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Gibbons MJ, Garivalis AI, O'Shaughnessy SM, Robinson AJ, Di Marco P. Water droplet evaporation in varied gravity and electric fields. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:52. [PMID: 38714711 PMCID: PMC11076615 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00396-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sessile water droplet evaporation in varied gravity and electric fields has been experimentally studied. Specifically, the influences of gravity and electric fields are investigated in the context of the heat flux distribution beneath the droplets, as well as the droplet mechanics and resulting shapes. Experimental testing was carried out during a European Space Agency (ESA) Parabolic Flight Campaign (PFC 66). The droplets tested evaporated with a pinned contact line, a single wettability condition, and varied droplet volume and substrate heat flux. The peak heat transfer was located at the contact line for all cases. The peak heat flux, average heat flux, and droplet evaporation rate were shown to vary strongly with gravity, with higher values noted for hypergravity conditions and lower values in microgravity conditions. The droplet thermal inertia was shown to play a significant role, with larger droplets taking more time to reach thermal equilibrium during the parabolic testing period. No significant impact of the electric field on the droplet evaporation was noted for these test conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Gibbons
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing & Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - A I Garivalis
- DESTEC, University of Pisa, Largo Lazzarino 1, Pisa, 56122, Italy.
| | - S M O'Shaughnessy
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing & Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - A J Robinson
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing & Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - P Di Marco
- DESTEC, University of Pisa, Largo Lazzarino 1, Pisa, 56122, Italy
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Capps KL, McLaughlin EM, Murray AWA, Aldus CF, Wyatt GM, Peck MW, Van Amerongen A, Ariëns RMC, Wichers JH, Baylis CL, Wareing DRA, Bolton FJ, Aird H, Allen R, Anderson P, Boughtflower M, Chen Q, Davies A, Dennis J, Gibson SJ, Green RA, Hilton J, Jorgensen F, Leuschner R, Loder C, Mackey B, Meldrum R, Millar I, Reid T, Robinson AJ, Robinson; I, Smith H, Surman S, Vickers D, Wood M. Validation of Three Rapid Screening Methods for Detection of Verotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Foods: Interlaboratory Study. J AOAC Int 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jaoac/87.1.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
An interlaboratory study was conducted for the validation of 3 methods for the detection of all verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in foods. The methods were a multi-analyte 1-step lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for detection of E. coli O157 and verotoxin (VT); an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeted against VT1, VT2, and VT2c (VT-ELISA); and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for detection of VT genes (VT-PCR). Aliquots (25 g or 25 mL) of 4 food types (raw minced [ground] beef, unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized apple juice [cider], and salami) were individually inoculated with low numbers (<9 to 375 cells/25 g) of 6 test strains of E. coli (serogroups O26, O103, O111, O145, and O157) with differing VT-producing capabilities. Five replicates for each test strain and 5 uninoculated samples were prepared for each food type. Fourteen participating laboratories analyzed samples using the LFIA, 9 analyzed the samples by ELISA, and 9 by PCR. The LFIA for O157 and VT had a specificity (correct identification of negative samples) of 92 and 94%, respectively, and a sensitivity (correct identification of positive samples) of 94 and 55%, respectively. The VT-ELISA and VT-PCR
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Capps
- Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 1LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Emiline M McLaughlin
- Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 1LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair W A Murray
- Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 1LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Clare F Aldus
- Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UA, United Kingdom
| | - Gary M Wyatt
- Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UA, United Kingdom
| | - Michael W Peck
- Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UA, United Kingdom
| | - Aart Van Amerongen
- Agrotechnology and Food Innovations A&F B.V., Bornsesteeg 59, 6708 PD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Renata M C Ariëns
- Agrotechnology and Food Innovations A&F B.V., Bornsesteeg 59, 6708 PD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan H Wichers
- Agrotechnology and Food Innovations A&F B.V., Bornsesteeg 59, 6708 PD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher L Baylis
- Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6LD, United Kingdom
| | - David R A Wareing
- Preston Public Health Laboratory, Royal Preston Hospital, PO Box 202, Sharoe Green LN, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HG, United Kingdom
| | - Frederick J Bolton
- Preston Public Health Laboratory, Royal Preston Hospital, PO Box 202, Sharoe Green LN, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HG, United Kingdom
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Boczonadi V, King MS, Smith AC, Olahova M, Bansagi B, Roos A, Eyassu F, Borchers C, Ramesh V, Lochmüller H, Polvikoski T, Whittaker RG, Pyle A, Griffin H, Taylor RW, Chinnery PF, Robinson AJ, Kunji ERS, Horvath R. Correction: Mitochondrial oxodicarboxylate carrier deficiency is associated with mitochondrial DNA depletion and spinal muscular atrophy-like disease. Genet Med 2019; 21:2163-2164. [PMID: 31028354 PMCID: PMC8075975 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-019-0506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This Article was originally published under Nature Research's License to Publish, but has now been made available under a [CC BY 4.0] license. The PDF and HTML versions of the Article have been modified accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Boczonadi
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - M S King
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - A C Smith
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - M Olahova
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - B Bansagi
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - A Roos
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Leibniz Institute of Analytic Sciences (ISAS), Dortmund, Germany
| | - F Eyassu
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Borchers
- UVic-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - V Ramesh
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Foundation Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - H Lochmüller
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - T Polvikoski
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - R G Whittaker
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - A Pyle
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - H Griffin
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - R W Taylor
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - P F Chinnery
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A J Robinson
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - E R S Kunji
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK.
