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Gibbens JC, Robertson S, Willmington J, Milnes A, Ryan JBM, Wilesmith JW, Cook AJC, David GP. Use of laboratory data to reduce the time taken to detect new diseases: VIDA to FarmFile. Vet Rec 2008; 162:771-6. [PMID: 18552327 DOI: 10.1136/vr.162.24.771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of laboratory data can provide information about the health of livestock populations; in Great Britain the Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis (VIDA) system has provided such data since 1975. However VIDA covers only known diagnoses, with limited epidemiological characterisation. The unexpected outbreak of bse showed that it was necessary to improve surveillance to detect new diseases, and a necessary update of the VIDA database for the millennium date change provided the opportunity. The information required to enhance the value of laboratory data was identified, a new form and database, 'FarmFile', were designed to record it, and they began to be used in 1999. The detection of new diseases depends on making comparisons with the expected or 'usual' levels of unexplained disease. The data are analysed quarterly to assess any changes in the levels of unexplained disease in different species, categorised in terms of clinical sign or body system, by comparison with previous years. No new diseases have been detected either through FarmFile or more traditional means since the new analyses started in earnest in 2004, but they have indicated that an unexplained event was not a new disease of concern, and developments continue to improve the system's sensitivity and specificity.
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Sternovsky Z, Chamberlin P, Horanyi M, Robertson S, Wang X. Variability of the lunar photoelectron sheath and dust mobility due to solar activity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2008ja013487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Robertson S. 339 POSTER Identification of XL413, a selective Cdc7 kinase inhibitor which induces cell cycle arrest and exhibits potent antitumor activity. EJC Suppl 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(08)72273-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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179
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Lyons MJ, Graham JM, Neri G, Hunter AGW, Clark RD, Rogers RC, Moscarda M, Boccuto L, Simensen R, Dodd J, Robertson S, DuPont BR, Friez MJ, Schwartz CE, Stevenson RE. Clinical experience in the evaluation of 30 patients with a prior diagnosis of FG syndrome. J Med Genet 2008; 46:9-13. [DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2008.060509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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180
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Crook J, Ludgate C, Malone S, Eapen L, Perry G, Bowen J, Robertson S, Lockwood G. Final Report of a Canadian Phase III Trial of 3 vs 8 months Neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Prior to 66 Gray External Beam Radiotherapy for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2008.06.936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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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181
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Almond A, Siddiqui S, Robertson S, Norrie J, Isles C. Comparison of combined urea and creatinine clearance and prediction equations as measures of residual renal function when GFR is low. QJM 2008; 101:619-24. [PMID: 18540009 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcn032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND UK, US and European guidelines recommend the decision to initiate dialysis should be based on a combination of measurements of kidney function, nutritional status and clinical symptoms. Such recommendations assume an accurate and reproducible measure of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). METHODS Prospective study of 97 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and serum creatinine >200 micromol/l (2.26 mg/dl) who between them contributed 388 24 h urine collections. Our main outcome measure was the number of patients with low residual renal function identified by different tests, using widely accepted thresholds. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and receiver operating characteristic curves for each comparison using a combined urea and creatinine clearance of <15 ml/min to indicate the likely presence of end stage renal disease (CKD stage 5). RESULTS Seventy five patients had a combined urea and creatinine clearance <15 ml/min during the study. Using the highest measurement of serum creatinine for each patient, the best of the prediction equations was the 4-variable modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation (area under ROC curve 0.93). This was followed by Kt/V (AUC 0.91) and Cockroft Gault with and without correction for ideal body weight (AUC 0.89). Further analyses showed that the 4-variable MDRD equation had higher NPV (64%) but lower PPV (89%) than the other tests (NPV 40-49%, PPV 92-100%), for identifying patients whose combined clearance was <15 ml/min. CONCLUSION The 4-variable MDRD formula is currently the best available prediction equation for GFR, but will nevertheless over estimate residual renal function when this is significantly impaired in up to 36% cases. Collection of 24 h urine samples may still have a role in the assessment of patients with stages 4 and 5 CKD.
