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Ito H, Sakamaki K, Young G, Blair P, Lane A, Kobayashi K, Drake M. Predicting prostate surgery outcome in men with lower urinary tract symptoms to derive symptom score and flowmetry thresholds. Eur Urol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(23)00084-2] [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: 02/12/2023]
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2
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Ito H, Young G, Lewis A, Blair P, Cotterill N, Abrams P, Lane A, Drake M. Post micturition dribble is a highly bothersome urinary symptom: Sub analysis from the urodynamics for prostate surgery trial; randomised evaluation of assessment methods (upstream) study. EUR UROL SUPPL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(20)33576-x] [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: 11/29/2022] Open
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3
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Alhabbab R, Blair P, Smyth LA, Ratnasothy K, Peng Q, Moreau A, Lechler R, Elgueta R, Lombardi G. Galectin-1 is required for the regulatory function of B cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2725. [PMID: 29426942 PMCID: PMC5807431 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19965-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is required for the development of B cells in the bone marrow (BM), however very little is known about the contribution of Gal-1 to the development of B cell regulatory function. Here, we report an important role for Gal-1 in the induction of B cells regulatory function. Mice deficient of Gal-1 (Gal-1−/−) showed significant loss of Transitional-2 (T2) B cells, previously reported to include IL-10+ regulatory B cells. Gal-1−/− B cells stimulated in vitro via CD40 molecules have impaired IL-10 and Tim-1 expression, the latter reported to be required for IL-10 production in regulatory B cells, and increased TNF-α expression compared to wild type (WT) B cells. Unlike their WT counterparts, T2 and T1 Gal-1−/− B cells did not suppress TNF-α expression by CD4+ T cells activated in vitro with allogenic DCs (allo-DCs), nor were they suppressive in vivo, being unable to delay MHC-class I mismatched skin allograft rejection following adoptive transfer. Moreover, T cells stimulated with allo-DCs show an increase in their survival when co-cultured with Gal-1−/− T2 and MZ B cells compared to WT T2 and MZ B cells. Collectively, these data suggest that Gal-1 contributes to the induction of B cells regulatory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alhabbab
- Infectious Disease Unit & Division of Applied Medical Sciences, King Fahad Centre for medical research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. .,Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - P Blair
- Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.,Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - L A Smyth
- Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.,School of Health, Sports and Biosciences, University of East London, Stratford, E15 4LZ, UK
| | - K Ratnasothy
- Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Q Peng
- Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - A Moreau
- Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.,Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR 1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, CHU, Nantes, France
| | - R Lechler
- Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - R Elgueta
- Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - G Lombardi
- Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
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O'Day KM, Koehling EM, Vollavanh LR, Bradney D, May JM, Breedlove KM, Breedlove EL, Blair P, Nauman EA, Bowman TG. Comparison of head impact location during games and practices in Division III men's lacrosse players. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2017; 43:23-27. [PMID: 28178579 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head impacts have been studied extensively in football, but little similar research has been conducted in men's lacrosse. It is important to understand the location and magnitude of head impacts during men's lacrosse to recognize the risk of head injury. METHODS Descriptive epidemiology study set on collegiate lacrosse fields. Eleven men's lacrosse players (age=20.9±1.13years, mass=83.91±9.04kg, height=179.88±5.99cm) volunteered to participate. We applied X2 sensors behind the right ear of participants for games and practices. Sensors recorded data on linear and rotational accelerations and the location of head impacts. We calculated incidence rates per 1000 exposures with 95% confidence intervals for impact locations and compared the effect of impact location on linear and rotational accelerations with Kruskal-Wallis tests. FINDINGS We verified 167 head impacts (games=112; practices=55). During games, the incidence rate was 651.16 (95% confidence interval=530.57-771.76). The high and low incidence rates for head impact locations during games were: side=410.7 (95% confidence interval=292.02-529.41) and top=26.79 (95% confidence interval=3.53-57.10). For games and practices combined, the impact locations did not significantly affect linear (χ23=6.69, P=0.08) or rotational acceleration (χ23=6.34, P=0.10). INTERPRETATION We suggest further research into the location of head impacts during games and practices. We also suggest player and coach education on head impacts as well as behavior modification in men's lacrosse athletes to reduce the incidence of impacts to the side of the head in an effort to reduce potential injury.