| | - R Horvath
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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MacDonald TM, Hui L, Robinson AJ, Dane KM, Middleton AL, Tong S, Walker SP. Cerebral-placental-uterine ratio as novel predictor of late fetal growth restriction: prospective cohort study. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2019; 54:367-375. [PMID: 30338593 DOI: 10.1002/uog.20150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major risk factor for stillbirth and most commonly arises from uteroplacental insufficiency. Despite clinical examination and third-trimester fetal biometry, cases of FGR often remain undetected antenatally. Placental insufficiency is known to be associated with altered blood flow resistance in maternal, placental and fetal vessels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of individual and combined Doppler blood flow resistance measurements in the prediction of term small-for-gestational age and FGR. METHODS This was a prospective study of 347 nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy at 36 weeks' gestation in which fetal growth and Doppler measurements were obtained. Pulsatility indices (PI) of the uterine arteries (UtA), umbilical artery (UA) and fetal vessels were analyzed, individually and in combination, for prediction of birth weight < 10th , < 5th and < 3rd centiles. Doppler values were converted into centiles or multiples of the median (MoM) for gestational age. The sensitivities, positive and negative predictive values and odds ratios (OR) of the Doppler parameters for these birth weights at ∼ 90% specificity were assessed. Additionally, the correlations between Doppler measurements and other measures of placental insufficiency, namely fetal growth velocity and neonatal body fat measures, were analyzed. RESULTS The Doppler combination most strongly associated with placental insufficiency was a newly generated parameter, which we have named the cerebral-placental-uterine ratio (CPUR). CPUR is the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) (middle cerebral artery PI/UA-PI) divided by mean UtA-PI. CPUR MoM detected FGR better than did mean UtA-PI MoM or CPR MoM alone. At ∼ 90% specificity, low CPUR MoM had sensitivities of 50% for birth weight < 10th centile, 68% for < 5th centile and 89% for < 3rd centile. The respective sensitivities of low CPR MoM were 26%, 37% and 44% and those of high UtA-PI MoM were 34%, 47% and 67%. Low CPUR MoM was associated with birth weight < 10th centile with an OR of 9.1, < 5th centile with an OR of 17.3 and < 3rd centile with an OR of 57.0 (P < 0.0001 for all). CPUR MoM was also correlated most strongly with fetal growth velocity and neonatal body fat measures, as compared with CPR MoM or UtA-PI MoM alone. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, a novel Doppler variable combination, the CPUR (CPR/UtA-PI), had the strongest association with indicators of placental insufficiency. CPUR detected more cases of FGR than did any other Doppler parameter measured. If these results are replicated independently, this new parameter may lead to better identification of fetuses at increased risk of stillbirth that may benefit from obstetric intervention. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M MacDonald
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - L Hui
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A J Robinson
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K M Dane
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A L Middleton
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Tong
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S P Walker
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Quadalti C, Brunetti D, Lagutina I, Duchi R, Perota A, Lazzari G, Cerutti R, Di Meo I, Johnson M, Bottani E, Crociara P, Corona C, Grifoni S, Tiranti V, Fernandez-Vizarra E, Robinson AJ, Viscomi C, Casalone C, Zeviani M, Galli C. SURF1 knockout cloned pigs: Early onset of a severe lethal phenotype. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2131-2142. [PMID: 29601977 PMCID: PMC6018622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Leigh syndrome (LS) associated with cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency is an early onset, fatal mitochondrial encephalopathy, leading to multiple neurological failure and eventually death, usually in the first decade of life. Mutations in SURF1, a nuclear gene encoding a mitochondrial protein involved in COX assembly, are among the most common causes of LS. LSSURF1 patients display severe, isolated COX deficiency in all tissues, including cultured fibroblasts and skeletal muscle. Recombinant, constitutive SURF1-/- mice show diffuse COX deficiency, but fail to recapitulate the severity of the human clinical phenotype. Pigs are an attractive alternative model for human diseases, because of their size, as well as metabolic, physiological and genetic similarity to humans. Here, we determined the complete sequence of the swine SURF1 gene, disrupted it in pig primary fibroblast cell lines using both TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing systems, before finally generating SURF1-/- and SURF1-/+ pigs by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT). SURF1-/- pigs were characterized by failure to thrive, muscle weakness and highly reduced life span with elevated perinatal mortality, compared to heterozygous SURF1-/+ and wild type littermates. Surprisingly, no obvious COX deficiency was detected in SURF1-/- tissues, although histochemical analysis revealed the presence of COX deficiency in jejunum villi and total mRNA sequencing (RNAseq) showed that several COX subunit-encoding genes were significantly down-regulated in SURF1-/- skeletal muscles. In addition, neuropathological findings, indicated a delay in central nervous system development of newborn SURF1-/- piglets. Our results suggest a broader role of sSURF1 in mitochondrial bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Quadalti
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy; Dept. of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - D Brunetti
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - I Lagutina
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy
| | - R Duchi
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy
| | - A Perota
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy
| | - G Lazzari
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy; Fondazione Avantea, Cremona, Italy
| | - R Cerutti
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - I Di Meo
- Neurologic Institute Carlo Besta, Via G. Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - M Johnson
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - E Bottani
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - P Crociara
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino 10154, Italy
| | - C Corona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino 10154, Italy
| | - S Grifoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino 10154, Italy
| | - V Tiranti
- Neurologic Institute Carlo Besta, Via G. Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - E Fernandez-Vizarra
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - A J Robinson
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - C Viscomi
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - C Casalone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino 10154, Italy
| | - M Zeviani
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK.
| | - C Galli
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy; Dept. of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy.
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Robinson AJ, Ekanyanke K. Anatomical relationship of the right internal jugular vein and the spinal accessory nerve: A word of caution. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2018; 71:777. [PMID: 29398614 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- Northern Ireland Plastic and Maxillofacial Service, Department of Plastic Surgery, The Ulster Hospital, Belfast.
| | - K Ekanyanke
- Northern Ireland Plastic and Maxillofacial Service, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, The Ulster Hospital, Belfast
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Robinson AJ, Walsh M, Hill C. Re: Basal cell carcinomata: Risk factors for incomplete excision and results of re-excision. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2016; 69:1564-1565. [PMID: 27345470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2016.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- Northern Ireland Plastic and Maxillofacial Service, Ward 10-11, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, Belfast BT18 1RL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
| | - M Walsh
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, 274, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - C Hill
- Northern Ireland Plastic and Maxillofacial Service, Ward 10, 11, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, Belfast BT18 1RL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Of all cancer patients, 28% had gastrointestinal parasites of medical importance.
