1
|
Abbasi RU, Allen MG, Arimura R, Belz JW, Bergman DR, Blake SA, Shin BK, Buckland IJ, Cheon BG, Fujii T, Fujisue K, Fujita K, Fukushima M, Furlich GD, Gerber ZR, Globus N, Hibino K, Higuchi R, Honda K, Ikeda D, Ito H, Iwasaki A, Jeong S, Jeong HM, Jui CH, Kadota K, Kakimoto F, Kalashev OE, Kasahara K, Kawata K, Kharuk I, Kido E, Kim SW, Kim HB, Kim JH, Kim JH, Komae I, Kubota Y, Kuznetsov MY, Lee KH, Lubsandorzhiev BK, Lundquist JP, Matthews JN, Nagataki S, Nakamura T, Nakazawa A, Nonaka T, Ogio S, Ono M, Oshima H, Park IH, Potts M, Pshirkov S, Remington JR, Rodriguez DC, Rott C, Rubtsov GI, Ryu D, Sagawa H, Sakaki N, Sako T, Sakurai N, Shin H, Smith JD, Sokolsky P, Stokes BT, Stroman TS, Takahashi K, Takeda M, Taketa A, Tameda Y, Thomas S, Thomson GB, Tinyakov PG, Tkachev I, Tomida T, Troitsky SV, Tsunesada Y, Udo S, Urban FR, Wong T, Yamazaki K, Yuma Y, Zhezher YV, Zundel Z. An extremely energetic cosmic ray observed by a surface detector array. Science 2023; 382:903-907. [PMID: 37995237 DOI: 10.1126/science.abo5095] [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] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Cosmic rays are energetic charged particles from extraterrestrial sources, with the highest-energy events thought to come from extragalactic sources. Their arrival is infrequent, so detection requires instruments with large collecting areas. In this work, we report the detection of an extremely energetic particle recorded by the surface detector array of the Telescope Array experiment. We calculate the particle's energy as [Formula: see text] (~40 joules). Its arrival direction points back to a void in the large-scale structure of the Universe. Possible explanations include a large deflection by the foreground magnetic field, an unidentified source in the local extragalactic neighborhood, or an incomplete knowledge of particle physics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R U Abbasi
- Physics Department, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M G Allen
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - R Arimura
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - J W Belz
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - D R Bergman
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - S A Blake
- Stellar Science, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - B K Shin
- Department of Physics, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 44919, Ulsan, Korea
| | - I J Buckland
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - B G Cheon
- Department of Physics and The Research Institute of Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - T Fujii
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
- Hakubi Center for Advanced Research and Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
- Nambu Yoichiro Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - K Fujisue
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - K Fujita
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - M Fukushima
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - G D Furlich
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Z R Gerber
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - N Globus
- Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - K Hibino
- Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan
| | - R Higuchi
- Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - K Honda
- University of Yamanashi, Kofu, 400-8510, Japan
| | - D Ikeda
- Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan
| | - H Ito
- Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - A Iwasaki
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - S Jeong
- Department of Physics, SungKyunKwan University, Jang-an-gu, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - H M Jeong
- Department of Physics, SungKyunKwan University, Jang-an-gu, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - C H Jui
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - K Kadota
- Department of Natural Sciences, Tokyo City University, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8557, Japan
| | - F Kakimoto
- Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan
| | - O E Kalashev
- Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, prospekt 60-letiya Oktyabrya 7a, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - K Kasahara
- Shibauta Institute of Technology and Sicence, Fukasaku 307, Minuma-ku, Saitama, Japan
| | - K Kawata
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - I Kharuk
- Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, prospekt 60-letiya Oktyabrya 7a, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - E Kido
- Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - S W Kim
- Department of Physics, SungKyunKwan University, Jang-an-gu, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - H B Kim
- Department of Physics and The Research Institute of Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - J H Kim
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - J H Kim
- Physics Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, USA
| | - I Komae
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Y Kubota
- Academic Assembly School of Science and Technology Institute of Engineering, Shinshu University, Nagano, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
| | - M Y Kuznetsov
- Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, prospekt 60-letiya Oktyabrya 7a, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - K H Lee
- Department of Physics, SungKyunKwan University, Jang-an-gu, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - B K Lubsandorzhiev
- Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, prospekt 60-letiya Oktyabrya 7a, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - J P Lundquist
- Center for Astrophysics and Cosmology, University of Nova Gorica, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - J N Matthews
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - S Nagataki
- Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - T Nakamura
- Academic Assembly School of Science and Technology Institute of Engineering, Shinshu University, Nagano, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
| | - A Nakazawa
- Academic Assembly School of Science and Technology Institute of Engineering, Shinshu University, Nagano, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
| | - T Nonaka
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - S Ogio
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - M Ono
- Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
- Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Academia Sinica, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - H Oshima
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - I H Park
- Department of Physics, SungKyunKwan University, Jang-an-gu, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - M Potts
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - S Pshirkov
- Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, prospekt 60-letiya Oktyabrya 7a, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - J R Remington
- NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Martin Road, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - D C Rodriguez
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai-mura, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
| | - C Rott
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Physics, SungKyunKwan University, Jang-an-gu, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - G I Rubtsov
- Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, prospekt 60-letiya Oktyabrya 7a, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - D Ryu
- Department of Physics, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 44919, Ulsan, Korea
| | - H Sagawa
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - N Sakaki
- Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - T Sako
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - N Sakurai
- Faculty of Design Technology, 3-1-1 Nakagaito, Daito City, Osaka, Japan
| | - H Shin
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - J D Smith
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - P Sokolsky
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - B T Stokes
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - T S Stroman
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - K Takahashi
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - M Takeda
- Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8582, Japan
| | - A Taketa
- Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Y Tameda
- Department of Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Electro-Communication University, Neyagawa-shi, Osaka 572-8530, Japan
| | - S Thomas
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - G B Thomson
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - P G Tinyakov
- Universite Libre de Bruxelles, bvd du Triomphe CP225, Brussels, Belgium
| | - I Tkachev
- Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, prospekt 60-letiya Oktyabrya 7a, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - T Tomida
- Academic Assembly School of Science and Technology Institute of Engineering, Shinshu University, Nagano, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
| | - S V Troitsky
- Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, prospekt 60-letiya Oktyabrya 7a, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - Y Tsunesada
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
- Nambu Yoichiro Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - S Udo
- Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan
| | - F R Urban
- The Central European Institute for Cosmology and Fundamental Physics, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - T Wong
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - K Yamazaki
- College of Engineering, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto, Kasugai, Aichi 487-8501, Japan
| | - Y Yuma
- Academic Assembly School of Science and Technology Institute of Engineering, Shinshu University, Nagano, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
| | - Y V Zhezher
- Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, prospekt 60-letiya Oktyabrya 7a, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - Z Zundel
- High Energy Astrophysics Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fu E, Neubert SW, Chang A, Smith JD, Graham AK. Characterizing behavior change techniques used in the self-management of binge eating and weight: Applying a user-centered design approach. Eat Behav 2022; 44:101591. [PMID: 34920208 PMCID: PMC8885842 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2021.101591] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
User-centered design methods aim to increase intervention engagement by focusing on consumers' needs and preferences. We conducted a needs assessment (the first step in user-centered design) via a digital diary study to understand how individuals with recurrent binge eating (≥12 episodes in 3 months) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) manage these problems in their day-to-day lives and the approaches they use to change their behavior. Specifically, we applied the Behavior Change Technique (BCT)-Taxonomy to characterize which standardized BCTs individuals use to change binge eating and health-related behaviors and their motivations to use them, to inform the design of a mobile intervention. We analyzed qualitative data from 22 adults (64% female, 32% White) who submitted 176 diary entries. For each entry, we coded the BCTs used, motivation for use, and whether the BCT(s) were perceived as beneficial for behavior change. Across participants, investigators identified 50 of the 93 standardized BCTs (54%). Each participant used an average of 12 (SD = 4) BCTs, most commonly Behavior Substitution (72.3%), Distraction (68.2%), Goal Setting (Behavior) (63.6%), Action Planning (59.1%) and Adding Objects to the Environment (59.1%). More BCTs were coded as beneficial (49%) versus detrimental (24%) or neutral (27%). Techniques were most commonly motivated by preventing binge eating (95.5%), losing weight (95.5%), reducing unhealthy food choices (90.9%), or managing stress (59.1%). Results help inform how interventions could be designed to support consumers in changing binge eating and weight-related behaviors, although such designs would need to be tested for their impact on engagement and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Fu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Sarah W Neubert
- Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
| | - Angela Chang
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - J D Smith
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Andrea K Graham
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kingwell BA, Velkoska E, Diditchenko S, Greene BH, Wang S, Mears J, Wright SD, Gibson CM, Smith JD. CSL112 (human apolipoprotein A-I) infusion rapidly increases apoA-I exchange rate (AER) when administered to patients post myocardial infarction. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.1212] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) measured using patient serum and cultured macrophages is considered a biomarker of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality. This parameter is inversely related to incident cardiovascular events and declines in the days post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) exchange rate (AER) may represent an alternative, clinically amenable cell-free measure of CEC, which has also been associated with incident cardiovascular events (1).
Purpose
To characterise the effects of human apoA-I (CSL112) infusion on AER over 48 hours when administered post AMI.
