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Zantis LJ, Bosker T, Lawler F, Nelms SE, O'Rorke R, Constantine R, Sewell M, Carroll EL. Assessing microplastic exposure of large marine filter-feeders. Sci Total Environ 2022; 818:151815. [PMID: 34822890 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Large filter-feeding animals are potential sentinels for understanding the extent of microplastic pollution, as their mode of foraging and prey mean they are continuously sampling the environment. However, there is considerable uncertainty about the total and mode of exposure (environmental vs trophic). Here, we explore microplastic exposure and ingestion by baleen whales feeding year-round in coastal Auckland waters, New Zealand. Plastic and DNA were extracted concurrently from whale scat, with 32 ± 24 (mean ± SD, n = 21) microplastics per 6 g scat sample detected. Using a novel stochastic simulation modeling incorporating new and previously published DNA diet information, we extrapolate this to total microplastic exposure levels of 24,028 (95% CI: 2119, 69,270) microplastics per mouthful of prey, or 3,408,002 microplastics (95% CI: 295,810, 10,031,370) per day, substantially higher than previous estimates for large filter-feeding animals. Critically, we find that the total exposure is four orders of magnitude more than expected from microplastic measurements of local coastal surface waters. This suggests that trophic transfer, rather than environmental exposure, is the predominant mode of exposure of large filter feeders for microplastic pollution. Measuring plastic concentration from the environment alone significantly underestimates exposure levels, an important consideration for future risk assessment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Zantis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - T Bosker
- Leiden University College, Leiden University, The Hague, the Netherlands; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - F Lawler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom; Exeter Centre for Circular Economy, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - R O'Rorke
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R Constantine
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M Sewell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - E L Carroll
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Pun K, Zhu CW, Kinsella MT, Sewell M, Grossman H, Neugroschl J, Li C, Ardolino A, Velasco N, Sano M. Mail and Telephone Outreach from Electronic Health Records for Research Participation on Cognitive Health and Aging. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2021; 8:292-298. [PMID: 34101786 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2021.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This report describes the efficacy and utility of recruiting older individuals by mail to participate in research on cognitive health and aging using Electronic Health Records (EHR). METHODS Individuals age 65 or older identified by EHR in the Mount Sinai Health System as likely to have Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) were sent a general recruitment letter (N=12,951). A comparison group of individuals with comparable age and matched for gender also received the letter (N=3,001). RESULTS Of the 15,952 individuals who received the mailing, 953 (6.0%) responded. 215 (1.3%) declined further contact. Overall rate of expression of interest was 4.6%. Of the 738 individuals who responded positively to further contact, 321 indicated preference for further contact by telephone. Follow-up of these individuals yielded 30 enrollments (0.2% of 15,952). No differences in response rate were noted between MCI and comparison groups, but the comparison group yielded higher enrollment. 6 individuals who were not the intended recipients of mailing but nevertheless contacted our study were also enrolled. CONCLUSIONS Mailings to individuals identified through a trusted source, such as a medical center from which they have received clinical care, may be a viable means of reaching individuals within this age group as this effort yielded a low rejection rate. However, EHR information did not enhance study enrollment. Implications for improving recruitment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Pun
- Carolyn W. Zhu, PhD, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and JJP VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx NY 10468, USA. , Telephone: 718-584-9000 ext. 6146, Fax: 718-741-4211
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Wallace C, Sewell M, Lehovsky J, Molloy S, Gibson A, Noordeen H. Does spinal fusion and scoliosis correctionimprove activity and participation for children with GMFCS level 4 and 5 cerebral palsy? Int J Surg 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.07.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Siegel R, Hudgens M, Simmons K, Denno D, Bell I, Shelly J, Annekin A, Barett C, Keegan R, Sewell M, Kotagal U. Small prizes increase healthful food selection in a school cafeteria. Appetite 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2014.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Phillips K, Niimi J, Hamid N, Silcock P, Delahunty C, Barker M, Sewell M, Bremer P. Sensory and volatile analysis of sea urchin roe from different geographical regions in New Zealand. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2009.