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Abstract
Sebaceous naevus are associated with malignant transformation. They commonly occur in the head and neck region and are associated with malignant transformation into basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. This case report describes a case of a malignant melanoma arising from a longstanding sebaceous naevus.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- a Northern Ireland Plastics and Maxillofacial Service, Ward 10/11, Ulster Hospital , Dundonald , Northern Ireland
| | - A P Brown
- a Northern Ireland Plastics and Maxillofacial Service, Ward 10/11, Ulster Hospital , Dundonald , Northern Ireland
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Robinson AJ, Blaser S, Vladimirov A, Drossman D, Chitayat D, Ryan G. Foetal "black bone" MRI: utility in assessment of the foetal spine. Br J Radiol 2014; 88:20140496. [PMID: 25496509 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20140496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Foetal CT has recently been added to the foetal imaging armamentarium, but this carries with it the risks of ionizing radiation, both to the mother and the foetus. Foetal "black bone" MRI is a new technique that allows assessment of the foetal skeleton without the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation and is a potential new sequence in foetal MRI examination. METHODS Retrospective review of all foetal MRI studies over the past 4- to 5-year period identified 36 cases where susceptibility weighted imaging was used. Cases were selected from this group to demonstrate the potential utility of this sequence. RESULTS This sequence is most frequently useful not only in the assessment of spinal abnormalities, most commonly the bony abnormalities in myelomeningocele, but also in cases of scoliosis, segmentation anomalies and sacrococcygeal teratoma. CONCLUSION Although the utility of this sequence is still being evaluated, it provides excellent contrast between the mineralized skeleton and surrounding soft tissues compared with standard half Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo-spin echo sequences. Further assessment is required to determine whether black bone MRI can more accurately evaluate the level of bony defect in spina bifida aperta, an important prognostic factor. Potential further uses include the assessment of skeletal dysplasias, evaluation of the skull base and craniofacial skeleton in certain congenital anomalies and the post-mortem evaluation of the foetal skeleton potentially obviating the need for necropsy. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Foetal black bone MRI can be performed using susceptibility weighted imaging and allows better demonstration of the mineralized skeleton compared with standard sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- 1 Department of Radiology, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
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Sachana M, Sidiropoulou E, Flaskos J, Harris W, Robinson AJ, Woldehiwet Z, Hargreaves AJ. Diazoxon Disrupts the Expression and Distribution of βIII-Tubulin and MAP 1B in Differentiating N2a Cells. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 114:490-6. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Sachana
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Erasmia Sidiropoulou
- Department of Infection Biology; Institute of Infection & Global Health; University of Liverpool; Leahurst Campus; Leahurst, Neston UK
| | - John Flaskos
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Wayne Harris
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre; School of Science and Technology; Nottingham Trent University; Nottingham UK
| | - Alex J. Robinson
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre; School of Science and Technology; Nottingham Trent University; Nottingham UK
| | - Zerai Woldehiwet
- Department of Infection Biology; Institute of Infection & Global Health; University of Liverpool; Leahurst Campus; Leahurst, Neston UK
| | - Alan J. Hargreaves
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre; School of Science and Technology; Nottingham Trent University; Nottingham UK
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Pugash D, Oh T, Godwin K, Robinson AJ, Byrne A, Van Allen MI, Osiovich H. Sonographic 'molar tooth' sign in the diagnosis of Joubert syndrome. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2011; 38:598-602. [PMID: 21370303 DOI: 10.1002/uog.8979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The characteristic imaging finding common to Joubert syndrome and related disorders is the 'molar tooth' sign. The prenatal diagnosis of Joubert syndrome using both ultrasound and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in families with an affected child has been reported previously. We report two cases in which the molar tooth sign was identified by sonography at 26 + 4 weeks and at 20 + 6 weeks, respectively, prior to fetal MRI or genetic testing. In both cases the finding was subsequently confirmed on fetal MRI. As definitive prenatal genetic testing may not be conclusive in Joubert syndrome, the ability to identify the molar tooth sign sonographically before 24 weeks provides a valuable adjunct to prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pugash
- Department of Radiology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, British Columbia Women's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Abstract
In the three years from October 1979 to September 1982 over 6.3 million lambs were processed in two meat works and of these 0.5% had lesions of contagious pustular dermatitis (CPD). The proportion of lambs affected was highest in the months of December and January when up to 2.2% of the lambs slaughtered had lesions of CPD. On average 13.4% of a consignment (referred to as a line) of lambs showing evidence of CPD were affected. The total lambs in affected lines constituted 4.1% of the total slaughtered. If it was decided to reject for slaughter lines with CPD, approximately 1 1/4 million lambs would be returned to farms each year. It was concluded that such a policy would be unlikely to substantially reduce the level of infection in meat workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Massey University, Palmerston North
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Abstract
Serum samples collected from dogs routinely presented at a clinic between June 1974 and October 1980 were tested for the presence of haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titres to canine parvovirus. The first positive titre (>1:320) was demonstrated in serum collected in October 1979. The first confirmed clinical case of canine parvovirus enteritis was diagnosed by the authors in July 1979. In addition, between 1st December 1980 and 1st March 1981, serum samples were collected from 106 healthy dogs which were presented for canine parvovirus vaccination for the first time. Twenty-four dogs (approx. 23%) showed HI titres >1:320 indicating probable previous canine parvovirus infection. Therefore approx. 80% of dogs in the clinic area were at risk at that time and vaccination should have protected them from infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Jones
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North
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Affiliation(s)
- R Adlington
- Mortimer Market Centre, Off Capper Street, London WC1E 6AU, UK
| | - A J Robinson
- Mortimer Market Centre, Off Capper Street, London WC1E 6AU, UK
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Kempers R, Kolodner P, Lyons A, Robinson AJ. A high-precision apparatus for the characterization of thermal interface materials. Rev Sci Instrum 2009; 80:095111. [PMID: 19791968 DOI: 10.1063/1.3193715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
An apparatus has been designed and constructed to characterize thermal interface materials with unprecedented precision and sensitivity. The design of the apparatus is based upon a popular implementation of ASTM D5470 where well-characterized meter bars are used to extrapolate surface temperatures and measure heat flux through the sample under test. Measurements of thermal resistance, effective thermal conductivity, and electrical resistance can be made simultaneously as functions of pressure or sample thickness. This apparatus is unique in that it takes advantage of small, well-calibrated thermistors for precise temperature measurements (+/-0.001 K) and incorporates simultaneous measurement of electrical resistance of the sample. By employing precision thermometry, low heater powers and minimal temperature gradients are maintained through the meter bars, thereby reducing uncertainties due to heat leakage and changes in meter-bar thermal conductivity. Careful implementation of instrumentation to measure thickness and force also contributes to a low overall uncertainty. Finally, a robust error analysis provides uncertainties for all measured and calculated quantities. Baseline tests were performed to demonstrate the sensitivity and precision of the apparatus by measuring the contact resistance of the meter bars in contact with each other as representative low specific thermal resistance cases. A minimum specific thermal resistance of 4.68x10(-6) m(2) K/W was measured with an uncertainty of 2.7% using a heat transfer rate of 16.8 W. Additionally, example measurements performed on a commercially available graphite thermal interface material demonstrate the relationship between thermal and electrical contact resistance. These measurements further demonstrate repeatability in measured effective thermal conductivity of approximately 1%.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kempers
