1
|
Variation in KRAS/NRAS/BRAF-Mutation Status by Age, Sex, and Race/Ethnicity Among a Large Cohort of Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC). J Gastrointest Cancer 2024; 55:237-246. [PMID: 37355486 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-023-00954-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial/ethnic disparities in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) survival are well documented as is the impact that tumor mutation of KRAS and BRAF has on prognosis. It has been suggested that frequency differences of KRAS- and BRAF-mutated tumors may partially explain this disparity. Demographic differences in mutation frequency are not well established nor whether mutation and microsatellite instability (MSI) differentially impact survival among groups. METHODS Using data for 11,117 patients diagnosed with de-novo mCRC from an electronic health record-derived database we estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) to characterize the association between demographics and MSI and KRAS/NRAS/BRAF-mutation status. Stratified Cox models were used to identify differences in overall survival (OS), adjusting for treatment and demographics. RESULTS Being female, compared to male, (aORKRAS:1.33 (1.23-1.44); aORBRAF:1.84 (1.56-2.16)), and non-Hispanic Black race (NHB), compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) (aORKRAS:1.62 (1.42-1.85); aORBRAF: 0.55 (0.38-0.77)) were associated with KRAS- or BRAF-mutant tumors. MSI prevalence was similar across race/ethnicity but higher in women. BRAF-mutant tumors were associated with poorer prognosis overall, especially among non-white patients. Among patients who had KRAS/NRAS/BRAF-WT tumors we observed no difference in OS by race or MSI. Among patients with KRAS-mutant tumors, Hispanic patients had more favorable prognosis adjusted hazards ratio (aHR) = 0.76 (0.65-0.89)) than their NHW counterparts. Among those with BRAF-mutant tumors, NHB patients had poorer prognosis than NHW patients (aHR:1.78 (1.08-2.93)). CONCLUSION MSI and frequency of KRAS and BRAF mutations differed by demographics. Racial/ethnic disparities in OS differed by mutation. Future studies should explore biological and/or social determinants underlying these differences.
Collapse
|
2
|
Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:065102. [PMID: 38394591 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.065102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
On December 5, 2022, an indirect drive fusion implosion on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a target gain G_{target} of 1.5. This is the first laboratory demonstration of exceeding "scientific breakeven" (or G_{target}>1) where 2.05 MJ of 351 nm laser light produced 3.1 MJ of total fusion yield, a result which significantly exceeds the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition as reported in a previous NIF implosion [H. Abu-Shawareb et al. (Indirect Drive ICF Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001]. This achievement is the culmination of more than five decades of research and gives proof that laboratory fusion, based on fundamental physics principles, is possible. This Letter reports on the target, laser, design, and experimental advancements that led to this result.
Collapse
|
3
|
Diversity supplements: An underutilized opportunity to improve the diversity of the health sciences research workforce. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e37. [PMID: 38476246 PMCID: PMC10928695 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.21] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This paper describes the process developed at the University of Pittsburgh to increase the number of NIH-funded Diversity Supplements. Method The authors formed a Diversity in Academia Workgroup where we created the infrastructure and process to increase the number of Diversity Supplements. Each year, the Office of Sponsored Programs provided a list of grants that would be eligible to submit a Diversity Supplement. We surveyed the Principal Investigators inquiring about their interest in working with a trainee on a Diversity Supplement. If yes, we included their information in a database we built so that trainees could search for eligible research studies. The Diversity Deans then identified underrepresented faculty and postdoctoral researchers. We invited Program Officers from NIH to participate in a panel presentation for trainees, which was well attended. Results The number of Diversity Supplements awarded to Pitt researchers has significantly increased from 7 in 2020 to 10 in 2021 and to 15 in 2022. Six more have been awarded in the first half of 2023. Conclusions We created the Diversity in Academia Workgroup with the goal to increase the number of Diversity Supplements at the University of Pittsburgh and in so doing, increase the diversity in the biomedical research workforce. While challenging, we know the critical importance and benefits of increased diversity at the University, and we have made significant strides toward this goal.
Collapse
|
4
|
Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:075001. [PMID: 36018710 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.075001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion.
Collapse
|
5
|
Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with receipt of biomarker testing in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Cancer Med 2022; 12:1850-1859. [PMID: 35837788 PMCID: PMC9883565 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard clinical practice and national guidelines dictate somatic testing of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) tumors to guide appropriate therapy; however, previous studies suggest that not all patients are tested. The objective of this study was to investigate potential differences in testing for mCRC by demographic and clinical factors. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of de-identified patient data derived from electronic health records (EHRs) of 25,469 patients diagnosed with mCRC between the years 2013 and 2020. Our outcome was a receipt of the following tests: (a) biomarker testing (BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, MMR/MSI) and (b) next-generation sequencing (NGS). We interrogated our data using the machine-learning algorithm Classification and Regression Tree (CART), a unique approach to identifying combinations of, rather than individual demographic and clinical characteristics associated with receipt of testing. RESULTS A total of 25,469 patients were identified with mCRC. Of these, 21,133 (83%) received either biomarker testing only (n = 12,485) or any testing (biomarker + NGS) (n = 8648). The proportion of patients who received any testing increased over calendar time for all age, race, and sex categories. Receipt of any testing was highest (90%) among younger and patients with better performance status, and there was no difference in receipt of any testing by race. The highest percentage of NGS testing was among those with better performance status, <70 years old, commercial or other governmental program payers, and low comorbidity burden; however, those who were Black or Hispanic had a lower prevalence of NGS testing than those who were White. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Considerable variations exist in somatic biomarker testing across subgroups of the population. Identification of genomic alterations can aid in determining targeted treatment and improving clinical outcomes; therefore, equitable use of these testing strategies, particularly NGS, is necessary.
Collapse
|
6
|
Education and Training of Non-Genetics Providers on the Return of Genome Sequencing Results in a NICU Setting. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030405. [PMID: 35330405 PMCID: PMC8949881 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To meet current and expected future demand for genome sequencing in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), adjustments to traditional service delivery models are necessary. Effective programs for the training of non-genetics providers (NGPs) may address the known barriers to providing genetic services including limited genetics knowledge and lack of confidence. The SouthSeq project aims to use genome sequencing to make genomic diagnoses in the neonatal period and evaluate a scalable approach to delivering genome sequencing results to populations with limited access to genetics professionals. Thirty-three SouthSeq NGPs participated in a live, interactive training intervention and completed surveys before and after participation. Here, we describe the protocol for the provider training intervention utilized in the SouthSeq study and the associated impact on NGP knowledge and confidence in reviewing, interpreting, and using genome sequencing results. Participation in the live training intervention led to an increased level of confidence in critical skills needed for real-world implementation of genome sequencing. Providers reported a significant increase in confidence level in their ability to review, understand, and use genome sequencing result reports to guide patient care. Reported barriers to implementation of genome sequencing in a NICU setting included test cost, lack of insurance coverage, and turn around time. As implementation of genome sequencing in this setting progresses, effective education of NGPs is critical to provide access to high-quality and timely genomic medicine care.
