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Giampazolias E, da Costa MP, Lam KC, Lim KHJ, Cardoso A, Piot C, Chakravarty P, Blasche S, Patel S, Biram A, Castro-Dopico T, Buck MD, Rodrigues RR, Poulsen GJ, Palma-Duran SA, Rogers NC, Koufaki MA, Minutti CM, Wang P, Vdovin A, Frederico B, Childs E, Lee S, Simpson B, Iseppon A, Omenetti S, Kelly G, Goldstone R, Nye E, Suárez-Bonnet A, Priestnall SL, MacRae JI, Zelenay S, Patil KR, Litchfield K, Lee JC, Jess T, Goldszmid RS, Sousa CRE. Vitamin D regulates microbiome-dependent cancer immunity. Science 2024; 384:428-437. [PMID: 38662827 PMCID: PMC7615937 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh7954] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
A role for vitamin D in immune modulation and in cancer has been suggested. In this work, we report that mice with increased availability of vitamin D display greater immune-dependent resistance to transplantable cancers and augmented responses to checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. Similarly, in humans, vitamin D-induced genes correlate with improved responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment as well as with immunity to cancer and increased overall survival. In mice, resistance is attributable to the activity of vitamin D on intestinal epithelial cells, which alters microbiome composition in favor of Bacteroides fragilis, which positively regulates cancer immunity. Our findings indicate a previously unappreciated connection between vitamin D, microbial commensal communities, and immune responses to cancer. Collectively, they highlight vitamin D levels as a potential determinant of cancer immunity and immunotherapy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Giampazolias
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Cancer Immunosurveillance Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | | | - Khiem C. Lam
- Inflammatory Cell Dynamics Section, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology (LICI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0001, USA
| | - Kok Haw Jonathan Lim
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Ana Cardoso
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Cécile Piot
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Probir Chakravarty
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics STP, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sonja Blasche
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Swara Patel
- Cancer Immunosurveillance Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Adi Biram
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Tomas Castro-Dopico
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michael D. Buck
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Richard R. Rodrigues
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
- Microbiome and Genetics Core, LICI, CCR, NCI, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0001, USA
| | - Gry Juul Poulsen
- National Center of Excellence for Molecular Prediction of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, PREDICT, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, A DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Neil C. Rogers
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Maria A. Koufaki
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Carlos M. Minutti
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Pengbo Wang
- Cancer Immunosurveillance Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Alexander Vdovin
- Cancer Immunosurveillance Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Bruno Frederico
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Eleanor Childs
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sonia Lee
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ben Simpson
- Tumor ImmunoGenomics and Immunosurveillance (TIGI) Lab, UCL Cancer Institute, 72 Huntley St, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Andrea Iseppon
- AhRimmunity Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sara Omenetti
- AhRimmunity Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Gavin Kelly
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics STP, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Robert Goldstone
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics STP, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Emma Nye
- Experimental Histopathology, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Alejandro Suárez-Bonnet
- Experimental Histopathology, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Simon L. Priestnall
- Experimental Histopathology, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - James I. MacRae
- Metabolomics STP, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Santiago Zelenay
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Kiran Raosaheb Patil
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- Tumor ImmunoGenomics and Immunosurveillance (TIGI) Lab, UCL Cancer Institute, 72 Huntley St, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - James C. Lee
- Genetic Mechanisms of Disease Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Tine Jess
- National Center of Excellence for Molecular Prediction of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, PREDICT, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, A DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Romina S. Goldszmid
- Inflammatory Cell Dynamics Section, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology (LICI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0001, USA
| | - Caetano Reis e Sousa
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
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Kuah S, Simpson B, Salter A, Matthews G, Louise J, Bednarz J, Chandraharan E, Symonds I, McPhee A, Mol BW, Turnbull D, Wilkinson C. Comparison of effect of CTG + STan with CTG alone on emergency Cesarean section rate: STan Australian Randomized controlled Trial (START). Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:462-470. [PMID: 37289946 PMCID: PMC10946943 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26279] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether use of ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram (STan) as an adjunct to continuous cardiotocography (CTG) reduces the rate of emergency Cesarean section (EmCS) compared with CTG alone. METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial of patients with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation at ≥ 36 weeks' gestation, requiring continuous electronic fetal monitoring during labor at a tertiary maternity hospital in Adelaide, Australia, between January 2018 and July 2021. Participants were randomized to undergo CTG + STan or CTG alone. The calculated sample size was 1818 participants. The primary outcome was EmCS. Secondary outcomes included metabolic acidosis, a composite adverse perinatal outcome, and other maternal and neonatal morbidity and safety outcomes. RESULTS The present study enrolled 970 women, of whom 967 were included in the primary analysis. EmCS occurred in 107/482 (22.2%) deliveries in the CTG + STan arm and in 107/485 (22.1%) in the CTG arm (adjusted relative risk, 1.02 (95% CI, 0.81-1.27); P = 0.89). There was no difference in the rate of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes between arms. CONCLUSIONS The addition of STan as an adjunct to continuous CTG did not reduce the EmCS rate. The smaller-than-anticipated sample size meant that this study was underpowered to detect absolute differences of ≤ 5% and, therefore, this negative finding could be due to a Type-2 error. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Kuah
- Women's and Children's HospitalNorth AdelaideSAAustralia
| | - B. Simpson
- Women's and Children's HospitalNorth AdelaideSAAustralia
- Women's and Children's Health, Adelaide Medical SchoolUniversity of AdelaideNorth AdelaideSAAustralia
| | - A. Salter
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - G. Matthews
- Women's and Children's HospitalNorth AdelaideSAAustralia
| | - J. Louise
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideNorth AdelaideSAAustralia
| | - J. Bednarz
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research InstituteSAHMRI Women and KidsNorth AdelaideSAAustralia
| | - E. Chandraharan
- Global Academy of Medical Education and Training LtdLondonUK
| | - I. Symonds
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - A. McPhee
- South Australian Health and Medical Research InstituteSAHMRI Women and KidsNorth AdelaideSAAustralia
| | - B. W. Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and NutritionUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - D. Turnbull
