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Jones AA, Schneider KE, Tobin KE, O'Sullivan D, Latkin CA. Daily opioid and stimulant co-use and nonfatal overdoses in the context of social disadvantage: Findings on marginalized populations. J Subst Use Addict Treat 2023:208986. [PMID: 36822268 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.208986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Opioids and stimulants are increasingly implicated in overdose deaths, particularly among minoritized groups. We examined daily opioid and cocaine co-use, nonfatal overdoses, and naloxone carrying among minoritized people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS The study derived data from 499 PWID in Baltimore City, MD, recruited using street-based outreach between 2016 and 2019. Participants reported overdoses; sociodemographic characteristics; and use of nonmedical prescription opioids, heroin, cocaine, and naloxone. RESULTS Among the participants, the mean age was 46, 34 % were female, 64 % self-identified as Black, and 53 % experienced recent homelessness. Black PWID, compared to White PWID, were as likely to use opioids and cocaine daily but were 61 % less likely to have naloxone. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, women (aOR:1.88, 95%CI: 1.14, 3.11), persons experiencing homelessness (aOR:3.07, 95%CI: 1.79, 5.24), and those who experienced a recent overdose (aOR:2.14, 95%CI: 1.29, 3.58) were significantly more likely to use opioids and any form of cocaine every day. In a subanalysis of only female PWID, females engaged in sex work (aOR:2.27, 95%CI: 1.02, 5.07) and females experiencing recent homelessness (aOR:5.82, 95%CI: 2.50, 13.52) were significantly more likely to use opioids and cocaine daily. Furthermore, females (aOR:1.69, 95%CI:1.03, 2.77), persons experiencing homelessness (aOR:1.94, 95%CI:1.16, 3.24), and those with higher educational attainment (aOR:2.06, 95%CI:1.09, 3.91) were more likely to often/always carry naloxone, while Black PWID were less likely to have naloxone (aOR:0.39, 95%CI:0.22, 0.69). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the need for targeted naloxone distribution and other harm-reduction interventions among minoritized groups in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Jones
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, USA.
| | - K E Schneider
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, USA
| | - K E Tobin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, USA
| | - D O'Sullivan
- Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - C A Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, USA
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2
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Binkhorst JR, Lindsay S, O'Sullivan D. POSTER ABSTRACTS. Contraception 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2021.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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3
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Newmark J, Bell C, O'Sullivan D, Wierzbicki A, Soran H, Simpson W, Miedzybrodzka Z. Familial chylomicronaemia syndrome: National genetics testing results from the United Kingdom. Atherosclerosis 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.10.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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4
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Came H, O'Sullivan D, McCreanor T. Introducing Critical Tiriti Policy Analysis: A new tool for anti-racism from Aotearoa New Zealand. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.674] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Issue/problem
Te Tiriti o Waitangi (te Tiriti) was negotiated between the British Crown and Indigenous Māori in 1840. Māori understood the agreement as an affirmation of political authority and a guarantee of British protection. The Crown understood it as a cession of sovereignty. Te Tiriti places a mandatory obligation on the Crown to protect and promote Māori health that has not been upheld.
Description of the problem
Ethnic inequities in health outcomes have been allowed to flourish in Aotearoa. We explored to what extend te Tiriti could be a anti-racism tool that health policy could be usefully evaluated against?
Results
We introduce Critical Tiriti Analysis (CTA) a new form of critical policy analysis. CTA involves reviewing policy documents against the Preamble and the Articles of the Māori text of te Tiriti o Waitangi. The review process has five defined phases: i) orientation; ii) close reading; iii) determination; iv) strengthening practice; and v) Māori final word. We present a working example of CTA using the New Zealand Government’s Primary Health Care Strategy. This policy analysis found poor alignment with te Tiriti overall and the indicators of its implementation that we propose.
Lessons
This paper provides direction to public health practitioners wanting to improve Māori health outcomes and ensure Indigenous engagement, leadership and substantive authority in the policy process. It offers an approach to analysing policy that is simple to use and, inherently, a tool for advancing social justice.
Key messages
CTA is an anti-racism tool for holding the Crown accountable for Māori health. CTA could be adapted and applied in other colonial contexts to advance Indigenous health.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Came
- Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D O'Sullivan
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Canberra, Australia
| | - T McCreanor
- Te Rōpū Whāriki, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Caiazza C, Preziosi V, Tomaiuolo G, O'Sullivan D, Guida V, Guido S. Flow-induced concentration gradients in shear-banding of branched wormlike micellar solutions. J Colloid Interface Sci 2019; 534:695-703. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2018.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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O'Sullivan D, Adams MP, Tarn MD, Harrison AD, Vergara-Temprado J, Porter GCE, Holden MA, Sanchez-Marroquin A, Carotenuto F, Whale TF, McQuaid JB, Walshaw R, Hedges DHP, Burke IT, Cui Z, Murray BJ. Contributions of biogenic material to the atmospheric ice-nucleating particle population in North Western Europe. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13821. [PMID: 30217983 PMCID: PMC6138667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A minute fraction of atmospheric particles exert a disproportionate effect on the phase of mixed-phase clouds by acting as ice-nucleating particles (INPs). To understand the effects of these particles on weather and climate, both now and into the future, we must first develop a quantitative understanding of the major INP sources worldwide. Previous work has demonstrated that aerosols such as desert dusts are globally important INPs, but the role of biogenic INPs is unclear, with conflicting evidence for their importance. Here, we show that at a temperate site all INPs active above −18 °C at concentrations >0.1 L−1 are destroyed on heating, consistent with these INPs being of biological origin. Furthermore, we show that a global model of desert dust INPs dramatically underestimates the measured INP concentrations, but is consistent with the thermally-stable component. Notably, the heat sensitive INPs are active at temperatures where shallow cloud layers in Northern Europe are frequently observed to glaciate. Hence, we suggest that biogenic material is important for primary ice production in this region. The prevalence of heat sensitive, most likely biogenic, INPs in this region highlights that, as a community, we need to quantify the sources and transport of these particles as well as determine their atmospheric abundance across the globe and at cloud altitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D O'Sullivan
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.,NHS Digital,1 Trevelyan Square, Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6AE, UK
| | - M P Adams
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - M D Tarn
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - A D Harrison
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - J Vergara-Temprado
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.,Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - G C E Porter
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - M A Holden
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.,School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - A Sanchez-Marroquin
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - F Carotenuto
- Institute of Biometeorology, National Research Council (IBIMET-CNR), Via Caproni 8, 50145, Florence, Italy
| | - T F Whale
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - J B McQuaid
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - R Walshaw
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - D H P Hedges
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - I T Burke
- Earth Surface Science Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Z Cui
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - B J Murray
