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Fenemore J, Boerckel W, Rigney M, McNamara A, Gaspar B, Mayans J, Hennink M, Fox J, Pretorius L, Daniels M, Winstone S, Thakrar R. P2.08-05 Lung Cancer Patients’ Willingness to Attend a Screening Appointment or Lung Health Check: Insights from a Global Patient Experience Survey. J Thorac Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.07.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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2
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Fenemore J, Boerckel W, Rigney M, McNamara A, Gaspar B, Mayans J, Hennink M, Fox J, Pretorius L, Daniels M, Winstone S, Thakrar R. P2.08-06 Patient Involvement in Decision-Making around Their Treatment and Care: Findings from a Global Patient Experience Survey. J Thorac Oncol 2022. [PMCID: PMC9452035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.07.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Zhang Q, Cascio E, Yang Q, Gerweck L, Huang P, McNamara A, Gottschalk B, Flanz J, Schuemann J. The Role of Oxygen in the Skin-Sparing Effect of Flash Proton Irradiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.07.821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ramos-Méndez J, LaVerne JA, Domínguez-Kondo N, Milligan J, Štěpán V, Stefanová K, Perrot Y, Villagrasa C, Shin WG, Incerti S, McNamara A, Paganetti H, Perl J, Schuemann J, Faddegon B. TOPAS-nBio validation for simulating water radiolysis and DNA damage under low-LET irradiation. Phys Med Biol 2021; 66. [PMID: 34412044 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac1f39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The chemical stage of the Monte Carlo track-structure simulation code Geant4-DNA has been revised and validated. The root-mean-square (RMS) empirical parameter that dictates the displacement of water molecules after an ionization and excitation event in Geant4-DNA has been shortened to better fit experimental data. The pre-defined dissociation channels and branching ratios were not modified, but the reaction rate coefficients for simulating the chemical stage of water radiolysis were updated. The evaluation of Geant4-DNA was accomplished with TOPAS-nBio. For that, we compared predicted time-dependentGvalues in pure liquid water for·OH, e-aq, and H2with published experimental data. For H2O2and H·, simulation of added scavengers at different concentrations resulted in better agreement with measurements. In addition, DNA geometry information was integrated with chemistry simulation in TOPAS-nBio to realize reactions between radiolytic chemical species and DNA. This was used in the estimation of the yield of single-strand breaks (SSB) induced by137Csγ-ray radiolysis of supercoiled pUC18 plasmids dissolved in aerated solutions containing DMSO. The efficiency of SSB induction by reaction between radiolytic species and DNA used in the simulation was chosen to provide the best agreement with published measurements. An RMS displacement of 1.24 nm provided agreement with measured data within experimental uncertainties for time-dependentGvalues and under the presence of scavengers. SSB efficiencies of 24% and 0.5% for·OH and H·, respectively, led to an overall agreement of TOPAS-nBio results within experimental uncertainties. The efficiencies obtained agreed with values obtained with published non-homogeneous kinetic model and step-by-step Monte Carlo simulations but disagreed by 12% with published direct measurements. Improvement of the spatial resolution of the DNA damage model might mitigate such disagreement. In conclusion, with these improvements, Geant4-DNA/TOPAS-nBio provides a fast, accurate, and user-friendly tool for simulating DNA damage under low linear energy transfer irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ramos-Méndez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States of America
| | - J A LaVerne
- Radiation Laboratory and Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States of America
| | - N Domínguez-Kondo
- Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72000, Mexico
| | - J Milligan
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, United States of America
| | - V Štěpán
- Department of Radiation Dosimetry, Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - K Stefanová
- Department of Radiation Dosimetry, Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Y Perrot
- Laboratoire de Dosimétrie des Rayonnements Ionisants, Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire, Fontenay aux Roses, BP. 17, F-92262, France
| | - C Villagrasa
- Laboratoire de Dosimétrie des Rayonnements Ionisants, Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire, Fontenay aux Roses, BP. 17, F-92262, France
| | - W-G Shin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - S Incerti
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CENBG, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France
| | - A McNamara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Physics Division, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - H Paganetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Physics Division, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - J Perl
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
| | - J Schuemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Physics Division, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - B Faddegon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States of America
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Bittner EP, Ashman H, van Barneveld RJ, McNamara A, Thomson N, Hearn AH, Dunshea FR. Qualitative assessment of value in Australian pork across cultures. Anim Prod Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an21011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ramos-Méndez J, Domínguez-Kondo N, Schuemann J, McNamara A, Moreno-Barbosa E, Faddegon B. LET-Dependent Intertrack Yields in Proton Irradiation at Ultra-High Dose Rates Relevant for FLASH Therapy. Radiat Res 2020; 194:351-362. [PMID: 32857855 PMCID: PMC7644138 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00084.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy delivers a high dose (≥10 Gy) at a high rate (≥40 Gy/s). In this way, particles are delivered in pulses as short as a few nanoseconds. At that rate, intertrack reactions between chemical species produced within the same pulse may affect the heterogeneous chemistry stage of water radiolysis. This stochastic process suits the capabilities of the Monte Carlo method, which can model intertrack effects to aid in radiobiology research, including the design and interpretation of experiments. In this work, the TOPAS-nBio Monte Carlo track-structure code was expanded to allow simulations of intertrack effects in the chemical stage of water radiolysis. Simulation of the behavior of radiolytic yields over a long period of time (up to 50 s) was verified by simulating radiolysis in a Fricke dosimeter irradiated by 60Co γ rays. In addition, LET-dependent G values of protons delivered in single squared pulses of widths, 1 ns, 1 µs and 10 µs, were obtained and compared to simulations using no intertrack considerations. The Fricke simulation for the calculated G value of Fe3+ ion at 50 s was within 0.4% of the accepted value from ICRU Report 34. For LET-dependent G values at the end of the chemical stage, intertrack effects were significant at LET values below 2 keV/µm. Above 2 keV/µm the reaction kinetics remained limited locally within each track and thus, effects of intertrack reactions remained low. Therefore, when track structure simulations are used to investigate the biological damage of FLASH irradiation, these intertrack reactions should be considered. The TOPAS-nBio framework with the expansion to intertrack chemistry simulation provides a useful tool to assist in this task.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Ramos-Méndez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - N. Domínguez-Kondo
