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Rechis R, Oestman KB, Walsh MT, Love B, Hawk E. Be Well™ Acres Homes: a community-driven, evidence-based approach to reduce health inequities through sustained cross-sector partnership. Cancer Causes Control 2024; 35:611-622. [PMID: 37979072 PMCID: PMC10960758 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01818-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Be Well Communities™ is MD Anderson's signature place-based approach for cancer prevention and control, working with communities to promote wellness and address modifiable risk factors for cancer. The purpose of this paper is to describe implementation of the planning phase of the Be Well Communities model in Acres Homes which began in 2019. METHODS A community advisory group (Steering Committee) including residents, non-profit organizations, health care partners, city and county agencies, plus other stakeholders, was convened and aligned through a structured process to develop shared goals, foster multisector collaboration, as measured by a stakeholder survey administered twice, and enhance community capacity to improve health outcomes through development of a Community Action Plan. RESULTS Clear, achievable goals were developed, multisector collaboration was enhanced, and more than 400 h of capacity building support led to a Community Action Plan initially focused on healthy eating and active living, including 15 evidence-based interventions led by 18 organizations. The majority (93%) of the Steering Committee reports that this plan reflects community priorities and will reach the residents most in need. CONCLUSION By listening and developing trust, the Be Well Communities team successfully worked with Acres Homes residents and organizations to enhance community capacity to address health inequities in one of Houston's most diverse and historic communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Rechis
- Cancer Prevention & Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave. Unit 1628, 1MC13.2339, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Katherine B Oestman
- Cancer Prevention & Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave. Unit 1628, 1MC13.2339, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Cancer Prevention & Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave. Unit 1628, 1MC13.2339, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Brad Love
- The University of Texas at Austin Center for Health Communication, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ernest Hawk
- Division of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences, Office of the Vice President, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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O'Meara S, Cunnane EM, Croghan SM, Cunnane CV, Walsh MT, O'Brien FJ, Davis NF. Mechanical characteristics of the ureter and clinical implications. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:197-213. [PMID: 38102385 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00831-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The ureteric wall is a complex multi-layered structure. The ureter shows variation in passive mechanical properties, histological morphology and insertion forces along the anatomical length. Ureter mechanical properties also vary depending on the direction of tensile testing and the anatomical region tested. Compliance is greatest in the proximal ureter and lower in the distal ureter, which contributes to the role of the ureter as a high-resistance sphincter. Similar to other human tissues, the ureteric wall remodels with age, resulting in changes to the mechanical properties. The passive mechanical properties of the ureter vary between species, and variation in tissue storage and testing methods limits comparison across some studies. Knowledge of the morphological and mechanical properties of the ureteric wall can aid in understanding urine transport and safety thresholds in surgical techniques. Indeed, various factors alter the forces required to insert access sheaths or scopes into the ureter, including sheath diameter, safety wires and medications. Future studies on human ureteric tissue both in vivo and ex vivo are required to understand the mechanical properties of the ureter and how forces influence these properties. Testing of instrument insertion forces in humans with a focus on defining safe upper limits and techniques to reduce trauma are also needed. Last, evaluation of dilatation limits in the mid and proximal ureter and clarification of tensile strength anisotropy in human specimens are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorcha O'Meara
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Urology, Blackrock Clinic, Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Eoghan M Cunnane
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Stefanie M Croghan
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Urology, Blackrock Clinic, Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Connor V Cunnane
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Fergal J O'Brien
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niall F Davis
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Urology, Blackrock Clinic, Blackrock, Co., Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Urology and Transplant Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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McCarthy CM, McKevitt KL, Connolly SA, Andersson I, Leahy FC, Egan S, Moloney MA, Kavanagh EG, Peirce C, Cunnane EM, McGourty KD, Walsh MT, Mulvihill JJE. Microindentation of fresh soft biological tissue: A rapid tissue sectioning and mounting protocol. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297618. [PMID: 38422111 PMCID: PMC10903917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297618] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Microindentation of fresh biological tissues is necessary for the creation of 3D biomimetic models that accurately represent the native extracellular matrix microenvironment. However, tissue must first be precisely sectioned into slices. Challenges exist in the preparation of fresh tissue slices, as they can tear easily and must be processed rapidly in order to mitigate tissue degradation. In this study, we propose an optimised mounting condition for microindentation and demonstrate that embedding tissue in a mixture of 2.5% agarose and 1.5% gelatin is the most favourable method of tissue slice mounting for microindentation. This protocol allows for rapid processing of fresh biological tissue and is applicable to a variety of tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clíona M. McCarthy
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kevin L. McKevitt
- Department of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Sinéad A. Connolly
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Isabel Andersson
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Fiona C. Leahy
- Department of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Egan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael A. Moloney
- Department of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eamon G. Kavanagh
- Department of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Colin Peirce
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eoghan M. Cunnane
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kieran D. McGourty
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - John J. E. Mulvihill
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Webb KL, Hinkle ML, Walsh MT, Bancos I, Shinya Y, Van Gompel JJ. Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling Tumor Lateralization and the Surgical Treatment of Cushing Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. World Neurosurg 2024; 182:e712-e720. [PMID: 38081579 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether accurate inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) tumor lateralization is associated with improved clinical outcomes following the surgical treatment of Cushing disease. METHODS The presented study was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Data regarding patient demographics, IPSS tumor lateralization, and postoperative endocrinologic outcomes were abstracted and pooled with random effects meta-analysis models. Additional meta-regression models were used to examine the association between the accuracy of IPSS tumor lateralization and postoperative outcomes (recurrence/persistence or remission/cure). Statistical analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (significance of P < 0.05). RESULTS Seventeen eligible articles were identified, yielding data on 461 patients. Within average follow-up duration (∼59 months), the rate of correct IPSS tumor lateralization was 69% [95% confidence interval: 61%, 76%], and the rate of postoperative remission/cure was 78% [67%, 86%]. Preoperative IPSS tumor lateralization was concordant with magnetic resonance imaging lateralization for 53% of patients [40%, 66%]. There was no significant association between the rate of correct IPSS tumor lateralization and postoperative remission/cure among study-level data (P = 0.735). Additionally, there was no association among subgroup analyses for studies using stimulatory agents during IPSS (corticotropin-releasing hormone or desmopressin, P = 0.635), nor among subgroup analyses for adult (P = 0.363) and pediatric (P = 0.931) patients. CONCLUSIONS Limited data suggest that the rate of correct IPSS tumor lateralization may not be positively associated with postoperative remission or cure in patients with Cushing disease. These findings bring into question the utility of IPSS tumor lateralization in the context of preoperative planning and surgical approach rather than confirming a pituitary source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Webb
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mickayla L Hinkle
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yuki Shinya
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jamie J Van Gompel
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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Oestman K, Rechis R, Williams PA, Brown JA, Treiman K, Zulkiewicz B, Walsh MT, Basen-Engquist K, Rodriguez T, Chennisi C, Macneish A, Neff A, Pomeroy M, Bhojani FA, Hawk E. Reducing risk for chronic disease: evaluation of a collective community approach to sustainable evidence-based health programming. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:240. [PMID: 38245669 PMCID: PMC10799505 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17670-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community initiatives can shape health behaviors, such as physical activity and dietary habits, across a population and help reduce the risk of developing chronic disease. To achieve this goal and impact health outcomes, Pasadena Vibrant Community aimed to engage communities in an ongoing dialogue about the importance of healthy behaviors, implement and advance community-based strategies to promote health, and improve diet and physical activity behaviors. The initiative was centered around a collaboration between a backbone organization, steering committee, and 7 collaborating organizations funded to implement multicomponent, evidence-based programs.. The common agenda was detailed in a community action plan, which included 19 interventions targeting healthy eating and active living among adults and youth in Pasadena, Texas. METHODS A mixed methods evaluation of the initiative was conducted over 4 years. Data sources included document reviews of quarterly progress reports (n = 86) and supplemental data reports (n = 16) provided by collaborating organizations, annual Steering Committee surveys (n = 4), and interviews conducted with staff from a subset of Collaborating Organizations (n = 4). RESULTS The initiative reached over 50,000 community members per year through 19 evidence-based interventions and impacted health outcomes, including knowledge and adoption of healthy eating practices and increased physical activity. Thirty-one systems-level changes were implemented during the initiative, including 16 environmental changes. Steering Committee meetings and shared goals enabled connections, communication, and cooperation, which allowed Collaborating Organizations to address challenges and combine resources to deliver their programs. CONCLUSIONS Community initiatives can effectively permeate the community by reaching individuals, improving physical activity and dietary habits, and ensuring sustainability. Based on the experience reported here, the success of a community initiative can be facilitated if collaborating organizations come together to implement evidence-based interventions and tailor them to the community, and if they are empowered by significant leadership and supportive collaboration and aligned by a common agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Oestman
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave Unit 1628, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ruth Rechis
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave Unit 1628, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Pamela A Williams
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Jill A Brown
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Katherine Treiman
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Brittany Zulkiewicz
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Michael T Walsh
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave Unit 1628, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Karen Basen-Engquist
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave Unit 1628, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Trina Rodriguez
- City of Pasadena Texas Parks and Recreation Department, 3111 San Augustine Avenue, Pasadena, TX, 77503, USA
| | - Catherine Chennisi
- Harris County Public Health, 2223 West Loop South, Houston, TX, 77027, USA
| | - Amber Macneish
- Pasadena Independent School District, 1515 Cherrybrook Lane, Pasadena, TX, 77502, USA
| | - Alise Neff
- Pasadena Independent School District, 1515 Cherrybrook Lane, Pasadena, TX, 77502, USA
| | - Mike Pomeroy
- Brighter Bites, 535 Portwall Street, Houston, TX, 77029, USA
| | - Faiyaz A Bhojani
- Shell USA, Inc, 150 N. Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX, 77002, USA
| | - Ernest Hawk