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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O'Sullivan D, Roe M, Blake C. Analysis of head impacts during sub-elite hurling practice sessions. J Sports Sci 2017; 36:1256-1261. [PMID: 28873025 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1373196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The reported incidence of head and neck injuries in hurling is 0.12 per 1000 hours, but no previous research has quantified head impact characteristics in this sport. Here, a wireless accelerometer and gyroscope captured head impacts, in 20 senior club level hurling players. Peak linear and rotational acceleration and impact location were recorded during three hurling training sessions, each player participating once. A mean of 27.9 impacts (linear acceleration >10g) per player, per session were recorded; 1314 impacts during a total exposure time of 247 minutes. Only 2.6% impacts had peak linear acceleration of >70g and 6.2% had peak rotational acceleration >7900 rad/s2. There were significant differences in the number and magnitude of impacts, quantified by the accelerometer, between three training sessions of differing intensity (ŋ2 0.03-0.09, p < 0.001). This study represents a first step in quantifying head impacts during hurling, demonstrating the feasibility of this technology in the field. The sensors were able to discriminate between sessions of varying intensity. These data can be used to develop athlete monitoring protocols and may be useful in developing innovative helmet-testing standards for hurling. The potential for this technology to provide feedback has clinical utility for team medical personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- D O'Sullivan
- a Division of Sport Science, Kyungam Gym, Sports Science , Pusan National University , Busan , Republic of Korea
| | - M Roe
- b School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.,c Gaelic Sport Research Centre , Institute of Technology Tallaght , Dublin , Ireland
| | - C Blake
- b School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
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8
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Lonergan PE, Nic An Riogh A, O'Kelly F, Lundon DJ, O'Sullivan D, O'Connell M, Hegarty PK. Dynamic sentinel node biopsy for penile cancer: an initial experience in an Irish Hospital. Ir J Med Sci 2017; 186:841-845. [PMID: 28102480 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-017-1558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of nodal metastases is the single most important prognostic factor in penile cancer. However, reliable assessment of nodal status in clinically node-negative (cN0) patients poses a challenge. Approximately 20% of these patients harbour occult nodal metastases. Currently available non-invasive radiological investigations are unreliable in excluding micrometastatic disease. AIM Dynamic sentinel node biopsy (DSNB) is a minimally invasive procedure for assessing lymph node involvement. We report our initial experience with DSNB in assessing the status of regional lymph nodes in cN0 penile cancer patients. METHODS DSNB was performed in penile cancer patients with at least one cN0 groin. All patients undergoing DSNB at our institution were included. Lymphoscintigraphic images were obtained from all patients, after intradermal, peritumoral injection of a Technetium-99m nanocolloid. The sentinel nodes were defined as the nodes identified on lymphoscintigraphy, which were also radioactive intraoperatively using a gamma probe. RESULTS In total, 18 groins from 11 patients underwent DSNB. Of these, 11 patients underwent bilateral DSNB and 4 had unilateral DSNB. The mean (range) age of patients at the time of presentation of their primary tumour was 63 (39-78) years. A mean of 1.2 nodes per groin was retrieved. One lymph node was positive in one patient, who subsequently underwent a bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection. Overall, the median (range) follow-up was 12.8 (2.7-31.3) months with no local or regional recurrences. CONCLUSION Further cases and longer follow-up will define the accuracy of this technique in the Irish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- P E Lonergan
- Department of Urology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland.
| | - A Nic An Riogh
- Department of Urology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - F O'Kelly
- Department of Urology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - D J Lundon
- Department of Urology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - D O'Sullivan
- Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M O'Connell
- Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P K Hegarty
- Department of Urology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland.,Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Mater Private Hospital, Cork, Ireland
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9
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O'Reilly K, O'Connell P, Donohoe G, Coyle C, O'Sullivan D, Azvee Z, Maddock C, Sharma K, Sadi H, McMahon M, Kennedy HG. Anticholinergic burden in schizophrenia and ability to benefit from psychosocial treatment programmes: a 3-year prospective cohort study. Psychol Med 2016; 46:3199-3211. [PMID: 27576609 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716002154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many medications administered to patients with schizophrenia possess anticholinergic properties. When aggregated, pharmacological treatments may result in a considerable anticholinergic burden. The extent to which anticholinergic burden has a deleterious effect on cognition and impairs ability to participate in and benefit from psychosocial treatments is unknown. METHOD Seventy patients were followed for approximately 3 years. The MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB) was administered at baseline. Anticholinergic burden was measured with the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale. Ability to benefit from psychosocial programmes was measured using the DUNDRUM-3 Programme Completion Scale (D-3) at baseline and follow-up. Psychiatric symptoms were measured using the PANSS. Total antipsychotic dose was measured using chlorpromazine equivalents. Functioning was measured using the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS). RESULTS Mediation analysis found that the influence of anticholinergic burden on ability to participate and benefit from psychosocial programmes was completely mediated by the MCCB. For every 1-unit increase on the ACB scale, change scores for DUNDRUM-3 decreased by -0.27 points. This relationship appears specific to anticholinergic burden and not total antipsychotic dose. Moreover, mediation appears to be specific to cognition and not psychopathology. Baseline functioning also acted as mediator but only when MCCB was not controlled for. CONCLUSIONS Anticholinergic burden has a significant impact on patients' ability to participate in and benefit from psychosocial treatment programmes. Physicians need to be mindful of the cumulative effect that medications can have on patient cognition, functional capacity and ability to benefit from psychosocial treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- K O'Reilly
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum,Dublin,Ireland
| | - P O'Connell
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum,Dublin,Ireland
| | - G Donohoe
- Department of Psychology,National University of Ireland,Galway,Ireland
| | - C Coyle
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum,Dublin,Ireland
| | - D O'Sullivan
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum,Dublin,Ireland
| | - Z Azvee
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum,Dublin,Ireland
| | - C Maddock
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum,Dublin,Ireland
| | - K Sharma
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum,Dublin,Ireland
| | - H Sadi
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum,Dublin,Ireland
| | - M McMahon
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum,Dublin,Ireland
| | - H G Kennedy
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum,Dublin,Ireland
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O'Sullivan D. Late effects of chemotherapeutic agents on renal function in childhood cancer survivors: a review of the literature. Ir J Med Sci 2016; 186:49-55. [PMID: 27339643 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-016-1473-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival outcomes for childhood cancers have significantly improved. As more children are now surviving into adulthood, knowledge of the long-term effects of childhood cancer treatments has become the focus of research. AIM To determine what is known about the incidence of renal function impairment in childhood cancer survivors and to determine what is known about risk factors for developing renal function impairment following childhood cancer treatment. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was preformed to identify studies that investigated renal dysfunction in patients who were diagnosed with childhood cancer and treated with potentially nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Potentially nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents identified in the selection criteria include ifosfamide, cisplatin, carboplatin and methotrexate. RESULTS 15 papers met the inclusion criteria. Renal function impairment was reported in 15 of 15 studies included in this literature review. The incidence of ifosfamide induced nephrotoxicity varied from 1 to 50 %. This variation may be due to the heterogeneity of reported outcome measurements. Treatment with cisplatin and carboplatin was associated with hypomagnesemia. The prevalence of hypomagnesemia varied from 7 to 29 %. This variation may be due to diversity of treatment protocols. The incidence of renal dysfunction following treatment with methotrexate was reported as 1.8 % and completely reversible. CONCLUSION As more childhood cancer survivors are reaching adulthood, a new niche of cancer research has emerged. Researchers are now investigating the late effects due to cytotoxic treatments. Renal function impairment is a potential late effect of treatment with nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents including ifosfamide, cisplatin, carboplatin and methotrexate.