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Robinson AJ, Kashanin D, O'Dowd F, Fitzgerald K, Williams V, Walsh GM. Fluvastatin and lovastatin inhibit granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor-stimulated human eosinophil adhesion to inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 under flow conditions. Clin Exp Allergy 2009; 39:1866-74. [PMID: 19689459 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eosinophil accumulation in the lung is an important feature of airway inflammation in asthma. There is therefore much interest in developing novel therapies to prevent this process. Accumulating evidence suggests that statins have anti-inflammatory properties, including inhibition of leucocyte accumulation. We therefore assessed the ability of five statins to inhibit human eosinophil adhesion to recombinant human inter-cellular adhesion molecule (rhICAM)-1 under physiologically relevant flow conditions. METHODS Purified eosinophils were pre-treated with a panel of statins before elucidation of the adhesion profiles of resting and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-stimulated cells to rhICAM-1-coated microchannels at a flow rate of 0.5 dynes/cm(2). Images were recorded in real-time at 1 min intervals and analysed using Ducocell software. RESULTS Fluvastatin and lovastatin (both 10 nm) significantly inhibited GM-CSF-stimulated eosinophil adhesion to rhICAM-1 after 2 min (34.4+/-3.0% inhibition and 37.8+/-12.6% inhibition, respectively, n=4, P<0.05) but had no significant inhibitory effect on unstimulated eosinophil adhesion. Mevastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin (all 10 nm) had no significant effect on GM-CSF-stimulated eosinophil adhesion to rhICAM-1. A concentration range of fluvastatin and lovastatin inhibited GM-CSF stimulated eosinophil adhesion with significant (P<0.05) inhibition observed at low concentrations of 1 nm for both drugs. Mevalonate (100 nm) reversed fluvastatin-mediated but not lovastatin-mediated inhibition of eosinophil adhesion. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of eosinophil adhesion to ICAM-1 by fluvastatin and lovastatin under physiological shear stress represent novel actions by these drugs that may inform the development of anti-inflammatory therapy for allergic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- Section of Immunology & Infection, Division of Applied Medicine, School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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Crawford AM, Buchanan FC, Fraser KM, Robinson AJ, Hill DF. Repeat sequences from complex ds DNA viruses can be used as minisatellite probes for DNA fingerprinting. Anim Genet 2009; 22:177-81. [PMID: 1892249 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.1991.tb00660.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In a search for new fingerprinting probes for use with sheep, repeat sequences derived from five poxviruses, an iridovirus and a baculovirus were screened against DNA from sheep pedigrees. Probes constructed from portions of the parapox viruses, orf virus and papular stomatitis virus and the baculovirus from the alfalfa looper, Autographa californica, nuclear polyhedrosis virus all gave fingerprint patterns. Probes from three other poxviruses and an iridovirus did not give useful banding patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Crawford
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Strive T, Wright JD, Robinson AJ. Identification and partial characterisation of a new Lagovirus in Australian wild rabbits. Virology 2008; 384:97-105. [PMID: 19049842 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2008.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Revised: 09/01/2008] [Accepted: 11/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is widely used in Australia to control feral rabbit populations. Before RHDV was released on the Australian continent in 1996, antibodies cross-reacting in RHDV specific ELISAs were found in Australian wild rabbits, leading to the hypothesis that a non-pathogenic calicivirus had been circulating in rabbit populations in Australia, potentially providing some level of cross-immunoprotection to RHDV infection. For the detection of this putative virus, a universal lagovirus PCR test was developed to screen a variety of different tissues of wild caught rabbits. We identified a new lagovirus in the intestinal tissues of three apparently healthy young wild rabbits. Quantitative Real Time PCR analysis revealed high concentrations of viral RNA in intestinal tissues and suggests a faecal-oral mode of transmission. Genome organisation and phylogenetic analysis following the sequencing of the entire viral genome revealed a new member of the genus Lagovirus within the family Caliciviridae.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Strive
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
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Forsyth SF, Agogo EA, Dipgum LL, Jungmann E, Man S, Edwards SG, Robinson AJ. Would offering rapid point-of-care testing or non-invasive methods improve uptake of HIV testing among high-risk genitourinary medicine clinic attendees? A patient perspective. Int J STD AIDS 2008; 19:550-2. [DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2008.008141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
While most genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics achieve a high uptake for testing HIV in new patients, they may still miss testing those at highest risk. Point-of-care testing (POCT) and salivary samples are acceptable and feasible but have not yet been shown to increase uptake among high-risk patients (HRP). This study aimed to describe reasons why HRP decline HIV testing and whether offering POCT along with standard testing would increase the uptake of testing HIV in two London GU medicine clinics. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were offered to all new and rebooked patients. Eight hundred and ninety-nine questionnaires were analysed of which 598 were HRP. Uptake of HIV testing was 77.1 % among HRP and 65.8% among the rest. A total of 51.1 % of HRP who declined HIV testing said they would be more likely to accept a POCT and 32.8% a salivary test. Introduction of rapid POCT for HIV would increase patient's choice and may increase the likelihood of HRP accepting an HIV test.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Forsyth
- Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London WC1E 6AU
| | - E A Agogo
- Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London WC1E 6AU
| | - L Lau Dipgum
- Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London WC1E 6AU
| | | | - S Man
- UCL Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, London UK
| | - S G Edwards
- Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London WC1E 6AU
| | - A J Robinson
- Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London WC1E 6AU
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Munro HL, Lowndes CM, Daniels DG, Sullivan AK, Robinson AJ. National study of HIV testing in men who have sex with men attending genitourinary clinics in the United Kingdom. Sex Transm Infect 2008; 84:265-70. [DOI: 10.1136/sti.2007.025536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Robinson AJ, Crawley AC, Auclair D, Weston PF, Hirte C, Hemsley KM, Hopwood JJ. Behavioural characterisation of the alpha-mannosidosis guinea pig. Behav Brain Res 2007; 186:176-84. [PMID: 17889945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 04/03/2007] [Revised: 08/01/2007] [Accepted: 08/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
alpha-Mannosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder resulting from a functional deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-mannosidase. This deficiency results in the accumulation of various oligosaccharides in the lysosomes of affected individuals, causing somatic pathology and progressive neurological degeneration that results in cognitive deficits, ataxia, and other neurological symptoms. We have a naturally occurring guinea pig model of this disease which exhibits a deficiency of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase and has a similar clinical presentation to human alpha-mannosidosis. Various tests were developed in the present study to characterise and quantitate the loss of neurological function in alpha-mannosidosis guinea pigs and to follow closely the progression of the disease. General neurological examinations showed progressive differences in alpha-mannosidosis animals from approximately 1 month of age. Significant differences were observed in hind limb gait width from 2 months of age and significant cognitive (memory and learning) deficits were observed from 3 months of age. Evoked response tests showed an increase in somatosensory P1 peak latency in alpha-mannosidosis guinea pigs from approximately 2 months of age, as well as progressive hearing loss using auditory brainstem evoked responses. The alpha-mannosidosis guinea pig therefore appears to exhibit many of the characteristics of the human disease, and will be useful in evaluating therapies for treatment of central nervous system pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, Department of Genetic Medicine, Children, Youth and Women's Health Service,72 King William Road, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Benn PD, Rooney G, Carder C, Brown M, Stevenson SR, Copas A, Robinson AJ, Ridgway GL. Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection and the sexual behaviour of men who have sex with men. Sex Transm Infect 2007; 83:106-12. [PMID: 17020893 PMCID: PMC2598607 DOI: 10.1136/sti.2006.021329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rise among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK. OBJECTIVE To evaluate factors associated with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among MSM attending a genitourinary medicine clinic in inner London. STUDY DESIGN 599 MSM undergoing testing for STIs were recruited. Specimens for ligase chain reaction (LCR), strand displacement amplification (SDA) assay and culture were collected from the pharynx, urethra and rectum for the detection of C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae. Details regarding demographics, symptoms, signs and sexual behaviour were recorded. Associations of these factors with each infection were tested, adjusting for other risk factors. RESULTS The prevalence of C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae was 11.0% and 16.0%, respectively. LCR and SDA performed well for the detection of C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae from urethra and rectum. Using either method, compared with our current testing policy, over 18% of those with C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae would not have had their infection diagnosed or treated. Age, sexual behaviour, urethral and rectal symptoms and signs were strongly associated with both infections. A total of 33.7% of men reported at least one episode of unprotected anal intercourse in the previous month. Men reporting multiple episodes were markedly more likely to be HIV positive. CONCLUSION The prevalence of infection, rates of partner acquisition and unprotected anal intercourse reported among these MSM are alarming. Improved detection of C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae using nucleic acid amplification tests has major public health implications for STI and possibly HIV transmission in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D Benn
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Mortimer Market Centre, Off Capper Street, London WC1B 6AU, UK.