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Plummer Z, Almeida C, Ambler N, Blair P, Choy E, Dures E, Hammond A, Hollingworth W, Kirwan J, Pollock J, Rooke C, Thorn J, Tomkinson K, Hewlett S. AB1130-HPR Cognitive Therapy for Reducing The Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue: Sucessful Strategies for Meeting Targets in A Complex Health Care Intervention. Ann Rheum Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-eular.1968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Alhabbab R, Blair P, Elgueta R, Stolarczyk E, Marks E, Becker PD, Ratnasothy K, Smyth L, Safinia N, Sharif-Paghaleh E, O’Connell S, Noelle RJ, Lord GM, Howard JK, Spencer J, Lechler RI, Lombardi G. Diversity of gut microflora is required for the generation of B cell with regulatory properties in a skin graft model. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11554. [PMID: 26109230 PMCID: PMC4479822 DOI: 10.1038/srep11554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
B cells have been reported to promote graft rejection through alloantibody production. However, there is growing evidence that B cells can contribute to the maintenance of tolerance. Here, we used a mouse model of MHC-class I mismatched skin transplantation to investigate the contribution of B cells to graft survival. We demonstrate that adoptive transfer of B cells prolongs skin graft survival but only when the B cells were isolated from mice housed in low sterility "conventional" (CV) facilities and not from mice housed in pathogen free facilities (SPF). However, prolongation of skin graft survival was lost when B cells were isolated from IL-10 deficient mice housed in CV facilities. The suppressive function of B cells isolated from mice housed in CV facilities correlated with an anti-inflammatory environment and with the presence of a different gut microflora compared to mice maintained in SPF facilities. Treatment of mice in the CV facility with antibiotics abrogated the regulatory capacity of B cells. Finally, we identified transitional B cells isolated from CV facilities as possessing the regulatory function. These findings demonstrate that B cells, and in particular transitional B cells, can promote prolongation of graft survival, a function dependent on licensing by gut microflora.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Alhabbab
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - P. Blair
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - R. Elgueta
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - E. Stolarczyk
- Division of Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - E. Marks
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - P. D. Becker
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - K. Ratnasothy
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - L. Smyth
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - N. Safinia
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - E. Sharif-Paghaleh
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - S. O’Connell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - R. J. Noelle
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - G. M. Lord
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - J. K. Howard
- Division of Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - J. Spencer
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - R. I. Lechler
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - G. Lombardi
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
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Khuntirat B, Yoon IK, Krueger W, Chittaganrnpitch M, Supawat K, Blair P, Putnam S, Gibbons R, Sawanpanyalert P, Heil G, Friary J, Gray G. Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infections among villagers living in rural Thailand. Int J Infect Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2012.05.424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Abstract
alpha-Granules are essential to normal platelet activity. These unusual secretory granules derive their cargo from both regulated secretory and endocytotic pathways in megakaryocytes. Rare, inheritable defects of alpha-granule formation in mice and man have enabled identification of proteins that mediate cargo trafficking and alpha-granule formation. In platelets, alpha-granules fuse with the plasma membrane upon activation, releasing their cargo and increasing platelet surface area. The mechanisms that control alpha-granule membrane fusion have begun to be elucidated at the molecular level. SNAREs and SNARE accessory proteins that control alpha-granule secretion have been identified. Proteomic studies demonstrate that hundreds of bioactive proteins are released from alpha-granules. This breadth of proteins implies a versatile functionality. While initially known primarily for their participation in thrombosis and hemostasis, the role of alpha-granules in inflammation, atherosclerosis, antimicrobial host defense, wound healing, angiogenesis, and malignancy has become increasingly appreciated as the function of platelets in the pathophysiology of these processes has been defined. This review will consider the formation, release, and physiologic roles of alpha-granules with special emphasis on work performed over the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Price Blair