- Facultad de Ciencias Físico-Matemáticas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - J. Schuemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - A. McNamara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - E. Moreno-Barbosa
- Facultad de Ciencias Físico-Matemáticas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Bruce Faddegon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Drury A, de Zeeuw N, Flannery D, McNamara A, Nolan A, O’Brien C, O’Connor K, Payne S, Brady AM. Engaging cancer survivors, healthcare providers and advocates in the development of a colorectal cancer survivorship information resource: A participatory action research study. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz277.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Mullins A, Grulke T, Jagadeesan S, McNamara A, Roberts S, Salcher K. Evaluation of Safety and Cost-Effectiveness of Lab Ordering Practices for Patients on Parenteral Nutrition. J Acad Nutr Diet 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2019.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Rigney M, McNamara A, Fox J, Manuel G, Winstone S. P1.02-11 Lung Cancer Symptom Awareness: Findings from a Global Consumer Survey. J Thorac Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2018.08.681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Peterson J, Budlong H, Tisthammer B, Paine T, McNamara A, Simonson D. Ensuring continuity of care for patients transitioning from intravenous to subcutaneous therapy at a health system owned specialty pharmacy. J Drug Assess 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21556660.2018.1521080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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11
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McNamara A, Budlong H, Peterson J, Tisthammer B. Specialty pharmacy patient and provider engagement improveshepatitis C outcomes. J Drug Assess 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21556660.2018.1521094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Abstract
Simulation of water radiolysis and the subsequent chemistry provides important information on the effect of ionizing radiation on biological material. The Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit has added chemical processes via the Geant4-DNA project. The TOPAS tool simplifies the modeling of complex radiotherapy applications with Geant4 without requiring advanced computational skills, extending the pool of users. Thus, a new extension to TOPAS, TOPAS-nBio, is under development to facilitate the configuration of track-structure simulations as well as water radiolysis simulations with Geant4-DNA for radiobiological studies. In this work, radiolysis simulations were implemented in TOPAS-nBio. Users may now easily add chemical species and their reactions, and set parameters including branching ratios, dissociation schemes, diffusion coefficients, and reaction rates. In addition, parameters for the chemical stage were re-evaluated and updated from those used by default in Geant4-DNA to improve the accuracy of chemical yields. Simulation results of time-dependent and LET-dependent primary yields Gx (chemical species per 100 eV deposited) produced at neutral pH and 25 °C by short track-segments of charged particles were compared to published measurements. The LET range was 0.05-230 keV µm-1. The calculated Gx values for electrons satisfied the material balance equation within 0.3%, similar for protons albeit with long calculation time. A smaller geometry was used to speed up proton and alpha simulations, with an acceptable difference in the balance equation of 1.3%. Available experimental data of time-dependent G-values for [Formula: see text] agreed with simulated results within 7% ± 8% over the entire time range; for [Formula: see text] over the full time range within 3% ± 4%; for H2O2 from 49% ± 7% at earliest stages and 3% ± 12% at saturation. For the LET-dependent Gx, the mean ratios to the experimental data were 1.11 ± 0.98, 1.21 ± 1.11, 1.05 ± 0.52, 1.23 ± 0.59 and 1.49 ± 0.63 (1 standard deviation) for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], H2, H2O2 and [Formula: see text], respectively. In conclusion, radiolysis and subsequent chemistry with Geant4-DNA has been successfully incorporated in TOPAS-nBio. Results are in reasonable agreement with published measured and simulated data.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ramos-Méndez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America. Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed
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McNamara A. 97: Barriers to early detection of lung cancer in Ireland. Lung Cancer 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(17)30147-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- A McNamara
- Department of Dental Sciences, School of Dental Surgery, University of Liverpool
| | - D F Williams
- Department of Dental Sciences, School of Dental Surgery, University of Liverpool
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15
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Grassberger C, Dinkelborg P, McNamara A, Schuemann J, McMahon S, Willers H, Paganetti H, Wang M. Digital Holographic Microscopy for Nanoscale Dose Calculation and Assessing Gold Nanoparticle Uptake in Live Cells. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.06.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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16
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McMahon S, McNamara A, Schuemann J, Prise K, Paganetti H. WE-H-BRA-07: Mechanistic Modelling of the Relative Biological Effectiveness of Heavy Charged Particles. Med Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4957998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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17
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McNamara A, Underwood T, Wo J, Paganetti H. SU-F-T-132: Variable RBE Models Predict Possible Underestimation of Vaginal Dose for Anal Cancer Patients Treated Using Single-Field Proton Treatments. Med Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4956268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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18
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McNamara A, Perl J, Piersimoni P, Ramos-Mendez J, Faddegon B, Held K, Paganetti H, Schuemann J. WE-H-BRA-04: Biological Geometries for the Monte Carlo Simulation Toolkit TOPASNBio. Med Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4957995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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McNamara A. 102 Lung cancer in Ireland 2010–2015 – are we making progress? Lung Cancer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(16)30119-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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20
