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Prediction of continuous and discrete kinetic parameters in horses from inertial measurement units data using recurrent artificial neural networks. Sci Rep 2023; 13:740. [PMID: 36639409 PMCID: PMC9839734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27899-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical ground reaction force (GRFz) measurements are the best tool for assessing horses' weight-bearing lameness. However, collection of these data is often impractical for clinical use. This study evaluates GRFz predicted using data from body-mounted IMUs and long short-term memory recurrent neural networks (LSTM-RNN). Twenty-four clinically sound horses, equipped with IMUs on the upper-body (UB) and each limb, walked and trotted on a GRFz measuring treadmill (TiF). Both systems were time-synchronised. Data from randomly selected 16, 4, and 4 horses formed training, validation, and test datasets, respectively. LSTM-RNN with different input sets (All, Limbs, UB, Sacrum, or Withers) were trained to predict GRFz curves or peak-GRFz. Our models could predict GRFz shapes at both gaits with RMSE below 0.40 N.kg-1. The best peak-GRFz values were obtained when extracted from the predicted curves by the all dataset. For both GRFz curves and peak-GRFz values, predictions made with the All or UB datasets were systematically better than with the Limbs dataset, showing the importance of including upper-body kinematic information for kinetic parameters predictions. More data should be gathered to confirm the usability of LSTM-RNN for GRFz predictions, as they highly depend on factors like speed, gait, and the presence of weight-bearing lameness.
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Stabilization of Enzymes by Using Thermophiles. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2704:313-328. [PMID: 37642853 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3385-4_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Manufactured steroid compounds have many applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Due to the chemical complexity and chirality of steroids, there is an increasing demand for enzyme-based bioconversion processes to replace those based on chemical synthesis. In this context, thermostability of the involved enzymes is a highly desirable property as both the increased half-life of the enzyme and the enhanced solubility of substrates and products will improve the yield of the reactions. Metagenomic libraries from thermal environments are potential sources of thermostable enzymes of prokaryotic origin, but the number of expected hits could be quite low for enzymes handling substrates such as steroids, rarely found in prokaryotes. An alternative to metagenome screening is the selection of thermostable variants of well-known steroid-processing enzymes. Here we review and detail a protocol for such selection, where error-prone PCR (epPCR) is used to introduce random mutations into a gene to create a variants library for further selection of thermostable variants in the thermophile Thermus thermophilus. The method involves the use of folding interference vectors where the proper folding of the enzyme of interest at high temperature is linked to the folding of a reporter encoding a selectable property such as thermostable resistance to kanamycin, leading to a life-or-death selection of variants of reinforced folding independently of the activity of the enzyme.
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Thermostability Engineering of a Class II Pyruvate Aldolase from Escherichia coli by in Vivo Folding Interference. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2021; 9:5430-5436. [PMID: 34589311 PMCID: PMC8461973 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of enzymes in industrial processes is often limited by the unavailability of biocatalysts with prolonged stability. Thermostable enzymes allow increased process temperature and thus higher substrate and product solubility, reuse of expensive biocatalysts, resistance against organic solvents, and better "evolvability" of enzymes. In this work, we have used an activity-independent method for the selection of thermostable variants of any protein in Thermus thermophilus through folding interference at high temperature of a thermostable antibiotic reporter protein at the C-terminus of a fusion protein. To generate a monomeric folding reporter, we have increased the thermostability of the moderately thermostable Hph5 variant of the hygromycin B phosphotransferase from Escherichia coli to meet the method requirements. The final Hph17 variant showed 1.5 °C higher melting temperature (T m) and 3-fold longer half-life at 65 °C compared to parental Hph5, with no changes in the steady-state kinetic parameters. Additionally, we demonstrate the validity of the reporter by stabilizing the 2-keto-3-deoxy-l-rhamnonate aldolase from E. coli (YfaU). The most thermostable multiple-mutated variants thus obtained, YfaU99 and YfaU103, showed increases of 2 and 2.9 °C in T m compared to the wild-type enzyme but severely lower retro-aldol activities (150- and 120-fold, respectively). After segregation of the mutations, the most thermostable single variant, Q107R, showed a T m 8.9 °C higher, a 16-fold improvement in half-life at 60 °C and higher operational stability than the wild-type, without substantial modification of the kinetic parameters.