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - C. Wilkinson
- Women's and Children's HospitalNorth AdelaideSAAustralia
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Simpson B, Barker K, Parnell L, Waring GJ. Bigger babies: what happens in real practice in a non-academic UK center? Detection accuracy and outcomes with induction. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2023:S2724-606X.22.05167-3. [PMID: 36943256 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.22.05167-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is emerging evidence of improved outcomes with induction of labour for pregnancies in which the baby is thought to be large. This trial identifies scan accuracy and the effect of intervention for pregnancies complicated by suspected large for gestational age (LGA) on customized chart outside an academic center. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of 3 groups of induced pregnancies; women with a suspected LGA fetus, women with diabetes (DM) and a control group (C) of women that underwent induction of labour on or after 280 days gestation. Data collection and analysis were prespecified. Scan accuracy and outcomes between the cohorts were compared. RESULTS Over 1 year there were 845 cases: LGA (128), DM (116) and control cases (601). Mean birthweights differed significantly. PPV of EFW for birthweight >90th centile on GROW chart, WHO chart, and >4 kg was 0.35-0.40. Projected birthweight of >4 kg significantly better predicted itself (AUROC 0.70, 0.74 and 0.80). Mean scan error was -5.2% and +15.6% for DM and LGA. Shoulder dystocia and neonatal morbidity were not increased in LGA despite the significant increase in AVD 28/128, 21.9% vs. 99/601, 16.5%, aOR 2.20 (1.07-4.5). SVD was significantly less likely LGA vs. C at 69/128, 53.9% vs. 413/601, 68.7% aOR 0.38 (95% CI: 0.21-0.70). CONCLUSIONS Third trimester EFW for bigger babies was poorly predictive of macrosomia. Fetal outcomes were good but women selected and induced as LGA had higher rates of hemorrhage and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Simpson
- Clinical Academic Office, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK -
| | - Katie Barker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Laura Parnell
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gareth J Waring
- Clinical Academic Office, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Okoli U, Akman G, Thavarajah V, Carmona Echeverria L, Griffin J, Ohayi R, Freeman A, Haider A, Shaw G, Sridhar A, Kelly J, Simpson B, Pye H, Crompton J, Whitaker H, Cheema U, Heavey S. 99P The transcriptional atlas of co-targeted PIM/PI3K/mTOR ex-vivo patient-derived prostate cancer as revealed by spatial transcriptomics. Ann Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.09.100] [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: 11/01/2022] Open
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Satish P, Freeman A, Kelly D, Kirkham A, Orczyk C, Simpson B, Giganti F, Whitaker H, Emberton M, Norris J. Prostate cancer topography and tumour conspicuity on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Urol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(21)01283-5] [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: 10/20/2022]
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6
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Wu XL, Li H, Ferretti R, Simpson B, Walker J, Parham J, Mastro L, Qiu J, Schultz T, Tait RG, Bauck S. A unified local objective function for optimally selecting SNPs on arrays for agricultural genomics applications. Anim Genet 2020; 51:306-310. [PMID: 32004392 DOI: 10.1111/age.12916] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, ad-hoc procedures were used for designing SNP arrays, but the procedures and strategies varied considerably case by case. Recently, a multiple-objective, local optimization (MOLO) algorithm was proposed to select SNPs for SNP arrays, which maximizes the adjusted SNP information (E score) under multiple constraints, e.g. on MAF, uniformness of SNP locations (U score), the inclusion of obligatory SNPs and the number and size of gaps. In the MOLO, each chromosome is split into equally spaced segments and local optima are selected as the SNPs having the highest adjusted E score within each segment, conditional on the presence of obligatory SNPs. The computation of the adjusted E score, however, is empirical, and it does not scale well between the uniformness of SNP locations and SNP informativeness. In addition, the MOLO objective function does not accommodate the selection of uniformly distributed SNPs. In the present study, we proposed a unified local function for optimally selecting SNPs, as an amendment to the MOLO algorithm. This new local function takes scalable weights between the uniformness and informativeness of SNPs, which allows the selection of SNPs under varied scenarios. The results showed that the weighting between the U and the E scores led to a higher imputation concordance rate than the U score or E score alone. The results from the evaluation of six commercial bovine SNP chips further confirmed this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- X-L Wu
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - H Li
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - R Ferretti
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - B Simpson
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - J Walker
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - J Parham
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - L Mastro
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - J Qiu
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - T Schultz
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - R G Tait
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - S Bauck
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
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Ferraz JBS, Wu XL, Li H, Xu J, Ferretti R, Simpson B, Walker J, Silva LR, Garcia JF, Tait Jr RG, Bauck S. Development and evaluation of a low-density single-nucleotide polymorphism chip specific to Bos indicus cattle. Anim Prod Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an19396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Genomic selection has been of increasing interest in the genetic improvement of Zebu cattle, particularly for quantitative traits that are difficult or expensive to measure, such as carcass traits and meat tenderness. The success of genomic selection depends on several factors, and at its core is the availability of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips that are appropriately designed for Bos indicus cattle. However, the currently available commercial bovine SNP chips are mostly designed for Bos taurus cattle. There are two commercial Bos indicus SNP chips; namely, GeneSeek genomic profiler high-density Bos indicus (GGP-HDi) SNP chip and a low-density (LD) Bos indicus SNP chip (Z chip), but these two Bos indicus SNP chips were built with mixed contents of SNPs for Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle, due to limited availability of genotype data from Bos indicus cattle.
Aims
To develop a new GGP indicus 35000 SNP chip specifically for Bos indicus cattle, which has a low cost, but high accuracy of imputation to Illumina BovineHD chips.
Methods
The design of the chip consisted of 34000 optimally selected SNPs, plus 1000 SNPs pre-reserved for those on the Y chromosome, ‘causative’ mutations for a variety of economically relevant traits, genetic health conditions and International Society for Animal Genetics globally recognised parentage markers for those breeds of cattle.
Key results
The present results showed that this new indicus LD SNP chip had considerably increased minor allele frequencies in indicus breeds than the previous Z-chip. It demonstrated with high imputation accuracy to HD SNP genotypes in five indicus breeds, and with considerable predictability on 14 growth and reproduction traits in Nellore cattle.
Conclusions
This new indicus LD chip represented a successful effort to leverage existing knowledge and genotype resources towards the public release of a cost-effective LD SNP chip specifically for Bos indicus cattle, which is expected to replace the previous GGP indicus LD chip and to supplement the existing GGP-HDi 80000 SNP chip.
Implications
A new SNP chip specifically designed for Bos indicus, with high power of imputation to Illumina BovineHD technology and with excellent coverage of the whole genome, is now available on the market for Bos indicus cattle, and Bos indicus and Bos taurus crosses.