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McNamara A, McMahon S, Lin Y, Paganetti H, Kuncic Z, Schuemann J. TU-F-CAMPUS-T-04: Using Gold Nanoparticles to Target Mitochondria in Radiation Therapy. Med Phys 2015. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4925819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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21
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McNamara A, Schuemann J, Paganetti H. SU-F-BRD-13: A Phenomenological Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) Model for Proton Therapy Based On All Published in Vitro Cell Survival Data. Med Phys 2015. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4925192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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22
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McNamara A, Deegan A. 107: Lung cancer – You can avoid it, get it, survive it; an evaluation of the Irish Cancer Society's annual lung cancer awareness campaign from 2011 to 2013. Lung Cancer 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(15)50102-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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23
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Pulido-Rios MT, McNamara A, Obedencio GP, Ji Y, Jaw-Tsai S, Martin WJ, Hegde SS. In Vivo Pharmacological Characterization of TD-4208, a Novel Lung-Selective Inhaled Muscarinic Antagonist with Sustained Bronchoprotective Effect in Experimental Animal Models. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 346:241-50. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.203554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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24
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Garvey P, McKeown P, Kelly P, Cormican M, Anderson W, Flack A, Barron S, De Lappe N, Buckley J, Cosgrove C, Molloy D, O' Connor J, O' Sullivan P, Matthews J, Ward M, Breslin A, O' Sullivan MB, Kelleher K, McNamara A, Foley-Nolan C, Pelly H, Cloak F. Investigation and management of an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 associated with duck eggs, Ireland 2009 to 2011. Euro Surveill 2013; 18:20454. [PMID: 23611032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 was a very rare cause of human illness in Ireland between 2000 and 2008, with only four human isolates from three patients being identified. Over a 19-month period between August 2009 and February 2011, 34 confirmed cases and one probable case of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 were detected, all of which had an MLVA pattern 2-10-NA-12-212 or a closely related pattern. The epidemiological investigations strongly supported a linkbetween illness and exposure to duck eggs. Moreover, S. Typhimurium with an MLVA pattern indistinguishable (or closely related) to the isolates from human cases, was identified in 22 commercial and backyard duck flocks, twelve of which were linked with known human cases. A range of control measures were taken at farm level, and advice was provided to consumers on the hygienic handling and cooking of duck eggs. Although no definitive link was established with a concurrent duck egg-related outbreak of S. Typhimurium DT8 in the United Kingdom, it seems likely that the two events were related. It may be appropriate for other countries with a tradition of consuming duck eggs to consider the need for measures to reduce the risk of similar outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Garvey
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland.
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Garvey P, McKeown P, Kelly P, Cormican M, Anderson W, Flack A, Barron S, De Lappe N, Buckley J, Cosgrove C, Molloy D, O’Connor J, O’Sullivan P, Matthews J, Ward M, Breslin A, O’Sullivan MB, Kelleher K, McNamara A, Foley-Nolan C, Pelly H, Cloak F, Outbreak control team C. Investigation and management of an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 associated with duck eggs, Ireland 2009 to 2011. Euro Surveill 2013. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.18.16.20454-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
>Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 was a very rare cause of human illness in Ireland between 2000 and 2008, with only four human isolates from three patients being identified. Over a 19-month period between August 2009 and February 2011, 34 confirmed cases and one probable case of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 were detected, all of which had an MLVA pattern 2-10-NA-12-212 or a closely related pattern. The epidemiological investigations strongly supported a link between illness and exposure to duck eggs. Moreover, S. Typhimurium with an MLVA pattern indistinguishable (or closely related) to the isolates from human cases, was identified in 22 commercial and backyard duck flocks, twelve of which were linked with known human cases. A range of control measures were taken at farm level, and advice was provided to consumers on the hygienic handling and cooking of duck eggs. Although no definitive link was established with a concurrent duck egg-related outbreak of S. Typhimurium DT8 in the United Kingdom, it seems likely that the two events were related. It may be appropriate for other countries with a tradition of consuming duck eggs to consider the need for measures to reduce the risk of similar outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Garvey
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P McKeown
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P Kelly
- Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Cormican
- National Salmonella, Shigella and Listeria Reference Laboratory, Medical Microbiology Department, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - W Anderson
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A Flack
- Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Barron
- Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - N De Lappe
- National Salmonella, Shigella and Listeria Reference Laboratory, Medical Microbiology Department, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - J Buckley
- Veterinary Department, Cork County Council, Cork, Ireland
| | - C Cosgrove
- Health Service Executive, Communicable Disease Unit of the Environmental Health Service, Blanchardstown Dublin, Ireland
| | - D Molloy
- Health Service Executive, Communicable Disease Unit of the Environmental Health Service, Blanchardstown Dublin, Ireland
| | - J O’Connor
- National Salmonella, Shigella and Listeria Reference Laboratory, Medical Microbiology Department, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - P O’Sullivan
- Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive Mid-West, Department of Public Health, HSE West, Limerick, Ireland
| | - J Matthews
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Ward
- Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive East, Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin, Irelan
| | - A Breslin
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Health Service Executive North West, Sligo, Ireland
| | - M B O’Sullivan
- Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive South, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - K Kelleher