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Affiliation(s)
- D O'Sullivan
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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11
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Cann F, Corbett M, O'Sullivan D, Tennant S, Hailey H, Grieve J, Broadhurst P, Rankin R, Dean J. Phenotype-driven molecular autopsy for sudden cardiac death. Clin Genet 2016; 91:22-29. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Cann
- Department of Clinical Genetics; Ashgrove House; Aberdeen Scotland
| | - M. Corbett
- Pathology Department; University Medical Buildings; Aberdeen Scotland
| | - D. O'Sullivan
- North of Scotland Genetics Laboratory; Polwarth Building; Aberdeen Scotland
| | - S. Tennant
- North of Scotland Genetics Laboratory; Polwarth Building; Aberdeen Scotland
| | - H. Hailey
- Department of Clinical Genetics; Ashgrove House; Aberdeen Scotland
| | - J.H.K. Grieve
- The Forensic Medicine Unit; University Medical Buildings, Aberdeen University; Aberdeen Scotland
| | - P. Broadhurst
- Cardiology Department; Aberdeen Royal Infirmary; Aberdeen Scotland
| | - R. Rankin
- Pathology Department; Raigmore Hospital; Inverness Scotland
| | - J.C.S. Dean
- Department of Clinical Genetics; Ashgrove House; Aberdeen Scotland
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13
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Kelly A, McKee G, van Eijk-Hustings Y, Ndosi M, O'Sullivan D, Menzies V, Carter S, Richards P, Minnock P. AB1213-HPR Nurse Sensitive Outcomes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – a Systematic Literature Review. Ann Rheum Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-eular.4837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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14
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15
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O'Sullivan D, Murray BJ, Ross JF, Whale TF, Price HC, Atkinson JD, Umo NS, Webb ME. The relevance of nanoscale biological fragments for ice nucleation in clouds. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8082. [PMID: 25626414 PMCID: PMC4308702 DOI: 10.1038/srep08082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [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: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Most studies of the role of biological entities as atmospheric ice-nucleating particles have focused on relatively rare supermicron particles such as bacterial cells, fungal spores and pollen grains. However, it is not clear that there are sufficient numbers of these particles in the atmosphere to strongly influence clouds. Here we show that the ice-nucleating activity of a fungus from the ubiquitous genus Fusarium is related to the presence of nanometre-scale particles which are far more numerous, and therefore potentially far more important for cloud glaciation than whole intact spores or hyphae. In addition, we quantify the ice-nucleating activity of nano-ice nucleating particles (nano-INPs) washed off pollen and also show that nano-INPs are present in a soil sample. Based on these results, we suggest that there is a reservoir of biological nano-INPs present in the environment which may, for example, become aerosolised in association with fertile soil dust particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- D O'Sullivan
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth &Environment, University of Leeds, UK
| | - B J Murray
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth &Environment, University of Leeds, UK
| | - J F Ross
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, UK
| | - T F Whale
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth &Environment, University of Leeds, UK
| | - H C Price
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth &Environment, University of Leeds, UK
| | - J D Atkinson
- 1] Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth &Environment, University of Leeds, UK [2] Now at Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, Universitaetstr. 16, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - N S Umo
- Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, School of Earth &Environment, University of Leeds, UK
| | - M E Webb
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, UK
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Puryer J, McNally L, O'Sullivan D. The views of part-time clinical teachers regarding their role in undergraduate education at the University of Bristol Dental School. Br Dent J 2015; 218:79-83. [DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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17
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Fife G, O'Sullivan D, Pieter W, Lee S. THE EFFECT OF PROTECTIVE TAEKWONDO FOOTPADS ON ATTENUATING IMPACTS OF AN INSTRUMENTED HEAD-FORM. Br J Sports Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-093494.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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20
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Reagan K, Tulikangas P, O'Sullivan D. Sacrocolpopexy without Synthetic Mesh. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2013.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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21
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Dean J, Cann F, Corbett M, O'Sullivan D, Tennant S, Hailey H, Rankin R, Brown P, Broadhurst P, Grieve J. Molecular autopsy for sudden cardiac death - outcome of a practical approach. Heart Lung Circ 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2014.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Lee J, Allen R, Ashley S, Becker S, Cummins P, Gbadamosi A, Gooding O, Huston J, Le Couteur J, O'Sullivan D, Wilson S, Lomer MCE. British Dietetic Association evidence-based guidelines for the dietary management of Crohn's disease in adults. J Hum Nutr Diet 2013; 27:207-18. [PMID: 24313460 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn's disease is a debilitating chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Appropriate use of diet and nutritional therapy is integral to the overall management strategy of Crohn's disease. The aim was to develop evidence-based guidelines on the dietary management of Crohn's disease in adults. METHODS Questions relating to the dietary management of Crohn's disease were developed. These included the roles of enteral nutrition to induce remission, food re-introduction diets to structure food re-introduction and maintain remission, and dietary management of stricturing disease, as well as whether probiotics or prebiotics induce or maintain remission. A comprehensive literature search was conducted and relevant studies from January 1985 to November 2009 were identified using the electronic database search engines CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science. Evidence statements, recommendations, practical considerations and research recommendations were developed. RESULTS Fifteen research papers were critically appraised and the evidence formed the basis of these guidelines. Although corticosteroids appear to be more effective, enteral nutrition (elemental or non-elemental) can be offered as an alternative option to induce disease remission. After a course of enteral nutrition, food re-introduction diets may be useful to structure food re-introduction and help maintain disease remission. Dietary fibre is contraindicated in the presence of strictures as a result of the risk of mechanical obstruction. The use of probiotics and prebiotics is not currently supported. CONCLUSIONS As an alternative to corticosteroids, evidence supports enteral nutrition to induce disease remission. Food re-introduction diets provide structure to food re-introduction and help maintain disease remission. These guidelines aim to reduce variation in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lee
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Addenbrookes, Cambridge, UK
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Abstract
Objective The purpose was to examine differences between taekwondo kicks and boxing punches in resultant linear head acceleration (RLA), head injury criterion (HIC15), peak head velocity, and peak foot and fist velocities. Data from two existing publications on boxing punches and taekwondo kicks were compared. Methods For taekwondo head impacts a Hybrid II Crash Dummy (Hybrid II) head was instrumented with a tri-axial accelerometer mounted inside the Hybrid II head. The Hybrid II was fixed to a height-adjustable frame and fitted with a protective taekwondo helmet. For boxing testing, a Hybrid III Crash Dummy head was instrumented with an array of tri-axial accelerometers mounted at the head centre of gravity. Results Differences in RLA between the roundhouse kick (130.11±51.67 g) and hook punch (71.23±32.19 g, d = 1.39) and in HIC15 (clench axe kick: 162.63±104.10; uppercut: 24.10±12.54, d = 2.29) were observed. Conclusions Taekwondo kicks demonstrated significantly larger magnitudes than boxing punches for both RLA and HIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Fife
