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Dunn W, Li Y, Singal AK, Simonetto DA, Díaz LA, Idalsoaga F, Ayares G, Arnold J, Ayala-Valverde M, Perez D, Gomez J, Escarate R, Fuentes-López E, Ramirez-Cadiz C, Morales-Arraez D, Zhang W, Qian S, Ahn JC, Buryska S, Mehta H, Dunn N, Waleed M, Stefanescu H, Bumbu A, Horhat A, Attar B, Agrawal R, Cabezas J, Echavaría V, Cuyàs B, Poca M, Soriano G, Sarin SK, Maiwall R, Jalal PK, Higuera-de-la-Tijera F, Kulkarni AV, Rao PN, Guerra-Salazar P, Skladaný L, Kubánek N, Prado V, Clemente-Sanchez A, Rincon D, Haider T, Chacko KR, Romero GA, Pollarsky FD, Restrepo JC, Toro LG, Yaquich P, Mendizabal M, Garrido ML, Marciano S, Dirchwolf M, Vargas V, Jiménez C, Hudson D, García-Tsao G, Ortiz G, Abraldes JG, Kamath PS, Arrese M, Shah VH, Bataller R, Arab JP. An artificial intelligence-generated model predicts 90-day survival in alcohol-associated hepatitis: A global cohort study. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00843. [PMID: 38607809 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) poses significant short-term mortality. Existing prognostic models lack precision for 90-day mortality. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in a global cohort, we sought to derive and validate an enhanced prognostic model. APPROACH AND RESULTS The Global AlcHep initiative, a retrospective study across 23 centers in 12 countries, enrolled AH patients per NIAAA criteria. Centers were partitioned into derivation (11 centers, 860 patients) and validation cohorts (12 centers, 859 patients). Focusing on 30 and 90-day post-admission mortality, three AI algorithms (Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Machines, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting) informed an ensemble model, subsequently refined via Bayesian updating, integrating the derivation cohort's average 90-day mortality with each center's approximate mortality rate to produce post-test probabilities. The ALCoholic Hepatitis Artificial INtelligence (ALCHAIN) Ensemble score integrated age, gender, cirrhosis, and 9 laboratory values, with center-specific mortality rates. Mortality was 18.7% (30-day) and 27.9% (90-day) in the derivation cohort, versus 21.7% and 32.5% in the validation cohort. Validation cohort 30 and 90-day AUCs were 0.811 (0.779 - 0.844) and 0.799 (0.769 - 0.830), significantly surpassing legacy models like Maddrey's Discriminant Function, MELD variations, ABIC, Glasgow, and modified Glasgow Scores (p<0.001). ALCHAIN Ensemble score also showcased superior calibration against MELD and its variants. Steroid use improved 30-day survival for those with an ALCHAIN Ensemble score>0.20 in both derivation and validation cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Harnessing AI within a global consortium, we pioneered a scoring system excelling over traditional models for 30 and 90-day AH mortality predictions. Beneficial for clinical trials, steroid therapy, and transplant indications, it's accessible at: https://aihepatology.shinyapps.io/ALCHAIN/.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanming Li
- University of Kansas Medical Center, KS, USA
| | - Ashwani K Singal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Douglas A Simonetto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Luis A Díaz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Idalsoaga
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gustavo Ayares
- Servicio Medicina Interna, Hospital El Pino, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Arnold
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Diego Perez
- Servicio Medicina Interna, Hospital El Pino, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jaime Gomez
- Servicio Medicina Interna, Hospital El Pino, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Eduardo Fuentes-López
- Department of Health Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Ramirez-Cadiz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University & London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dalia Morales-Arraez
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Center for Liver Disease and Liver Transplantation, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steve Qian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Joseph C Ahn
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Seth Buryska
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Heer Mehta
- University of Kansas Medical Center, KS, USA
| | | | - Muhammad Waleed
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Horia Stefanescu
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Bumbu
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adelina Horhat
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu" Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bashar Attar
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Cook County Health, and Hospital Systems, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rohit Agrawal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of West Virginia, West Virginia, USA
| | - Joaquín Cabezas
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department. University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla. Santander. Spain; Clinical and Translational Research in Digestive Diseases, Research Institute Valdecilla (IDIVAL). Santander, Spain
| | - Victor Echavaría
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department. University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla. Santander. Spain; Clinical and Translational Research in Digestive Diseases, Research Institute Valdecilla (IDIVAL). Santander, Spain
| | - Berta Cuyàs
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut de Recerca Hospital de Sant Pau-IIB Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Poca
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut de Recerca Hospital de Sant Pau-IIB Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - German Soriano
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut de Recerca Hospital de Sant Pau-IIB Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shiv K Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakhi Maiwall
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Prasun K Jalal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fátima Higuera-de-la-Tijera
- Servicio de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Hospital General de México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga"; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
| | - Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | - P Nagaraja Rao
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Lubomir Skladaný
- Division of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine II, Slovak Medical University, F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital, Banska Bystrica, Slovak Republic
| | - Natália Kubánek
- Division of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine II, Slovak Medical University, F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital, Banska Bystrica, Slovak Republic
| | | | - Ana Clemente-Sanchez
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, USA
- Liver Unit, Department of Digestive Diseases Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERehd Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Rincon
- Liver Unit, Department of Digestive Diseases Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tehseen Haider
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Kristina R Chacko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Gustavo A Romero
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital de Gastroenterología Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia D Pollarsky
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital de Gastroenterología Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan C Restrepo
- Unidad de Hepatología del Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe, Grupo de Gastrohepatología de la Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Luis G Toro
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospitales de San Vicente Fundación de Medellín y Rionegro, Colombia
| | - Pamela Yaquich
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital San Juan de Dios, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Mendizabal
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Melisa Dirchwolf
- Unidad de Hígado, Hospital Privado de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Victor Vargas
- Liver Unit, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - César Jiménez
- Liver Unit, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Hudson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University & London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Guadalupe García-Tsao
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine/VA-CT Healthcare System, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Guillermo Ortiz
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine/VA-CT Healthcare System, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Division of Gastroenterology, Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Patrick S Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Marco Arrese
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan P Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University & London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Jackson MC, Friberg N, Moliner Cachazo L, Clark DR, Mutinova PT, O'Gorman EJ, Kordas RL, Gallo B, Pichler DE, Bespalaya Y, Aksenova OV, Milner A, Brooks SJ, Dunn N, Lee KWK, Ólafsson JS, Gíslason GM, Millan L, Bell T, Dumbrell AJ, Woodward G. Regional impacts of warming on biodiversity and biomass in high latitude stream ecosystems across the Northern Hemisphere. Commun Biol 2024; 7:316. [PMID: 38480906 PMCID: PMC10937648 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05936-w] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Warming can have profound impacts on ecological communities. However, explorations of how differences in biogeography and productivity might reshape the effect of warming have been limited to theoretical or proxy-based approaches: for instance, studies of latitudinal temperature gradients are often conflated with other drivers (e.g., species richness). Here, we overcome these limitations by using local geothermal temperature gradients across multiple high-latitude stream ecosystems. Each suite of streams (6-11 warmed by 1-15°C above ambient) is set within one of five regions (37 streams total); because the heating comes from the bedrock and is not confounded by changes in chemistry, we can isolate the effect of temperature. We found a negative overall relationship between diatom and invertebrate species richness and temperature, but the strength of the relationship varied regionally, declining more strongly in regions with low terrestrial productivity. Total invertebrate biomass increased with temperature in all regions. The latter pattern combined with the former suggests that the increased biomass of tolerant species might compensate for the loss of sensitive species. Our results show that the impact of warming can be dependent on regional conditions, demonstrating that local variation should be included in future climate projections rather than simply assuming universal relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Jackson
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK.
