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Day G, Robb K, Oxley A, Telonis-Scott M, Ujvari B. Organisation and evolution of the major histocompatibility complex class I genes in cetaceans. iScience 2024; 27:109590. [PMID: 38632986 PMCID: PMC11022044 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
A quarter of marine mammals are at risk of extinction, with disease and poor habitat quality contributing to population decline. Investigation of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) provides insight into species' capacity to respond to immune and environmental challenges. The eighteen available cetacean chromosome level genomes were used to annotate MHC Class I loci, and to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationship of the described loci. The highest number of loci was observed in the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), while the least was observed in the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) and rough toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis). Of the species studied, Mysticetes had the most pseudogenes. Evolutionarily, MHC Class I diverged before the speciation of cetaceans. Yet, locus one was genomically and phylogenetically similar in many species, persisting over evolutionary time. This characterisation of MHC Class I in cetaceans lays the groundwork for future population genetics and MHC expression studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Day
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3216, VIC, Australia
- Marine Mammal Foundation, Melbourne 3194, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Robb
- Marine Mammal Foundation, Melbourne 3194, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Oxley
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3216, VIC, Australia
| | - Marina Telonis-Scott
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne 3125, VIC, Australia
| | - Beata Ujvari
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3216, VIC, Australia
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Beddoe J, Shimeta J, Klaassen M, Robb K. Population distribution and drivers of habitat use for the Burrunan dolphins, Port Phillip Bay, Australia. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11221. [PMID: 38584772 PMCID: PMC10994984 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops) populations, also described as the Burrunan dolphins, consist of a resident population of approximately 150 individuals in Port Phillip Bay (PPB), Victoria. Previous reports indicate distribution across a small southern region of PPB; however, little is known about their full distribution patterns across the entire PPB region. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of the Burrunan dolphins across four zones representative of PPB benthic habitats and bathymetry to gain a better understanding of the potential drivers of the population's habitat use. Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia. One hundred and twenty-nine boat-based surveys were undertaken between March 2015 and August 2021, encompassing 181 sightings. Generalised linear models (GLMs) were used to investigate annual, seasonal and zonal variation. We found no variation in sighting frequencies between years. Austral summer and winter had a significantly higher sighting frequency than autumn. We found that Burrunan dolphins utilise the entire bay, further extending the species range, and show a significantly higher number of sightings in the southern zone than in any other zones. Overlaying dolphin sightings with known oceanographic characteristics within PPB, we found bathymetry and benthic habitats were potential drivers for the Burrunan dolphins distribution and habitat use within the bay, with the dolphins significantly favouring the 5-10 and 10-15 m contour depths. These results show a more widespread distribution across the bay than previously documented. We recommend expansion of the current marine protected areas in the north and south of the bay. This study has increased our understanding of the vital habitat for the Burrunan dolphin populations. By providing evidence-based conservation recommendations, we hope to improve and contribute to future research, conservation management plans and effective marine protected areas across PPB for the resident Burrunan dolphin population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemima Beddoe
- School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Australian Marine Mammal Conservation FoundationHampton EastVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jeff Shimeta
- School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesDeakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - Kate Robb
- Australian Marine Mammal Conservation FoundationHampton EastVictoriaAustralia
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Foord CS, Szabo D, Robb K, Clarke BO, Nugegoda D. Hepatic concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in dolphins from south-east Australia: Highest reported globally. Sci Total Environ 2024; 908:168438. [PMID: 37963535 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations were investigated in hepatic tissue of four dolphin species stranded along the south-east coast of Australia between 2006 and 2021; Burrunan dolphin (Tursiops australis), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus), and short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). Two Burrunan dolphin populations represented in the dataset have the highest reported global population concentrations of ∑25PFAS (Port Phillip Bay median 9750 ng/g ww, n = 3, and Gippsland Lakes median 3560 ng/g ww, n = 8), which were 50-100 times higher than the other species reported here; common bottlenose dolphin (50 ng/g ww, n = 9), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (80 ng/g ww, n = 1), and short-beaked common dolphin (61 ng/g ww, n = 12). Also included in the results is the highest reported individual ∑25PFAS (19,500 ng/g ww) and PFOS (18,700 ng/g ww) concentrations, at almost 30 % higher than any other Cetacea reported globally. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was above method reporting limits for all samples (range; 5.3-18,700 ng/g ww), and constituted the highest contribution to overall ∑PFAS burdens with between 47 % and 99 % of the profile across the dataset. The concentrations of PFOS exceed published tentative critical concentrations (677-775 ng/g) in 42 % of all dolphins and 90 % of the critically endangered Burrunan dolphin. This research reports for the first time novel and emerging PFASs such as 6:2 Cl-PFESA, PFMPA, PFEECH and FBSA in marine mammals of the southern hemisphere, with high detection rates across the dataset. It is the first study to show the occurrence of PFAS in the tissues of multiple species of Cetacea from the Australasian region, demonstrating high global concentrations for inshore dolphins. Finally, it provides key baseline knowledge to the potential exposure and bioaccumulation of PFAS compounds within the coastal environment of south-east Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantel S Foord
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Bundoora, Australia; Marine Mammal Foundation, Mentone, VIC.