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave Unit 1628, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Croghan SM, Malcolm R, Flood HD, Mealing S, Avey B, Leonard G, Wright J, Davis NF, Walsh MT. Cost-effectiveness of a novel urethral catheter safety device in preventing catheterization injuries in the UK. J Med Econ 2024; 27:154-164. [PMID: 38126355 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2023.2298121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Intraurethral catheter balloon inflation is a substantial contributor to significant catheter-related urethral injury. A novel safety valve has been designed to prevent these balloon-inflation injuries. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the cost-effectiveness of urethral catheterisation with the safety valve added to a Foley catheter versus the current standard of care (Foley catheter alone). MATERIALS AND METHODS The analysis was conducted from the UK public payer perspective on a hypothetical cohort of adults requiring transurethral catheterization. A decision tree was used to capture outcomes in the first 30 days following transurethral catheterization, followed by a Markov model to estimate outcomes over a person's remaining lifetime. Clinical outcomes included catheter balloon injuries [CBIs], associated short-term complications, urethral stricture disease, life years and QALYs. Health-economic outcomes included total costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, net monetary benefit (NMB) and net health benefit. RESULTS Over a person's lifetime, the safety valve was predicted to reduce CBIs by 0.04 per person and CBI-related short-term complications by 0.03 per person, and nearly halve total costs. The safety valve was dominant, resulting in 0.02 QALYs gained and relative cost savings of £93.19 per person. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that the safety valve would be cost-saving in 97% of simulations run versus standard of care. CONCLUSIONS The addition of a novel safety valve aiming to prevent CBIs during transurethral catheterization to current standard of care was estimated to bring both clinical benefits and cost savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M Croghan
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Brooke Avey
- York Health Economics Consortium, Heslington, UK
| | | | | | - Niall F Davis
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Bernal Institute and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Croghan SM, Cunnane EM, O'Meara S, Muheilan M, Cunnane CV, Patterson K, Skolarikos A, Somani B, Jack GS, Forde JC, O'Brien FJ, Walsh MT, Manecksha RP, McGuire BB, Davis NF. In vivo ureteroscopic intrarenal pressures and clinical outcomes: a multi-institutional analysis of 120 consecutive patients. BJU Int 2023; 132:531-540. [PMID: 37656050 DOI: 10.1111/bju.16169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the pressure range generated in the human renal collecting system during ureteroscopy (URS), in a large patient sample, and to investigate a relationship between intrarenal pressure (IRP) and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective multi-institutional study was conducted, with ethics board approval; February 2022-March 2023. Recruitment was of 120 consecutive consenting adult patients undergoing semi-rigid URS and/or flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) for urolithiasis or diagnostic purposes. Retrograde, fluoroscopy-guided insertion of a 0.036-cm (0.014″) pressure guidewire (COMET™ II, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) to the renal pelvis was performed. Baseline and continuous ureteroscopic IRP was recorded, alongside relevant operative variables. A 30-day follow-up was completed. Descriptive statistics were applied to IRP traces, with mean (sd) and maximum values and variance reported. Relationships between IRP and technical variables, and IRP and clinical outcome were interrogated using the chi-square test and independent samples t-test. RESULTS A total of 430 pressure traces were analysed from 120 patient episodes. The mean (sd) baseline IRP was 16.45 (5.99) mmHg and the intraoperative IRP varied by technique. The mean (sd) IRP during semi-rigid URS with gravity irrigation was 34.93 (11.66) mmHg. FURS resulted in variable IRP values: from a mean (sd) of 26.78 (5.84) mmHg (gravity irrigation; 12/14-F ureteric access sheath [UAS]) to 87.27 (66.85) mmHg (200 mmHg pressurised-bag irrigation; 11/13-F UAS). The highest single pressure peak was 334.2 mmHg, during retrograde pyelography. Six patients (5%) developed postoperative urosepsis; these patients had significantly higher IRPs during FURS (mean [sd] 81.7 [49.52] mmHg) than controls (38.53 [22.6] mmHg; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A dynamic IRP profile is observed during human in vivo URS, with IRP frequently exceeding expected thresholds. A relationship appears to exist between elevated IRP and postoperative urosepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M Croghan
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (Strategic Academic Recruitment (StAR) Programme), Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Urology, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eoghan M Cunnane
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Sorcha O'Meara
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (Strategic Academic Recruitment (StAR) Programme), Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Urology, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Muheilan Muheilan
- Department of Urology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Connor V Cunnane
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kenneth Patterson
- Department of Urology and Transplantation, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andreas Skolarikos
- European Association of Urology (EAU) Urolithiasis Guidelines Panel, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- 2nd Department of Urology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Bhaskar Somani
- European Association of Urology (EAU) Urolithiasis Guidelines Panel, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Gregory S Jack
- Department of Urology, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James C Forde
- Department of Urology, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Urology and Transplantation, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fergal J O'Brien
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael T Walsh
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rustom P Manecksha
- Department of Urology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Surgery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barry B McGuire
- Department of Urology, St. Michael's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Urology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niall F Davis
- Department of Urology, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Urology and Transplantation, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- European Association of Urology (EAU) Urolithiasis Guidelines Panel, Arnhem, The Netherlands
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8
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Webb KL, Pruter WW, Hinkle ML, Walsh MT. Comparing Surgical Approaches for Craniopharyngioma Resection Among Adults and Children: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review. World Neurosurg 2023; 175:e876-e896. [PMID: 37062335 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Craniopharyngioma treatment often necessitates surgical resection. Conventional approaches, such as transcranial and transsphenoidal approaches, are predominantly used. However, a recently adopted supraorbital approach may be more efficacious. Thus, this meta-analysis and systematic review aimed to compare the efficacy of the transcranial, transsphenoidal, and supraorbital approaches for resection and treatment of craniopharyngiomas. METHODS This study was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Analyses were performed according to study design: (1) analyses for studies comparing several surgical approaches; and (2) analyses of all included studies. Random effects meta-analysis models were used to pool odds ratios among studies comparing several approaches. Similarly, categorical meta-regression models were used to examine the effect of surgical approach as a covariate of outcome data for all studies. Statistics were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA 3.3, Biostat, Englewood, NJ) (significance set at P < 0.05). RESULTS Patients were well-matched for age, sex, and preoperative comorbidities between groups stratified by surgical approach. Analyses including 22 studies that compared several approaches demonstrated that the transsphenoidal group had a greater occurrence of postoperative visual improvement (P < 0.0001), lesser occurrence of visual deterioration (P < 0.0001), and lower tumor recurrence rate (P = 0.015) compared with the transcranial group. Only 2 studies compared the supraorbital approach to another approach, limiting analyses. Analyses including all studies demonstrated that the supraorbital group did not differ to either the transcranial or transsphenoidal group for any examined variables. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that the transsphenoidal approach is associated with improved clinical outcomes for craniopharyngioma resection. There are limited data regarding the supraorbital approach, warranting future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Webb
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
| | - Wyatt W Pruter
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mickayla L Hinkle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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9
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Cunnane EM, Cunnane CV, Allardyce JM, Croghan SM, Walsh MT, Davis NF, Flood HD, Mulvihill JJE. Mechanical and morphological characterisation of porcine urethras for the assessment of paediatric urinary catheter safety. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 143:105923. [PMID: 37270901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Paediatric urinary catheters are often necessary in critical care settings or to address congenital anomalies affecting the urogenital system. Iatrogenic injuries can occur during the placement of such catheters, highlighting the need for a safety device that can function in paediatric settings. Despite successful efforts to develop devices that improve the safety of adult urinary catheters, no such devices are available for use with paediatric catheters. This study investigates the potential for utilising a pressure-controlled safety mechanism to limit the trauma experienced by paediatric patients during inadvertent inflation of a urinary catheter anchoring balloon in the urethra. Firstly, we establish a paediatric model of the human urethra using porcine tissue by characterising the mechanical and morphological properties of porcine tissue at increasing postnatal timepoints (8, 12, 16 and 30 weeks). We identified that porcine urethras harvested from pigs at postnatal week 8 and 12 exhibit morphological properties (diameter and thickness) that are statistically distinct from adult porcine urethras (postnatal week 30). We therefore utilise urethra tissue from postnatal week 8 and 12 pigs as a model to evaluate a pressure-controlled approach to paediatric urinary catheter balloon inflation intended to limit tissue trauma during inadvertent inflation in the urethra. Our results show that limiting catheter system pressure to 150 kPa avoided trauma in all tissue samples. Conversely, all of the tissue samples that underwent traditional uncontrolled urinary catheter inflation experienced complete rupture. The findings of this study pave the way for the development of a safety device for use with paediatric catheters, thereby alleviating the burden of catastrophic trauma and life changing injuries in children due to a preventable iatrogenic urogenital event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoghan M Cunnane
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Connor V Cunnane
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Joanna M Allardyce
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Michael T Walsh
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Niall F Davis
- Department of Urology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland; Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hugh D Flood
- Class Medical Limited, Unit 1 D, Annacotty Business Park, Co, Limerick, Ireland
| | - John J E Mulvihill
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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10
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Webb KL, Pruter WW, Hinkle ML, Daniels DJ, Carlstrom LP, Walsh MT. Improvements in the endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of craniopharyngiomas: a global learning curve. World Neurosurg 2023:S1878-8750(23)00896-3. [PMID: 37393991 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.06.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgical management of craniopharyngiomas is nuanced and has varied in terms of the selected approach and aggressiveness of resection over time. In the past several decades, the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach has become commonly used for craniopharyngioma resection. There is a well characterized institutional 'learning curve' regarding endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches for craniopharyngiomas at specialized centers, however the broader global learning curve remains to be characterized. METHODS Clinical outcome data following endoscopic transsphenoidal craniopharyngioma resection were obtained from a previously published meta-analysis, including data published during or after the year 1990. Additionally, the year of publication, the country where procedures were performed, and the human development index (HDI) of the country at time of publication were abstracted. Meta-regressional analyses were used to determine the significance of year and HDI as a covariate of the logit event rate of clinical outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis with a priori significance set as P<0.05. RESULTS A total of 100 studies (8,230 patients) were examined, representing data from 19 countries. There was a significant increase in the achieved gross total resection rate (P=0.0002) and a decrease in the achieved partial resection rate (P<0.0001) across the time studied. Additionally, the rate of visual worsening (P=0.025), postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks (P=0.007), and development of meningitis (P=0.032) decreased across time. CONCLUSION This work suggests the existence of a global learning curve when examining clinical outcomes following endoscopic transsphenoidal craniopharyngioma resection. Globally, these findings highlight a general improvement in clinical outcomes across time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Webb
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic; Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America.