Methods
This analysis included 50 patients with available samples from the AEGIS-I (ApoA-I Event Reducing in Ischemic Syndromes I) randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic sub-study (2). Patients were randomized to receive four weekly infusions of either placebo (n=16), 2g (n=19) or 6g (n=15) CSL112 post AMI. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours post the first and fourth infusion for measurement of AER (1) as well as CEC (total, ABCA1 dependent and ABCA1 independent CEC) as previously described (3).
Results
CSL112 infusion increased AER dose-dependently, peaking at 2h (end of infusion) and returning to baseline by 24h post infusion (Figure 1). AER was significantly correlated with CEC (total, ABCA1 dependent and independent), HDL-cholesterol, apoA-I and phosphatidylcholine across all timepoints and similarly after both infusions (Table 1).
Conclusion
Infusion of CSL112 increased AER in a dose-dependent manner post AMI and may represent a clinically amenable biomarker of HDL functionality.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): CSL Ltd, Parkville, Australia Figure 1. Left: Time course data expressed as mean ± SEM and adjusted for baseline prior to each infusion. Using a linear mixed model for repeated measures, the 6g dose increased AER from baseline at timepoints from 2–12 hours (p<0.001), whereas the 2gm dose only increased AER between 2–6 hours (p<0.05). Right: Boxplots showing median, quartiles and min/max of Area Under the Curve (AUC) from 0–24 hours post infusion. Using one-way ANOVA the 6 g dose was significantly higher than placebo (p<0.05).Table 1
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - S Wang
- Cleveland Clinic, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland, United States of America
| | - J Mears
- CSL Behring, King of Prussia, United States of America
| | - S D Wright
- CSL Behring, King of Prussia, United States of America
| | - C M Gibson
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Cardiovascular Medicine, Boston, United States of America
| | - J D Smith
- Cleveland Clinic, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bass M, Rosen KD, Gerend MA, Wakschlag LS, Madkins K, Crosby ST, Alshurafa N, King ZD, Ghaffari R, Smith JD. Development and feasibility of a Configurable Assessment Messaging Platform for Interventions (CAMPI). Fam Syst Health 2021; 39:19-28. [PMID: 34014727 PMCID: PMC8345008 DOI: 10.1037/fsh0000592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Short message service (SMS) is a widely accepted telecommunications approach used to support health informatics, including behavioral interventions, data collection, and patient-provider communication. However, SMS delivery platforms are not standardized and platforms are typically commercial "off-the-shelf" or developed "in-house." As a consequence of platform variability, implementing SMS-based interventions may be challenging for both providers and patients. Off-the-shelf SMS delivery platforms may require minimal development or technical resources from providers, but users are often limited in their functionality. Conversely, platforms that are developed in-house are often specified for individual projects, requiring specialized development and technical expertise. Patients are on the receiving end of programming and technical specification challenges; message delays or lagged data affect quality of SMS communications. To date, little work has been done to develop a generalizable SMS platform that can be scaled across health initiatives. OBJECTIVE We propose the Configurable Assessment Messaging Platform for Interventions (CAMPI) to mitigate challenges associated with SMS intervention implementation (e.g., programming, data collection, message delivery). METHOD CAMPI aims to optimize health data captured from a multitude of sources and enhance patient-provider communication through a technology that is simple and familiar to patients. Using representative examples from three behavioral intervention case studies implemented among diverse populations (pregnant women, young sexual minority men, and parents with young children), we describe CAMPI capabilities and feasibility. CONCLUSION As a generalizable SMS platform, CAMPI can be scaled to meet the priorities of various health initiatives, while reducing unnecessary resource utilization and burden on providers and patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
|
5
|
Lattie EG, Bass M, Garcia SF, Phillips SM, Moreno PI, Flores AM, Smith JD, Scholtens D, Barnard C, Penedo FJ, Cella D, Yanez B. Optimizing Health Information Technologies for Symptom Management in Cancer Patients and Survivors: Usability Evaluation. JMIR Form Res 2020; 4:e18412. [PMID: 32955450 PMCID: PMC7536600 DOI: 10.2196/18412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Unmanaged cancer symptoms and treatment-related side effects can compromise long-term clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life. Health information technologies such as web-based platforms offer the possibility to supplement existing care and optimize symptom management. Objective This paper describes the development and usability of a web-based symptom management platform for cancer patients and survivors that will be implemented within a large health system. Methods A web-based symptom management platform was designed and evaluated via one-on-one usability testing sessions. The System Usability Scale (SUS), After Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ), and qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews were used to assess program usability. Results Ten cancer survivors and five cancer center staff members participated in usability testing sessions. The mean score on the SUS was 86.6 (SD 14.0), indicating above average usability. The mean score on the ASQ was 2.5 (SD 2.1), indicating relatively high satisfaction with the usability of the program. Qualitative analyses identified valued features of the program and recommendations for further improvements. Conclusions Cancer survivors and oncology care providers reported high levels of acceptability and usability in the initial development of a web-based symptom management platform for cancer survivors. Future work will test the effectiveness of this web-based platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily G Lattie
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Michael Bass
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sofia F Garcia
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Siobhan M Phillips
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Patricia I Moreno
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ann Marie Flores
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - J D Smith
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Denise Scholtens
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Cynthia Barnard
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Frank J Penedo
- Departments of Psychology and Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - David Cella
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Betina Yanez
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Berkel C, Rudo-Stern J, Abraczinskas M, Wilson C, Lokey F, Flanigan E, Villamar JA, Dishion TJ, Smith JD. Translating evidence-based parenting programs for primary care: Stakeholder recommendations for sustainable implementation. J Community Psychol 2020; 48:1178-1193. [PMID: 31951291 PMCID: PMC7261629 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To translate evidence-based programs (EBP) for a new setting, attention must be given to the characteristics of the intervention and the local setting, as well as evidence that is compelling to decision-makers. This paper describes the history of a partnership and stakeholder recommendations to inform the adaptation of an EBP for primary care. METHODS We established a community advisory board (CAB) consisting of stakeholders with expertize in primary care delivery. A thematic analysis was conducted with fieldnotes and transcriptions from CAB meetings and regular meetings with participating clinics. RESULTS We found that (a) parenting programs with a focus on behavioral and physical health are appropriate for this setting, (b) variability in the structure of primary care means implementation must be tailorable, and (c) financial and organizational outcomes are compelling for decision-makers. CONCLUSION Factors related to the content and structure of evidence-based programs are uniquely related to distinct implementation outcomes of interest to key stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cady Berkel
- Department of Psychology, REACH Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Jenna Rudo-Stern
- Department of Psychology, REACH Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
| | | | | | | | | | - Juan A Villamar
- Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Thomas J Dishion
- Department of Psychology, REACH Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - J D Smith
- Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Smith JD, Barratt BM, Fuller GW, Kelly FJ, Loxham M, Nicolosi E, Priestman M, Tremper AH, Green DC. PM 2.5 on the London Underground. Environ Int 2020; 134:105188. [PMID: 31787325 PMCID: PMC6902242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the London Underground (LU) handling on average 2.8 million passenger journeys per day, the characteristics and potential health effects of the elevated concentrations of metal-rich PM2.5 found in this subway system are not well understood. METHODS Spatial monitoring campaigns were carried out to characterise the health-relevant chemical and physical properties of PM2.5 across the LU network, including diurnal and day-to-day variability and spatial distribution (above ground, depth below ground and subway line). Population-weighted station PM2.5 rankings were produced to understand the relative importance of concentrations at different stations and on different lines. RESULTS The PM2.5 mass in the LU (mean 88 μg m-3, median 28 μg m-3) was greater than at ambient background locations (mean 19 μg m-3, median 14 μg m-3) and roadside environments in central London (mean 22 μg m-3, median 14 μg m-3). Concentrations varied between lines and locations, with the deepest and shallowest submerged lines being the District (median 4 μg m-3) and Victoria (median 361 μg m-3 but up to 885 μg m-3). Broadly in agreement with other subway systems around the world, sampled LU PM2.5 comprised 47% iron oxide, 7% elemental carbon, 11% organic carbon, and 14% metallic and mineral oxides. Although a relationship between line depth and air quality inside the tube trains was evident, there were clear influences relating to the distance from cleaner outside air and the exchange with cabin air when the doors open. The passenger population-weighted exposure analysis demonstrated a method to identify stations that should be prioritised for remediation to improve air quality. CONCLUSION PM2.5 concentrations in the LU are many times higher than in other London transport Environments. Failure to include this environment in epidemiological studies of the relationship between PM2.5 and health in London is therefore likely to lead to a large exposure misclassification error. Given the significant contribution of underground PM2.5 to daily exposure, and the differences in composition compared to urban PM2.5, there is a clear need for well-designed studies to better understand the health effects of underground exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- MRC Centre for Environment & Health, King's College London, UK
| | - B M Barratt
- MRC Centre for Environment & Health, King's College London, UK; NIHR Health Impact of Environmental Hazards HPRU, King's College London, UK
| | - G W Fuller
- MRC Centre for Environment & Health, King's College London, UK
| | - F J Kelly
- MRC Centre for Environment & Health, King's College London, UK; NIHR Health Impact of Environmental Hazards HPRU, King's College London, UK
| | - M Loxham
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - E Nicolosi
- MRC Centre for Environment & Health, King's College London, UK
| | - M Priestman
- MRC Centre for Environment & Health, King's College London, UK
| | - A H Tremper
- MRC Centre for Environment & Health, King's College London, UK
| | - D C Green