- Department of Physical Education, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea ; Department of Physical Education, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - D O'Sullivan
- Department of Physical Education, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - W Pieter
- Department of Taekwondo, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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Farion KJ, Wilk S, Michalowski W, O'Sullivan D, Sayyad-Shirabad J. Comparing predictions made by a prediction model, clinical score, and physicians: pediatric asthma exacerbations in the emergency department. Appl Clin Inform 2013; 4:376-91. [PMID: 24155790 DOI: 10.4338/aci-2013-04-ra-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma exacerbations are one of the most common medical reasons for children to be brought to the hospital emergency department (ED). Various prediction models have been proposed to support diagnosis of exacerbations and evaluation of their severity. OBJECTIVES First, to evaluate prediction models constructed from data using machine learning techniques and to select the best performing model. Second, to compare predictions from the selected model with predictions from the Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) score, and predictions made by ED physicians. DESIGN A two-phase study conducted in the ED of an academic pediatric hospital. In phase 1 data collected prospectively using paper forms was used to construct and evaluate five prediction models, and the best performing model was selected. In phase 2 data collected prospectively using a mobile system was used to compare the predictions of the selected prediction model with those from PRAM and ED physicians. MEASUREMENTS Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and accuracy in phase 1; accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values in phase 2. RESULTS In phase 1 prediction models were derived from a data set of 240 patients and evaluated using 10-fold cross validation. A naive Bayes (NB) model demonstrated the best performance and it was selected for phase 2. Evaluation in phase 2 was conducted on data from 82 patients. Predictions made by the NB model were less accurate than the PRAM score and physicians (accuracy of 70.7%, 73.2% and 78.0% respectively), however, according to McNemar's test it is not possible to conclude that the differences between predictions are statistically significant. CONCLUSION Both the PRAM score and the NB model were less accurate than physicians. The NB model can handle incomplete patient data and as such may complement the PRAM score. However, it requires further research to improve its accuracy.
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Hill-Taylor B, Sketris I, Hayden J, Byrne S, O'Sullivan D, Christie R. Application of the STOPP/START criteria: a systematic review of the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults, and evidence of clinical, humanistic and economic impact. J Clin Pharm Ther 2013; 38:360-72. [PMID: 23550814 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) has significant clinical, humanistic and economic impacts. Identifying PIP in older adults may reduce their burden of adverse drug events. Tools with explicit criteria are being developed to screen for PIP in this population. These tools vary in their ability to identify PIP in specific care settings and jurisdictions due to such factors as local prescribing practices and formularies. One promising set of screening tools are the STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Person's potentially inappropriate Prescriptions) and START (Screening Tool of Alert doctors to the Right Treatment) criteria. We conducted a systematic review of research studies that describe the application of the STOPP/START criteria and examined the evidence of the impact of STOPP/START on clinical, humanistic and economic outcomes in older adults. METHODS We performed a systematic review of studies from relevant biomedical databases and grey literature sources published from January 2007 to January 2012. We searched citation and reference lists and contacted content experts to identify additional studies. Two authors independently selected studies using a predefined protocol. We did not restrict selection to particular study designs; however, non-English studies were excluded during the selection process. Independent extraction of articles by two authors used predefined data fields. For randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing STOPP/START to other explicit criteria, we assessed risk of bias using an adapted tool. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We included 13 studies: a single randomized controlled trial and 12 observational studies. We performed a descriptive analysis as heterogeneity of study populations, interventions and study design precluded meta-analysis. All observational studies reported the prevalence of PIP; however, the application of the criteria was not consistent across all studies. Seven of the observational studies compared STOPP/START with other explicit criteria. The STOPP/START criteria were reported to be more sensitive than the more-frequently-cited Beers criteria in six studies, but less sensitive than a set of criteria developed in Australia. The STOPP criteria identified more medications associated with adverse drug events than the 2002 version of the Beers criteria. Patients with PIP, as identified by STOPP, had an 85% increased risk of adverse drug events in one study (OR = 1·85, 95% CI: 1·51-2·26; P < 0·001). There was limited evidence that the application of STOPP/START criteria optimized prescribing. Research involving the application of STOPP/START on the impact on the quality of life was not found. The direct costs of PIP were documented in three studies from Ireland, but more extensive analyses on the economic impact or studies from other jurisdictions were not found. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION The STOPP/START criteria have been used to review the medication profiles of community-dwelling, acute care and long-term care older patients in Europe, Asia and North America. Observational studies have reported the prevalence and predictors of PIP. The STOPP/START criteria appear to be more sensitive than the 2002 version of the Beers criteria. Limited evidence was found related to the clinical and economic impact of the STOPP/START criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Hill-Taylor
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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Wilk S, Michalowski W, O'Sullivan D, Farion K, Sayyad-Shirabad J, Kuziemsky C, Kukawka B. A task-based support architecture for developing point-of-care clinical decision support systems for the emergency department. Methods Inf Med 2012; 52:18-32. [PMID: 23232759 DOI: 10.3414/me11-01-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to create a task-based support architecture for developing clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) that assist physicians in making decisions at the point-of-care in the emergency department (ED). The backbone of the proposed architecture was established by a task-based emergency workflow model for a patient-physician encounter. METHODS The architecture was designed according to an agent-oriented paradigm. Specifically, we used the O-MaSE (Organization-based Multi-agent System Engineering) method that allows for iterative translation of functional requirements into architectural components (e.g., agents). The agent-oriented paradigm was extended with ontology-driven design to implement ontological models representing knowledge required by specific agents to operate. RESULTS The task-based architecture allows for the creation of a CDSS that is aligned with the task-based emergency workflow model. It facilitates decoupling of executable components (agents) from embedded domain knowledge (ontological models), thus supporting their interoperability, sharing, and reuse. The generic architecture was implemented as a pilot system, MET3-AE--a CDSS to help with the management of pediatric asthma exacerbation in the ED. The system was evaluated in a hospital ED. CONCLUSIONS The architecture allows for the creation of a CDSS that integrates support for all tasks from the task-based emergency workflow model, and interacts with hospital information systems. Proposed architecture also allows for reusing and sharing system components and knowledge across disease-specific CDSSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wilk
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland.