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Robertson S. Awareness. SOUTHERN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/22201173.2008.10872547] [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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Philbin TG, Kuklewicz C, Robertson S, Hill S, Konig F, Leonhardt U. Fiber-Optical Analog of the Event Horizon. Science 2008; 319:1367-70. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1153625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 514] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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184
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Friend M, Robertson S, Masters D, Avery A. EverGraze - a project to achieve profit and
environmental outcomes in the Australian grazing
industries. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND FEED SCIENCES 2007. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/74458/2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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186
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Robertson S, Kubba H. The long-term effectiveness of antiseptic cream for recurrent epistaxis in childhood - 5 year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Clin Otolaryngol 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2273.2007.01419_16.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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187
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Robertson S, Young D, McGarry G, MacKenzie K. A history of disruptive snoring - is our triage evidence-based? Clin Otolaryngol 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2273.2007.01419_1.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Gibson J, Halliday JA, Ewert K, Robertson S. A controlled release pilocarpine buccal insert in the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome. Br Dent J 2007; 202:E17; discussion 404-5. [PMID: 17273177 DOI: 10.1038/bdj.2007.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of a novel hydrogel polymer buccal insert containing 5 mg pilocarpine in releasing the pilocarpine in a controlled fashion over a three hour period, and to assess the effects of this on quantitative tear and saliva production and the acceptability of the insert to the patient. DESIGN This was an open, uncontrolled pilot study for which Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to starting. Hydrogel buccal inserts containing 5 mg pilocarpine were used three times a day for seven days. SETTING The Department of Oral Medicine, Glasgow Dental Hospital & School. SUBJECTS Eight patients with Sjögren's syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Changes over baseline in (1) Schirmer test, (2) whole saliva flow rate, (3) oral comfort score (VAS), (4) ocular comfort score (VAS), (5) patient acceptability. RESULTS The buccal inserts successfully released in excess of 85% of their 5 mg pilocarpine load over three hours. There was a general improvement in oral and ocular comfort scores assessed by visual linear analogue scale, and saliva and tear production generally increased. The inserts were well tolerated by all patients except one (who wore dentures). Adverse events were few and none was serious. CONCLUSION This novel form of buccal pilocarpine delivery demonstrated potential for use in treating patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
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Sternovsky Z, Amyx K, Bano G, Landgraf M, Horanyi M, Knappmiller S, Robertson S, Grün E, Srama R, Auer S. Large area mass analyzer instrument for the chemical analysis of interstellar dust particles. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2007; 78:014501. [PMID: 17503935 DOI: 10.1063/1.2431089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
A new instrument to analyze the chemical composition of dust particles in situ in space has been developed. The large target area ( approximately 0.2 m(2)) makes this instrument well suited for detecting a statistically significant number of interstellar dust grains or other dust particles with a low flux. The device is a reflectron-type time-of-flight mass spectrometer that uses only flat electrodes for the generation of the parabolic potential. The instrument analyzes the ions from the impact generated plasma due to hypervelocity dust impacts onto a solid target surface. The SIMION ion optics software package is used to investigate different potential field configurations and optimize the mass resolution and focusing of the ions. The cylindrically symmetric instrument operates with six ring electrodes and six annular electrodes biased to different potentials to create the potential distribution of the reflectron. The laboratory model of the instrument has been fabricated and tested. Hypervelocity dust impacts are simulated by laser ablation using a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser with approximately 8 ns pulse length. The experimental data show typical mass resolution m/Deltam approximately 200.
