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Brink K, Thomas CL, Jones A, Chan TW, Mallon EB. Exploring the ageing methylome in the model insect, Nasonia vitripennis. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:305. [PMID: 38519892 PMCID: PMC10958858 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10211-7] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ageing process is a multifaceted phenomenon marked by the gradual deterioration of cellular and organismal functions, accompanied by an elevated susceptibility to diseases. The intricate interplay between genetic and environmental factors complicates research, particularly in complex mammalian models. In this context, simple invertebrate organisms have been pivotal, but the current models lack detectable DNA methylation limiting the exploration of this critical epigenetic ageing mechanism. This study introduces Nasonia vitripennis, the jewel wasp, as an innovative invertebrate model for investigating the epigenetics of ageing. Leveraging its advantages as a model organism and possessing a functional DNA methylation system, Nasonia emerges as a valuable addition to ageing research. RESULTS Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing unveiled dynamic alterations in DNA methylation, with differentially methylated CpGs between distinct time points in both male and female wasps. These changes were associated with numerous genes, enriching for functions related to telomere maintenance, histone methylation, and mRNA catabolic processes. Additionally, other CpGs were found to be variably methylated at each timepoint. Sex-specific effects on epigenetic entropy were observed, indicating differential patterns in the loss of epigenetic stability over time. Constructing an epigenetic clock containing 19 CpGs revealed a robust correlation between epigenetic age and chronological age. CONCLUSIONS Nasonia vitripennis emerges as a promising model for investigating the epigenetics of ageing, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of DNA methylation and their implications for age-related processes. This research not only expands the repertoire of ageing models but also opens avenues for deeper exploration of epigenetic mechanisms in the context of ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Brink
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
| | - C L Thomas
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
| | - A Jones
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Muenster, Huefferstrabe, Muenster, Germany
| | - T W Chan
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - E B Mallon
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK.
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2
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Beiter KJ, Wiedemann RP, Thomas CL, Conrad EJ. Alcohol Consumption and COVID-19-Related Stress Among Health Care Workers: The Need for Continued Stress-Management Interventions. Public Health Rep 2022; 137:326-335. [PMID: 35023422 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211058176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although a known association exists between stress and alcohol consumption among health care workers (HCWs), it is not known how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected this association. We assessed pandemic work-related stress and alcohol consumption of HCWs. METHODS We emailed a cross-sectional, anonymous survey in June 2020 to approximately 550 HCWs at an academic hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. HCWs from all departments were eligible to complete the survey. Questions measured work-related stress and emotional reactions to the pandemic (using the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [MERS-CoV] Staff Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), coping habits (using the Brief COPE scale), and pre-COVID-19 (March 2020) and current (June 2020) alcohol consumption. We measured alcohol consumption using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C), with scores >3 considered positive. We asked 4 open-ended questions for in-depth analysis. RESULTS One-hundred two HCWs participated in the survey. The average AUDIT-C scores for current and pre-COVID-19 alcohol consumption were 3.1 and 2.8, respectively. The level of current alcohol consumption was associated with avoidant coping (r = 0.46, P < .001). Relative increases in alcohol consumption from March to June 2020 were positively associated with PHQ-9 score and greater emotional reactions to the pandemic. Availability of mental health services was ranked second to last among desired supports. Qualitative data demonstrated high levels of work-related stress from potential exposure to COVID-19 and job instability, as well as social isolation and negative effects of the pandemic on their work environment. CONCLUSIONS Ongoing prevention-based interventions that emphasize stress management rather than mental or behavioral health conditions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylin J Beiter
- School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ross P Wiedemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Casey L Thomas
- School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Erich J Conrad
- Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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3
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Phillippi S, Thomas CL, Yoshida Y, Afaneh H. Holistic representation in juvenile defense: An evaluation of a multidisciplinary children's defense team. Behav Sci Law 2021; 39:65-82. [PMID: 33548155 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2500] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the results of an evaluation of a holistic defense model for juvenile clients. Longitudinal, retrospective analysis of de-identified data from clients (N = 308) measured individual variable outcomes, relationships, and project performance. Bivariate and multivariate analyses examined the strength of association and interrelationships among client and defense team variables. Findings indicate that holistic defense was significantly associated with improved outcomes among juvenile clients, including increased mental health assessment resulting in treatment, increased employment and educational attainment, and decreased odds of recidivism. Favorable court or dispositional outcomes, including lower adjudication or early termination from custody, were also reported. Further practice-level, controlled research is necessary to evaluate these models and offer comparison to other models for holistic defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Phillippi
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Casey L Thomas
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Yilin Yoshida
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Hasheemah Afaneh
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Phillippi SW, Beiter K, Thomas CL, Sugarman OK, Wennerstrom A, Wells KB, Trapido E. Medicaid Utilization Before and After a Natural Disaster in the 2016 Baton Rouge-Area Flood. Am J Public Health 2020; 109:S316-S321. [PMID: 31505136 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2019.305193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To understand changes in behavioral health services utilization and expenditures before and after natural disaster with an adult Medicaid population affected by the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-area flood (August 2016).Methods. We examined de-identified behavioral health claims data for Medicaid-insured adults in the affected region for 10 months before and after flooding (October 2015-June 2017). This constituted 273 233 provider claims for 22 196 individuals. Claims data included patient gender, behavioral health diagnoses, treatment dates, and costs. We made adjustments for Medicaid expansion by using monthly enrollment data.Results. Overall, most male patient behavioral health care visits were for substance use disorders (33.6%) and most female patient behavioral health care visits were for depression-related disorders (30%). Both diagnostic categories increased after the flood by 66% and 44%, respectively. Expansion accounted for a 4% increase in claims. Postflood claims reflected 8% to 10% higher costs.Conclusions. Greater amounts of behavioral health care services were sought in all 10 months of the postflood study period. We observed gender differences in use of services and diagnoses. Behavioral health care services following natural disasters must be extended longer than traditionally expected, with consideration for specific population needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W Phillippi
- Stephen W. Phillippi, Kaylin Beiter, Casey L. Thomas, Olivia K. Sugarman, and Ashley Wennerstrom are with the Department of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Olivia K. Sugarman and Ashley Wennerstrom are also with the Center for Healthcare Value and Equity, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Kenneth B. Wells is with the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Services, David Geffen School of Medicine, and the Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles. Edward Trapido is with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
| | - Kaylin Beiter
- Stephen W. Phillippi, Kaylin Beiter, Casey L. Thomas, Olivia K. Sugarman, and Ashley Wennerstrom are with the Department of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Olivia K. Sugarman and Ashley Wennerstrom are also with the Center for Healthcare Value and Equity, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Kenneth B. Wells is with the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Services, David Geffen School of Medicine, and the Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles. Edward Trapido is with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
| | - Casey L Thomas
- Stephen W. Phillippi, Kaylin Beiter, Casey L. Thomas, Olivia K. Sugarman, and Ashley Wennerstrom are with the Department of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Olivia K. Sugarman and Ashley Wennerstrom are also with the Center for Healthcare Value and Equity, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Kenneth B. Wells is with the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Services, David Geffen School of Medicine, and the Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles. Edward Trapido is with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
| | - Olivia K Sugarman
- Stephen W. Phillippi, Kaylin Beiter, Casey L. Thomas, Olivia K. Sugarman, and Ashley Wennerstrom are with the Department of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Olivia K. Sugarman and Ashley Wennerstrom are also with the Center for Healthcare Value and Equity, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Kenneth B. Wells is with the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Services, David Geffen School of Medicine, and the Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles. Edward Trapido is with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
| | - Ashley Wennerstrom
- Stephen W. Phillippi, Kaylin Beiter, Casey L. Thomas, Olivia K. Sugarman, and Ashley Wennerstrom are with the Department of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Olivia K. Sugarman and Ashley Wennerstrom are also with the Center for Healthcare Value and Equity, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Kenneth B. Wells is with the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Services, David Geffen School of Medicine, and the Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles. Edward Trapido is with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
| | - Kenneth B Wells
- Stephen W. Phillippi, Kaylin Beiter, Casey L. Thomas, Olivia K. Sugarman, and Ashley Wennerstrom are with the Department of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Olivia K. Sugarman and Ashley Wennerstrom are also with the Center for Healthcare Value and Equity, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Kenneth B. Wells is with the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Services, David Geffen School of Medicine, and the Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles. Edward Trapido is with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
| | - Edward Trapido
- Stephen W. Phillippi, Kaylin Beiter, Casey L. Thomas, Olivia K. Sugarman, and Ashley Wennerstrom are with the Department of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Olivia K. Sugarman and Ashley Wennerstrom are also with the Center for Healthcare Value and Equity, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Kenneth B. Wells is with the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Services, David Geffen School of Medicine, and the Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles. Edward Trapido is with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
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Abstract
Despite decades of public health campaigns, tanning and sunburn still occur at unacceptably high rates. Skin cancer prevention campaigns predominately focus on increasing awareness of the risk of excessive sun exposure. This study sought to assess the efficacy of this approach, by interrogating correlations between risk perception and sun exposure behaviour. A 31-item questionnaire assessing skin cancer risk factors, tanning attitudes, sunburn and tanning behaviour was undertaken by individuals who attended a workplace skin check. Validated questions were included to assess cognitive and affective risk perception and to frame risk as absolute, comparative and conditional. One hundred sixty-seven respondents completed the questionnaire. No aspects of risk perception (absolute cognitive, affective or conditional) significantly correlated with protective sun exposure behaviour, with the exception of perceived comparative severity of skin cancer. Instead, positive tanning attitudes were far more significantly correlated with sun exposure behaviour. Actual risk and risk perception have very limited impact on sun exposure behaviour. Instead, sun exposure behaviour was significantly linked with positive tanning attitudes. It is suggested, therefore, that campaigns focussing solely on education regarding risk factors appear to have been ineffective in behaviour mitigation, and innovative approaches, aimed at influencing tanning norms, might complement the existing educational campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- V L Venning
- The Skin Hospital (branch of the Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia), Sydney, Australia.