| | - Wyatt W Pruter
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic; Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Mickayla L Hinkle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic; Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Lucas P Carlstrom
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic; Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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11
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Bello RS, Walsh MT, Harper B, Amos CE, Oestman K, Nutt S, Galindez M, Block K, Rechis R, Bednar EM, Tektiridis J, Foxhall L, Moreno M, Shete S, Hawk E. Creating and Activating an Implementation Community to Drive HPV Vaccine Uptake in Texas: The Role of an NCI-Designated Cancer Center. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1128. [PMID: 37376517 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), defines its service population area as the State of Texas (29.1 M), the second most populous state in the country and the state with the greatest number of uninsured residents in the United States. Consistent with a novel and formal commitment to prevention as part of its core mission, alongside clear opportunities in Texas to drive vaccine uptake, MD Anderson assembled a transdisciplinary team to develop an institutional Framework to increase adolescent HPV vaccination and reduce HPV-related cancer burden. The Framework was developed and activated through a four-phase approach aligned with the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant Community Outreach and Engagement component. MD Anderson identified collaborators through data-driven outreach and constructed a portfolio of collaborative multi-sector initiatives through review processes designed to assess readiness, impact and sustainability. The result is an implementation community of 78 institutions collaboratively implementing 12 initiatives within a shared measurement framework impacting 18 counties. This paper describes a structured and rigorous process to set up the implementation of a multi-year investment in evidence-based strategies to increase HPV vaccination that solves challenges preventing implementation of recommended strategies and to encourage similar initiative replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind S Bello
- The HPV Vaccination Initiative, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Office of Health Policy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael T Walsh
- The HPV Vaccination Initiative, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Impact Evaluation Core, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Joint Center on Geospatial Analysis & Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Blake Harper
- The HPV Vaccination Initiative, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Charles E Amos
- The HPV Vaccination Initiative, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Office of Health Policy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katherine Oestman
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephanie Nutt
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Impact Evaluation Core, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Joint Center on Geospatial Analysis & Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marcita Galindez
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Impact Evaluation Core, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Joint Center on Geospatial Analysis & Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Block
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ruth Rechis
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Impact Evaluation Core, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Erica M Bednar
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer Tektiridis
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lewis Foxhall
- Office of Health Policy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mark Moreno
- Government Relations, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sanjay Shete
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ernest Hawk
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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12
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Raber M, Rechis R, LaRue DM, Ho-Pham TT, Oestman K, Walsh MT, Kizub D, Ma H, Galvan E, Zhao H, Gonzalez J, Lei X, Hu J, Basen-Engquist K. Enhancing the utilization of healthy living interventions among cancer survivors in historically underserved populations and communities. Cancer Causes Control 2023:10.1007/s10552-023-01701-2. [PMID: 37160832 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01701-2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and wellness programming preferences of cancer survivors from Acres Homes, a historically Black neighborhood in Houston, Texas, with areas of persistent poverty. The goal of this study was to identify opportunities to increase cancer survivor utilization of healthy eating and active living interventions aligned to cancer center community outreach and engagement efforts. METHODS This multiple methods study included a retrospective review of electronic health record data (n = 413) and qualitative interviews with cancer survivors (n = 31) immediately preceding initiation of healthy eating, active living programming in Acres Homes. RESULTS This study found Acres Homes survivors have high rates of co-occurrent cardiometabolic disease including obesity (45.0%), diabetes (30.8%), and other related risk factors as well as treatment-related symptoms. Four major concepts emerged from interviews: (1) Factors that influence survivors' ability to eat well and exercise, (2) Current usage of community resources, (3) Interest in relevant programming, and (4) Specific programming preferences. Opportunities for current and future health promotion programming for cancer survivors were explored. CONCLUSION Strategically tailoring community resources for cancer survivors can provide a more robust network of support to promote healthy eating and active living in this population. This work informed community implementation of evidence-based health interventions in Acres Homes and may support future projects aiming to enhance community-led cancer prevention efforts in historically underserved communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Raber
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ruth Rechis
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Denise M LaRue
- Population Health, Harris Health System, Bellaire, TX, USA
| | - Thy T Ho-Pham
- Population Health, Harris Health System, Bellaire, TX, USA
| | - Katherine Oestman
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Darya Kizub
- Department of General Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hilary Ma
- Department of General Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Xiudong Lei
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jingfan Hu
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karen Basen-Engquist
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Bednar EM, Chen M, Walsh MT, Eppolito AL, Klein MH, Teed K, Hodge B, Hunter J, Chao HG, Davis D, Serchion W, Yobbi C, Krukenberg R, Jenkinson SB, Moore JJ, Garcia C, Gonzalez F, Murray T, Nielsen LD, Ho B, Haas M, Greenzweig SB, Anderson A, Johnson C, Morman NA, Bowdish E, Wise E, Cooper JN, Russ PK, Tondo-Steele K, de Gracia BF, Levin B, Mattie K, Zarnawski K, Kalasinski M, Stone J, O'Brien C, Bream A, Kennedy AM, Paul RA, Bilbao M, Romero M, Carr RL, Siettmann JM, Vercruyssen AK, Leon K, Arun BK, Grainger AV, Warshal DP, Bowman E, Goedde TA, Halaharvi D, Rath K, Grana G, Mina L, Lu KH. Outcomes of the "BRCA Quality Improvement Dissemination Program": An initiative to improve patient receipt of cancer genetics services at five health systems. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 172:106-114. [PMID: 37004303 PMCID: PMC10192022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A quality improvement initiative (QII) was conducted with five community-based health systems' oncology care centers (sites A-E). The QII aimed to increase referrals, genetic counseling (GC), and germline genetic testing (GT) for patients with ovarian cancer (OC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS QII activities occurred at sites over several years, all concluding by December 2020. Medical records of patients with OC and TNBC were reviewed, and rates of referral, GC, and GT of patients diagnosed during the 2 years before the QII were compared to those diagnosed during the QII. Outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-sample t-test, chi-squared/Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression. RESULTS For patients with OC, improvement was observed in the rate of referral (from 70% to 79%), GC (from 44% to 61%), GT (from 54% to 62%) and decreased time from diagnosis to GC and GT. For patients with TNBC, increased rates of referral (from 90% to 92%), GC (from 68% to 72%) and GT (81% to 86%) were observed. Effective interventions streamlined GC scheduling and standardized referral processes. CONCLUSION A multi-year QII increased patient referral and uptake of recommended genetics services across five unique community-based oncology care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Bednar
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America.
| | - Minxing Chen
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Michael T Walsh
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Amanda L Eppolito
- Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Molly H Klein
- Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Kelly Teed
- Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Brittany Hodge
- Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jordan Hunter
- Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Han Gill Chao
- Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Dillon Davis
- Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Wilshauna Serchion
- Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Cara Yobbi
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | | | | | - Jennifer J Moore
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Cassandra Garcia
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | | | - Towanna Murray
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Linda D Nielsen
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Brenda Ho
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Megan Haas
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | | | - Abby Anderson
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Christina Johnson
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | | | | | - Emaline Wise
- OhioHealth, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Brooke Levin
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Kristin Mattie
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Kathryn Zarnawski
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Molly Kalasinski
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Stone
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Caitlin O'Brien
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Alexa Bream
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Aidan M Kennedy
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Rachel A Paul
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Michelle Bilbao
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Maureen Romero
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Rebecca L Carr
- Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ, United States of America
| | | | | | - Kaycee Leon
- Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ, United States of America
| | - Banu K Arun
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | | | - David P Warshal
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Erin Bowman
- Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Timothy A Goedde
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | | | - Kellie Rath
- OhioHealth, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Generosa Grana
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States of America
| | - Lida Mina
- Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ, United States of America
| | - Karen H Lu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
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14
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Croghan SM, Skolarikos A, Jack GS, Manecksha RP, Walsh MT, O'Brien FJ, Davis NF. Upper urinary tract pressures in endourology: a systematic review of range, variables and implications. BJU Int 2023; 131:267-279. [PMID: 35485243 DOI: 10.1111/bju.15764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically review the literature to ascertain the upper tract pressures generated during endourology, the relevant influencing variables and clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of the MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane databases was performed by two authors independently (S.C., N.D.). Studies reporting ureteric or intrarenal pressures (IRP) during semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS)/flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS)/percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)/miniaturized PCNL (mPCNL) in the period 1950-2021 were identified. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were considered for inclusion. Findings were independently screened for eligibility based on content, with disagreements resolved by author consensus. Data were assessed for bias and compiled based on predefined variables. RESULTS Fifty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Mean IRP appeared to frequently exceed a previously proposed threshold of 40 cmH2 O. Semi-rigid URS with low-pressure irrigation (gravity <1 m) resulted in a wide mean IRP range (lowest reported 6.9 cmH2 O, highest mean 149.5 ± 6.2 cmH2 O; animal models). The lowest mean observed with fURS without a ureteric access sheath (UAS) was 47.6 ± 4.1 cmH2 O, with the maximum peak IRP being 557.4 cmH2 O (in vivo human data). UAS placement significantly reduced IRP during fURS, but did not guarantee pressure control with hand-operated pump/syringe irrigation. Miniaturization of PCNL sheaths was associated with increased IRP; however, a wide mean human IRP range has been recorded with both mPCNL (lowest -6.8 ± 2.2 cmH2 O [suction sheath]; highest 41.2 ± 5.3 cmH2 O) and standard PCNL (lowest 6.5 cmH2 O; highest 41.2 cmH2 O). Use of continuous suction in mPCNL results in greater control of mean IRP, although short pressure peaks >40 cmH2 O are not entirely prevented. Definitive conclusions are limited by heterogeneity in study design and results. Postoperative pain and pyrexia may be correlated with increased IRP, however, few in vivo studies correlate clinical outcome with measured IRP. CONCLUSIONS Intrarenal pressure generated during upper tract endoscopy often exceeds 40 cmH2 O. IRP is multifactorial in origin, with contributory variables discussed. Larger prospective human in vivo studies are required to further our understanding of IRP thresholds and clinical sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M Croghan
- Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Urology, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andreas Skolarikos
- European Association of Urology Urolithiasis Guidelines, Arnhem, The Netherlands.,Department of Urology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregory S Jack
- Department of Urology, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rustom P Manecksha
- Department of Urology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Urology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Surgery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael T Walsh
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Fergal J O'Brien
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niall F Davis
- Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Urology, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland.,European Association of Urology Urolithiasis Guidelines, Arnhem, The Netherlands.,Department of Urology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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15
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McCarthy CM, Allardyce JM, Hickey SE, Walsh MT, McGourty KD, Mulvihill JJE. Comparison of macroscale and microscale mechanical properties of fresh and fixed-frozen porcine colonic tissue. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 138:105599. [PMID: 36462287 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical changes to the microenvironment of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissue have been hypothesised to elicit a pathogenic response in the surrounding cells. Hence, 3D scaffolds are a popular method of studying cellular behaviour under conditions that mimic in vivo microenvironment. To create a 3D biomimetic scaffold that captures the in vivo ECM microenvironment a robust mechanical characterisation of the whole ECM at the microscale is necessary. This study examined the multiscale methods of characterising the ECM microenvironment using porcine colon tissue. To facilitate fresh tissue microscale mechanical characterisation, a protocol for sectioning fresh, unfixed, soft biological tissue was developed. Four experiments examined both the microscale and macroscale mechanics of both fresh (Fr) and fixed-frozen (FF) porcine colonic tissue using microindentation for microscale testing and uniaxial compression testing for macroscale testing. The results obtained in this study show a significant difference in elastic modulus between Fr and FF tissue at both the macroscale and microscale. There was an order of magnitude difference between the Fr and FF tissue at the microscale between each of the three layers of the colon tested i.e. the muscularis propria (MP), the submucosa (SM) and the mucosa (M). Macroscale testing cannot capture these regional differences. The findings in this study suggest that the most appropriate method for mechanically characterising the ECM is fresh microscale mechanical microindentation. These methods can be used on a range of biological tissues to create 3D biomimetic scaffolds that are more representative of the in vivo ECM, allowing for a more in-depth characterisation of the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clíona M McCarthy
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Joanna M Allardyce
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Séamus E Hickey
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kieran D McGourty
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - John J E Mulvihill
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland.
