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Black M, Cooper J, McGinn P. Scanning electrochemical microscope characterization of thin film Pt–Ru alloys for fuel cell applications. Chem Eng Sci 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2004.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Allison PJ, Edgar L, Nicolau B, Archer J, Black M, Hier M. Results of a feasibility study for a psycho-educational intervention in head and neck cancer. Psychooncology 2004; 13:482-5. [PMID: 15227717 DOI: 10.1002/pon.816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With survival rates for people with head and neck (H&N) cancers static during the past 30 years and the enormous burden of psychosocial impacts they suffer well documented, the testing of psychosocial interventions in this group is a priority. OBJECTIVE To test the feasibility of providing a psycho-educational intervention for people with H&N cancer. METHODOLOGY A prospective non-randomised design was used. Subjects were patients with H&N cancer. They were offered the Nucare coping strategies program in one of three formats: small group and one-to-one formats with therapists; and a home format, with material for home use, without a therapist. Outcomes measures (quality of life (QOL) and anxiety and depression) were collected at baseline and following the intervention. Analyses were performed using non-parametric statistics. RESULTS Of 128 people invited to participate, 66 agreed, 59 completed the intervention and 50 had outcomes data. Following the intervention, there were significant improvements in physical and social functioning and global QOL, and reduced fatigue, sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the intervention is desired by the target group, feasible to deliver after cancer therapy and may have some beneficial effects, although an appropriately designed study is required to confirm this.
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Allison PJ, Nicolau B, Edgar L, Archer J, Black M, Hier M. Teaching head and neck cancer patients coping strategies: results of a feasibility study. Oral Oncol 2004; 40:538-44. [PMID: 15006628 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2003.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2003] [Accepted: 11/21/2003] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
To test the feasibility of providing a psycho-educational intervention for people with head and neck (H&N) cancer. A prospective non-randomized design was used. Subjects were patients with H&N cancer. They were offered the Nucare coping strategies program in one of three formats: small group and one-to-one formats with therapists; and a home format, with material for home use, without a therapist. Outcomes measures (quality of life (QOL) and anxiety and depression) were collected at baseline and following the intervention. Analyses were performed using non-parametric statistics. Of 128 people invited to participate, 66 agreed, 59 completed the intervention and 50 had outcomes data. Following the intervention, there were significant improvements in physical and social functioning and global QOL, and reduced fatigue, sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms. These data suggest that the intervention may have some beneficial effects, although an appropriately designed study is required to confirm this.
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79
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Thuluvath PJ, Maheshwari A, Mehdi J, Fairbanks KD, Wu LLW, Gelrud LG, Ryan MJ, Anania FA, Lobis IF, Black M. Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial of interferon, ribavirin, and amantadine versus interferon, ribavirin, and placebo in treatment naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C. Gut 2004; 53:130-5. [PMID: 14684587 PMCID: PMC1773921 DOI: 10.1136/gut.53.1.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM In this study, we compared the efficacy of triple therapy (interferon alfa, ribavirin, and amantadine) with standard therapy (interferon alfa and ribavirin) in treatment naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS In this prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, multicentre study, 85 patients (amantadine group) received a three drug regimen of interferon alfa-2b 3 million units three times per week, ribavirin 1000-1200 mg daily in divided doses, and amantadine 100 mg twice daily, and 86 patients (placebo group) received interferon alfa-2b, ribavirin, and identical placebo. Treatment was discontinued at 24 weeks if patients had detectable HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All patients were followed for 24 weeks after completion of treatment. The primary end point was undetectable HCV-RNA by PCR at 24 weeks (sustained viral clearance) after completion of treatment. RESULTS At the end of treatment, HCV RNA clearance was seen in 32.9% of the amantadine group and 38.4% of the placebo group (p=0.3). Sustained virological response was seen in 24.7% of the amantadine group and in 27.9% of the placebo group by intention to treat analysis; response rate was 30.4% and 34.8%, respectively, in those who completed 24 weeks of treatment. Poor response was seen in both groups among cirrhotics, African-Americans, genotype 1, and those with a higher viral load. By multivariate analysis, genotype 1, high viral load, and low serum albumin were the only predictors of poor response. Addition of amantadine to the standard regimen did not result in any unexpected side effects. CONCLUSION Response to triple therapy of interferon alfa, ribavirin, and amantadine was similar to standard therapy of interferon alfa and ribavirin. Our results suggest that amantadine has no role in the management of HCV.