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - L M Abbott
- The Skin Hospital (branch of the Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia), Sydney, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - C L Thomas
- The Skin Hospital (branch of the Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia), Sydney, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - P Fernandez-Peñas
- The Skin Hospital (branch of the Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia), Sydney, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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6
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Kao YH, Lin WT, Thomas CL, Lin HY, Tseng TS. Association between smoking and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio among prostate cancer survivors: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Transl Cancer Res 2019; 8:S346-S354. [PMID: 35117112 PMCID: PMC8799291 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2019.05.23] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background An elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proven as a vital predictor of progression and mortality for prostate cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for increasing NLR. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of smoking on NLR among prostate cancer survivors. Methods A total of 354 men adults aged ≥20 years old with prostate cancer were analyzed using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2016 data. The primary outcome was NLR, which was classified into two levels: high (≥3) and low (<3). Sampling weighted logistic regressions were used for evaluating associations between smoking and NLR among prostate cancer survivors. Results This study found that 33.2% (n=111) of prostate cancer survivors had an elevated NLR. Prostate cancer survivors with a high NLR were older (mean 73.5 years old), non-Hispanic white (38.5%), higher income (poverty income ratio >1, 34.7%), and longer years after diagnosis (8.8 years) compared to counterparts with a low NLR. Smoking status did not have a significant impact on NLR. The interaction test between race and smoking status was significant (P=0.04). Non-Hispanic black who were current smokers were observed more likely to have high NLR than never smokers [adjusted odds ratio (OR) =3.69, 95% CI: 1.36–9.99]. However, the effect of smoking on NLR was not observed among either non-Hispanic whites or other races. Conclusions Non-Hispanic black prostate cancer survivors who were a current smoker were more likely to have NLR ≥3 compared to non-smokers. Smoking cessation could benefit these patients in prostate cancer management and reduce the risk of progression and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsiang Kao
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wei-Ting Lin
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Casey L. Thomas
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Hui-Yi Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tung-Sung Tseng
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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7
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Widlak MM, Neal M, Daulton E, Thomas CL, Tomkins C, Singh B, Harmston C, Wicaksono A, Evans C, Smith S, Savage RS, Covington JA, Arasaradnam RP. Risk stratification of symptomatic patients suspected of colorectal cancer using faecal and urinary markers. Colorectal Dis 2018; 20:O335-O342. [PMID: 30248228 DOI: 10.1111/codi.14431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM Faecal markers, such as the faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin (FIT) and faecal calprotectin (FCP), have been increasingly used to exclude colorectal cancer (CRC) and colonic inflammation. However, in those with lower gastrointestinal symptoms there are considerable numbers who have cancer but have a negative FIT test (i.e. false negative), which has impeded its use in clinical practice. We undertook a study of diagnostic accuracy CRC using FIT, FCP and urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms. METHOD One thousand and sixteen symptomatic patients with suspected CRC referred by family physicians were recruited prospectively in accordance with national referring protocol. A total of 562 patients who completed colonic investigations, in addition to providing stool for FIT and FCP as well as urine samples for urinary VOC measurements, were included in the final outcome measures. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity for CRC using FIT was 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66-0.93] and 0.93 (CI 0.91-0.95), respectively. For urinary VOCs, the sensitivity and specificity for CRC was 0.63 (CI 0.46-0.79) and 0.63 (CI 0.59-0.67), respectively. However, for those who were FIT-negative CRC (i.e. false negatives), the addition of urinary VOCs resulted in a sensitivity of 0.97 (CI 0.90-1.0) and specificity of 0.72 (CI 0.68-0.76). CONCLUSIONS When applied to the FIT-negative group, urinary VOCs improve CRC detection (sensitivity rises from 0.80 to 0.97), thus showing promise as a second-stage test to complement FIT in the detection of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Widlak
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK.,Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - M Neal
- Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - E Daulton
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - C L Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - C Tomkins
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - B Singh
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - C Harmston
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - A Wicaksono
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - C Evans
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - S Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK.,Midlands and North West Bowel Cancer Screening Hub, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - R S Savage
- Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - J A Covington
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - R P Arasaradnam
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK.,Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Applied Biological and Experimental Sciences, University of Coventry, Coventry, UK
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Mase WA, Bickford B, Thomas CL, Jones SD, Bisesi M. After-action review of the 2009-10 H1N1 Influenza Outbreak Response: Ohio's Public Health System's performance. J Emerg Manag 2017; 15:325-334. [PMID: 29165783 DOI: 10.5055/jem.2017.0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In early 2009, H1N1 influenza was identified within the human population. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials responded with focused assessment, policy development, and assurances. The response was mobilized through efforts including procurement of adequate vaccine supply, local area span of control, materials acquisition, and facilities and resource identification. METHODS Qualitative evaluation of the assurance functions specific to the system's ability to assure safe and healthy conditions are reported. The methodology mirrors the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program used to assess system capability. RESULTS Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of community responsive disease prevention efforts in partnership with the public health systems mission to unify traditional public sector systems, for-profit systems, and local area systems was accomplished. As a result of this response pharmaceutical industries, healthcare providers, healthcare agencies, police/safety, colleges, and health and human service agencies were united. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of community response strategies utilizing feedback from system stakeholders. After-action review processes are critical in all-hazards preparedness. This analysis of local health district response to the H1N1 influenza outbreak informs future public health service delivery. Results provide a synthesis of local health department's emergency response strategies, challenges encountered, and future-focused emergency response strategy implementation. A synthesis is provided as to policy and practice developments which have emerged over the past seven years with regard to lessons learned from the 2009-10 H1N1 influenza outbreak and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Mase
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia
| | - Beth Bickford
- Association of Ohio Health Commissioners, Inc., Columbus, Ohio
| | - Casey L Thomas
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Shamika D Jones
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia
| | - Michael Bisesi
- Center for Public Health Practice, The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, Ohio
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Thomas CL, Kennedy AK, Choi-Lombardi S, Sgarioto M, Fernández Peñas P. Self-directed tablet education session improves safety knowledge among patients undergoing phototherapy. Br J Dermatol 2017; 176:1382-1384. [PMID: 27543502 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - A K Kennedy
- Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - M Sgarioto
- Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - P Fernández Peñas
- Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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10
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Thomas CL, Fernandez-Peñas P. Experience of skin cancer and contact with health professionals is associated with increased skin cancer knowledge, but not sun safety knowledge or behaviour. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2017; 31:e338-e340. [PMID: 28107579 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P Fernandez-Peñas
- Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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11
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Widlak MM, Thomas CL, Thomas MG, Tomkins C, Smith S, O'Connell N, Wurie S, Burns L, Harmston C, Evans C, Nwokolo CU, Singh B, Arasaradnam RP. Diagnostic accuracy of faecal biomarkers in detecting colorectal cancer and adenoma in symptomatic patients. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:354-363. [PMID: 27910113 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be difficult as symptoms are variable with poor specificity. Thus, there is a quest for simple, non-invasive testing that can help streamline those with significant colonic pathology. AIM To assess using faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin (FIT) or faecal calprotectin (FCP) to detect CRC and adenoma in symptomatic patients referred from primary care. METHODS A total of 799 referred for urgent lower gastrointestinal investigations were prospectively recruited. Of these, 430 completed colonic investigations and returned stool samples, and were included in the final statistical analysis. Faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin was performed on HM-JACKarc analyser (Kyowa Medex, Tokyo, Japan), and FCP by the EliA Calprotectin immunoassay (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, United States). RESULTS The negative predictive value (NPV) using FIT alone or both markers (FIT and FCP) in combination was similar at 99% for CRC, with a sensitivity and specificity of 84% and 93%, respectively. FIT measurements were significantly higher in left-sided colonic lesions compared with the right side; 713 vs. 94; P = 0.0203). For adenoma, the NPV using FIT alone, or both markers (FIT and FCP) in combination, was similar at 94% with a sensitivity and specificity of 69% and 56%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Undetectable faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin is sufficiently sensitive to exclude colorectal cancer, with higher values in left-sided lesions. FCP in combination does not appear to provide additional diagnostic information. Further studies to determine the health economic benefits of implementing faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin in primary care are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Widlak