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Turnbull D, Salter A, Simpson B, Mol BW, Chandraharan E, McPhee A, Symonds I, Benton M, Kuah S, Matthews G, Howard K, Wilkinson C. Comparing the effect of STan (cardiotocographic electronic fetal monitoring (CTG) plus analysis of the ST segment of the fetal electrocardiogram) with CTG alone on emergency caesarean section rates: study protocol for the STan Australian Randomised controlled Trial (START). Trials 2019; 20:539. [PMID: 31464638 PMCID: PMC6716809 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3640-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiotocography is almost ubiquitous in its use in intrapartum care. Although it has been demonstrated that there is some benefit from continuous intrapartum fetal monitoring using cardiotocography, there is also an increased risk of caesarean section which is accompanied by short-term and long-term risks to the mother and child. There is considerable potential to reduce unnecessary operative delivery with up to a 60% false positive diagnosis of fetal distress using cardiotocography alone. ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram is a promising adjunct to cardiotocography alone, and permits detection of metabolic acidosis of the fetus, potentially reducing false positive diagnosis of fetal distress. METHODS This study will be a single-centre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial, conducted over 3 years. The primary hypothesis will be that the proportion of women with an emergency caesarean section on ST analysis will not equal that for women on cardiotocography monitoring alone. Participants will be recruited at the Women's and Children's Hospital, a high-risk specialty facility with approximately 5000 deliveries per annum. A total of 1818 women will be randomised to the treatment or conventional arm with an allocation ratio of 1:1, stratified by parity. The primary outcome is emergency caesarean section (yes/no). Statistical analysis will follow standard methods for randomised trials and will be performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Secondary maternal and neonatal outcomes will also be analysed. Additional study outcomes include psychosocial outcomes, patient preferences and cost-effectiveness. DISCUSSION Approximately 20% of Australian babies are delivered by emergency caesarean section. This will be the first Australian trial to examine ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram as an adjunct to cardiotocography as a potential method for reducing this proportion. The trial will be among the first to comprehensively examine ST analysis, taking into account the impact on psychosocial well-being as well as cost-effectiveness. This research will provide Australian evidence for clinical practice and guideline development as well as for policy-makers and consumers to make informed, evidence-based choices about care in labour. TRIAL REGISTRATION ANZCTR, ACTRN1261800006268 . Registered on 19 January 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Turnbull
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - A Salter
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - B Simpson
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - B W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - E Chandraharan
- NHS Foundation Trust, St George's University Hospitals, London, UK
| | - A McPhee
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - I Symonds
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - M Benton
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - S Kuah
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - G Matthews
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - K Howard
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Wilkinson
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Wu XL, Xu J, Li H, Ferretti R, He J, Qiu J, Xiao Q, Simpson B, Michell T, Kachman SD, Tait RG, Bauck S. Evaluation of genotyping concordance for commercial bovine SNP arrays using quality-assurance samples. Anim Genet 2019; 50:367-371. [PMID: 31172566 DOI: 10.1111/age.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
SNP arrays are widely used in genetic research and agricultural genomics applications, and the quality of SNP genotyping data is of paramount importance. In the present study, SNP genotyping concordance and discordance were evaluated for commercial bovine SNP arrays based on two types of quality assurance (QA) samples provided by Neogen GeneSeek. The genotyping discordance rates (GDRs) between chips were on average between 0.06% and 0.37% based on the QA type I data and between 0.05% and 0.15% based on the QA type II data. The average genotyping error rate (GER) pertaining to single SNP chips, based on the QA type II data, varied between 0.02% and 0.08% per SNP and between 0.01% and 0.06% per sample. These results indicate that genotyping concordance rate was high (i.e. from 99.63% to 99.99%). Nevertheless, mitochondrial and Y chromosome SNPs had considerably elevated GDRs and GERs compared to the SNPs on the 29 autosomes and X chromosome. The majority of genotyping errors resulted from single allotyping errors, which also included the opposite instances for allele 'dropout' (i.e. from AB to AA or BB). Simultaneous allotyping errors on both alleles (e.g. mistaking AA for BB or vice versa) were relatively rare. Finally, a list of SNPs with a GER greater than 1% is provided. Interpretation of association effects of these SNPs, for example in genome-wide association studies, needs to be taken with caution. The genotyping concordance information needs to be considered in the optimal design of future bovine SNP arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- X-L Wu
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - J Xu
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA.,Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - H Li
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - R Ferretti
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - J He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China
| | - J Qiu
- Quality Assurance, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - Q Xiao
- Quality Assurance, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - B Simpson
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - T Michell
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - S D Kachman
- Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - R G Tait
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
| | - S Bauck
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Neogen GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE, 68504, USA
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Carling C, Lacome M, McCall A, Dupont G, Le Gall F, Simpson B, Buchheit M. Reply to Lewin and O'Driscoll: Comment on: "Monitoring of Post-Match Fatigue in Professional Soccer: Welcome to the Real World". Sports Med 2019; 49:491-492. [PMID: 30607600 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-018-01049-7] [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] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Carling
- Institute of Coaching and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.
| | - Mathieu Lacome
- Performance Department, Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
| | - Alan McCall
- Research Department for Sports and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, Life and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK.,Medical Department, Arsenal Football Club, London, UK
| | - Gregory Dupont
- The Football Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Ben Simpson
- Performance Department, Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
| | - Martin Buchheit
- Performance Department, Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
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Abstract
Participation in soccer match-play leads to acute and transient subjective, biochemical, metabolic and physical disturbances in players over subsequent hours and days. Inadequate time for rest and regeneration between matches can expose players to the risk of training and competing whilst not entirely recovered. In professional soccer, contemporary competitive schedules can require teams to compete in excess of 60 matches over the course of the season with periods of fixture congestion occurring, prompting much attention from researchers and practitioners to the monitoring of fatigue and readiness to play. A comprehensive body of research has investigated post-match acute and residual fatigue responses. Yet the relevance of the research for professional soccer contexts is debatable, notably in relation to the study populations and designs employed. Monitoring can indeed be invasive, expensive, time inefficient, and difficult to perform routinely and simultaneously in a large squad of regularly competing players. Uncertainty also exists regarding the meaningfulness and interpretation of changes in fatigue response values and their functional relevance, and practical applicability in the field. The real-world need and cost-benefit of monitoring must be carefully weighed up. In relation to professional soccer contexts, this opinion paper intends to (1) debate the need for post-match fatigue monitoring; (2) critique the real-world relevance of the current research literature; (3) discuss the practical burden relating to measurement tools and protocols, and the collection, interpretation and application of data in the field; and (4) propose future research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Carling
- Institute of Coaching and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Greenbank Building, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - Mathieu Lacome
- Performance Department, Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
| | - Alan McCall
- Research Department for Sports and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, Life and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
- Medical Department, Arsenal Football Club, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ben Simpson
- Performance Department, Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
| | - Martin Buchheit
- Performance Department, Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
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12
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Sumangala S, Simpson B, George J. THUR 007 A garden variety neuropathy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-abn.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A 47 year old with subacute onset of walking difficulties, asymmetric lower limb and facial weakness and areflexia was admitted as a suspected case of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Clinical examination revealed left lower motor neuron facial weakness, right upper limb and lower limb weakness and a suspended area of pain and allodynia at T7. Structural imaging of the brain and spine was normal. CSF protein was elevated with pleocytosis. Nerve conduction studies was suggestive of proximal demyelinating polyradicular neuropathy. The clinical suspicion of neuroborreliosis was confirmed in CSF with Borrelia VlsE antigen positivity and serum Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG EIA positivity. The patient had no recollection of tick exposure but did recall a presumed horsefly bite on the forearm two weeks earlier of uncertain significance. This is a case of Bannwarth syndrome - meningoradiculoneuritis due to neuroborreliosis endemic in Northern Europe. Our patient was treated with Ceftriaxone with rapid improvement of symptoms. This case highlights the importance of careful history taking including ascertainment of travel to Borrelia endemic areas and recognition of this eminently treatable meningoradiculoneuropathy.