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80
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Black M, Hickey R. Learning classification rules for telecom customer call data under concept drift. Soft comput 2003. [DOI: 10.1007/s00500-002-0250-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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81
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Black M. Girls and war: an extra vulnerability. PEOPLE & THE PLANET 2002; 7:24-5. [PMID: 12321764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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82
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Black M, Graham DI. Sudden unexplained death in adults caused by intracranial pathology. J Clin Pathol 2002; 55:44-50. [PMID: 11825924 PMCID: PMC1769576 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.55.1.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2001] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexplained deaths as a result of intracranial lesions in adults are an important component of medicolegal practice and are best examined as a combined effort by a forensic pathologist, or a histopathologist experienced in coroner's necropsies, and a neuropathologist. Analysis of case material on file in the University of Glasgow's departments of forensic medicine and science, and neuropathology showed that the principal causes were sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP), intracranial haemorrhage, either natural or after trauma, purulent meningitis or an abscess, and tumours. The mechanisms of death are considered to be the rapid increase of intracranial pressure caused by bleeding into the various compartments of the brain, or an acute obstructive hydrocephalus, and in cases where death is very rapid, autonomic and/or neurochemical dysfunction.
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Marr KA, Koudadoust M, Black M, Balajee SA. Early events in macrophage killing of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia: new flow cytometric viability assay. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 2001; 8:1240-7. [PMID: 11687470 PMCID: PMC96256 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.8.6.1240-1247.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Detailed investigations of macrophage phagocytosis and killing of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia have been limited by technical difficulties in quantifying fungal uptake and viability. In order to study early events in cell pathogen ingestion and killing, we developed a new flow cytometry assay that utilizes the fungus-specific viability dye FUN-1. Metabolically active A. fumigatus conidia accumulate orange fluorescence in vacuoles, while dormant or dead conidia stain green. After incubation within THP-1 cells, recovered conidia are costained with propidium iodide (PI) to discriminate between dormant and dead cells. Flow cytometric measurements of FUN-1 metabolism and PI uptake provide indicators of conidial viability, dormancy, and death. Conidial phagocytosis and killing are also assessed by measurement of green and orange FUN-1 fluorescence within the THP-1 cell population. Compared to previously described methods, this assay has less error introduced by membrane permeability changes and serial dilution of filamentous fungal forms. Results suggest that the THP-1 cells kill conidia rapidly (within 6 h) after exposure. Conidia that are preexposed to human serum are ingested and killed more quickly than are nonopsonized conidia.
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Seymour A, Black M, Oliver JS. Drug related deaths in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, 1995-1998. Forensic Sci Int 2001; 122:52-9. [PMID: 11587866 DOI: 10.1016/s0379-0738(01)00466-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The misuse of drugs, both illicit and prescribed has increased dramatically in the west of Scotland over the last few decades. Consequently, the number of drug related deaths has risen as a direct result. Since, discrepancies exist between data collected by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Science, University of Glasgow and official statistics, this project, was funded to investigate all known drug related deaths that occurred within the Strathclyde region of Scotland in an effort to improve the accuracy of statistics and the dissemination of information pertaining to them. Changes in medical treatment, legislation and patterns of drug taking were noted and the effects of these on the year-by-year death tolls evaluated.
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Black M, Graham DI. Sudden unexplained death in adults. CURRENT TOPICS IN PATHOLOGY. ERGEBNISSE DER PATHOLOGIE 2001; 95:125-48. [PMID: 11545052 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-59554-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
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Seymour A, Black M, Jay J, Oliver JS. The role of dihydrocodeine in causing death among drug users in the west of Scotland. Scott Med J 2001; 46:143-6. [PMID: 11771494 DOI: 10.1177/003693300104600506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There has been a wealth of information relating to the role of methadone in fatalities over the past decade. However, a dearth exists in the literature of deaths involving dihydrocodeine, a substitute that is being increasingly prescribed by general practitioners for drug harm reduction purposes. Over the past five years in the Strathclyde region of Scotland there has been an increase in the number of drug related deaths involving dihydrocodeine with the largest increase occurring in the latter two years. This in combination with a general acceptance for this drug as a substitute for methadone amongst general practitioners highlights its potential abuse factor which is addressed in this paper. As the number of methadone deaths in relation to the total number of accidental drug related deaths per annum decrease, those related to dihydrocodeine are shown to be increasing.