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Fitzmaurice J, Sewell M, King CM, McDougall S, McDonald WL, O'Keefe JS. A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae. N Z Vet J 2009; 56:233-6. [PMID: 18836504 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2008.36839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM To develop a real-time PCR for the detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae, using PCR primers targeting the ma-mp81 gene. METHODS A group of 15 M. agalactiae isolates, 21 other Mycoplasma spp. isolates and 21 other bacterial isolates was used in evaluation of the assay. RESULTS All M. agalactiae isolates were detected by the assay and none of the non-target isolates was amplified. The analytical detection limit of the assay was 10 fg of purified genomic DNA and 104 cfu/ml milk inoculated with M. agalactiae. When applied to goat-milk samples collected from three herds free of M. agalactiae infection, the assay had a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS The assay would be useful in a diagnostic laboratory, providing specific, sensitive and rapid detection of M. agalactiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Fitzmaurice
- Investigation and Diagnostic Centre, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Upper Hutt, New Zealand
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7
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Kittelberger R, Mackereth GF, Sewell M, Keall J, Clough R, Pigott C, O'Keefe JS. Specificity of non-structural protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the detection of serum antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus in a target population in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2008; 56:227-32. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2008.36838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Fitzmaurice J, Sewell M, Manso-Silván L, Thiaucourt F, McDonald WL, O'Keefe JS. Real-time polymerase chain reaction assays for the detection of members of theMycoplasma mycoidescluster. N Z Vet J 2008; 56:40-7. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2008.36803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Kittelberger R, O'Keefe JS, Meynell R, Sewell M, Rosati S, Lambert M, Dufour P, Pépin M. Comparison of four diagnostic tests for the identification of serum antibodies in small ruminants infected withMycoplasma agalactiae. N Z Vet J 2006; 54:10-5. [PMID: 16528388 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2006.36597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine the diagnostic capability of a newly developed Western blot (WB) assay for the detection of serum antibodies against Mycoplasma agalactiae compared with conventional serological tests, and to identify the best test for routine diagnostic use. METHODS The serological test methods used were: two commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), viz ELISA-1, using a bacterial antigen preparation, and ELISA-2, using a recombinant protein (lipoprotein p48) antigen; the complement fixation test (CFT); and a newly developed WB assay, the latter both using a bacterial antigen preparation. Thirty sera from goats infected with M. agalactiae and 97 sera from non-infected sheep were tested using all four methods. RESULTS Staining patterns in the WB were quite variable. An immuno-dominant band of 41 kDa was detected in 63% of sera from infected animals. The same band also appeared, although mostly very weakly, in 10% of sera from non-infected animals. When suspicious or very weak reactors were omitted, the diagnostic sensitivity (DSE) and diagnostic specificity (DSP), respectively, for the four assays were: WB=56.7%, 97.9%; ELISA-1=76.7%, 99.0%; ELISA-2=56.7%, 100%; and CFT=40.0%, 94.8%. CONCLUSIONS ELISA-1 performed best in this comparison. While the WB can be used, it did not have a technical advantage over the ELISA. The CFT should be discouraged as the primary screening method for contagious agalactia and should be replaced by ELISA-1. Results from this study confirm that serological test methods for contagious agalactia are useful for the detection of infected flocks but will not detect every individual infected animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kittelberger
- Investigation and Diagnostic Centre Wallaceville, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 40742, Upper Hutt, New Zealand.
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Echevarria L, Pergam S, Davis L, Sewell M, Ettestad P, Haaland K, Nofchissey R, Goade D. 309 PERSISTENCE OF SYMPTOMS IN WEST NILE VIRUS FROM THE 2003 NEW MEXICO OUTBREAK. J Investig Med 2005. [DOI: 10.2310/6650.2005.00005.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Sewell M. Getting your legislator to listen to you. J Natl Assoc Hosp Dev 2001:15-20. [PMID: 10307673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Rabkin JG, Ferrando SJ, van Gorp W, Rieppi R, McElhiney M, Sewell M. Relationships among apathy, depression, and cognitive impairment in HIV/AIDS. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2001; 12:451-7. [PMID: 11083161 DOI: 10.1176/jnp.12.4.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to determine whether apathy is associated with neurocognitive symptoms and/or depressive symptoms in HIV/AIDS and also whether apathy is associated with patient expectancies about antiretroviral medication adherence. Seventy-five HIV+ homosexual men and 58 HIV+ women were assessed for depressive disorders and symptoms. Neuropsychological tests measured attention, concentration, learning, memory, executive function, and psychomotor speed. Other measures included Marin's Apathy Evaluation Scale, the Adherence Determinants Questionnaire, CD4 cell count, and HIV RNA viral load. Apathy was consistently related to depression and unrelated to neuropsychological impairment. Patient expectancies regarding medication adherence were unrelated to apathy when the analysis was controlled for depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Rabkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA.