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK.
| | - Nikolai Friberg
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) Sognsveien 68, Oslo, 0855, Norway
- Freshwater Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Water@Leeds, University of Leeds, School of Geography, Leeds, UK
| | - Luis Moliner Cachazo
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
- Department of Geography, King's College London, The Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - David R Clark
- School of Life Science, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
- Institute for Analytics and Data Science, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Petra Thea Mutinova
- The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, Oslo, 0579, Norway
| | - Eoin J O'Gorman
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
- School of Life Science, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Rebecca L Kordas
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Bruno Gallo
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Doris E Pichler
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Yulia Bespalaya
- N. Laverov Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Olga V Aksenova
- N. Laverov Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Milner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Stephen J Brooks
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Nicholas Dunn
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - K W K Lee
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
- Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, Tsuen, Hong Kong
| | - Jón S Ólafsson
- Institute of Marine and Freshwater Research, Hafnafjordur, 220, Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
| | - Gísli M Gíslason
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, 102, Iceland
| | - Lucia Millan
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Thomas Bell
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Alex J Dumbrell
- School of Life Science, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Guy Woodward
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK.
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Wincup C, Dunn N, Ruetsch-Chelli C, Manouchehrinia A, Kharlamova N, Naja M, Seitz-Polski B, Isenberg D, Fogdell-Hahn A, Ciurtin C, Jury E. AB0433 ANTI-RITUXIMAB ANTIBODIES DEMONSTRATE NEUTRALISING CAPACITY, ASSOCIATE WITH LOWER CIRCULATING DRUG LEVELS AND EARLY RELAPSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING TREATMENT FOR SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.2509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundA major limitation of biologic therapy is formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). We previously found ADA to rituximab (RTX) are more prevalent in patients undergoing treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) than rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis (1). In addition, we demonstrated that ADA to RTX predict subsequent infusion related reactions (2). However, little is known regarding the long-term dynamics of ADA to RTX in patients undergoing treatment for SLE.ObjectivesIn this study we evaluated the longitudinal impact of ADA positivity with particular focus on; 1) Risk factors for development of ADA. 2) Impact of ADA on treatment response. 3) Influence of ADA on RTX drug kinetics over time. 4) The capacity of ADA to neutralise RTX.MethodsPatients with SLE undergoing treatment with RTX were recruited to this study (n=35). Serum samples were collected at the following intervals post-treatment; 1-3 months (defined as ‘early’ post-treatment), 6 months, 12 months, 36 months (n=114).Clinical and laboratory data was collected pre-treatment and at each follow-up time point. Response to treatment was assessed by improvement in SLEDAI-2K score from baseline and also according to BILAG as previously described (3).ADA were detected using an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. Serum RTX levels were measured by ELISA. ADA status was defined according to the following patterns over time; persistently negative, persistently positive (0-15 AU/ml) and persistently high positive (≥16 AU/ml, upper quartile). A complement dependent cytotoxic assay was used to determine neutralising capability of ADA in a subgroup of positive samples (n=38).ResultsADA to RTX were found to be persistently positive in 64.3% of patients over the 36-month follow-up period and there was no significant difference in baseline disease activity (BILAG / SLEDAI-2K) between those who were subsequently ADA positive vs negative. ADA positive patients had a younger age at diagnosis of SLE when compared with ADA negative (mean 22.50 ± 9.10 vs 37.29 ± 11.31 years, p=0.002, Figure 1 A). Multivariate logistic regression found a 22% decrease in risk of ADA positivity for each addition year after diagnosis (p=0.03).Figure 1.ADA positive patients had a significantly lower C3 level at baseline (mean 0.61 ± 0.23 g/L vs 0.87 ± 0.30 g/L, p=0.026), which remained lower at each subsequent time point post-treatment up to 12 months post-treatment (Figure 1B).At 1-3 months post-RTX, patients who were ADA positive had a significantly lower circulating drug level than ADA negative (p<0.001, Figure 1 C).In terms of clinical response, ADA positive patients had an initial significant improvement in disease activity (SLEDAI-2K) by 3 months (p<0.001). However, response was not maintained at 12 months (Figure 1 D). In comparison, ADA negative patients showed a significant improvement in SLEDAI-2K at 6 months and this was maintained across the 36-month follow-up period (Figure 1 E).BILAG defined relapse was more common at six months post-treatment in ADA positive patients (22%) and ADA highly positive patients (33%) than those who were ADA negative (in which there were no cases of relapse within the first six months, Figure 1 F). At 12-months post-RTX, a higher rate of BILAG defined Major Response was seen in those who were ADA negative (80%) when compared with ADA positive (44%) and high positive (36%) as shown in Figure 1 G.Finally, antibodies derived from all ADA positive samples (38/38) were found to neutralise RTX in vitro.ConclusionADA to RTX were common and persisted over the 36-month period of this study. ADA associated with earlier serum drug elimination, increased relapse rates and demonstrated neutralising capacity suggesting that ADA could be a significant limitation to sustained response to treatment in clinical practice.References[1]Faustini F et al. Arthritis research & therapy. 2021;23(1):211[2]Wincup C et al. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2019;78(8):1140-2[3]Md Yusof MY et al Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2017;76(11):1829-36Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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Benabdallah N, Scheve W, Dunn N, Silvestros D, Schelker P, Abou D, Jammalamadaka U, Laforest R, Li Z, Liu J, Ballard DH, Maughan NM, Gay H, Baumann BC, Hobbs RF, Rogers B, Iravani A, Jha AK, Dehdashti F, Thorek DLJ. Practical considerations for quantitative clinical SPECT/CT imaging of alpha particle emitting radioisotopes. Theranostics 2021; 11:9721-9737. [PMID: 34815780 PMCID: PMC8581409 DOI: 10.7150/thno.63860] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Alpha particle emitting radiopharmaceuticals are generating considerable interest for the treatment of disseminated metastatic disease. Molecular imaging of the distribution of these agents is critical to safely and effectively maximize the clinical potential of this emerging drug class. The present studies aim to investigate the feasibility and limitations of quantitative SPECT for 223Ra, 225Ac and 227Th. Methods: Three state-of-the-art SPECT/CT systems were investigated: the GE Discovery NM/CT 670, the GE Optima NM/CT 640, and the Siemens Symbia T6. A series of phantoms, including the NEMA IEC Body phantom, were used to compare and calibrate each camera. Additionally, anthropomorphic physical tumor and vertebrae phantoms were developed and imaged to evaluate the quantitative imaging protocol. Results: This work describes and validates a methodology to calibrate each clinical system. The efficiency of each gamma camera was analyzed and compared. Using the calibration factors obtained with the NEMA phantom, we were able to quantify the activity in 3D-printed tissue phantoms with an error of 2.1%, 3.5% and 11.8% for 223Ra, 225Ac, and 227Th, respectively. Conclusion: The present study validates that quantitative SPECT/CT imaging of 223Ra, 225Ac, and 227Th is achievable but that careful considerations for camera configuration are required. These results will aid in future implementation of SPECT-based patient studies and will help to identify the limiting factors for accurate image-based quantification with alpha particle emitting radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Benabdallah