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Insights into the molecular determinants of thermal stability in halohydrin dehalogenase HheD2. FEBS J 2021; 288:4683-4701. [PMID: 33605544 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Halohydrin dehalogenases (HHDHs) are promising enzymes for application in biocatalysis due to their promiscuous epoxide ring-opening activity with various anionic nucleophiles. So far, seven different HHDH subtypes A to G have been reported with subtype D containing the by far largest number of enzymes. Moreover, several characterized members of subtype D have been reported to display outstanding characteristics such as high catalytic activity, broad substrate spectra or remarkable thermal stability. Yet, no structure of a D-type HHDH has been reported to date that could be used to investigate and understand those features on a molecular level. We therefore solved the crystal structure of HheD2 from gamma proteobacterium HTCC2207 at 1.6 Å resolution and used it as a starting point for targeted mutagenesis in combination with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, in order to study the low thermal stability of HheD2 in comparison with other members of subtype D. This revealed a hydrogen bond between conserved residues Q160 and D198 to be connected with a high catalytic activity of this enzyme. Moreover, a flexible surface region containing two α-helices was identified to impact thermal stability of HheD2. Exchange of this surface region by residues of HheD3 yielded a variant with 10 °C higher melting temperature and reaction temperature optimum. Overall, our results provide important insights into the structure-function relationship of HheD2 and presumably for other D-type HHDHs. DATABASES: Structural data are available in PDB database under the accession number 7B73.
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[Artificial intelligence and smartphone program applications (Apps) : Relevance for dermatological practice]. Hautarzt 2020; 71:691-698. [PMID: 32720165 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-020-04658-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
ADVANTAGES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) With responsible, safe and successful use of artificial intelligence (AI), possible advantages in the field of dermato-oncology include the following: (1) medical work can focus on skin cancer patients, (2) patients can be more quickly and effectively treated despite the increasing incidence of skin cancer and the decreasing number of actively working dermatologists and (3) users can learn from the AI results. POTENTIAL DISADVANTAGES AND RISKS OF AI USE: (1) Lack of mutual trust can develop due to the decreased patient-physician contact, (2) additional time effort will be necessary to promptly evaluate the AI-classified benign lesions, (3) lack of adequate medical experience to recognize misclassified AI decisions and (4) recontacting a patient in due time in the case of incorrect AI classifications. Still problematic in the use of AI are the medicolegal situation and remuneration. Apps using AI currently cannot provide sufficient assistance based on clinical images of skin cancer. REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE USE OF SMARTPHONE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS Smartphone program applications (apps) can be implemented responsibly when the image quality is good, the patient's history can be entered easily, transmission of the image and results are assured and medicolegal aspects as well as remuneration are clarified. Apps can be used for disease-specific information material and can optimize patient care by using teledermatology.
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Early detection and follow-up of colorectal neoplasia based on faecal volatile organic compounds. Colorectal Dis 2020; 22:1119-1129. [PMID: 32040880 DOI: 10.1111/codi.15009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM Early detection and removal of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas (AAs) decreases the incidence of and mortality from the disease. We aimed to evaluate the potential of faecal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for detection and follow-up of colorectal adenoma using advanced electronic nose technology. METHOD This was a prospective multi-centre case-control cohort including two district hospitals and one tertiary referral hospital. Patients undergoing colonoscopy were instructed to collect a faecal sample prior to bowel cleansing and were included in the study when CRC, AAs, large adenomas (LAs; 0.5-1.0 cm), small adenomas (SAs; 0.1-0.5 cm) or no endoscopic abnormalities (controls) were observed. Patients undergoing polypectomy and controls were asked for a second sample after 3 months. Faecal VOCs were measured with gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry. Random forest, support vector machine, Gaussian process and neural net classification were used to evaluate accuracy. RESULTS In total, 14 patients with CRC, 64 with AAs, 69 with LAs, 127 with SAs and 227 controls were included. A second sample was collected from 32 polypectomy patients and 32 controls. Faecal VOCs discriminated CRC and adenomas from control [AUC (95% CI): CRC vs control 0.96 (0.89-1); AA vs control 0.96 (0.93-1); LA vs control 0.96 (0.92-0.99); SA vs control 0.96 (0.94-0.99)]. There were no significant differences between CRC and adenoma groups. Patients with adenomas and controls were discriminated prior to polypectomy, whereas 3 months after polypectomy VOC profiles were similar [T0 adenoma vs control 0.98 (0.95-1); T1 adenoma vs control 0.55 (0.40-0.69)]. CONCLUSIONS Faecal VOC profiles may be useful for early detection of CRC and adenomas and the timing of polyp surveillance as polypectomy led to a normalization of the VOC profile.