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK.,Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - C L Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - M G Thomas
- Medical School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - C Tomkins
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - S Smith
- Midlands and North West Bowel Cancer Screening Hub, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - N O'Connell
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - S Wurie
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - L Burns
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - C Harmston
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - C Evans
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - C U Nwokolo
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - B Singh
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - R P Arasaradnam
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK.,Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Applied Biological and Experimental Sciences, University of Coventry, Coventry, UK
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P Fernandez Peñas
- Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Sanchis-Mora S, Pelligand L, Thomas CL, Volk HA, Abeyesinghe SM, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Thomson PC, McGreevy PD, O'Neill DG. Dogs attending primary-care practice in England with clinical signs suggestive of Chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia. Vet Rec 2016; 179:436. [PMID: 27534983 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia (CM/SM) in dogs describes a developmental disorder that can cause pain and reduced quality of life. This retrospective study aimed to report the period prevalence, clinical signs and risk factors for diagnosis of symptomatic CM/SM in the veterinary primary-care setting using a cross-sectional design. The study population included all dogs within the VetCompass Programme (September 1, 2009-June 13, 2014). Overall, the period prevalence of symptomatic CM/SM was 0.05 per cent (95 per cent CI 0.04 per cent to 0.06 per cent) for all breeds. The period prevalence in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) was 1.6 per cent (95 per cent CI 1.2 to 2.06). Other breeds at increased odds included the King Charles Spaniel (KCS), Affenpinscher, Chihuahua and Pomeranian. Insured dogs had 4.6 times the odds (95 per cent CI 2.95 to 7.17) of having a diagnosis of CM/SM compared with uninsured dogs. Pain was the most commonly associated clinical sign (67 dogs, 72 per cent). Analgesics were prescribed to 72 (77.4 per cent) of the symptomatic dogs. Despite its low overall period prevalence, the high proportion of affected dogs identified with chronic pain suggests a significant welfare issue. Financial implications could impede the diagnostic process and lead to underestimation of the true prevalence. This study may help to inform clinicians about the clinical relevance and the need for improved awareness of clinical signs, particularly in high-risk breeds, to optimise the management of CM/SM in primary-care practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sanchis-Mora
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - L Pelligand
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - C L Thomas
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - H A Volk
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - S M Abeyesinghe
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - D C Brodbelt
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - D B Church
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - P C Thomson
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - P D McGreevy
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - D G O'Neill
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
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Thomas CL, Mortimer PS, Larkin JM, Basu TN, Gore ME, Fearfield L. A mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor induced compound skin toxicity with oedema in metastatic malignant melanoma. Clin Exp Dermatol 2015; 41:267-71. [PMID: 26411345 DOI: 10.1111/ced.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We report three cases of skin toxicity associated with oral mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor treatment for metastatic malignant melanoma (MM). All three patients developed oedema, and a single patient experienced eyelash trichomegaly. This is the first known report of eyelash trichomegaly secondary to MEK inhibitor use. We also discuss possible mechanisms for MEK inhibitor-associated oedema development. This series supports the role of the dermatologist in the screening and management of patients in the rapidly developing oncology setting, as new targeted agents can give rise to marked skin toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Department of Dermatology, St George's Hospital, London, UK
| | - P S Mortimer
- Department of Dermatology, St George's Hospital, London, UK.,Department of Dermatology, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - J M Larkin
- Department of Oncology, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - T N Basu
- Department of Dermatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - M E Gore
- Department of Oncology, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - L Fearfield
- Department of Dermatology, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
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15
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Thomas CL, Ffolkes L, Akhras V. A case of mistaken identity: unilateral erythema elevatum diutinum associated with IgA paraproteinaemia. Clin Exp Dermatol 2015; 40:761-4. [PMID: 25754401 DOI: 10.1111/ced.12622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 27-year-old woman presenting with unilateral painless nodules of the left hand following trauma. Initially diagnosed as nontuberculous mycobacterium infection and treated with prolonged courses of antibiotics with little improvement, the condition was subsequently diagnosed histologically as erythema elevatum diutinum (EED). The lesion was treated with surgical excision, and the patient remained lesion-free at the 1-year follow-up. Although the lesion was otherwise asymptomatic, further investigation demonstrated an underlying IgA paraproteinaemia. This case should alert physicians to consider the diagnosis of EED in a unilateral presentation, and highlights the importance of investigation for underlying associated haematological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Department of Dermatology, St George's Hospital, London, UK
| | - L Ffolkes
- Department of Dermatology, St George's Hospital, London, UK
| | - V Akhras
- Department of Dermatology, St George's Hospital, London, UK
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16
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Thomas CL, Gordon KD, Mortimer PS. Rapid resolution of hidradenitis suppurativa after bariatric surgical intervention. Clin Exp Dermatol 2015; 39:315-7; quiz 317-8. [PMID: 24635068 DOI: 10.1111/ced.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 52-year-old man who underwent rapid improvement of long-standing treatment-refractory hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) following bariatric surgical intervention and subsequent dramatic weight loss. This morbidly obese man had previously shown little response to multiple treatment avenues, including an extended course of antibiotic therapy and treatment with acitretin. He had developed marked genital lymphoedema consequential to HS, which had further complicated his HS treatment. However, his disease regressed significantly within weeks of undergoing laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery, and the HS activity has remained quiescent for over 1 year since the bariatric intervention. This supports the role for obesity in the pathophysiology of HS, and highlights the importance of adequately addressing lifestyle factors in the treatment of HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Department of Dermatology, St George's Hospital, London, UK
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Brown TR, Sexten AK, Lawrence TE, Miller MF, Thomas CL, Yates DA, Hutcheson JP, Hodgen JM, Brooks JC. Comparative effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride and ractopamine hydrochloride on live performance and carcass characteristics of calf-fed Holstein steers. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:4217-22. [PMID: 25006068 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2014-7754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Holstein steers (n = 2,275) were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) a control diet containing no β-agonists, 2) a diet that contained zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; 8.3 mg/kg [100% DM basis]) for 20 d with a 3-d withdrawal period before harvest, and 3) a diet that contained ractopamine hydrochloride (RH; 30.1 mg/kg [100% DM basis]) for 28 d before harvest. No differences (P ≥ 0.18) were detected between treatments for initial BW, BW at d 28, or DMI. Final BW, BW gain for the last 28 d, total BW gain, ADG for the last 28 d, and overall ADG were greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed ZH or RH than for steers fed the control diet. Additionally, G:F for the last 28 d and G:F for the entire trial was increased (P < 0.02) for steers fed ZH (0.147, 0.147) or RH (0.153, 0.151) compared to steers fed the control diet (0.134, 0.143), respectively. Steers fed ZH or RH had HCW that were 15.5 and 8.2 kg heavier (P ≤ 0.01) and LM areas that were 7.1 and 2.3 cm(2) larger (P < 0.01) than control cattle. Steers fed ZH also had dressed carcass yields that were 1.3% to 1.5% greater and USDA calculated yield grades that were decreased 0.16 to 0.23 units compared to RH and control steers. No differences (P ≥ 0.39) were found between treatments for marbling score, fat thickness, and percentage KPH. Steers fed ZH had an increased (P ≤ 0.04) percentage of yield grade 1 and 2 carcasses (15.1, 55.0) and a reduced (P ≤ 0.02) percentage of yield grade 3 carcasses (27.1) compared with those fed RH (10.5, 49.1, 36.1) or the control diet (9.0, 47.4, 36.4), respectively. Additionally, ZH-fed steers had a decreased (P ≤ 0.04) percentage of yield grade 4 and 5 carcasses (2.8) compared with steers fed the control diet (6.9). Steers fed ZH had an increased (P ≤ 0.01) percentage of USDA Select grading carcass (31.0%) and a decreased (P ≤ 0.01) percentage of USDA Choice grading carcasses (65.0%) compared with steers fed RH (25.8%, 70.2%) and no β-agonist (24.8%, 72.0%), respectively. Feeding either β-agonist to calf-fed Holstein steers increased live performance through increased BW, BW gain, and ADG. Furthermore, supplementing calf-fed Holstein steers with ZH provides greater improvements in HCW, LM area, and yield grade components, with a slight decrease in quality grade when compared to calf-fed Holstein steers supplemented with RH.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Brown
