and foodborne are the most important. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics have helped to establish norovirus as the most common cause of sporadic gastroenteritis and the most common cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis across all ages. In this article, we review the epidemiology and virology of noroviruses, and prevention and control guidelines, with a focus on the principles of disinfection and decontamination. Outbreak management relies on sound infection control principles, including hand hygiene, limiting exposure to infectious individuals, and thorough environmental decontamination. Ideally, all infection control recommendations would rely on empirical evidence, but a number of challenges, including the inability to culture noroviruses in the laboratory and the challenges of outbreak management in complex environments, has made it difficult to garner clear evidence of efficacy in certain areas of infection control. New experimental data on cultivable surrogates for human norovirus and on environmental survivability and relative resistance to commonly used disinfectants are providing new insights for further refinining disinfection practices. Finally, clinical trials are underway to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines, which may shift the current infection control principles to more targeted interventions.
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Samangouei P, Elder JM, Burke N, Hall A, Hausenloy DJ. P143Targeting the mitochondrial fission proteins, MiD49 and MiD51, as a therapeutic strategy for cardioprotection. Cardiovasc Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvu082.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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100
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Nacul L, Stewart A, Alberg C, Chowdhury S, Darlison M, Grollman C, Hall A, Modell B, Moorthie S, Sagoo G, Burton H. A Toolkit to assess health needs for congenital disorders in low- and middle-income countries: an instrument for public health action. J Public Health (Oxf) 2014; 36:243-50. [PMID: 23667249 PMCID: PMC4041098 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdt048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2010 the World Health Assembly called for action to improve the care and prevention of congenital disorders, noting that technical guidance would be required for this task, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Responding to this call, we have developed a freely available web-accessible Toolkit for assessing health needs for congenital disorders. METHODS Materials for the Toolkit website (http://toolkit.phgfoundation.org) were prepared by an iterative process of writing, discussion and modification by the project team, with advice from external experts. A customized database was developed using epidemiological, demographic, socio-economic and health-services data from a range of validated sources. Document-processing and data integration software combines data from the database with a template to generate topic- and country-specific Calculator documents for quantitative analysis. RESULTS The Toolkit guides users through selection of topics (including both clinical conditions and relevant health services), assembly and evaluation of qualitative and quantitative information, assessment of the potential effects of selected interventions, and planning and prioritization of actions to reduce the risk or prevalence of congenital disorders. CONCLUSIONS The Toolkit enables users without epidemiological or public health expertise to undertake health needs assessment as a prerequisite for strategic planning in relation to congenital disorders in their country or region.
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