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Correction: Automatic detection of break-over phase onset in horses using hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236181. [PMID: 32645086 PMCID: PMC7347173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233649.].
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Correction: Automatic hoof-on and -off detection in horses using hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236138. [PMID: 32645084 PMCID: PMC7347160 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Automatic hoof-on and -off detection in horses using hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233266. [PMID: 32492034 PMCID: PMC7269263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For gait classification, hoof-on and hoof-off events are fundamental locomotion characteristics of interest. These events can be measured with inertial measurement units (IMUs) which measure the acceleration and angular velocity in three directions. The aim of this study was to present two algorithms for automatic detection of hoof-events from the acceleration and angular velocity signals measured by hoof-mounted IMUs in walk and trot on a hard surface. Seven Warmblood horses were equipped with two wireless IMUs, which were attached to the lateral wall of the right front (RF) and hind (RH) hooves. Horses were walked and trotted on a lead over a force plate for internal validation. The agreement between the algorithms for the acceleration and angular velocity signals with the force plate was evaluated by Bland Altman analysis and linear mixed model analysis. These analyses were performed for both hoof-on and hoof-off detection and for both algorithms separately. For the hoof-on detection, the angular velocity algorithm was the most accurate with an accuracy between 2.39 and 12.22 ms and a precision of around 13.80 ms, depending on gait and hoof. For hoof-off detection, the acceleration algorithm was the most accurate with an accuracy of 3.20 ms and precision of 6.39 ms, independent of gait and hoof. These algorithms look highly promising for gait classification purposes although the applicability of these algorithms should be investigated under different circumstances, such as different surfaces and different hoof trimming conditions.
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Automatic detection of break-over phase onset in horses using hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233649. [PMID: 32469939 PMCID: PMC7259550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A prolonged break-over phase might be an indication of a variety of musculoskeletal disorders and can be measured with optical motion capture (OMC) systems, inertial measurement units (IMUs) and force plates. The aim of this study was to present two algorithms for automatic detection of the break-over phase onset from the acceleration and angular velocity signals measured by hoof-mounted IMUs in walk and trot on a hard surface. The performance of these algorithms was evaluated by internal validation with an OMC system and a force plate separately. Seven Warmblood horses were equipped with two wireless IMUs which were attached to the lateral wall of the right front (RF) and hind (RH) hooves. Horses were walked and trotted over a force plate for internal validation while simultaneously the 3D position of three reflective markers, attached to lateral heel, lateral toe and lateral coronet of each hoof, were measured by six infrared cameras of an OMC system. The performance of the algorithms was evaluated by linear mixed model analysis. The acceleration algorithm was the most accurate with an accuracy between -9 and 23 ms and a precision around 24 ms (against OMC system), and an accuracy between -37 and 20 ms and a precision around 29 ms (against force plate), depending on gait and hoof. This algorithm seems promising for quantification of the break-over phase onset although the applicability for clinical purposes, such as lameness detection and evaluation of trimming and shoeing techniques, should be investigated more in-depth.
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A "scattered" SCAT in a football goalkeeper: a case report. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE 2020; 32:v32i1a7737. [PMID: 36818975 PMCID: PMC9924585 DOI: 10.17159/2078-516x/2020/v32i1a7737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In an acute field-side setting, it is often challenging to differentiate benign sports-related concussion (SRC) from potential, more sinister, intracranial pathology. Moreover, recovery in the ensuing days and weeks is often complex as the resolution of classical signs and symptoms does not always follow a standard pattern. Aim To highlight the value of a structured and repeated thorough clinical assessment approach toward SRC, particularly as atypical and unexpected sequences in patient recovery patterns may require further specialist referral and intervention. Findings A football goalkeeper sustained a concussion in which symptoms failed to resolve as expected. Deterioration in his clinical condition led to an eventual diagnosis of Chiari malformation (type I), which required surgical intervention. Implications Non-typical recovery patterns of concussion may be indicative of increased severity when considered retrospectively. However, clinicians should not discount the possibility of underlying conditions.