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Goh BT, Ahmed-Jushuf I, Robinson AJ. The Department of Health recurrent-targeted funding for GU medicine clinics: what happened to the funding? Int J STD AIDS 2006; 17:168-9. [PMID: 16510002 DOI: 10.1258/095646206775809240] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Department of Health provided two recurrent targeted funding of 5 million pounds sterlings and 3 million pounds sterlings for genitourinary (GU) medicine services in 2003 in response to the increasing waiting times for appointments. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV conducted a survey to find out if the clinics continued to receive their full allocation, if not, the reasons for it, and the workload change from 2002 to 2004. Out of a total of 91 responders, 78 were from acute trusts and 13 from primary care trusts (PCTs). Of the acute trusts and PCTs, respectively, 67.9% and 76.9% received the full allocation; overall 30.8% did not receive their full allocation. In all, 86% of clinics had increases in their workload and of the 26 clinics with shortfall of funds, 24 (92.3%) still managed to increase the workload. This survey showed that the funding and other measures have increased the workload capacity, and also highlights the continuing problem of many clinics in not receiving their full allocation. Such clinics should be targeted for early review by Medical Foundation for AIDS and Sexual Health with involvement of the Special Health Authorities and PCTs in the current national review of GU services.
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Affiliation(s)
- B T Goh
- Ambrose King Centre, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, UK.
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Mackenzie SM, McLaughlin EA, Perkins HD, French N, Sutherland T, Jackson RJ, Inglis B, Müller WJ, van Leeuwen BH, Robinson AJ, Kerr PJ. Immunocontraceptive Effects on Female Rabbits Infected with Recombinant Myxoma Virus Expressing Rabbit ZP2 or ZP3. Biol Reprod 2006; 74:511-21. [PMID: 16306421 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.046268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant myxoma viruses expressing rabbit zona pellucida 2 (rZP2) or rabbit zona pellucida 3 (rZP3) glycoproteins were constructed and tested in domestic rabbits to assess their potential to induce autoimmune infertility. The recombinant virus expressing rZP2 had no effect on fertility or ovarian histology, despite all animals developing antibodies against the rZP2 antigen. However, recombinant viruses expressing rZP3 induced infertility in 70% of animals at the first breeding. Serum antibodies were relatively short-lived, but antibody was bound to zona pellucida of all rabbits from Day 10 onward. There was no obvious correlation between infertility and rZP3 antibody titer. There was a transient inflammatory response in the ovaries of rZP3-immunized rabbits at Day 15 but no T-cell response to rZP3 could be detected at any time. Dysfunctional follicular formation was present in ovaries from rabbits infected with rZP3-expressing viruses 15-40 days postinfection but this had disappeared at later time points. A recombinant myxoma virus expressing a modified rZP3 antigen with the C-terminal hydrophobic putative anchor sequence deleted was also tested. This virus did not induce either infertility or an antibody response against the zona pellucida. Thus, the context of antigen presentation was crucial for an autoimmune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Mackenzie
- Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Sustainable Ecosystems, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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Robinson AJ, Meedeniya AC, Hemsley KM, Auclair D, Crawley AC, Hopwood JJ. Survival and engraftment of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived implants in the guinea pig brain. Neurosci Res 2005; 53:161-8. [PMID: 16023750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2005.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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] [Received: 04/19/2005] [Revised: 06/10/2005] [Accepted: 06/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
alpha-Mannosidosis is a lysosomal storage disease resulting from a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-D-mannosidase. A major feature of alpha-mannosidosis is progressive neurological decline, for which there is no safe and effective treatment available. We have a guinea pig model of alpha-mannosidosis that models the human condition. This study investigates the feasibility of implanting differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells in the neonatal guinea pig brain in order to provide a source of alpha-mannosidase to the affected central nervous system. Cells implanted at a low dose (1.5 x 10(3)cells per hemisphere) at 1 week of age were found to survive in very low numbers in some immunosuppressed animals out to 8 weeks. Four weeks post-implantation, cells implanted in high numbers (10(5) cells per hemisphere) formed teratomas in the majority of the animals implanted. Although implanted cells were found to migrate extensively within the brain and differentiate into mature cells of neural (and other) lineages, the safety issue related to uncontrolled cell proliferation precluded the use of this cell type for longer-term implantation studies. We conclude that the pluripotent cell type used in this study is unsuitable for achieving safe engraftment in the guinea pig brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, Children, Youth and Women's Health Service, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia.
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Abstract
Outbreaks of infection due to a parapoxvirus were reported on eight New Zealand deer farms. Scabby lesions were seen variably on the muzzle, lips, face, ears and neck of red deer (Cervus elaphus) with morbidity rates reaching 100%. On three farms multifocal lesions were also present on the velvet. Deaths were reported on two properties where the lesions were extensive and secondary bacterial infections had occurred. On one of these farms multifactorial disease was suspected. Poxvirus particles were seen by negative contrast electron microscopy in scab material from all eight properties. Morphologically the deer virus resembled a parapoxvirus, but restriction endonuclease analysis showed its DNA fragment patterns were distinct from those of orf (contagious ecthyma) virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- G W Horner
- Ruakura Animal Health Laboratory, Private Bag, Hamilton
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Marshall RB, Winter PJ, Cooper BS, Robinson AJ. Subspecies differentiation of Moraxella bovis by restriction endonuclease DNA analysis (BRENDA). N Z Vet J 2005; 33:67-70. [PMID: 16031161 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.1985.35167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A total of 94 strains of Moraxella bovis have been examined by bacterial restriction endonuclease DNA analysis (BRENDA). These strains comprised isolates from the U.S.A., the U.K., in Australia, and from a number of widely separated areas within New Zealand. The strains were classified into a total of 26 different types on the basis of their BRENDA patterns. Fourteen types were present among 34 strains from the U.S.A., eight types from 17 strains in the U.K. three types from five strains in Australia but only one type resulted from all 38 New Zealand strains. Moraxella liquifaciens, M. nonliquifaciens and an atypical Moraxella sp. isolated from cattle eyes in Australia were tested and produced BRENDA patterns clearly different from those of the Moraxella bovis strains. BRENDA, when used with the restriction endonuclease EcoR1, did not provide a means of distinguishing between avirulent, nonhaemolytic M.bovis, and the virulent haemolytic strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Marshall
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Massey University, Palmerston North
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Robinson AJ, Crawley AC, Hopwood JJ. Over-expression of human lysosomal alpha-mannosidase in mouse embryonic stem cells. Mol Genet Metab 2005; 85:203-12. [PMID: 15979032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2005.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2004] [Revised: 03/08/2005] [Accepted: 03/09/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-mannosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder characterised by the lysosomal accumulation of mannose-containing oligosaccharides and a range of pathological consequences, caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-mannosidase. One of the major features of alpha-mannosidosis is progressive neurological decline, for which there is no safe and effective treatment. Implantation of stem cells into the central nervous system has been proposed as a potential therapy for these disorders. We report the construction and characterisation of mouse embryonic stem cell lines for the sustained over-expression of recombinant human lysosomal alpha-mannosidase (rhalphaM). Two vectors (involving recombinant human alpha-mannosidase expression driven by either the chicken beta-actin promoter/CMV enhancer or by the elongation factor 1-alpha promoter) were constructed and used to transfect mouse D3 embryonic stem cells. Selected clonal cell lines were isolated and tested to evaluate their expression of recombinant human alpha-mannosidase. Stem cell clones transfected with the chicken beta-actin promoter/CMV enhancer maintained rhalphaM expression levels throughout differentiation. This expression was not markedly elevated above background. In contrast, the vector incorporating the elongation factor 1-alpha promoter facilitated substantial over-expression of alpha-mannosidase when analysed out to 21 days of differentiation in stably transfected cell lines. The highest expressing cell line was found to qualitatively retain a similar differentiation potential to untransfected cells, and to secrete alpha-mannosidase that could mediate a reduction in the level of oligosaccharides stored by human alpha-mannosidosis skin fibroblasts. These results suggest potential for the use of this cell line for investigation of a stem cell therapy approach to treat alpha-mannosidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, Department of Genetic Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia.