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409
| | - A K Sexten
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506
| | - T E Lawrence
- Beef Carcass Research Center, Department of Agricultural Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon 79016
| | - M F Miller
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409
| | | | - D A Yates
- Merck Animal Health, DeSoto, KS 66018
| | | | | | - J C Brooks
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409
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Martin JN, Garmyn AJ, Miller MF, Hodgen JM, Pfeiffer KD, Thomas CL, Rathmann RJ, Yates DA, Hutcheson JP, Brooks JC. Comparative effects of beta-adrenergic agonist supplementation on the yield and quality attributes of selected subprimals from calf-fed Holstein steers. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:4204-16. [PMID: 25006060 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2014-7881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical portioning tests were performed on beef rib, strip loin, tenderloin, and top sirloin subprimals obtained from calf-fed Holstein steers to characterize the influence of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH), ractopamine hydrochloride (RH), or no β-adrenergic agonist (βAA; CON) on subprimal and steak yield. In addition, βAA effects on tenderness, composition, and raw and cooked color of steaks from the aforementioned strip loin subprimals were characterized. At 14 to 15 d (ribs, tenderloins, and top sirloin) or 16 d (strip loin) postmortem, subprimals were portioned into steaks using a mechanical portioning machine. The appropriate variables were measured before and after portioning to determine βAA influence on trimmed and untrimmed subprimal weight, subprimal length (rib only), steak weight and yield, and steak thickness (rib only). Steaks obtained from the strip loin subprimals were subjected to analysis of raw instrument color (L*, a*, b*), proximate composition, and pH. In addition, strip steaks were aged (16 or 23 d) before analysis of cooked internal color, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and slice shear force (SSF). Briefly, ZH supplementation increased (P < 0.01) the weight of all subprimals when compared to CON. Furthermore, subprimals from CON animals consistently had fewer and lighter steaks (P ≤ 0.04) than subprimals from ZH-fed steers. Additionally, raw steaks from ZH cattle were a less vivid red (lower a* and saturation index values; P < 0.01) when compared to CON and RH steaks, which did not differ (P > 0.05). There was no interaction between βAA treatment and postmortem aging length for WBSF or SSF (P > 0.10). However, CON steaks (3.25 kg) had lower WBSF values (P < 0.05) than ZH or RH steaks (3.68 and 3.67 kg, respectively). Regardless, aging for 23 d vs. 16 d resulted in decreased WBSF and SSF (P < 0.01) for all βAA treatments. Although differences were numerically small, evaluations indicated the internal cooked surfaces of ZH and RH steaks were less red (P < 0.05) than CON steaks. Overall, these data reemphasize increased subprimal weights due to βAA supplementation, particularly ZH. However, the data are not indicative of increased steak yield due to βAA supplementation. Furthermore, the data demonstrate βAA supplementation increases the shear force of calf-fed Holstein strip steaks regardless of postmortem aging period. However, no differences in shear force between the βAA treatments (ZH or RH) were noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Martin
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409
| | - A J Garmyn
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409
| | - M F Miller
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409
| | | | | | | | - R J Rathmann
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409
| | - D A Yates
- Merck Animal Health, DeSoto, KS 66018
| | | | - J C Brooks
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409
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Newbould RD, Nicholas R, Thomas CL, Quest R, Lee JSZ, Honeyfield L, Colasanti A, Malik O, Mattoscio M, Matthews PM, Sormani MP, Waldman AD, Muraro PA. Age independently affects myelin integrity as detected by magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis. Neuroimage Clin 2014; 4:641-8. [PMID: 24936415 PMCID: PMC4053639 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous disorder with a progressive course that is difficult to predict on a case-by-case basis. Natural history studies of MS have demonstrated that age influences clinical progression independent of disease duration. Objective To determine whether age would be associated with greater CNS injury as detected by magnetization transfer MRI. Materials and methods Forty MS patients were recruited from out-patient clinics into two groups stratified by age but with similar clinical disease duration as well as thirteen controls age-matched to the older MS group. Images were segmented by automated programs and blinded readers into normal appearing white matter (NAWM), normal appearing gray matter (NAGM), and white matter lesions (WMLs) and gray matter lesions (GMLs) in the MS groups. WML and GML were delineated on T2-weighted 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T1 weighted MRI volumes. Mean magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), region volume, as well as MTR histogram skew and kurtosis were calculated for each region. Results All MTR measures in NAGM and MTR histogram metrics in NAWM differed between MS subjects and controls, as expected and previously reported by several studies, but not between MS groups. However, MTR measures in the WML did significantly differ between the MS groups, in spite of no significant differences in lesion counts and volumes. Conclusions Despite matching for clinical disease duration and recording no significant WML volume difference, we demonstrated strong MTR differences in WMLs between younger and older MS patients. These data suggest that aging-related processes modify the tissue response to inflammatory injury and its clinical outcome correlates in MS. Magnetization transfer MRI was used in a cohort of 40 MS subjects differing by age. MTR metrics were different between MS groups and controls, as expected. MTR in normal appearing tissue did not differ between age-stratified MS groups. MTR in white matter lesions was strongly different between age-stratified MS groups. Results imply an age-related effect in tissue integrity in MR-visible lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Newbould
- Imanova Centre for Imaging Sciences, London, UK ; Division of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - R Nicholas
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - C L Thomas
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - R Quest
- Department of Imaging, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
| | - J S Z Lee
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - L Honeyfield
- Department of Imaging, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
| | - A Colasanti
- Imanova Centre for Imaging Sciences, London, UK ; Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - O Malik
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - M Mattoscio
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - P M Matthews
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK ; Neurosciences, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, UK
| | - M P Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Italy
| | - A D Waldman
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK ; Department of Imaging, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
| | - P A Muraro
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
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Yi M, Kuerer HM, Lucci A, Meric-Bernstam F, Babiera GV, Thomas CL, Ross MI, Hunt KK. Abstract P4-10-14: Risk of Ipsilateral Breast Events in Patients with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ after Local Excision. Cancer Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs10-p4-10-14] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
To determine the risk of ipsilateral breast events (IBE) in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated with local excision. Patients and Methods
We retrospectively identified 692 patients who had undergone local excision from 1968 through 2007 at our institution with a final diagnosis of DCIS. Factors evaluated included age, race, method of detection, menopausal status, bloody nipple discharge, histological type, final margin status, grade, status at last follow-up and recurrence information. An IBE was defined as the development of breast cancer of invasive histology or DCIS (but not lobular carcinoma in situ) in the treated breast.
Results
At a median follow-up of 6.1 years, 47 (6.8%) IBEs occurred in the 692 patients. Among 47 IBE, 23 (48.9%) were DCIS and 19 (40%) were invasive cancer and 5 (10.6%) were unknown type of IBE. Patients with IBE were younger (53 Vs 57, P=0.04). Whether patients had final positive margin (4 patients) had no influence on IBE. Use of a Cox proportional hazards model showed that patients with high grade tumors and those who did not receive adjuvant radiation therapy (XRT) were more likely to have an IBE (Hazard ratio: 4.1, 95% CI:1.3-13.4, P=0.019). The 5-year rate of ipsilateral breast events for patients with grade III DCIS who did not undergo adjuvant radiation therapy was significantly higher than all others: 15% vs. 4.6% compared to grade I/II with XRT, 15% vs. 10% compared to grade I/II without XRT, and 15% vs. 9.9% in grade III with XRT (P=0.017). Conclusions
Patients with low or intermediate grade DCIS have an acceptably low rate of ipsilateral breast events after local excision with adjuvant radiation therapy. Patients with high-grade lesions treated without irradiation have a rate of IBE of 15% at 6 years, suggesting that excision alone is inadequate treatment in this group. Further follow-up is necessary to document long-term results.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-10-14.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Yi
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - HM Kuerer
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - A Lucci
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - F Meric-Bernstam
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - GV Babiera
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - CL Thomas
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - MI Ross
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - KK. Hunt
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Sun G, Peechakara S, Thomas CL, Seeholzer EL. PACE+ Nutrition and Exercise Counseling for Obese Patients Based on Stage of Change at an Urban Primary Care Clinic. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010. [DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-19-3-aspo03] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Obesity screening and behavioral counseling for adults is recommended but rarely feasible to reduce the risk of developing cancer and many chronic diseases. We intiated obesity screening at an urban clinic and offered obese patients tailored counseling using PACE+, a validated tool designed for the primary care setting.
Aim: To evaluate obesity screening rates, readiness to change, preferences for change and change in BMI in patients counseled with PACE+.
Methods: Electronic medical record (EMR) review of patient data from May 2006 to March 2008. Analyses comparing stage of change to patient characteristics was conducted using the Cochran-Armitage Trend Test. Bivariate comparisons of the continuous items were analyzed using the Chi-square.
