1
|
Randall J, Evans K, Watts B, Kosasih HJ, Smith CM, Earley EJ, Erickson SW, Jocoy EL, Bult CJ, Teicher BA, de Bock CE, Smith MA, Lock RB. In vivo activity of the second-generation proteasome inhibitor ixazomib against pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia xenografts. Exp Hematol 2024; 132:104176. [PMID: 38320689 PMCID: PMC10978271 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2024.104176] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The overall survival rate of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is now 90%, although patients with relapsed T-ALL face poor prognosis. The ubiquitin-proteasome system maintains normal protein homeostasis, and aberrations in this pathway are associated with T-ALL. Here we demonstrate the in vitro and in vivo activity of ixazomib, a second-generation orally available, reversible, and selective proteasome inhibitor against pediatric T-ALL cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) grown orthotopically in immunodeficient NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIL2rgtm1Wjl/SzJAusb (NSG) mice. Ixazomib was highly potent in vitro, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the low nanomolar range. As a monotherapy, ixazomib significantly extended mouse event-free survival of five out of eight T-ALL PDXs in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Randall
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kathryn Evans
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben Watts
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hansen J Kosasih
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher M Smith
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eric J Earley
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle, NC
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles E de Bock
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Richard B Lock
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Randall J, Evans K, Watts B, Smith CM, Hughes K, Earley EJ, Erickson SW, Pachter JA, Teicher BA, Smith MA, Lock RB. In vivo activity of the dual PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ inhibitor duvelisib against pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia xenografts. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023:e30398. [PMID: 37140091 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30398] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality in children. Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a family of lipid kinases, and aberrations in the PI3K pathway are associated with several hematological malignancies, including ALL. Duvelisib (Copiktra) is an orally available, small molecule dual inhibitor of PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ, that is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. Here, we report the efficacy of duvelisib against a panel of pediatric ALL patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). PROCEDURES Thirty PDXs were selected for a single mouse trial based on PI3Kδ (PIK3CD) and PI3Kγ (PIK3CG) expression and mutational status. PDXs were grown orthotopically in NSG (NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid IL2rgtm1Wjl /SzJAusb) mice, and engraftment was evaluated by enumerating the proportion of human versus mouse CD45+ cells (%huCD45+ ) in the peripheral blood. Treatment commenced when the %huCD45+ reached greater than or equal to 1%, and events were predefined as %huCD45+ greater than or equal to 25% or leukemia-related morbidity. Duvelisib was administered per oral (50 mg/kg, twice daily for 28 days). Drug efficacy was assessed by event-free survival and stringent objective response measures. RESULTS PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ mRNA expression was significantly higher in B-lineage than T-lineage ALL PDXs (p-values <.0001). Duvelisib was well-tolerated and reduced leukemia cells in the peripheral blood in four PDXs, but with only one objective response. There was no obvious relationship between duvelisib efficacy and PI3Kδ or PI3Kγ expression or mutation status, nor was the in vivo response to duvelisib subtype dependent. CONCLUSIONS Duvelisib demonstrated limited in vivo activity against ALL PDXs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Randall
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathryn Evans
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ben Watts
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher M Smith
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Keira Hughes
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eric J Earley
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard B Lock
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Raitt J, Watts B, Rayet J, Hodkinson M, Zideman D. Conducting a conventional multi-casualty incident in COVID-19 personal protective equipment - a semi-structured interview. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2021; 29:20. [PMID: 33504350 PMCID: PMC7838851 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-021-00838-w] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The risk of COVID-19 transmission to healthcare professionals is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. The wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) presents a number of potential challenges to responders that may impact upon the management of patients in a multi-casualty incident. This report describes a multi-agency multi-casualty incident. It identifies learning points specifically related to the challenges of conducting a conventional multi-casualty incident in COVID-19 PPE. Case The multi casualty incident in Reading, UK on the 20 June 2020 involved six stab injury victims and was attended by four pre-hospital critical care teams. This was the first conventional multi-casualty incident that pre-hospital critical care teams had attended during the COVID-19 era and it was conducted in COVID-19 PPE (1). The scene was an urban park where three patients were confirmed to be in Traumatic Cardiac Arrest (TCA) from stab wounds and another three patients had also suffered stab injuries. By the time the incident had concluded three patients were pronounced dead at the scene. Two patients were transported to the local trauma unit and one patient was transported to the regional Major Trauma Centre depending on the severity of their injuries. Conclusions We conducted a semi structured telephone interview with the critical care clinicians who were involved in the incident. The interviews focused specifically on the challenges of responding whilst wearing COVID-19 PPE, rather than the wider challenges of responding to such an incident. The key learning points identified were:
Improving the identifiability of clinicians in level 3 PPE
wearing identification tabards using visible labelling on PPE suits
Improving communication by radio
using a belt to carry the radio using an earpiece and push to talk system.