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Dickson E, Robertson S, Van Niekerk D, Goosen J, Plani F, Boffard K. Prehospital hypotension that persists on arrival at the emergency department is a powerful predictor of mortality following major trauma. Crit Care 2007. [PMCID: PMC4095400 DOI: 10.1186/cc5507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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191
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Robertson S, Dickson E, Richards G. Peripheral oxygen extraction predicts organ failure and mortality following major trauma. Crit Care 2007. [PMCID: PMC4095404 DOI: 10.1186/cc5511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Dickson E, Van Niekerk D, Robertson S, Goosen J, Plani F, Boffard K. Ambulance transport is associated with a higher mortality than private transport following major penetrating trauma in a semi-urban environment. Crit Care 2007. [PMCID: PMC4095495 DOI: 10.1186/cc5602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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193
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Leitch F, Dickson E, McBain A, Robertson S, O'Reilly D, Imrie C. C-reactive protein predicts mortality on admission to a surgical high-dependency unit. Crit Care 2007. [PMCID: PMC4095104 DOI: 10.1186/cc5210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Leitch F, Dickson E, McBain A, Robertson S, O'Reilly D, Imrie C. The calculated ion gap: a novel predictor of mortality in the critically ill surgical patient. Crit Care 2007. [PMCID: PMC4095504 DOI: 10.1186/cc5611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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195
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Leitch F, Dickson E, McBain A, Robertson S, O'Reilly D, Imrie C. Greater than the sum of its parts: C-reactive protein and the calculated ion gap together are superior in predicting mortality in critically ill surgical patients. Crit Care 2007. [PMCID: PMC4095103 DOI: 10.1186/cc5209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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196
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Robertson S, Dickson E, Richards G. The nonlactate gap: a novel predictor of organ failure and mortality following major trauma. Crit Care 2007. [PMCID: PMC4095399 DOI: 10.1186/cc5506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Abstract
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a hereditary disorder of elastic tissue. The characteristic skin changes are asymptomatic yellow papules around the neck and in body folds giving the skin a characteristic cobblestone appearance. The eyes, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems are also commonly involved. In this case-series, we present a family of four children, three of whom demonstrated diverse manifestations of PXE. The first child presented with sudden death at age 3 and showed marked coronary and renal arterial intimal fibrosis with prominent fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina, initially attributed to idiopathic arterial calcification. The second child presented with clinical features and histology of the skin typical of PXE at age 11 and the third child, with abnormal, but non-specific cardiological findings at age 8, which raised the possibility of an early stage of PXE. This report emphasizes the importance of considering pseudoxanthoma elasticum in diverse clinical settings, early diagnosis and appropriate screening for asymptomatic family members.
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Robertson S, Loughran S, MacKenzie K. Ear protection as a treatment for disruptive snoring: do ear plugs really work? The Journal of Laryngology & Otology 2006; 120:381-4. [PMID: 16696877 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215106000363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2005] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the absence of surgical treatments with demonstrable long-term efficacy, conservative treatments for snoring remain appropriate. Only limited evidence evaluating the use of ear protection by partners has been published. METHODS Eligible couples were invited to participate in a two-month trial, with each partner using custom-moulded ear plugs. Five questionnaires were completed by patients and their partners, at baseline and after two months: the snoring outcomes survey (SOS) or the spouse/bed partners survey (SBPS), the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), the general health questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), the Nottingham health profile (NHP) and the Golombok-Rust inventory of marital status (GRIMS). RESULTS After two months, there was a significant improvement in the SOS score for patients (p = 0.005), the SBPS score for partners (p = 0.001) and the ESS for partners (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS For selected couples, ear plugs represent an effective short-term treatment for some of the social effects of disruptive snoring, as determined by the SOS, SBPS and ESS questionnaires.
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Adès LC, Sullivan K, Biggin A, Haan EA, Brett M, Holman KJ, Dixon J, Robertson S, Holmes AD, Rogers J, Bennetts B. FBN1, TGFBR1, and the Marfan-craniosynostosis/mental retardation disorders revisited. Am J Med Genet A 2006; 140:1047-58. [PMID: 16596670 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The recent identification of TGFBR2 mutations in Marfan syndrome II (MFSII) [Mizuguchi et al. (2004); Nat Genet 36:855-860] and of TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 mutations in Loeys-Dietz aortic aneurysm syndrome (LDS) [Loeys et al. (2005); Nat Genet 37:275-281] [OMIM 609192] has provided direct evidence of abnormal signaling in transforming growth factors beta (TGF-beta) in the pathogenesis of Marfan syndrome (MFS). In light of this, we describe the phenotypes and genotypes of five individuals. Patient 1 had MFS and abnormal cranial dura. Patient 2 had severe early onset MFS and an abnormal skull. Patients 3 and 4 had probable Furlong syndrome (FS). Patient 5 had marfanoid (MD) features, mental retardation (MR), and a deletion of chromosome 15q21.1q21.3. All patients had a condition within the MFS, MD-craniosynostosis (CS) or MD-MR spectrum. The names of these entities may become redundant, and instead, come to be considered within the spectrum of TGF-beta signaling pathway disorders. Two recurrent heterozygous FBN1 mutations were found in Patients 1 and 2, and an identical novel heterozygous de novo TGFBR1 mutation was found in Patients 3 and 4, in whom altered fibrillin-1 processing was demonstrated previously [Milewicz et al. (2000); Am J Hum Genet 67:279]. A heterozygous FBN1 deletion was found in Patient 5. These findings support the notion that perturbation of extracellular matrix homeostasis and/or remodeling caused by abnormal TGF-beta signaling is the core pathogenetic mechanism in MFS and related entities including the MD-CS syndromes.
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