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16
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Cunnane CV, Houston JG, Moran DT, Broderick SP, Ross RA, Walsh MT. Spiral Laminar Flow is Associated with a Reduction in Disturbed Shear in Patient-Specific Models of an Arteriovenous Fistula. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2023; 14:152-165. [PMID: 36151366 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-022-00644-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Areas of disturbed shear that arise following arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation are believed to contribute to the development of intimal hyperplasia (IH). The presence of helical flow can suppress areas of disturbed shear, which may protect the vasculature from IH. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine if helical flow, specifically spiral laminar flow (SLF), is present in patient-specific AVF models and is associated with a reduction in exposure to disturbed shear. METHODS Four AVF were imaged using MRI within the first two weeks following fistula creation. Patient-specific boundary conditions were obtained using phase-contrast MRI and applied at the inlet and outlets of each model. Computational fluid dynamics was used to analyse the hemodynamics in each model and compare the helical content of the flow to the distribution of disturbed shear. RESULTS BC-1 and RC-2 are characterised by the presence of SLF, which coincides with the lowest distribution of disturbed shear. Contrastingly, SLF is absent from BC-2 and RC-1 and experience the largest amount of disturbed shear. Interestingly, BC-2 and RC-1 developed an anastomosis stenosis, while BC-1 and RC-2 remained stenosis free. CONCLUSION These findings are in agreement with previous clinical studies and further highlight the clinical potential of SLF as a prognostic marker for a healthy AVF, as its presence correlates with an overall reduction in exposure to disturbed shear and a decrease in the incidence of AVF dysfunction, albeit in a small sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor V Cunnane
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - J Graeme Houston
- Cardiovascular and Diabetes Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Daniel T Moran
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Stephen P Broderick
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rose A Ross
- NHS Tayside Vascular Department, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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17
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Bednar EM, Harper B, Walsh MT, Rechis R, Bilbao M, Carr RL, Eppolito AL, Goedde T, Levin B, Mattie K, Morman NA, Rath K, Russ P, Siettmann JM, Warshal D, Wise E, Yobbi C, Lu KH. Implementation and outcome evaluations of a multi-site improvement program in cancer genetics. J Genet Couns 2023; 32:182-196. [PMID: 36117454 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Program evaluation can identify the successes and challenges of implementing clinical programs, which can inform future dissemination efforts. A cancer genetics improvement program, disseminated from the Lead Team's institution to five health systems (Participating Sites), was genetic counselor led, using virtual implementation facilitation to support Participating Sites' performance of quality improvement (QI) activities over several years. Program implementation and outcome evaluations were performed and included evaluation of program delivery and initial effects of the program on Participating Sites. A logic model guided evaluation of program implementation (inputs, activities, outputs, delivery/fidelity, and coverage/reach) and initial outcomes (short-term and intermediate outcomes). Data were collected from program documents and an Evaluation Survey of Participating Site team members (21 respondents), compared against the Lead Team's expectations of participation, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. All program inputs, outputs, and activities were available and delivered as expected across the five Participating Sites. The most frequently used activities and inputs were facilitation-associated meetings and meeting resources, which were rated as useful/helpful by the majority of respondents. Nearly all respondents noted improvement in short-term outcomes following participation: 82.4% reported increased awareness of clinical processes, 94.1% increased knowledge of QI methods, 100% reported increased perceived importance of QI, 94.1% increased perceived feasibility of QI, and 76.5% reported increased problem-solving skills and self-efficacy to use QI at their site. Intermediate outcomes (identifying barriers, developing interventions, improved teamwork, and capacity) were achieved following program participation as indicated by the results of the program document review and Evaluation Survey responses. Implementation challenges at Participating Sites included staffing constraints, difficulties obtaining buy-in and participation, and developing interventions over time. The multi-site improvement program was delivered and implemented with high levels of fidelity and resulted in improved short and intermediate outcomes. Future research will evaluate long-term, patient-level outcomes associated with site-specific QI interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Bednar
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Clinical Cancer Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Blake Harper
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Impact Evaluation Core, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Impact Evaluation Core, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruth Rechis
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Impact Evaluation Core, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle Bilbao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rebecca L Carr
- Cancer Genetics Program, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, Arizona, USA
| | - Amanda L Eppolito
- Cancer Genetics Program, Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Timothy Goedde
- Cancer Genetics Program, Community Health Network, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Brooke Levin
- William G. Rohrer Cancer Genetics Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kristin Mattie
- William G. Rohrer Cancer Genetics Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Kellie Rath
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Pauline Russ
- Genetic Counseling Program, OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology, OhioHealth Cancer Care, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer M Siettmann
- Cancer Genetics Program, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, Arizona, USA
| | - David Warshal
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Emaline Wise
- Genetic Counseling Program, OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cara Yobbi
- Cancer Genetics Program, Community Health Network, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Karen H Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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18
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Croghan SM, Hayes L, O'Connor EM, Rochester M, Finch W, Carrie A, Considine SW, D'Arcy F, Riogh ANA, Mahmalji W, Elhadi M, Thursby H, Pearce I, Modgil V, Noweir H, MacCraith E, Madden A, Manecksha R, Browne E, Giri SK, Cunnane CV, Mulvihill J, Walsh MT, Davis NF, Flood HD. A Prospective Multi-Institutional Evaluation of Iatrogenic Urethral Catheterization Injuries. J INVEST SURG 2022; 35:1761-1766. [PMID: 35948441 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2022.2109226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To perform a multi-institutional investigation of incidence and outcomes of urethral trauma sustained during attempted catheterization. PATIENTS & METHODS A prospective, multi-center study was conducted over a designated 3-4 month period, incorporating seven academic hospitals across the UK and Ireland. Cases of urethral trauma arising from attempted catheterization were recorded. Variables included sites of injury, management strategies and short-term clinical outcomes. The catheterization injury rate was calculated based on the estimated total number of catheterizations occurring in each center per month. Anonymised data were collated, evaluated and described. RESULTS Sixty-six urethral catheterization injuries were identified (7 centers; mean 3.43 months). The mean injury rate was 6.2 ± 3.8 per 1000 catheterizations (3.18-14.42/1000). All injured patients were male, mean age 76.1 ± 13.1 years. Urethral catheterization injuries occurred in multiple hospital/community settings, most commonly Emergency Departments (36%) and medical/surgical wards (30%). Urological intervention was required in 94.7% (54/57), with suprapubic catheterization required in 12.3% (n = 7). More than half of patients (55.56%) were discharged with an urethral catheter, fully or partially attributable to the urethral catheter injury. At least one further healthcare encounter on account of the injury was required for 90% of patients post-discharge. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study of its kind and confirms that iatrogenic urethral trauma is a recurring medical error seen universally across institutions, healthcare systems and countries. In addition, urethral catheter injury results in significant patient morbidity with a substantial financial burden to healthcare services. Future innovation to improve the safety of urinary catheterization is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M Croghan
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Urology, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leah Hayes
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Mark Rochester
- Department of Urology, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - William Finch
- Department of Urology, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Carrie
- Department of Urology, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | | | - Frank D'Arcy
- Department of Urology, Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Wasim Mahmalji
- Department of Urology, Wye Valley NHS Trust, Hereford, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Elhadi
- Department of Urology, Wye Valley NHS Trust, Hereford, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Thursby
- Department of Urology, Wye Valley NHS Trust, Hereford, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Pearce
- Department of Urology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Vaibhav Modgil
- Department of Urology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hosam Noweir
- Department of Urology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Eoin MacCraith
- Department of Urology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aideen Madden
- Department of Urology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rustom Manecksha
- Department of Urology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eva Browne
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Subhasis K Giri
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Connor V Cunnane
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,The Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - John Mulvihill
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,The Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael T Walsh
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,The Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Niall F Davis
- Department of Urology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hugh D Flood
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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19
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Bednar EM, Chen M, Walsh MT, Eppolito AL, Teed KB, Klein MH, Chao H, Berg J, Bowman E, Yobbi CS, Krukenberg RC, Jenkinson S, Moore J, Garcia C, Goedde T, Morman NA, Bowdish EC, Wise E, Rath KS, Lu KH. Outcomes of the BRCA quality improvement dissemination program in three health systems. J Clin Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.10603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
10603 Background: The BRCA Quality Improvement Dissemination Program (BQIDP) was disseminated to 3 community-based health systems’ oncology clinics in 2017. The BQIDP occurred over 3 years and aimed to increase rates of guideline-recommended referral (ref), genetic counseling (GC), and germline genetic testing (GT) for patients diagnosed with invasive epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer (OC) and triple-negative breast cancer diagnosed at age 60 or younger (TNBC). The BQIDP applied virtual implementation facilitation to support sites’ development, implementation, and tracking of quality improvement (QI) interventions. Interventions were adapted from prior QI initiatives and published interventions. Methods: Baseline metrics (patients diagnosed 1/1/2015 to site’s BQIDP launch date Autumn 2017) were compared to metrics of patients diagnosed during BQIDP implementation (site launch dates Autumn 2017 to Autumn 2020). Two-sample test of proportions was used to assess for statistically significant change in rates pre and post BQIDP implementation at each site. QI interventions targeted provider and patient education, retrospective and prospective case finding with alerts to providers and patients, case finding by review of somatic test results and genetic counselor tumor board attendance, streamlined ref and scheduling processes, and infusion-suite based GC. Results: All clinics increased rates compared to baseline (Table). Statistically significant improvement was noted for patients with OC in receipt of GC at Site A, ref and receipt of GC at site B, and receipt of GC at site C. Statistically significant improvement was noted for patients with TNBC in ref and GT at sites A and B. Conclusions: Improved rates of ref, GC and GT for patients with OC and TNBC were observed at all 3 sites compared to baseline. Baseline ref, GC, and GT metrics for patients with TNBC were higher than for patients with OC at all sites. Tailored and facilitated QI efforts can promote patients’ receipt of guideline-recommended cancer genetics services in health system oncology clinics. [Table: see text]
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M. Bednar
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Minxing Chen
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | | | - Han Chao
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karen H. Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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20
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John JC, Kaleemullah T, McPherson H, Mahata K, Morrow RB, Bujnowski D, Johnston A, Danho M, Siddiqui N, Walsh MT, Haley SA, Sirajuddin AM, Schauer T, Wu MJ, Rechis R, Galvan E, Correa N, Browning N, Ganelin D, Gonzalez J, Lofton S, Banerjee D, Sharma SV. Building and Advancing Coalition Capacity to Promote Health Equity: Insights from the Health Equity Collective's Approach to Addressing Social Determinants of Health. Health Equity 2022; 5:872-878. [PMID: 35018321 PMCID: PMC8742293 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2021.0012] [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] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents the structure and function of the Health Equity Collective in developing a systemic approach to promoting health equity across the Greater Houston area. Grounded in Kania and Kramer's five phases of collective impact for coalition building, The Collective operationalizes its mission through its backbone team, steering committees, and eight workgroups; each has goals that mutually reinforce and advance its vision. To date, Phase I (generating ideas), Phase II (initiating action), and Phase III (organizing for impact) have been completed. Phases IV (implementation) and Phase V (sustainability) are currently underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemima C John
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Kallol Mahata
- Patient Care Intervention Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert B Morrow
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Melisa Danho
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Michael T Walsh
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sean A Haley
- Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Mon-Ju Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruth Rechis
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Staci Lofton
- Harris County Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Deborah Banerjee
- City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shreela V Sharma
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
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21
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Cofer J, Hurst AN, Winter T, Moreno M, Cinciripini PM, Walsh MT, Tektiridis J, Hawk E. A Comprehensive Program to Reduce Tobacco-related Cancers Through Actions by a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221138713. [DOI: 10.1177/10732748221138713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco use accounts for 30% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide and 20% in the US, despite effective, evidence-based interventions for reducing tobacco use and tobacco-related cancers and deaths. In 2012, to reduce the burden of tobacco-related cancer and associated population-level risks across Texas, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center initiated the EndTobacco® program to promote statewide cancer control activities. We created evidence-based initiatives, established selection criteria, and implemented actions involving policy, education, and tobacco treatment services. As a result, EndTobacco has supported, educated, and convened local and state coalitions in policymaking; provided tobacco treatment education to health professionals; implemented Texas’ only certified tobacco treatment training program; and led an initiative to enhance the tobacco-free culture of the state’s publicly funded university system. Supported by commitments from MD Anderson, we developed and implemented evidence-based actions for tobacco control tailored to the center’s mission, values, expertise, resources, and partnerships. By 2021, the adult smoking rate in Texas dropped from 19.2% (2014) to 13.2%. Contributors to this drop include state tobacco control policies, programs and services from multiple agencies and associations, and EndTobacco activities that complement the statewide effort to prevent youth smoking initiation and increase quit attempts among youth and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Cofer