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Robinson AJ, Crerar SK, Waight Sharma N, Müller WJ, Bradley MP. Prevalence of serum antibodies to canine adenovirus and canine herpesvirus in the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Australia. Aust Vet J 2005; 83:356-61. [PMID: 15986915 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2005.tb15634.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the seroprevalence and aspects of the epidemiology of canine adenovirus (CAdV) and canine herpesvirus (CaHV-1) in European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Australia. DESIGN Serum samples were collected opportunistically from foxes in 1991-1994 in Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA) and in 1980-1984 and 1990-1994 in New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The sera were examined for antibody to CAdV and CaHV-1 using ELISAs. Seroprevalence in the different regions was determined for both viruses and the CAdV data were analysed for interactions between decade of collection, age, season, region and gender using logistic regression. RESULTS The overall prevalence of antibody to CAdV was 23.2% (308/1326) but was significantly higher in sera collected in the eastern states of Australia (47%: 233/498) than in WA (9%: 75/828). Overall, in NSW and the ACT, there was a significantly lower prevalence in juveniles than in adults and the prevalence in juveniles in the 1990s was significantly lower than in the 1980s. The prevalence was also significantly lower in the autumn than in the winter for juveniles but the reverse held for adults. The NSW and ACT data were subdivided into eastern (including the ACT) and western regions. This revealed a significantly higher prevalence in the winter than in the autumn for the west and the reverse in the east. In WA, the northern rangeland regions of WA had lower prevalence (1.9%) than the southern agriculture regions (10.7%). Seasonally, there was a peak prevalence in the spring dropping through the summer and autumn and rising again in the winter. This seasonal pattern was also found in the combined data for all sites in the 1990s. There was no gender difference in prevalence of CAdV either overall or in different regions. The overall prevalence of antibody to CaHV-1 was 2.2% (28/1300). The small number of positives allowed only limited statistical analysis that did not reveal any differences in decade of collection, age, season or region. CONCLUSIONS CAdV infection is common in the Australian fox population whereas CaHV-1 infection is rare. For CAdV, the age and seasonal patterns of seroprevalence were generally consistent with the recruitment of young susceptible foxes into the population in the spring and the accumulation of infections with age. The differences in regional prevalences correlated with fox density. The low prevalence of antibody to CaHV-1 suggests that CaHV-1 may be a more suitable vector than CAdV for bait delivery of immunocontraceptive antigens to foxes in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems and the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, GPO Box 284, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601
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Robinson AJ, Russell S, Rimmer S. The value of ultrasonic examination of the lumbar spine in infants with specific reference to cutaneous markers of occult spinal dysraphism. Clin Radiol 2005; 60:72-7. [PMID: 15642296 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2004.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 03/07/2004] [Revised: 04/29/2004] [Accepted: 04/30/2004] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM To present part of the rationale behind the recent update to the M12 guideline in The Royal College of Radiologists' publication "Making the best use of a department of clinical radiology", 4th edition 1998, which stated that ultrasound was useful in screening for dysraphism in infants with cutaneous markers such as sacral dimple or hairy patch. MATERIALS AND METHODS Over a 10-year period a total of 223 infant lumbar spines were scanned, for various clinical indications. Forty of these patients had already had abnormalities detected antenatally by foetal ultrasonography. One hundred and eight-three patients had abnormalities detected on postnatal clinical examination; most of these had various cutaneous markers, some had other congenital abnormalities. RESULTS There were a total of 29 patients with dysraphism; 24 were detected antenatally and five postnatally. Of the five, two had two or more cutaneous markers and three had anorectal anomalies. All 86 of the patients with simple sacral dimples, pits or sinuses were normal. CONCLUSION As an isolated abnormality, simple dimples or pits are not useful markers of spinal dysraphism. The authors suggest a new imaging protocol, resulting in improved diagnostic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Abstract
Anogential warts are much less common in children than in adults. In children the presence of anogenital warts have been suggested as an indicator for sexual abuse because of the association of genital warts with sexual activity. Difficulties of establishing mode of transmission arise because of the long latency of human papillomavirus and possibility of vertical and non-sexual transmission. A multidisciplinary approach is advised for the proper care of children with anogenital warts.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Mortimer Market Centre, London, UK
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Robinson AJ, Russell S, Rimmer S. The value of ultrasonic examination of the lumbar spine in infants with specific reference to cutaneous markers of occult spinal dysraphism. Clin Radiol 2005. [PMID: 15642296 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2004.06.004.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM To present part of the rationale behind the recent update to the M12 guideline in The Royal College of Radiologists' publication "Making the best use of a department of clinical radiology", 4th edition 1998, which stated that ultrasound was useful in screening for dysraphism in infants with cutaneous markers such as sacral dimple or hairy patch. MATERIALS AND METHODS Over a 10-year period a total of 223 infant lumbar spines were scanned, for various clinical indications. Forty of these patients had already had abnormalities detected antenatally by foetal ultrasonography. One hundred and eight-three patients had abnormalities detected on postnatal clinical examination; most of these had various cutaneous markers, some had other congenital abnormalities. RESULTS There were a total of 29 patients with dysraphism; 24 were detected antenatally and five postnatally. Of the five, two had two or more cutaneous markers and three had anorectal anomalies. All 86 of the patients with simple sacral dimples, pits or sinuses were normal. CONCLUSION As an isolated abnormality, simple dimples or pits are not useful markers of spinal dysraphism. The authors suggest a new imaging protocol, resulting in improved diagnostic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Robinson
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Robinson AJ. Men's sexual health. Sex Transm Infect 2004. [DOI: 10.1136/sti.2004.013490] [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: 11/04/2022] Open
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Abstract