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Program in Quantitative Molecular Therapeutics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | | | | | - Diane Abou
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Program in Quantitative Molecular Therapeutics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Uday Jammalamadaka
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Richard Laforest
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Zekun Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jonathan Liu
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David H. Ballard
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Nichole M. Maughan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hiram Gay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Brian C. Baumann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Robert F. Hobbs
- Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Buck Rogers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Amir Iravani
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Abhinav K. Jha
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
- Oncologic Imaging Program, Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Farrokh Dehdashti
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Oncologic Imaging Program, Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Daniel L. J. Thorek
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Program in Quantitative Molecular Therapeutics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Oncologic Imaging Program, Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Putman R, Dunn N, Zhang E, Chen M, Miquel C, Savolainen V. Conservation genetics of native and European-introduced Chinese water deer ( Hydropotes inermis). Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Sufficient genetic variation is vital for the long-term survival of a population. The adaptive potential and reproductive fitness of a population is generally enhanced by greater levels of genetic diversity, while loss of genetic variation in small populations may increase extinction risk due to disease susceptibility and decreased reproductive fitness. Determining levels of genetic diversity in threatened species can, therefore, help inform conservation strategies. The Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis) is classified as Vulnerable in its native range on the IUCN Red List, and populations in Korea and mainland China have declined drastically in recent years. However, the species was introduced to Europe about a century ago and populations there now make up over 40% of global numbers. To infer the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of Chinese water deer both in their native China and in populations introduced to the UK and France, variation in mitochondrial DNA was investigated for over 100 individuals (92 cytochrome b and 106 control region sequences). Our results reveal lower levels of genetic diversity in the British populations, differentiation between native and introduced populations, and that the source population of British deer is likely to be extinct. Recommendations are made for the conservation of populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Putman
- British Deer Society, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hants, UK
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, UK
| | - Nicholas Dunn
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK
| | - Endi Zhang
- East China Normal University, School of Life Sciences, China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Chen
- East China Normal University, School of Life Sciences, China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, Shanghai, China
| | - Christian Miquel
- LECA, UMR UGA-USMB-CNRS 555, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble cedex 9, France
| | - Vincent Savolainen
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK
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Johri S, Dunn N, Chapple TK, Curnick D, Savolainen V, Dinsdale EA, Block BA. Mitochondrial genome of the Silvertip shark, Carcharhinus albimarginatus, from the British Indian Ocean Territory. Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2020; 5:2085-2086. [PMID: 33457752 PMCID: PMC7782225 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2020.1765210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chagos archipelago in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) has been lacking in detailed genetic studies of its chondrichthyan populations. Chondrichthyes in Chagos continue to be endangered through illegal fishing operations, necessitating species distribution and abundance studies to facilitate urgent monitoring and conservation of the species. Here, we present a complete mitochondrial genome of the Silvertip Shark, Carcharhinus albimarginatus sampled in the Chagos archipelago. The mitochondrial genome of C. albimarginatus was 16,706 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, a replication origin and a D-loop region. GC content was at 38.7% and the control region was 1,065 bp in length. We expect that mitogenomes presented here will aid development of molecular assays for species distribution studies. Overall these studies will promote effective conservation of marine ecosystemes in the BIOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaili Johri
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Dunn
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, London, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, UK
| | - Taylor K. Chapple
- Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, USA
| | - David Curnick
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, London, UK
| | | | | | - Barbara A. Block
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
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Dunn N, Johri S, Curnick D, Carbone C, Dinsdale EA, Chapple TK, Block BA, Savolainen V. Complete mitochondrial genome of the gray reef shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2020; 5:2080-2082. [PMID: 33457750 PMCID: PMC7782339 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2020.1765208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the first mitochondrial genome sequences for the gray reef shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos. Two specimens from the British Indian Ocean Territory were sequenced independently using two different next generation sequencing methods, namely short read sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq and long read sequencing on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ MinION sequencer. The two sequences are 99.9% identical and are 16,705 base pairs (bp) and 16,706 bp in length. The mitogenome contains 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and two non-coding regions; the control region and the origin of light-strand replication (OL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dunn
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, UK
| | - Shaili Johri
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.,Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David Curnick
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Chris Carbone