Training in conducting multi casualty incidents in level 3 PPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Raitt
- Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Stokenchurch House, Oxford Rd, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, HP14 3SX, UK.
| | - Ben Watts
- Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Stokenchurch House, Oxford Rd, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, HP14 3SX, UK
| | - Jaspreet Rayet
- Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Stokenchurch House, Oxford Rd, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, HP14 3SX, UK
| | - Mark Hodkinson
- Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Stokenchurch House, Oxford Rd, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, HP14 3SX, UK
| | - David Zideman
- Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Stokenchurch House, Oxford Rd, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, HP14 3SX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yamamoto K, Klossek A, Fuchs K, Watts B, Raabe J, Flesch R, Rancan F, Pischon H, Radbruch M, Gruber AD, Mundhenk L, Vogt A, Blume-Peytavi U, Schrade P, Bachmann S, Gurny R, Rühl E. Soft X-ray microscopy for probing of topical tacrolimus delivery via micelles. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 139:68-75. [PMID: 30849430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The penetration of topically applied tacrolimus formulated in micelles into murine skin is reported, measured by X-ray microscopy. Tacrolimus and micelles are probed for the first time by this high spatial resolution technique by element-selective excitation in the C 1s- and O 1s-regimes. This method allows selective detection of the distribution and penetration depth of drugs and carrier molecules into biologic tissues. It is observed that small, but distinct quantities of the drug and micelles, acting as a drug carrier, penetrate the stratum corneum. A comparison is made with the paraffin-based commercial tacrolimus ointment Protopic®, where local drug concentrations show to be low. A slight increase in local drug concentration in the stratum corneum is observed, if tacrolimus is formulated in micelles, as compared to Protopic®. This underscores the importance of the drug formulations for effective drug delivery. Time-resolved penetration shows presence of drug in the stratum corneum 100 min after formulation application, with penetration to deeper skin layers at 1000 min. High resolution micrographs give indications for a penetration pathway along the lipid membranes between corneocytes, but also suggest that the compound may penetrate corneocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Yamamoto
- Physikalische Chemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - A Klossek
- Physikalische Chemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - K Fuchs
- Apidel SA, c/o The Business Harbour, 29 Quai du Mont Blanc, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - B Watts
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, Forschungsstraße 111, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - J Raabe
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, Forschungsstraße 111, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - R Flesch
- Physikalische Chemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - F Rancan
- Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - H Pischon
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 15, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - M Radbruch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 15, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - A D Gruber
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 15, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - L Mundhenk
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 15, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - A Vogt
- Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - U Blume-Peytavi
- Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - P Schrade
- Abteilung für Elektronenmikroskopie at CVK, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - S Bachmann
- Abteilung für Elektronenmikroskopie at CVK, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - R Gurny
- Apidel SA, c/o The Business Harbour, 29 Quai du Mont Blanc, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - E Rühl