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Cook RJ, Fracchia G, Hoban P, Joffe R, O'Sullivan D. Evolution of a surgical technique for posteroventral pallidotomy using CT/MR fusion and intraoperative macrostimulation. J Clin Neurosci 2012; 5:20-7. [PMID: 18644282 DOI: 10.1016/s0967-5868(98)90196-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/1997] [Accepted: 03/03/1997] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This is a prospective review of 60 posteroventral pallidotomies performed in 48 patients. Twelve patients had bilateral pallidotomies; five of these were staged and seven were performed simultaneously at the one surgical procedure. The report focuses on evolution of a surgical technique originally using the computed tomographic (CT) scan for target acquisition, culminating in a technique of fusing the magnetic resonance (MR) and CT scans. The technique involves macrostimulation with threshold identification of the optic tract and internal capsule. Utilizing the current procedure reproducible accurate lesions were made in the ansa lenticularis and internal pallidum as confirmed on postoperative MR scans. Initial results would indicate a very good effect on motor functions such as rigidity and dyskinesia and moderate to good effect on tremor. Secondary effects were seen on hypokinetic features such as on/off fluctuations, postural stability, gait dysfunction and limb bradykinesia. There was no injury to the internal capsule or optic tract throughout the series. Gait and postural stability were adversely affected in two patients early on in the series before the utilization of the MR/CT fusion technique and before the introduction of the current lesioning technique. There was no other adverse morbidity for the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Cook
- Dalcross Private Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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O’Connor M, O'Sullivan D, Gallagher P, Byrne S, Eustace J, O’Mahony D. Prevention of adverse drug events in hospitalized older patients: A randomised controlled trial using STOPP/START criteria. Eur Geriatr Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2012.07.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
The formation of ice particles in the Earth's atmosphere strongly affects the properties of clouds and their impact on climate. Despite the importance of ice formation in determining the properties of clouds, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007) was unable to assess the impact of atmospheric ice formation in their most recent report because our basic knowledge is insufficient. Part of the problem is the paucity of quantitative information on the ability of various atmospheric aerosol species to initiate ice formation. Here we review and assess the existing quantitative knowledge of ice nucleation by particles immersed within supercooled water droplets. We introduce aerosol species which have been identified in the past as potentially important ice nuclei and address their ice-nucleating ability when immersed in a supercooled droplet. We focus on mineral dusts, biological species (pollen, bacteria, fungal spores and plankton), carbonaceous combustion products and volcanic ash. In order to make a quantitative comparison we first introduce several ways of describing ice nucleation and then summarise the existing information according to the time-independent (singular) approximation. Using this approximation in combination with typical atmospheric loadings, we estimate the importance of ice nucleation by different aerosol types. According to these estimates we find that ice nucleation below about -15 °C is dominated by soot and mineral dusts. Above this temperature the only materials known to nucleate ice are biological, with quantitative data for other materials absent from the literature. We conclude with a summary of the challenges our community faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Murray
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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Buetow S, Henshaw J, Cha R, O'Sullivan D. Distinguishing objective from subjective assessments of the severity of medication-related safety events among people with Parkinson's disease: a qualitative study. J Clin Pharm Ther 2011; 37:436-40. [PMID: 22129248 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2011.01316.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Safety events indicating medication-related errors in Parkinson's disease (PD) are common but seldom studied, particularly from lay perspectives. Our objective was to study the meaning and significance to people living with PD of their experience of safety events. METHODS Twenty qualitative interviews were conducted by telephone with purposively sampled individuals with PD, a proxy, or both, throughout New Zealand. Themes identified from the data included joint assessments of the objective and subjective severity of the individual safety events. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Most of the events indicated minor objective errors, whose severity was sometimes perceived as major, especially in the face of callous communication. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION Variation between objective and subjective assessments of the severity of possible errors indicated by safety events highlight the importance of distinguishing between, and using, both forms of assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Buetow
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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West NX, Hooper SM, O'Sullivan D, Hughes N, North M, Macdonald EL, Davies M, Claydon NCA. In situ randomised trial investigating abrasive effects of two desensitising toothpastes on dentine with acidic challenge prior to brushing. J Dent 2011; 40:77-85. [PMID: 22051246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2011.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if brushing dentine with 2 moderate RDA desensitising toothpastes, results in a significant dentine wear difference and whether this difference continues to be relevant when preceded with an erosive challenge. METHODS An in situ, single centre, single blind, randomised, split mouth study, evaluated the difference in abrasion of 2 toothpastes (SFM - Sensodyne Fresh Mint(®) RDA 70; CPHM - Crest Pro-Health Clean Mint(®) RDA 120) in 28 healthy volunteers. Two toothpaste treatments were administered 3×/day, for each of the two 15 day periods, subjects wearing bi-lateral, lower buccal appliances each with 4 dentine sections. A 2 min extra-oral acidic challenge preceded toothbrushing for 2 study arms. Contact profilometry measured samples at baseline, days 5, 10 and 15. RESULTS Brushing with SFM was significantly less abrasive than brushing with CPHM at all time points, with or without a preceding acidic challenge (p<0.0001). The additional dentine loss arising from the erosive challenge prior to brushing with each paste was linear with time and independent of abrasive effect. CONCLUSIONS The desensiting toothpastes' RDA, directly related to dentine loss with toothbrushing. An acidic challenge prior to brushing did not negate the benefits of reduced wear from the lower RDA paste compared to the higher RDA paste. When brushing eroded dentine, the additional wear appeared independent of abrasive effect. Dentine hypersensitivity sufferers should be recommended to use a low-moderate RDA toothpaste, not to brush more than 2×/day and not immediately following an acidic challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- N X West
- Applied Clinical Research Group, Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, UK.