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13
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Ortiz V, Klein L, Channell S, Simpson B, Wright B, Edwards C, Gilbert R, Day R, Caddy SL. Evaluating the effect of metronidazole plus amoxicillin-clavulanateversusamoxicillin-clavulanate alone in canine haemorrhagic diarrhoea: a randomised controlled trial in primary care practice. J Small Anim Pract 2018; 59:398-403. [DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- V. Ortiz
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - L. Klein
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - S. Channell
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - B. Simpson
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - B. Wright
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - C. Edwards
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - R. Gilbert
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - R. Day
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - S. L. Caddy
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
- Magdalene College; Cambridge CB3 0AG UK
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14
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Simpson B, Reith D, Medlicott N, Smith A. Choice of Renal Function Estimator May Affect Adverse Outcomes with Dabigatran. Clin Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.05.023] [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: 10/19/2022]
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15
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Bolton E, Ferguson A, Simpson B, Al-naqeeb J, Simpson E. 420 The effects of bathing, showering and petrolatum on skin barrier function. J Invest Dermatol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.02.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Taylor JF, Schnabel RD, Simpson B, Decker JE, Rolf M, Kinghorn BP, Van Eenennaam A, MacNeil MD, Brown DS, Smith MF, Patterson DJ. 0692 Detection and selection against early embryonic lethals in United States beef breeds. J Anim Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.2527/jam2016-0692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
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17
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Qiu J, Simpson B, Kock L, Donner J, Cole C, Davison S, Dunn M, Bannasch D, Boyko A. P4056 Evaluation of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for canine parentage analysis. J Anim Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.2527/jas2016.94supplement4106a] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
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18
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Heaton MP, Smith TPL, Carnahan JK, Basnayake V, Qiu J, Simpson B, Kalbfleisch TS. P6026 Using diverse U.S. beef cattle genomes to identify missense mutations in EPAS1, a gene associated with high-altitude pulmonary hypertension. J Anim Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.2527/jas2016.94supplement4161x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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19
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Wu XL, Qiu J, Walker J, Simpson B, Bauck S. P1022 Bridging SNP genotyping platforms to high-throughput computing for agricultural genomic applications: A perspective from a commercial service provider. J Anim Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.2527/jas2016.94supplement425x] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
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20
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Gálvez V, Hadzi-Pavlovic D, Leyden J, Harper S, Wark H, Simpson B, McGoldrick J, Han H, Loo C. The time interval between anaesthetic induction and the ECT stimulus – It’s time to time! Brain Stimul 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.01.182] [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: 11/26/2022] Open
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21
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Aughey RJ, Hammond K, Varley MC, Schmidt WF, Bourdon PC, Buchheit M, Simpson B, Garvican-Lewis LA, Kley M, Soria R, Sargent C, Roach GD, Claros JCJ, Wachsmuth N, Gore CJ. Soccer activity profile of altitude versus sea-level natives during acclimatisation to 3600 m (ISA3600). Br J Sports Med 2014; 47 Suppl 1:i107-13. [PMID: 24282196 PMCID: PMC3903145 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives We investigated the effect of high altitude on the match activity profile of elite youth high altitude and sea level residents. Methods Twenty Sea Level (Australian) and 19 Altitude-resident (Bolivian) soccer players played five games, two near sea level (430 m) and three in La Paz (3600 m). Match activity profile was quantified via global positioning system with the peak 5 min period for distance ((D5peak)) and high velocity running (>4.17 m/s, HIVR5peak); as well as the 5 min period immediately subsequent to the peak for both distance (D5sub) and high-velocity running (HIVR5sub) identified using a rolling 5 min epoch. The games at 3600 m were compared with the average of the two near sea-level games. Results The total distance per minute was reduced by a small magnitude in the first match at altitude in both teams, without any change in low-velocity running. There were variable changes in HiVR, D5peak and HiVR5peak from match to match for each team. There were within-team reductions in D5peak in each game at altitude compared with those at near sea level, and this reduction was greater by a small magnitude in Australians than Bolivians in game 4. The effect of altitude on HiVR5peak was moderately lower in Australians compared with Bolivians in game 3. There was no clear difference in the effect of altitude on maximal accelerations between teams. Conclusions High altitude reduces the distance covered by elite youth soccer players during matches. Neither 13 days of acclimatisation nor lifelong residence at high altitude protects against detrimental effects of altitude on match activity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Aughey
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, College of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University, , Melbourne, Australia
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22
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Cossins L, Okell RW, Cameron H, Simpson B, Poole HM, Goebel A. Treatment of complex regional pain syndrome in adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials published from June 2000 to February 2012. Eur J Pain 2012; 17:158-73. [PMID: 23042687 DOI: 10.1002/j.1532-2149.2012.00217.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling pain condition with sensory, motor and autonomic manifestations. Uncertainty remains about how CRPS can be effectively managed. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for treatment and prophylactic interventions for CRPS published during the period 2000-2012, building on previous work by another group reviewing the period 1966-2000. Bibliographic database searches identified 173 papers which were filtered by three reviewers. This process generated 29 trials suitable for further analysis, each of which was reviewed and scored by two independent reviewers for methodological quality using a 15-item checklist. A number of novel and potentially effective treatments were investigated. Analysing the results from both review periods in combination, there was a steep rise in the number of published RCTs per review decade. There is evidence for the efficacy of 10 treatments (3× strong--bisphosphonates, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and graded motor imagery, 1× moderate and 6× limited evidence), and against the efficacy of 15 treatments (1× strong, 1× moderate and ×13 limited). The heterogeneity of trialled interventions and the pilot nature of many trials militate against drawing clear conclusions about the clinical usefulness of most interventions. This and the observed phenomenon of excellent responses in CRPS subgroups would support the case for a network- and multi-centre approach in the conduct of future clinical trials. Most published trials in CRPS are small with a short follow-up period, although several novel interventions investigated from 2000 to 2012 appear promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cossins
- Pain Research Institute, Clinical Sciences Centre, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, UK
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23
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to quantify match play intensity distribution in young soccer players in relation to age, playing position and physical fitness. Distance covered and heart rate were measured (global positioning system) on 103, highly-trained young players (Under13 to Under 18) during 42 international club games. Maximal sprinting speed (MSS), estimated maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) were assessed via field test measures. Distance covered and heart rate (HR) were categorized into 5 intensity zones relative to MSS and MAS and HR(max), respectively. Intensity distribution was significantly influenced by both age and playing position with younger groups, wide-midfielders and strikers covering the greatest distance above the MAS. There was a significant, negative, large-to-very large correlation (r= -0.52-0.74) between MAS and the distance run at speeds above MAS for all positions except strikers. HR responses were not different across age groups and playing positions. Distance covered below MAS were lower in the second half for all positions (P<0.05; 0.08<η(2)<0.20), while distance covered at intensities above MAS were maintained (P>0.1; 0.00<η(2)<0.03). This reduction in distance covered below MAS was not related to a player's physical capacity. Except for strikers, a superior aerobic fitness level was unlikely to affect total distance covered but was associated with a reduced individual running demand during the game.