- MRC Centre for Environment & Health, King's College London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McNulty M, Smith JD, Villamar J, Burnett-Zeigler I, Vermeer W, Benbow N, Gallo C, Wilensky U, Hjorth A, Mustanski B, Schneider J, Brown CH. Implementation Research Methodologies for Achieving Scientific Equity and Health Equity. Ethn Dis 2019; 29:83-92. [PMID: 30906154 DOI: 10.18865/ed.29.s1.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Implementation science has great potential to improve the health of communities and individuals who are not achieving health equity. However, implementation science can exacerbate health disparities if its use is biased toward entities that already have the highest capacities for delivering evidence-based interventions. In this article, we examine several methodologic approaches for conducting implementation research to advance equity both in our understanding of what historically disadvantaged populations would need-what we call scientific equity-and how this knowledge can be applied to produce health equity. We focus on rapid ways to gain knowledge on how to engage, design research, act, share, and sustain successes in partnership with communities. We begin by describing a principle-driven partnership process between community members and implementation researchers to overcome disparities. We then review three innovative implementation method paradigms to improve scientific and health equity and provide examples of each. The first paradigm involves making efficient use of existing data by applying epidemiologic and simulation modeling to understand what drives disparities and how they can be overcome. The second paradigm involves designing new research studies that include, but do not focus exclusively on, populations experiencing disparities in health domains such as cardiovascular disease and co-occurring mental health conditions. The third paradigm involves implementation research that focuses exclusively on populations who have experienced high levels of disparities. To date, our scientific enterprise has invested disproportionately in research that fails to eliminate health disparities. The implementation research methods discussed here hold promise for overcoming barriers and achieving health equity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moira McNulty
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.,Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - J D Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Juan Villamar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Inger Burnett-Zeigler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Wouter Vermeer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Nanette Benbow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Carlos Gallo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Uri Wilensky
- Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling in the Learning Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Arthur Hjorth
- Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling in the Learning Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - John Schneider
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.,Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - C Hendricks Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Smith JD, Corace KM, MacDonald TK, Fabrigar LR, Saedi A, Chaplin A, MacFarlane S, Valickis D, Garber GE. Application of the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify factors that influence hand hygiene compliance in long-term care. J Hosp Infect 2018; 101:393-398. [PMID: 30594611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare worker (HCW) hand hygiene compliance is key to patient safety; however, compliance is suboptimal. Nevertheless hand hygiene compliance is not well studied in the long-term care setting. AIM To apply a behaviour change framework, the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), to identify modifiable facilitators and barriers for HCW hand hygiene compliance in long-term care settings. METHODS HCW hand hygiene compliance facilitators and barriers were examined using a questionnaire for HCWs from long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada. The questionnaire was informed by the TDF, which is based on a synthesis of constructs from a number of relevant psychological theories of behaviour change. FINDINGS Barriers identified from the questionnaire aligned with the TDF domain environmental context and resources (time pressure, workload, and environmental controls). Facilitators identified from questionnaire results aligned with the TDF domains social/professional role and identity (it is what is expected of HCWs), and beliefs about consequences (risk of transmission of micro-organisms to self or others). CONCLUSION There are several barriers to hand hygiene compliance that persist in long-term care. A behaviour change theory-informed framework such as the TDF can be helpful to identify those barriers. This study identified several key behavioural constructs aligned with the TDF that can be targeted when developing novel hand hygiene interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- Infection Prevention and Control, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - K M Corace
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - T K MacDonald
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - L R Fabrigar
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - A Saedi
- Infection Prevention and Control, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A Chaplin
- Infection Prevention and Control, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - S MacFarlane
- Infection Prevention and Control, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - D Valickis
- Infection Prevention and Control, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - G E Garber
- Infection Prevention and Control, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Clarke CM, Fok VT, Gustafson JA, Smyth MD, Timms AE, Frazar CD, Smith JD, Birgfeld CB, Lee A, Ellenbogen RG, Gruss JS, Hopper RA, Cunningham ML. Single suture craniosynostosis: Identification of rare variants in genes associated with syndromic forms. Am J Med Genet A. 2018 Feb;176(2):290-300. Am J Med Genet A 2018; 176:2522. [PMID: 30537273 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38846] [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] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C M Clarke
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - V T Fok
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - J A Gustafson
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - M D Smyth
- Washington University Department of Neurosurgery, St. Louis, Missouri.,St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - A E Timms
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - C D Frazar
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - J D Smith
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - C B Birgfeld
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Division of Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,Seattle Children's Craniofacial Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - A Lee
- Seattle Children's Craniofacial Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - R G Ellenbogen
- Seattle Children's Craniofacial Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - J S Gruss
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Division of Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,Seattle Children's Craniofacial Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - R A Hopper
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Division of Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,Seattle Children's Craniofacial Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - M L Cunningham
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Seattle Children's Craniofacial Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.,Division of Craniofacial Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lawrie SR, Faircloth DC, Smith JD, Sarmento TM, Whitehead MO, Wood T, Perkins M, Macgregor J, Abel R. Recent H - diagnostics, plasma simulations, and 2X scaled Penning ion source developments at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Rev Sci Instrum 2018; 89:052101. [PMID: 29864892 DOI: 10.1063/1.5011714] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A vessel for extraction and source plasma analyses is being used for Penning H- ion source development at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. A new set of optical elements including an einzel lens has been installed, which transports over 80 mA of H- beam successfully. Simultaneously, a 2X scaled Penning source has been developed to reduce cathode power density. The 2X source is now delivering a 65 mA H- ion beam at 10% duty factor, meeting its design criteria. The long-term viability of the einzel lens and 2X source is now being evaluated, so new diagnostic devices have been installed. A pair of electrostatic deflector plates is used to correct beam misalignment and perform fast chopping, with a voltage rise time of 24 ns. A suite of four quartz crystal microbalances has shown that the cesium flux in the vacuum vessel is only increased by a factor of two, despite the absence of a dedicated cold trap. Finally, an infrared camera has demonstrated good agreement with thermal simulations but has indicated unexpected heating due to beam loss on the downstream electrode. These types of diagnostics are suitable for monitoring all operational ion sources. In addition to experimental campaigns and new diagnostic tools, the high-performance VSim and COMSOL software packages are being used for plasma simulations of two novel ion thrusters for space propulsion applications. In parallel, a VSim framework has been established to include arbitrary temperature and cesium fields to allow the modeling of surface physics in H- ion sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S R Lawrie
- STFC ISIS Pulsed Spallation Neutron and Muon Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - D C Faircloth
- STFC ISIS Pulsed Spallation Neutron and Muon Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - J D Smith
- Tech-X UK Ltd., The Innovation Centre, Sci-Tech Daresbury, Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - T M Sarmento
- STFC ISIS Pulsed Spallation Neutron and Muon Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - M O Whitehead
- STFC ISIS Pulsed Spallation Neutron and Muon Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - T Wood
- STFC ISIS Pulsed Spallation Neutron and Muon Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - M Perkins
- STFC ISIS Pulsed Spallation Neutron and Muon Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - J Macgregor
- STFC ISIS Pulsed Spallation Neutron and Muon Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - R Abel
- STFC ISIS Pulsed Spallation Neutron and Muon Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Smith JD, Roach B, Hassanzadeh Keshteli A, Kao DH. A275 DONOR BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) DOES NOT IMPACT RECIPIENT BMI FOLLOWING FECAL MICROBIOTA TRANSPLANTATION FOR RECURRENT CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE INFECTION. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwy008.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - B Roach
- Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - A Hassanzadeh Keshteli
- Centre of Excellence for Gastrointestinal Inflammation and Immunity Research, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - D H Kao
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
SummaryThis report documents a complicated trauma case in a dog that was successfully managed by substitution of a missing patellar ligament with an autogenous tensor fascia lata free graft. Important to the success of the case was the use of a careful postoperative regime of progressive controlled mobilization with the aid of the hinged transarticular external skeletal fixator. Because of the advantages provided by use of the autogenous tensor fascia lata graft and the hinged transarticular external skeletal fixator, patient morbidity was low and the end result was good.An autogenous tensor fascia lata free graft was successfully used to completely substitute for a missing patellar ligament in a dog. Postoperative rehabilitation was facilitated by the use of the hinged transarticular external skeletal fixator. The technique is described along with the results. Complete substitution of the patellar ligament with a graft has not been reported in the dog.