- National Office for Health Protection, Health Service Executive Offices, Limerick, Ireland
| | - A McNamara
- Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive Dublin/Mid-Leinster, Tullamore Co. Offaly, Ireland
| | | | - H Pelly
- Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive West, Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, Ireland
| | - F Cloak
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
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McNamara A, Gunter K. The influence of participation in Better Bones and Balance™ on skeletal health: evaluation of a community-based exercise program to reduce fall and fracture risk. Osteoporos Int 2012; 23:1813-22. [PMID: 22037971 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-011-1816-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Older women participating in Better Bones and Balance™ (BBB) had similar bone mass at the hip compared to a sample of low active/sedentary controls. However, both groups had higher than expected hip BMD, despite higher risk for osteoporosis among BBB participants. INTRODUCTION BBB is a community-based fall and fracture risk reduction program shown to reduce bone loss at the hip in older women under controlled laboratory conditions. Whether bone benefits are derived from BBB as delivered in the community setting is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between community-based BBB participation and parameters of skeletal health in postmenopausal women. METHODS Women were recruited from BBB classes (n=69) and compared to low active/sedentary controls (n=46); total sample aged 69 + 7.7 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip and spine was measured using DXA; hip bone structure [cross-sectional area, cross-sectional moment of inertia] at the narrow neck and intertrochanter were derived using hip structural analysis software. Diet, physical activity, and health history were assessed by questionnaires. Group differences in bone outcomes were determined using ANCOVA controlling for age and body mass. RESULTS While controls were heavier and exhibited greater total body BMD compared to BBB participants (p<0.05), there were no differences between groups in hip or spine BMD or bone structural outcomes (p>0.05) despite BBB participants reporting more frequent prior diagnoses of or risk factors for osteoporosis compared to controls. Both controls and BBB participants had higher than average T-scores at the hip (p<0.05) when compared to an age-matched cohort from NHANES. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that participation in BBB may not result in direct benefits to bone. However long-term participation may be associated with other positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A McNamara
- Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Blake S, Vial P, Holloway L, McNamara A, Greer P, Kuncic Z. SU-E-I-109: Sensitivity Analysis of an Electronic Portal Imaging Device Monte Carlo Model to Variations in Optical Transport Parameters. Med Phys 2012; 39:3650. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4734826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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28
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Vial P, Deshpande S, Blake S, McNamara A, Holloway L, Greer P, Kuncic Z. TH-C-BRA-11: First Experiments of a Prototype Device for Simultaneous Imaging and Dose Verification in Radiotherapy. Med Phys 2012. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4736327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Cullen G, Martin J, O'Donnell J, Boland M, Canny M, Keane E, McNamara A, O'Hora A, Fitzgerald M, Jackson S, Igoe D, O'Flanagan D. Surveillance of the first 205 confirmed hospitalised cases of pandemic H1N1 influenza in Ireland, 28 April - 3 October 2009. Euro Surveill 2009; 14:19389. [PMID: 19941779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
From 28 April 2009 to 3 October 2009, 205 cases of confirmed pandemic H1N1 influenza were hospitalised in Ireland. Detailed case-based epidemiological information was gathered on all hospitalised cases. Age-specific hospitalisation rates were highest in the age group of 15 to 19 year-olds and lowest in those aged 65 years and over. Nineteen hospitalised cases (9%) were admitted to intensive care units (ICU) where the median length of stay was 24 days. Four hospitalised cases (2%) died. Fifty-one percent of hospitalised cases and 42% of ICU cases were not in a recognised risk group. Asthma was the most common risk factor among cases; however, people with haemoglobinopathies and immunosuppression were the most over-represented groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cullen
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
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Cullen G, Martin J, O’Donnell J, Boland M, Canny M, Keane E, McNamara A, O’Hora A, Fitzgerald M, Jackson S, Igoe D, O’Flanagan D. Surveillance of the first 205 confirmed hospitalised cases of pandemic H1N1 influenza in Ireland, 28 April – 3 October 2009. Euro Surveill 2009. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.14.44.19389-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
From 28 April 2009 to 3 October 2009, 205 cases of confirmed pandemic H1N1 influenza were hospitalised in Ireland. Detailed case-based epidemiological information was gathered on all hospitalised cases. Age-specific hospitalisation rates were highest in the age group of 15 to 19 year-olds and lowest in those aged 65 years and over. Nineteen hospitalised cases (9%) were admitted to intensive care units (ICU) where the median length of stay was 24 days. Four hospitalised cases (2%) died. Fifty-one percent of hospitalised cases and 42% of ICU cases were not in a recognised risk group. Asthma was the most common risk factor among cases; however, people with haemoglobinopathies and immunosuppression were the most over-represented groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cullen
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - J Martin
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - J O’Donnell
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Boland
- Department of Public Health, HSE East, Ireland
| | - M Canny
- Department of Public Health, HSE West, Ireland
| | - E Keane
- Department of Public Health, HSE South, Ireland
| | - A McNamara
- Department of Public Health, HSE Dublin, Mid Leinster, Ireland
| | - A O’Hora
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Fitzgerald
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Jackson
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D Igoe
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D O’Flanagan
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
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31