| | - Drew Szabo
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 16C, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kate Robb
- Marine Mammal Foundation, Mentone, VIC
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Foord CS, Rowe KMC, Robb K. Cetacean biodiversity, spatial and temporal trends based on stranding records (1920-2016), Victoria, Australia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223712. [PMID: 31600321 PMCID: PMC6786658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetacean stranding records can provide vital information on species richness and diversity through space and time. Here we collate stranding records from Victoria, Australia and assess them for temporal, spatial and demographic trends. Between 1920 and 2016, 424 stranding events involving 907 individuals were recorded across 31 Cetacea species from seven families, including five new species records for the state. Seven of these events were mass strandings, and six mother and calf strandings were recorded. Importantly, 48% of the species recorded are recognised as data deficient on the IUCN Red List. The most commonly recorded taxa were Tursiops spp. (n = 146) and Delphinus delphis (common dolphins, n = 81), with the greatest taxonomic richness (n = 24) and highest incidence of stranding events documented within the Otways mesoscale bioregion. We found no seasonal stranding patterns anywhere in the state. While our findings improve understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of cetacean diversity within Victoria, we suggest greater effort to collect demographic data at stranding events in order to better study state-wide patterns through time. We conclude with guidelines for minimum data collection standards for future strandings to maximise information capture from each event.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen M. C. Rowe
- Sciences Department, Museums Victoria, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Robb
- Marine Mammal Foundation, Mentone, Victoria, Australia
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Robb K, Gómez-Aristizábal A, Gandhi R, Viswanathan S. Culture enhanced mesenchymal stromal cells with increased potency. Cytotherapy 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2019.03.532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Farmer MT, Bunt R, Corradini M, Ellison P, Francis M, Gabor J, Gauntt R, Henry C, Linthicum R, Luangdilok W, Lutz R, Paik C, Plys M, Rabiti C, Rempe J, Robb K, Wachowiak R. Reactor Safety Gap Evaluation of Accident-Tolerant Components and Severe Accident Analysis. NUCL SCI ENG 2017. [DOI: 10.13182/nse16-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - R. Bunt
- Southern Nuclear, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | | | - M. Francis
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - J. Gabor
- Jensen Hughes, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - R. Gauntt
- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - C. Henry
- Fauske and Associates, Burr Ridge, Illinois
| | | | | | - R. Lutz
- Lutz Consulting, Hendersonville, North Carolina
| | - C. Paik
- Fauske and Associates, Burr Ridge, Illinois
| | - M. Plys
- Fauske and Associates, Burr Ridge, Illinois
| | - C. Rabiti
- Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho
| | - J. Rempe
- Rempe and Associates, LLC, Idaho Falls, Idaho
| | - K. Robb
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - R. Wachowiak
- Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, California
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Robb K. Survivorship, palliative care and quality of life. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2014; 23:583-4. [PMID: 25142284 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K Robb
- Consultant Physiotherapist & Member of Macmillan Consequences of Cancer Treatment Collaborative, London, UK
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Newby DE, Williams MC, Flapan AD, Forbes JF, Hargreaves AD, Leslie SJ, Lewis SC, McKillop G, McLean S, Reid JH, Sprat JC, Uren NG, van Beek EJ, Boon NA, Clark L, Craig P, Flather MD, McCormack C, Roditi G, Timmis AD, Krishan A, Donaldson G, Fotheringham M, Hall FJ, Neary P, Cram L, Perkins S, Taylor F, Eteiba H, Rae AP, Robb K, Barrie D, Bissett K, Dawson A, Dundas S, Fogarty Y, Ramkumar PG, Houston GJ, Letham D, O'Neill L, Pringle SD, Ritchie V, Sudarshan T, Weir-McCall J, Cormack A, Findlay IN, Hood S, Murphy C, Peat E, Allen B, Baird A, Bertram D, Brian D, Cowan A, Cruden NL, Dweck MR, Flint L, Fyfe S, Keanie C, MacGillivray TJ, Maclachlan DS, MacLeod M, Mirsadraee S, Morrison A, Mills NL, Minns FC, Phillips A, Queripel LJ, Weir NW, Bett F, Divers F, Fairley K, Jacob AJ, Keegan E, White T, Gemmill J, Henry M, McGowan J, Dinnel L, Francis CM, Sandeman D, Yerramasu A, Berry C, Boylan H, Brown A, Duffy K, Frood A, Johnstone J, Lanaghan K, MacDuff R, MacLeod M, McGlynn D, McMillan N, Murdoch L, Noble C, Paterson V, Steedman T, Tzemos N. Role of multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of patients attending the rapid access chest pain clinic, The Scottish computed tomography of the heart (SCOT-HEART) trial: study protocol for randomized controlled trial. Trials 2012; 13:184. [PMID: 23036114 PMCID: PMC3667058 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-13-184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid access chest pain clinics have facilitated the early diagnosis and treatment of patients with coronary heart disease and angina. Despite this important service provision, coronary heart disease continues to be under-diagnosed and many patients are left untreated and at risk. Recent advances in imaging technology have now led to the widespread use of noninvasive computed tomography, which can be used to measure coronary artery calcium scores and perform coronary angiography in one examination. However, this technology has not been robustly evaluated in its application to the clinic. Methods/design The SCOT-HEART study is an open parallel group prospective multicentre randomized controlled trial of 4,138 patients attending the rapid access chest pain clinic for evaluation of suspected cardiac chest pain. Following clinical consultation, participants will be approached and randomized 1:1 to receive standard care or standard care plus ≥64-multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography and coronary calcium score. Randomization will be conducted using a web-based system to ensure allocation concealment and will incorporate minimization. The primary endpoint of the study will be the proportion of patients diagnosed with angina pectoris secondary to coronary heart disease at 6 weeks. Secondary endpoints will include the assessment of subsequent symptoms, diagnosis, investigation and treatment. In addition, long-term health outcomes, safety endpoints, such as radiation dose, and health economic endpoints will be assessed. Assuming a clinic rate of 27.0% for the diagnosis of angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease, we will need to recruit 2,069 patients per group to detect an absolute increase of 4.0% in the rate of diagnosis at 80% power and a two-sided P value of 0.05. The SCOT-HEART study is currently recruiting participants and expects to report in 2014. Discussion This is the first study to look at the implementation of computed tomography in the patient care pathway that is outcome focused. This study will have major implications for the management of patients with cardiovascular disease. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01149590
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Newby
- University of Edinburgh/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 SU4, UK
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Fenlon D, Faithfull S, Greenfield D, Knowles G, Robb K, Roberts K, Taylor G, Wells M, White I, Wiseman T. 3052 POSTER Ten Top Tips for Cancer Survivorship: a Prompt for Cancer Patients at the End of Their Primary Treatment. Eur J Cancer 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(11)71125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Macdonell RA, Triggs WJ, Leikauskas J, Bourque M, Robb K, Day BJ, Shahani BT. Functional electrical stimulation to the affected lower limb and recovery after cerebral infarction. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2010; 4:155-60. [PMID: 26486052 DOI: 10.1016/s1052-3057(10)80178-8] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) may improve recovery after stroke. We studied its effects in 38 postcerebral infarct patients. Twenty were randomly assigned to receive FES producing ankle dorsiflexion on the affected side and physical therapy. The remaining 18 received physical therapy only. Subjects were evaluated prior to commencing therapy, at its completion after 4 weeks, and again 4 weeks later using functional and electrophysiological measures. Functional deficit in most patients improved (p < 0.01). Although no significant differences were observed when those treated with FES and those not treated were compared at 4 and 8 weeks, there was significant improvement in the rate of recovery using an ambulation score (p < 0.05), and there was a similar trend in the Barthel Index for FES-treated patients (p < 0.1). Our results indicate that FES may confer additional benefit in acute stroke rehabilitation. Further studies are needed to delineate how best to use it.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Macdonell
- From the Department of Neurology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - W J Triggs
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - J Leikauskas
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, U.S.A
| | - M Bourque
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, U.S.A
| | - K Robb
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, U.S.A
| | - B J Day
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran 3181, Australia
| | - B T Shahani
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, U.S.A