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24
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Mendez-Villanueva A, Buchheit M, Simpson B, Peltola E, Bourdon P. Does on-field sprinting performance in young soccer players depend on how fast they can run or how fast they do run? J Strength Cond Res 2012; 25:2634-8. [PMID: 21768891 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e318201c281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the impact of maximal sprinting speed (MSS) on the peak speed attained during soccer matches. Time-motion analysis of running activity was collected from 14 highly trained young male outfield footballers (8 wide midfielders [WM] and 6 central defenders [CD], 173.2 ± 0.06 m, 60.8 ± 8.1 kg, 16.7 ± 0.7 years) during 14 different friendly international club level matches. The 2 fastest players (a WM and a CD) were compared with the slower players who played in the same position. Each player's MSS was determined using the fastest 10-m split time during an electronically timed 40-m sprint. Game speed was recorded via portable global positioning systems. Faster players reached higher absolute peak running speeds in games than did their slower counterparts regardless of the playing position, with large to very large effect sizes and qualitative indications of "almost certain" and "very likely" positive effects associated with being fast. None of the players reached their MSS during the matches; however, the fastest CD attained a lower percentage of his MSS compared to both, his slower CD counterparts and the fastest WM. Given the higher peak speeds reached in games by the fastest players, and the fact that all players (irrespective of their MSS) used a high percentage of their MSS, these preliminary results provide direct support to the hypothesis that MSS can impact on what a player can do in actual playing conditions. Our results also indicate that playing position has an important role in influencing the expression of MSS.
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25
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Abstract
A low digit ratio (2D:4D) and low 2D:4D in the right compared with the left hand (right-left 2D:4D) are thought to be determined by high in utero concentrations of testosterone, and are related to "masculine" traits such as aggression and performance in sports like running and rugby. Low right-left 2D:4D is also related to sensitivity to testosterone as measured by the number of cytosine-adenine-guanine triplet repeats in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene. Here we show that low right-left 2D:4D is associated with high maximal oxygen uptake (VO2(max)), high velocity at VO2(max), and high maximum lactate concentration in a sample of teenage boys. We suggest that low right-left 2D:4D is linked to performance in some sports because it is a proxy of high sensitivity to prenatal and maybe also circulating testosterone and high VO2(max).
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy Hill
- HP Sports and YSC Sports, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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26
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Simpson B, Dissanayake VH, Wickramasinghe D, Jayasekara RW. Prenatal testing and pregnancy termination in Sri Lanka: views of medical students and doctors. Ceylon Med J 2011; 48:129-32. [PMID: 15125405 DOI: 10.4038/cmj.v48i4.3330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy termination generate complex ethical issues. Surveys conducted in Sri Lanka among doctors and medical students in 1986 supported a change in law in favour of pregnancy termination when gross genetic defects are detected antenatally. A new generation of prenatal tests has focused attention again on the topic of termination and under what circumstances it might be legally done. The present survey contributes to the debate by means of a survey of doctors and medical students. METHOD A self-administered questionnaire given to doctors and medical students. RESULTS Ninety three per cent of doctors and 81% of students accept pregnancy termination as an appropriate course of action if a gross genetic defect is detected antenatally, and 87% of doctors and 80% of students support a change in the law to allow termination of the pregnancy. The corresponding figures in previous surveys were 80%, 69% and 96%, 88% respectively. CONCLUSIONS A majority of doctors and medical students support a change in law in favour of liberalising pregnancy termination when a genetic defect is detected antenatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Simpson
- Department of Anthropology, 43 Old Elvet, University of Durham, DH1 3HN, UK.
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28
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Han Y, Liu M, Zhang LL, Simpson B, Zhang GX. Comparison of reproductive development in triploid and diploid female rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. J Fish Biol 2010; 76:1742-50. [PMID: 20557628 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2010.02613.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The diploid rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss reached sexual maturity 3 years after hatching and its oogenesis underwent four stages, which were oogonia, primary oocyte, secondary oocyte and egg. Reproductive development and hormone changes of 4 to 35 month-old female O. mykiss were investigated using histological and radioimmunoassay methods in order to provide a theoretical and practical basis for the use of triploid female O. mykiss. The oogonium of the triploid female could develop into the oocytes of the prophase with abortion occurring later; the oogonium was surrounded by stroma cells to form the oogonium cluster and the gonads showed a virilescent tendency when the oogonium clusters were gradually replaced by spermatogenic-like cytocysts. After 13 months, amounts of gonadotropic hormone (GtH-I, GtH-II) and oestradiol (17beta-E(2)) in triploid females were lower than in diploid fish at corresponding time periods, but the amounts of testosterone (T) increased consistently after 21 months and were more than in diploid fish in the corresponding time periods (P > 0.05). The infertility of triploid females resulted from meiosis failure, which caused developmental abortion of oocytes and oogonium formed cytocysts before the prophase oocytes. The cytocyst formation was due to the lack of the normal interaction of ovum and follicular cells, the development of follicular cells producing steroids were inhibited, the arylate path from T to 17beta-E(2) was interrupted, concentration of 17beta-E(2) decreased and concentration of T increased in the blood, the content of vitellogenin (Vg) decreased in the liver with a low 17beta-E(2) and high T caused to ovaries to show a tendency to be virilescent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
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29
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O'Neill A, Dunn M, Archer L, Brown K, Simpson B, Robinson J, Irvine D, O'Sullivan J. BREAST AND SUPRA-CLAVICULAR RADIOTHERAPY SET-UP: A PROSPECTIVE AUDIT OF PRACTICE. Radiother Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(12)73196-1] [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: 10/27/2022]
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Criswell A, Dowell A, Ziegler J, Simpson B, Stence C, Truong J, Athay R, Pflugrath J. Bridging the gaps in high-throughput crystallography: upstream and downstream developments for ACTOR. Acta Crystallogr A 2008. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767308088351] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
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31
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Ferrara J, Courville A, Criswell A, Jiang L, Simpson B, Tesh K, Verman B, Yang C. New optics for molecular macromolecular crystallography. Acta Crystallogr A 2008. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767308094543] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
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32