Collapse
|
7
|
Thirty-Day Mortality for Proximal Femoral Fractures Treated at a U.K. Elective Center with a Site-Streaming Policy During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JB JS Open Access 2021; 6:JBJSOA-D-21-00009. [PMID: 34703966 PMCID: PMC8542172 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.oa.21.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 led to the reconfiguration of U.K. orthopaedic trauma services because surgical capacity was threatened in acute centers. We report the 30-day mortality of proximal femoral fractures in older adults treated at an elective orthopaedic center.
Collapse
|
8
|
1638 Decade-Long Trends in Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection. Br J Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab259.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Little is known about unwarranted variations in care and outcomes of patients who undergo surgical repair for type A acute aortic dissection(TAAD). We aim to investigate decade-long trends in TAAD surgical repair in England.
Method
Retrospective review of the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR) National Adult Cardiac Surgery Audit (NACSA) registry from January 2009 to December 2018 , which prospectively collects demographic and peri-operative clinical information for all adult cardiac surgery procedures in the UK.
Results
Over the 10-year period,3,686 TAAD patients underwent surgical repair in England. A steady doubling in the overall number of operations conducted in England was observed from 237 cases recorded in 2009 to 510 in 2018. Number of procedures per hospital per year also doubled, from 10 in 2009 to 21 in 2018. The risk profile of the operated patients remained unchanged. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 17.4% with a trend toward lower mortality in the most recent years (from 22.8% in 2009 to 14.7% in 2018). There was a significant variation in operative mortality across regions with a trend towards lower mortality in regions with a high-volume hospital.
Conclusions
Surgery is the only treatment for acute TAAD but is associated with high mortality. Prompt diagnosis and referral to a specialist center is paramount. The number of operations conducted in England has doubled in 10 years and the associated survival following surgery has improved. Regional variations exist in service provision with a trend towards better survival in high volume centers.
Collapse
|
9
|
Risk factors for non-communicable diseases related to obesity among first- and second-generation Bangladeshi migrants living in north-east or south-east England. Int J Obes (Lond) 2021; 45:1588-1598. [PMID: 33947968 PMCID: PMC8236404 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00822-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a global burden, which significantly increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). More than a quarter of adults in the United Kingdom are obese, but prevalence varies by ethnicity, and South Asians have the largest burden of NCDs. This paper assesses how sex, generation, and region interplay to vary the predisposition to obesity-related (OR) NCDs among UK Bangladeshis. METHODS We used National Institute for Health and Care Excellence suggested grading for combining body mass index and waist circumference to define populations at risk of OR-NCDs. Data from 517 adults of Bangladeshi origin from a cross-sectional study (March 2013 to April 2015) were analysed. Male and female participants from London and north-east England were equally sampled including: (1) adult migrants, who came to the UK aged >16 years; (2) child migrants, who came to the UK aged ≤16 years; and (3) second-generation Bangladeshis (who were born and brought up in the UK). A generalised estimating equation using a binomial distribution and a logit link was used to explore the relationship between the binary outcome of being 'at risk of OR-NCDs' and associated factors. RESULTS Females, married individuals, those living in London, the second-generation, and those of lower self-assessed financial status, with low acculturation status, or who did not walk daily for at least 20 min were more likely to develop OR-NCDs. A striking sex difference was found with more females prone to OR-NCD risk in the north-east than in London. CONCLUSIONS Our study observed important inter- and intra-regional inequality in OR-NCD risk which worsens the health of ethnic minorities and widens inequality.
Collapse
|
10
|
Report of a Delphi exercise to inform the design of a research programme on screening for thoracic aortic disease. Trials 2020; 21:656. [PMID: 32678053 PMCID: PMC7367380 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04562-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To inform the design of a clinical trial of a targeted screening programme for relatives of individuals affected by thoracic aortic disease, we performed a consensus exercise as to the acceptability of screening, the optimal sequence and choice of tests, long-term patient management, and choice of trial design. Methods Working with the Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland patient association, we performed a Delphi exercise with clinical experts, patients, and carers, consisting of three rounds of consultation followed by a final multi-stakeholder face-to-face workshop. Results Thirty-five experts and 84 members of the public took part in the surveys, with 164 patients and clinicians attending the final workshop. There was substantial agreement on the need for a targeted screening pathway that would employ a combined approach (imaging + genetic testing). The target population would include the first- and second-degree adult (> 15 years) relatives, with no upper age limit of affected patients. Disagreement persisted about the screening process, sequence, personnel, the imaging method to adopt, computed tomography (CT) scan vs magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the specifics of a potential trial, including willingness to undergo randomisation, and measures of effectiveness and acceptability. Conclusion A Delphi process, initiated by patients, identified areas of uncertainty with respect to behaviour, process, and the design of a targeted screening programme for thoracic aortic disease that requires further research prior to any future trial.
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
The relationship between physical activity levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in individuals with alopecia Areata. BMC Psychol 2019; 7:48. [PMID: 31337438 PMCID: PMC6651906 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-019-0324-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that is characterised by non-scarring hair loss. Its aesthetic repercussions can lead to profound changes in psychological well-being. Although physical activity (PA) has been associated with better mental health outcomes in diverse populations, the association in individuals with AA has not been established. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between PA and mental health outcomes in individuals with AA to inform intervention strategies for this specific population. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals who were diagnosed with AA. A total of 83 respondents aged (40.95 ± 13.24 years) completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Three-way contingency Chi-square analyses were used to determine the associations between PA, mental health outcomes and participants with hair loss of more than 50% on the scalp. Results 81.9% of the participants did not meet PA guidelines. Participants with hair loss of more than 50% on the scalp, and who did not meet PA guidelines, were significantly more likely to experience symptoms of severe depression (p = .003), moderate anxiety (p = .04) and mild stress (p = .003) than those who met guidelines Conclusion Findings suggest that increased PA participation in AA individuals with severe hair loss is associated with improved mental health status. Intervention efforts for this specific population should consider barriers and enablers to PA participation as they face challenges that differ from the general population.
Collapse
|
13
|
Dilution and microfiltration of particulate corticosteroids for spinal epidural injections: impact on drug concentration and agglomerate formation. Anaesthesia 2019; 74:1551-1557. [PMID: 31228255 DOI: 10.1111/anae.14733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Particulate corticosteroids have been described to lead to greater pain improvement compared with their non-particulate counterparts when used in epidural injections. It is hypothesised that filtering may significantly impact their concentration and long-term efficacy. We investigated if passing particulate suspensions through different commonly-used filters affects drug dosage. Two particulate corticosteroid formulations, triamcinolone acetonide and methylprednisolone acetate, were mixed at different concentrations with either bupivacaine hydrochloride or 0.9% sodium chloride. Solutions were passed through a 5-μm and a 0.2-μm filter. Mass spectroscopy results indicated a complete loss of corticosteroid from the solutions using both filters, and light microscopy imaging demonstrated agglomerate formation, suggesting that filtering interferes with drug dosage. The choice of diluents must also be considered to reduce large agglomerate formation. Clinicians should be aware of the consequences of filtering particulate suspensions and carefully consider the selection of diluent when considering treatment plans.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
AIMS The aims of this study were to report the efficacy of revision surgery for patients with co-infective bacterial and fungal prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) presenting to a single institution, and to identify prognostic factors that would guide management. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 1189 patients with a PJI were managed in our bone infection service between 2006 and 2015; 22 (1.85%) with co-infective bacterial and fungal PJI were included in the study. There were nine women and 13 men, with a mean age at the time of diagnosis of 64.5 years (47 to 83). Their mean BMI was 30.9 kg/m2 (24 to 42). We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of these PJIs, after eight total hip arthroplasties and 14 total knee arthroplasties. The mean clinical follow-up was 4.1 years (1.4 to 8.8). RESULTS The median number of risk factors for PJI was 5.5 (interquartile range (IQR) 3.25 to 7.25). All seven patients who initially underwent debridement and implant retention (DAIR) had a recurrent infection that led to a staged revision. All 22 patients underwent the first of a two-stage revision. None of the nine patients with negative tissue cultures at the second stage had a recurrent infection. The rate of recurrent infection was significantly higher in the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria (p = 0.007), a higher C-reactive protein (CRP) at the time of presentation (p = 0.032), and a higher number of co-infective bacterial organisms (p = 0.041). The overall rate of eradication of infection after two and five years was 50% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32.9 to 75.9) and 38.9% (95% CI 22.6 to 67), respectively. CONCLUSION The risk of failure to eradicate infection with the requirement of amputation associated with this diagnosis is much higher than in patients with PJI without bacterial and fungal co-infection, and this risk is heightened when the fungal organism is joined by polymicrobial and multidrug-resistant bacterial organisms. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:582-588.