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Agreement between histopathologic regression and MRI Tumour Regression (mrTRG) scales used to assess response for rectal cancers. Int J Surg 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2018.05.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Validation of distal limb mounted inertial measurement unit sensors for stride detection in Warmblood horses at walk and trot. Equine Vet J 2016; 49:545-551. [PMID: 27862238 PMCID: PMC5484301 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor‐based techniques are becoming more popular in horses as a tool for objective locomotor assessment. Objectives To describe, evaluate and validate a method of stride detection and quantification at walk and trot using distal limb mounted IMU sensors. Study design Prospective validation study comparing IMU sensors and motion capture with force plate data. Methods A total of seven Warmblood horses equipped with metacarpal/metatarsal IMU sensors and reflective markers for motion capture were hand walked and trotted over a force plate. Using four custom built algorithms hoof‐on/hoof‐off timing over the force plate were calculated for each trial from the IMU data. Accuracy of the computed parameters was calculated as the mean difference in milliseconds between the IMU or motion capture generated data and the data from the force plate, precision as the s.d. of these differences and percentage of error with accuracy of the calculated parameter as a percentage of the force plate stance duration. Results Accuracy, precision and percentage of error of the best performing IMU algorithm for stance duration at walk were 28.5, 31.6 ms and 3.7% for the forelimbs and −5.5, 20.1 ms and −0.8% for the hindlimbs, respectively. At trot the best performing algorithm achieved accuracy, precision and percentage of error of −27.6/8.8 ms/−8.4% for the forelimbs and 6.3/33.5 ms/9.1% for the hindlimbs. Main limitations The described algorithms have not been assessed on different surfaces. Conclusions Inertial measurement unit technology can be used to determine temporal kinematic stride variables at walk and trot justifying its use in gait and performance analysis. However, precision of the method may not be sufficient to detect all possible lameness‐related changes. These data seem promising enough to warrant further research to evaluate whether this approach will be useful for appraising the majority of clinically relevant gait changes encountered in practice.
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Notes From the Field: Multistate Outbreak of Human
Salmonella
Poona Infections Associated With Pet Turtle Exposure—United States, 2014. Am J Transplant 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Comparison of Post-Authorisation Measures From Regulatory Authorities With Additional Evidence Requirements From HTA Bodies in Germany. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2014; 17:A427. [PMID: 27201102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Modern Treatment of Rectal Cancer Closes the Gap Between Common Adenocarcinoma and Mucinous Carcinoma. Ann Oncol 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdu193.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Plasmonic layers based on Au-nanoparticle-doped TiO2 for optoelectronics: structural and optical properties. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 24:065202. [PMID: 23339892 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/24/6/065202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The anti-reflective effect of dielectric coatings used in silicon solar cells has traditionally been the subject of intensive studies and practical applications. In recent years the interest has permanently grown in plasmonic layers based on metal nanoparticles, which are shown to increase light trapping in the underlying silicon. In the present work we have combined these two concepts by means of in situ synthesis of Au nanoparticles in a dielectric matrix (TiO2), which is commonly used as an anti-reflective coating in silicon solar cells, and added the third element: a 10-20% porosity in the matrix. The porosity is formed by means of a controllable wet etching by low concentration HF. As a consequence, the experimentally measured reflectance of silicon coated by such a plasmonic layer decreases to practically zero in a broad wavelength region around the localized surface plasmon resonance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that extinction and reflectance spectra of silicon coated by the plasmonic films can be successfully accounted for by means of Fresnel formulae, in which a double refractive index of the metal-dielectric material is used. This double refractive index cannot be explained by effective medium theory (Maxwell-Garnett, for example) and appears when the contribution of Au nanoparticles located at the TiO2/Si interface is high enough to result in formation of interface surface plasmon modes.
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Akute Myokardinsuffizienz im Rahmen einer Mesalazin-Therapie bei Colitis. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2009. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Vectorial structure of nonparaxial electromagnetic beams. JOURNAL OF THE OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. A, OPTICS, IMAGE SCIENCE, AND VISION 2001; 18:1678-1680. [PMID: 11444561 DOI: 10.1364/josaa.18.001678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A representation of the general solution of the Maxwell equations is proposed in terms of the plane-wave spectrum of the electromagnetic field. In this representation the electric field solution is written as a sum of two terms that are orthogonal to each other at the far field: One is transverse to the propagation axis, and the magnetic field associated with the other is also transverse. The concept of the so-called closest field to a given beam is introduced and applied to the well-known linearly polarized Gaussian beam.