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alex N. Hurst
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tiffany Winter
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark Moreno
- Governmental Relations, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul M. Cinciripini
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Tektiridis
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ernest Hawk
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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22
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current standard of care requires ambulatory surgical patients to have an escort for discharge. Recent studies have started to challenge this dogma. Modern ultrashort acting anesthetics have minimal psychomotor effects after a couple of hours. Driving simulator performance and psychomotor testing return to baseline as soon as 1 h following propofol sedation. RECENT FINDINGS Two recent reports of actual experience with thousands of patients found no increase in complications in patients who were discharged without escort or drove themselves from a sedation center. These studies suggest discharge without escort may be safe in select patients but a method to identify appropriate patients remains undefined. SUMMARY A reliable test to document return of function might allow safe discharge without an escort. Currently, there is intense interest in developing reliable, inexpensive, easy to administer psychomotor function testing to improve workplace safety and legally define the effects of drugs on driving impairment. Future studies may be able to adapt this technology and develop a validated test for residual anesthetic impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Walsh
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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23
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Daly K, Horan M, Lincoln MA, McCraith E, Quinlan M, Walsh MT, Skolarikos A, Davis N. Predictors of stone related events in asymptomatic untreated intra-renal calculi. J Endourol 2021; 36:444-447. [PMID: 34714142 DOI: 10.1089/end.2021.0736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose There is a lack of data on the natural history of asymptomatic intra-renal calculi. In this study we investigate stone related events (SREs) in patients with untreated intra-renal calculi. We also investigate predictive factors for SREs. Materials and Methods All patients diagnosed with an asymptomatic intra-renal calculus on CT KUB managed conservatively with interval imaging for ≥6 months were included. Patients were evaluated for any stone related event. The rate of event according to calculus size, location and number of calculi was also analysed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant predictors for SREs. Results In total, 266 renal units from 177 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean stone size was 4.44mm (range of 1-25mm). Duration of follow-up was 43.78 ± 26.86 months (range 6-106 months). The overall rate of SRE's including intervention (n=80) and spontaneous stone passage following ureteric colic (n= 40) was 45.1% (n=120/266). Stones >5mm were more likely to lead to an event compared to stones ≤5mm (OR: 2.94; p=0.01). Inter-polar stones and stones located in multiple calyces were more likely to cause a SRE than lower pole stones (OR: 2.05; p=0.05 and OR:2.29; p=0.03 respectively). Conclusion In this large series of patients with asymptomatic intra-renal calculi, the incidence of a spontaneous SRE was 45.1% after 41 months. Stone size and stone location were significant predictors for stone related event. Information from this study will enable urologists to accurately risk stratify patients with asymptomatic renal stones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Daly
- Beaumont Hospital, 57978, Beaumont Road, Beaumont, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland;
| | - Michelle Horan
- Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, 58867, Urology, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland;
| | | | - Eoin McCraith
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 8863, Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Mark Quinlan
- Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, 58867, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Engineering Research, Materials and Surface Science Institute, University of Limerick, Biomedical Engineering, Limerick, Ireland;
| | - Andreas Skolarikos
- University of Athens, 2nd Department of Urology, 6 LASKAREOS ST, NEA ZOI PERISTERI, Athens, Greece, 12137;
| | - Niall Davis
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 8863, Dublin, Ireland;
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24
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Miller LJ, Lauderdale LK, Walsh MT, Bryant JL, Mitchell KA, Granger DA, Mellen JD. Reference intervals and values for fecal cortisol, aldosterone, and the ratio of cortisol to dehydroepiandrosterone metabolites in four species of cetaceans. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250331. [PMID: 34460862 PMCID: PMC8404979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the current study was to create reference intervals and values for several common and one potential novel physiological indicators of animal welfare for four species of cetaceans. The subjects included 189 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), 27 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), eight Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and 13 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) at Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facilities. During two sampling time periods between July and November of 2018 and between January and April of 2019, fecal samples were collected weekly for five weeks from all animals. Samples were processed and analyzed using enzyme immunoassay for fecal cortisol, aldosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) metabolites. Linear mixed models were used to examine demographic and time factors impacting hormone metabolite concentrations. Age, sex, and time of year were all significant predictors for some of the models (p < 0.01). An iOS mobile application ZooPhysioTrak was created for easy access to species-specific reference intervals and values accounting for significant predictors. For facilities without access to this application, additional reference intervals and values were constructed without accounting for significant predictors. Information gained from this study and the use of the application can provide reference intervals and values to make informed management decisions for cetaceans in zoological facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Jocelyn L. Bryant
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kevin A. Mitchell
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
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25
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Lauderdale LK, Shorter KA, Zhang D, Gabaldon J, Mellen JD, Walsh MT, Granger DA, Miller LJ. Habitat characteristics and animal management factors associated with habitat use by bottlenose dolphins in zoological environments. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252010. [PMID: 34460833 PMCID: PMC8404980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The way an animal uses its habitat can serve as an indicator of habitat appropriateness for the species and individuals. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus) in accredited zoos and aquariums experience a range of habitat types and management programs that provide opportunities for dolphins to engage in species-appropriate behaviors and potentially influence their individual and group welfare. Data in the present study were collected as part of a larger study titled "Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums" (colloquially called the Cetacean Welfare Study). Non-invasive bio-logging devices (Movement Tags) recorded the diving behavior and vertical habitat movements of 60 bottlenose dolphins at 31 zoos and aquariums that were accredited by the Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Bottlenose dolphins wore a Movement Tag one day per week for two five-week data collection periods. Demographic variables, environmental enrichment programs, training programs, and habitat characteristics were associated with habitat usage. Longer dive durations and use of the bottom third of the habitat were associated with higher enrichment program index values. Dolphins receiving new enrichment on a monthly/weekly schedule also used the bottom third of the habitat more often than those receiving new enrichment on a yearly/year+ schedule. Dolphins that were managed in a group that was split into smaller subgroups during the day and were reunited into one group at night spent less time in the top third of the habitat than those who remained in a single group with consistent members at all times. Dolphins that were managed as subgroups with rotating members but were never united as one group spent less time in the bottom third of the habitat than those who remained in a single group with consistent members at all times. Taken together, the results suggested that management practices, such as enrichment and training programs, played a greater role in how dolphins interacted with their environment relative to the physical characteristics of the habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
| | - K. Alex Shorter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Ding Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Joaquin Gabaldon
- Robotics Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
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26
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Abstract
Cetaceans are long-lived, social species that are valued as ambassadors inspiring the public to engage in conservation action. Under professional care, they are critical partners with the scientific community to understanding the biology, behavior, physiology, health, and welfare requirements of this taxonomic group. The Cetacean Welfare Study was a highly collaborative research effort among zoos and aquariums accredited by the Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos & Aquariums that provided important empirical and comparative information on the care and management of cetaceans. The goal was to identify factors that were related to the welfare of bottlenose dolphins and to develop reference intervals and values for common and novel indicators of health and welfare for common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), and Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Data were collected from cetaceans at 43 accredited zoos and aquariums in seven countries in 2018 and 2019. This overview presents a summary of findings from the initial research articles that resulted from the study titled "Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums." With multiple related objectives, animal-based metrics were used to advance frameworks of clinical care and target key conditions that were associated with good welfare of cetaceans in zoo and aquarium environments. As a result of this collaboration, species-specific reference intervals and values for blood variables and fecal hormone metabolites were developed and are freely available in an iOS application called ZooPhysioTrak. The results suggested that environmental enrichment programs and social management factors were more strongly related to behaviors likely indicative of positive welfare than habitat characteristics for common and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. These findings can be widely applied to optimize care and future science-based welfare practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
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Miller LJ, Lauderdale LK, Bryant JL, Mellen JD, Walsh MT, Granger DA. Behavioral diversity as a potential positive indicator of animal welfare in bottlenose dolphins. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253113. [PMID: 34460834 PMCID: PMC8405024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accredited zoological facilities are committed to fully understanding the behavioral, mental, and physical needs of each species to continuously improve the welfare of the animals under their professional care and detect when welfare has diminished. In order to accomplish this goal, internally consistent and externally valid indicators of animal welfare are necessary to advance our understanding of the current welfare status of individual animals. Historically, efforts have focused on monitoring visible or observable signs of poor health or problem behavior, but lack of signs or problems does not necessarily demonstrate that an individual animal is thriving. The current study examined fecal hormone metabolite levels and behavior for two species of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus) from 25 different accredited zoological facilities. At the time of the study, all facilities were accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This was part of the multi-institutional study 'Towards understanding of the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums" commonly referred to as the Cetacean Welfare Study. Behavioral diversity was calculated using the Shannon Diversity Index on species-appropriate behavioral events. Behavioral diversity was compared to the fecal metabolites of cortisol, aldosterone, and the ratio of cortisol to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as well as the stereotypic behavior of route tracing. Similar to previous studies on other species, there was a significant inverse relationship between behavioral diversity and both fecal cortisol metabolites and route tracing. Additionally, a significant inverse relationship also exists between behavioral diversity and the ratio of fecal cortisol to DHEA metabolites. Behavioral diversity and fecal aldosterone metabolites were not associated. Additional research is still needed to validate behavioral diversity as an indicator of positive animal welfare for bottlenose dolphins and across species. However, based on current results, facilities could utilize behavioral diversity combined with other measures of welfare to more comprehensively evaluate the welfare of bottlenose dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jocelyn L. Bryant
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
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Lauderdale LK, Walsh MT, Mellen JD, Granger DA, Miller LJ. Environmental enrichment, training, and habitat characteristics of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253688. [PMID: 34460831 PMCID: PMC8404999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253688] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, animal welfare science has evolved to utilize a multidisciplinary approach to assess the welfare of animals in accredited zoos and aquariums. Science-based animal welfare assessments have become an essential component of management programs and widespread application is expected by animal care professionals. Management practices for bottlenose dolphins in accredited facilities incorporate several programs that potentially impact animal welfare including environmental enrichment and animal training. Additionally, habitat characteristics, such as the dimensions of the habitat, have been proposed to affect welfare. While accredited facilities are required to meet high standards of care, habitat characteristics and management practices are not standardized across locations. Knowledge and subsequent application of these practices and habitat characteristics can enhance our understanding of factors associated with positive welfare. As part of a larger study of dolphin welfare titled "Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums" (colloquially called the Cetacean Welfare Study), survey data were collected from 86 bottlenose dolphins in 40 habitats at 38 facilities in seven countries. The major aims of this paper are to provide general descriptive information regarding dolphin management in accredited zoos and aquariums and to provide supplemental context to the other research published from the Cetacean Welfare Study data set. This paper provides a review of current habitat characteristics and management practices at those 38 accredited zoos and aquariums. These data enabled the identification and quantification of how cetacean management practices differed between participating facilities accredited by the Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Variables were selected based on their potential association with welfare including the physical habitat, environmental enrichment, and training programs. The variables were also used for subsequent research in this collection of related papers to investigate important connections between potential indicators of welfare and habitat characteristics, environmental enrichment, and training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