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Schwindack C, Siminotto E, Meyer M, McNamara A, Marshall I, Wardlaw JM, Whittle IR. Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) in patients with brain tumours: preliminary findings using motor and language paradigms. Br J Neurosurg 2009; 19:25-32. [PMID: 16147579 DOI: 10.1080/02688690500089621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Functional MRI (fMRI) shows areas of the brain that are active during a task, but the standard approach (offline analysis after the imaging has finished) precludes tailoring of the imaging to the individual patient, e.g. for assessing normal function around an individual lesion. The aims of the study were to explore the technical feasibility of acquiring functional images in real-time (rt-fMRI), develop the necessary software interfaces and protocols for image acquisition, and to compare images of functional activation acquired in real-time with the standard offline statistical parametric method in patients with solitary brain tumours. Patients with a solitary supratentorial lesion were studied. The rt-fMRI paradigms were sequential finger opposition, ankle movement and language function (correct recognition of grammatically violated sentences). Datasets were analysed using AFNI software (National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA) for the real-time analysis and SPM99 (Functional Imaging Laboratory, University College, London, UK) for the offline analysis. From 11 patients, useful data were obtained in nine. The finger tapping task produced most consistent activation between real-time and offline analysis with good anatomic localization to the primary motor cortex contralateral to the tapping finger. Ankle movement produced weaker activation and correlation with real-time analysis. For the language task the offline analysis provided reproducible activation patterns, but the real-time method showed no activation at the chosen threshold of p = 0.001. Tumourous areas of brain did not show any activation with either method of analysis during any task. rt-fMRI is feasible and could be a valuable functional evaluation tool in the planning of surgery for tumours in motor regions of the brain. Further paradigm development is required for evaluation of language, and possibly other more complex executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schwindack
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
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32
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McNamara A, Sterr A. Connectivity in the mesolimbic reward system is modulated by personality and reward bias. Neuroimage 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1053-8119(09)70821-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
Optic ataxia (OA) is classically defined as a deficit of visually guided movements that follows lesions of the posterior part of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). Since the formalisation of the double stream of visual information processing [Milner, A. D., & Goodale, M. A. (1995). The visual brain in action. Oxford: Oxford University Press] and the use of OA as an argument in favour of the involvement of the posterior parietal cortex (dorsal stream) in visually guided movements, many studies have looked at the visuomotor deficits of these patients. In parallel, the development of neuroimaging methods have led to increasing information about the role of the posterior parietal cortex in visually guided actions. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences in the results that emerged from these two complementary viewpoints by combining a meta-analysis of neuroimaging data on reaching with lesion studies from OA patients and results of our own fMRI study on reaching in the ipsi- and contra-lateral visual field. We identified four bilateral parietal foci from the meta-analysis and found that the more posterior foci showed greater lateralisation for contralateral visual stimulation than more anterior ones Additionally, the more anterior foci showed greater lateralisation for the use of the contralateral hand than the more posterior ones. Therefore, we can demonstrate that they are organised along a postero-anterior gradient of visual-to-somatic information integration. Furthermore, from the combination of imaging and lesion data it can be inferred that a lesion of the three most posterior foci responsible for the target-hand integration could explain the hand and field effect revealed in OA reaching behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Blangero
- INSERM U864, Espace et Action, Bron, France
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Ertelt D, McNamara A, Dettmers C, Hamzei F, Buccino G, Binkofski F. Bewegungsbeobachtung reaktiviert das sensomotorische Netzwerk bei der Erholung nach Schlaganfall. Akt Neurol 2006. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-953477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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35
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Ertelt D, Buccino G, Dettmers C, McNamara A, Binkofski F. The role of action observation in rehabilitation of motor deficits. Akt Neurol 2005. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-919486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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36
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Ragert P, McNamara A, Dinse H, Büchel C, Tegenthoff M, Binkofski F. Learning a novel movement requires functional connectivity changes within primary motor cortex (M1). Akt Neurol 2005. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-919570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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37
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Beggan E, Whyte D, FitzGerald R, de Freitas J, McNamara A, Callinan S, Kelleher K. Human brucellosis in the Mid-West 2002-3. Ir Med J 2005; 98:278-80. [PMID: 16300109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Human brucellosis remains a serious public health issue in Ireland. Clinical notifications in the Mid-Western Area (HSE-MWA) underestimate the burden of illness and attendant morbidity in the region. The diagnosis of acute and chronic human brucellosis depends on the clinical evidence and the results from laboratory serological testing or culture on rare occasion. This study examined the clinical evidence behind locally defined serological "positives" in the HSE-MWA from 2002 to 2003. Ninety cases were detected in 2002 and 31 in 2003. While sampling bias is likely to be present, aspects of brucellosis in Ireland were confirmed. Middle-aged males were most commonly affected. The majority of cases were linked to farming or veterinary practice. Symptoms such as sweats, fever and weight loss were commonly associated with acute brucellosis infection while malaise was common in acute and chronic brucellosis. A clear definition of what is notifiable is needed. Surveillance systems must appreciate the importance of both clinical and laboratory evidence to classify confirmed or probable brucellosis as paired sera were not common. Public health authorities must follow-up the clinical aspects for accurate national statistics. General practitioners in the Mid-West appear to be vigilant regarding brucellosis in their patients. Regional zoonoses committees are useful in monitoring disease prevalence in human and animal populations without compromising confidentiality.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Beggan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.