Results: Of 5,390 patients in the clinic practice, 2532 (47%) were obese, 2269 (42%) were normal or overweight, and 589 (11%) were not screened. PACE+ educators counseled 843 obese patients (33%) May 2006-March 2008. Mean age 50, mean BMI 39, 79% female and 98% African American. 31% of PACE+ participants had hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. Stage of change for exercise was most often contemplation (38%) and preparation (40%). The preferred activity was walking (62%). Most cited reasons to change behavior were to lower blood pressure, improve health, reduce weight, and increase energy. Most reported activity barriers were pain (20%), weather (13%), and time (10%). Most patients rated their stage of change for reducing calories as preparation (62%). Anticipated nutrition adherence barriers were “will-power,” cost, and time. Participants rated their self-confidence for activity and dietary changes highly. A trend to weight stabilization and weight loss was observed with follow-up.
Conclusion: Obesity screening and a structured low-intensity behavioral counseling by educators was feasible and reached 33% of obese patients in the practice. PACE+ evaluation in the EMR provides retrievable and measurable information about patient stage of change, preferences and perceived adherence barriers. This data can direct efforts to link community and personal resources to optimize behavioral and weight outcomes. Pain cited as an activity barrier by 20% needs further study.
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Abstract
Pleural effusion was examined from a 5-year-old, female Brittany Spaniel with a 7-day history of dyspnea, anorexia, and diarrhea. The fluid was yellow, cloudy, and slightly gelatinous, and had a total protein concentration of 2.8 g/dL, a total nucleated cell concentration of 1.1 x 10(3)/microL, and a triglyceride concentration of 177 mg/dL. A cytocentrifuged preparation contained a mixed inflammatory cell population with a predominance of small lymphocytes and abundant mucinous material in the background. The dog died 3 days later and a mass was found within the lumen and wall of the right auricle of the heart at necropsy. Histopathologic sections of the mass contained a population of anaplastic spindle cells diffusely suspended in a pale basophilic matrix, consistent with myxosarcoma. The cells were positive for vimentin and negative for cytokeratin, desmin, and von Willebrand factor VIII-related antigen. A myxoid matrix was confirmed by positive staining with Alcian blue. Myxosarcoma is a rare cardiac tumor in dogs that should be considered, along with mucus-producing carcinomas and bile, as a cause of muculent effusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey M Riegel
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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Shah D, Rowbottom AW, Thomas CL, Cumber P, Chowdhury MMU. Hypocomplementaemic urticarial vasculitis associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin. Br J Dermatol 2007; 157:392-3. [PMID: 17553046 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.07983.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the incremental costs of pneumonia occurring during hospitalization for stroke. METHODS We reviewed hospital records of all Medicare patients admitted for ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke to 29 hospitals in a large metropolitan area, 1991 through 1997, excluding those who died or had do not resuscitate orders written within 3 days of admission. Hospital costs of patients with stroke were determined using Medicare Provider Analysis and Review data after adjustment for baseline factors affecting cost and propensity for pneumonia. Secondary analyses examined the risk-adjusted relationship of pneumonia to discharge disposition. RESULTS Pneumonia occurred in 5.6% (635/11,286) of patients with stroke, and was more common among patients admitted from nursing homes and those with greater severity of illness (p < 0.001). Mean adjusted costs of hospitalization for patients with stroke with pneumonia were $21,043 (95% CI $19,698 to 22,387) and were $6,206 (95% CI $6,150 to 6,262) for patients without pneumonia, resulting in an incremental cost of $14,836 (95% CI $14,436 to 15,236). Patients with pneumonia were over 70% more likely to be discharged with requirements for extended care (adjusted OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.26). CONCLUSION Extrapolated to the over 500,000 similar patients hospitalized for stroke in the United States, the annual cost of pneumonia as a complication after acute stroke is approximately $459 million.
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Affiliation(s)
- I L Katzan
- Center for Health Care Research & Policy, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA.
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Deacon RMJ, Thomas CL, Rawlins JNP, Morley BJ. A comparison of the behavior of C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 mice. Behav Brain Res 2007; 179:239-47. [PMID: 17339058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 01/31/2007] [Accepted: 02/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Selection of an appropriate animal model is a crucial first step in many research programs. The C57BL/6 (B6) mouse is the most widely used inbred mouse strain in biomedical research; this is particularly so in behavioral studies. However, there are several C57BL substrains, all derived from common ancestors. C57BL/10 (B10) mice are superficially almost identical to B6 mice in appearance and behavior and widely used in inflammation and immunology research, yet rarely in behavioral studies. The present study assessed the comparability of behavioral results from these two strains, to determine whether they could be used interchangeably in future behavioral experiments. The results showed that the behavior of B6 mice clearly differed from that of B10 mice: in tests of cognition, species-typical behaviors, and motor coordination the B6 strain performed better. Consequently, B6 mice will probably remain the preferred choice for behavioral studies. Interpretation of results derived from the B10 strain should take into account its particular behavioral characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M J Deacon
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Simpson SA, Thomas CL, van der Linden MK, Macmillan H, van der Wouden JC, Butler C. Identification of children in the first four years of life for early treatment for otitis media with effusion. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007; 2007:CD004163. [PMID: 17253499 PMCID: PMC8765114 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004163.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the most common cause of acquired hearing loss in childhood and has been associated with delayed language development and behavioural problems. This condition has a point-prevalence of about 20% at the age of two years, a time of rapid language development. It is most often asymptomatic. Effective treatment exists for clearing effusions. Some have argued, therefore, that children should be screened and treated early if found to have clinically important OME. However, there is a high rate of spontaneous resolution of effusions and, for some children, effusions may represent a physiological response that does not reduce hearing significantly or impact negatively on language development or behaviour. Previous reviews of the effect of screening and treatment have included studies using non-randomised designs. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review was to assess evidence from randomised controlled trials about the effect, on language and behavioural outcomes, of screening and treating children with clinically important OME in the first four years of their life. The focus was on the first four years of life because this is the time of most rapid language development. The consequences of hearing loss are likely to be most serious during this time. In addition, children of this age are least likely to be able to report or seek help for impaired hearing, particularly if these problems have a slow onset and are subtle. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 1 2006), MEDLINE (1950 to 2006) and EMBASE (1974 to 2006) in February 2002, and again in January 2006, and the reference lists of all studies. We also contacted the first authors of the studies we included in the original review. SELECTION CRITERIA 1. Randomised controlled trials evaluating interventions for OME among children with OME identified through screening.2. Comparison of outcomes for children randomised to be screened for OME and outcomes for children who were not randomised to be screened for OME. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Four authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality, two in the original review and two for the update. MAIN RESULTS We identified no trials comparing outcomes for children randomised to be screened for OME with outcomes for children who were not randomised to be screened for OME. We identified three trials evaluating interventions for OME among children with OME identified through screening, one of which generated three published studies. These were trials of treatment in children identified through screening rather than trials of treatment programs. From these trials, we found no evidence of clinically important benefit in language development from screening and treating children with clinically important OME. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The identified randomised trials do not show an important benefit on language development and behaviour from screening of the general population of asymptomatic children in the first four years of life for OME. However, these trials were all conducted in developed countries. Evidence generated in the developed world, where children may enjoy better nutrition, better living conditions and less severe and different infections may not be applicable to children in developing countries. The screening aspect of some of these studies was aimed primarily at identifying suitable children in whom to evaluate the effects of treatment, rather than to evaluate the effects of screening programs. Younger children and children with milder disease may have been included in these treatment trials compared to children who are offered treatment in pragmatic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Simpson
- Cardiff University, Department of General Practice, Centre for Health Sciences Research, School of Medicine, 3rd Floor, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK, CF14 4XN.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common and may cause hearing loss with associated developmental delay. Treatment remains controversial. OBJECTIVES To examine evidence for or against treating children with hearing loss associated with OME with systemic or topical intranasal steroids. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library Issue 4 2005, MEDLINE (1966 to 2006), EMBASE (1974 to 2006), and the CINAHL, LILACS, Zetoc, IndMED, SAMED, KoreaMed, MEDCARIB and Cambridge Scientific Abstracts databases in January 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of oral and topical intranasal steroids, either alone or in combination with another agent such as an antibiotic, were included. EXCLUSIONS publications in abstract form only; uncontrolled, non-randomised or retrospective studies; studies reporting outcomes with ears (rather than children). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were extracted from the published reports by the authors independently using standardised data extraction forms and methods. The methodological quality of the included studies was independently assessed by the authors as described in the Cochrane Handbook. Dichotomous results were expressed as an odds ratio using a fixed-effect model together with the 95% confidence intervals. Continuous data were analysed using the weighted mean difference in a fixed-effect model. Tests for heterogeneity between studies were performed using a Mantel-Haenszel approach. In trials with a cross-over design, post cross-over treatment data were not used. MAIN RESULTS No study prospectively documented hearing loss associated with OME prior to randomisation. Follow up was mainly short term. The odds ratio for OME persisting after short-term follow up in children treated with oral steroids compared to control was 0.22 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.63). The odds ratio for OME persisting after short-term follow up for children treated with oral steroids plus antibiotic compared to control plus antibiotic was 0.37 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.56). However, there was significant heterogeneity between studies included in the latter comparison (P < 0.01). Trends favoured steroids for most other comparisons, but confidence intervals included unity. There was no evidence of benefit for steroid treatment for OME or hearing loss associated with OME in the longer term. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Both oral and topical intranasal steroids alone or in combination with an antibiotic lead to a quicker resolution of OME in the short term, however, there is no evidence of longer term benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Cardiff University, Department of General Practice, Centre for Health Sciences Research, School of Medicine, 3rd Floor, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK CF14 4XN.