Collapse
|
14
|
Merola J, Yoo PS, Schaub J, Smith JD, Rodriguez-Davalos MI, Tichy E, Mulligan DC, Asch W, Formica R, Kashgarian M, Kulkarni S. Belatacept and Eculizumab for Treatment of Calcineurin Inhibitor-induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy After Kidney Transplantation: Case Report. Transplant Proc 2017; 48:3106-3108. [PMID: 27932157 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) after kidney transplantation is an uncommon and challenging cause of graft dysfunction and is associated with early graft loss. An idiosyncratic endothelial reaction to calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) has been implicated as a frequent cause of TMA. This reaction is marked by uncontrolled activation of complement and subsequent cellular destruction. Usual therapy consists of withdrawal of the inciting drug and plasmapheresis to minimize levels of circulating complement. Recently, eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody to complement component C5, has been used for the treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Belatacept, an inhibitor of T cell costimulatory protein CTLA-4 has been used in immunosuppression strategies aimed at minimization of CNI. Here we report the first case of treatment of CNI-associated TMA/hemolytic uremic syndrome with withdrawal of tacrolimus and initiation of both belatacept and eculizumab. The case describes a favorable clinical course for both graft and patient, and is accompanied by a review of the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Merola
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - P S Yoo
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - J Schaub
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - J D Smith
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - E Tichy
- Department of Pharmacy, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - D C Mulligan
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - W Asch
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - R Formica
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - M Kashgarian
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - S Kulkarni
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, USA
| | - J. D. Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, USA
| | - Keisha B. Walters
- School of Chemical Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
| | - Steven W. Rick
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Errors of angular position on encoders used for transmission error measurement were investigated to determine the practical limits of accuracy. Computer correction can be used to eliminate consistent errors on the encoders but errors remain, attributable to electrical noise, bearing errors and friction effects. Practical limits on the calibration and usage of the encoders for individual harmonics of once per revolution frequency and for a given angular position were established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- University Engineering Department, University of Cambridge
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Discrepancies between errors measured by back-to-back tests on rotary encoders and the errors quoted by the manufacturers led to investigation of the causes for the difference. An error that was apparently at 96 cycles per revolution was found to be due to a much higher frequency which was well outside the normal operating range for transmission error work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- University Engineering Department, University of Cambidge, Cambridge
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Moore SJ, Smith JD, Greenlee MHW, Nicholson EM, Richt JA, Greenlee JJ. Comparison of Two US Sheep Scrapie Isolates Supports Identification as Separate Strains. Vet Pathol 2016; 53:1187-1196. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985816629712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Scrapie is a naturally occurring transmissible spongiform encephalopathy of sheep and goats. There are different strains of sheep scrapie that are associated with unique molecular, transmission, and phenotype characteristics. However, in the United States, very little is known about the potential presence of scrapie strains. Scrapie strain and PRNP genotype could both affect susceptibility, potential for transmission, incubation period (IP), and control measures required for eliminating scrapie from a flock. The investigators evaluated 2 US scrapie isolates, No. 13-7 and x124, after intranasal inoculation to compare clinical signs, IPs, spongiform lesions, and patterns of PrPSc deposition in sheep with scrapie-susceptible PRNP genotypes (QQ171). After inoculation with x124, susceptibility and IP were associated with valine at codon 136 (V136) of the prion protein: VV136 sheep had short IPs (6.9 months), those in AV136 sheep were 11.9 months, and AA136 sheep did not develop scrapie. All No. 13-7 inoculated sheep developed scrapie, with IPs of 20.1 months for AA136 sheep, 22.8 months for AV136 sheep, and 26.7 months for VV136 sheep. Patterns of immunoreactivity in the brain were influenced by inoculum isolate and host genotype. Differences in PrPSc profiles versus isolate were most striking when examining brains from sheep with the VV136 genotype. Inoculation into C57BL/6 mice resulted in markedly different attack rates (90.5% for x124 and 5.9% for No. 13-7). Taken together, these data demonstrate that No. 13-7 and x124 represent 2 distinct strains of scrapie with different IPs, genotype susceptibilities, and PrPSc deposition profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. J. Moore
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA
| | - J. D. Smith
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA
| | - M. H. West Greenlee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - E. M. Nicholson
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA
| | - J. A. Richt
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA
| | - J. J. Greenlee
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Veerman SRT, Schulte PFJ, Smith JD, de Haan L. Memantine augmentation in clozapine-refractory schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Psychol Med 2016; 46:1909-1921. [PMID: 27048954 PMCID: PMC4954262 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716000398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysfunction of neuroplasticity due to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hypofunction may be a causal factor for memory and executive dysfunctioning in schizophrenia. Deregulation of NMDA transmission in the prefrontal cortex may also explain negative and positive symptoms. Clozapine augmentation with memantine targets altered NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission in schizophrenia and showed substantial beneficial effects on several symptom domains in a small proof-of-concept study. We evaluate effects of memantine add-on treatment to clozapine for memory and executive function, and negative and positive symptoms in schizophrenia. METHOD Clozapine-treated patients with refractory schizophrenia were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of double-blind adjunctive treatment with memantine (n = 26) or placebo (n = 26). Crossover occurred after a 2-week placebo wash-out period. Primary endpoints were change from baseline to 12 weeks treatment and 14 weeks to 26 weeks treatment on memory and executive function using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Clinical Global Impression Severity Scale (CGI-S). Side effects were assessed using the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-Effect Rating Scale. RESULTS When compared with placebo, memantine improved a composite memory score comprising verbal recognition memory and paired associates learning task scores on the CANTAB (effect size = 0.30) and PANSS negative subscale score (effect size = 0.29). Side effects were mild and transient. CONCLUSIONS In patients with clozapine-treated refractory schizophrenia, memantine addition significantly improved verbal and visual memory and negative symptoms without serious adverse effects. These results justify further investigations on long-term memantine augmentation to clozapine in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. R. T. Veerman
- Mental Health Service Organization North Holland
North, Community Mental Health Division, Flexible Assertive
Community Treatment, Alkmaar, The
Netherlands
| | - P. F. J. Schulte
- Mental Health Service Organization North Holland
North, Division for Specialized Treatment, Treatment Center for
Bipolar Disorders, Alkmaar, The
Netherlands
| | - J. D. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine,
Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology, Chicago,
IL, USA
| | - L. de Haan
- Early Psychosis Department,
Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Academic Psychiatric
Center, Arkin, Amsterdam,
The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Theusch E, Kim K, Stevens K, Smith JD, Chen YDI, Rotter JI, Nickerson DA, Medina MW. Statin-induced expression change of INSIG1 in lymphoblastoid cell lines correlates with plasma triglyceride statin response in a sex-specific manner. Pharmacogenomics J 2016; 17:222-229. [PMID: 26927283 PMCID: PMC5008997 DOI: 10.1038/tpj.2016.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Statins are widely prescribed to lower plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. They also modestly reduce plasma triglyceride (TG), an independent cardiovascular disease risk factor, in most people. The mechanism and inter-individual variability of TG statin response is poorly understood. We measured statin-induced gene expression changes in lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from 150 participants of a simvastatin clinical trial and identified 23 genes (false discovery rate, FDR=15%) with expression changes correlated with plasma TG response. The correlation of insulin-induced gene 1 (INSIG1) expression changes with TG response (rho=0.32, q=0.11) was driven by men (interaction P=0.0055). rs73161338 was associated with INSIG1 expression changes (P=5.4 × 10−5) and TG response in two statin clinical trials (P=0.0048), predominantly in men. A combined model including INSIG1 expression level and splicing changes accounted for 29.5% of plasma TG statin response variance in men (P=5.6 × 10−6). Our results suggest that INSIG1 variation may contribute to statin-induced changes in plasma TG in a sex-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Theusch
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - K Kim
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - K Stevens
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - J D Smith
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Y-D I Chen
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - J I Rotter
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - D A Nickerson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - M W Medina
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ahmad F, Ansar M, Mehmood S, Izoduwa A, Lee K, Nasir A, Abrar M, Mehmood S, Ullah A, Aziz A, Smith JD, Shendure J, Bamshad MJ, Nicekrson DA, Santos-Cortez RLP, Leal SM, Ahmad W. A novel missense variant in the PNPLA1 gene underlies congenital ichthyosis in three consanguineous families. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2015; 30:e210-e213. [PMID: 26691440 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - M Ansar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - S Mehmood
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - A Izoduwa
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Center for Statistical Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - K Lee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Center for Statistical Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - A Nasir
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - M Abrar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - S Mehmood
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - A Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - A Aziz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | -
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - J D Smith
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Center for Statistical Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - J Shendure
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Center for Statistical Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - M J Bamshad
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Center for Statistical Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - D A Nicekrson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Center for Statistical Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - R L P Santos-Cortez
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Center for Statistical Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - S M Leal
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Center for Statistical Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - W Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan.,Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ward GP, Lovelock RK, Murray ARJ, Hibbins AP, Sambles JR, Smith JD. Boundary-Layer Effects on Acoustic Transmission Through Narrow Slit Cavities. Phys Rev Lett 2015; 115:044302. [PMID: 26252688 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.115.044302] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We explore the slit-width dependence of the resonant transmission of sound in air through both a slit array formed of aluminum slats and a single open-ended slit cavity in an aluminum plate. Our experimental results accord well with Lord Rayleigh's theory concerning how thin viscous and thermal boundary layers at a slit's walls affect the acoustic wave across the whole slit cavity. By measuring accurately the frequencies of the Fabry-Perot-like cavity resonances, we find a significant 5% reduction in the effective speed of sound through the slits when an individual viscous boundary layer occupies only 5% of the total slit width. Importantly, this effect is true for any airborne slit cavity, with the reduction being achieved despite the slit width being on a far larger scale than an individual boundary layer's thickness. This work demonstrates that the recent prevalent loss-free treatment of narrow slit cavities within acoustic metamaterials is unrealistic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G P Ward
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Electromagnetic and Acoustic Materials Group, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Devon EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
| | - R K Lovelock
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Electromagnetic and Acoustic Materials Group, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Devon EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
| | - A R J Murray
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Electromagnetic and Acoustic Materials Group, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Devon EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
| | - A P Hibbins
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Electromagnetic and Acoustic Materials Group, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Devon EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
| | - J R Sambles
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Electromagnetic and Acoustic Materials Group, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Devon EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
| | - J D Smith
- DSTL, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
AbstractNosocomial pseudoepidemics may be detected when clustering of pseudoinfections occur or when artificial clusters of real infection are observed. Nontuberculous mycobacteria were reportedly isolated from specimens obtained from seven patients at one hospital from October 1980 to January 1981. Because the patients' clinical illnesses were not uniformly consistent with mycobacterial disease, we hypothesized that pseudoinfections had occurred and searched for a common source of contamination. The investigation suggested that specimen contamination was associated with one microbiology laboratory technician: 6 of 22 (27%) specimens processed by that person were positive compared with 1 of 103 (1%) specimens processed by the other five technicians. However, a specific mechanism of contamination was not identified. Nosocomial pseudoepidemics associated with false infections should be suspected and investigated when clinical features and laboratory findings do not agree.