- Physikalische Chemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kluge M, Gupta N, Watts B, Chadik PA, Ferraro C, Townsend TG. Characterisation and management of concrete grinding residuals. Waste Manag Res 2018; 36:149-158. [PMID: 29256335 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x17744040] [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: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Concrete grinding residue is the waste product resulting from the grinding, cutting, and resurfacing of concrete pavement. Potential beneficial applications for concrete grinding residue include use as a soil amendment and as a construction material, including as an additive to Portland cement concrete. Concrete grinding residue exhibits a high pH, and though not hazardous, it is sufficiently elevated that precautions need to be taken around aquatic ecosystems. Best management practices and state regulations focus on reducing the impact on such aquatic environment. Heavy metals are present in concrete grinding residue, but concentrations are of the same magnitude as typically recycled concrete residuals. The chemical composition of concrete grinding residue makes it a useful product for some soil amendment purposes at appropriate land application rates. The presence of unreacted concrete in concrete grinding residue was examined for potential use as partial replacement of cement in new concrete. Testing of Florida concrete grinding residue revealed no dramatic reactivity or improvement in mortar strength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matt Kluge
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nautasha Gupta
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ben Watts
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paul A Chadik
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christopher Ferraro
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Stampanoni M, Menzel A, Watts B, Mader KS, Bunk O. Coherent X-ray imaging: bridging the gap between atomic and micro-scale investigations. Chimia (Aarau) 2014; 68:66-72. [PMID: 24801700 DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2014.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a review of state-of-the art X-ray imaging techniques based on partially coherent synchrotron radiation. Full-field X-ray tomography, X-ray ptychography, scanning small-angle X-ray scattering, and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy are imaging techniques that gather structural information at spatial resolution ranging from several microns to a few tens of nanometers in both real- and reciprocal space. These methods exploit contrast mechanisms based on absorption, phase, and spectroscopic signals. We provide examples of how these techniques can be applied to address scientific questions ranging from imaging of biological samples, to foam rheology, and cement composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Stampanoni
- Paul Scherrer Institute CH-5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland; Institute for Biomedical Engineering ETH and University of Zurich Gloriastrasse 35, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Menzel
- Paul Scherrer Institute CH-5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
| | - Ben Watts
- Paul Scherrer Institute CH-5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
| | - Kevin S Mader
- Paul Scherrer Institute CH-5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland; Institute for Biomedical Engineering ETH and University of Zurich Gloriastrasse 35, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Bunk
- Paul Scherrer Institute CH-5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Santella AJ, Krishnamachari B, Davide SH, Cortell M, Furnari W, Watts B, Haden SC. Dental hygienists’ knowledge of HIV, attitudes towards people with HIV and willingness to conduct rapid HIV testing. Int J Dent Hyg 2013; 11:287-92. [DOI: 10.1111/idh.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- AJ Santella
- Sydney Medical School; University of Sydney; Sydney; NSW; Australia
| | - B Krishnamachari
- Department of Medicine, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine; New York Institute of Technology; Old Westbury; NY; USA
| | - SH Davide
- Department of Dental Hygiene; New York City College of Technology; Brooklyn; NY; USA
| | - M Cortell
- Department of Dental Hygiene; New York City College of Technology; Brooklyn; NY; USA
| | - W Furnari
- Department of Dental Hygiene; College of Dentistry; New York University; New York; NY; USA
| | - B Watts
- Department of Public Health; Brooklyn Campus; Long Island University; Brooklyn; NY; USA
| | - SC Haden
- Department of Psychology; Brooklyn Campus; Long Island University; Brooklyn; NY; USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy has evolved into a powerful characterization tool for polymeric materials and is increasingly being used to elucidate composition and orientation in thin films of relevance to organic electronic devices. For accurate quantitative compositional analysis, insight into the electronic structure and the ability to assess molecular orientation, reliable reference spectra with known energy resolution and calibrated energy scale are required. We report a set of such NEXAFS spectra from 23 semiconducting polymers and some related materials that are frequently used in organic device research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Watts