In response to the increasing waiting times for appointments at genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics, the Department of Health has made three targeted funding allocations to improve access consisting of a non-recurrent allocation of 5 million pounds in 2002-03, followed by an 8 million pounds recurrent and a further 5 million pounds non-recurrent allocation in 2003-04. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) conducted a survey of lead consultants for GU medicine clinics in March 2004 to determine if they could confirm whether all of the targeted funding had been allocated to their budgets. A total of 122 individuals representing 132 (65%) clinics in England, responded to the questionnaire for either calendar year. Of the first 5 million pounds non-recurrent allocation, made in January 2003, the number and percentage of the 117 respondents who had received their full allocation was 96 (82%) compared to 13 (11%) who received less than the allocated amount and 8 (7%) who were uncertain. These individuals were able to confirm that 3,155,000 pounds (92%) of the 3,424,500 pounds allocation to their clinics had reached its intended target. Of the second 8 million pounds recurrent allocation in financial year 2003-04, 76 (64%) of 119 respondents received their full allocation, 30 (25%) respondents received less than the allocated amount, and 13 (11%) respondents were uncertain. The total amount of the allocation for the clinics represented by these 106 recipients was 4,566,500 pounds of which 3,619,663 pounds (79%) had reached their clinic budgets. Of the final non-recurrent 5 million pounds allocation in financial year 2003-04, 61 (51%) respondents received their full allocation, 49 (41%) respondents received less than their allocated amount, and nine (8%) respondents remained uncertain. The total amount of the allocation for the clinics represented by these 110 recipients was 3,258,000 pounds of which 1,638,000 pounds (50%) had reached their clinic budgets. Thus, of the total 7,824,500 pounds allocation to the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) with lead sexual health responsibilities for the GU medicine clinics of recipients in 2003-04, only 5,257,663 pounds (67%) was confirmed to have reached clinic budgets. Overall, only 51 (43%) of 119 respondents could confirm having received all of their recurrent and non-recurrent allocations, 58 (49%) had received either a reduced allocation or none at all and 10 (8%) were uncertain. This survey suggests that a significant proportion of the additional funding to improve access to GU medicine clinics failed to reach its intended target. The deficit between the amounts allocated and received by clinics was larger in financial year 2003-04, when the funding was given to PCTs with lead roles for sexual health, as compared with the preceding year when it was allocated directly to clinics. Moreover, the late allocation of non-recurrent funding and the inability of many clinics to arrange for this funding to be carried forward at year-end may have further prevented its intended use to increase service capacity and reduce waiting times.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Kinghorn
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
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Kinghorn GR, Abbott M, Ahmed-Jushuf I, Robinson AJ. BASHH survey of additional genitourinary medicine-targeted allocations in 2003 and 2004. Int J STD AIDS 2004. [DOI: 10.1258/0956462041944286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 11/18/2022]
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Baylis CL, MacPhee S, Robinson AJ, Griffiths R, Lilley K, Betts RP. Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7, O111:H− and O26:H11 in artificially contaminated chocolate and confectionery products. Int J Food Microbiol 2004; 96:35-48. [PMID: 15358504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2004.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2003] [Revised: 10/06/2003] [Accepted: 03/10/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To date, the survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) in chocolate and other confectionery products has not been fully established, unlike Salmonella, which have been responsible for occasional outbreaks of infection linked to contaminated chocolate and related products, although none of these outbreaks have been related to products produced in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery Alliance commissioned this study to obtain information on the decline and potential survival of E. coli, particularly verocytotoxin-producing strains, in reduced aw confectionery products chocolate, biscuit cream and mallow. These products were artificially contaminated with high (4 log10 cfu/g) and low (2 log10 cfu/g) levels of E. coli O157:H7, O111:H- and O26:H11 and their survival, as affected by storage temperature (10, 22 and 38 degrees C), was monitored over 12 months. Preliminary studies to establish the best inoculation and recovery procedures indicated that differences between counts on selective and non-selective media used were not sufficiently different to influence the outcome of this study. Irrespective of sample type, rapid decline was observed in products stored at 38 degrees C and increased survival occurred in products stored at 10 degrees C. In chocolate (average aw 0.40), these bacteria were detected for up to 43 days in samples stored at 38 degrees C. At 22 degrees C they survived for up to 90 days and in product stored at 10 degrees C they could still be detected after 366 days storage. In biscuit cream (average aw 0.75) they survived for 2 days at 38 degrees C, 42 days at 22 degrees C and 58 days at 10 degrees C. Whilst mallow (aw ca. 0.73) was not stored at 38 degrees C, these bacteria could still be detected in samples stored for up to 113 and 273 days at 22 and 10 degrees C, respectively. The observed prolonged survival of these bacteria under conditions of reduced aw and lowered storage temperature in this study is supported by previous studies with Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 in other foods. In the same way that Salmonella bacteria can survive for long periods, in excess of 12 months, in chocolate, this study provides evidence that E. coli, including pathogenic strains, can also survive for similar periods of time. Assuming the routes of transmission are similar, controls currently used by the confectionery industry to prevent contamination by Salmonella should also be effective against E. coli, including VT-producing strains, providing that all raw materials have been suitably processed, stored and handled before and during manufacture.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Baylis
- Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6LD, UK.
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Robinson AJ, Cullen JP, Theodorakis NG, Sitzmann JV, Redmond EM. RESVERATROL INHIBITS ENDOTHELIAL MCP-1 PRODUCTION AND DOWNREGULATES MONOCYTE CCR2 EXPRESSION. Cardiovasc Pathol 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2004.03.307] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Abstract
Vulvovaginal symptoms are a common reason for consultation with a general practitioner (GP). High vaginal swabs (HVS) are used to investigate symptoms, but their usefulness is poorly evaluated and microbiological tests performed vary between laboratories. In this multicentre study of 797 women with genital symptoms attending GPs, diagnostic yield of HVS was poor except for Candida spp. (22%). There is an urgent need to establish the most cost-effective approach for the management of these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jungmann
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Mortimer Market Centre, London, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sherrard
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HE, UK.