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Robb K, Stubbings S, Ramirez A, Macleod U, Austoker J, Waller J, Hiom S, Wardle J. Public awareness of cancer in Britain: a population-based survey of adults. Br J Cancer 2010; 101 Suppl 2:S18-23. [PMID: 19956158 PMCID: PMC2790705 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To assess public awareness of cancer warning signs, anticipated delay and perceived barriers to seeking medical advice in the British population. Methods: We carried out a population-based survey using face-to-face, computer-assisted interviews to administer the cancer awareness measure (CAM), a newly developed, validated measure of cancer awareness. The sample included 2216 adults (970 males and 1246 females) recruited as part of the Office for National Statistics Opinions Survey using stratified probability sampling. Results: Awareness of cancer warning signs was low when open-ended (recall) questions were used and higher with closed (recognition) questions; but on either measure, awareness was lower in those who were male, younger, and from lower socio-economic status (SES) groups or ethnic minorities. The most commonly endorsed barriers to help seeking were difficulty making an appointment, worry about wasting the doctor's time and worry about what would be found. Emotional barriers were more prominent in lower SES groups and practical barriers (e.g. too busy) more prominent in higher SES groups. Anticipated delay was lower in ethnic minority and lower SES groups. In multivariate analysis, higher symptom awareness was associated with lower anticipated delay, and more barriers with greater anticipated delay. Conclusions: A combination of public education about symptoms and empowerment to seek medical advice, as well as support at primary care level, could enhance early presentation and improve cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Robb
- Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCL, Gower Street, London, UK
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Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To examine the completion rate, internal reliability, and external validity of a home affluence scale based on adolescents' reports of material circumstances in the home as a measure of family socioeconomic status. DESIGN Cross sectional survey. SETTING Data were collected from a school based study in seven schools in the north of England Cheshire over a five month period from September 1999 to January 2000. PARTICIPANTS 1824 students (1248 girls, 567 boys) aged 13-15 years who were attending normal classes in Years 9 and 10 in 7 schools on the days of data collection. MAIN RESULTS Comparatively poor completion rates were found for questions on parental education and occupation while material deprivation items had much higher completion rates. There was evidence that students with poorer material circumstances were less able to report parental education and occupation whereas material based questions showed less bias. A home affluence scale composed of material items was found to have adequate internal reliability and good external validity. CONCLUSIONS A home affluence scale based on material markers provides a useful alternative in assessing family affluence in adolescents. Additionally, it prevents exclusion of those less materially well off adolescents who fail to complete conventional socioeconomic status items.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wardle
- ICRF Health Behaviour Unit, University College London, UK.
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Etchells E, Bell C, Robb K. Does this patient have an abnormal systolic murmur? JAMA 1997; 277:564-71. [PMID: 9032164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to review the available evidence of the precision and accuracy of the clinical examination for abnormal systolic murmurs. We conducted a MEDLINE search, manually reviewed all reference lists, and contacted authors of published studies. Each study was independently reviewed by 2 observers and graded for methodologic quality. We found that most studies were conducted using cardiologist examiners. In the clinical setting, the reliability of detecting systolic murmurs was fair (kappa, 0.30-0.48). The most useful findings for ruling in aortic stenosis are a slow rate of rise of the carotid pulse (positive likelihood ratio, 2.8-130), mid to late peak intensity of the murmur (positive likelihood ratio, 8.0-101), and decreased intensity of the second heart sound (positive likelihood ratio, 3.1-50). The most useful finding for ruling out aortic stenosis is the absence of murmur radiation to the right carotid artery (negative likelihood ratio, 0.05-0.10). Smaller, lower-quality studies indicate that cardiologists can accurately rule in and rule out mitral regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and echocardiographic mitral valve prolapse. We conclude that the clinical examination by cardiologists is accurate for detecting various causes of abnormal systolic murmurs. Studies of the clinical examination by noncardiologists are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Etchells
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Toronto, Ontario.
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Abstract
The alien hand syndrome has been associated with different descriptions of abnormal motor behavior. We report on two patients with transient left hemiparesis who remained with limb apraxia and were particularly impaired by a variety of involuntary skilled movements of their apractic limb. After the report and a review of the literature, we discuss the presence of one type of abnormal movement observed in this syndrome. These movements resemble the mirror movements seen in the normal development of motor control and in some pathologic conditions later. Their appearance in the alien hand syndrome seems to demand both intrahemispheric and interhemispheric motor pathway damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gottlieb
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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