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang C, Hexemer A, Nasiatka J, Chan ER, Young AT, Padmore HA, Schlotter WF, Lüning J, Swaraj S, Watts B, Gann E, Yan H, Ade H. Resonant Soft X-ray Scattering of Polymers with a 2D Detector: Initial Results and System Developments at the Advanced Light Source. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1088/1757-899x/14/1/012016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
10
|
|
11
|
Ogrinc G, Mooney SE, Estrada C, Foster T, Goldmann D, Hall LW, Huizinga MM, Liu SK, Mills P, Neily J, Nelson W, Pronovost PJ, Provost L, Rubenstein LV, Speroff T, Splaine M, Thomson R, Tomolo AM, Watts B. The SQUIRE (Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guidelines for quality improvement reporting: explanation and elaboration. Qual Saf Health Care 2008; 17 Suppl 1:i13-32. [PMID: 18836062 PMCID: PMC2602740 DOI: 10.1136/qshc.2008.029058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As the science of quality improvement in health care advances, the importance of sharing its accomplishments through the published literature increases. Current reporting of improvement work in health care varies widely in both content and quality. It is against this backdrop that a group of stakeholders from a variety of disciplines has created the Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence, which we refer to as the SQUIRE publication guidelines or SQUIRE statement. The SQUIRE statement consists of a checklist of 19 items that authors need to consider when writing articles that describe formal studies of quality improvement. Most of the items in the checklist are common to all scientific reporting, but virtually all of them have been modified to reflect the unique nature of medical improvement work. This "Explanation and Elaboration" document (E & E) is a companion to the SQUIRE statement. For each item in the SQUIRE guidelines the E & E document provides one or two examples from the published improvement literature, followed by an analysis of the ways in which the example expresses the intent of the guideline item. As with the E & E documents created to accompany other biomedical publication guidelines, the purpose of the SQUIRE E & E document is to assist authors along the path from completion of a quality improvement project to its publication. The SQUIRE statement itself, this E & E document, and additional information about reporting improvement work can be found at http://www.squire-statement.org.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Ogrinc
- Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth Medical School, VT 05009, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
McNeill CR, Watts B, Swaraj S, Ade H, Thomsen L, Belcher W, Dastoor PC. Evolution of the nanomorphology of photovoltaic polyfluorene blends: sub-100 nm resolution with x-ray spectromicroscopy. Nanotechnology 2008; 19:424015. [PMID: 21832675 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/19/42/424015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the influence of annealing on the morphology of intimately mixed blends of the conjugated polymers poly(9,9'-dioctylfluorene-co-bis-N,N'-(4-butylphenyl)-bis-N,N'-phenyl-1,4-phenylene-diamine) (PFB) and poly(9,9'-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) with scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM). Through the use of a zone plate with theoretical Rayleigh resolution of 30 nm, we are able to resolve sub-100 nm bulk structure in these films. Surprisingly, for unannealed films spin-coated from chloroform we observe features with an average diameter of 85 nm. The high degree of photoluminescence quenching in these as-spun films (>95%) implies that there is significant intermixing within the 85 nm structures, indicating that a hierarchy of phase separation exists even on the length scale of less than 100 nm. With annealing up to 160 °C, close to the T(g) of the components, there is little change in the feature sizes observed by STXM, although an increase in variation of the composition is observed. With annealing above 160 °C the imaged features begin to evolve in size, increasing to 225 nm in extent, alongside large changes in composition with annealing to 200 °C. Comparing the evolution of morphology imaged by STXM with the change in photoluminescence quenching with annealing, we propose that phase separation first evolves via the evolution of relatively pure phases on the length scale of a few to tens of nanometres within the larger 85 nm structures. Once the length scale of compositional fluctuations exceeds 85 nm (for anneal temperatures above 160 °C) the hierarchy of phase separation is lost and the subsequent morphological evolution is readily imaged by STXM. Applying the results of an exciton diffusion and quenching model, we find good agreement between the size of the domains measured by STXM (above 180 °C) and the results of the model for an exciton diffusion length of 15 nm. The growth in domain size and towards purer structures has also been observed with resonant soft x-ray scattering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R McNeill
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
|
14
|