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Carney PA, Geller BM, Moffett H, Ganger M, Sewell M, Barlow WE, Stalnaker N, Taplin SH, Sisk C, Ernster VL, Wilkie HA, Yankaskas B, Poplack SP, Urban N, West MM, Rosenberg RD, Michael S, Mercurio TD, Ballard-Barbash R. Current medicolegal and confidentiality issues in large, multicenter research programs. Am J Epidemiol 2000; 152:371-8. [PMID: 10968382 DOI: 10.1093/aje/152.4.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The convenience of fast computers and the Internet have encouraged large collaborative research efforts by allowing transfers of data from multiple sites to a single data repository; however, standards for managing data security are needed to protect the confidentiality of participants. Through Dartmouth Medical School, in 1996-1998, the authors conducted a medicolegal analysis of federal laws, state statutes, and institutional policies in eight states and three different types of health care settings, which are part of a breast cancer surveillance consortium contributing data electronically to a centralized data repository. They learned that a variety of state and federal laws are available to protect confidentiality of professional and lay research participants. The strongest protection available is the Federal Certificate of Confidentiality, which supersedes state statutory protection, has been tested in court, and extends protection from forced disclosure (in litigation) to health care providers as well as patients. This paper describes the careful planning necessary to ensure adequate legal protection and data security, which must include a comprehensive understanding of state and federal protections applicable to medical research. Researchers must also develop rules or guidelines to ensure appropriate collection, use, and sharing of data. Finally, systems for the storage of both paper and electronic records must be as secure as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Carney
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover/Lebanon, NH, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to evaluate the psychological consequences of combination antiretroviral treatment in terms of mood, hope, and life satisfaction in men with symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immune deficiency syndrome and to compare those whose health improved with those whose health did not improve. METHODS One hundred seventy-three HIV+ gay or bisexual men with symptomatic HIV illness (40% nonwhite) were evaluated semiannually in a university-affiliated research program between July 1995 and December 1997. The primary outcome measures were the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, Beck Depression Inventory, Endicott Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Beck Hopelessness Scale. RESULTS Psychological distress in this sample was mild to moderate at baseline. During the first 2 years that highly active antiretroviral therapy became widely available, we observed a statistically significant but clinically modest reduction in distress in the sample as a whole, with significant covariates of CD4 cell count, HIV symptoms, and social support in a mixed-effects model. Rates of clinical depression declined. However, this generalized mental health improvement was not related to individual medical improvement of markers of HIV illness progression; those classified as improved were no more likely than those who remained unimproved to report greater declines in measures of distress and hopelessness. Number of self-reported physical symptoms were directly related to distress levels. CONCLUSIONS A cohort effect was observed, with overall psychological improvement. Physical symptoms were more strongly related to psychological distress than were laboratory markers. Consequently, those whose CD4 cell count and HIV RNA viral load reflected successful treatment were no more likely than others to be relieved of the psychological burdens of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Rabkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill College of Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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Goggin K, Sewell M, Ferrando S, Evans S, Fishman B, Rabkin J. Plans to hasten death among gay men with HIV/AIDS: relationship to psychological adjustment. AIDS Care 2000; 12:125-36. [PMID: 10827853 DOI: 10.1080/09540120050001805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the prevalence and nature of thoughts and future plans to end one's life in a group of gay men with HIV/AIDS over an 18-month period. HIV-positive men (n = 167) participated in a series of clinical interviews which measured current health status, current and past psychiatric disorders, current levels of distress, and thoughts and plans about ending their lives currently or at some future point. A small number of HIV-positive men (17%) reported serious thoughts or plans to end their lives at some point in the future which were stable over an 18-month period. No differences in psychiatric or medical measures were observed among men with and without thoughts/plans at either assessment point. In the absence of current psychiatric disorders, such thoughts or plans about the future may represent one way to maintain control and independence in the face of the uncertainty of life with HIV illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Goggin