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Raptopoulos V, McNamara A. Improved pelvicalyceal visualization with multidetector computed tomography urography; comparison with helical computed tomography. Eur Radiol 2005; 15:1834-40. [PMID: 15761715 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-005-2699-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2004] [Revised: 01/10/2005] [Accepted: 01/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to compare the quality of pelvicalyceal visualization on computed tomography (CT) urography using a small intravenous contrast material dose, hydration, and high-resolution multidetector CT (MDCT) with that of conventional helical CT. The test (MDCT) group (49 consecutive patients, 98 kidneys) was scanned 5 min following an intravenous bolus of 30 ml of iodinated contrast material. The control (helical CT) group (50 consecutive patients, 95 kidneys) was scanned 5 min following injection of 120-150 ml of intravenous contrast material. Enhancement and quality of calyceal detail were measured using a five-scale grading system (1 for no detail, 5 for cupped calyces). Calyceal attenuation was substantial in both groups (more than 220 Hounsfield units, HU) but less in the test group compared with the control group (mean 475 and 920 HU, respectively), p<0.0001. In the test group, the calyceal attenuation was less than 500 HU in the majority of cases (65/98 kidneys), while the opposite was true for the control group, where calyceal attenuation was more than 750 HU in 50/95 kidneys (p<0.001). The quality of calyceal detail was 3.4/5 in the test group compared with 1.8/5 in the control group (p<0.0001). The combination of hydration, low-contrast dose, and the high image resolution achieved with MDCT significantly improves calyceal visualization in CT urography.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Raptopoulos
- Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Gerlai R, McNamara A, Choi-Lundberg DL, Armanini M, Ross J, Powell-Braxton L, Phillips HS. Impaired water maze learning performance without altered dopaminergic function in mice heterozygous for the GDNF mutation. Eur J Neurosci 2001; 14:1153-63. [PMID: 11683907 DOI: 10.1046/j.0953-816x.2001.01724.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Exogenous glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) exhibits potent survival-promoting effects on dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway that is implicated in Parkinson's disease and also protects neurons in forebrain ischemia of animal models. However, a role for endogenous GDNF in brain function has not been established. Although mice homozygous for a targeted deletion of the GDNF gene have been generated, these mice die within hours of birth because of deficits in kidney morphogenesis, and, thus, the effect of the absence of GDNF on brain function could not be studied. Herein, we sought to determine whether adult mice, heterozygous for a GDNF mutation on two different genetic backgrounds, demonstrate alterations in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system or in cognitive function. While both neurochemical and behavioural measures suggested that reduction of GDNF gene expression in the mutant mice does not alter the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, it led to a significant and selective impairment of performance in the spatial version of the Morris water maze. A standard panel of blood chemistry tests and basic pathological analyses did not reveal alterations in the mutants that could account for the observed performance deficit. These results suggest that endogenous GDNF may not be critical for the development and functioning of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system but it plays an important role in cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gerlai
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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Gerlai R, McNamara A. Anesthesia induced retrograde amnesia is ameliorated by ephrinA5-IgG in mice: EphA receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in mammalian memory. Behav Brain Res 2000; 108:133-43. [PMID: 10701657 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-4328(99)00139-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
EphA receptors and their ephrin-A ligands were previously thought to play a role only in embryonic development of the brain. Recently, however, these proteins were shown to be expressed in the adult mouse brain, primarily in the hippocampus, and were implicated in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and learning. What aspects of learning EphA receptors mediate have not been studied? Using the fear conditioning paradigm we demonstrate that EphA receptors play roles in memory. We show that post-training surgical anesthesia leads to robust context specific retrograde amnesia in mice, and post-anesthesia activation of EphA receptors induces a significant amelioration of this amnesia. As acquisition was left unaffected and performance factors were found unaltered, we suggest that the amelioration was due to changes in cognition leading to improved memory. Our data represent the first pieces of evidence for the involvement of EphA receptor tyrosine kinase receptors in mammalian memory, a finding that opens a new avenue into the functional analysis of the largest receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gerlai
- Neuroscience Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990, USA.
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41
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MacConnachie AA, Kelly KF, McNamara A, Loughlin S, Gates LJ, Inglis GC, Jamieson A, Connell JM, Haites NE. Rapid diagnosis and identification of cross-over sites in patients with glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998; 83:4328-31. [PMID: 9851772 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.83.12.5309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism (GRA) is an autosomal dominant cause of primary aldosteronism and high blood pressure resulting from a chimeric 11beta-hydroxylase/aldosterone synthase gene. Abnormal expression of aldosterone synthase causes primary aldosteronism, which can be inhibited by glucocorticoids. Diagnosis of GRA has depended on the identification of a restriction enzyme product in genomic DNA of affected individuals. Recently, a two-tube long PCR method was described that allowed diagnosis of GRA in a kindred in Australia. A similar long PCR method confirmed the diagnosis of GRA in members of five northeastern Scotland families previously identified by Southern blotting and detected affected members of five GRA families previously identified in Glasgow. A multiplex PCR protocol is described here that allows the control aldosterone synthase amplification and chimeric gene amplification to be carried out in the same tube. We describe the regions of cross-over in each of 10 kindreds identified in Scotland. To identify cross-over regions in each of the kindreds, the chimeric long PCR product was cloned and sequenced. Five cross-over sites were identified ranging from intron 2 to exon 4, indicating the reliability of the method in identifying chimeric genes resulting from different sites of cross-over.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A MacConnachie