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | | | - Taylor K Chapple
- Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, USA
| | - Barbara A Block
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
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Sweetman A, Catcheside P, Lack L, Antic N, Smith S, Chai-Coetzer C, Douglas J, O'Grady M, Dunn N, Robinson J, Paul D, McEvoy D. The effect of cognitive and behavioural therapy for insomnia on changes in sleep architecture and AHI in patients with co-occurring insomnia and sleep apnea. Sleep Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2019.11.1031] [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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9
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Sweetman A, Lack L, Catcheside P, Antic N, Smith S, Chai-Coetzer C, Douglas J, O'Grady M, Dunn N, Robinson J, Paul D, McEvoy D. Changes in initial, middle and late insomnia subtypes during CBT-i and cpap therapy in co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnea (COMISA). Sleep Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2019.11.1032] [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: 11/15/2022]
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10
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Wipfler P, Dunn N, Beiki O, Trinka E, Fogdell-Hahn A. The Viral Hypothesis of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy – Is Human Herpes Virus-6 the Missing Link? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Seizure 2018; 54:33-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Dunn N, Priestley V, Herraiz A, Arnold R, Savolainen V. Behavior and season affect crayfish detection and density inference using environmental DNA. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:7777-7785. [PMID: 29043033 PMCID: PMC5632632 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [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: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the presence/absence of aquatic invertebrates using environmental DNA (eDNA) has been established for several species, inferring population densities has remained problematic. The invasive American signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana), is the leading cause of decline in the UK's only native crayfish species, Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet). Methods to detect species at low abundances offer the opportunity for the early detection, and potential eradication, of P. leniusculus before population densities reach threatening levels in areas occupied by A. pallipes. Using a factorial experimental design with aquaria, we investigated the impacts of biomass, sex ratio, and fighting behavior on the amount of eDNA released by P. leniusculus, with the aim to infer density per aquarium depending on treatments. The amount of target eDNA in water samples from each aquarium was measured using the quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. We show that the presence of eggs significantly increases the concentration of crayfish eDNA per unit of mass, and that there is a significant relationship between eDNA concentration and biomass when females are egg‐bearing. However, the relationship between crayfish biomass and eDNA concentration is lost in aquaria without ovigerous females. Female‐specific tanks had significantly higher eDNA concentrations than male‐specific tanks, and the prevention of fighting did not impact the amount of eDNA in the water. These results indicate that detection and estimate of crayfish abundance using eDNA may be more effective while females are ovigerous. This information should guide further research for an accurate estimation of crayfish biomass in the field depending on the season. Our results indicate that detection and quantification of egg‐laying aquatic invertebrate species using eDNA could be most successful during periods when eggs are developing in the water. We recommend that practitioners consider the reproductive cycle of target species when attempting to study or detect aquatic species using eDNA in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dunn
- Department of Life Sciences Imperial College London Ascot UK
| | | | - Alba Herraiz
- Department of Life Sciences Imperial College London Ascot UK
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12
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Sweetman A, Lack LC, Smith SS, Catcheside PG, Antic NA, Chai-Coetzer C, Douglas JA, O’Grady A, Dunn N, Robinson J, McEvoy D. 0340 EFFECTIVENESS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR INSOMNIA IN PATIENTS WITH COMORBID OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA. Sleep 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/sleepj/zsx050.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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13
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Sweetman AM, Lack LC, Smith SS, Catcheside PG, Antic NA, Chai-Coetzer C, Douglas JA, O’Grady A, Dunn N, Robinson J, McEvoy D. 0375 CHANGES IN EPWORTH SLEEPINESS SCALE DURING BEDTIME RESTRICTION THERAPY IN CO-MORBID INSOMNIA AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA. Sleep 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/sleepj/zsx050.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Mai S, Pollum M, Martínez-Fernández L, Dunn N, Marquetand P, Corral I, Crespo-Hernández CE, González L. The origin of efficient triplet state population in sulfur-substituted nucleobases. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13077. [PMID: 27703148 PMCID: PMC5059480 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [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: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the photophysical mechanisms in sulfur-substituted nucleobases (thiobases) is essential for designing prospective drugs for photo- and chemotherapeutic applications. Although it has long been established that the phototherapeutic activity of thiobases is intimately linked to efficient intersystem crossing into reactive triplet states, the molecular factors underlying this efficiency are poorly understood. Herein we combine femtosecond transient absorption experiments with quantum chemistry and nonadiabatic dynamics simulations to investigate 2-thiocytosine as a necessary step to unravel the electronic and structural elements that lead to ultrafast and near-unity triplet-state population in thiobases in general. We show that different parts of the potential energy surfaces are stabilized to different extents via thionation, quenching the intrinsic photostability of canonical DNA and RNA nucleobases. These findings satisfactorily explain why thiobases exhibit the fastest intersystem crossing lifetimes measured to date among bio-organic molecules and have near-unity triplet yields, whereas the triplet yields of canonical nucleobases are nearly zero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Mai
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Marvin Pollum
- Center for Chemical Dynamics and Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | - Nicholas Dunn
- Center for Chemical Dynamics and Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | - Philipp Marquetand
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Inés Corral
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Departamento de Química, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Carlos E. Crespo-Hernández
- Center for Chemical Dynamics and Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | - Leticia González
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
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Hatfield J, Williamson A, Brander R, Sherker S, Hayen A, Dunn N. Development and evaluation of campaigns to reduce rip current-related beach drowning in Australia. Inj Prev 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040590h.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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16