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Genetic diversity within the genus Trichinella as shown by cleavage fragment length polymorphism analysis. J Helminthol 2001; 75:67-72. [PMID: 11316474 DOI: 10.1079/joh200034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The genetic diversity within the genus Trichinella was studied using cleavage fragment length polymorphism (CFLP) analysis. The CFLP method generates specific fingerprints based on single nucleotide mutations. By this method the amplified intergenic regions of the 5S rRNA genes of the eight different genotypes of Trichinella were analysed. The CFLP pattern of T. spiralis was completely different compared with the sylvatic species T. britovi, T. nativa, T. nelsoni, and the genotypes Trichinella T5, Trichinella T6 and Trichinella T8. The T. pseudospiralis intergenic region can be differentiated by size from the other species of Trichinella.
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Geometrical-numerical approach to diffraction phenomena. OPTICS LETTERS 2001; 26:181-183. [PMID: 18033540 DOI: 10.1364/ol.26.000181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The calculation of diffracted fields is considered by means of a geometrical analysis of the incoming wave into semiperiodic zones in the aperture plane, followed by a numerical process for addition of the contributions corresponding to the semiperiodic zones. This general approach constitutes a novel interpretation of diffraction phenomena that permits exact evaluation of the mathematical expressions of diffraction theory and overcomes the limitations of any approximation. The method is illustrated by analysis of two important configuration in optics: the pinhole camera, for which we deduce the optimum radius for imaging, and the diffraction of a spherical converging wave through a circular aperture, from which we determine the limit of the validity of the Fraunhofer approximation (i.e., of the Airy pattern) and the influence of the obliquity factor.
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Detection and identification of eight Trichinella genotypes by reverse line blot hybridization. J Clin Microbiol 2001; 39:642-6. [PMID: 11158122 PMCID: PMC87791 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.39.2.642-646.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A reverse line blot (RLB) assay was developed to identify different Trichinella genotypes. The RLB assay accomplishes detection and specific identification of the different Trichinella genotypes and relies on hybridization of the amplified 5S ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer regions to specific, membrane-bound oligonucleotide probes. After one single amplification, we were able to detect and genetically identify six sibling species, i.e., T. spiralis, T. britovi, T. nativa, T. murrelli, T. nelsoni, and T. pseudospiralis, and two additional Trichinella genotypes, T6 and T8. Twenty-four Trichinella strains of different genotypes were unequivocally identified evaluated using one simple PCR-based assay based on single larvae. This assay allows the specific identification of Trichinella species without the need to passage larvae in laboratory animals.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the occurrence of fatal laryngeal edema in patients with hereditary angioedema due to C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency. PATIENTS AND METHODS We describe 6 patients from various regions of Germany who died from laryngeal edema within the last 10 years. Furthermore, we conducted a retrospective survey of 58 patients with hereditary angioedema, originating from 46 affected families. The data were obtained from the attending physicians and from the patients' relatives. RESULTS Among the 6 reported patients, aged 9 to 78 years, hereditary angioedema had been diagnosed in 3 and was undiagnosed in 3. None of them had an emergency cricothyrotomy or received C1 inhibitor concentrate. The interval between onset of the laryngeal edema and asphyxiation was 20 minutes in a 9-year-old boy, and in the other patients, the interval was 1 to 14 hours (mean for all, 7 hours). The retrospective survey of 58 patients with hereditary angioedema revealed 23 deaths by asphyxiation (40%). The average age of all 29 patients at the time of asphyxiation was 39 years. CONCLUSION Laryngeal edema in hereditary angioedema may be fatal. Most of the patients asphyxiated between their 20th and 50th years of life, but asphyxiation can occur even in children. The possibility that the first episode of laryngeal edema may be fatal must be emphasized to the relatives, and attending physicians must have a high degree of awareness.