Collapse
|
15
|
Harnessing Smartphone Technology to Improve Patient Engagement: Codesigning and Testing The SecondEars Consultation Audio Recording App for People With Cancer. J Glob Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1200/jgo.18.46900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oncology consultations can be overwhelming and information-dense. Consultation audio recordings are an effective method to promote patient participation, improve patients' recall and understanding of medical information, and can increase engagement and support through sharing with family and friends. Innovative m-health technologies such as the SecondEars consultation audio recording mobile app provide a patient-designed and controlled audio recording solution while ensuring security and legal protection for clinicians. To ensure the SecondEars app meets the needs of patients, family, clinicians and hospital administrators, the opinions of stakeholders and end users are integral to the concept and study creation, design, and testing processes. Aim: To use key elements of codesign methodology to develop and test SecondEars, a mobile app that allows patients to audio record their consultations within a clinical oncology setting. Methods: The SecondEars app concept began with consumer suggestions that consultation audio recording be used as standard practice of care using patient-driven (use is controlled/determined by patients) technologies. An app solution was conceived and the concept discussed through engagement of consumers as part of the project and research codesign team. Key health service stakeholders comprising representatives from: legal, information technology (IT), clinical service leads, digital strategy, and health information services (HIS), provided project oversight and core legal and data management requirements. The Scrum management framework was used to structure the codesign process during the development and testing phase. Six workshops were run to facilitate further user input with regard to specific app functionality and design. A wireframe version was developed and tested by the codesign team in the final workshop. Feedback was incorporated into a prototype which was circulated for acceptance testing. Results: Twenty people participated in the stakeholder engagement and workshops, comprising: oncology consumers, researchers, IT, HIS, app developers, and oncology health professionals. Key specifications necessitated that SecondEars be patient-driven, secure and confidential, have clear legal guidelines regarding audio recording sharing, be integrated with medical records, and require minimal upfront and ongoing resources. Seven people tested the prototype app during user acceptance testing and gave positive and constructive feedback. A final version of the app was then made available for clinical testing. Conclusion: The SecondEars consultation audio recording app has been successfully created by and for patients. This app gives patients permission and autonomy to audio record and share their consultations responsibly, while maintaining legal protection for clinicians. This app is currently being tested in a clinical setting prior to conducting an implementation study.
Collapse
|
16
|
The Quest for Welfare-Friendly Feeding of Broiler Breeders: Effects of Daily vs. 5:2 Feed Restriction Schedules. Poult Sci 2018; 97:368-377. [PMID: 29182752 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Restricted feeding of broiler breeders is required for improved long-term health and welfare. Because feeding frustration and hunger are major welfare concerns during rearing, many suggestions have been made to decrease the negative feelings of hunger while maintaining suitable growth rates and reproductive health. Non-daily ("skip-a-day") feeding schedules are commonly used around the world to increase portion sizes at meal times while restricting intake but these practices are prohibited in many countries due to welfare concerns on fasting days. We compared birds raised on a non-daily feeding schedule (2 non-consecutive fasting days per week, 5:2), previously suggested as a welfare-friendlier non-daily alternative, to birds raised on daily feed restriction. We found signs of increased physiological stress levels in 5:2 birds, including elevated heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (1.00 for 5:2 vs. 0.75 for daily fed at 12 weeks of age), increased adiposity (0.21% lean body weight [LBW] for 5:2 vs. 0.13% LBW for daily fed), and reduced muscle growth (pectoral muscle 5.94% LBW for 5:2 vs. 6.52% LBW for daily fed). At the same time, 5:2 birds showed signs of lower anxiety before feeding times (activity was reduced from 10.30 in daily fed to 4.85) which may be a result of the lower feed competition associated with larger portion sizes. Although we found no difference in latency to first head movement in tonic immobility between the treatments (136.5 s on average for both groups), 5:2 birds generally showed more interest in a novel object in the home pen which indicated increased risk taking and reduced fear while fasting. The 5:2 birds in this study showed no signs of learning the feeding schedule, and this unpredictability may also increase stress. Taken together, the effects of 5:2 vs. daily feed restriction on the welfare of broiler breeder pullets remain inconclusive and differ between feeding and fasting days. In addition to reducing stress by minimizing the number of fasting days, we suggest that a shift to more predictable schedules may help improve the welfare of broiler breeder pullets.
Collapse
|
17
|
Surface electromyography can quantify temporal and spatial patterns of activation of intrinsic human foot muscles. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2018; 39:149-155. [PMID: 29506007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic foot muscles (IFM) are a crucial component within the human foot. Investigating their functioning can help understand healthy and pathological behaviour of foot and ankle, fundamental for everyday activities. Recording muscle activation from IFM has been attempted with invasive techniques, mainly investigating single muscles. Here we present a novel methodology, to investigate the feasibility of recording physiological surface EMG (sEMG) non-invasively and quantify patterns of activation across the whole plantar region of the foot. sEMG were recorded with a 13 × 5 array from the sole of the foot (n = 25) during two-foot stance, two-foot tiptoe and anterior/posterior sways. Physiological features of sEMG were analysed. During anterior/posterior epochs within the sway task, sEMG patterns were analysed in terms of signal amplitude (intensity) and structure (Sample Entropy) distribution, by evaluating the centre of gravity (CoG) of each topographical map. Results suggest signals are physiological and not affected by loading. Both amplitude and sample entropy CoG coordinates were grouped in one region and overlapped, suggesting that the region with highest amplitude corresponds with the most predictable signal. Therefore, both spatial and temporal features of IFM activation may be recorded non-invasively, providing opportunity for more detailed investigation of IFM function in healthy and patient populations.