Collapse
|
24
|
Abu-Zayyad T, Aida R, Allen M, Anderson R, Azuma R, Barcikowski E, Belz JW, Bergman DR, Blake SA, Cady R, Cheon BG, Chiba J, Chikawa M, Cho EJ, Cho WR, Fujii H, Fujii T, Fukuda T, Fukushima M, Gorbunov D, Hanlon W, Hayashi K, Hayashi Y, Hayashida N, Hibino K, Hiyama K, Honda K, Iguchi T, Ikeda D, Ikuta K, Inoue N, Ishii T, Ishimori R, Ivanov D, Iwamoto S, Jui CCH, Kadota K, Kakimoto F, Kalashev O, Kanbe T, Kasahara K, Kawai H, Kawakami S, Kawana S, Kido E, Kim HB, Kim HK, Kim JH, Kim JH, Kitamoto K, Kitamura S, Kitamura Y, Kobayashi K, Kobayashi Y, Kondo Y, Kuramoto K, Kuzmin V, Kwon YJ, Lan J, Lim SI, Machida S, Martens K, Matsuda T, Matsuura T, Matsuyama T, Matthews JN, Minamino M, Miyata K, Murano Y, Myers I, Nagasawa K, Nagataki S, Nakamura T, Nam SW, Nonaka T, Ogio S, Ohnishi M, Ohoka H, Oki K, Oku D, Okuda T, Oshima A, Ozawa S, Park IH, Pshirkov MS, Rodriguez DC, Roh SY, Rubtsov GI, Ryu D, Sagawa H, Sakurai N, Sampson AL, Scott LM, Shah PD, Shibata F, Shibata T, Shimodaira H, Shin BK, Shin JI, Shirahama T, Smith JD, Sokolsky P, Stokes BT, Stratton SR, Stroman T, Suzuki S, Takahashi Y, Takeda M, Taketa A, Takita M, Tameda Y, Tanaka H, Tanaka K, Tanaka M, Thomas SB, Thomson GB, Tinyakov P, Tkachev I, Tokuno H, Tomida T, Troitsky S, Tsunesada Y, Tsutsumi K, Tsuyuguchi Y, Uchihori Y, Udo S, Ukai H, Vasiloff G, Wada Y, Wong T, Wood M, Yamakawa Y, Yamane R, Yamaoka H, Yamazaki K, Yang J, Yoneda Y, Yoshida S, Yoshii H, Zhou X, Zollinger R, Zundel Z. Upper limit on the flux of photons with energies above1019 eVusing the Telescope Array surface detector. Int J Clin Exp Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1103/physrevd.88.112005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
25
|
Jones M, Jeal H, Harris JM, Smith JD, Rose ML, Taylor AN, Cullinan P. Association of maternal anti-HLA class II antibodies with protection from allergy in offspring. Allergy 2013; 68:1143-9. [PMID: 23991716 DOI: 10.1111/all.12213] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested that the birth order effect in allergy may be established during the prenatal period and that the protective effect may originate in the mother. HLA class II disparity between mother and foetus has been associated with significantly increased Th1 production. In this study, we investigated whether production of HLA antibodies 4 years after pregnancy with index child is associated with allergic outcomes in offspring at 8 years. METHODS Anti-HLA class I and II antibodies were measured in maternal serum (n = 284) and levels correlated to numbers of pregnancies and birth order, and allergic outcomes in offspring at 8 years of age. RESULTS Maternal anti-HLA class I and II antibodies were significantly higher when birth order, and the number of pregnancies were larger. Anti-HLA class II, but not class I antibodies were associated with significantly less atopy and seasonal rhinitis in the offspring at age 8 years. Mothers with nonatopic (but not atopic) offspring had a significant increase in anti-HLA class I and II antibodies with birth order. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the 'birth order' effect in children may be due to parity-related changes in the maternal immune response to foetal antigens. We have observed for the first time an association between maternal anti-HLA class II antibodies and protection from allergy in the offspring. Further work is required to determine immunologically how HLA disparity between mother and father can protect against allergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Jones
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Imperial College; London; UK
| | - H. Jeal
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Imperial College; London; UK
| | - J. M. Harris
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Imperial College; London; UK
| | - J. D. Smith
- Transplant Immunology Group; Royal Brompton and Harefield Foundation NHS Trust; Harefield; London; UK
| | - M. L. Rose
- Transplant Immunology Group; Royal Brompton and Harefield Foundation NHS Trust; Harefield; London; UK
| | - A. N. Taylor
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Imperial College; London; UK
| | - P. Cullinan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Imperial College; London; UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hewing B, Parathath S, Chung WK, Astudillo YM, Hamada T, Tallant T, Berisha SZ, Smith JD, Hazen SL, Fisher EA. Differential effects in mice of infused native and MPO-modified ApoA-I on reverse cholesterol transport and atherosclerosis. Eur Heart J 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht308.p2383] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
|
27
|
Catalucci A, Anselmi M, Splendiani A, Smith JD, Limbucci N, Giangaspero F, Gallucci M. Pediatric inflammatory diseases. Part I: multiple sclerosis. Neuroradiol J 2012; 25:684-94. [PMID: 24029182 DOI: 10.1177/197140091202500608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory CNS disease characterized by multifocal areas of demyelination; usually it arises in young adults, but can also occur in children (under the age of 10) and adolescents (under the age of 18). As in adult, pediatric MS (PMS) diagnosis is based on the demonstration of multiple demyelination episodes separated in time and spaces. Diagnostic criteria realized for childhood are similar to those employed for adults. Although clinical and imaging features of PMS can be similar to those of adults, the disease is often characterized by a more aggressive course and atypical imaging findings, with giant and pseudotumoral plaques. Differential diagnosis between PMS and ADEM could be difficult: clinical findings and MRI are necessary; sometimes MRI follow-up is required for definitive diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Catalucci
- Chair and Unit of Neuroradiology, University of L'Aquila; L'Aquila, Italy -
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gallucci M, Smith JD, Limbucci N, Giangaspero F, Rossi A. Pediatric Inflammatory Diseases. Part II: Acute Post-Infectious Immune Disorders. Neuroradiol J 2012; 25:702-14. [PMID: 24029184 DOI: 10.1177/197140091202500610] [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] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute post-infectious immune disorders include Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and its variants such as Acute Hemorrhagic Encephalomyelitis (AHEM), acute necrotizing hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (ANHLE) of Weston Hurst, multiphasic and recurrent ADEM. Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy of Childhood (ANE or ANEC) represents a dramatic event, consequent to viral infections, especially Influenza-A, and is now considered different from ADEM. ADEM and variants are classically described as uniphasic syndrome occurring in association with an immunization or vaccination (postvaccine encephalomyelitis) or systemic viral infection (parainfectious encephalomyelitis). However, multiphasic forms are not rare. Pathologically, there is perivascular inflammation, edema, and demyelination within the CNS. Clinical features are focal or multifocal neurologic disorder following exposure to virus or receipt of vaccine. The onset of the CNS disorder is usually rapid and include encephalopathy ranging from lethargy to coma, seizures, and focal and multifocal signs reflecting cerebral and spinal cord involvement. The mortality rate is estimated at 10 to 30 percent, with complete recovery rates of 50 percent cited. Poor prognosis is correlated with severity and abruptness of onset of the clinical syndrome. Multifocal CNS lesions are generally evident on MRI that can be similar from those observed in MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Gallucci
- Chair and Unit of Neuroradiology, University of L'Aquila; L'Aquila, Italy -
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND En bloc resection of adjacent pelvic organ(s) may be needed to achieve clear surgical margins in rectal cancer surgery. An institutional experience is reported with perioperative morbidity and oncological outcomes. METHODS Patients were identified retrospectively from a prospectively collected institutional database (1992-2010). Outcomes, and clinical and pathological factors were determined from medical records. Estimated overall survival, overall recurrence and local recurrence were compared using the log rank method and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Among 1831 patients with rectal cancer, 124 (6·8 per cent) underwent en bloc resection of part or all of an adjacent organ (vagina/uterus/ovary 90, prostate/seminal vesicle 23, bladder/ureter 15, small bowel/appendix 7). Five-year overall survival and local recurrence rates were 53·3 and 18·8 per cent respectively. There was one postoperative death, from multiple organ failure in a patient with liver cirrhosis. Fifty-two patients underwent sphincter-preserving surgery and three (6 per cent) developed an anastomotic leak. On univariable analysis, the only factor associated with local recurrence was completeness of resection (local recurrence rate 15 per cent versus 69 per cent for R0 versus R1 resection; P < 0·001). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with overall survival were sphincter-preserving surgery, absence of metastatic disease and R0 resection. CONCLUSION Multiple organ resection for locally advanced primary rectal cancer had good oncological outcomes when clear resection margins were achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Smith JD, Greenlee JJ, Foster GH, Nicholson EM. Acetone precipitation of the scrapie agent results in successful recovery of PrP(Sc) but decreased infectivity. J Agric Food Chem 2012; 60:4758-4762. [PMID: 22519670 DOI: 10.1021/jf300639h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Bioassay is considered the most sensitive method for evaluating prion inactivation procedures. Because prions are resistant to methods effective at inactivating conventional microorganisms, prion inactivation research has focused on relatively harsh alternatives, such as concentrated sodium hypochlorite or sodium hydroxide. Often, bioassay for residual infectivity in these studies requires dilution or biochemical alteration of the treated sample in order to maintain subject health and survival. Ideally, prions from treated samples could be sufficiently separated from the inactivating agent without alteration of the sample and with negligible loss of infectivity prior to inoculation into the bioassay host. The current study was designed to evaluate acetone precipitation of the disease-associated form of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)) from brain homogenate derived from mice with the RML (Rocky Mountain Laboratory) strain of scrapie. The ability to recover PrP(Sc) was evaluated by Western blot. Dilutions of acetone-precipitated RML-positive brain homogenate were