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Rosales XQ, Moser SJ, Tran T, McCarthy B, Dunn N, Habib P, Simonetti OP, Mendell JR, Raman SV. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance of cardiomyopathy in limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B and 2I. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2011; 13:39. [PMID: 21816046 PMCID: PMC3170213 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-13-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are inclusive of 7 autosomal dominant and 14 autosomal recessive disorders featuring progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Studies of cardiac function have not yet been well-defined in deficiencies of dysferlin (LGMD2B) and fukutin related protein (LGMD2I). In this study of patients with these two forms of limb girdle muscular dystrophy, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) was used to more specifically define markers of cardiomyopathy including systolic dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction. METHODS Consecutive patients with genetically-proven LGMD types 2I (n = 7) and 2B (n = 9) and 8 control subjects were enrolled. All subjects underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) on a standard 1.5 Tesla clinical scanner with cine imaging for left ventricular (LV) volume and ejection fraction (EF) measurement, vector velocity analysis of cine data to calculate myocardial strain, and late post-gadolinium enhancement imaging (LGE) to assess for myocardial fibrosis. RESULTS Sixteen LGMD patients (7 LGMD2I, 9 LGMD2B), and 8 control subjects completed CMR. All but one patient had normal LV size and systolic function; one (type 2I) had severe dilated cardiomyopathy. Of 15 LGMD patients with normal systolic function, LGE imaging revealed focal myocardial fibrosis in 7 (47%). Peak systolic circumferential strain rates were similar in patients vs. controls: εendo was -23.8 ± 8.5vs. -23.9 ± 4.2%, εepi was -11.5 ± 1.7% vs. -10.1 ± 4.2% (p = NS for all). Five of 7 LGE-positive patients had grade I diastolic dysfunction [2I (n = 2), 2B (n = 3)]. that was not present in any LGE-negative patients or controls. CONCLUSIONS LGMD2I and LGMD2B generally result in mild structural and functional cardiac abnormalities, though severe dilated cardiomyopathy may occur. Long-term studies are warranted to evaluate the prognostic significance of subclinical fibrosis detected by CMR in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiomara Q Rosales
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA
- The Ohio State University, Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Sean J Moser
- The Ohio State University, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Tam Tran
- The Ohio State University, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Beth McCarthy
- The Ohio State University, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Nicholas Dunn
- The Ohio State University, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Philip Habib
- The Ohio State University, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Orlando P Simonetti
- The Ohio State University, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Jerry R Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA
- The Ohio State University, Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Subha V Raman
- The Ohio State University, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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Holgate ST, Church MK, Howarth PH, Simons FER, Campbell A, Dunn N, Routledge P, Hindmarch I, Timmerman H, Camm J, Friedmann P, Canonica W, Scadding G, Devalia J, Renwick A. Summary of the conclusions. Clin Exp Allergy 2009. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.1999.00001.x-i1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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20
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Alati R, Dunn N, Purdie DM, Roche AM, Dennerstein L, Darlington SJ, Guthrie JR, Green AC. Moderate alcohol consumption contributes to women's well-being through the menopausal transition. Climacteric 2009; 10:491-9. [DOI: 10.1080/13697130701739118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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21
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Kendrick T, Dunn N, Robinson S, Oestmann A, Godfrey K, Cooper C, Inskip H. A longitudinal study of blood folate levels and depressive symptoms among young women in the Southampton Women's Survey. J Epidemiol Community Health 2009; 62:966-72. [PMID: 18854500 DOI: 10.1136/jech.2007.069765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower blood folate levels have been associated with depression in cross-sectional surveys, but no studies have examined the relationship prospectively to determine whether the relationship is causal. A follow-up study was designed to examine whether lower blood folate levels predict incident depressive symptoms. METHOD Women aged 20-34 years registered in general practices in Southampton, UK, were asked to participate. Baseline assessment included the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) measure of anxiety and depression, and socioeconomic factors, diet, smoking and alcohol intake. Two years later, participants' general practice (GP) records were examined for evidence of incident symptoms of depression. RESULTS At baseline, 5051 women completed the GHQ-12 and had red cell folate levels measured, of whom 1588 (31.4%) scored above the threshold for case level symptoms of anxiety and depression on the GHQ-12. Two years later, GP records for 3996 (79.1%) were examined, but 1264 with baseline evidence of depression were excluded from follow-up analysis. Incident depressive symptoms were recorded for 307 (11.2%) of the remaining 2732. Lower red cell folate levels were associated with caseness on the GHQ-12 (adjusted prevalence ratio 0.99 per 100 nmol/l red cell folate, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.00). No relationship was found between red cell folate levels and incident depressive symptoms over 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.03). CONCLUSIONS Low folate levels were not associated with subsequent depressive symptoms. This suggests that lower blood folate levels may be a consequence rather than a cause of depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kendrick
- Primary Medical Care, University of Southampton School of Medicine, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton SO16 5ST, UK.
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Abstract
Inflammation plays a part in the etiology of dementia. Whether this is the primary pathogenesis, or a secondary reaction is unclear. We postulate that since systemic infection can provoke the enhanced synthesis of inflammatory mediators in the brain, such diseases may promote the onset of dementia. We carried out a nested case-control study using the General Practice Research Database. Cases were patients with incident dementia, and controls without such a diagnosis. Infectious episodes in the four years preceding diagnosis were counted using diagnostic codes, or prescription codes for anti-infective drugs. We considered age, sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and frequency of consultation as potential confounders. There were 9954 valid cases, and 9374 valid controls. Cases were on average older, more likely to be female, to smoke and to have diabetes, than the controls. There was an increased risk of diagnosis of dementia in those patients older than 84 with infections (OR for 2 or more infections compared with 0 or 1 = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.7). Smoking and diabetes mellitus were also shown to markedly increase the risk of diagnosis of dementia. We have shown a positive association between episodes of infection and increased likelihood of diagnosis of dementia in the very elderly. Smoking and diabetes mellitus are associated with onset of dementia in the elderly. The evidence from this study may represent cause and effect, since there is a credible biologic explanation.