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215
| | - Robert Flaumenhaft
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215
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Qin X, Hu W, Song W, Blair P, Wu G, Hu X, Song Y, Bauer S, Feelisch M, Leopold JA, Loscalzo J, Halperin JA. Balancing role of nitric oxide in complement-mediated activation of platelets from mCd59a and mCd59b double-knockout mice. Am J Hematol 2009; 84:221-7. [PMID: 19229985 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.21363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
CD59 is a membrane protein inhibitor of the membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement. mCd59 knockout mice reportedly exhibit hemolytic anemia and platelet activation. This phenotype is comparable to the human hemolytic anemia known as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), in which platelet activation and thrombosis play a critical pathogenic role. It has long been suspected but not formally demonstrated that both complement and nitric oxide (NO) contribute to PNH thrombosis. Using mCd59a and mCd59b double knockout mice (mCd59ab(-/-) mice) in complement sufficient (C3(+/+)) and deficient (C3(-/-)) backgrounds, we document that mCd59ab(-/-) platelets are sensitive to complement-mediated activation and provide evidence for possible in vivo platelet activation in mCd59ab(-/-) mice. Using a combination of L-NAME (a NO-synthase inhibitor) and NOC-18 or SNAP (NO-donors), we further demonstrate that NO regulates complement-mediated activation of platelets. These results indicate that the thrombotic diathesis of PNH patients could be due to a combination of increased complement-mediated platelet activation and reduced NO-bioavailability as a consequence of hemolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebin Qin
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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10
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Blair P, Rex S, Vitseva O, Beaulieu L, Tanriverdi K, Chakrabarti S, Hayashi C, Genco CA, Iafrati M, Freedman JE. Stimulation of Toll-like receptor 2 in human platelets induces a thromboinflammatory response through activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Circ Res 2008; 104:346-54. [PMID: 19106411 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.108.185785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cells of the innate immune system use Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to initiate the proinflammatory response to microbial infection. Recent studies have shown acute infections are associated with a transient increase in the risk of vascular thrombotic events. Although platelets play a central role in acute thrombosis and accumulating evidence demonstrates their role in inflammation and innate immunity, investigations into the expression and functionality of platelet TLRs have been limited. In the present study, we demonstrate that human platelets express TLR2, TLR1, and TLR6. Incubation of isolated platelets with Pam(3)CSK4, a synthetic TLR2/TLR1 agonist, directly induced platelet aggregation and adhesion to collagen. These functional responses were inhibited in TLR2-deficient mice and, in human platelets, by pretreatment with TLR2-blocking antibody. Stimulation of platelet TLR2 also increased P-selectin surface expression, activation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3), generation of reactive oxygen species, and, in human whole blood, formation of platelet-neutrophil heterotypic aggregates. TLR2 stimulation also activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt signaling pathway in platelets, and inhibition of PI3-K significantly reduced Pam(3)CSK4-induced platelet responses. In vivo challenge with live Porphyromonas gingivalis, a Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium that uses TLR2 for innate immune signaling, also induced significant formation of platelet-neutrophil aggregates in wild-type but not TLR2-deficient mice. Together, these data provide the first demonstration that human platelets express functional TLR2 capable of recognizing bacterial components and activating the platelet thrombotic and/or inflammatory pathways. This work substantiates the role of platelets in the immune and inflammatory response and suggests a mechanism by which bacteria could directly activate platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Price Blair
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Evans Department of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118-2526, USA.