- Department of Medical Genetics, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Roberts F, Sheehy CM, McNamara A, Verran J, Ferketich S. Covered lives and seamless systems: nursing workforce development and integration in Arizona's managed-care environment. J Nurs Adm 1998; 28:4-7. [PMID: 9787672 DOI: 10.1097/00005110-199810000-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Responding to demands that nursing leaders conduct business in creative proactive ways, the authors of this department share the work of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's national program, Colleagues in Caring: Regional Collaboratives for Nursing Work Force Development. The purpose of this initiative is to enhance regional and state collaborative planning and implement actions and policies to address the rapid changes occurring in the United States nursing labor market. This department, edited by Mary Fry Rapson, PhD, RN, CS, National Program Director and Rebecca B. Rice, EdD, RN, National Deputy Director, presents the ongoing work of the program, highlighting the work of the 20 individual collaboratives. Regional approaches to the expected program outcomes and specific challenges and opportunities that are unique to each region's environment are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Roberts
- Healthcare Institute, Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, Tempe, USA
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Sawyer RG, McGory RW, Gaffey MJ, McCullough CC, Shephard BL, Houlgrave CW, Ryan TS, Kuhns M, McNamara A, Caldwell SH, Abdulkareem A, Pruett TL. Improved clinical outcomes with liver transplantation for hepatitis B-induced chronic liver failure using passive immunization. Ann Surg 1998; 227:841-50. [PMID: 9637547 PMCID: PMC1191388 DOI: 10.1097/00000658-199806000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goals were to summarize the results of liver transplantation for chronic hepatitis B disease (HBV) at the University of Virginia, correlate pretransplant viral markers with posttransplant hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) requirements, and identify the relation between viral protein in the liver and clinical reinfection. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Liver transplantation is an accepted treatment for end-stage liver disease from chronic HBV infection, although lifelong antiviral treatment (with HBIg or antiviral agents) is still necessary. Patients with evidence of active viral replication (detectable serum HBV-DNA or e antigen) at the time of transplant have a higher rate of allograft infection. Whether clinically stable patients receiving HBIg immunoprophylaxis have detectable viral products in their grafts remains unknown. METHODS Forty-four transplants performed for HBV disease at the University of Virginia since March 1990 were reviewed. Most patients underwent aggressive passive immunoprophylaxis with HBIg to maintain serum HBV surface antibody (HBsAb) levels > or =500 IU/l for the first 6 months after the transplant, and > or =150 IU/l thereafter. Patients had viral markers quantified, underwent pharmacokinetic analysis of HBsAb levels to adjust dosing, and were biopsied routinely every 3 to 6 months and when indicated. RESULTS Forty-four transplants were performed in 39 patients. Actual 1-year and 3-year graft survival was 95% and 81%, respectively, and 1-year and 3-year patient survival was 98% and 96%, respectively. After the adoption of indefinite HBIg prophylaxis, nine grafts became infected (all in recipients positive for HBV e antigen). Three occurred within 8 weeks of transplantation and were associated with a short HBsAb half-life and a wild-type virus. Six occurred >8 months after the transplant, and most of these were associated with viral mutation. Quantification of pretransplant markers was an overall poor predictor of HBIg requirements after the transplant. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated transient low-level expression of core protein in the liver in 23% of patients without serum or clinical evidence of recurrent hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS An excellent outcome is possible after liver transplantation for chronic HBV disease using HBIg dosed by pharmacokinetic parameters. Currently, quantification of pretransplant serum markers of the HBV antigen load does not predict the intensity of posttransplant treatment required for good clinical outcomes. Because HBV is not eradicated from the patient, some form of indefinite antiviral therapy continues to be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Sawyer
- Department of Surgery and The Charles O. Strickler Transplant Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22906-0005, USA
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VanWinkle-Swift K, Baron K, McNamara A, Minke P, Burrascano C, Maddock J. The Chlamydomonas zygospore: mutant strains of Chlamydomonas monoica blocked in zygospore morphogenesis comprise 46 complementation groups. Genetics 1998; 148:131-7. [PMID: 9475727 PMCID: PMC1459796 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/148.1.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydomonas monoica undergoes homothallic sexual reproduction in response to nitrogen starvation. Mating pairs are established in clonal culture via flagellar agglutination and fuse by way of activated mating structures to form the quadriflagellate zygote. The zygote further matures into a dormant diploid zygospore through a series of events that we collectively refer to as zygosporulation. Mutants that arrest development prior to the completion of zygosporulation have been obtained through the use of a variety of mutagens, including ultraviolet irradiation, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine, ethyl methanesulfonate, and methyl methanesulfonate. Complementation analysis indicates that the present mutant collection includes alleles affecting 46 distinct zygote-specific functions. The frequency with which alleles at previously defined loci have been recovered in the most recent mutant searches suggests that as many as 30 additional zygote-specific loci may still remain to be identified. Nevertheless, the present collection should provide a powerful base for ultrastructural, biochemical, and molecular analysis of zygospore morphogenesis and dormancy in Chlamydomonas.
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Affiliation(s)
- K VanWinkle-Swift
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff 86011-5460, USA.
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45
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Horgan F, Crowe M, Keating D, McNamara A, Leahy P. The development of a comprehensive stroke programme in the acute hospital. Ir Med J 1996; 89:222. [PMID: 8996952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and an important cause of hospital admissions and long term disability. The incidence of stroke is estimated at 200 per 100,000 of the population, Dublin has approximately 2,400 new strokes per annum. In 1989 a comprehensive stroke programme was introduced in St Vincent's Hospital. The aim was to provide patients with a coordinated approach to rehabilitation. A study of the programme was conducted in 1993 by detailed chart review. 129 patients with a clinical diagnosis of stroke were referred to the programme during a 12 month period. 27.13% were under age 65 and 72.87% were over 65 years, 18% died and 44.2% were discharged home, independently mobile. The study findings suggest that the comprehensive stroke programme in St Vincent's Hospital represents a feasible model of care in the acute general hospital setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Horgan
- Department of Medicine for the Elderly, St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4