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Dunn N. Difficult Conversations in Medicine. J R Soc Med 2005. [DOI: 10.1258/jrsm.98.4.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Abstract
The interactions of the 936-species phages sk1, jj50, and 64 with the cell surface of Lactococcus lactis LM0230 were analyzed. Cell envelopes (walls + plasma membrane), cell wall, or plasma membrane from L. lactis ssp. lactis LM0230 each inactivated the phages in vitro. However, other 936-species phages kh and P008, which do not infect strain LM0230, were not inactivated by any of the subcellular fractions. Treating cell walls or plasma membrane with the cell wall hydrolase mutanolysin eliminated inactivation of phage sk1. This suggested that intact cell wall fragments were required for inactivation. A role for plasma membrane in phage sk1 inactivation was further investigated. Boiling, washing in 2 M KCl, 8 M urea, or 0.1 M Na(2)CO(3)/pH 11, or treating the plasma membrane with proteases did not reduce adsorption or inactivation of phage. Adding lipoteichoic acid or antibodies to lipoteichoic acid did not reduce inactivation of phage in a mixture with membrane, suggesting that lipoteichoic acid was not involved. Inactivation by envelopes or cell wall correlated with ejection of DNA from the phage sk1 capsid. Although calcium is required for plaque formation, it was not required for adsorption, inactivation, or ejection of phage DNA by envelopes or cell wall. The results suggest that at least for phages sk1, jj50, and 64, adsorption and phage DNA injection into the host does not require a host membrane protein or lipoteichoic acid, and that cell wall components are sufficient for these initial steps of phage infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Geller
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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Holmes C, Dunn N, Mullee M, Perry H. P2-251 Association between dementia and systemic infectious disease: evidence from a case-control study. Neurobiol Aging 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s0197-4580(04)80997-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Abstract
Symptomatic vertebral fractures are associated with significant morbidity, excess mortality and health and social service expenditure. Up to 20% of patients with an incident vertebral fracture experience a further vertebral fracture within one year. It is therefore important that vertebral fractures are detected early, and treatment considered as soon as possible. Only a third of vertebral fractures come to medical attention, where they typically present with acute back pain, but other presentations include loss of height and increasing kyphosis. Spine X-rays should then be performed to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other pathology. Bone density measurements are not essential before starting treatment for osteoporosis in patients with low-trauma vertebral fractures, but may be useful to confirm osteoporosis when there is uncertainty about previous trauma. They may also aid in selecting the most appropriate therapy and monitoring response to treatment. Up to 30% of women and 55% of men with symptomatic vertebral crush fractures have underlying secondary osteoporosis, where treatment may lead to large increases in bone density. These conditions should therefore be sought by medical history, physical examination and appropriate investigations. The management of patients with acute vertebral fractures should include measures to reduce pain and improve mobility, as well as starting treatment for osteoporosis. Treatments have now been shown in randomized controlled trials to improve bone density and reduce the incidence of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporosis. Choice of treatment will depend on the underlying causes of bone loss, efficacy in any particular situation, cost, patient preference and the potential non-skeletal advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Francis
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Loveman E, Cave C, Green C, Royle P, Dunn N, Waugh N. The clinical and cost-effectiveness of patient education models for diabetes: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2003; 7:iii, 1-190. [PMID: 13678547 DOI: 10.3310/hta7220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of educational interventions for patients with diabetes, compared with usual care or other educational interventions. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases, reference lists and experts were all consulted in this study. Sponsor submissions to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence were also reviewed. REVIEW METHODS Electronic databases were searched, references of all retrieved articles were checked for relevant studies, and experts were contacted for advice and peer review and to identify additional published and unpublished references. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were included if they fulfilled pre-specified criteria, among which was follow-up from inception for 12 months or longer. Data were synthesised through a narrative review because the diversity of studies prevented a meta-analysis. RESULTS Twenty-four studies (18 RCTs and six CCTs) that compared education with either a control group or with another educational intervention were included. The quality of reporting and methodology was generally found to be poor by today's standards. As part of treatment intensification, education in Type 1 diabetes (four studies) resulted in significant and long-lasting improvements in metabolic control and reductions in complications. In Type 2 diabetes (16 studies) a diversity of educational programmes did not yield consistent results on measures of metabolic control. Inconsistent results on metabolic control were also found in studies of diabetes of either type (four studies), with studies of lower quality producing significant effects. Few studies evaluated quality of life. Economic evaluations comparing education with usual care or other educational interventions were not identified. CONCLUSIONS Education as part of intensification of treatment produces improvement in diabetic control in Type 1 diabetes. Mixed results in Type 2 diabetes mean that no clear characterisation is possible as to what features of education may be beneficial. Cost analysis and information from sponsor submissions indicated that where costs associated with patient education were in the region of 500-600 pounds sterling per patients, the benefits over time would have to be very modest to offer an attractive cost-effectiveness profile. Further research should focus on RCTs with clear designs based on explicit hypotheses and with a range of outcomes evaluated after long follow-up intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Loveman
- Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, University of Southampton, UK
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Dunn N. Cardiovascular events in users of sildenafil. Paper does not provide any reassurance. BMJ 2001; 323:50-1. [PMID: 11464831 PMCID: PMC1120681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Francis
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Mann RD, Pearce GL, Dunn N, Shakir S. Sedation with "non-sedating" antihistamines: four prescription-event monitoring studies in general practice. BMJ 2000; 320:1184-6. [PMID: 10784544 PMCID: PMC27362 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.320.7243.1184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the frequency with which sedation was reported in post-marketing surveillance studies of four second generation antihistamines: loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, and acrivastine. DESIGN Prescription-event monitoring studies. SETTING Prescriptions were obtained for each cohort in the immediate post-marketing period. SUBJECTS Event data were obtained for a total of 43 363 patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reporting of sedation or drowsiness. RESULTS The odds ratios (adjusted for age and sex) for the incidence of sedation were 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.36 to 1.11; P=0.1) for fexofenadine; 2.79 (1.69 to 4.58; P<0.0001) for acrivastine, and 3.53 (2.07 to 5.42; P<0.0001) for cetirizine compared with loratadine. No increased risk of accident or injury was evident with any of the four drugs. CONCLUSIONS Although the risk of sedation was low with all four drugs, fexofenadine and loratadine may be more appropriate for people working in safety critical jobs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Mann
- Southampton University, Southampton.