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11
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Abstract
Clinically, aspirin resistance is defined as the failure of aspirin therapy to prevent an acute vascular thrombotic event despite regular intake of appropriate doses. In the laboratory, aspirin resistance encompasses the drug's failure to attain a particular level of platelet inhibition. From a clinical standpoint, the inability of aspirin to prevent a thrombotic event, despite appropriate cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition, implies the involvement of other factors. Evidence is emerging that aspirin resistance, as defined by residual platelet activity, merely reflects an individual's enhanced basal platelet function and suggests a hereditary component. Due to the multifactorial nature of cardiovascular disease, it is likely that a single therapy like aspirin cannot fully treat and prevent all thrombotic complications in the setting of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Price Blair
- Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W507, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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12
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Vanichakarn P, Blair P, Wu C, Freedman JE, Chakrabarti S. Neutrophil CD40 enhances platelet-mediated inflammation. Thromb Res 2008; 122:346-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2007.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2007] [Revised: 11/30/2007] [Accepted: 12/17/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Ligation of CD40 in circulating cells or in the vessel wall may promote mononuclear cell recruitment, participate in the weakening of the plaque, and contribute to thrombosis. This process appears to be redox-sensitive, but the precise signaling mechanism by which the interaction between CD40L and its receptor CD40 mediates inflammatory secretion is unclear. Our previous studies have shown that the CD40-CD40L interaction modulates release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the current findings demonstrate that in endothelial cells CD40L dose dependently induces intracellular CD40L and MCP1 release in a redox sensitive manner. Pharmacological inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and p38 MAPK as well as adenovirus-mediated inactivation of Akt and p38 MAPK inhibited CD40L effects on endothelial cells. Akt, in particular, appeared to mediate CD40L-induced CD40L synthesis and MCP1 release by endothelial cells in a redox sensitive manner via NFkappaB activation. In addition, using confocal microscopy, exogenous addition of recombinant CD40L or adenoviral mediated CD40L overexpression was found to stimulate nuclear translocation of NFkappaB, which was further augmented by Akt overexpression and inhibited by Akt inactivation. These data support a mechanism whereby redox-sensitive CD40-CD40L interactions induce activation of Akt and p38 MAPK, leading to stimulation of NFkappaB and enhanced synthesis of CD40L and MCP1. Increased CD40L and MCP1 may contribute to the adherence of CD40-positive cells, such as platelets and monocytes, to the vessel wall modulating atherothrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Chakrabarti
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute and Evans Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118.
| | - Price Blair
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute and Evans Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Jane E Freedman
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute and Evans Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the contribution of postnatal factors to failure to thrive in infancy. METHODS 11 900 infants from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), born at 37-41 weeks' gestation, without major malformations and with a complete set of weight measurements in infancy (83% of the original ALSPAC birth cohort) were studied. Conditional weight gain was calculated for the periods from birth to 8 weeks and 8 weeks to 9 months. Cases of growth faltering were defined as those infants with a conditional weight gain below the 5th centile. RESULTS Analysis yielded 528 cases of growth faltering from birth to 8 weeks and 495 cases from 8 weeks to 9 months. In multivariable analysis, maternal factors predicting poor infant growth were height <160 cm and age >32 years. Growth faltering between birth and 8 weeks was associated with infant sucking problems regardless of the type of milk, and with infant illness. After 8 weeks of age, the most important postnatal influences on growth were the efficiency of feeding, the ability to successfully take solids and the duration of breast feeding. CONCLUSIONS The most important postnatal factors associated with growth faltering are the type and efficiency of feeding: no associations were found with social class or parental education. In the first 8 weeks of life, weak sucking is the most important symptom for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. After 8 weeks, the duration of breast feeding, the quantity of milk taken and difficulties in weaning are the most important influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Emond
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Community-Based Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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15
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Abstract
Scientific controversy and media hype in unexpected infant deaths
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fleming
- University of Bristol, UBHT Education Centre, Upper Maudlin St, Bristol BS2 8AE, UK.