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Miller LJ, Lauderdale LK, Mellen JD, Walsh MT, Granger DA. Assessment of animal management and habitat characteristics associated with social behavior in bottlenose dolphins across zoological facilities. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253732. [PMID: 34460835 PMCID: PMC8405028 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphins are a behaviorally complex, social species that display a variety of social behaviors. Because of this, it is important for zoological facilities to strive to ensure animals display species-appropriate levels of social behavior. The current study is part of the multi-institutional study entitled "Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums" commonly referred to as the Cetacean Welfare Study. All participating facilities were accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Behavioral data were collected on 47 bottlenose dolphins representing two subspecies, Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus, at 25 facilities. The social behaviors of group related activity (group active) as well as interacting with conspecifics (interact with conspecific) were examined for their relationships to both animal management factors and habitat characteristics. The behavioral state of group active and the rate of interact with conspecific were both positively related to the frequency of receiving new forms of environmental enrichment. Both were inversely related to the random scheduling of environmental enrichment. Additional results suggested interact with conspecific was inversely related with daytime spatial experience and that males displayed group active more than females. Overall, the results suggested that animal management techniques such as the type and timing of enrichment may be more important to enhance social behavior than habitat characteristics or the size of the habitat. Information gained from this study can help facilities with bottlenose dolphins manage their enrichment programs in relation to social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
| | - Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
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Miller LJ, Lauderdale LK, Mellen JD, Walsh MT, Granger DA. Relationships between animal management and habitat characteristics with two potential indicators of welfare for bottlenose dolphins under professional care. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252861. [PMID: 34460839 PMCID: PMC8405007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Accredited zoos and aquariums continually strive to ensure high levels of animal welfare for the animals under their professional care. Best management practices include conducting research to better understand factors that lead to optimal welfare and then turning findings into practice. The current study is part of the larger Cetacean Welfare Study or more formally, "Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums." Facilities participating in the study were accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Animal management factors and habitat characteristics were examined in relation to two potential indicators of welfare for common (Tursiops truncatus) and Indo-Pacific (Tursiops aduncus) bottlenose dolphins. Specifically, we examined environmental enrichment, animal training, and habitat characteristics that were significantly related to behavioral diversity and route tracing, a form of stereotypic behavior. Behavior was recorded from 47 animals at 25 facilities around the world. Overall, the rate of route tracing behavior observed during the study was very low and few animal management factors or habitat characteristics were found to be related to this behavior. One factor, enrichment diversity, had a significant positive relationship with route tracing and an inverse relationship with behavioral diversity. This finding may be a product of a response mounted by animal care specialists to the behavior as opposed to a cause. Animals that engaged in this behavior were likely provided more diverse enrichment in attempts to ameliorate the stereotypic behavior. However, multiple factors were found to significantly relate to behavioral diversity, a potential positive indicator of welfare for bottlenose dolphins. Dolphins that were trained on a predictable schedule had higher behavioral diversity than those on a semi-predictable schedule. There was a positive significant relationship between behavioral diversity and the number of habitats to which an animal had access, and a significant inverse relationship with the maximum depth of the habitat. Finally, animals that were split into groups and reunited or rotated between subgroups had higher behavioral diversity than animals managed in the same group. Information gained from the current study suggested that animal management techniques may be more important in ensuring good welfare for bottlenose dolphins than focusing on habitat size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
| | - Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
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Lauderdale LK, Shorter KA, Zhang D, Gabaldon J, Mellen JD, Walsh MT, Granger DA, Miller LJ. Bottlenose dolphin habitat and management factors related to activity and distance traveled in zoos and aquariums. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250687. [PMID: 34460858 PMCID: PMC8405030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High-resolution non-invasive cetacean tagging systems can be used to investigate the influence of habitat characteristics and management factors on behavior by quantifying activity levels and distance traveled by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus) in accredited zoos and aquariums. Movement Tags (MTags), a bio-logging device, were used to record a suite of kinematic and environmental information outside of formal training sessions as part of a larger study titled "Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums" (colloquially called the Cetacean Welfare Study). The purpose of the present study was to explore if and how habitat characteristics, environmental enrichment programs, and training programs were related to the distance traveled and energy expenditure of dolphins in accredited zoos and aquariums. Bottlenose dolphins in accredited zoos and aquariums wore MTags one day per week for two five-week data collection periods. Overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA), a proxy for energy expenditure, and average distance traveled per hour (ADT) of 60 dolphins in 31 habitats were examined in relation to demographic, habitat, and management factors. Participating facilities were accredited by the Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and/or Aquariums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Two factors were found to be related to ADT while six factors were associated with ODBA. The results showed that enrichment programs were strongly related to both ODBA and ADT. Scheduling predictable training session times was also positively associated with ADT. The findings suggested that habitat characteristics had a relatively weak association with ODBA and were not related to ADT. In combination, the results suggested that management practices were more strongly related to activity levels than habitat characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - K. Alex Shorter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ding Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Joaquin Gabaldon
- Robotics Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
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Rechis R, Oestman KB, Caballero E, Brewster A, Walsh MT, Basen-Engquist K, Gershenwald JE, Tektiridis JH, Moreno M, Williams PA, Treiman K, Garza PD, Hawk E. Be Well Communities™: mobilizing communities to promote wellness and stop cancer before it starts. Cancer Causes Control 2021; 32:859-870. [PMID: 34037915 PMCID: PMC8236479 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-021-01439-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increasingly, cancer centers are delivering population-based approaches to narrow the gap between known cancer prevention strategies and their effective implementation. Leveraging successful healthy community initiatives, MD Anderson developed Be Well Communities™, a model that implements evidence-based actions to directly impact people's lives. METHODS In partnership with local organizations, MD Anderson's Be Well Communities team executed and evaluated 16 evidence-based interventions to address community priorities in healthy diets, physical activity, and sun safety. Evaluation included assessing the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions, stakeholders' perceptions of collaboration, and the population-level impact on dietary and physical activity behaviors among students using the School Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey and the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time. Two-tailed t-tests were used to compare tested parameters at baseline and follow-up. p values less than .05 were considered significant. RESULTS This model achieved its early outcomes, including effectively implementing evidence-based interventions, building strong partnerships, increasing access to healthy foods, improving the built environment, and increasing healthy food and water consumption and moderate to vigorous physical activity among students (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Be Well Communities is an effective model for positively impacting community health which could be leveraged by others to deliver evidence-based actions to improve population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Rechis
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, Unit 1364, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Katherine B Oestman
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, Unit 1364, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth Caballero
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, Unit 1364, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Michael T Walsh
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, Unit 1364, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Priscila D Garza
- Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, Baytown, TX, USA
| | - Ernest Hawk
- Division of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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De María M, Silva-Sanchez C, Kroll KJ, Walsh MT, Nouri MZ, Hunter ME, Ross M, Clauss TM, Denslow ND. Chronic exposure to glyphosate in Florida manatee. Environ Int 2021; 152:106493. [PMID: 33740675 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Florida manatees depend on freshwater environments as a source of drinking water and as warm-water refuges. These freshwater environments are in direct contact with human activities where glyphosate-based herbicides are being used. Glyphosate is the most used herbicide worldwide and it is intensively used in Florida as a sugarcane ripener and to control invasive aquatic plants. The objective of the present study was to determine the concentration of glyphosate and its breakdown product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in Florida manatee plasma and assess their exposure to manatees seeking a warm-water refuge in Crystal River (west central Florida), and in South Florida. We analyzed glyphosate's and AMPA's concentrations in Florida manatee plasma (n = 105) collected during 2009-2019 using HPLC-MS/MS. We sampled eight Florida water bodies between 2019 and 2020, three times a year: before, during and after the sugarcane harvest using grab samples and molecular imprinted passive Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers (MIP-POCIS). Glyphosate was present in 55.8% of the sampled Florida manatees' plasma. The concentration of glyphosate has significantly increased in Florida manatee samples from 2009 until 2019. Glyphosate and AMPA were ubiquitous in water bodies. The concentration of glyphosate and AMPA was higher in South Florida than in Crystal River, particularly before and during the sugarcane harvest when Florida manatees depend on warm water refuges. Based on our results, Florida manatees were chronically exposed to glyphosate and AMPA, during and beyond the glyphosate applications to sugarcane, possibly associated with multiple uses of glyphosate-based herbicides for other crops or to control aquatic weeds. This chronic exposure in Florida water bodies may have consequences for Florida manatees' immune and renal systems which may further be compounded by other environmental exposures such as red tide or cold stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite De María
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Aquatic Animal Health Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Cecilia Silva-Sanchez
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Kevin J Kroll
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Aquatic Animal Health Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Mohammad-Zaman Nouri
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Margaret E Hunter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, FL 32653, United States.
| | - Monica Ross
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA.
| | - Tonya M Clauss
- Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia, 225 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA.
| | - Nancy D Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Cahalane RM, Barrett HE, Ross AM, Mulvihill JJE, Purtill H, Selvarajah L, O'Brien J, Kavanagh EG, Moloneye MA, Egan SM, Leahy FC, Griffin TP, Islam MN, O'Shea PM, Walsh MT, O'Connor EM. On the association between circulating biomarkers and atherosclerotic calcification in a cohort of arterial disease participants. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2021; 31:1533-1541. [PMID: 33810961 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Atherosclerotic calcification is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to determine whether circulating levels of a local/systemic calcification inhibitor or a marker of bone formation correlate with measures of coronary or extracoronary calcification. METHODS AND RESULTS Clinical computed tomography (CT) was performed on 64 arterial disease participants undergoing carotid and lower extremity endarterectomy. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores and volumes were acquired from the CT scans (n = 42). CAC scores and volumes were used to derive CAC density scores. Micro-CT was performed on excised carotid (n = 36) and lower extremity (n = 31) plaques to quantify the volume and volume fraction of extracoronary calcification. Circulating levels of dephospho-uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein (dp-ucMGP), fetuin-A, carboxylated and uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) were quantified using commercial immunoassays. Carotid participant CAC density scores were moderately negatively correlated with plasma dp-ucMGP (rs = -0.592, P = 0.008). A weak negative association was found between CAC scores and %ucOC for all participants (rs = -0.335, P = 0.040). Another weak negative correlation was observed between fetuin-A and the volume of calcification within excised carotid specimens (rs = -0.366, P = 0.031). Despite substantial differences in coronary and extracoronary calcium measurements, the levels of circulating biomarkers did not vary significantly between carotid and lower extremity subgroups. CONCLUSION Correlations identified between circulating biomarkers and measures of coronary and extracoronary calcium were not consistent among participant subgroups. Further research is required to determine the association between circulating biomarkers, coronary and extracoronary calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Cahalane
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research, Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Hilary E Barrett
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research, Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Aisling M Ross
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research, Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland.
| | - John J E Mulvihill
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research, Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Helen Purtill
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Aging Research Centre, University of Limerick, Ireland.
| | | | - Julie O'Brien
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Eamon G Kavanagh
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland.
| | | | - Siobhan M Egan
- Clinical Research Support Unit, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Fiona C Leahy
- Clinical Research Support Unit, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Tomás P Griffin
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Saolta University Health Care Group (SUHCG), Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland; Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM SFI Research Centre, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - M N Islam
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM SFI Research Centre, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Galway, Ireland.
| | - Paul M O'Shea
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Galway, Ireland.
| | - Michael T Walsh
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research, Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Eibhlís M O'Connor
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland; Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Ireland.