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Schiano TD, Te HS, Thomas RM, Hussain H, Bond K, Black M. Results of steroid-based therapy for the hepatitis C-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 2001; 96:2984-91. [PMID: 11693337 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2001.04672.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Overlap syndromes in which persons manifest clinical, histological, or immunological features of both hepatitis C infection and autoimmune hepatitis are well described. The discordant forms of treatment for hepatitis C and autoimmune hepatitis have made medical management of these patients difficult. We report our experience in using corticosteroids as first line therapy for the hepatitis C-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome. METHODS Seven patients with this overlap syndrome (diagnosis based on the presence of serum hepatitis C antibody by RIBA and serum hepatitis C RNA by polymerase chain reaction, and serum hypergammaglobulinemia, elevated ANA or ASMA titers, or histological findings consistent with autoimmune hepatitis) were treated with prednisone with or without azathioprine or cyclosporine, and followed for a median duration of 44.5 months. RESULTS Five patients (71%) showed improvement of median serum ALT level from 162 U/L to 38 U/L (p = 0.04) and median serum gamma-globulin from 2.1 g/dl to 1.4 g/dl (p = 0.04) by 6 months of therapy. The mean modified histological activity index score also decreased from 11.4 +/- 2.5 to 6.6 +/- 2.6 (p = 0.04) by at least 1 yr of therapy. One patient discontinued prednisone while taking azathioprine and experienced a rebound elevation of serum ALT that did not respond to retreatment with prednisone. Antiviral therapy was subsequently administered and resulted in biochemical and virologic response. Hepatitis C virus RNA remained detectable in all other patients. CONCLUSION Corticosteroids are beneficial as a first line therapy for some patients with the hepatitis C-autoimmune overlap syndrome, resulting in appreciable biochemical and histological response but without viral eradication.
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Black M. Tips on . . .: Developing a healthy CV. West J Med 2001. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.323.7304.s3-7304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Moug SJ, Lyle JA, Black M. A review of gunshot deaths in Strathclyde--1989 to 1998. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2001; 41:260-265. [PMID: 11506351 DOI: 10.1177/002580240104100310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The case files of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Science at the University of Glasgow were searched for deaths involving gunshot injuries for the years 1989 to 1998. Seventy-one such deaths were identified. These were overwhelmingly males (93%) with a median age of 31 (range 17-80 years). Information surrounding the deaths was retrieved from sudden death reports compiled by the Strathclyde Police and the deaths were classified as suicide, homicide or accident. Fifty-one of the 71 deaths (72%) were classified as homicide, 17 deaths (24%) as suicide with insufficient information in three cases. The number of deaths for each year for suicides remained relatively constant at between nought and three cases per year, but figures for homicides varied at between three and ten cases per year, with a pronounced increase in the last four years of the study. The median age of the suicide cases was higher (50 years) than the homicide cases (30 years). The weapon used was predominately a shotgun in the suicide cases (accounting for 65%), but in homicide rifled weapons were the preferred weapons (59%). The site of injury was predominately the head in suicides, with a wider distribution in homicides, 32 per cent involving the head and 33 per cent also involving the chest. Alcohol intoxication was associated with a greater number of homicides than suicides. Homicides were noted to occur most frequently during the evening and early hours of the morning. The majority of suicides occurred at the victim's home address, while 72 per cent of homicides took place in the city of Glasgow.
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Taylor R, Cumming R, Woodward A, Black M. Passive smoking and lung cancer: a cumulative meta-analysis. Aust N Z J Public Health 2001; 25:203-11. [PMID: 11494987 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-842x.2001.tb00564.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the epidemiological evidence for the association between passive smoking and lung cancer. METHOD Primary studies and meta-analyses examining the relationship between passive smoking and lung cancer were identified through a computerised literature search of Medline and Embase, secondary references, and experts in the field of passive smoking. Primary studies meeting the inclusion criteria were meta-analysed. RESULTS From 1981 to the end of 1999 there have been 76 primary epidemiological studies of passive smoking and lung cancer, and 20 meta-analyses. There were 43 primary studies that met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis; more studies than previous assessments. The pooled relative risk (RR) for never-smoking women exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) from spouses, compared with unexposed never-smoking women was 1.29 (95% CI 1.17-1.43). Sequential cumulative meta-analysed results for each year from 1981 were calculated: since 1992 the RR has been greater than 1.25. For Western industrialised countries the RR for never-smoking women exposed to ETS compared with unexposed never-smoking women, was 1.21 (95% CI 1.10-1.33). Previously published international spousal meta-analyses have all produced statistically significant RRs greater than 1.17. CONCLUSIONS The abundance of evidence in this paper, and the consistency of findings across domestic and workplace primary studies, dosimetric extrapolations and meta-analyses, clearly indicates that non-smokers exposed to ETS are at increased risk of lung cancer. IMPLICATIONS The recommended public health policy is for a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places and work sites.