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16
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Iafrati MD, Vitseva O, Tanriverdi K, Blair P, Rex S, Chakrabarti S, Varghese S, Freedman JE. Compensatory mechanisms influence hemostasis in setting of eNOS deficiency. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2004; 288:H1627-32. [PMID: 15563534 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00819.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The balance between thrombosis and hemorrhage is carefully regulated. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of these processes, as it prevents platelet adhesion to the endothelium and inhibits platelet recruitment. Although endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)-deficient mice have decreased vascular reactivity and mild hypertension, enhanced thrombosis in vivo has not been demonstrated. To determine the role of endogenous NO in hemostasis, a model of carotid arterial injury and thrombosis was performed using eNOS-deficient and wild-type mice. Paradoxically, the eNOS-deficient animals had a prolongation of time to occlusion compared with the wild-type mice (P < 0.001). Consistent with this finding, plasma markers suggesting enhanced fibrinolysis [tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity and antigen and D-dimer levels] were significantly elevated in eNOS-deficient animals. Vascular tissue expression of t-PA and platelet activity levels were not altered. In endothelial cells, t-PA is stored in Weibel-Palade bodies, and exocytosis of these storage granules is inhibited by NO. Thus in the absence of NO, release of Weibel-Palade body contents (and t-PA) could be enhanced; this observation is also supported by increased von Willebrand factor levels observed in eNOS-deficient animals. In summary, although eNOS deficiency attenuates vascular reactivity and increases platelet recruitment, it is also associated with enhanced fibrinolysis due to lack of NO-dependent inhibition of Weibel-Palade body release. These processes highlight the complexity of NO-dependent regulation of vascular homeostasis. Such compensatory mechanisms may partially explain the lack of spontaneous thrombosis, minimally elevated baseline blood pressure, and normal life span that are seen in animals deficient in a pivotal regulator of vascular patency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Iafrati
- Tufts-New England Medical Center, 750 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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17
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Kanangat S, Blair P, Reddy R, Daheshia M, Godrey V, Rouse BT, Wilkinson E. Correction: Disease in the scurfy (sf) mouse is associated with overexpression of cytokine genesDisease in the scurfy (sf) mouse is associated with overexpression of cytokine genes (Eur. J. Immunol. 7/2003). Eur J Immunol 2003. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.200390035] [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: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
In recent years the study of infant care practices within the sleeping environment has proved to be the single most important set of observations for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). To further reduce the number of deaths and resolve the debate on safe infant care practice, a closer scrutiny of this environment is required. However, anecdotal observation from uncontrolled death-scene investigations and a reluctance to diagnose SIDS because of adverse social conditions or circumstantial evidence at the time of death is undermining future research. To investigate SIDS now means investigating the wider umbrella of all Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy (SUDI) because of the potential for misdiagnosis. In trying to find out why SIDS infants die we have increasingly been forced to search for why infants survive in the first few months of life and it is this comparative component of epidemiological observation that has saved so many lives. A death-scene investigation is vital to any planned future investigation of SIDS but equally essential is a sleep-scene investigation of surviving infants to put any findings into context. SIDS infants are no longer scattered across the social strata and the cot is not the only environment in which they are found, social deprivation and use of the parental bed are now more discernable. Future studies should therefore reflect these changes with a second control group of surviving infants more closely matched to the type of environment in which SIDS infants might be found.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blair
- Institute of Child Health, Education Centre, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, UK.
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19
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Chute JP, Saini A, Wells M, Clark W, Wu A, St Louis D, Blair P, Harlan D, Kaushal S. Preincubation with endothelial cell monolayers increases gene transfer efficiency into human bone marrow CD34(+)CD38(-) progenitor cells. Hum Gene Ther 2000; 11:2515-28. [PMID: 11119422 DOI: 10.1089/10430340050207993] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviral gene transfer studies targeting bone marrow CD34(+)CD38(-) stem cells have been disappointing because of the rarity of these cells, their G(0) cell cycle status, and their low or absent expression of surface retroviral receptors. In this study, we examined whether preincubation of bone marrow CD34(+)CD38(-) stem cells with a hematopoietically supportive porcine microvascular endothelial cell line (PMVECs) could impact the cell cycle status and expression of retroviral receptors in pluripotent CD34+CD38- cells and the efficiency of gene transfer into these primitive target cells. PMVEC coculture supplemented with GM-CSF + IL-3 + IL-6 + SCF + Flt-3 ligand induced >93% of the CD34(+)CD38(-) population to enter the G(1) or G(2)/S/M phase while increasing this population from 1.4% on day 0 to 6.5% of the total population by day 5. Liquid cultures supplemented with the identical cytokines induced 73% of the CD34(+)CD38(-) population into cell cycle but did not maintain cells with the CD34(+)CD38(-) phenotype over time. We found no significant increase in the levels of AmphoR or GaLVR mRNA in PMVEC-expanded CD34(+)CD38(-) cells after coculture. Despite this, the efficiency of gene transfer using either amphotropic vector (PA317) or GaLV vector (PG13) was significantly greater in PMVEC-expanded CD34(+)CD38(-) cells (11.4 +/- 5.6 and 10.9 +/- 5.2%, respectively) than in either steady state bone marrow CD34(+)CD38(-) cells (0.6 +/- 1.7 and 0.2 +/- 0.6%, respectively; p < 0.01 and p < 0.01) or liquid culture-expanded CD34(+)CD38(-) cells (1.4 +/- 3.5 and 0.0%, respectively; p < 0.01 and p < 0.01). Since PMVEC coculture induces a high level of cell cycling in human bone marrow CD34(+)CD38(-) cells and expands hematopoietic cells capable of in vivo repopulation, this system offers potential advantages for application in clinical gene therapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Chute
- NIDDK-Navy Transplantation and Autoimmunity Branch, Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA.