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Bennett J, Rhodes M, Malcolm P, Dainty J, Simpson B, Johnson I, Boddy A, Wickham M, Williams S. Assessment of the relationship between post-meal satiety, gastric volume and gastric emptying after swedish adjustable gastric banding. A pilot study using magnetic resonance imaging to assess postsurgery gastric function. Obes Surg 2008; 19:757-63. [PMID: 18574644 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-008-9596-6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2008] [Accepted: 05/23/2008] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swedish adjustable gastric banding (SAGB) is a common weight loss procedure performed worldwide. The exact mechanism by which it achieves appetite suppression, and hence weight loss, is not clear. One possible mechanism is altered meal handling by the post-SAGB stomach. METHODS Five post SAGB patients and five age/sex-matched controls were recruited. Pre- and post-meal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed with two liquid test meals of differing viscosity-locust bean gum (3.0%) and water. Appetite was assessed using ten-point visual analogue scales. RESULTS There were significant relationships between hunger scores and esophageal, pouch and residual stomach fluid volume changes for the locust bean gum meal (p=0.033, 0.043 and 0.011, respectively). The rate constants for gastric emptying were similar in the two groups for both the gum (0.038+/-0.016 min(-1) for SAGB, 0.041+/-0.032 min(-1) for controls, p=0.44) and water meals (0.068+/-0.044 min(-1) for SAGB, 0.044+/-0.009 min(-1) for controls, p=0.35). An unexpected finding was asymptomatic esophageal meal retention with the locust bean gum meal in the post-SAGB arm (mean 16.9 ml at 15 min). CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence of differences in volume-dependent gastric emptying between the normal and post-SAGB stomach. Further investigation of the phenomenon of esophageal retention, and its role in post-SAGB satiety, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Bennett
- Department of Upper GI Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Colney Lane, NR4 7UY, Norwich, UK
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van Ree R, Chapman MD, Ferreira F, Vieths S, Bryan D, Cromwell O, Villalba M, Durham SR, Becker WM, Aalbers M, André C, Barber D, Cistero Bahima A, Custovic A, Didierlaurent A, Dolman C, Dorpema JW, Di Felice G, Eberhardt F, Fernandez Caldas E, Fernandez Rivas M, Fiebig H, Focke M, Fötisch K, Gadermaier G, Das RG, Gonzalez Mancebo E, Himly M, Kinaciyan T, Knulst AC, Kroon AM, Lepp U, Marco FM, Mari A, Moingeon P, Monsalve R, Neubauer A, Notten S, Ooievaar-de Heer P, Pauli G, Pini C, Purohit A, Quiralte J, Rak S, Raulf-Heimsoth M, San Miguel Moncin MM, Simpson B, Tsay A, Vailes L, Wallner M, Weber B. The CREATE project: development of certified reference materials for allergenic products and validation of methods for their quantification. Allergy 2008; 63:310-26. [PMID: 18269676 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01612.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [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
Allergen extracts have been used for diagnosis and treatment of allergy for around 100 years. During the second half of 20th century, the notion increasingly gained foothold that accurate standardization of such extracts is of great importance for improvement of their quality. As a consequence, manufacturers have implemented extensive protocols for standardization and quality control. These protocols have overall IgE-binding potencies as their focus. Unfortunately, each company is using their own in-house reference materials and their own unique units to express potencies. This does not facilitate comparison of different products. During the last decades, most major allergens of relevant allergen sources have been identified and it has been established that effective immunotherapy requires certain minimum quantities of these allergens to be present in the administered maintenance dose. Therefore, the idea developed to introduce major allergens measurements into standardization protocols. Such protocols based on mass units of major allergen, quantify the active ingredients of the treatment and will at the same time allow comparison of competitor products. In 2001, an EU funded project, the CREATE project, was started to support introduction of major allergen based standardization. The aim of the project was to evaluate the use of recombinant allergens as reference materials and of ELISA assays for major allergen measurements. This paper gives an overview of the achievements of the CREATE project.
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Affiliation(s)
- R van Ree
- Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Murray CS, Simpson B, Kerry G, Woodcock A, Custovic A. Dietary intake in sensitized children with recurrent wheeze and healthy controls: a nested case-control study. Allergy 2006; 61:438-42. [PMID: 16512805 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00927.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of asthma and allergic disease remains unexplained. Several risk factors have been implicated including diet, in particular poly-unsaturated fats and antioxidant intake. METHODS A nested case-control study comparing the dietary intake of sensitized children with recurrent wheeze (age 3-5 years) and nonsensitized children who had never wheezed was carried out within an unselected population-based cohort. Cases and controls were matched for age, sex, parental atopy, indoor allergen exposure and pet ownership. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and nutrient analysis program. RESULTS Thirty-seven case-control pairs (23 male, mean age 4.4 years) participated. Daily total polyunsaturated fat intake was significantly higher in sensitized wheezers (g/day, geometric mean, 95% confidence intervals: 7.1, 6.4-7.9) compared with nonsensitized nonwheezy children (5.6, 5.0-6.3, P = 0.003). Daily omega-3 and omega-6 fat intakes were not significantly different between the two groups. No significant differences were found in intake of any antioxidant or antioxidant cofactors between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Young sensitized wheezy children had a significantly higher total polyunsaturated fat intake compared with nonsensitized nonwheezy children. However, we were unable to distinguish a significant difference in specific poly-unsaturated fat intakes. Otherwise the children in both groups had a very similar nutritional intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Murray
- North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Mo L, Avci B, James D, Simpson B, Van Wyngaardt WM, Cessna JT, Baldock C. Development of activity standard for 90Y microspheres. Appl Radiat Isot 2005; 63:193-9. [PMID: 15963429 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2005.02.002] [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: 11/28/2004] [Revised: 01/26/2005] [Accepted: 02/14/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
(90)Y microspheres are important therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals used in the treatment of liver cancer through a process known as selective internal radiation therapy. SIR-spheres is a radiopharmaceutical product that is comprised of (90)Y microspheres suspended in sterile, pyrogen-free water for injection into patients. It is necessary to establish for the SIR-spheres production the capability of accurately measuring the activity of this product to a traceable national measurement standard. An activity standard for SIR-spheres was developed from a standard for (90)Y solution, employing a highly quantifiable chemical digestion process. Calibration factors for the manufacturer's ionisation chambers were determined for 1 and 5 ml of the SIR-spheres product placed in Wheaton vials, for both 34% and 44% of (90)Y microsphere concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mo
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia.
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Simpson B, Dissanayake VHW, Jayasekara RW. Contemplating choice: attitudes towards intervening in human reproduction in Sri Lanka. New Genet Soc 2005; 24:99-117. [PMID: 16552923 DOI: 10.1080/14636770500037859] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
To date, relatively little is known about the ethical, legal and social responses to recent advances in reproductive and genetic technology outside Europe and North America. This article reports on a survey carried out among doctors (n=278) and medical students (n=1256) in Sri Lanka to find out more about their responses to novel interventions in human reproduction such as In-Vitro Fertilization, Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis and genetic engineering. In the first part of the paper comparisons are drawn between this survey and a survey carried out in 1985 which also considered issues surrounding amniocentesis and therapeutic termination. The second part of the paper deals with more recent developments. The analysis reveals high levels of support for the use of new technologies in treating infertility and identifying genetic disorders. However, differences are apparent among the major religious communities represented in the sample and these are particularly in evidence in relation to prenatal genetic diagnosis. An important theme throughout both surveys is the continuing tension surrounding State policy and termination of pregnancy and the implications this has for the development of screening and counseling services where genetic disorders are concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Simpson
- Department of Anthropology, 43 Old Elvet, University of Durham, DH1 3HN, UK.