compared to nonprecipitated RML homogenate, resulting in similar PrP(Sc) detection levels down to 0.025 mg equivalents of brain tissue. The impact of the method on infectivity was investigated by bioassay in intracranially inoculated tga20 mice. Additionally, contributions to infectivity from the pellet and supernatant fractions were investigated. Acetone precipitation resulted in a 1-log₁₀ reduction in infectivity. Infectivity could not be reconstituted by the acetone soluble fraction of the infectious sample or uninfected brain. This study demonstrates that PrP(Sc) can successfully be precipitated out of infected brain homogenate using acetone but that there is a reduction in infectivity attributable to the procedure that would need to be considered when evaluating bioassay results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancers are associated with varying degrees of an increased risk of venous thromboembotic events (VTE) occurring. This increased risk is tumour driven and associated with tumour expression of tissue factor (TF) and tumour-derived microparticles (MP). In this study, cancer cell lines from phenotypically distinct tumours were assessed for cell surface TF expression and prothrombin time (PT) taken as a measure of procoagulant potential. METHODS Breast (T47D, MCF-7), colorectal (Colo320 and LoVo), head and neck (USCC 11b, 12, 81b and SIHN-011A) and pancreatic tumour cell lines (ASPC-1 and CFPAC-1) were assessed for TF expression by flow cytometry and relative mean fluorescence determined. Procoagulant potential of the cells was then determined by PT assay. RESULTS Cell-supported coagulation was shown to be cell number dependent, defined by a logarithmic relationship that was consistent across all cell lines. Single cell PT was determined for each cell line from the slope of a logarithmically transformed data plot. A near linear relationship was observed between TF expression and single cell clotting time where a higher expression of TF results in a proportionally faster PT (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that across a range of tumour sites a consistent relationship is seen between procoagulant potential and both cell number and TF cell surface expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Welsh
- Postgraduate Medical Institute, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Smith JD, Banner NR, Hamour IM, Ozawa M, Goh A, Robinson D, Terasaki PI, Rose ML. De novo donor HLA-specific antibodies after heart transplantation are an independent predictor of poor patient survival. Am J Transplant 2011; 11:312-9. [PMID: 21219570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2010.03383.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Preformed donor HLA-specific antibodies are a known indicator for poor patient survival after cardiac transplantation. The role of de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA) formed after cardiac transplantation is less clear. Here we have retrospectively analyzed 243 cardiac transplant recipients, measuring HLA antibody production every year after transplantation up to 13 years post-transplant. Production of de novo DSA was analyzed in patients who had been negative for DSA prior to their transplant. DSA including transient antibodies were associated with poor patient survival (p = 0.0018, HR = 3.198). However, de novo and persistent DSA was strongly associated with poor patient survival (p = 0.0001 HR = 4.351). Although complement fixing persistent DSA correlated with poor patient survival, this was not increased compared to noncomplement fixing persistent DSA. Multivariable analysis indicated de novo persistent DSA to be an independent predictor of poor patient survival along with HLA-DR mismatch and donor age. Only increasing donor age was found to be an independent risk factor for earlier development of CAV. In conclusion, patients who are transplanted in the absence of pre-existing DSA make de novo DSA after transplantation which are associated with poor survival. Early and regular monitoring of post-transplant DSA is required to identify patients at risk of allograft failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- Transplant Immunology, Harefield Hospital, Imperial College, Harefield, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mysak ER, Smith JD, Ashby PD, Newberg JT, Wilson KR, Bluhm H. Competitive reaction pathways for functionalization and volatilization in the heterogeneous oxidation of coronene thin films by hydroxyl radicals and ozone. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2011; 13:7554-64. [DOI: 10.1039/c0cp02323j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
34
|
Abstract
Scleral cartilaginous metaplasia was detected by routine histologic examination of globes from 5 Suffolk sheep from a scrapie pathogenesis study. The extent of the metaplasia varied among the sheep but was always posterior to the tapetal fundus. The matrix surrounding chondrocytes stained intensely with alcian blue and was immunopositive for type II collagen. Retrospective evaluation of additional eyes from Suffolk and Cheviot sheep used in various scrapie pathogenesis studies at the authors' facility revealed similar histologic changes in 40% and 12.7% of eyes examined, respectively. The clinical significance of this previously unreported finding is unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, USDA ARS National Animal Disease Center, 1920 Dayton Avenue, PO Box 70, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abbasi RU, Abu-Zayyad T, Al-Seady M, Allen M, Amman JF, Anderson RJ, Archbold G, Belov K, Belz JW, Bergman DR, Blake SA, Brusova OA, Burt GW, Cannon C, Cao Z, Deng W, Fedorova Y, Finley CB, Gray RC, Hanlon WF, Hoffman CM, Holzscheiter MH, Ivanov D, Hughes G, Hüntemeyer P, Ivanov D, Jones BF, Jui CCH, Kim K, Kirn MA, Loh EC, Liu J, Lundquist JP, Maestas MM, Manago N, Marek LJ, Martens K, Matthews JAJ, Matthews JN, Moore SA, O'Neill A, Painter CA, Perera L, Reil K, Riehle R, Roberts M, Rodriguez D, Sasaki N, Schnetzer SR, Scott LM, Sinnis G, Smith JD, Sokolsky P, Song C, Springer RW, Stokes BT, Stratton S, Thomas SB, Thomas JR, Thomson GB, Tupa D, Zech A, Zhang X. Indications of proton-dominated cosmic-ray composition above 1.6 EeV. Phys Rev Lett 2010; 104:161101. [PMID: 20482038 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.104.161101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Revised: 03/28/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We report studies of ultrahigh-energy cosmic-ray composition via analysis of depth of air shower maximum (X(max)), for air shower events collected by the High-Resolution Fly's Eye (HiRes) observatory. The HiRes data are consistent with a constant elongation rate d<X(max)>/d[log(E)] of 47.9+/-6.0(stat)+/-3.2(syst) g/cm2/decade for energies between 1.6 and 63 EeV, and are consistent with a predominantly protonic composition of cosmic rays when interpreted via the QGSJET01 and QGSJET-II high-energy hadronic interaction models. These measurements constrain models in which the galactic-to-extragalactic transition is the cause of the energy spectrum ankle at 4x10(18) eV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R U Abbasi
- Department of Physics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
O'Boyle PJ, Smith JD, Danskine AJ, Lyster HS, Burke MM, Banner NR. De novo HLA sensitization and antibody mediated rejection following pregnancy in a heart transplant recipient. Am J Transplant 2010; 10:180-3. [PMID: 19951281 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2009.02875.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Here we report a case wherein both donor-specific and third-party, paternal, HLA class II specific antibodies developed following a spontaneous miscarriage resulting in antibody-mediated rejection in a patient who had undergone an orthotopic cardiac transplant six years earlier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P J O'Boyle
- Department of Cardiology, Harefield Hospital, Middlesex, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Jimenez JL, Canagaratna MR, Donahue NM, Prevot ASH, Zhang Q, Kroll JH, DeCarlo PF, Allan JD, Coe H, Ng NL, Aiken AC, Docherty KS, Ulbrich IM, Grieshop AP, Robinson AL, Duplissy J, Smith JD, Wilson KR, Lanz VA, Hueglin C, Sun YL, Tian J, Laaksonen A, Raatikainen T, Rautiainen J, Vaattovaara P, Ehn M, Kulmala M, Tomlinson JM, Collins DR, Cubison MJ, Dunlea EJ, Huffman JA, Onasch TB, Alfarra MR, Williams PI, Bower K, Kondo Y, Schneider J, Drewnick F, Borrmann S, Weimer S, Demerjian K, Salcedo D, Cottrell L, Griffin R, Takami A, Miyoshi T, Hatakeyama S, Shimono A, Sun JY, Zhang YM, Dzepina K, Kimmel JR, Sueper D, Jayne JT, Herndon SC, Trimborn AM, Williams LR, Wood EC, Middlebrook AM, Kolb CE, Baltensperger U, Worsnop DR. Evolution of Organic Aerosols in the Atmosphere. Science 2009; 326:1525-9. [PMID: 20007897 DOI: 10.1126/science.1180353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1053] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J L Jimenez
- Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Affiliation(s)
- J. D. Smith
- Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit; National Animal Disease Center; United States Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Research Service; Ames IA 50010 USA
| | - J. J. Greenlee
- Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit; National Animal Disease Center; United States Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Research Service; Ames IA 50010 USA
| | - A. N. Hamir
- Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit; National Animal Disease Center; United States Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Research Service; Ames IA 50010 USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Smith JD, Brunner VM, Jigjidsuren S, Hamour IM, McCormack AM, Banner NR, Rose ML. Lack of effect of MICA antibodies on graft survival following heart transplantation. Am J Transplant 2009; 9:1912-9. [PMID: 19563343 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2009.02722.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the effect of MICA antibodies (Abs) on cardiac allograft function and survival. Pretransplant and posttransplant serum from 491 and 196 adult cardiac allograft recipients, respectively, has been investigated for MICA Abs, donor specificity and the effect of MICA Abs on graft survival, acute rejection episodes (AR) and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Patients with HLA Abs (11.6%) were excluded from the analysis. A total of 11.8% of patients had MICA Abs, without HLA Abs, before their transplant. Actuarial graft survival demonstrated slightly better survival of patients with donor-specific MICA Abs at 1 and 5 years (88.9% and 83.3%) than patients negative for MICA Abs (72% and 63.7%, p = 0.051). After transplantation, 15.8% of patients produced MICA Abs, and in 17 patients these were produced de novo. There was no effect of pretransplant or posttransplant production of MICA Abs on numbers of AR episodes in year 1, or CAV assessed at years 3 and 5. Immunocytochemistry of cardiac biopsies from 11 patients did not demonstrate a presence of MICA. Sera from only 4/69 patients with MICA Abs fixed complement prior to transplantation and from 7/38 patients following transplantation. In conclusion, this study suggests that MICA Abs do not adversely affect the outcome of cardiac transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- Transplant Immunology, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Payne RF, Drader JA, Friese JI, Greenwood LR, Hines CC, Metz LA, Kephart JD, King MD, Pierson BD, Smith JD, Wall DE. Neutron fluence and energy reproducibility of a 2-dollar TRIGA reactor pulse. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-009-0302-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 10/20/2022]