Collapse
|
18
|
P4503Copper chelation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; open-label pilot study assessing the effects of trientine on lv mass, myocardial fibrosis, performance and metabolism. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx504.p4503] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
|
19
|
Overdose in young children treated with anti-reflux medications: Poisons enquiry evidence of excess 10-fold dosing errors with ranitidine. Hum Exp Toxicol 2017; 37:343-349. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327117705430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
20
|
Using Alcohol Unit-marked Glasses Enhances Capacity To Monitor Intake: Evidence From a Mixed-method Intervention Trial. Alcohol Alcohol 2017; 52:206-212. [PMID: 28182199 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agw084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
|
21
|
Characterization of Seven Outbreaks of Hemorrhagic Hepatopathy Syndrome in Commercial Pullets Following the Administration of a Salmonella Enteritidis Bacterin in California. Avian Dis 2016; 60:33-42. [PMID: 26953941 DOI: 10.1637/11297-100915-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Between April 2013 and April 2015, seven flocks belonging to three different major commercial egg producers inCalifornia experienced a mild increase in mortality 2 to 3 wk after administration of Salmonella Enteritidis bacterins. Strains of chickens involved were H&N (flock A1, A2, B2, C1, C2, and C3) and Lohmann white (flock B1). Vaccination was administered individually through injection either in the breast muscles or subcutis in the legs between 11 and 18 wk of age in all flocks. Clinical signs ranged from inapparent to lameness, reluctance to walk, greenish diarrhea, and retching-like symptoms. The mortality ranged from 0.16% to 1.38% per week, with the highest peaks occurring usually 2 to 3 wk postvaccination, and then declined rapidly. Postmortem examinations revealed enlarged livers with disseminated hemorrhages and pale foci of necrosis. Also, severe extensive hemorrhages in the intestine, heart, and proventriculus were observed in a few birds. Various degrees of productive, exudative giant cell granulomatous myositis were observed invading deeply the muscles and subcutis at the site of vaccination. The myositis was always associated with optically empty vacuoles positive for neutral lipids by Oil Red O stain. Droplets of Oil Red O material were also noticed in the affected livers and intestines. Congo red stain highlighted the presence of amyloid in moderate to severe amounts in the breast muscles and moderate amounts in livers, spleens, and intestines. Salmonella antigens were detected in the injection sites and livers by immunohistochemical staining. No viruses or toxic substances were recovered from the liver, spleen, intestine, and pectoral muscles, and the few bacteria isolated were interpreted as secondary postmortem invaders. In addition, livers and bile tested for hepatitis E virus were negative by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.
Collapse
|
22
|
Disparities in Access and Treatment of Patients With High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Results From a Population-Based Cohort. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.06.1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
23
|
Poster session 2Morphogenetic mechanisms290MiR-133 regulates retinoic acid pathway during early cardiac chamber specification291Bmp2 regulates atrial differentiation through miR-130 during early heart looping formationDevelopmental genetics294Association of deletion allele of insertion/deletion polymorphism in alpha 2B adrenoceptor gene and hypertension with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus295Association of G1359A polymorphism of the endocannabinoid type 1 receptor (CNR1) with coronary artery disease (CAD) with type 2 diabetes mellitusCell growth, differentiation and stem cells - Vascular298Gamma-secretase inhibitor prevents proliferation and migration of ductus arteriosus smooth muscle cells: a role of Notch signaling in postnatal closure of ductus arteriosus299Mesenchymal stromal-like cells (MLCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells: a promising therapeutic option to promote neovascularization300Sonic Hedgehog promotes mesenchymal stem cell differentiation to vascular smooth muscle cells in cardiovacsular disease301Proinflammatory cytokine secretion and epigenetic modification in endothelial cells treated LPS-GinfivalisCell death and apoptosis - Vascular304Mitophagy acts as a safeguard mechanism against human vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis induced by atherogenic lipidsTranscriptional control and RNA species - Vascular307MicroRNA-34a role in vascular calcification308Local delivery of a miR-146a inhibitor utilizing a clinically applicable approach attenuates neointima formation after vascular injury309Long noncoding RNA landscape of hypoxic endothelial cells310Specific circulating microRNAs levels associate with hypertension, hyperglycemia and dysfunctional HDL in acute coronary syndrome patientsCytokines and cellular inflammation - Vascular313Phosphodiesterase5A up-regulation in vascular endothelium under pro-inflammatory conditions: a newly disclosed anti-inflammatory activity for the omega-3polyunsaturated aatty acid docosahexaenoic acid314Cardiovascular risk modifying with extra-low dose anticytokine drugs in rhematoid arthritis315Conversion of human M-CSF macrophages into foam cells reduces their proinflammatory responses to classical M1-polarizing activation316Lymphocytic myocarditis coincides with increased plaque inflammation and plaque hemorrhage in coronary arteries, facilitating myocardial infarction317Serum osteoprotegerin level predictsdeclined numerous of circulating endothelial- derived and mononuclear-derived progenitor cells in patients with metabolic syndromeGrowth factors and neurohormones - Vascular320Effect of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) on vascular inflammationSignal transduction - Heart323A new synthetic peptide regulates hypertrophy in vitro through means of the inhibition of nfkb324Inducible fibroblast-specific knockout of p38 alpha map kinase is cardioprotective in a mouse model of isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy325Regulation of beta-adrenoceptor-evoked inotropic responses by inhibitory G protein, adenylyl cyclase isoforms 5 and 6 and phosphodiesterases326Binding to RGS3 and stimulation of M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors modulates the substrate specificity of p190RhoGAP in cardiac myocytes327Cardiac regulation of post-translational modifications, parylation and deacetylation in LMNA dilated cardiomyopathy mouse model328Beta-adrenergic regulation of the b56delta/pp2a holoenzyme in cardiac myocytes through b56delta phosphorylation at serine 573Nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species - Vascular331Oxidative stress-induced miR-200c disrupts the regulatory loop among SIRT1, FOXO1 and eNOS332Antioxidant therapy prevents oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction and Enhances Wound Healing333Morphological and biochemical characterization of red blood cell in coronary artery diseaseCytoskeleton and mechanotransduction - Heart336Novel myosin activator, JSH compounds, increased myocardial contractility without chronotropic effect in ratsExtracellular matrix and fibrosis - Vascular339Ablation of Toll-like receptor 9 causes cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction by attenuating proliferation and differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts340Altered vascular remodeling in the mouse hind limb ischemia model in Factor VII activating protease (FSAP) deficiencyVasculogenesis, angiogenesis and arteriogenesis343Pro-angiogenic effects of proly-hydroxylase inhibitors and their potential for use in a novel strategy of therapeutic angiogenesis for coronary total occlusion344Nrf2 drives angiogenesis in transcription-independent manner: new function of the master regulator of oxidative stress response345Angiogenic gene therapy, despite efficient vascular growth, is not able to improve muscle function in normoxic or chronically ischemic rabbit hindlimbs -role of capillary arterialization and shunting346Effect of PAR-1 inhibition on collateral vessel growth in the murine hind limb model347Quaking is a key regulator of endothelial cell differentiation, neovascularization and angiogenesis348"Emerging angiogenesis" in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). An in vivo study349Exosomes from cardiomyocyte progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells stimulate angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo via EMMPRINEndothelium352Reciprocal regulation of GRK2 and bradykinin receptor stimulation modulate Ca2+ intracellular level in endothelial cells353The roles of bone morphogenetic proteins 9 and 10 in endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis354The contribution of GPR55 to the L-alpha-lysophosphatidylinositol-induced vasorelaxation in isolated human pulmonary arteries355The endothelial protective ACE inhibitor Zofenoprilat exerts anti-inflammatory activities through H2S production356A new class of glycomimetic drugs to prevent free fatty acid-induced endothelial dysfunction357Endothelial progenitor cells to apoptotic endothelial cell-derived microparticles ration differentiatesas preserved from reduced ejection fractionheart failure358Proosteogenic genes are activated in endothelial cells of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm359Endothelin ETB receptors mediate relaxing responses to insulin in pericardial resistance arteries from patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD)Smooth