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Murray C, Simpson A, Kissen P, Simpson B, Woodcock A, Custovic A. Natural antioxidant intake and wheeze in 5-year-old children. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2004.12.706] [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: 11/27/2022]
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Simpson A, Simpson B, Custovic A, Craven M, Woodcock A. Stringent environmental control in pregnancy and early life: the long-term effects on mite, cat and dog allergen. Clin Exp Allergy 2003; 33:1183-9. [PMID: 12956752 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2745.2003.01679.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As part of a primary prevention of asthma study, we measured the effect of environmental control measures on Der p 1, Fel d 1 and Can f 1 over a 3.5-year period. METHODS High-risk infants (both parents atopic) without pets, were randomized to the Active group (n = 142, vinyl flooring in child's room, allergen-impermeable cot mattress, hot-washable toy, mite allergen-impermeable encasings to parental bed and to child's bed when older, high filtration vacuum cleaner, hot-washing of bedding) or the Control group (n = 136, no intervention), in early pregnancy. Dust samples from the parental mattress, living room floor, child's mattress and floor at baseline (pregnancy), birth and at 3 years were analysed for Der p 1, Fel d 1 and Can f 1. RESULTS A total of 278 families completed the baseline visit, 259 the birth visit and 239 the 3-year visit. In the Active group at 3 years, 58% remained compliant with all measures likely to reduce the child's exposure to allergen and 77% of parents still used encasings on their bed. Levels of Der p 1, Fel d 1 and Can f 1 were significantly lower in the Active group in the child's floor and the child's mattress at 3 years compared to the Control group (P < 0.001). For the parental mattress, the levels of Der p 1 and Fel d 1 were lower in the Active group (P < 0.001) and there was a strong trend towards a lower level for Can f 1. There was no difference in the levels of any of the allergens between the groups in the living room floor. Childrens' bedrooms with no detectable mite, cat or dog allergen were significantly more common in the Active than the Control group (25 vs. 2, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Environmental control measures are effective in substantially reducing levels of Der p 1, Fel d 1 and Can f 1 in homes without pets in the long term and are acceptable to families. The effect of this environmental manipulation on the development of sensitization and allergic disease remains to be seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Simpson
- North West Lung Research Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK.
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Shabalovskaya S, Rondelli G, Anderegg J, Simpson B, Budko S. Effect of chemical etching and aging in boiling water on the corrosion resistance of Nitinol wires with black oxide resulting from manufacturing process. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2003; 66:331-40. [PMID: 12808592 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.10017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The effect of chemical etching in a HF/HNO(3) acid solution and aging in boiling water on the corrosion resistance of Nitinol wires with black oxide has been evaluated with the use of potentiodynamic, modified potentiostatic ASTM F746, and scratch tests. Scanning-electron microscopy, elemental XPS, and Auger analysis were employed to characterize surface alterations induced by surface treatment and corrosion testing. The effect of aging in boiling water on the temperatures of martensitic transformations and shape recovery was evaluated by means of measuring the wire electroresistance. After corrosion tests, as-received wires revealed uniformly cracked surfaces reminiscent of the stress-corrosion-cracking phenomenon. These wires exhibited negative breakdown potentials in potentiostatic tests and variable breakdown potentials in potentiodynamic tests (- 100 mV to + 400 mV versus SCE). Wires with treated surfaces did not reveal cracking or other traces of corrosion attacks in potentiodynamic tests up to + 900-1400-mV potentials and no pitting after stimulation at + 800 mV in potentiostatic tests. They exhibited corrosion behavior satisfactory for medical applications. Significant improvement of corrosion parameters was observed on the reverse scans in potentiodynamic tests after exposure of treated wires to potentials > 1000 mV. In scratch tests, the prepared surfaces repassivated only at low potentials, comparable to that of stainless steel. Tremendous improvement of the corrosion behavior of treated Nitinol wires is associated with the removal of defect surface material and the growth of stable TiO(2) oxide. The role of precipitates in the corrosion resistance of Nitinol-scratch repassivation capacity in particular-is emphasized in the discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Shabalovskaya
- Ames Laboratory-DOE, Iowa State University, Ames Iowa 50011, USA.
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Simpson A, Simpson B, Craven M, Custovic A, Woodcock A. The long-term effect of environmental control measures on mite, cat, and dog allergen levels. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0091-6749(03)80414-1] [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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Kim K, Uryniak T, Simpson B, O'Dowd L, Casty F. Once-daily budesonide aqueous nasal spray (BANS) does not suppress hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in children 2 to 5 years of age with allergic rhinitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0091-6749(03)80199-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [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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Abstract
BACKGROUND Mite allergen levels vary enormously between different homes in the same geographical area. No large scale studies of mite levels in Manchester homes has been conducted to identify factors associated with higher levels. OBJECTIVES To quantify exposure to mite allergens and to identify characteristics associated with higher Der p 1 levels in a large sample of homes in Manchester, UK. METHODS Der p 1 was measured in dust from the living room floor, sofa, bedroom floor and mattress in 564 homes. Data on household characteristics were collected by administering a questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify household characteristics associated with higher mite allergen levels. RESULTS Der p 1 levels were highest in the mattress (GM 1.19 microg/g, 95% CI 0.98-1.45, P < 0.001). Two-thirds of homes contained Der p 1 levels > 2 microg/g in at least one dust reservoir, and 40.3% contained Der p 1 greater than 10 microg/g. There was a large range in Der p 1 levels between homes (> 10(3)-fold). Damp and condensation were common findings in homes. In the multivariate analyses, factors associated with higher Der p 1 levels in more than one dust reservoir were older homes, older living room carpets, damp, condensation and mixed glazing. Older mattresses were associated with higher mite allergen levels in the mattress where the age of the mattress was recorded. Twenty-four homes contained no detectable mite allergen, six of which reported damp. CONCLUSIONS Mite allergen levels are high enough in two of every three homes to be associated with an increase in the risk of sensitization to mite. Factors such as older homes, carpets and mattresses, damp and condensation are associated with higher mite allergen. However, mite allergen levels are occasionally unpredictably very low in homes with risk factors for high levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Simpson
- North-west Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report on part of a pilot study done to explore ethical responses to the new reproductive technologies in Sri Lanka. DESIGN Semi-structured interviews carried out with the members of three committees responsible for ethical review of medical research. Members were asked for their views on the ethical, social and legal implications of the new reproductive and genetic technologies. Members' responses were subject to a simple content analysis. CONCLUSIONS There was broad acceptance of the new technologies among respondents, but anxieties about potential abuses. Respondents felt that a national committee should regulate practice and monitor future policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Simpson
- Department of Anthropology, University of Durham, 43 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN, UK.