Kapoor V, Watts B, Theruvil B, Boeree NR, Fairhurst J. Delayed displacement of a paediatric atlas fracture through the synchondrosis after minor trauma. Injury 2004; 35:1308-10. [PMID: 15561124 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(03)00205-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2003] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- V Kapoor
- Southampton University Hospital, Mail Point 45, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Watts B, Thomsen L, Dastoor PC. Determining the angular admittance of a cylindrical mirror analyser. SURF INTERFACE ANAL 2002. [DOI: 10.1002/sia.1410] [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: 11/08/2022]
|
16
|
|
17
|
Watts B, Burnett L, Chesher D. Measurement of total protein is not a useful inclusion in liver function test profiles. Clin Chem 2000; 46:1022-3. [PMID: 10894857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
|
18
|
Reid C, Watts B, Nicholas J, Slack S, Hartington K, Howell M, Okwonko A, Robinson N, Cumberbatch GL, Simpson H, Stearman A, Ivory E, Wakely D, Vecht H, Brady S. Accident and emergency medicine or emergency medicine. J Accid Emerg Med 1999; 16:238. [PMID: 10419327 PMCID: PMC1343350 DOI: 10.1136/emj.16.3.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
19
|
Grodzinski B, Schmidt JM, Watts B, Taylor J, Bates S, Dixon MA, Staines H. Regulating plant/insect interactions using CO2 enrichment in model ecosystems. Adv Space Res 1999; 24:281-291. [PMID: 11542535 DOI: 10.1016/s0273-1177(99)00315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The greenhouse environment is a challenging artificial ecosystem in which it is possible to study selected plant/insect interaction in a controlled environment. Due to a combination of "direct" and "indirect" effects of CO2 enrichment on plant photosynthesis and plant development, canopy productivity is generally increased. In this paper, we discuss the effects of daytime and nighttime CO2 enrichment protocols on gas exchange of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L, cv Cubico) grown in controlled environments. In addition, we present the effects of thrips, a common Insect pest, on the photosynthetic and respiratory activity of these plant canopies. Carbon dioxide has diverse effects on the physiology and mortality of insects. However, our data indicate that thrips and whiteflies, at least, are not killed "directly" by CO2 levels used to enhance photosynthesis and plant growth. Together the data suggest that the insect population is affected "indirectly" by CO2 and that the primary effect of CO2 is via its effects on plant metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Grodzinski
- Department of Horticultural Science, University of Guelph, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ahuja TS, Niaz N, Velasco A, Watts B, Paar D. Effect of hemodialysis and antiretroviral therapy on plasma viral load in HIV-1 infected hemodialysis patients. Clin Nephrol 1999; 51:40-4. [PMID: 9988145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma viral load has become an important test in predicting the progress of HIV-1 infected patients. The higher the viral load the faster is the progression to AIDS. As HIV-1 infected hemodialysis (HD) patients have higher mortality and morbidity than HIV-1 infected non-dialysis patients, and as all the blood tests in the HD patients are drawn during HD, we measured the effect of HD and antiretroviral therapy on viral load in HIV-1 infected HD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We measured plasma viral load pre-dialysis and post-dialysis in 10 HIV-1 infected HD patients. The viral load was measured using an in vitro quantitative nucleic acid amplification test. We also compared viral load in 8 HIV-1 infected HD patients on one antiretroviral drug with 8 HIV-1 patients on two (6) or three (2) antiretroviral drugs. RESULTS There was a small reduction in plasma viral load postdialysis in all HIV-1 infected HD patients (45% +/- 5.4, 0.3 log +/- 0.05, p < 0.0004). However, HIV-1 RNA could not be detected in the ultrafiltrate. The patients who were on two or three antiretroviral drugs had lower viral load (8915 +/- 3702 vs. 351440 +/- 101237, p < 0.004) and higher CD4 count (355 +/- 81 vs 82 +/- 39, p < 0.009) than patients on only one antiretroviral drug. CONCLUSION We conclude that there is a small reduction in plasma viral load in HIV-1 infected hemodialysis patients post-dialysis. As no viral RNA could be detected in the ultrafiltrate, the reduction could be due to nonspecific adsorption of the viral RNA to the dialysis membrane. HIV-1 infected hemodialysis patients who are on two or three antiretroviral drugs had significantly lower viral load and higher CD4 count than patients on only single antiretroviral drug. Therefore a single antiretroviral drug should not be used in treating HIV-1 infected HD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T S Ahuja