muscle and pericytes362CX3CR1 positive myeloid cells regulate vascular smooth muscle tone by inducing calcium oscillations via activation of IP3 receptors363A novel function of PI3Kg on cAMP regulation, role in arterial wall hyperplasia through modulation of smooth muscle cells proliferation364NRP1 and NRP2 play important roles in the development of neointimal hyperplasia in vivo365Azithromycin induces autophagy in aortic smooth muscle cellsCoagulation, thrombosis and platelets368The real time in vivo evaluation of platelet-dependent aldosterone prothrombotic action in mice369Development of a method for in vivo detection of active thrombi in mice370The antiplatelet effects of structural analogs of the taurine chloramine371The influence of heparin anticoagulant drugs on functional state of human platelets372Regulation of platelet aggregation and adenosine diphosphate release by d dimer in acute coronary syndrome (in vitro study)Oxygen sensing, ischaemia and reperfusion375Sirtuin 5 mediates brain injury in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion376Abscisic acid: a new player in cardiomyocyte protection from ischaemia?377Protective effects of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA-um) in myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion injury in vivo378Identification of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes using cardiac specific markers and additional testing of these cells in simulated ischemia/reperfusion system379Single-dose intravenous metformin treatment could afford significant protection of the injured rat kidney in an experimental model of ischemia-reperfusion380Cardiotoxicity of long acting muscarinic receptor antagonists used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease381Dependence antioxidant potential on the concentration of amino acids382The impact of ischemia-reperfusion on physiological parameters,apoptosis and ultrastructure of rabbit myocardium with experimental aterosclerosisMitochondria and energetics385MicroRNA-1 dependent regulation of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in normal and hypertrophied hearts386Mitochondrial homeostasis and cardioprotection: common targets for desmin and aB-crystallin387Overexpression of mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and associated mitochondrial dysfunction in the diabetic heart388NO-dependent prevention of permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening by H2S and its regulation of Ca2+ accumulation in rat heart mitochondria389G protein coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is fundamental in recovering mitochondrial morphology and function after exposure to ionizing radiation (IR)Gender issues392Sex differences in pulmonary vascular control; focus on the nitric oxide pathwayAging395Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction develops when feeding western diet to senescence-accelerated mice396Cardiovascular markers as predictors of cognitive decline in elderly hypertensive patients397Changes in connexin43 in old rats with volume overload chronic heart failureGenetics and epigenetics400Calcium content in the aortic valve is associated with 1G>2G matrix metalloproteinase 1 polymorphism401Neuropeptide receptor gene s (NPSR1) polymorphism and sleep disturbances402Endothelin-1 gene Lys198Asn polymorphism in men with essential hypertension complicated and uncomplicated with chronic heart failure403Association of common polymorphisms of the lipoprotein lipase and pon1 genes with the metabolic syndrome in a sample of community participantsGenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics and glycomics405Gene expression quantification using multiplexed color-coded probe pairs to determine RNA content in sporadic cardiac myxoma406Large-scale phosphorylation study of the type 2 diabetic heart subjected to ischemia / reperfusion injury407Transcriptome-based identification of new anti-inflammatory properties of the olive oil hydroxytyrosol in vascular endothelial cell under basal and proinflammatory conditions408Gene polymorphisms combinations and risk of myocardial infarctionComputer modelling, bioinformatics and big data411Comparison of the repolarization reserve in three state-of-the-art models of the human ventricular action potentialMetabolism, diabetes mellitus and obesity414Endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide-II improves heart function in type -I Diabetes mellitus415Admission glucose level is independent predictor of impaired left ventricular function in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a two dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography study416Association between biochemical markers of lipid profile and inflammatory reaction and stiffness of the vascular wall in hypertensive patients with abdominal obesity417Multiple common co-morbidities produce left ventricular diastolic dysfunction associated with coronary microvascular dysfunction, oxidative stress and myocardial stiffening418Investigating the cardiovascular effects of antiretroviral drugs in a lean and high fat/sucrose diet rat model of obesity419Statins in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our experience from a 2-year prospective study in Constanta County, Romania420Epicardial adipose tissue as a predictor of cardiovascular outcome in patients with ACS undergoing PCI?Arterial and pulmonary hypertension423Dependence between heart rhythm disorers and ID polymorphism of ACE gene in hypertensive patients424Molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of Urocortin 2 in pulmonary arterial hypertension425Inhibition of TGf-b axis and action of renin-angiotensin system in human ascending aorta aneurysms426Early signs of microcirculation and macrocirculation abnormalities in prehypertension427Vascular smooth muscle cell-expressed Tie-2 controls vascular tone428Cardiac and vascular remodelling in the development of chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension in a novel swine modelBiomarkers431Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: a new, non invasive biomarker432Can circulating microRNAs distinguish type 1 and type 2 myocardial infarction?433Design of a high-throughput multiplex proteomics assay to identify left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in diabetes434Monocyte-derived and P-selectin-carrying microparticles are differently modified by a low fat diet in patients with cardiovascular risk factors who will and who will not develop a cardiovascular event435Red blood cell distribution width assessment by polychromatic interference microscopy of thin films in chronic heart failure436Invasive and noninvasive evaluation of quality of radiofrequency-induced cardiac denervation in patients with atrial fibrillation437The effect of therapeutic hypothermia on the level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in sera following cardiopulmonary resustitation438Novel biomarkers to predict outcome in patients with heart failure and severe aortic stenosis439Biological factors linking depression and anxiety to cardiovascular disease440Troponins and myoglobin dynamic at coronary arteries graftingInvasive, non-invasive and molecular imaging443Diet composition effects on the genetic typing of the mouse ob mutation: a micro-ultrasound characterization of cardiac function, macro and micro circulation and liver steatosis444Characterization of pig coronary and rabbit aortic lesions using IV-OCT quantitative analysis: correlations with histologyGene therapy and cell therapy447Enhancing the survival and angiogenic potential of mouse atrial mesenchymal cells448VCAM-1 expression in experimental myocardial infarction and its relation to bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell retentionTissue engineering451Advanced multi layered scaffold that increases the maturity of stem cell-derived human cardiomyocytes452Response of engineered heart tissue to simulated ischemia/reperfusion in the presence of acute hyperglycemic conditions453Serum albumin hydrogels prevent de-differentiation of neonatal cardiomyocytes454A novel paintbrush technique for transfer of low viscosity ultraviolet light curable cyan methacrylate on saline immersed in-vitro sheep heart. Cardiovasc Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
24
|
A device for characterising the mechanical properties of the plantar soft tissue of the foot. Med Eng Phys 2015; 37:1098-104. [PMID: 26343227 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The plantar soft tissue is a highly functional viscoelastic structure involved in transferring load to the human body during walking. A Soft Tissue Response Imaging Device was developed to apply a vertical compression to the plantar soft tissue whilst measuring the mechanical response via a combined load cell and ultrasound imaging arrangement. Accuracy of motion compared to input profiles; validation of the response measured for standard materials in compression; variability of force and displacement measures for consecutive compressive cycles; and implementation in vivo with five healthy participants. Static displacement displayed average error of 0.04 mm (range of 15 mm), and static load displayed average error of 0.15 N (range of 250 N). Validation tests showed acceptable agreement compared to a Houndsfield tensometer for both displacement (CMC > 0.99 RMSE > 0.18 mm) and load (CMC > 0.95 RMSE < 4.86 N). Device motion was highly repeatable for bench-top tests (ICC = 0.99) and participant trials (CMC = 1.00). Soft tissue response was found repeatable for intra (CMC > 0.98) and inter trials (CMC > 0.70). The device has been shown to be capable of implementing complex loading patterns similar to gait, and of capturing the compressive response of the plantar soft tissue for a range of loading conditions in vivo.