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Scalar diffraction of spherical waves by a plane aperture: a general analysis based on the critical points. OPTICS LETTERS 1999; 24:1799-1801. [PMID: 18079935 DOI: 10.1364/ol.24.001799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We present a formulation of the scalar diffraction of spherical waves through plane apertures that takes advantage of the importance of the critical points and the semiperiodic zones that are defined in the plane of the aperture. Our approach overcomes the intrinsic limitations of stationary-phase methods (when the critical points coalesce) and allows a direct implementation in terms of numerical algorithms for computations of any predefined accuracy. The method is illustrated with examples corresponding to a rectangular aperture.
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Cytotoxicity against human leukemic cell lines, and the activity on the expression of resistance genes of flavonoids from Platanus orientalis. Anticancer Res 1999; 19:2085-8. [PMID: 10470152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
The cytotoxic activity of three flavonoids, belonging to the kaempherol series, was evaluated against 15 human leukemic cell lines. Flavonoids bearing acyl substituants, 2 and 3, were found to be the most active compounds. A further compound, 1, was examined for its ability to modulate the expression of MDR-1 and GST-pi resistance genes and compounds 2 and 3 for their effect on the uptake of [3H]-thymidine as a marker of DNA synthesis.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/biosynthesis
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/genetics
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/toxicity
- Burkitt Lymphoma/pathology
- DNA Replication/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Flavonoids/chemistry
- Flavonoids/isolation & purification
- Flavonoids/pharmacology
- Flavonoids/toxicity
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects
- Glutathione S-Transferase pi
- Glutathione Transferase/biosynthesis
- Glutathione Transferase/genetics
- HL-60 Cells/drug effects
- Humans
- Isoenzymes/biosynthesis
- Isoenzymes/genetics
- K562 Cells/drug effects
- Leukemia/pathology
- Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/pathology
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Plants, Medicinal/chemistry
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tumor Cells, Cultured/drug effects
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27
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Synthesis and cytotoxicity of aminosterols: activity studies on a non-small-cell bronchopulmonary carcinoma line (NSCLC-N6). Anticancer Res 1999; 19:1229-34. [PMID: 10368680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Various new aminosterols were synthesized. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds (I-IV) was studied in vitro on a continuous human non small-cell bronchopulmonary carcinoma line (NSCLC-N6) at the cell cycle level. The histograms indicate cell blockage in Phase Gl (compound I-III) associated with a reduction in the number of cells phases S and G2M and appearance of cellular debris derived from cells in Phase G1.
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28
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Antitumor and antiproliferative effects of an aqueous extract from the marine diatom Haslea ostrearia (Simonsen) against solid tumors: lung carcinoma (NSCLC-N6), kidney carcinoma (E39) and melanoma (M96) cell lines. Anticancer Res 1999; 19:621-4. [PMID: 10226609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
An aqueous extract of the marine diatom Haslea ostrearia (Simonsen) was studied for its antiproliferative properties against human solid tumors: lung carcinoma (NSCLC-N6), kidney carcinoma (E39) and melanoma (M96). These types of carcinoma are particularly chemoresistant. The extract has a potent cytostatic effect in vitro on the three cell lines and blocks the NSCLC-N6 line in the G1/S phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, the extract strongly inhibits tumor growth of NSCLC-N6 bearing nude mice. These preliminary results indicate that the aqueous extract of Haslea ostrearia exhibits inhibitory effects both in vitro and in vivo against solid carcinoma lines, suggesting the presence of a new potent antitumor agent in the aqueous algal homogenate.
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29
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Numerical algorithm for spectroscopic ellipsometry of thick transparent films. APPLIED OPTICS 1998; 37:1177-1179. [PMID: 18268702 DOI: 10.1364/ao.37.001177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We present a numerical method for spectroscopic ellipsometry of thick transparent films. When an analytical expression for the dispersion of the refractive index (which contains several unknown coefficients) is assumed, the procedure is based on fitting the coefficients at a fixed thickness. Then the thickness is varied within a range (according to its approximate value). The final result given by our method is as follows: The sample thickness is considered to be the one that gives the best fitting. The refractive index is defined by the coefficients obtained for this thickness.
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30
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Application of fuzzy-rule-based postprocessing to correlation methods in pattern recognition. APPLIED OPTICS 1996; 35:6955-6963. [PMID: 21151294 DOI: 10.1364/ao.35.006955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The use of fuzzy-logic techniques on the correlation output plane is analyzed as a method to improve the discrimination capabilities of pattern-recognition procedures. The study is divided into two parts: one recounts a computer-simulated example corresponding to pattern recognition by the use of input images that may be defocused, tilted, or corrupted by additive Gaussian noise, and the second part describes an experimental setup in which the deformation of foam material is studied.