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Irvine D, Sidani S, Porter H, O'Brien-Pallas L, Simpson B, McGillis Hall L, Graydon J, DiCenso A, Redelmeir D, Nagel L. Organizational factors influencing nurse practitioners' role implementation in acute care settings. Can J Nurs Leadersh 2000; 13:28-35. [PMID: 15495392 DOI: 10.12927/cjnl.2000.16304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of organizational factors on the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) role implementation. A descriptive correlational design, incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection was used. The sample of convenience consisted of 57 ACNPs assigned to various medical and surgical programs within acute care hospitals. Ten ACNPs participated in the unstructured qualitative interviews. In addition to the interviews, data pertinent to various organizational factors, including role formalization, receptivity of the role by others, perceived autonomy, role strain, and additional factors that may interfere with role implementation, were collected through a self-report structured questionnaire. A four-diary day was completed to gather data on role implementation. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. The qualitative data were content analyzed. The ACNPs engaged most frequently in activities reflective of the clinical practice component of the role and less frequently in the non-clinical components (i.e., education, administration, and research). Results of the quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated that lack of formal clear job description, conflicting demands and expectations, lack of receptivity of the role by others, lack of autonomy, and increased workload were negatively correlated with the ACNP role implementation. The ACNP role implementation varies across practice settings. This variability should be accounted for when examining outcomes of ACNP care.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Irvine
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, ON
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Sidani S, Irvine D, Porter H, O'Brien-Pallas L, Simpson B, McGillis Hall L, Nagel L, Graydon J, DiCenso A, Redelmeir D. Practice patterns of acute care nurse practitioners. Can J Nurs Leadersh 2000; 13:6-12. [PMID: 15495389 DOI: 10.12927/cjnl.2000.16301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to examine the practice pattern of nurse practitioners employed in Ontario acute care settings. A descriptive design, incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection, was used. The acute care nurse practitioners' practice pattern varied in terms of scope of practice, model guiding practice, reporting relations, and extent of role implementation. Role implementation encompassed activities representing the four role components: clinical practice, education, administration or management, and research. The acute care nurse practitioners engaged most frequently in the clinical component of the role. They performed medical and advanced nursing functions. They emphasized that they do not work in isolation and that they do not replace physicians or residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sidani
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, ON
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Custovic A, Hallam C, Woodcock H, Simpson B, Houghton N, Simpson A, Woodcock A. Synthetic pillows contain higher levels of cat and dog allergen than feather pillows. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2000; 11:71-3. [PMID: 10893007 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-3038.2000.00072.x] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The use of non-feather pillows has increased over the last few decades. Recently, we found significantly higher levels of dust mite allergens in synthetic pillows than in feather ones. This study investigated the levels of pet allergens in feather and synthetic pillows. Dust samples were collected from 14 pairs of pillows (consisting of one synthetic fibre-filled and one feather-filled). Each pair of pillows had been on the same bed for at least 2 years. The pillows were vacuumed for 1 min on each side through a 355-microm diameter mesh onto a 5-microm vinyl filter, producing a sample of fine dust. Samples were extracted, and cat (Fel d 1) and dog (Can f 1) allergens determined using monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were expressed both as total amount of allergen recovered and concentration of allergen per unit weight (ng/g). Total levels of pet allergens were significantly higher in the synthetic pillows (Fel d 1: 6.7-fold difference [95% CI 1.5-29.7], p=0.01; Can f 1: 8-fold difference [95% CI 1.6-39.5], p=0.01). Similarly, when the results were expressed as ng/g, synthetic pillows contained significantly more allergens than feather pillows (Fel d 1: 3.7-fold difference [95% CI 1.3-10.1], p=0.01); Can f 1: 4.4-fold difference [95% CI 1.5-13.2], p=0.01). We have therefore demonstrated that synthetic pillows contain significantly more pet allergens than feather pillows, supporting the view that tightly woven encasements surrounding feather pillows act as a barrier for allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Custovic
- North-west Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK.
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Redhead K, Lucken R, van de Moer A, Houghton S, Simpson B, Cameron A, Monkton P, Hennesy K, Ellis C. Veterinary vaccines: In-VITRO--International Veterinary Industry Test Replacement Organisation. Dev Biol Stand 1999; 101:261-6. [PMID: 10566800] [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: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
The International Veterinary Industry Test Replacement Organisation (In-VITRO) was established in 1995 with the aim of developing, validating and harmonising in vitro alternatives to replace in vivo methods for in-process and potency testing of veterinary clostridial vaccines. The emphasis has been on the reduction of animal usage in the Clostridium chauvoei potency assay and its eventual replacement by an in vitro assay. Replacement of the toxin neutralisation assay for Cl. tetani by an internationally validated indirect ELISA has already started. A validation programme involving a collaboration organised through EDQM which could ultimately lead to the standardisation of in vitro tests for all clostridial vaccines is in progress. In addition In-VITRO is now considering the setting up of a programme for Erysipelas vaccines. The collaboration between manufacturers of veterinary vaccines in the development and validation of in vitro tests is a major step towards the reduction and replacement of animal tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Redhead
- Hoechst Roussel Vet, Milton Keynes, Bucks, UK
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Huffman J, Miller M, Simmons C, Simpson B. Measuring quality in hospitals: is there a difference between for-profits and not-for-profits? Qual Manag Health Care 1999; 7:51-9. [PMID: 10557399 DOI: 10.1097/00019514-199907040-00008] [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: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Health care professionals agree that by measuring quality, improvements can be made in care delivery. There are measurable differences between not-for-profit and for-profit hospitals, both in public perception and care outcomes. The ability by consumers, insurers and providers to easily access quality data will drive the health care industry to take a quality focus in their daily business. Quality providers with measurable results will gain a larger share of health care dollars and consumer trust. Physicians will choose to partner with the quality leaders and will refine their practices as part of the quality evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Huffman
- Executive Master's in Public Health Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
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Furukawa C, Atkinson D, Forster TJ, Nazzario K, Simpson B, Uryniak T, Casty FE. Controlled trial of two formulations of cromolyn sodium in the treatment of asthmatic patients > or = 12 years of age. Intal Study Group. Chest 1999; 116:65-72. [PMID: 10424505 DOI: 10.1378/chest.116.1.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study compared the efficacy and safety of the hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) formulation of cromolyn sodium metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) formulation in asthmatic patients > or = 12 years old over a 12-week period. DESIGN Stable asthmatics using only currently marketed cromolyn sodium and as-needed inhaled beta2-agonists were randomly assigned to treatment with HFA cromolyn sodium, CFC cromolyn sodium, or placebo, administered as two inhalations (2 mg) qid for 12 weeks. Prior to randomization, all patients were required to meet minimum symptom and/or pulmonary function test criteria after discontinuation of cromolyn sodium. Efficacy was assessed by changes in daily symptom scores, albuterol use, peak expiratory flow, pulmonary function measurements, and overall opinions of effectiveness. RESULTS A total of 280 patients in 29 centers were randomly assigned to treatment with HFA cromolyn sodium (n = 94), CFC cromolyn sodium (n = 91), or placebo (n = 95). Patients treated with the HFA formulation of cromolyn sodium demonstrated a 28 to 33% improvement over placebo for all symptom scores (p < 0.05) and a 35% improvement over placebo in the use of albuterol MDI (p < 0.05). The patients' opinions of overall effectiveness favored HFA cromolyn sodium (p = 0.011) and CFC cromolyn sodium (p = 0.006) over placebo. The investigators' opinions indicated a statistically significant difference favoring CFC cromolyn sodium compared with both placebo (p < 0.001) and HFA cromolyn sodium (p = 0.042). No statistically significant differences existed among groups in the incidence of treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSION The HFA formulation of cromolyn sodium MDI is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for asthma patients > or = 12 years old. The safety and efficacy profile of the HFA formulation is comparable to that of the CFC formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Furukawa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, USA
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