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Thomas CL. Combination treatment of candidal fingernail onychomycosis. Br J Dermatol 2004; 150:1227; author reply 1227-8. [PMID: 15214929 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.05999.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
A current challenge in plant biology is to identify the structural and functional components of plasmodesmata (PDs). The use of plant tissue as a source material for plasmodesmal characterisation has had limited success, so we have explored the frequency and features of PDs occurring in suspension cell cultures of Arabidopsis thaliana. This material has the advantages of homogeneity, quantity, and ease of disruption. Using light and electron microscopy and immunostaining for callose and calreticulin, we showed that suspension cells laid down abundant PDs in division walls, and that vestiges of these structures were retained as half PDs even when the cell-to-cell contacts were disrupted during culture growth. Although callose was a reliable marker for PD distribution, which was deposited in an organised collar around the neck of PDs, it was not abundant in unstressed cells. Calreticulin and the chemical stain 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide also provided useful markers when monitoring PDs in cell wall preparations by light microscopy. Purified cell walls were shown to be virtually free of contamination from cytoplasmic components, except for the presence of small amounts of cortical endoplasmic reticulum attached to PDs. Hence, clean cell walls from A. thaliana suspension cells provide a valuable resource for a proteomic approach to the analysis of plasmodesmal components.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bayer
- John Innes Centre, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
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Abstract
Phosphoinositides are minor components of biological membranes, which have emerged as essential regulators of a variety of cellular processes, both on the plasma membrane and on several intracellular organelles. The versatility of these lipids stems from their ability to function either as substrates for the generation of second messengers, as membrane-anchoring sites for cytosolic proteins or as regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. Despite a vast literature demonstrating the presence of phosphoinositides in the nucleus, only recently has the function(s) of the nuclear pool of these lipids and their soluble analogues, inositol polyphosphates, started to emerge. These compounds have been shown to serve as essential co-factors for several nuclear processes, including DNA repair, transcription regulation and RNA dynamics. In this light, phosphoinositides and inositol polyphosphates might represent high turnover activity switches for nuclear complexes responsible for these processes. The regulation of these large machineries would be linked to the phosphorylation state of the inositol ring and limited temporally and spatially based on the synthesis and degradation of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Hammond
- Molecular NeuroPathoBiology Laboratory, Lincoln's Inn Fields Laboratories, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PX, UK
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Roberts IM, Wang D, Thomas CL, Maule AJ. Pea seed-borne mosaic virus seed transmission exploits novel symplastic pathways to infect the pea embryo and is, in part, dependent upon chance. Protoplasma 2003; 222:31-43. [PMID: 14513309 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-003-0015-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Seed transmission of pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) depends upon symplastic transport of the virus from infected maternal cells to the embryo. Such transport pathways have not been identified in higher plants. To identify these pathways, we have studied the ultrastructure of the tissues and cells around the micropyle of young developing seeds and compared transmitted and nontransmitted virus isolates. A characteristic of PSbMV infection was the presence of cylindrical inclusions positioned over plasmodesmal openings. The presence of cylindrical inclusions on the testa-endosperm boundary wall, together with immunogold labelling for virus-specific products on the wall and in the endosperm, indicated that symplastic connections existed at this interface. Close examination of the endosperm-suspensor boundary at the base of the suspensor revealed discontinuities in the suspensor sheath wall as porelike structures, which the virus might pass through en route to the embryo. A nontransmitted PSbMV isolate was able to invade the maternal tissues of the developing seed but was excluded from the embryo, although it was detected at a low level in the endosperm. Since the endosperm did not support virus replication, it appeared that passive accumulation determined the amount, timing, and location of the virus relative to the base of the suspensor. Rarely, therefore, could the nontransmitted virus isolate reach the correct location in the endosperm at the correct time for embryo infection via the suspensor to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Roberts
- Scottish Crop Research Institute, Dundee, UK
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Osborne SL, Thomas CL, Gschmeissner S, Schiavo G. Nuclear PtdIns(4,5)P2 assembles in a mitotically regulated particle involved in pre-mRNA splicing. J Cell Sci 2001; 114:2501-11. [PMID: 11559758 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.114.13.2501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide turnover regulates multiple cellular processes. Compared with their well-known cytosolic roles, limited information is available on the functions of nuclear phosphoinositides. Here, we show that phosphatidylinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) stably associates with electron-dense particles within the nucleus that resemble interchromatin granule clusters. These PtdIns(4,5)P2-containing structures have a distribution which is cell-cycle dependent and contain components of both the transcriptional and pre-mRNA processing machinery, including RNA polymerase II and the splicing factor SC-35. Immunodepletion and add-back experiments demonstrate that PtdIns(4,5)P2 and associated factors are necessary but not sufficient for pre-mRNA splicing in vitro, indicating a crucial role for PtdIns(4,5)P2-containing complexes in nuclear pre-mRNA processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Osborne
- Molecular Neuropathobiology Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PX, UK
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Bunker ML, Thomas CL, Geyer SJ. Optimizing pretransfusion antibody detection and identification: a parallel, blinded comparison of tube PEG, solid-phase, and automated methods. Transfusion 2001; 41:621-6. [PMID: 11346697 DOI: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2001.41050621.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ideal pretransfusion testing strategy identifies maximal significant antibodies at minimal cost. Objectives of this study were to compare the characteristics of three testing methods and determine their optimal incorporation into the following generic testing sequence: 1) screen, for antibodies 2) if results are positive, use primary identification method, 3) if results are inconclusive, use secondary identification method. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 2000 consecutive, unselected, coded specimens were tested with three screening methods-PEG IAT, manual and automated solid phase red cell adherence assay (SPRCA). Of 202 positive results, 187 were of sufficient volume and were tested with both PEG and manual SPRCA identification panels, yielding 82 with significant antibodies, plus one that was negative by both methods found on retrospective review of nonstudy results. Calculations were made on the 1985 volume-sufficient specimens, simulating the possible testing permutations. RESULTS Manual SPRCA was the most sensitive antibody screen (67/83 = 81%) and the least specific (1840/1902 = 97%); automated SPRCA was the least sensitive (54/83 = 65%) and most specific (1883/1902 = 99%); and PEG was intermediate in both sensitivity (64/83 = 77%) and specificity (1860/1902 = 98%). Of the identification panels, manual SPRCA identified more antibodies than PEG (67 versus 66) but had more inconclusive results (41 versus 20). Of overall strategies, manual SPRCA screening with either sequence of identification methods identified the most antibodies (66). The combination of PEG screen, PEG identification, and manual SPRCA identification identified slightly fewer antibodies (63) but had the lowest reagent cost, total (reagent plus labor) cost, and cost per antibody identified. The sequence of automated SPRCA screening with manual SPRCA identification, and PEG identification had the lowest hands-on time. CONCLUSIONS The most cost-effective pretransfusion strategy is PEG screen with PEG identification, plus manual SPRCA identification when PEG identification is inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Bunker
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224, USA.