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31
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Presence of dermatoglyphic ridge dissociation in a schizotypy-affected subject in a pair of discordant MZ twins. Schizophr Res 1996; 21:125-7. [PMID: 8873780 DOI: 10.1016/0920-9964(96)00035-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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32
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Antitumor and antiproliferative effects of a fucan extracted from ascophyllum nodosum against a non-small-cell bronchopulmonary carcinoma line. Anticancer Res 1996; 16:1213-8. [PMID: 8702239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Fucans, sulfated polysaccharides extracted from brown seaweeds, have been shown to be endowed with inhibitory effects cell growth in various experimental models. We studied both the antiproliferative and antitumor properties of a fucoidan extract (HF) obtained from the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum on a cell line derived from a non-small-cell human bronchopulmonary carcinoma (NSCLC-N6), this type of carcinoma is particularly chemo-resistant. HF exerts in vitro a reversible antiproliferative activity with a block observed in the G1 phase the cell cycle. Studies performed with the NSCLC-bearing nude mice show antitumor activity at subtoxic doses. These preliminary results indicate that HF exhibits inhibitory effect both in vitro and in vivo and is very potent antitumor agent in cancer therapy.
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33
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CPT-linked schizophrenia vulnerability, psychosis proneness and frontal dysfunction in normal adolescents. Eur Psychiatry 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/0924-9338(96)88846-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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34
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Diffraction efficiency of low-resolution Fresnel encoded lenses. APPLIED OPTICS 1994; 33:6741-6746. [PMID: 20941218 DOI: 10.1364/ao.33.006741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A mathematical model to describe the behavior of low-resolution Fresnel lenses encoded in any low-resolution device (e.g., a spatial light modulator) is developed. From this model the diffraction efficiency is calculated in terms of all the parameters that characterize these lenses.
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35
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Development of a high-affinity radioiodinated ligand for identification of imidazoline/guanidinium receptive sites (IGRS): intratissue distribution of IGRS in liver, forebrain, and kidney. Mol Pharmacol 1994; 46:15-23. [PMID: 8058049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Imidazoline/guanidinium receptive sites (IGRS) are membrane proteins that exhibit high affinity for various compounds with an imidazoline or guanidinium moiety. The structure of these binding sites and their significance in the broad pharmacological action of such ligands are unclear. To address this issue, we developed selective high affinity compounds that could be radioiodinated and used as molecular probes for structural characterization of these proteins. This report describes the synthesis and characterization of such a molecule, 2-(3-amino-4-[125I]iodophenoxy)methylimidazoline ([125I]AMIPI). [125I]AMIPI is structurally related to cirazoline, an imidazoline exhibiting high affinity for IGRS and the family of related imidazoline binding sites. The phenyl-substituted analogue of cirazoline, 2-(3-aminophenoxy)methylimidazoline, was generated by alkylation of acetamidophenol with 2-chloromethylimidazoline. 2-(3-Aminophenoxy)methylimidazoline exhibited high affinity for IGRS in rabbit kidney membranes, as determined in competition binding studies with [3H]idazoxan (Ki = 12.5 +/- 7.5 nM), and was radioiodinated by chloramine-T oxidation to yield [125I]AMIPI. The binding properties of [125I]AMIPI were determined in membranes prepared from two representative tissues, rabbit kidney cortex and rat liver. Specific binding of [125I]AMIPI was saturable and of high affinity, as determined by Scatchard analysis of saturation binding isotherms (rabbit kidney, Kd = 2.0 +/- 0.9 nM, Bmax = 554 +/- 201 fmol/mg, five experiments; rat liver, Kd = 2.6 +/- 1.3 nM, Bmax = 73 +/- 10 fmol/mg, three experiments).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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36
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Confirmation of the SCA-2 locus as an alternative locus for dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias and refinement of the candidate region. Am J Hum Genet 1994; 54:774-81. [PMID: 8178818 PMCID: PMC1918266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a clinically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases. To date, two SCA loci have been identified-one locus (SCA-1) on the short arm of chromosome 6 and the second locus (SCA-2) on the long arm of chromosome 12. We have studied two large kindreds from different ethnic backgrounds, segregating an autosomal dominant form of SCA. A total of 207 living individuals, including 50 affected, were examined, and blood was collected. We performed linkage analysis using anonymous DNA markers which flank the two previously described loci. Our results demonstrate that the two kindreds, one Austrian-Canadian and one French-Canadian, are linked to SCA-2 (chromosome 12q). Multipoint linkage analysis places the SCA-2 locus within a region of approximately 16 cM between the microsatellites D12S58 and D12S84/D12S105 (odds ratio 2,371:1 in favor of this position). We show that the SCA-2 locus is not a private gene and represents an alternative SCA locus.