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 77555, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Arntfield S, Scanlon M, Malcolmson L, Watts B, Ryland D, Savoie V. Effect of tempering and end moisture content on the quality of micronized lentils. Food Res Int 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0963-9969(97)00061-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
22
|
Doyle Y, Hayward P, Madden M, Watts B. Continuing professional development in public health medicine. J R Coll Physicians Lond 1997; 31:405-9. [PMID: 9263970 PMCID: PMC5420933] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A survey of public health doctors was undertaken in the South Thames region to support coordination of continuing professional development (CPD) and to guide appropriate provision of educational activities for those working in the specialty. METHODS A postal survey of 130 public health doctors in service, academic and military posts in the South Thames region of the UK. RESULTS The response rate was 79% with good representation of grades and geographical areas. Public health doctors preferred personal and small group learning particularly focused on problem solving. Epidemiology as a basic discipline was rated highly by respondents, but senior doctors also showed preferences for topics beyond the textbooks. Respondents demonstrated that they had acquired such knowledge and skills, which could be shared in CPD sessions with colleagues. There was support for learning with and from non-medical colleagues. In the service posts structural change was ongoing, expectations of performance by management were high, and appropriate CPD was an expressed need, although time was seriously limited for this activity. CONCLUSIONS Appropriate CPD could support the effectiveness of public health physicians in challenging circumstances. However, a critical evaluation of the relevance of CPD programmes to public health practice is essential if CPD is to support doctors in delivering the public health agenda in the changing structures within which they work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Doyle
- South East Institute of Public Health, Southborough
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Panayiotopoulos YP, Watts B, Watkinson A, Keller FS, Reidy JF, Taylor PR. Intraluminal aortic graft/stent combination for the treatment of life-threatening congenital arteriovenous malformation. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 1995; 10:114-7. [PMID: 7633959 DOI: 10.1016/s1078-5884(05)80207-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
24
|
Abstract
Abdominal actinomycosis is a disorder which often complicates a chronic perforation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as at the appendix (Wyngaarden and Smith, 1988). Delayed diagnosis characterizes abdominal actinomycosis. Multiple abscesses and draining sinuses are frequently present. Treatment has consisted of long-term oral antibiotic therapy coupled with surgery, including incision and drainage of abscesses with removal of persistent sinuses (Berardi, 1979). We present a patient with abdominal actinomycosis complicating a chronically ruptured appendix who was managed by percutaneous catheter drainage and antibiotic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Goldwag
- Department of Radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Aaronson D, Watts B. Extensions of Grier's computational formulas for A' and B'' to below-chance performance. Psychol Bull 1987; 102:439-42. [PMID: 3685230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
26
|
Watts B. Operation cover-up: a nursing intervention with a difference. Aust Nurses J 1987; 17:56-7. [PMID: 3675379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
27
|
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is used commonly to "rule-out" disease. In 123 consecutive patients with psychiatric diseases in three institutions, 105 CT scans (85.4%) interpreted as normal or normal except for atrophy did not influence management, only reassured clinicians and patients. Incidental and false positive findings were more numerous than true positive findings. All six true positive findings occurred in patients with focal findings on neurologic examination; four led to management changes. The lower 954% confidence limit of the cost of case finding by CT only was estimated to be $2931 for all patients; $603 for patients with focal findings; and at least $7083 for patients without focal findings. Computed tomography is a sensitive diagnostic method that may detect more false and incidental positive findings when used somewhat unselectively to "rule-out" disease. In these patients, a examination suggesting structural intracranial abnormalities would have been less expensive and more effective.
Collapse
|
28
|
Phillips I, King A, Warren C, Watts B. The activity of penicillin and eight cephalosporins on Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J Antimicrob Chemother 1976; 2:31-9. [PMID: 819412 DOI: 10.1093/jac/2.1.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
|