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Thomas CL, Jones L, Baulcombe DC, Maule AJ. Size constraints for targeting post-transcriptional gene silencing and for RNA-directed methylation in Nicotiana benthamiana using a potato virus X vector. Plant J 2001; 25:417-25. [PMID: 11260498 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-313x.2001.00976.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Using a recombinant potato virus X (PVX) vector, we investigated the relationship between the length of RNA sequence identity with a transgene and the ability to promote post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) and transgene methylation. The lower size limit required for targeting reporter transgene mRNA de novo using PTGS was 23 nucleotides (nt) of complete identity, a size corresponding to that of small RNAs associated with PTGS in plants and RNA interference (RNAi) in animals. The size and sequence specificity were also explored for PTGS-associated transgene methylation and for the targeting of the vector RNA. The PTGS-competent short sequences resulted in similar patterns of methylation. In all cases, including specific sequences of 33 nt with or without symmetrical cytosine residues, the methylation was distributed throughout the transcribed region of the transgene. In contrast, short sequences lacking symmetrical cytosines were less efficient at promoting PTGS of the transgene mRNA. Short gfp sequences in the PVX vector provided as effective a target for the degradation of viral RNA as was found for PVX carrying the complete gfp cDNA. Short sequences were able to initiate PTGS of an endogenous gene, phyotene desaturase, although this occurred in the absence of DNA methylation. This experimental approach provides important insights into the relationship between short RNA sequences and PTGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Department of Virus Research, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare the accuracy and performance of two electrochemical glucose meters. To determine the user acceptability of these glucose meters and the ABL 620 Blood Gas Analyser (Radiometer, Copenhagen, Denmark) with an electrochemical glucose oxidase electrode for use in a Level 2 special care baby unit. METHODOLOGY A total of 108 blood samples were collected from 47 babies at risk for hypoglycaemia. The blood glucose level was measured with two glucose meters, the Advantage Glucose Meter (Roche Diagnostics, Castle Hill, Australia) and the Precision-G Blood Glucose Testing System (Medisense, Melbourne, Australia), and the true blood glucose (TBG) measured with the ABL 620 blood gas analyser. Results from the glucose meters were compared with the TBG (as a percentage of the TBG). RESULTS The mean (SD) percentage difference between the Advantage Glucose Meter and TBG was 4.5% (12. 5), and Precision-G Glucose Meter and TBG was 15.4% (12.4). The sample haematocrit did not significantly influence the glucose meter/TBG differences. There was an overall preference by the nursing staff for the Advantage Glucose Meter. CONCLUSIONS The Advantage Glucose Meter was significantly more accurate than the Precision-G with similar precision. It was the preferred method of screening for neonatal hypoglycaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Level 2 Special Care Baby Unit, Nambour General Hospital, Nambour, Queensland, Australia
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Thomas CL, Maule AJ. Limitations on the use of fused green fluorescent protein to investigate structure-function relationships for the cauliflower mosaic virus movement protein. J Gen Virol 2000; 81:1851-5. [PMID: 10859392 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-81-7-1851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the process of tubule formation for the cauliflower mosaic virus movement protein (CaMV MP), the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was fused to the MP to provide a vital marker for MP location after expression in insect cells. In contrast to the long tubular structures seen previously following baculovirus-based expression of the wild-type MP, the fusion protein produced only aggregates of fluorescing material in the cytoplasm. However, by co-expressing wild-type MP and GFP-MP, or by engineering their co-accumulation by introducing a foot-and-mouth disease virus 2A cleavage sequence between GFP and MP, long GFP-fluorescing tubules were formed. The experiments suggest that the presence of GFP at the N or C terminus of the tubule-forming domain of the CaMV MP places steric constraints upon the aggregation of the MP into a tubule but that this can be overcome by providing wild-type protein for inclusion in the aggregate.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
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van Boxtel J, Thomas CL, Maule AJ. Phylogenetic analysis of two potyvirus pathogens of commercial cowpea lines: implications for obtaining pathogen-derived resistance. Virus Genes 2000; 20:71-7. [PMID: 10766309 DOI: 10.1023/a:1008164324663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
As a prelude to developing engineered resistance to two important potyvirus pathogens of cowpea, a phylogenetic analysis of strains of Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CAbMV) and Bean common mosaic virus--blackeye cowpea strain (BCMV-B1C) was undertaken. Nucleotide sequences for the coat protein genes and 3'-untranslated regions of four CAbMV and one BCMV-B1C strains were determined and included in an analysis with published sequences. While all the newly sequenced viruses showed strong homology with the existing respective sequences in the database, the CAbMV group showed a divergence into two subgroups. These groups differed from each other by more than some CAbMV strains differed from the South African Passiflora virus (CAbMV-SAP), which has distinct biological characteristics. The implications of the sequence analyses are discussed with respect to a strategy for the generation of engineered resistance to both groups of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Boxtel
- Department of Virus Research, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, UK
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Escaler M, Aranda MA, Roberts IM, Thomas CL, Maule AJ. A comparison between virus replication and abiotic stress (heat) as modifiers of host gene expression in pea. Mol Plant Pathol 2000; 1:159-167. [PMID: 20572962 DOI: 10.1046/j.1364-3703.2000.00020.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Pea embryonic tissues respond to active replication of pea seed-borne mosaic potyvirus (PSbMV) by the down-regulation of a range of genes and the induction of others. Both of these responses can be seen when tissues are subjected to abiotic stress, particularly heat. We have compared the effects of the two inducers to assess whether the host alterations following virus replication represent generic responses to stress, or more specific effects. Five classes of response were identified: (i) genes induced by both stresses (e.g. heat shock protein 70, hsp70); (ii) genes induced by virus replication but unaffected by heat (e.g. glutathione reductase 2, gor2); (iii) genes induced by heat but unaffected by virus replication (e.g. heat shock factor, hsf); (iv) genes down-regulated by virus replication and unaffected by heat (e.g. vicilin, vic); and (v) genes unaffected by both inducers (e.g. actin, act and beta-tubulin, tub). A change in the appearance and organization of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was also seen in cells actively replicating PSbMV RNA. Heat treatment of pea embryonic tissues also produced altered ER, although the changes were different from those seen following virus infection. Collectively, these data show that, while there are some common features of the responses to virus infection and heat, there are also substantial differences. Hence, it appears that the host response to virus replication is not a general stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Escaler
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
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Abstract
The response of pea embryonic tissues to the replication of a range of different viruses was investigated using in situ hybridization to analyze changes in the expression of two host genes, heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) and lipoxygenase (lox1). Excised pea embryos were infected using microprojectile bombardment with a nonseed transmissible strain of Pea seed-borne mosaic potyvirus, or with Pea early browning tobravirus (PEBV), White Clover mosaic potexvirus, or Beet curly top geminivirus. Collectively, these examples represent families of viruses with differing genomic features, differing numbers of genomic components and differing replication strategies. In all cases, there was an induction of hsp70 associated with virus replication and, in most cases, a downregulation of lox1. Hence, either each virus has a direct inducer of these common responses or the induction is indirectly the result of a generic feature of virus infection. By exploiting the bipartite nature of the PEBV genome, the coat protein gene and genes involved in vector transmission were excluded as potential inducers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Escaler
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
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Mott JD, Thomas CL, Rosenbach MT, Takahara K, Greenspan DS, Banda MJ. Post-translational proteolytic processing of procollagen C-terminal proteinase enhancer releases a metalloproteinase inhibitor. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:1384-90. [PMID: 10625689 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.275.2.1384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) is regulated by a family of proteins called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP). Four TIMPs have been cloned, and their molecular weights range from 29,000 to 20,000. By reverse zymography, we have observed a metalloproteinase inhibitor with an apparent molecular weight of 16, 500 from medium conditioned by human brain tumor cells. Antibodies directed against TIMPs failed to react with the 16,500 molecular weight inhibitor, indicating that it was not a truncated form of a known TIMP. The inhibitor was isolated from conditioned medium using affinity and ion exchange chromatography. N-terminal sequences of the inhibitor matched amino acid sequences within the C-terminal domain of a protein known as procollagen C-terminal proteinase enhancer (PCPE). Thus, the inhibitor was named CT-PCPE. Comparison of the N-terminal domain of TIMP with CT-PCPE revealed that both contained six cysteine residues. As in the case of TIMP, reduction and alkylation abolished the inhibitory activity of CT-PCPE. Purified CT-PCPE inhibited MMP-2 with an IC(50) value much greater than that of TIMP-2. This implies that MMPs may not be the physiologic targets for CT-PCPE inhibition. However, these results suggest that CT-PCPE may constitute a new class of metalloproteinase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Mott
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0750, USA.