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City 64110, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of clinical fatigue reported by gay/bisexual men at all HIV illness stages, and whether fatigue, while associated with depression, independently contributes to limitations in physical function and disability. METHOD HIV- men, HIV+ men with CD4 counts >500, HIV+ men with CD4 counts 200 to 500, and men with AIDS were compared on prevalence of clinical fatigue, as defined by a standardized instrument. Among HIV+ men, the relationships among fatigue, depressed mood, major depressive disorder, HIV illness markers (including CD4 count and HIV RNA viral load), physical limitations, and disability were assessed at baseline and after 1 year. RESULTS The prevalence of clinical fatigue in men with CD4 counts <500 was 14%, significantly higher than HIV- men and HIV+ men with CD4 counts >500. However, fatigue was not directly correlated with CD4 count or HIV RNA. Fatigue was a chronic symptom that was associated with depressed mood, major depressive disorder, physical limitations, and disability. After 1 year, an increase in depressive symptoms predicted a small amount of variance in fatigue; however, depressive symptoms were not associated with physical limitations or disability after controlling for fatigue. CONCLUSION Fatigue is a chronic symptom that is more prevalent in advanced HIV illness, and which, although associated with depression, does not seem to be merely a symptom of depression. Because fatigue contributes independently to physical limitations and disability, it should be assessed and treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ferrando
- Department of Psychiatry, Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among pain and depression, hopelessness, and quality of life in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected gay men, taking into account the role of HIV symptoms. One hundred sixty-one HIV+ gay men were assessed, with 40 men endorsing HIV-related pain. The HIV+ men with pain had a modal rating of pain within the mild range. They had significantly more advanced disease, more physical and depressive symptoms, and reported less life satisfaction than the men without pain. However, when HIV illness variables are accounted for, the higher depression scores in the men with pain were largely accounted for by somatic rather than cognitive symptoms. While pain is associated with greater physical distress in this cohort of HIV-seropositive gay men, it does not appear to be independently associated with cognitive symptoms of depression. These findings apply to HIV-infected men with mild pain and may not apply to those who experience more severe pain. Nonetheless, these observations highlight the overlap between symptoms of depression and pain and the challenge that clinicians face in assessing patients suffering from pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Evans
- Department of Psychiatry, Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is associated with reduced HIV-associated neuropsychological impairment. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis in a natural history study of adaptation to HIV/AIDS. METHOD A sample of 130 homo-/bisexual men with HIV/AIDS (mean age, 41 years; 42% non-white) were evaluated with a neuropsychological battery assessing attention, concentration, psychomotor speed, learning, memory and executive function. Subjects taking HAART were compared with those not taking HAART on demographics, CD4 cell count, viral load, scores on individual neuropsychological tests and proportion with neuropsychological impairment. RESULTS Sixty-nine (53%) subjects were taking HAART, and 48 (37%) were neuropsychologically impaired. Subjects taking HAART had lower mean CD4 cell counts than those not taking HAART (254 versus 342 x 10(6)/l; P < 0.05), although they were more likely to have undetectable viral load (42 versus 20%; P < 0.01) and were less likely to be neuropsychologically impaired (22 versus 54%; P < 0.0001). Subjects taking HAART performed significantly better on tests of attention, concentration, learning, memory, and psychomotor speed. After excluding subjects with potential non-HIV confounders of neuropsychological function, those without neuropsychological impairment had significantly lower mean viral load levels and were more likely to have undetectable viral load than those with impairment. CONCLUSION These preliminary findings suggest that HAART benefits neuropsychological function through the reduction of viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ferrando
- HIV Clinical Research Program, Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York 10021, USA
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Ferrando S, Goggin K, Sewell M, Evans S, Fishman B, Rabkin J. Substance use disorders in gay/bisexual men with HIV and AIDS. Am J Addict 1998; 7:51-60. [PMID: 9522007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The authors conducted a longitudinal study of psychological adaptation to AIDS in subjects with and without lifetime and current substance use disorders (SUD), in a cohort of HIV+ gay/bisexual subjects. A sample of HIV+ gay/bisexual men (n = 183) and an HIV- comparison group (n = 84) were assessed for SUD, depression, and anxiety disorders. Among HIV+ men, combined lifetime (42%) but not current (11.5%) SUDs were more prevalent than in HIV- men (27% and 10%, respectively). HIV+ men with current SUD reported more depression, distress and diminished quality of life than HIV+ men with no SUD, but HIV-illness severity did not differ. HIV+ men in recovery did not differ from men with no lifetime history. Most HIV+ gay/bisexual men with SUD discontinue or reduce substance use before or subsequent to knowledge of their HIV infection, probably in an attempt to adopt a healthier lifestyle. However, for some HIV+ men, persistent substance abuse/dependence is accompanied by higher levels of distress and diminished quality of life, underscoring their need for treatment intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ferrando
- HIV Clinical Research Program, Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