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Devarajan N, Williams GS, Hopes M, O'Sullivan D, Jones D. The Carmarthenshire Glaucoma Referral Refinement Scheme, a safe and efficient screening service. Eye (Lond) 2010; 25:43-9. [PMID: 20966973 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2010.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM It has been previously shown that community refinement of glaucoma referrals is an efficient way to investigate and treat glaucoma suspects. The potential for false negatives has not been explored previously and we describe a scheme in which effort has been made to both assess and control for this, and report on its success. METHODS Trained optometrists were recruited to examine and investigate the patients referred with suspected glaucoma, with a view to decreasing false-positive rates in accordance with an agreed protocol. The randomly selected notes of 100 patients referred onward to the Hospital Eye Service (HES) by trained, accredited optometrists, and the notes and optic disc images of 100 randomly selected patients retained in the community were examined in order to determine the efficiency and safety of the scheme. RESULTS The scheme resulted in a 53% reduction in the total number of referrals to HES with a cost saving of £117 per patient. Analysis of patients referred resulted in a diagnosis of glaucoma or retention of patients in HES with suspected glaucoma in 83% and a good correlation between the hospital and optometric measurements. Analysis of notes and optic nerve images of patients not referred indicated no compromise on patient safety. CONCLUSION This study suggests that suspected glaucoma can be successfully refined in the community with benefits to both the patient and the hospital. We also suggest that such a scheme may be safe as well as cost-effective, a conclusion that has not as yet been reached by any other study.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Devarajan
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Wales General Hospital, Wales, UK.
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O'Sullivan D. Development of monoclonal antibodies for the identification of novel invasion associated targets in human cancer. EJC Suppl 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(08)71816-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Grünewald A, Djarmati A, Lohmann-Hedrich K, Farrell K, Zeller JA, Allert N, Papengut F, Petersen B, Fung V, Sue CM, O'Sullivan D, Mahant N, Kupsch A, Chuang RS, Wiegers K, Pawlack H, Hagenah J, Ozelius LJ, Stephani U, Schuit R, Lang AE, Volkmann J, Münchau A, Klein C. Myoclonus-dystonia: significance of large SGCE deletions. Hum Mutat 2008; 29:331-2. [PMID: 18205193 DOI: 10.1002/humu.9521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Myoclonus-dystonia (M-D) is an autosomal-dominant movement disorder caused by mutations in SGCE. We investigated the frequency and type of SGCE mutations with emphasis on gene dosage alterations and explored the associated phenotypes. We tested 35 M-D index patients by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and genomic sequencing. Mutations were found in 26% (9/35) of the cases, all but three with definite M-D. Two heterozygous deletions of the entire SGCE gene and flanking DNA and a heterozygous deletion of exon 2 only were detected, accounting for 33% (3/9) of the mutations found. Both large deletions contained COL1A2 and were additionally associated with joint problems. Further, we discovered one novel small deletion (c.771_772delAT, p.C258X) and four recurrent point mutations (c.289C>T, p.R97X; c.304C>T, p.R102X; c.709C>T, p.R237X; c.1114C>T, p.R372X). A Medline search identified 22 articles on SGCE mutational screening. Sixty-four unrelated M-D patients were described with 41 different mutations. No genotype-phenotype association was found, except in patients with deletions encompassing additional genes. In conclusion, a rigorous clinical preselection of patients and careful accounting for non-motor signs should precede mutational tests. Gene dosage studies should be included in routine SGCE genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grünewald
- Department of Neurology, Lübeck University, Lübeck, Germany
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Abstract
Several investigations of the radiation field at aircraft altitudes have been undertaken during solar cycle 23 which occurred in the period 1993-2003. The radiation field is produced by the passage of galactic cosmic rays and their nuclear reaction products as well as solar energetic particles through the Earth's atmosphere. Galactic cosmic rays reach a maximum intensity when the sun is least active and are at minimum intensity during solar maximum period. During solar maximum an increased number of coronal mass ejections and solar flares produce high energy solar particles which can also penetrate down to aircraft altitudes. It is found that the very complicated field resulting from these processes varies with altitude, latitude and stage of solar cycle. By employing several active and passive detectors, the whole range of radiation types and energies were encompassed. In-flight data was obtained with the co-operation of many airlines and NASA. The EURADOS Aircraft Crew in-flight data base was used for comparison with the predictions of various computer codes. A brief outline of some recent studies of exposure to radiation in Earth orbit will conclude this contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- D O'Sullivan
- Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Astrophysics Section, 5 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Lenane P, Powell FC, O'Keane C, Dervan P, O'Sullivan D, Bourke E, O'Loughlin S. Mycosis fungoides ? a review of the management of 28 patients and of the recent literature. Int J Dermatol 2007; 46:19-26. [PMID: 17214715 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.01846.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycosis fungoides is an uncommon cutaneous T-cell lymphoma characterized by malignant monoclonal proliferation of T-helper lymphocytes. Its course is variable with a potential for lymphatic and hematogenous involvement. We report the investigations, staging, treatment, follow-up, and outcome of 28 patients. This is the first such study reported from Ireland. METHODS Twenty-eight patients with mycosis fungoides (14 women, 14 men; average age, 52.5 years) were reviewed over 12 years in the dermatology clinic which assesses an average of 4500 patients per year. All mycosis fungoides patients were referred from their family physicians. The diagnosis was made in all cases from a combination of clinical findings, histology, and immunohistochemistry. TNM staging revealed 11 patients at diagnosis stage IA (T1), 12 at stage IB (T2), four at stage IIB (T3), and one at stage III (T4). RESULTS The usual male preponderance was not found. Eight patients needed multiple biopsies to establish the diagnosis. Detailed investigations were not useful in the early stages. Patients were followed up over a 12-year period. Thirteen patients died as a result of cutaneous lymphoma. Two patients with stage IA disease progressed rapidly and died, a feature reported in only 10% of patients at this stage. Five patients showed unusual features, including a long history prior to presentation, the development of the rarely reported bullous mycosis fungoides, and aggressive disease beginning at a young age. CONCLUSIONS Mycosis fungoides is rare; we reviewed 28 patients over 12 years. The prognosis is poor at the later stages; 13 patients died. Two patients who died were unusual in that they rapidly progressed from stage IA disease; however, in the majority of patients with this stage, the prognosis is excellent. Detailed investigations were unhelpful in early stage disease. Close clinical follow-up is essential to identify disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patsy Lenane
- Regional Centre of Dermatology and Department of Pathology, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Makarova K, Slesarev A, Wolf Y, Sorokin A, Mirkin B, Koonin E, Pavlov A, Pavlova N, Karamychev V, Polouchine N, Shakhova V, Grigoriev I, Lou Y, Rohksar D, Lucas S, Huang K, Goodstein DM, Hawkins T, Plengvidhya V, Welker D, Hughes J, Goh Y, Benson A, Baldwin K, Lee JH, Díaz-Muñiz I, Dosti B, Smeianov V, Wechter W, Barabote R, Lorca G, Altermann E, Barrangou R, Ganesan B, Xie Y, Rawsthorne H, Tamir D, Parker C, Breidt F, Broadbent J, Hutkins R, O'Sullivan D, Steele J, Unlu G, Saier M, Klaenhammer T, Richardson P, Kozyavkin S, Weimer B, Mills D. Comparative genomics of the lactic acid bacteria. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:15611-6. [PMID: 17030793 PMCID: PMC1622870 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0607117103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 944] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid-producing bacteria are associated with various plant and animal niches and play a key role in the production of fermented foods and beverages. We report nine genome sequences representing the phylogenetic and functional diversity of these bacteria. The small genomes of lactic acid bacteria encode a broad repertoire of transporters for efficient carbon and nitrogen acquisition from the nutritionally rich environments they inhabit and reflect a limited range of biosynthetic capabilities that indicate both prototrophic and auxotrophic strains. Phylogenetic analyses, comparison of gene content across the group, and reconstruction of ancestral gene sets indicate a combination of extensive gene loss and key gene acquisitions via horizontal gene transfer during the coevolution of lactic acid bacteria with their habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894