Collapse
|
25
|
Reduction in regional cerebral blood flow during normal aging is not limited to elderly subjects. MONOGRAPHS IN NEURAL SCIENCES 2015; 11:139-43. [PMID: 6738545 DOI: 10.1159/000409202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
26
|
Managed care patients' preferences, physician recommendations, and colon cancer screening. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MANAGED CARE 2014; 20:555-561. [PMID: 25295401 PMCID: PMC4358777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate associations between patients' preferences for attributes of different colorectal (CRC) screening modalities, physician CRC screening recommendations during periodic health exams, and subsequent utilization of screening 12 months later in a large health maintenance organization (HMO). Study Design Multi-method study including baseline surveys from average-risk HMO members joined with audio recordings of 415 periodic health exams (PHEs) and electronic medical record (EMR) data. Methods Patient ratings of test attributes were used to create an algorithm reflecting type and strength of CRC screening modality preference at baseline. Physician recommendations were obtained from audio recordings. Attribute-based test preferences and physician recommendations were compared with CRC test use using chisquare tests. Associations between attribute-based preferences and physician recommendations were assessed using logistic regression. Results Based on attribute rankings, most participants had a weak preference for colonoscopy (COL) (41%), an unclear preference (22.4%), or a weak preference for fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) (18.6%). About half (56%) of patients were screened at 12 months and there was no statistical association between attribute preferences and type of test received. Patients were significantly more likely to receive a recommendation including a test other than COL when they had an attribute-based test preference for FOBT (odds ratio [OR]: 2.17; 95% CI, 1.26-3.71; P < .01). Conclusions CRC screening test use in this large HMO was generally low. It was not associated with patients' preferences for different attributes of CRC screening tests but was associated with physician recommendations. Physicians may have better success in getting patients to screen if they consider preferences for test attributes.
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trauma remains the highest cause of paediatric morbidity and mortality. These trauma patients incur radiation exposure during intraoperative management. Medical personnel have the responsibility to ensure observation of the 'as low as reasonably achievable' principle, a practice mandate that minimises ionising radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to quantify the difference in the amount of ionising radiation used by operating surgeons of different grades in paediatric trauma surgery. METHODS Intraoperative imaging in paediatric trauma surgery between 2008 and 2010 at a UK trauma centre was analysed retrospectively, recording injury demographics, surgeon grade, radiation exposure (dose area product [DAP]) and screening time. A mobile image intensifier was used in all cases and the lowest dose rate was selected for all screening. RESULTS A total of 782 trauma cases were analysed: 304 procedures (39%) were carried out by consultants, 127 (16%) by senior registrars and 351 (45%) by junior registrars. The mean screening time for consultants was 0.23 minutes (standard deviation [SD]: 0.21 minutes) while for senior registrars it was 0.24 minutes (SD: 0.27 minutes) and for junior registrars 0.47 minutes (SD: 1.5 minutes). The mean DAP for consultants was 58.49Gycm(2) (SD: 53.66Gycm(2)). For senior registrars it was 87.2Gycm(2) (SD: 126.64Gycm(2)) and for junior registrars it was 90.46Gycm(2) (SD: 180.02Gycm(2)). This equates to a 51% increase in screening time and a 35% increase in DAP by a junior registrar compared with a consultant. CONCLUSIONS Significantly lower screening times and radiation exposure was found in procedures performed by consultants compared with registrars (p<0.001). Given the harmful and unknown long-term effects of ionising radiation exposure in children, we recommend increasing consultant presence in paediatric trauma theatres.
Collapse
|
28
|
Patterns of presentation and clinical toxicity after reported use of alpha methyltryptamine in the United Kingdom. A report from the UK National Poisons Information Service. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014; 52:192-7. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.885983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
29
|
Patient-physician colorectal cancer screening discussion content and patients' use of colorectal cancer screening. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2014; 94:76-82. [PMID: 24094919 PMCID: PMC3865022 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/07/2013] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends using the 5As (i.e., Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist and Arrange) when discussing preventive services. We evaluate the association of the 5As discussion during primary care office visits with patients' subsequent colorectal cancer (CRC) screening use. METHODS Audio-recordings of n=443 periodic health exams among insured patients aged 50-80 years and due for CRC screening were joined with pre-visit patient surveys and screening use data from an electronic medical record. Association of the 5As with CRC screening was assessed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS 93% of patients received a recommendation for screening (Advise) and 53% were screened in the following year. The likelihood of screening increased as the number of 5A steps increased: compared to patients whose visit contained no 5A step, those whose visit contained 1-2 steps (OR=2.96 [95% CI 1.16, 7.53]) and 3 or more steps (4.98 [95% CI 1.84, 13.44]) were significantly more likely to use screening. CONCLUSIONS Physician CRC screening recommendations that include recommended 5A steps are associated with increased patient adherence. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS A CRC screening recommendation (Advise) that also describes patient eligibility (Assess) and provides help to obtain screening (Assist) may lead to improved adherence to CRC screening.
Collapse
|
30
|
PS33 Health-Seeking Behaviour in the Era of Free Healthcare in Urban Slums in Sierra Leone. J Epidemiol Community Health 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/jech-2012-201753.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
31
|
When learning gets stuck: An automatic bias that alters probability sampling in the unattended auditory environment. Int J Psychophysiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2012.06.075] [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]
|
32
|
Collective opinion paper on findings of the 2011 convocation of experts on laboratory quality. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 50:1547-58. [DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2012-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIn April of 2011, Bio-Rad Laboratories Quality System Division (Irvine, CA, USA) hosted its third annual convocation of experts on laboratory quality in the city of Salzburg, Austria. As in the past 2 years, over 60 experts from across Europe, Israel, USA and South Africa convened to discuss contemporary issues and topics of importance to the clinical laboratory. This year’s conference had EN/ISO 15189 and accreditation as the common thread for most discussions, with topics ranging from how to meet requirements like uncertainty to knowledge gained from those already accredited. The participants were divided into five discussion working groups (WG) with assigned topics. The outcome of these discussions is the subject of this summary.