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Seymour A, Black M, Oliver JS, Jay J. Dihydrocodeine--drug of use or misuse? Br J Gen Pract 2001; 51:404-5. [PMID: 11360709 PMCID: PMC1314009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
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Duclos M, Black M, Hier M, Zeitouni A, Kost K, Sedaghi N, Vuongl T, Shenouda G, Sultaneml K, Dionisopoulos T. 45 Organ-preservation treatment in locally advanced (stage III and IV) base of tongue and oral tongue carcinoma. Radiother Oncol 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(01)80052-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Hussain H, Black M. Granulomatous Liver Disease. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN GASTROENTEROLOGY 2000; 3:473-480. [PMID: 11096608 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-000-0036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, the majority of patients with granulomatous liver disease do not have an identifiable cause. When a specific diagnosis can be made, therapy should be directed at eradicating the cause. A plan of management must recognize the drug history and nationality of the patient, chest radiograph, slit lamp examination of the eyes, skin tests, special stains of liver biopsies, and serum antibodies. In those patients for whom a specific diagnosis cannot be established, the use of corticosteroids requires that the patient have a clinical justification for treatment or manifest important changes in findings of liver biopsies. Patients selected for steroid treatment should be subjected to close laboratory monitoring, and the decision to continue therapy should be based on objective parameters. Treatment of steroid-resistant disease might require methotrexate, chloroquine, cyclosporine, azathioprine, or ursodeoxycholic acid.
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Bissonnette B, Holtby HM, Davis AJ, Pua H, Gilder FJ, Black M. Cerebral hyperthermia in children after cardiopulmonary bypass. Anesthesiology 2000; 93:611-8. [PMID: 10969292 DOI: 10.1097/00000542-200009000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral hyperthermia after hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass has been poorly documented for adults and never in children. This study was designed to monitor brain temperature during and up to 6 h after cardiopulmonary bypass in infants and children. METHODS Fifteen infants and children, between 3 months and 6 yr of age, were studied. A right retrograde jugular bulb catheter was used to measure the jugular venous bulb temperature (JVBT) during the procedure and the first 6 h in the critical care unit. The temperature of the blood from the bypass machine was measured at the aorta through the cannula using an indwelling temperature probe. All data were acquired every minute. RESULTS The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 71 months (median, 15 months). The mean weight was 11.5 +/- 8.4 kg. The mean JVBT recorded at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass was 36.9 +/- 1.4 degrees C but reached 39.6 +/- 0.8 degrees C after six h (P < 0.01). The kinetics of brain rewarming was determined by the slope of the mean JVBT and corresponded to y +/- 0.006x + 37.21 (r2 = 0.97). The JVBT differed from the tympanic temperature after 200 min (P < 0.01) and the lower esophageal (P < 0.05) and rectal (P < 0.001) temperatures after 300 min. After 6 h, the tympanic, rectal, and lower esophageal temperatures were 37.8 +/- 0.9, 37.7 +/- 0.6, and 38.4 +/- 0.7 degrees C, respectively, whereas the JVBT was 39.6 +/- 0.8 degrees C (P < 0.001). However, the correlation coefficients between the JVBT and the tympanic, rectal, and esophageal temperatures were 0.98, 0. 85, and 0.97, respectively. No complications were recorded with placement of the jugular bulb catheter. CONCLUSIONS Mean JVBT was significantly increased over the mean core temperature at all times from rewarming by cardiopulmonary bypass onward. Although the lower esophageal, rectal, and tympanic temperatures correlated well with JVBT, all three failed to reflect JVBT during recovery. This observation might help to elucidate factors involved in the functional and structural neurologic injury known to occur in pediatric patients.
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Black M. Employers' liability & first aid. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY (WACO, TEX.) 2000; 69:10, 12. [PMID: 12664858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
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Chung CY, McCray WH, Dhaliwal S, Haywood T, Black M, Liu JB, Miller LS. Three-dimensional esophageal varix model quantification of variceal volume by high-resolution endoluminal US. Gastrointest Endosc 2000; 52:87-90. [PMID: 10882970 DOI: 10.1067/mge.2000.105725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of three-dimensional volume measurements by high-resolution endoluminal ultrasound in an esophageal varix model. METHODS An esophageal varix model was made by filling three esophageal dilatation catheters with various volumes of water. A 20 MHz ultrasonography transducer was then pulled along the length of the catheters at a constant rate (1.25 mm/sec) while videotaping the procedure. Cross-sectional surface area measurements of each catheter were taken every second and the cross-sectional surface area was multiplied by the length of each catheter, as determined by high-resolution endoluminal ultrasound, to determine the volume in each catheter. Interobserver variability was calculated, and three-dimensional reconstruction was performed. RESULTS The measured volumes corresponded closely with the actual volumes with an error ranging from 0% to 15.4%. The correlation between actual and measured volumes was r = 0.988. The interobserver variability ranged from r = 0.951 to r = 0.994. Actual esophageal varices were then imaged in a similar fashion to determine the feasibility of this method in patients with esophageal varices. CONCLUSIONS High-resolution endoluminal ultrasound is an accurate and reproducible method of measuring volumes in an esophageal varix model and can be used in a clinical setting to determine variceal volume. Volume studies are now underway in human subjects.
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