|
41
|
Smith JD, Greenlee JJ, Hamir AN, Richt JA, Greenlee MHW. Retinal Function and Morphology Are Altered in Cattle Infected with the Prion Disease Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy. Vet Pathol 2009; 46:810-8. [DOI: 10.1354/vp.08-vp-0206-w-fl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of diseases that result in progressive and invariably fatal neurologic disease in both animals and humans. TSEs are characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal protease-resistant form of the prion protein in the central nervous system. Transmission of infectious TSEs is believed to occur via ingestion of prion protein–contaminated material. This material is also involved in the transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (“mad cow disease”) to humans, which resulted in the variant form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Abnormal prion protein has been reported in the retina of TSE-affected cattle, but despite these observations, the specific effect of abnormal prion protein on retinal morphology and function has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize potential functional and morphologic abnormalities in the retinas of cattle infected with a bovine-adapted isolate of transmissible mink encephalopathy. We used electroretinography and immunohistochemistry to examine retinas from 10 noninoculated and 5 transmissible mink encephalopathy–inoculated adult Holstein steers. Here we show altered retinal function, as evidenced by prolonged implicit time of the electroretinogram b-wave, in transmissible mink encephalopathy–infected cattle before the onset of clinical illness. We also demonstrate disruption of rod bipolar cell synaptic terminals, indicated by decreased immunoreactivity for the alpha isoform of protein kinase C and vesicular glutamate transporter 1, and activation of Müller glia, as evidenced by increased glial fibrillary acidic protein and glutamine synthetase expression, in the retinas of these cattle at the time of euthanasia due to clinical deterioration. This is the first study to identify both functional and morphologic alterations in the retinas of TSE-infected cattle. Our results support future efforts to focus on the retina for the development of new strategies for the diagnosis of TSEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. D. Smith
- Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA
| | - J. J. Greenlee
- Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA
| | - A. N. Hamir
- Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA
| | - J. A. Richt
- Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA
| | - M. H. West Greenlee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Smith JD, West AA. A modular rehabilitation system with enhanced functionality and safety to support improved recovery from injury and quality of life. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2008; 222:947-58. [DOI: 10.1243/09544119jeim368] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The rehabilitation of the range of individuals covering medical patients to elite athletes is a costly and time-consuming process involving the knowledge of experienced physical therapists, medical practitioners, coaches, and dedicated training facilities. In order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the rehabilitation process, a modular variable-resistance rehabilitation device has been developed. The mechanical, electromechanical, and software systems identified during this research have been shown to provide a step change in exercise functionality, real-time patient monitoring, performance feedback, and safety. Using distributed network concepts, the physical therapist will be able to design and implement training regimes remotely, which can subsequently be downloaded to the localized resistance devices. The patient and/or athlete is able to complete the required exercises without personal supervision. The data from these sessions can be saved and accessed for assessment at a convenient time, thereby maximizing therapist productivity and optimizing the utilization of medical resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - A A West
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abbasi RU, Abu-Zayyad T, Allen M, Amman JF, Archbold G, Belov K, Belz JW, Ben Zvi SY, Bergman DR, Blake SA, Brusova OA, Burt GW, Cannon C, Cao Z, Connolly BC, Deng W, Fedorova Y, Finley CB, Gray RC, Hanlon WF, Hoffman CM, Holzscheiter MH, Hughes G, Hüntemeyer P, Jones BF, Jui CCH, Kim K, Kirn MA, Loh EC, Maestas MM, Manago N, Marek LJ, Martens K, Matthews JAJ, Matthews JN, Moore SA, O'Neill A, Painter CA, Perera L, Reil K, Riehle R, Roberts M, Rodriguez D, Sasaki N, Schnetzer SR, Scott LM, Sinnis G, Smith JD, Sokolsky P, Song C, Springer RW, Stokes BT, Thomas SB, Thomas JR, Thomson GB, Tupa D, Westerhoff S, Wiencke LR, Zhang X, Zech A. First observation of the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin suppression. Phys Rev Lett 2008; 100:101101. [PMID: 18352170 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.100.101101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2007] [Revised: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The High Resolution Fly's Eye (HiRes) experiment has observed the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin suppression (called the GZK cutoff) with a statistical significance of five standard deviations. HiRes' measurement of the flux of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays shows a sharp suppression at an energy of 6 x 10(19) eV, consistent with the expected cutoff energy. We observe the ankle of the cosmic-ray energy spectrum as well, at an energy of 4 x 10(18) eV. We describe the experiment, data collection, and analysis and estimate the systematic uncertainties. The results are presented and the calculation of the statistical significance of our observation is described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R U Abbasi
- Department of Physics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Smith JD, Greenlee JJ, Hamir AN, West Greenlee MH. Retinal cell types are differentially affected in sheep with scrapie. J Comp Pathol 2007; 138:12-22. [PMID: 18061608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2007.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2006] [Accepted: 09/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases characterized microscopically by spongiform lesions (vacuolation) in the neuropil, neuronal loss, and gliosis. Accumulation of the abnormal form of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)) has been demonstrated in the retina of natural and non-natural TSE-affected hosts, with or without evidence of microscopically detectable retinal pathology. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of PrP(Sc) accumulation on retinal neurons in a natural host lacking overt microscopical evidence of retinal degeneration by comparing the distribution of retinal cell type-specific markers in control and scrapie-affected sheep. In retinas with PrP(Sc)-immunoreactivity, there was disruption of the normal immunoreactivity patterns of the alpha isoform of protein kinase C (PKCalpha) and vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), markers of retinal bipolar cells. Altered immunoreactivity was also observed for microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), a marker of a subset of retinal ganglion cells, and glutamine synthetase (GS), a marker of Müller glia. These results demonstrate alterations of immunoreactivity patterns for proteins associated with specific cell types in retinas with PrP(Sc) accumulation, despite an absence of microscopical evidence of retinal degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50010, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
The standard method to detect pretransplant antibodies has been the complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) test of donor leukocytes. Solid phase assays to detect HLA antibodies in pretransplant serum reveal a greater number of sensitized patients, but their clinical impact is less certain. Here we have developed a method of detecting C4d fixing HLA antibodies on Luminex beads. Pretransplant serum from 565 cardiac transplant patients was retrospectively tested for the presence of HLA antibodies using CDC, HLA coated Luminex beads and C4d deposition on Luminex beads, and the results correlated with graft survival. Whereas 5/565 patients had CDC positive donor specific antibodies (DSA) before their transplant, this number was increased by 19 using Luminex beads. The 1-year survival of CDC -ve/Luminex +ve patients with DSA (n = 19) was 42% compared with 77% for CDC -ve/Luminex +ve without DSA (n = 39, p = 0.0039). Fixation of C4d (22/67 Luminex positive sera) had a negative effect on graft outcome; 1-year graft survival was, C4d +ve/DSA +ve (n = 11) 20%, C4d +ve/DSA -ve (n = 11) 91%, C4d -ve DSA +ve (n = 13) 54%, C4d -ve DSA -ve (n = 32) 75%, compared with 75% for antibody-negative patients (p = 0.0002). In conclusion, detection of Luminex +ve DSA in pretransplant serum provides a powerful negative predictor of graft survival, especially if they bind C4d.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- Transplant Immunology, Harefield Hospital, Imperial College, Harefield, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Leong HS, Mahesh BM, Day JR, Smith JD, McCormack AD, Ghimire G, Podor TJ, Rose ML. Vimentin autoantibodies induce platelet activation and formation of platelet-leukocyte conjugates via platelet-activating factor. J Leukoc Biol 2007; 83:263-71. [PMID: 17974709 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0607339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-vimentin antibodies (AVA) are associated with autoimmunity and solid organ transplantation, conditions associated with vascular disease, but their contribution to disease pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we have examined interactions between AVA (mAb and serum from patients) and various leukocyte populations using whole blood and flow cytometry. Normal blood treated with patient sera containing high AVA-IgM titers or with a vimentin-specific monoclonal IgM led to activation of platelets and other leukocytes, as demonstrated by induced expression of P-selectin, fibrinogen, tissue factor, and formation of platelet:leukocyte (P:L) conjugates and a reduction in platelet counts. This activity was antigen (vimentin)-specific and was not mediated by irrelevant IgM antibodies. Flow cytometry demonstrated that AVA do not bind directly to resting platelets in whole blood, but they bind to approximately 10% of leukocytes. Supernatant, derived from AVA-treated leukocytes, induced platelet activation, as measured by the generation of platelet microparticles, when added to platelet-rich plasma. When AVA were added to whole blood in the presence of CV-6209, a platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor inhibitor, platelet depletion was inhibited. This suggests that PAF is one of the mediators released from AVA-activated leukocytes that leads to P:L conjugation formation and platelet activation. In summary, AVA bind to leukocytes, resulting in release of a PAF and prothrombotic factor that exert a paracrine-activating effect on platelets. Overall, this proposed mechanism may explain the pathogenesis of thrombotic events in autoimmune diseases associated with AVA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H S Leong