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Pollard K, Fleming P, Young J, Sawczenko A, Blair P. Night-time non-nutritive sucking in infants aged 1 to 5 months: relationship with infant state, breastfeeding, and bed-sharing versus room-sharing. Early Hum Dev 1999; 56:185-204. [PMID: 10636597 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-3782(99)00045-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Epidemiological studies suggest that pacifier use may be protective against SIDS but little is known of the relationship between pacifier use and other forms of non-nutritive sucking (NNS) in infancy, or of patterns of NNS during the night, when most SIDS deaths occur. We report the first longitudinal study of NNS by direct overnight observations in healthy infants in a sleep laboratory. METHODS Healthy, breast fed term infants (n = 10) were enrolled at birth, and sequential overnight polygraphic and infrared video recordings of infants with their mothers performed at monthly intervals from 1 to 5 months. Each month, mother baby pairs were randomized to 1 night bed-sharing (BN) then 1 room-sharing (RN), or vice versa. 'Episodes' of pacifier, own digit and mother's digit sucking (> 1 min) were identified and compared with state-matched control periods without sucking or feeding before and after each such episode. RESULTS 329 episodes of NNS were identified in 749 h of video recording. The prevalence of pacifier sucking decreased with age, whilst digit sucking increased. Routine pacifier users rarely sucked their digits. There were temporal differences throughout the night in the distribution of different types of sucking and in infant state during and around sucking episodes. Sleeping in the 'non-routine' location was associated with a larger percentage of nights with sucking episodes and increased sleep latency. Bed sharing (routinely or on a given night) was associated with less sucking behavior and more breastfeeding. Non-nutritive sucking was not, however, associated with decreased total time breastfeeding per night or number of feeds per night. CONCLUSION Patterns of NNS during the night change with age and are affected by maternal proximity. Digit sucking has state modulating effects, and may be suppressed by pacifier use. Thus any benefits of pacifier use must be set against the potential loss of a self-directed ability to modulate state during the night, and possible shortening of breastfeeding duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Pollard
- Institute of Child Health, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Bristol, UK
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21
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Mora LB, Moscinski LC, Diaz JI, Blair P, Cantor AB, Pow-Sang JM. Stage B Prostate Cancer: Correlation of DNA Ploidy Analysis With Histological and Clinical Parameters. Cancer Control 1999; 6:587-591. [PMID: 10756390 DOI: 10.1177/107327489900600605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The ability to accurately predict tumor behavior and patient survival is a problem in managing patients with prostate cancer. Prognostic variables in predicting death from tumor include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, histological grade, and clinical stage. Observer subjectivity is inherent in determining grade and stage; thus, criteria that are more objective are needed to identify patients for appropriate treatment. METHODS: The authors correlated flow cytometric nuclear DNA ploidy with Gleason score, PSA level, and recurrence risk in patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy between 1987 and 1993 for histopathologic stage B prostate cancer (T2, N0, M0). RESULTS: Of the tumors analyzed, 64% were DNA diploid with a low proliferative fraction, 25% were DNA diploid with a high proliferative fraction, and 11% were DNA aneuploid. DNA aneuploidy was associated with high Gleason grade (7-10). All Gleason grade 10 tumors were DNA aneuploid. Both DNA aneuploidy and high proliferative fraction (S+G2M) were statistically correlated with high Gleason grade and adverse prognosis but not with PSA level or patient age. CONCLUSIONS: A direct relationship is shown between both DNA aneuploidy and a high proliferation index with aggressive biological behavior in stage B prostatic cancer. Objective tumor criteria are needed to choose treatment more selectively for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- LB Mora