| | - A. Slesarev
- Fidelity Systems Inc., 7961 Cessna Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
| | - Y. Wolf
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894
| | - A. Sorokin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894
| | - B. Mirkin
- School of Information Systems and Computer Science, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - E. Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail:
, , , or
| | - A. Pavlov
- Fidelity Systems Inc., 7961 Cessna Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
| | - N. Pavlova
- Fidelity Systems Inc., 7961 Cessna Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
| | - V. Karamychev
- Fidelity Systems Inc., 7961 Cessna Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
| | - N. Polouchine
- Fidelity Systems Inc., 7961 Cessna Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
| | - V. Shakhova
- Fidelity Systems Inc., 7961 Cessna Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
| | - I. Grigoriev
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
| | - Y. Lou
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
| | - D. Rohksar
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
| | - S. Lucas
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
| | - K. Huang
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
| | - D. M. Goodstein
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
| | - T. Hawkins
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
| | - V. Plengvidhya
- Department of Food Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
- North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Raleigh, NC 27695; Departments of
| | | | | | - Y. Goh
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - A. Benson
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - K. Baldwin
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - J.-H. Lee
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - I. Díaz-Muñiz
- Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
| | - B. Dosti
- Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
| | - V. Smeianov
- Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
| | - W. Wechter
- Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
| | - R. Barabote
- Department of Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - G. Lorca
- Department of Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - E. Altermann
- Department of Food Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - R. Barrangou
- Department of Food Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - B. Ganesan
- Center for Integrated BioSystems, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322
| | - Y. Xie
- Nutrition and Food Science and
- Center for Integrated BioSystems, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322
| | - H. Rawsthorne
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616; and
| | | | | | - F. Breidt
- Department of Food Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
- North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Raleigh, NC 27695; Departments of
| | | | - R. Hutkins
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - D. O'Sullivan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - J. Steele
- Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
| | - G. Unlu
- Department of Food Science and Toxicology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844
| | - M. Saier
- Department of Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - T. Klaenhammer
- Department of Food Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail:
, , , or
| | - P. Richardson
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
| | - S. Kozyavkin
- Fidelity Systems Inc., 7961 Cessna Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
| | - B. Weimer
- Nutrition and Food Science and
- Center for Integrated BioSystems, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail:
, , , or
| | - D. Mills
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616; and
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail:
, , , or
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40
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Goossens O, Vanhavere F, Leys N, De Boever P, O'Sullivan D, Zhou D, Spurny F, Yukihara EG, Gaza R, McKeever SWS. Radiation dosimetry for microbial experiments in the International Space Station using different etched track and luminescent detectors. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2006; 120:433-7. [PMID: 16644947 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/nci652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The laboratory of Microbiology at SCK.CEN, in collaboration with different universities, participates in several ESA programmes with bacterial experiments that are carried out in the International Space Station (ISS). The main objective of these programmes is to study the effects of space flight conditions such as microgravity and cosmic radiation on the general behaviour of model bacteria. To measure the radiation doses received by the bacteria, different detectors accompanied the microbiological experiments. The results obtained during two space flight missions are discussed. This dosimetry experiment was a collaboration between different institutes so that the doses could be estimated by different techniques. For measurement of the high linear energy transfer (LET) doses (>10 keV microm(-1)), two types of etched track detectors were used. The low LET part of the spectrum was measured by three types of thermoluminescent detectors ((7)LiF:Mg,Ti; (7)LiF:Mg,Cu,P; Al(2)O(3):C) and by the optically stimulated luminescence technique using Al(2)O(3):C detectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Goossens
- SCK.CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
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41
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O'Sullivan D, Zhou D, Semones E, Heinrich W, Flood E. Dose equivalent, absorbed dose and charge spectrum investigation in low Earth orbit. Adv Space Res 2004; 34:1420-3. [PMID: 15881785 DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2003.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Particle intensity, dose equivalent and absorbed dose have been measured on board the space shuttle Endeavour during STS-108 in December 2001 by Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). The dose estimates are based on very accurate measurements of recoils produced in CR-39 by cosmic ray primary and secondary protons and heavier nuclei and by secondary neutrons. The corresponding LET spectra were used to determine dose equivalent and absorbed dose values. Estimates of the total flux of Z > or = 2 nuclei have been undertaken and a preliminary charge spectrum was measured. Some comparisons are made with preliminary data obtained on STS-105 (ISS Expedition) and other missions using CR-39 detectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D O'Sullivan
- Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Astrophysics Section, Dublin, Ireland.
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42
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Bottollier-Depois JF, Trompier F, Clairand I, Spurny F, Bartlett D, Beck P, Lewis B, Lindborg L, O'Sullivan D, Roos H, Tommasino L. Exposure of aircraft crew to cosmic radiation: on-board intercomparison of various dosemeters. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2004; 110:411-415. [PMID: 15353683 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/nch217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their professional activity, flight crews may receive a dose of some millisieverts within a year; airline passengers may also be concerned. The effective dose is to be estimated using various experimental and calculation tools. The European project DOSMAX (Dosimetry of Aircrew Exposure during Solar Maximum) was initiated in 2000 extending to 2004 to complete studies over the current solar cycle during the solar maximum phase. To compare various dosemeters in real conditions simultaneously in the same radiation field, an intercomparison was organised aboard a Paris-Tokyo round-trip flight. Both passive and active detectors were used. Good agreement was observed for instruments determining the different components of the radiation field; the mean ambient dose equivalent for the round trip was 129 +/- 10 microSv. The agreement of values obtained for the total dose obtained by measurements and by calculations is very satisfying.