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College at Harefield Hospital, Harefield, Middlesex, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Smith JD, Prideaux D, Wolfe CL, Wilkinson TJ, Sen Gupta T, DeWitt DE, Worley P, Hays RB, Cowie M. Developing the accredited postgraduate assessment program for Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. Rural Remote Health 2007; 7:805. [PMID: 17953499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accreditation of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) as a standards and training provider, by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) in 2007, is the first time in the world that a peak professional organisation for rural and remote medical education has been formally recognised. As a consequence, the Australian Government provided rural and remote medicine with formal recognition under Medicare as a generalist discipline. This accreditation was based on the ability of ACRRM to meet the AMC's guidelines for its training and assessment program. METHODS The methodology was a six-step process that included: developing an assessment blueprint and a classification scheme; identifying an assessment model; choosing innovative summative and formative assessment methods that met the needs of rural and remote located medical practitioner candidates; 21 rural doctors and academics developing the assessment items as part of a week-long writing workshop; investigating the feasibility of purchasing assessment items; and 48 rural candidates piloting three of the assessment items to ensure they would meet the guidelines for national accreditation. RESULTS The project resulted in an innovative formative and summative assessment program that occurs throughout 4 years of vocational training, using innovative, reliable, valid and acceptable methods with educational impact. The piloting process occurred for 3 of the 6 assessment tools. Structured Assessment Using Multiple Patient Scenarios (StAMPS) is a new assessment method developed as part of this project. The StAMPS pilot found that it was reliable, with a generalisability coefficient of >0.76 and was a valid, acceptable and feasible assessment tool with desired educational impact. The multiple choice question (MCQ) examination pilot found that the applied clinical nature of the questions and their wide range of scenarios proved a very acceptable examination to the profession. The web based in-training assessment examination pilot revealed that it would serve well as a formative process until ACRRM can further develop their MCQ database. CONCLUSIONS The ACRRM assessment program breaks new ground for assessing rural and remote doctors in Australia, and provides new evidence regarding how a comprehensive and contemporary assessment system can work within a postgraduate medical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Smith
- RhED Consulting Pty Ltd, Ocean Shores, New South Wales, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
The carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen K-edge spectra were measured for aqueous solutions of glycine by total electron yield near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (TEY NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The bulk solution pH was systematically varied while maintaining a constant amino acid concentration. Spectra were assigned through comparisons with both previous studies and ab initio computed spectra of isolated glycine molecules and hydrated glycine clusters. Nitrogen K-edge solution spectra recorded at low and moderate pH are nearly identical to those of solid glycine, whereas basic solution spectra strongly resemble those of the gas phase. The carbon 1s --> pi*(C=O) transition exhibits a 0.2 eV red shift at high pH due to the deprotonation of the amine terminus. This deprotonation also effects a 1.4 eV red shift in the nitrogen K-edge at high pH. Two sharp preedge features at 401.3 and 402.5 eV are also observed at high pH. These resonances, previously observed in the vapor-phase ISEELS spectrum of glycine, have been reassigned as transitions to sigma* bound states. The observation of these peaks indicates that the amine moiety is in an acceptor-only hydrogen bond configuration at high pH. At low pH, the oxygen 1s --> pi*(C=O) transition exhibits a 0.25-eV red shift due to the protonation of the carboxylic acid terminus. These spectral differences indicate that the variations in electronic structure observed in the NEXAFS spectra are determined by the internal charge state and hydration environment of the molecule in solution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B M Messer
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-1460, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Smith JD, Melhem ME, Magge KT, Waggoner AS, Campbell PG. Improved growth factor directed vascularization into fibrin constructs through inclusion of additional extracellular molecules. Microvasc Res 2007; 73:84-94. [PMID: 17223139 PMCID: PMC3013344 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2006.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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] [Received: 06/30/2006] [Revised: 09/08/2006] [Accepted: 10/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) and a novel histological technique, we investigated the ability of blood vessels to directly invade fibrin-based scaffolds. In our initial experiments utilizing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF(165)), we found no direct invasion. Instead, the fibrin was completely degraded and replaced with highly vascularized new tissue. Addition of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), or platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) to the fibrin construct also did not result in construct vascularization. Because natural and regenerating tissues exhibit complex extracellular matrices (ECMs), we hypothesized that a more complex scaffold may improve blood vessel invasion. Addition of fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen type I within 20 mg/mL fibrin constructs resulted in no significant improvement. However, the same additive concentrations within 10 mg/mL fibrin constructs resulted in dramatic improvements, specifically with hyaluronic acid. Overall, we believe that these results indicate the importance of structural and functional cues of not only in the initial scaffold but also as the construct is degraded and remodeled. Furthermore, the CAM assay may represent a useful model for understanding ECM interactions as well as for screening and designing tissue-engineered scaffolds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JD Smith
- Institute for Complex Engineered Systems, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Molecular Biosensor and Imaging Center Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - ME Melhem
- Institute for Complex Engineered Systems, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - KT Magge
- Institute for Complex Engineered Systems, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - AS Waggoner
- Molecular Biosensor and Imaging Center Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - PG Campbell
- Institute for Complex Engineered Systems, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Molecular Biosensor and Imaging Center Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Phil Campbell, Ph.D., 1212 Hamburg Hall, Institute for Complex Engineered Systems, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, PA 15213, Phone: (412) 268-4126, Fax: (412) 268-5229,
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Newell H, Smith JD, Rogers P, Birks E, Danskine AJ, Fawson RE, Rose ML. Sensitization following LVAD implantation using leucodepleted blood is not due to HLA antibodies. Am J Transplant 2006; 6:1712-7. [PMID: 16827875 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01342.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) is associated with HLA antibody sensitization. The objective of this study was to determine the specificity of antibodies produced by LVAD recipients using a combination of ELISA, Luminex and microcytotoxicity assays. Fifty-one LVAD patients were studied, from 44 to 838 days post-implantation. No patient developed HLA antibodies, although 24 produced IgG antibodies detectable in both ELISA and Luminex assays. These antibodies manifest as positive reactions with class I and class II wells of the ELISA and also blank wells. In Luminex assays, they produce high MFI readings with the negative control beads. Antibodies were detected 18 to 228 days after implantation. This reactivity was found to be directed against bovine serum albumin (BSA), commonly used to block non-specific binding in ELISA and Luminex assays; absorption of sera with BSA-coated beads completely abrogated reactivity in all solid phase assays, but did not eliminate anti-HLA antibodies in control sera. Ten of the 24 patients have proceeded to transplantation, with a 1-year graft survival of 69%. In conclusion, it appears that implantation of LVADS disrupts immunoregulatory pathways leading to production of anti-albumin antibodies. These can be misinterpreted as anti-HLA antibodies in solid phase assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Newell
- Transplant Immunology, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, Middx UB9 6JH, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|