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Cunnane CV, Croghan SM, Walsh MT, Cunnane EM, Davis NF, Flood HD, Mulvihill JJE. Cryopreservation of porcine urethral tissue: Storage at -20°C preserves the mechanical, failure and geometrical properties. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 119:104516. [PMID: 33932753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is required to preserve the native properties of tissue for prolonged periods of time. In this study, we evaluate the impact that 4 different cryopreservation protocols have on porcine urethral tissue, to identify a protocol that best preserves the native properties of the tissue. The cryopreservation protocols include storage in cryoprotective agents at -20 °C and -80 °C with a slow, gradual, and fast reduction in temperature. To evaluate the effects of cryopreservation, the tissue is mechanically characterised in uniaxial tension and the mechanical properties, failure mechanics, and tissue dimensions are compared fresh and following cryopreservation. The mechanical response of the tissue is altered following cryopreservation, yet the elastic modulus from the high stress, linear region of the Cauchy stress - stretch curves is unaffected by the freezing process. To further investigate the change in mechanical response following cryopreservation, the stretch at different tensile stress values was evaluated, which revealed that storage at -20 °C is the only protocol that does not significantly alter the mechanical properties of the tissue compared to the fresh samples. Conversely, the ultimate tensile strength and the stretch at failure were relatively unaffected by the freezing process, regardless of the cryopreservation protocol. However, there were alterations to the tissue dimensions following cryopreservation that were significantly different from the fresh samples for the tissue stored at -80 °C. Therefore, any study intent on preserving the mechanical, failure, and geometric properties of urethral tissue during cryopreservation should do so by freezing samples at -20 °C, as storage at -80 °C is shown here to significantly alter the tissue properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor V Cunnane
- BioSciBer, Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Michael T Walsh
- BioSciBer, Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Niall F Davis
- Department of Urology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hugh D Flood
- Class Medical Limited, Unit 1 D, Annacotty Business Park, Co. Limerick, Ireland
| | - John J E Mulvihill
- BioSciBer, Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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Cahalane RM, O'Brien JM, Kavanagh EG, Moloney MA, Leahy FC, Walsh MT. Correlating Ex Vivo Carotid Calcification Measurements With Cerebrovascular Symptoms: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Stroke 2020; 51:e250-e253. [PMID: 32755345 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.029973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of ex vivo derived Agatston, Volume, and Density-Volume calcium scores or calcium density measurements to differentiate between carotid plaques based on preoperative cerebrovascular symptomatology. METHODS Thirty-eight carotid plaques were acquired from standard endarterectomy. Micro-computed tomography was performed on the ex vivo samples. Image series were downsampled to represent the resolution of clinical multidetector computed tomography. Agatston, Volume, and Density-Volume carotid calcium scores were then calculated using coronary methodologies. The fractions of low- and high-density calcification were also determined. RESULTS The coronary calcium scores could not differentiate between carotid plaques from asymptomatic versus symptomatic patients. However, plaques from asymptomatic patients contained significantly lower fractions of low-density calcification and higher fractions of high-density calcification. CONCLUSIONS Screening for carotid calcium density in noncontrast computed tomography could reflect plaque stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Cahalane
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research, Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering (R.M.C., M.T.W.), University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Julie M O'Brien
- Department of Radiology (J.M.O.), University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eamon G Kavanagh
- Department of Vascular Surgery (E.G.K., M.A.M.), University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael A Moloney
- Department of Vascular Surgery (E.G.K., M.A.M.), University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - Fiona C Leahy
- Clinical Research Support Unit (F.C.L.), University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael T Walsh
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research, Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering (R.M.C., M.T.W.), University of Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute (M.T.W.), University of Limerick, Ireland
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Lazensky R, Hunter ME, Moraga Amador D, Al-Khedery B, Yu F, Walsh C, Gitzendanner MA, Tripp K, Walsh MT, Denslow ND. Investigating the gene expression profiles of rehabilitated Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) following red tide exposure. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234150. [PMID: 32614830 PMCID: PMC7331979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234150] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate a Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) mortality event following a red tide bloom in Southwest Florida, an RNA sequencing experiment was conducted. Gene expression changes in white blood cells were assessed in manatees rescued from a red tide affected area (n = 4) and a control group (n = 7) using RNA sequencing. The genes with the largest fold changes were compared between the two groups to identify molecular pathways related to cellular and disease processes. In total, 591 genes (false discovery rate <0.05) were differentially expressed in the red tide group. Of these, 158 were upregulated and 433 were downregulated. This suggests major changes in white blood cell composition following an exposure to red tide. The most highly upregulated gene, Osteoclast associated 2C immunoglobulin-like receptor (OSCAR), was upregulated 12-fold. This gene is involved in initiating the immune response and maintaining a role in adaptive and innate immunity. The most highly downregulated gene, Piccolo presynaptic cytomatrix protein (PCLO), was downregulated by a factor of 977-fold. This gene is associated with cognitive functioning and neurotransmitter release. Downregulation of this gene in other studies was associated with neuronal loss and neuron synapse dysfunction. Among the cellular pathways that were most affected, immune response, including inflammation, wounds and injuries, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were the most predominant. The pathway with the most differentially expressed genes was the immune response pathway with 98 genes involved, many of them downregulated. Assessing the changes in gene expression associated with red tide exposure enhances our understanding of manatee immune response to the red tide toxins and will aid in the development of red tide biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Lazensky
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental & Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Aquatic Animal Health Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Margaret E. Hunter
- Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, U. S. Geological Survey, Sirenia Project, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - David Moraga Amador
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Basima Al-Khedery
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Fahong Yu
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Cathy Walsh
- Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Matthew A. Gitzendanner
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Katie Tripp
- Save the Manatee Club, Maitland, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Aquatic Animal Health Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (NDD); (MTW)
| | - Nancy D. Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental & Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (NDD); (MTW)
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with keratopathy in captive pinnipeds and to provide guidance for preventive measures. ANIMALS 319 captive pinnipeds (229 otariids [sea lions and fur seals], 74 phocids [true seals], and 16 odobenids [walrus]) from 25 facilities. PROCEDURES Descriptive data collected from questionnaires completed by facilities and from medical records and physical examinations of pinnipeds were compiled and evaluated. Variables were assessed with χ2 tests of homogeneity to determine potential association with keratopathy, and variables with values of P ≤ 0.25 were inserted into the multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS Results indicated that variables associated with significantly increased odds of keratopathy in captive pinnipeds included lighter or reflective pool color (OR, 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 3.97), pool water salinity < 29 g/L (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.89 to 6.56), and history of eye disease (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 1.85 to 5.98), trauma (OR, 3.80; 95% CI, 1.72 to 8.89), and having been tested for leptospirosis (OR, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.54 to 10.26). However, odds of keratopathy decreased with UV index ≤ 6 (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.72) and age < 20 years (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.66). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings indicated that odds of keratopathy in pinnipeds could be reduced by maintenance of pool water salinity ≥ 29 g/L and reduction of UV radiation exposure (eg, with adequate shade structures and use of darker, natural colors). Because UV radiation exposure is cumulative, even small attempts to reduce lifetime exposure to it could help control keratopathy in pinnipeds.
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Robles-Malagamba MJ, Walsh MT, Ahasan MS, Thompson P, Wells RS, Jobin C, Fodor AA, Winglee K, Waltzek TB. Characterization of the bacterial microbiome among free-ranging bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus). Heliyon 2020; 6:e03944. [PMID: 32577542 PMCID: PMC7305398 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine animals represent a dynamic and complex habitat for diverse microbial communities. The microbiota associated with bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are believed to influence their health status, but it remains poorly understood. We therefore characterized and compared the bacterial microbiome of bottlenose dolphins from six different anatomical sites that represent four different body systems (respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and integumentary). In this study, a total of 14 free-ranging bottlenose dolphins were sampled during the 2015 Sarasota Bay Dolphin Health Assessment. Bacterial diversity and abundance were assessed by PCR amplification of the hypervariable V3-V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene for each sample, followed by sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform. Analysis showed that bottlenose dolphins harbor diverse bacterial communities with a unique microbial community at each body system. Additionally, the bottlenose dolphin bacterial microbiome was clearly distinct to the aquatic microbiome from their surrounding habitat. These results are in close agreement with other cetacean microbiome studies, while our study is the first to explore what was found to be a diverse bottlenose dolphin genital microbiome. The core bacterial communities identified in this study in apparently healthy animals might be informative for future health monitoring of bottlenose dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Robles-Malagamba
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mohammad Shamim Ahasan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Patrick Thompson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Christian Jobin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Anthony A. Fodor
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kathryn Winglee
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas B. Waltzek
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Cunnane CV, Cunnane EM, Moran DT, Walsh MT. The presence of helical flow can suppress areas of disturbed shear in parameterised models of an arteriovenous fistula. Int J Numer Method Biomed Eng 2019; 35:e3259. [PMID: 31483945 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Areas of disturbed shear that develop following arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation are believed to trigger the onset of intimal hyperplasia (IH), leading to AVF dysfunction. The presence of helical flow can suppress the flow disturbances that lead to disturbed shear in other areas of the vasculature. However, the relationship between helical flow and disturbed shear remains unevaluated in AVF. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to evaluate the relationship between geometry, helical flow, and disturbed shear in parameterised models of an AVF characterised by four different anastomosis angles. The AVF models with a small anastomosis angle demonstrate the lowest distribution of low/oscillating shear and are characterised by a high helical intensity coupled with a strong balance between helical structures. Contrastingly, the models with a large anastomosis angle experience the least amount of high shear, multidirectional shear, as well as spatial and temporal gradients of shear. Furthermore, the intensity of helical flow correlates strongly with curvature (r = 0.73, P < .001), whereas it is strongly and inversely associated with taper (r = -0.87, P < .001). In summary, a flow field dominated by a high helical intensity coupled with a strong balance between helical structures can suppress exposure to low/oscillating shear but is ineffective when it comes to other types of shear. This highlights the clinical potential of helical flow as a diagnostic marker of exposure to low/oscillating shear, as helical flow can be identified in vivo with the use of ultrasound imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor V Cunnane
- Bio Materials Research Centre, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eoghan M Cunnane
- Bio Materials Research Centre, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Daniel T Moran
- Bio Materials Research Centre, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Bio Materials Research Centre, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Harvey JW, Harr KE, Murphy D, Walsh MT, de Wit M, Deutsch CJ, Bonde RK. Serum Iron Analytes in Healthy and Diseased Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). J Comp Pathol 2019; 173:58-70. [PMID: 31812174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Serum iron concentration is usually decreased in true iron deficiency and with inflammatory disease in man and domestic animals. Serum total iron binding capacity (TIBC) may be increased in true iron deficiency and decreased with inflammatory disease. This prospective study was designed to measure serum iron analytes in healthy free-ranging and housed Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) of both sexes and various ages and to evaluate the effects of diseases common to manatees on these analytes. Blood samples were collected without anticoagulant from 137 healthy free-ranging manatees, 90 healthy housed manatees and 74 free-ranging diseased manatees, and serum was prepared by centrifugation. Serum iron concentration and unsaturated iron binding capacity were measured colourimetrically, and TIBC and percent transferrin saturation with iron were calculated. Serum amyloid A (SAA) was measured to assist in the health assessment of manatees and provide evidence of inflammation in diseased manatees. Based on the serum iron analytes, iron availability was lower in immature manatees compared with adults, and it was lower in housed manatees compared with free-ranging manatees. In contrast to other mammals studied, serum iron concentration was elevated rather than depressed in late pregnancy. Serum iron concentrations and transferrin saturation with iron percentages were significantly lower, and SAA concentrations were significantly higher, in diseased (ill and injured) manatees compared with healthy manatees. Serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation with iron values were negatively correlated with SAA concentrations, and manatees with the highest SAA concentrations had lower serum TIBC values. These findings indicate that inflammation is the major factor responsible for alterations in iron analytes in diseased manatees. Consequently, hypoferraemia may be used as supportive evidence of inflammatory disease in manatees (unless haemorrhage is also present). A decision threshold of ≤13.8 μmol/l was determined for hypoferraemia using receiver operating curve analysis. Based on studies in man and domestic animals, iron therapy is unnecessary for manatees with hypoferraemia associated with inflammation and has the potential for causing tissue damage and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Harvey