Collapse
|
33
|
Accelerated Bone Healing in the Absence of TLR4. FASEB J 2012. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.905.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
34
|
Gwynneth June Davey. West J Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.d7146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
35
|
Abstract
Blast injuries are an increasing problem in both military and civilian practice. Primary blast injury to the lungs (blast lung) is found in a clinically significant proportion of casualties from explosions even in an open environment, and in a high proportion of severely injured casualties following explosions in confined spaces. Blast casualties also commonly suffer secondary and tertiary blast injuries resulting in significant blood loss. The presence of hypoxaemia owing to blast lung complicates the process of fluid resuscitation. Consequently, prolonged hypotensive resuscitation was found to be incompatible with survival after combined blast lung and haemorrhage. This article describes studies addressing new forward resuscitation strategies involving a hybrid blood pressure profile (initially hypotensive followed later by normotensive resuscitation) and the use of supplemental oxygen to increase survival and reduce physiological deterioration during prolonged resuscitation. Surprisingly, hypertonic saline dextran was found to be inferior to normal saline after combined blast injury and haemorrhage. New strategies have therefore been developed to address the needs of blast-injured casualties and are likely to be particularly useful under circumstances of enforced delayed evacuation to surgical care.
Collapse
|
36
|
Collective opinion paper on findings of the 2010 convocation of experts on laboratory quality. Clin Chem Lab Med 2011; 49:793-802. [PMID: 21366504 DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2011.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
As a part of a series of yearly meeting, in May 2010 over 40 medical laboratory opinion leaders, pathologists, clinical biochemists and physicians from Europe, Israel and South Africa gathered together in Bardolino, Italy to discuss issues and current challenges for laboratory medicine, including a) the use of biological variation 10 years after the Stockholm Conference; b) achieving quality in point-of-care testing; c) assessing risk and controlling sources of error in the laboratory; d) determining the appropriate frequency of quality control; and f) putting laboratory medicine at the core of patient care. The intended goal of the convocation was to give laboratory professionals from different countries and backgrounds the opportunity to share ideas, concerns and experiences in previously mentioned areas of interest. This paper provide a synopsis of the reports from each working group.
Collapse
|
37
|
|
38
|
Clinical characteristics of mephedrone toxicity reported to the U.K. National Poisons Information Service. Emerg Med J 2010; 28:686-9. [PMID: 20798084 PMCID: PMC3143586 DOI: 10.1136/emj.2010.096636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective To describe the patterns and clinical features of toxicity related to recreational use of mephedrone and other cathinones in the UK using data collected by the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS). Methods The number of accesses to TOXBASE, the NPIS online poisons information database, details of consecutive cases uploaded onto TOXBASE and the number and details of telephone enquiries made to the NPIS by health professionals in the UK were collected for the period March 2009 to February 2010. Results Over the year of study there were 2901 TOXBASE accesses and 188 telephone enquiries relating to cathinones, the majority relating to mephedrone (TOXBASE 1664, telephone 157), with a month-on-month increase in numbers. In 131 telephone enquiries concerning mephedrone, alone or in combination with alcohol, common clinical features reported included agitation or aggression (n=32, 24%, 95% CI 18% to 33%), tachycardia (n=29, 22%, 95% CI 16% to 30%), confusion or psychosis (n=18, 14%, 95% CI 9% to 21%), chest pain (n=17, 13%, 95% CI 8% to 20%), nausea (n=15, 11%, 95% CI 7% to 18%), palpitations (n=14, 11%, 95% CI 6% to 18%), peripheral vasoconstriction (n=10, 8%, 95% CI 4% to 14%) and headache (n=7, 5%, 95% CI 2% to 11%). Convulsions were reported in four cases (3%, 95% CI 1% to 8%). One exposed person died following cardiac arrest (1%, 95% CI 0% to 4%), although subsequent investigation suggested that mephedrone was not responsible. Conclusions Toxicity associated with recreational mephedrone use is increasingly common in the UK. Sympathomimetic adverse effects are common and severe effects are also reported. Structured data collected by the NPIS may be of use in identifying trends in poisoning and in establishing toxidromes for new drugs of abuse.
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
Comparative study of the valence electronic excitations of N2 by inelastic x-ray and electron scattering. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2010; 105:053202. [PMID: 20867914 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.105.053202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2010] [Revised: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Bound-state, valence electronic excitation spectra of N2 are probed by nonresonant inelastic x-ray and electron scattering. Within usual theoretical treatments, dynamical structure factors derived from the two probes should be identical. However, we find strong disagreements outside the dipole scattering limit, even at high probe energies. This suggests an unexpectedly important contribution from intramolecular multiple scattering of the probe electron from core electrons or the nucleus. These effects should grow progressively stronger as the atomic number of the target species increases.
Collapse
|
41
|
THE FURTHER SEPARATION OF TYPES AMONG THE PNEUMOCOCCI HITHERTO INCLUDED IN GROUP IV AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THERAPEUTIC ANTISERA FOR THESE TYPES. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 55:531-54. [PMID: 19870011 PMCID: PMC2132121 DOI: 10.1084/jem.55.4.531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The unclassified strains known as Group IV have been separated into twenty-nine types which are designated by the Roman numerals IV and XXXII. Only a small percentage of the pneumococcus strains isolated in New York City for this study were left unclassified. The majority of the types gave very slight cross-reactions, the exceptions being Types II and V, III and VIII, VII and XVIII and XV and XXX. In the series of cases studied, Types IV, V, VII and VIII were found more prevalent in the lobar pneumonia of adults and Types V, VI a and XIV in children. The majority of the types were also found in normal individuals and in persons having respiratory infections other than pneumonia. Types VI a and XIX were most prevalent in the limited number of strains studied by us. Fourteen of the types were found in pneumococcus meningitis; Type XVIII was found most often. Antisera suitable for clinical trial have been prepared for fourteen types. From the majority of the horses inoculated for more than a year, antisera having 500 to 1000 units per cc. were obtained. Antisera of lower potency were concentrated and preparations obtained equal to or stronger than high grade unconcentrated serum. Potent bivalent antisera have been prepared for types which were found to give marked cross-agglutination reactions. The results with each type as to prevalence, severity of cases, presence in normal individuals, and in spinal meningitis, potency of antisera produced for therapeutic trial and virulence of strains for mice have been considered under the different type headings.
Collapse
|
42
|
THE PRODUCTION OF INFECTION WITH PNEUMOCOCCI IN RABBITS BY INTRADERMAL INOCULATION OF TYPE III PNEUMOCOCCI, THE TREATMENT WITH SPECIFIC ANTISERUM, AND A COMPARISON WITH TYPE I INFECTIONS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 52:849-63. [PMID: 19869808 PMCID: PMC2131915 DOI: 10.1084/jem.52.6.849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Intradermal lesions and subsequent bacteremia were produced in rabbits by the intradermal inoculation of Type III strains freshly isolated from pneumonia cases. Slight intradermal lesions were produced but no bacteremia was found in rabbits inoculated with an old stock Type III strain. The intradermal lesions and the bacteremia produced by the inoculation of Type III cultures in rabbits were usually less severe than those produced by the inoculation of Type I culture. The bacteremia in rabbits was checked and the rabbits protected by suitable amounts of Type III concentrated antiserum given intravenously 24 hours after the infecting dose. The amount of Type III antiserum necessary to protect rabbits inoculated intradermally with virulent Type III cultures was not appreciably greater than the amount of Type I antiserum required to protect against Type I.