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43
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44
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Melzer M, Warley A, Milburn H, O'Sullivan D, Barker RD, Hutchinson D, Shelton D, Drobniewski F, French G. Tuberculosis and HIV seroprevalence in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, an area of South London. Respir Med 2003; 97:167-72. [PMID: 12587968 DOI: 10.1053/rmed.2003.1399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Since the mid-1980s the number of cases of TB notified within the U.K. has continued to rise although the contribution of HIV to this rise remains unclear. A 12-month prospective cohort study was conducted at chest and HIV clinics in four hospitals in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham (LSL), an area of South London, to determine the proportion of patients with culture-proven TB infected with HIV. Secondary aims were to determine the proportion of patients with TB and undiagnosed HIV at first presentation to chest clinics, to determine the proportion of patients presenting with TB as an AIDS defining illness (ADI) and to identify risk factors for co-infection with TB and HIV. In chest clinics, demographic data and left-over blood from patients aged 16 or over with culture-proven TB was collected, anonymised and HIV tested. In HIV clinics, demographic data on patients with TB already known to be HIV seropositive were also obtained. Twenty-one patients (13%, 95% CI-8-19%) of 159 with culture-proven TB were infected with HIV Four (3%) of 133 patients at first presentation to chest clinics had undiagnosed HIV; two were subsequently diagnosed. Of the 21 patients withTB and HIV, nine (43%) presented with TB as an ADI. Patients with TB and HIV were significantly more likely to be aged between 35 and 55 years compared to HIV seronegative patients [12/21 (57%) vs. 38/138 (28%), P=0.006]. None of the patients from the Indian Subcontinent were HIV seropositive [0/21 vs. 25/138 (18%), P=0.047]. At the present time, universal HIV testing of patients with culture-provenTB in chest clinics within the U.K. is unlikely to significantly reduce the number of patients with undiagnosed HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Melzer
- Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, U.K
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45
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Abstract
Extensive measurements of dose exposure of aircrew have been carried out in recent years using passive detectors on subsonic and supersonic air routes by DIAS (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies). Studies were based on measurement of LET spectra using nuclear recoils produced in CR-39 nuclear track detectors by high energy neutrons and protons. The detectors were calibrated using energetic heavy ions. Data obtained were compared with the predictions of the EPCARD and CARI-6 codes. Good agreement has been found between the experimental and theoretical values.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Zhou
- Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Astrophysics Section, Dublin, Ireland
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46
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O'Sullivan D, Bartlett DT, Beck P, Bottollier JF, Schrewe U, Lindborg L, Tommasino L, Zhou D. Recent studies on the exposure of aircrew to cosmic and solar radiation. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2002; 100:495-498. [PMID: 12382928 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a005921] [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] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Investigations of the impact of cosmic and solar radiation on aircrew involve many challenges. The great variety of primary and secondary ionising and non-ionising radiation, the wide range of energies involved and the role played by the Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field and the Sun combine to produce a very complicated scenario. These factors are reflected in conditions on aviation routes where exposure to radiation varies with altitude, latitude and stage of solar cycle. The great increase in air travel and consequent rise in numbers of aircrew whose occupation requires them to work in this environment has prompted new concern about exposure risks at aviation altitudes. The situation has also been highlighted by the tendency for aircraft to fly at higher altitudes in recent years and by the 1990 recommendations of the ICRP that exposure of civil aircrew be considered as being occupational. These have recently been translated into a legal requirement in the European Union. Several studies have been completed using a very wide range of detectors on subsonic and supersonic routes and new investigations are underway. With the completion of the DOSMAX project in another three years or so. world data for a whole solar cycle will be more complete than ever before. Results indicate that for most routes investigated during solar minimum, aircrew are unlikely to receive doses in excess of 6 mSv.y(-1).
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47
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Davis D, Grodzinsky G, Chen G, Crawford J, Eisele F, Mauldin L, Tanner D, Cantrell C, Brune W, Tan D, Faloona I, Ridley B, Montzka D, Walega J, Grahek F, Sandholm S, Sachse G, Vay S, Anderson B, Avery M, Heikes B, Snow J, O'Sullivan D, Shetter R, Lefer B, Blake D, Blake N, Carroll M, Wang Y. Marine latitude/altitude OH distributions: Comparison of Pacific Ocean observations with models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1029/2001jd900141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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48
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Abstract
This paper details a UK consensus conference held in London in April 2000 to establish guidelines for the use of cyclosporin A for atopic dermatitis in children. It should be reserved for the severest refractory atopic dermatitis. In view of its potential toxicity, careful monitoring is mandatory, in particular blood pressure and renal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Harper
- Department of Paediatric Dermatology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
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49
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Donnelly J, Thompson A, O'Sullivan D, Drury LO, Wenzel KP. The cosmic ray actinide charge spectrum derived from a 10 m2 array of solid state nuclear track detectors in Earth orbit. RADIAT MEAS 2001; 34:273-6. [PMID: 11678152 DOI: 10.1016/s1350-4487(01)00166-4] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The DIAS-ESTEC Ultra Heavy Cosmic Ray Experiment (UHCRE) on the Long Duration Exposure Facility, collected approximately 3000 cosmic ray nuclei with Z > 65 in the energy region E > 1.5 GeV nucleon-1 during a six year exposure in Earth orbit. The entire accessible collecting area of the solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) array has been scanned for actinides, yielding a sample of 30 from an exposure of approximately 150 m2 sr yr. The UHCRE experimental setup is described and the observed charge spectrum presented. The current best value for the cosmic ray actinide relative abundance, (Z > 88)/(74 < or = Z < or = 87), is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Donnelly
- Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), 5 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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50
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Abstract
A very extensive study of the radiation field at aircraft altitudes has been carried out over the last few years. These investigations formed part of a European wide collaboration involving several laboratories with extensive experience in cosmic ray research and/or dosimetry. Among the main topics investigated were the charge spectra, LET spectra, anisotropy and dose values. The measurements were performed on subsonic and supersonic flights covering a wide range of altitudes and latitudes. Several active and passive instruments were employed in these studies and some results obtained with nuclear track detectors are described here. Comparisons are made with the results of other experiments and theoretical estimates using computer codes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D O'Sullivan
- Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), Astrophysics Section, 5 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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