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Hunter A, Walker A, Sumption K, Edelsten M, Scott G, Sewell M, Morrow A, Hopper D. Health risks from increased movement of companion animals in Europe. Vet Rec 1998; 142:23. [PMID: 9460220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Sewell M. The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh. Vet Rec 1997; 141:214-6. [PMID: 9301005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Stricklin A, Sewell M, Austad C. Objective measurement of personality variables in epidemic neuromyasthenia patients. S Afr Med J 1990; 77:31-4. [PMID: 2294610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The psychological symptoms of patients diagnosed as having epidemic neuromyasthenia were investigated using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, the Mehrabian Achieving Tendency Scale for Females, a personal data questionnaire, and a subjective anxiety rating. Twenty-five women with epidemic neuromyasthenia were compared with 25 women who were not ill. Multivariate analysis using the Hotelling T-test on the group data indicated that the patient and non-patient groups differed significantly (P less than 0.001) in respect of psychological characteristics. Stress as a possible predisposing factor in the illness was supported (P less than 0.001). The data do not support the concept of epidemic neuromyasthenia as being 'mass hysteria' as mentioned by McEvedy and Beard, but rather seem to support the suggestion that diagnosis can be made by use of a combination of logical, objective medical and physiological measures. The use of biofeedback as a possible treatment is also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stricklin
- Department of Clinical Psychology, North Texas State University, Denton
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Stening WA, Berry G, Dan NG, Kwok B, Mandryk JA, Ring I, Sewell M, Simpson DA. Experience with acute subdural haematomas in New South Wales. Aust N Z J Surg 1986; 56:549-56. [PMID: 3461777 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1986.tb07098.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A retrospective survey of head injuries in NSW in 1977 and 1978 was conducted by the Trauma Subcommittee of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia. Two hundred and ninety patients, who were found to have acute or subacute subdural haematomas, were considered. The mortality rate was 76%, with 19% making a satisfactory recovery. Several factors were found to produce significant improvement in outcome. The availability of neurosurgical facilities at the time of admission made a significant difference. Those patients who had decompressive operations also fared better. No patient survived without operation. Shock, defined as a systolic blood pressure lower than 90 mmHg for more than 60 min was associated with significantly increased mortality. The chance of developing a significant hypotensive episode was greater if two or more other parts of the body were injured. If three other areas were injured, the mortality was 100%. A case control study suggested that some 35 (16%) of all deaths could have resulted from preventable causes, notably delay in instituting definitive treatment and/or inadequate treatment of shock.
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Selecki BR, Sewell M. Neurosurgical management of spinal conditions--an overview. Aust N Z J Surg 1984; 54:37-42. [PMID: 6586165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
During 1977-80 the annual number of surgical procedures on the spinal canal and discs has remained in the vicinity of 1800-1900 and fusions have ranged from 682 to 810. Neurosurgical participation in spinal surgery amounted to 18-20% of all spinal procedures. Disc lesion, canal stenosis, spondylosis, congenital and developmental malformations constituted 70% of the total spinal work carried out in a major neurosurgical unit in New South Wales. The above conditions form an 'overlapping' field of surgery, the orthopaedic surgeons treating an estimated 80% of these patients. Surgical management by neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons of the same clinical category of spinal patient is different. An estimated one-third of orthopaedic patients are submitted to lumbar fusion. Neurosurgeons avoid fusion in the lumbar region. The need for integrated and sound neurosurgical and orthopaedic methods of management in the overlapping fields of spinal surgery has become imperative. To the neurosurgeon, the outcome of spinal surgery in terms of relevance to the extent of chronic spinal disability in the community has probably become more important than the outcome of craniocerebral surgery in the community. More attention should be given to standards of work in spinal surgery in matters of training, research and quality assurance. A research project by members of the Department of Neurosurgery, The Prince Henry and Prince of Wales Hospitals is outlined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Abstract
20 out of 36 children (aged two to eight years) with atopic eczema completed a twelve-week, double-blind, controlled, crossover trial of an egg and cows' milk exclusion diet. During the first and third four-week periods, patients on an egg and cows' milk exclusion diet received a soya-based milk substitute (trial period) or an egg and cows' milk preparation (control period). Response was assessed in terms of eczema activity, number of areas affected, pruritus, sleeplessness, and antihistamine usage while on the two diets. During the middle period patients resumed their normal diet to minimise any carry-over effect. 14 patients responded more favourably to the antigen-avoidance diet than to the control diet, whereas only 1 responded more favourably to the control diet than the trial diet. Patients experienced more benefit during the first diet period than the second, whatever the nature of the diet. There was no correlation between a positive prick test to egg and cows' milk antigen and response to the trial diet.
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