Collapse
|
43
|
THE SEPARATION OF TYPES AMONG THE PNEUMOCOCCI HITHERTO CALLED GROUP IV AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THERAPEUTIC ANTISERUMS FOR THESE TYPES. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 49:461-74. [PMID: 19869556 PMCID: PMC2131558 DOI: 10.1084/jem.49.3.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The pneumococci hitherto known as Group IV have been separated into ten types which have been designated by Roman numerals from IV to XIII. These have been correlated as far as possible with the types described by others. The prevalence and mortality of cases due to each type have been estimated in the limited number of cases studied. Laboratory tests indicated that therapeutic antiserums for Types I, II and III have very little protective power against the recently separated types. Monovalent antiserums of high agglutinative and protective power were prepared in rabbits for each type. Several monovalent antiserums each specific for a type, which are suitable for agglutination and experimental therapeutic use, have been obtained by immunizing horses. An antiserum prepared for one type had very little cross-protective power against other types.
Collapse
|
44
|
Collective opinion paper on findings of the 2009 convocation of experts on quality control. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010; 48:41-52. [DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2010.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
45
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies raised questions about the severity of cognitive impairment associated with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, there have been few analyses of large, multicenter data registries for clinical-pathologic correlation. METHODS We evaluated data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center registry (n = 5,813 cases meeting initial inclusion criteria) and the University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Center autopsy series (n = 527) to compare quantitatively the severity of cognitive impairment associated with DLB pathology vs Alzheimer disease (AD) and AD+DLB pathologies. RESULTS Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores showed that persons with pure DLB had cognitive impairment of relatively moderate severity (final MMSE score 15.6 +/- 8.7) compared to patients with pure AD and AD+DLB (final MMSE score 10.7 +/- 8.6 and 10.6 +/- 8.6). Persons with pure DLB pathology from both data sets had more years of formal education and were more likely to be male. Differences in final MMSE scores were significant (p < 0.01) between pure DLB and both AD+DLB and pure AD even after correction for education level, gender, and MMSE-death interval. Even in cases with extensive neocortical LBs, the degree of cognitive impairment was most strongly related to the amount of concomitant AD-type neurofibrillary pathology. CONCLUSIONS Dementia with Lewy bodies can constitute a debilitating disease with associated psychiatric, motoric, and autonomic dysfunction. However, neocortical Lewy bodies are not a substrate for severe global cognitive impairment as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination. Instead, neocortical Lewy bodies appear to constitute or reflect an additive disease process, requiring Alzheimer disease or other concomitant brain diseases to induce severe global cognitive deterioration.
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the Faster Access to Stroke Therapy (FAST) study was to determine the effect of educational intervention and the use of a prehospital stroke tool on the paramedic diagnosis of stroke. METHODS Paramedics in emergency medical service units servicing a university teaching hospital were divided into two groups: FAST study paramedics (n = 18) and non-FAST study paramedics (n = 43). The FAST study paramedics received stroke education and instruction in the use of a prehospital stroke assessment tool [Melbourne Ambulance Stroke Screen (MASS)] to assist in stroke diagnosis. Based on final hospital diagnosis, the sensitivities of paramedic stroke diagnosis in the two groups were compared for a 12-month period before and after the intervention. RESULTS The sensitivity for the FAST study paramedics in identifying stroke improved from 78% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63% to 88%) to 94% (95% CI: 86% to 98%) (p = 0.006) after receiving the stroke education session and with use of the MASS tool. There was no change in stroke diagnosis for the non-study paramedics 78% (95% CI: 71% to 84%) to 80% (95% CI: 72% to 87%) (p = 0.695). Pre-notification of impending arrival to the emergency department was associated with higher-priority triage in the emergency department, and subsequent shorter times for door to medical review (15 min vs. 31 min, p < 0.001) and door to computed tomography (CT) scanning (94 min vs. 144 min, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Targeted stroke education and the use of a simple clinical tool can significantly improve the diagnostic sensitivity of stroke by paramedics in the prehospital setting. Accurate diagnosis combined with pre-notification of the pending arrival of stroke patients will allow for the focused and timely application of resources for the management of acute stroke.
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
A significant anomaly in the ratio of the cross sections for quasielastic scattering of D(2) to H(2) in a 50:50 mixture has been reported recently [Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 043204 (2008)]. In particular, the interpretation of quasielastic scattering provided in that work predicts that the signals should be based on the elemental content and not on the molecular structure, and thus the spectrum for HD and that for the 50:50 mixture should be effectively the same, aside from minor line shape differences. In fact the signal from H in the mixture was low by 31(4)% (or that from D was correspondingly high) when compared to the signal from H in HD. Here, an attempt is made to explain this anomaly by scattering theory calculations based on the first Born and Born-Oppenheimer approximations. The relative contributions of translational, vibrational, and rotational excitations are computed for several temperatures. The computed signals are compared to the experimental spectra of HD and the 50:50 H(2)/D(2) mixture and to pure H(2) and D(2), which were reported previously. Good agreement is found for the spectral line shapes. The predicted peak positions are also found to be in good agreement with experiment except for a slight shift in the case of D(2). However the anomalous cross section ratio of D(2) to H(2) experimentally observed in the 50:50 mixture could not be explained by this approach.
Collapse
|
48
|
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor treatment is associated with relatively slow cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease and AD + DLB. J Alzheimers Dis 2009; 16:29-34. [PMID: 19158418 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2009-0926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Dementia can be caused by different diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), or both (AD + DLB). University of Kentucky AD Center pathologically-diagnosed AD and AD + DLB cases were evaluated who had three or more longitudinal antemortem mental status examinations (n = 156). Patients with important concomitant pathology (n = 5) or patients that were profoundly demented at recruitment (intake MMSE < 20; n = 86) were excluded to strengthen our ability to test the association of specific clinical and pathological indices. Patients with pathologically-diagnosed AD + DLB (n = 25) lost cognitive capacity faster than patients with AD alone (n = 40). In both diseases, treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline.
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Drilling consists of 2 processes: breaking the formation with a bit and removing the drilled cuttings. In rotary drilling, rotational speed and weight on bit are used to control drilling, and the optimization of these parameters can markedly improve drilling performance. Although fluids are used for cuttings removal in terrestrial drilling, most planetary drilling systems conduct dry drilling with an auger. Chip removal via water-ice sublimation (when excavating water-ice-bound formations at pressure below the triple point of water) and pneumatic systems are also possible. Pneumatic systems use the gas or vaporization products of a high-density liquid brought from Earth, gas provided by an in situ compressor, or combustion products of a monopropellant. Drill bits can be divided into coring bits, which excavate an annular shaped hole, and full-faced bits. While cylindrical cores are generally superior as scientific samples, and coring drills have better performance characteristics, full-faced bits are simpler systems because the handling of a core requires a very complex robotic mechanism. The greatest constraints to extraterrestrial drilling are (1) the extreme environmental conditions, such as temperature, dust, and pressure; (2) the light-time communications delay, which necessitates highly autonomous systems; and (3) the mission and science constraints, such as mass and power budgets and the types of drilled samples needed for scientific analysis. A classification scheme based on drilling depth is proposed. Each of the 4 depth categories (surface drills, 1-meter class drills, 10-meter class drills, and deep drills) has distinct technological profiles and scientific ramifications.
Collapse
|
50
|
|