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37
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Diffraction theory of Fresnel lenses encoded in low-resolution devices. APPLIED OPTICS 1994; 33:162-174. [PMID: 20862004 DOI: 10.1364/ao.33.000162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A mathematical model that describes the behavior of low-resolution Fresnel lenses encoded in any low-resolution device (e.g., a spatial light modulator) is developed. The effects of low-resolution codification, such the appearance of new secondary lenses, are studied for a general case. General expressions for the phase of these lenses are developed, showing that each lens behaves as if it were encoded through all pixels of the low-resolution device. Simple expressions for the light distribution in the focal plane and its dependence on the encoded focal length are developed and commented on in detail. For a given codification device an optimum focal length is found for best lens performance. An optimization method for codification of a single lens with a short focal length is proposed.
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38
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[Predictive value of obligatory reporting of sexually transmitted diseases]. Med Clin (Barc) 1989; 93:687-9. [PMID: 2607818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) were recently included in the Spanish reporting system, or Compulsory Reporting of Diseases (EDO). In the present study, the validity of this system is evaluated with the estimation of the positive predictive values of the EDO. A preestablished questionnaire was administered by phone to the reporting physicians of the 478 cases of STD that had been reported to the EDO system from August 1987 to May 1988 in the Alicante and Valencia provinces. In this survey, in addition to data related to the reporting physician (specialty and place of work) and to the patient (sex, clinical symptoms and signs), information permitting to classify each diagnosis as certain, likely and unlikely was collected (incubation time, laboratory tests). Considered as a whole, the results suggested an acceptable accuracy (positive predictive value 79.09%, confidence limits 76.7%-81.5%) for both diseases. This permits to consider STD statistics as fairly accurate. Among the factors influencing the diagnostic precision are the disease itself, the patient's sex, the qualification of the reporting physician and his place of work. The predictive value of the cases reported from centers of diagnosis of STD was higher. We think that, although these results are acceptable for the epidemiological survey, the quality of care could be enhanced by a better organization of services and an improved undergraduate and postgraduate education.
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39
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New multiple matched filter: design and experimental realization. APPLIED OPTICS 1986; 25:4473. [PMID: 18235811 DOI: 10.1364/ao.25.004473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
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40
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Port Allegany Asbestos Health Program: a community response to a public health problem. Public Health Rep 1984; 99:193-9. [PMID: 6424168 PMCID: PMC1424537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Port Allegany Asbestos Health Program (PAAHP) is a unique, community-run program that resulted from the successful cooperative efforts of a labor union, a corporation, community health care providers, and a medical school. PAAHP's goal is to develop a permanent community health organization that will use the most advanced existing knowledge to mitigate the adverse health effects anticipated as a result of the use of amosite asbestos in a Port Allegany, Pa. factory. All 1,188 persons employed by the factory during the years 1964-72 and the 3,000-4,000 persons in household contact with them are eligible for the program. PAAHP's major services are intensive medical surveillance, smoking cessation assistance, health education for participants, and continuing education for area physicians about asbestos-related diseases. One of the program's policies is not to disturb the usual patterns of medical care. If further testing or treatment is needed, patients are referred to their usual personal physicians. PAAHP does not provide ordinary medical care or medical insurance. Across the nation, the number of workers estimated to have been exposed to asbestos is more than 20 million, and their household contacts are estimated to be about three to four times that number. Adverse health effects resulting from asbestos exposure include elevated risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, gastrointestinal tumors, and asbestosis. The problem requires the development of public health solutions. PAAHP has demonstrated the feasibility of a community-based model as one useful approach.
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41
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Permangan- (oder Urochromogen-)reaktion und Diazoreaktion. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1916. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1134907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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