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Dunn N. No increased risk of heart attack associated with oral contraceptives. Pharmacotherapy 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0753-3322(00)89052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Holgate ST, Church MK, Howarth PH, Simons FE, Campbell A, Dunn N, Routledge P, Hindmarch I, Timmerman H, Camm J, Friedmann P, Canonica W, Scadding G, Devalia J, Renwick A. Antihistamines: back to the future. Summary of the conclusions. BSACI. British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Clin Exp Allergy 1999; 29 Suppl 3:iv-vi. [PMID: 10465612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Abstract
The post-marketing surveillance (PMS) of drugs is necessary because of the limited size of the clinical safety database at the time of marketing. The principal hypothesis-generating methods of PMS are spontaneous reporting (e.g. the yellow card) and Prescription Event Monitoring. These methods are discussed in this chapter and certain basic pharmacoepidemiological issues that are relevant are briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dunn
- Drug Safety Research Unit and the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Dunn N, Thorogood M, Faragher B, de Caestecker L, MacDonald TM, McCollum C, Thomas S, Mann R. Oral contraceptives and myocardial infarction: results of the MICA case-control study. BMJ 1999; 318:1579-83. [PMID: 10364115 PMCID: PMC28136 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.318.7198.1579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the association between myocardial infarction and use of different types of oral contraception in young women. DESIGN Community based case-control study. Data from interviews and general practice records. SETTING England, Scotland, and Wales. PARTICIPANTS Cases (n=448) were recruited from women aged between 16 and 44 who had suffered an incident myocardial infarction between 1 October 1993 and 16 October 1995. Controls (n=1728) were women without a diagnosis of myocardial infarction matched for age and general practice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Odds ratios for myocardial infarction in current users of all combined oral contraceptives stratified by their progestagen content compared with non-users; current users of third generation versus second generation oral contraceptives. RESULTS The adjusted odds ratio for myocardial infarction was 1.40 (95% confidence interval 0.78 to 2. 52) for all combined oral contraceptive users, 1.10 (0.52 to 2.30) for second generation users, and 1.96 (0.87 to 4.39) for third generation users. Subgroup analysis by progestagen content did not show any significant difference from 1, and there was no effect of duration of use. The adjusted odds ratio for third generation users versus second generation users was 1.78 (0.66 to 4.83). 87% of cases were not exposed to an oral contraceptive, and 88% had clinical cardiovascular risk factors or were smokers, or both. Smoking was strongly associated with myocardial infarction: adjusted odds ratio 12.5 (7.29 to 21.5) for smoking 20 or more cigarettes a day. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant association between the use of oral contraceptives and myocardial infarction. The modest and non-significant point estimates for this association have wide confidence intervals. There was no significant difference between second and third generation products.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dunn
- Drug Safety Research Unit, Bursledon Hall, Southampton SO31 1AA
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Abstract
PURPOSE A PEM study of nicorandil (Ikorel) was undertaken to assess the drug's overall safety in everyday clinical practice. METHODS The prescription data used covered the period December 1994 to October 1996. The event data, which were based on a minimum observation period of 6 months, came from questionnaires returned by the prescribing general practitioners. Incidence densities (IDs) were calculated for all events occurring during month 1, months 2-6, and the overall treatment period. Selected events were followed up. RESULTS The study was based on a cohort of 13,260 patients and 86,760 patient-months of nicorandil treatment. Major indications for use were angina (8744) and ischaemic heart disease (846). Adverse reactions (258) were reported in 175 (1.3%) of patients--the most frequent being headache (58; 0.4%) and unspecified side effects (36; 0.3%). The most common reasons for stopping treatment (excluding those confounded by indication) were headache (477; 3.5%), dizziness (88; 0.65%) and 'not effective' (491; 3.6%). The number of patients still being prescribed nicorandil after 6 months was 74.3%. In those cases where an opinion on effectiveness was given, nicorandil was reported to be effective in 80% (8713) of patients. The event of headache/migraine had the highest ID in the first month of treatment (49.4 per 1000 patient-months) and was not confounded by indication. Follow-up of selected events was reassuring overall; rare side effects included angioneurotic oedema and photosensitivity (3 cases each). CONCLUSION This PEM study provides information on the 'real-world' use of nicorandil and shows generally that the drug is safe when used in the recommended dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dunn
- Drug Safety Research Unit, Bursledon Hall, Bursledon, Southampton SO31 1AA, UK
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Dunn N, Freemantle S, Mann R. Nicorandil and diabetes: a nested case-control study to examine a signal generated by prescription-event monitoring. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1999; 55:159-62. [PMID: 10335913 DOI: 10.1007/s002280050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate a signal generated by an observational cohort study that treatment with the potassium channel opener drug, nicorandil, is associated with an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS Nested case-control study within cohorts used for prescription-event monitoring. RESULTS The cohort study of nicorandil showed that there was a significant difference between the event rate for DM in the first month after starting nicorandil, compared to months 2-6 (difference in rates 1.93, 99% CI 0.7-3.1, per 1000 patient months of treatment). However, the adjusted odds ratio from the case-control study was 1.42 (95% CI 0.66-3.07) for incidence of newly diagnosed DM in nicorandil versus four comparator drugs. CONCLUSIONS The nested case-control study was used as a hypothesis-testing instrument for following up a signal of a possible drug reaction to nicorandil. It showed no evidence that nicorandil is associated with increased incidence of newly diagnosed DM.