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Jones L, Hamilton AJ, Voinnet O, Thomas CL, Maule AJ, Baulcombe DC. RNA-DNA interactions and DNA methylation in post-transcriptional gene silencing. Plant Cell 1999; 11:2291-301. [PMID: 10590159 PMCID: PMC144133 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.11.12.2291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) is a homology-dependent process that reduces cytoplasmic RNA levels. In several experimental systems, there is also an association of PTGS with methylation of DNA. To investigate this association, we used plants carrying a transgene encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Gene silencing was induced using potato virus X RNA vectors carrying parts of the coding sequence or the promoter of the GFP transgene. In each instance, homology-based, RNA-directed methylation was associated with silencing. When the GFP-transcribed region was targeted, PTGS affected both transgene and viral RNA levels. When methylation was targeted to a promoter region, transgene RNA levels were reduced; however, viral RNA levels were unaffected. For comparison, we induced PTGS of the gene encoding the endogenous ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco) small subunit (rbcS) by inoculation with potato virus X-rbcS. In this example, no methylation of the rbcS DNA was associated with the reduction in rbcS transcript levels, and viral RNA levels were unaffected. Finally, we investigated DNA methylation by using GFP-transformed plants in which PTGS was induced by localized introduction of a T-DNA carrying GFP sequences. In these plants, there was methylation of a GFP transgene associated with systemic spread of a gene-silencing signal from the infiltrated part of the plant. This transgene methylation was not affected when systemic PTGS was blocked by suppressors of silencing encoded by potato virus Y and cucumber mosaic virus. Combined, these data support an epigenetic model of PTGS in which transgene methylation is associated with an RNA-DNA interaction that ensures that PTGS is maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jones
- Sainsbury Laboratory, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
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Liu H, Boulton MI, Thomas CL, Prior DA, Oparka KJ, Davies JW. Maize streak virus coat protein is karyophyllic and facilitates nuclear transport of viral DNA. Mol Plant Microbe Interact 1999; 12:894-900. [PMID: 10517029 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi.1999.12.10.894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Transport of maize streak virus (MSV) DNA into the nucleus of host cells is essential for virus replication and the presence of virus particles in the nuclei of infected cells implies that coat protein (CP) must enter the nucleus. To see if CP is imported into the nucleus in the absence of other viral gene products, the MSV CP gene was expressed in insect cells with a baculovirus vector system, and also in tobacco protoplasts with a cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter-driven transient gene expression vector. Immunofluorescent staining showed that the CP accumulated in the nuclei of both insect and tobacco cells. Mutagenesis of a potential nuclear localization signal in the CP resulted in cytoplasmic accumulation of the mutant protein. We have shown previously that the CP binds to single-stranded (ss) and double-stranded (ds) viral DNA. To investigate if CP might also be involved in viral DNA nuclear transport, Escherichia coli-expressed CP, together with TOTO-1-labeled viral ss or ds DNA, was microinjected into maize and tobacco epidermal cells. Both ss and ds DNA moved into the nucleus when co-injected with the CP but not with E. coli proteins alone. These results suggest that, in addition to entering the nucleus where it is required for encapsidation of the viral ss DNA, the MSV CP facilitates the rapid transport of viral (ss or ds) DNA into the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Liu
- Department of Virus Research, John Innes Centre, Norwich, U.K
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Abstract
Since some heat-inducible genes [heat shock (hs) genes] can be induced by virus infection in pea [e.g. Hsp70; Aranda et al. 1996, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 93, 15289-15293], we have investigated the effect that heat and virus replication may have on the expression of a heat-shock transcription factor gene (Hsf). We have characterized what appears to be the only member of the Hsf family in pea, PsHsfA. Similar to Hsp70, PsHsfA is heat-inducible in vegetative and embryonic tissues, which is concordant with the presence of heat shock elements (HSEs) and stress responsive elements (STREs) on its promoter sequence. The expression of PsHsfA during virus replication was studied in pea cotyledons and leaves, and compared to that of Hsp70. In situ hybridization experiments showed that whereas Hsp70 is induced, there is no detectable increased accumulation of PsHsfA RNA associated with the replication of pea seed-borne mosaic potyvirus (PSbMV). These experiments indicate that there is a selective control of virus-induced hs gene expression, and suggest that different regulatory pathways control hs gene expression during heat shock and virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Aranda
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, UK
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Thomas CL, Palmer TJ, Shipley P. Negative pressure pulmonary edema after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in a pediatric patient: case report and review. AANA J 1999; 67:425-30. [PMID: 10876434] [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: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) continues to be reported as a complication of upper airway obstructions seen by anesthesia providers during induction or emergence. The majority of patients reported to have experienced NPPE have been healthy, without underlying pulmonary or cardiac disease. Factors associated with the formation of NPPE include young male patients and patients with long periods of airway obstruction. Overzealous intraoperative fluid administration and preexisting heart and lung disease also have been implicated as predisposing factors. Negative pressure pulmonary edema is the result of a marked decrease in intrathoracic pressure caused by ventilatory efforts against a closed glottis resulting in a disruption of the normal intravascular Starling mechanism, ultimately leading to the transudation of intravascular proteins and fluid into the pulmonary interstitium. The onset of NPPE is usually rapid, and without prompt recognition and intervention, the outcome can be fatal. A case of NPPE in a pediatric patient after an otherwise uncomplicated surgical procedure was observed in our institution and is described in this report.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Oakland University-Beaumont Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia, Royal Oak, Mich., USA
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Scott IC, Blitz IL, Pappano WN, Imamura Y, Clark TG, Steiglitz BM, Thomas CL, Maas SA, Takahara K, Cho KW, Greenspan DS. Mammalian BMP-1/Tolloid-related metalloproteinases, including novel family member mammalian Tolloid-like 2, have differential enzymatic activities and distributions of expression relevant to patterning and skeletogenesis. Dev Biol 1999; 213:283-300. [PMID: 10479448 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.1999.9383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [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: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP-1) and Drosophila Tolloid (TLD) are prototypes of a family of metalloproteases with important roles in various developmental events. BMP-1 affects morphogenesis, at least partly, via biosynthetic processing of fibrillar collagens, while TLD affects dorsal-ventral patterning by releasing TGFbeta-like ligands from latent complexes with the secreted protein Short Gastrulation (SOG). Here, in a screen for additional mammalian members of this family of developmental proteases, we identify novel family member mammalian Tolloid-like 2 (mTLL-2) and compare enzymatic activities and expression domains of all four known mammalian BMP-1/TLD-like proteases [BMP-1, mammalian Tolloid (mTLD), mammalian Tolloid-like 1 (mTLL-1), and mTLL-2]. Despite high sequence similarities, distinct differences are shown in ability to process fibrillar collagen precursors and to cleave Chordin, the vertebrate orthologue of SOG. As previously demonstrated for BMP-1 and mTLD, mTLL-1 is shown to specifically process procollagen C-propeptides at the physiologically relevant site, while mTLL-2 is shown to lack this activity. BMP-1 and mTLL-1 are shown to cleave Chordin, at sites similar to procollagen C-propeptide cleavage sites, and to counteract dorsalizing effects of Chordin upon overexpression in Xenopus embryos. Proteases mTLD and mTLL-2 do not cleave Chordin. Differences in enzymatic activities and expression domains of the four proteases suggest BMP-1 as the major Chordin antagonist in early mammalian embryogenesis and in pre- and postnatal skeletogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I C Scott
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
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Abstract
Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) encodes a movement protein (MP) which forms tubules in vivo and mediates the translocation of virus particles through plasmodesmata. The relationship between CaMV MP structure and function, in isolation from the complete virus infection, was studied by using MP expression in insect cells. The study allowed the MP domains necessary for tubule formation to be identified and potential MP-MP interactions to be investigated by using double infections with recombinant baculoviruses. Two MP domains which interfered with the ability of the wild-type MP to form tubules were identified. These mutant domains appeared to act as competitive, rather than dominant negative, inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
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48
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Molecular Neuropathobiology, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, UK
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Thomas CL. African Americans and women in orthopaedic residency. The Johns Hopkins experience. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1999:65-71. [PMID: 10335281] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
At the Johns Hopkins Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, African Americans have comprised 22.9% of all residents admitted through the match program between enrollment years 1992 and 1998, and women have comprised 14.3%. The number of African American residents within the Orthopaedic program during any given academic year has been as high as 32%, and the number of female residents has been as high as 20%. These numbers have been achieved even though African Americans comprise only 1.5% of all United States orthopaedists, whereas women comprise only 2.3%. This achievement has been the result of a commitment by the chairman of the Johns Hopkins Department of Orthopaedic Surgery to develop diversity within the department's residency program.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thomas
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Liu L, Saunders K, Thomas CL, Davies JW, Stanley J. Bean yellow dwarf virus RepA, but not rep, binds to maize retinoblastoma protein, and the virus tolerates mutations in the consensus binding motif. Virology 1999; 256:270-9. [PMID: 10191192 DOI: 10.1006/viro.1999.9616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It has previously been reported that complementary-sense gene products of wheat dwarf virus (WDV), a geminivirus of the genus Mastrevirus that infects monocotyledonous plants, bind to human and maize retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. Rb proteins control cell-cycle progression by sequestering transcription factors required for entry into S-phase, suggesting that the virus modifies the cellular environment to produce conditions suitable for viral DNA replication. Using a yeast two-hybrid assay, we have investigated whether the complementary-sense gene products of bean yellow dwarf virus, a mastrevirus that is adapted to dicotyledonous plants, also bind maize Rb protein. We demonstrate that whereas RepA binds to Rb protein, Rep does not, suggesting that RepA alone regulates host gene expression and progression of cells to S-phase. RepA mutants containing L --> I, C --> S, C --> G, and E --> Q mutations within the consensus Rb protein binding motif LXCXE retained the ability to bind to Rb, but with reduced efficiency. Most notably, the E --> Q mutation reduced binding by approximately 95%. Nonetheless, all LXCXE mutants were able to replicate in tobacco protoplasts and to systemically infect Nicotiana benthamiana and bean, in which they produced wild-type symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Liu
- Department of Virus Research, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
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