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
| | - K E Harr
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | | | | | - M de Wit
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory, Saint Petersburg, USA
| | - C J Deutsch
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Wildlife Research Laboratory, Gainesville, USA
| | - R K Bonde
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Franzoni M, O'Connor DT, Marcar L, Power D, Moloney MA, Kavanagh EG, Leask RL, Nolan J, Kiely PA, Walsh MT. The Presence of a High Peak Feature Within Low-Average Shear Stimuli Induces Quiescence in Venous Endothelial Cells. Ann Biomed Eng 2019; 48:582-594. [PMID: 31555984 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-019-02371-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Wall shear stress (WSS) is an important stimulus in vascular remodelling and vascular lesion development. The current methods to assess and predict the risk associated with specific unsteady WSS consider the WSS mean values or the presence of reverse phases described by the oscillatory shear index. Recent evidence has shown that the accuracy of these methods is limited, especially with respect to the venous environment. Unsteady WSS are characterised by several features that may individually affect endothelial cells. Consequently, we assessed the effects of averaged WSS (TAWSS), temporal WSS gradient (TWSSG), maximum WSS (WSS peak) and reverse phase (OSI) by applying different WSS profiles to venous EC in-vitro, using a real-time controlled cone-and-plate cell-shearing device for 24 h. We found that TWSSG and WSS peak affect cell elongation and alignment respectively. We also found that the WSS waveforms with a peak of 1.5 Pa or higher significantly correlate with the induction of a protective phenotype. Cell phenotype induced by these high peak waveforms does not correlate to what is predicted by the hemodynamic indices currently used. The definition of reliable hemodynamic indices can be used to inform the computational models aimed at estimating the hemodynamic effects on vascular remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Franzoni
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - D T O'Connor
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - L Marcar
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - D Power
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - M A Moloney
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - E G Kavanagh
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - R L Leask
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - J Nolan
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - P A Kiely
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - M T Walsh
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland. .,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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Cahalane RM, Broderick SP, Kavanagh EG, Moloney MA, Mongrain R, Purtill H, Walsh MT, O'Brien JM. Comparative analysis of calcification parameters with Agatston Score approximations for ex vivo atherosclerotic lesions. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2019; 14:20-26. [PMID: 31303579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Agatston Calcium Score is a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events but it is unable to identify high-risk lesions. Recent research suggests that examining calcification phenotype could be more indicative of plaque stability. OBJECTIVE To examine the Agatston score's ability to determine atherosclerotic calcification phenotype. METHODS Micro-Computed Tomography was performed on 20 carotid and 20 peripheral lower limb lesions. ImageJ pixel histogram analysis quantified the non-calcified (≥30HU, <130HU) and calcified (≥130HU) tissue volumes. ImageJ '3D Objects Counter' plugin determined the calcified particle count, volumes and maximum attenuation density of each particle. Image stacks were subsequently downsampled to a resolution of 0.7 × 0.7 × 3 mm and an approximation for the Extra-Coronary Calcium Scores (ECCS) were calculated. Spearman's correlation examined the relationships between ECCS approximations and calcification parameters. RESULTS ECCS has a strong positive correlation with the Calcified Volume Fraction (CVF) (rs = 0.865, p < 0.0005), weak positive correlations with Calcified Particle Fraction (CPF) (rs = 0.422, p = 0.007) and Microcalcification Fraction (micro-CF) (rs = 0.361, p = 0.022). There is no correlation evident between ECCS and Calcified Particle Index (CPI) (rs = -0.162, p = 0.318). It is apparent that there is a high prevalence of microcalcifications in both carotid and peripheral lower limb lesions. Additionally, an inverse relationship exists between calcified particle volume and maximum-recorded attenuation density. CONCLUSION The density-weighted Agatston calcium scoring methodology needs to be reviewed. Calcium scoring which differentiates between critical calcification morphologies, rather than presenting a density-weighted score, is required to direct high-risk plaques towards tailored treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Cahalane
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research (BioSciBer), Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Stephen P Broderick
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research (BioSciBer), Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eamon G Kavanagh
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael A Moloney
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rosaire Mongrain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Helen Purtill
- Department of Maths and Statistics, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael T Walsh
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research (BioSciBer), Biomaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Julie M O'Brien
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Walsh
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 100 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55901, USA.
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Abstract
The pace of busy ambulatory surgical practice makes it difficult to begin and sustain quality improvement efforts. However, evolving patient and payer expectations of high-value care make these endeavors more urgent. Lean, a term coined in 1990 to describe the Toyota Production System, has been applied by large and small health systems to eliminate waste; increase value for customers; and develop the ability of physicians, nurses, and other health care workers to manage and continuously improve their work. This article reviews some of the steps necessary to successfully adopt lean in an ambulatory surgical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Jankowski
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Charlton 1-145, 200 First Street, Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Charlton 1-145, 200 First Street, Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Davis NF, Bhatt NR, MacCraith E, Flood HD, Mooney R, Leonard G, Walsh MT. Long-term outcomes of urethral catheterisation injuries: a prospective multi-institutional study. World J Urol 2019; 38:473-480. [PMID: 31020421 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-019-02775-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There are no prospective data describing the incidence and spectrum of long-term complications associated with traumatic urethral catheterisation (UC). We prospectively monitored the long-term clinical outcomes and complications of patients with traumatic UC injuries. METHODS A prospective study at two tertiary university hospitals was performed to record all referrals for iatrogenic urethral injuries caused by UC. Long-term follow-up was prospectively maintained by regular outpatient department visits and by monitoring all urological interventions and their outcomes from urinary catheter-related injuries. RESULTS The incidence of traumatic UC was 13.4 per 1000 catheters inserted in male patients and 37 iatrogenic urethral injuries were recorded. The mean age was 74 ± 12 years and the mean length of follow-up was 37 ± 3.7 months. Urethral injuries were caused by inflating the catheter anchoring balloon in the urethra (n = 26) or by creating a false passage with the catheter tip (n = 11). In total, 29 patients (78%) developed urethral stricture disease during their follow-up; of which 11 have required at least one urethral dilation and two have required one urethrotomy. Three patients required long-term indwelling suprapubic catheter placement and seven patients opted for a long-term indwelling urethral catheter. There were eight patient mortalities; one of which was due to severe urosepsis resulting from catheter balloon inflation in the urethra. CONCLUSION Catheter-related injuries are associated with significant long-term complications in this vulnerable patient cohort. In future, such injuries may be preventable if the safety profile of the urinary catheter is modified.
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Affiliation(s)
- N F Davis
- Department of Urology, Beaumont and Connolly Hospitals, Dublin, Ireland. .,Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland. .,Department of Urology, The Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Melbourne, VIC, 3084, Australia.
| | - N R Bhatt
- Department of Urology, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - E MacCraith
- Department of Urology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - H D Flood
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute and the Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - R Mooney
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute and the Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - G Leonard
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute and the Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - M T Walsh
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute and the Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Gozal YM, Alzhrani G, Abou-Al-Shaar H, Azab MA, Walsh MT, Couldwell WT. Outcomes of decompressive surgery for cavernous sinus meningiomas: long-term follow-up in 50 patients. J Neurosurg 2019; 132:380-387. [PMID: 30771770 DOI: 10.3171/2018.10.jns181480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cavernous sinus meningiomas are complex tumors that offer a perpetual challenge to skull base surgeons. The senior author has employed a management strategy for these lesions aimed at maximizing tumor control while minimizing neurological morbidity. This approach emphasizes combining "safe" tumor resection and direct decompression of the roof and lateral wall of the cavernous sinus as well as the optic nerve. Here, the authors review their experience with the application of this technique for the management of cavernous sinus meningiomas over the past 15 years. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed for patients with cavernous sinus meningiomas treated over a 15-year period (2002-2017) with this approach. Patient outcomes, including cranial nerve function, tumor control, and surgical complications were recorded. RESULTS The authors identified 50 patients who underwent subtotal resection via frontotemporal craniotomy concurrently with decompression of the cavernous sinus and ipsilateral optic nerve. Of these, 25 (50%) underwent adjuvant radiation to the remaining tumor within the cavernous sinus. Patients most commonly presented with a cranial nerve (CN) palsy involving CN III-VI (70%), a visual deficit (62%), headaches (52%), or proptosis (44%). Thirty-five patients had cranial nerve deficits preoperatively. In 52% of these cases, the neuropathy improved postoperatively; it remained stable in 46%; and it worsened in only 2%. Similarly, 97% of preoperative visual deficits either improved or were stable postoperatively. Notably, 12 new cranial nerve deficits occurred postoperatively in 10 patients. Of these, half were transient and ultimately resolved. Finally, radiographic recurrence was noted in 5 patients (10%), with a median time to recurrence of 4.6 years. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of cavernous sinus meningiomas using surgical decompression with or without adjuvant radiation is an effective oncological strategy, achieving excellent tumor control rates with low risk of neurological morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yair M Gozal
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Gmaan Alzhrani
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Hussam Abou-Al-Shaar
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Mohammed A Azab
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Michael T Walsh
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - William T Couldwell
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
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Kelly NP, Flood HD, Hoey DA, Kiely PA, Giri SK, Coffey JC, Walsh MT. Direct mechanical characterization of prostate tissue-a systematic review. Prostate 2019; 79:115-125. [PMID: 30225866 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct mechanical characterization of tissue is the application of engineering techniques to biological tissue to ascertain stiffness or elasticity, which can change in response to disease states. A number of papers have been published on the application of these techniques to prostate tissue with a range of results reported. There is a marked variability in the results depending on testing techniques and disease state of the prostate tissue. We aimed to clarify the utility of direct mechanical characterization of prostate tissue in identifying disease states. METHODS A systematic review of the published literature regarding direct mechanical characterization of prostate tissue was undertaking according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS A variety of testing methods have been used, including compression, indentation, and tensile testing, as well as some indirect testing techniques, such as shear-wave elastography. There is strong evidence of significant stiffness differences between cancerous and non-cancerous prostate tissue, as well as correlations with prostate cancer stage. There is a correlation with increasing prostate stiffness and increasing lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia. There is a wide variation in the testing methods and protocols used in the literature making direct comparison between papers difficult. Most studies utilise ex-vivo or cadaveric tissue, while none incorporate in vivo testing. CONCLUSION Direct mechanical assessment of prostate tissue permits a better understanding of the pathological and physiological changes that are occurring within the tissue. Further work is needed to include prospective and in vivo data to aid medical device design and investigate non-surgical methods of managing prostate disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niall P Kelly
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- BioScience BioEngineering Research (BioSciBER), Health Research Institute (HRI), Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Hugh D Flood
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - David A Hoey
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin & RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick A Kiely
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- BioScience BioEngineering Research (BioSciBER), Health Research Institute (HRI), Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Subhasis K Giri
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - J Calvin Coffey
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael T Walsh
- BioScience BioEngineering Research (BioSciBER), Health Research Institute (HRI), Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Cahalane RM, Broderick SP, Walsh MT, O'Brien JM. Particle Analysis of ex vivo Calcified Atherosclerotic Lesions: Does the Agatston Score Measure Up? J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2018.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Davis NF, Mulvihill JJ, Lynch JJ, Browne E, Bolton DM, Jack GS, Walsh MT. Digital and Mechanical Characterization of Ureteral Stent Luminal Reduction in Response to Extrinsic Compression Forces. J Endourol 2018; 32:1148-1153. [DOI: 10.1089/end.2018.0573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Niall F. Davis
- Department of Urology, The Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John J.E. Mulvihill
- Bernal Institute and the Health Research Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - James J. Lynch
- Bernal Institute and the Health Research Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eva Browne
- University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Damien M. Bolton
- Department of Urology, The Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gregory S. Jack
- Department of Urology, The Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Bernal Institute and the Health Research Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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