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Abstract
Alcohol and psychiatric disorder have a complicated relationship. Certain important psychiatric syndromes arise from the toxic effects of alcohol and thiamine deficiency. Liver disease and hypoglycaemia are also associated with their own psychiatric syndromes. Many psychiatric patients also turn to alcohol as an easily available 'medication'.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dunn
- East Kent Community Alcohol Team, St Martin's Hospital, Canterbury
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dunn
- Drug Safety Research Unit, Southampton, UK
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Dunn N, Pickering R. Does good practice organization improve the outcome of care for diabetic patients? Br J Gen Pract 1998; 48:1237-40. [PMID: 9692282 PMCID: PMC1410185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Audit of diabetic care is becoming common in general practice. Most of this audit is concerned with structure and process; outcome audit is much more difficult to achieve. AIM To determine whether the structure of general practice diabetic care influenced the process or outcome and whether efficiency of process predicted improved outcome. METHOD Cross-sectional survey, by questionnaire and review of notes, among general practices in the East Dorset district, involving diabetic patients identified from general practitioner (GP) disease registers or from a hospital diabetic register. The main outcome measures were the proportion of process and outcome measurements, related to selected structure criteria and the proportion of outcome measurements, related to appropriate process measurements. All associations were tested using the practice as the unit of analysis. RESULTS Practices with a detailed diabetic register showed a positive association with a higher proportion of some process, but no outcome, measurements compared to those practices without such a registrar. A high proportion of process measurements did not correlate with improved outcome. CONCLUSION Assessment of the follow-up of diabetic patients in general practice by measurement of the structure or process of care does not allow the prediction of an improved outcome for those patients when summarized on a practice basis. There is no shortcut to the collection of data on outcome as a measure of the benefit of follow-up for diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dunn
- Drug Safety Research Unit, Southampton
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Dunn N, White I, Freemantle S, Mann R. The role of prescribing and referral bias in studies of the association between third generation oral contraceptives and increased risk of thromboembolism. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 1998; 7:3-14. [PMID: 15073741 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1557(199801/02)7:1<3::aid-pds318>3.0.co;2-s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Recently published papers have shown a slightly increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) among users of third generation oral contraceptive pills (OC) as compared with users of second generation OC. The extra risk is small (about twofold) and could be explained possibly by biases introduced into the original case-control studies. This paper examines the possible role of prescribing bias (i.e. that doctors would prescribe third generation OC preferentially to women whom they knew to be at risk of VTE) and referral bias (i.e. that doctors would preferentially refer women on third generation OC to hospital for investigations of symptoms suggestive of VTE). A cross-sectional survey was carried out of 106 physicians, to record their attitude to the prescription of OC in certain risk situations. Each doctor then extracted data on OC prescription from approximately 12 patients under his care. A total of 1192 patients were included. Data collected related to known risk factors to which the patient was prone, and the type of OC that the woman was taking. The results from the doctors' attitudinal survey showed that third generation oral contraceptives seemed to be very popular among doctors in England and that they would prefer to prescribe third generation to second generation oral contraceptives in virtually all risk situations, and also in situations where there was no particular risk of VTE. The results from the patients' survey, however, did not correspond with the attitudinal survey, and there was no evidence of a systematic bias running through this sample of patients, associating third generation OC prescription with particular risk factors. The results from the doctors' attitudinal survey on referral did not show any evidence of potential bias towards referring patients on third generation OC to hospitals. Comparison of this survey with an equivalent survey done in Germany suggests that there may be different factors governing doctors' behaviour in Germany and England, with reference to choice of OC prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dunn
- Drug Safety Research Unit, Bursledon Hall, Southampton, SO31 1AA, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, USA
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Kniskern PJ, Hagopian A, Burke P, Dunn N, Montgomery DL, Schultz LD, Schulman CA, Carty CE, Maigetter RZ, Wampler DE. The application of molecular biology to the development of novel vaccines. Adv Exp Med Biol 1989; 251:83-98. [PMID: 2532858 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4757-2046-4_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In summary, we have shown that yeast is the preferred host for the expression of recombinant-derived hepatitis B vaccines, and that a yeast expression system which is productive, stable and scaleable can be developed for each of the three HBV envelope proteins. The versatility of regulated and integrated yeast expression systems in the production of foreign polypeptides with biomedical utility also has been highlighted. We also have shown that careful attention to the development of recombinant clones helps to optimize the entire production process leading to highly purified products which share many biochemical properties with the plasma-derived vaccine. Furthermore, immunization with PreS2 sequences is capable of protecting chimpanzees from HBV infection. The availability of PreS2 + S and PreS1 + PreS2 + S proteins expressed in yeast now provides the opportunity for establishing the relevance of such candidate vaccines in preventing human disease, thereby highlighting the utility of molecular biology in modern vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Kniskern
- Department of Virus and Cell Biology, Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486
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Kniskern PJ, Hagopian A, Burke P, Dunn N, Emini EA, Miller WJ, Yamazaki S, Ellis RW. A candidate vaccine for hepatitis B containing the complete viral surface protein. Hepatology 1988; 8:82-7. [PMID: 2448217 DOI: 10.1002/hep.1840080117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The entire surface protein of hepatitis B virus serotype ayw containing the preS (preS1+preS2) and S domains has been expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast containing a recombinant plasmid utilizing a constitutive promoter did not express this gene successfully due to the toxicity of the protein. A plasmid using a regulatable promoter directed expression which initiated late in the exponential phase of growth and resulted in the accumulation of high intracellular levels of the complete surface protein. The purified polypeptide aggregates into a form which, although not comprised of typical 20 nm particles, displays antigenic determinants encoded by the preS1, preS2 and S domains. Immunization of rabbits elicited the formation of antibodies directed against all three domains. This candidate vaccine will be useful for studying the contributions to viral immunity of the host response to the preS1 and preS2 domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Kniskern
- Department of Virus and Cell Biology, Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486
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Abstract
Patients with longstanding ankylosing spondylitis who develop untypical severe backache may have spinal lesions.
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Miller G, Dunn N. An outline of the management and prognosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Western Australia. Aust Paediatr J 1982; 18:277-82. [PMID: 7165592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Dunn N. Medical education and the community. West J Med 1981. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.282.6280.1976-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Mohanakumar T, Russell EC, Metzgar RS, Dunn N, Phibbs M, McWilliams NB, Maurer HM. Human acute myelogenous leukemia antigens defined by simian antisera: evidence for leukemia-associated antigens distinct from immune response-associated alloantigens. J Natl Cancer Inst 1979; 62:1163-7. [PMID: 86633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemic blasts from a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and peripheral blood T- and B-lymphocyte subpopulations from his genetically identical normal twin were analyzed with the use of the simian antiserum-defining AML antigens and a rabbit antiserum to immune response-associated (la)-like antigens. Blast cells from the patient consistently reacted with both reagents, whereas the B-lymphocyte populations from the patient's normal identical twin reacted only with the rabbit anti-la serum and in no instances reacted with the antiserum to AML cell antigens. Blast cells from the AML patient significantly stimulated the lymphocytes of his normal twin and his own remission leukocytes, whereas the cells from the normal twin failed to stimulate the cells of the patient. These results suggested the existence on AML cells of tumor-associated antigens that are distinct from various other well-characterized normal human alloantigens and differentiation antigens including B-cell antigens. Changes were reported in the expression of leukemia-associated antigens and Ia-like antigens on the cells of an AML patient undergoing chemotherapy as well as in the ability of the simian antisera to distinguish antigens specific for myeloid leukemias from lymphocytic types of leukemias.
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Kaminski MV, Dunn N, Wannemacher RW, Dinterman R, DeShazo R, Wilson W, Carlson D. Specific muscle protein-sparing postoperative dextrose-free amino acid infusions. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 1977. [DOI: 10.1177/0148607177001003147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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