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Corby H, Donnelly V, O’Herlihy C, O’Connell PR, Sheehan SJ, Colgan MP, Grouden MC, Wall M, Moore DJ, Shanik DG, Kelly L, Gillen P, Tanner WA, Keane FBV, Neelamekam TK, Shami JA, McEntee G, Traynor O, Brannigan AE, Kerin MJ, McEntee GP, Attwood SEA, Crowe SG, Smith S, Mealy K, Beesley W, Tanner AW, Keane FBW, O’Boyle CJ, Boyle TJ, O’Hanlon DM, McNamara A, Given HF, Barry MK, Regan MC, McDermott JP, Page R, Stokes MA, Fitzpatrick JM, Gorey TF, Flynn M, Da Costa ML, Redmond HP, Kelly CJ, Bouchier-Hayes D, O’Sullivan ST, Horgan AF, Chin DHL, Curley P, Rodrick ML, Mannick JA, Watson RWG, Wang JH, Yacoub K, O’Leary G, Stokes K, Geraghty J, Osborne H, O’Dwyer R, Bouchier-Hayes DJ. Waterford surgical october club meeting and surgical section, royal academy of medicine in Ireland. Ir J Med Sci 1994. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02967099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Healy M, O’Moore R, Keane EM, Coakley D, Walsh JB, Tully M, Swanwick G, Coen R, Bruce I, O’Mahony D, Radic A, O’Kelly F, O’Doherty M, Lawlor BA, Lee H, Conway J, Keane E, Ng K, Murphy S, Khaw KT, May H, Compston JE, Taggart H, Crawford V, Twomey C, Delaney L, Crowley M, Hyland M, Hegarty V, Donovan MC, Pye M, Reardon M, Coleman P, Hyland CM, Scott T, Keane CT, Farragher B, O’Connor A, Quinn E, Mahony D, Rowan M, Buggy F, Freyne A, Wrigley M, Passmore AP, Crawford VLS, Beringer TRO, Gilmore DH, Hussain A, Grant D, Montgomery A, Hemeryck L, McCormack PME, Sheehan N, Guely A, Leonard L, Caulfield D, Nic Cártaigh M, Feely J, Mulkerrin E, Clark BA, Epstein FH, Keane N, McCabe E, Shepherd M, O’Donnell MJ, Cooper RA, Nurzaman M, Brooks RW, Sinha SK, Kane D, McKiernan M, Crowe J, Lennon J, Sheehan J, Rearden M, Hyland M, Tracey F, Lawson JT, Stout RW, Williams H, Naguib M, O’Keefe S, Lavan J, Madigan SM, McNulty H, Eaton-Evans J, Strain JJ, Stanwick G, Horgan F, Keating D, Crowe M, McNamara A, Leahy P, Healy S, Moraes D, Tyrell J, Crawford VLS, O’Keeffe S, Glasgow R, Tormey W, Finucane P, Nair BK, McCann C, Coen RF, O’Boyle CA, Joyce CRB, Hiltbrunner B, Clarke R, Cooney J. Irish Gerontological Society. Ir J Med Sci 1994. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02940568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wang ZL, Bramley AM, McNamara A, Paré PD, Bai TR. Chronic fenoterol exposure increases in vivo and in vitro airway responses in guinea pigs. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1994; 149:960-5. [PMID: 8143062 DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm.149.4.8143062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that the regular inhalation of a beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2AR) agonist increases airway responsiveness in guinea pigs. A potent beta 2AR agonist, fenoterol hydrobromide, in sublaryngeal doses equivalent to maximal doses used in the treatment of asthma on a weight basis (5.28 micrograms/kg), was administered by nebulizer three times a day for 6 weeks to normal adolescent guinea pigs (FEN, n = 10) and to ovalbuminsensitized guinea pigs challenged twice weekly with ovalbumin (OA + FEN, n = 20), although not in the 12 h prior to or 4 h after antigen challenge. Controls included saline-treated normal animals (CON, n = 10) and ovalbumin-sensitized animals treated with repeated antigen challenge and saline (OA, n = 20). At 72 h after the last administration of saline, fenoterol, and ovalbumin, the dose-response relationship between pulmonary resistance (RL) and nebulized acetylcholine (ACh) was measured. RLmax increased 2-fold and the ACh concentration causing a 10-fold increase in RL (PC10) decreased 4-fold in the FEN, OA, and OA + FEN groups as compared to the CON group. In the FEN, OA, and OA + FEN groups, in vitro tracheal smooth-muscle contractile responses to maximal concentrations of acetylcholine increased 2-fold, and this increase was not due to increased smooth-muscle mass. There was no evidence for beta 2AR desensitization as judged by in vitro tracheal smooth-muscle relaxant responses to fenoterol. These results suggest that chronic beta 2AR stimulation increases airway smooth-muscle contractility and in vivo airways responsiveness to a degree similar to that induced by chronic antigen exposure. A similar effect in human asthmatics may explain the adverse effects observed during prolonged treatment with these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z L Wang
- University of British Columbia Pulmonary Research Laboratory, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
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Kuhns M, de Medina M, McNamara A, Jeffers LJ, Reddy KR, Silva M, Ortiz-Interian C, Jimenez M, Schiff ER, Perez G. Detection of hepatitis C virus RNA in hemodialysis patients. J Am Soc Nephrol 1994; 4:1491-7. [PMID: 7512832 DOI: 10.1681/asn.v471491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical significance of the high prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in dialysis patients remains undefined. In order to assess the relationship between seropositivity and potential infectivity, 63 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were evaluated between April and May 1990. The mean duration of maintenance hemodialysis was 45 mo (range, 13 to 144). Eighty-two percent (52 of 63) had received blood transfusions, and 16% (10 of 63) had a history of iv drug abuse. Serum samples were analyzed by HCV-cDNA polymerase chain reaction; antibodies to HCV structural (core) and nonstructural regions NS3 and NS4 were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Specimens repeatedly reactive for anti-HCV and HCV-RNA-positive samples were tested by HCV MATRIX dot immunoblot assay and HBV-DNA PCR. Twenty-five percent (16 of 63) were anti-HCV-positive. Of the 16 anti-HCV-positive patients, HCV-RNA was detected in 5 (31%) with the NS3 primers and in 12 (75%) with 5'-noncoding primers. Among the anti-HCV-negative patients, HCV-RNA was detected in 2 (4.3%) of 47 patients. Eleven of the 18 patients with HCV infection (anti-HCV and/or HCV-RNA-positive) had evidence of additional present or past viral infections (human immunodeficiency virus and/or hepatitis B virus). In summary, HCV-RNA is present in at least 75% of anti-HCV-positive patients, suggesting that they may be infectious. The detection of HCV-RNA in anti-HCV-negative patients may indicate early or chronic HCV infection not detected by current antibody assays or the inability of these patients to mount or sustain a significant antibody response.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kuhns
- Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL
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Abstract
Haemospermia is an alarming symptom but does it signify serious disease and how should it be investigated? A retrospective review of 44 men showed no evidence of malignancy and infection as the commonest cause. Standard investigation with midstream specimen of urine, intravenous pyelogram and cystoscopy is unhelpful. Microscopy and culture of a first stream specimen of urine or expressed prostatic secretions is the investigation of choice. Cystoscopy should be reserved for patients with recurrent haemospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Creagh
- Department of Urology, Meath Hospital, Dublin
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