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Merchant JC, Kerr PJ, Simms NG, Hood GM, Pech RP, Robinson AJ. Monitoring the spread of myxoma virus in rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus populations on the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. III. Release, persistence and rate of spread of an identifiable strain of myxoma virus. Epidemiol Infect 2003; 130:135-47. [PMID: 12613755 PMCID: PMC2869948 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268802007847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
An identifiable strain of myxoma virus was introduced into four local populations of wild rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus on the southern tablelands of New South Wales (NSW) and its spread in the presence of other field strains was monitored for 6 months. The main vector in this region was considered to be the European rabbit flea Spilopsyllis cuniculi. Each population of rabbits was of a high density and living in groups of warrens covering areas from 59 to 87 hectares. Rabbits occupying centrally located warrens were inoculated with the virus in late September or early October (spring) and the subsequent appearance of myxomatosis across the sites monitored by trapping, shooting and visual observations. Samples, taken from rabbits with myxomatosis, were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that allowed identification of the introduced strain. On all four sites the introduced virus spread from the inoculated rabbits in the centrally located warrens to rabbits in surrounding warrens. On Sites 1 and 3, this spread continued across the entire site persisting for at least 118 and 174 days respectively. On Sites 2 and 4, the virus was detected for 78 and 62 days respectively and the subsequent inability to detect the introduced virus correlated with the appearance of an unrelated field strain. Using three different methods of calculation, rates of spread ranged from 3.7 to 17.8 m d(-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Merchant
- CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems and Vertebrate Biocontrol Cooperative Research Centre, PO Box 284 Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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Kerr PJ, Merchant JC, Silvers L, Hood GM, Robinson AJ. Monitoring the spread of myxoma virus in rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus populations on the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. II. Selection of a strain of virus for release. Epidemiol Infect 2003; 130:123-33. [PMID: 12613754 PMCID: PMC2869947 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268802007860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
To be able to study the dynamics of myxoma virus spread following a release in the field, a strain of virus is required that is both highly transmissible and readily differentiated from other field strains. Eight strains of virus of known virulence for laboratory rabbits and with previously mapped and sequenced restriction fragment length polymorphisms, were used to infect groups of seronegative wild rabbits. Based on these trials, and on the nature of the DNA polymorphism, a virus designated Brooklands/2-93 was chosen as a strain suitable for experimental release. These trials confirmed that resistance to myxomatosis within wild rabbit populations continues to be substantial and that some rabbits are highly resistant. These rabbits probably have little role in transmission of virus. Most of the virus strains tested induced very small or invisible primary lesions at the inoculation site. Thus the secondary skin sites such as eyelids, face and ears may be critical for transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Kerr
- CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems and Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, GPO Box 284, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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Merchant JC, Kerr PJ, Simms NG, Robinson AJ. Monitoring the spread of myxoma virus in rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus populations on the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. I. Natural occurrence of myxomatosis. Epidemiol Infect 2003; 130:113-21. [PMID: 12613753 PMCID: PMC2869946 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268802007859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A survey of rabbit populations in the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia, was carried out to establish the pattern of occurrence of myxomatosis in preparation for a deliberate release of myxoma virus. Myxomatosis was first detected in December and cases were found on most sites through to May. The serological profiles of rabbit populations suggested that their susceptibility to myxoma virus was generally low in winter and highest in spring and summer reflecting the presence of increasing numbers of susceptible young rabbits. This was consistent with the pattern of rabbit breeding, as determined from the distribution of births and reproductive activity in females and males, which occurred maximally in spring and early summer. The serology and age structure of rabbit populations on sites suggested that some rabbit populations can escape an annual myxomatosis epizootic. Although fleas were present on rabbits throughout the year and therefore not considered to be a limiting factor in the spread of myxomatosis, their numbers peaked at times coincident with peak rabbit breeding. It was concluded that mid to late spring was an optimal time for a deliberate release.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Merchant
- CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems and Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, GPO Box 284, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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49
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Abstract
This document is a first response to the need to develop sexual health services for young people on a single site whilst awaiting research from pilot studies of 'one stop shops' suggested in the Sexual Health and HIV strategy. It is a document which is intended to be a tool to use for those wishing to set up a service providing testing for sexually transmitted infections and provision of contraceptive services for those under 25 years. It is not intended that such a service would replace existing specialist or general practice care but complement it, allowing clients to choose the service most appropriate and acceptable to them, with close links and clear pathways of care for referral between services. This paper should be used as a template when initiating and monitoring a clinic but some of the standards may not be achievable without significant financial input. However, economic limitations should not detract from striving to achieve the best possible care for those most at risk from sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. For example, not all clinics will be able to provide the recommended tests for the diagnosis for gonorrhoea and chlamydia immediately, but should work towards achieving them. Although the upper age limit in this document is defined as 25 years, some providers may wish to limit clinics to those under 20 depending on local needs. Detailed information on specific issues such as consent and confidentiality, provision of contraception, investigation of non-sexually transmitted vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infection management and diagnosis are referenced and we recommend these are accessed by the users of this document. Many of the references themselves are live documents available on the worldwide web, and are constantly updated. The Sexual Health and HIV Strategy has now been published and these standards are aimed at those who wish to provide a level 2 sexual health service for young people wherever the setting e.g. genitourinary outreach clinic, contraceptive services, general practice. This document is a starting point to be reviewed and updated as new research becomes available, as the Sexual Health Strategy is implemented and with further input from providers of care (family planning, general practice, genitourinary medicine, gynaecology and paediatrics) and service users. All service providers must maintain a high quality of care and have networks both with those who provide more specialized services (Level 3) and Level 1 services. This document is an initial attempt to ensure that there is equity of clinical provision wherever a Level 2 sexual health service is provided and should be a useful tool for those setting up or monitoring services.
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Robinson AJ, Dickenson JM. Activation of the p38 and p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase families by the histamine H(1) receptor in DDT(1)MF-2 cells. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 133:1378-86. [PMID: 11498525 PMCID: PMC1621152 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
1. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) consist of the p42/p44 MAPKs and the stress-activated protein kinases, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK. In this study we have examined the effect of histamine H(1) receptor activation on MAPK pathway activation in the smooth muscle cell line DDT(1)MF-2. 2. Histamine stimulated time and concentration-dependent increases in p42/p44 MAPK activation in DDT(1)MF-2 cells. Responses to histamine were inhibited by the histamine H(1) receptor antagonist mepyramine (K(D) 3.5 nM) and following pre-treatment with pertussis toxin (PTX; 57% inhibition). 3. Histamine-induced increases in p42/p44 MAPK activation were blocked by inhibitors of MAPK kinase 1 (PD 98059), tyrosine kinase (genistein and tyrphostin A47), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (wortmannin and LY 294002) and protein kinase C (Ro 31-8220; 10 microM; 41% inhibition). Inhibitors of Src tyrosine kinase (PP2) and the epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase (AG1478) were without effect. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+), chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) with BAPTA and inhibition of focal adhesion assembly (cytochalasin D) had no significant effect on histamine-induced p42/p44 MAPK activation. 4. Histamine stimulated time and concentration-dependent increases in p38 MAPK activation in DDT(1)MF-2 cells but had no effect on JNK activation. Histamine-induced p38 MAPK activation was inhibited by pertussis toxin (74% inhibition) and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580 (95% inhibition). 5. In summary, we have shown the histamine H(1) receptor activates p42/p44 MAPK and p38 MAPK signalling pathways in DDT(1)MF-2 smooth muscle cells. Interestingly, signalling to both pathways appears to involve histamine H(1) receptor coupling to G(i)/G(o)-proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Robinson
- Department of Life Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS
| | - John M Dickenson
- Department of Life Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS
- Author for correspondence:
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