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the 49-item Diabetes Time Management Questionnaire (DTMQ) in individuals with diabetes. The DTMQ was designed to assess general time management skills and those specifically relevant to compliance to a diabetes healthcare regimen. METHODS Participants completed the DTMQ; the Habits, Attitudes, and Knowledge Questionnaire of Diabetic Compliance (HAK); and the Diabetes Knowledge Schedule (DKS) to provide two indices of construct validity of the DTMQ. Three HAK items related to time management skills (HAK-TM) provided an index of concurrent criterion-related validity for the DTMQ. RESULTS Test-retest stability reliability results were significant for DTMQ total and individual item scores. Concurrent criterion-related validity of the DTMQ was supported by a significant correlation with the HAK-TM items. Construct validity of the DTMQ was partly supported by significant correlations with the DKS and two HAK items measuring diet and exercise compliance. CONCLUSIONS The results support the use of the DTMQ to assess the time management skills of individuals with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C T Gafarian
- The Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu (Ms Gafarian, Dr Heiby, and Mr Blair)
| | - E M Heiby
- The Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu (Ms Gafarian, Dr Heiby, and Mr Blair)
| | - P Blair
- The Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu (Ms Gafarian, Dr Heiby, and Mr Blair)
| | - F Singer
- The Straub Diabetes Center of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii (Dr Singer)
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Barton IM, Blair P, Taghizadeh MR. Diffractive phase elements for pattern formation: phase-encoding geometry considerations. Appl Opt 1997; 36:9132-9137. [PMID: 18264470 DOI: 10.1364/ao.36.009132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Space-invariant, multilevel, diffractive phase elements are designed for large-scale pattern-formation tasks. The importance of the design algorithm and the phase-encoding geometry of the diffractive element is discussed with regard to the performance of both on- and off-axis reconstruction, notably for pixelated gratings. A new phase-encoding scheme is presented that results in an increase of the diffraction efficiency for the off-axis case.
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Blair P, Fleming P, Smith I. Case-control study of sudden infant death syndrome in Scotland. Income level or bed sharing would confound any effect of previous use of mattress. BMJ 1997; 315:812; author reply 813. [PMID: 9345183 PMCID: PMC2127553] [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: 02/05/2023]
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25
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Blair P, Fleming P, Smith I, Draper G, Holland W, Carroll-Pankhurst C, Jr EAM, Brooke H, Gibson A, Tappin D, Brown H. Case-control study of sudden infant death syndrome in Scotland. West J Med 1997. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.315.7111.812a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Barton I, Blair P, Taghizadeh MR. Dual-wavelength operation diffractive phase elements for pattern formation. Opt Express 1997; 1:54-59. [PMID: 19373380 DOI: 10.1364/oe.1.000054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We report on the design and fabrication of novel diffractive phase elements that reconstruct distinct intensity patterns in the far-field on illumination with two specific wavelengths. The elements contain deep surface-relief structures that represent phase-delays of greater than 2p radians. The design process incorporates a modified version of the iterative Fourier transform algorithm. A 16 phase-level element for dual wavelength (blue and red) operation, with high diffraction efficiency, is demonstrated experimentally.
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Blair P, Lüpken H, Taghizadeh MR, Wyrowski F. Multilevel phase-only array generators with a trapezoidal phase topology. Appl Opt 1997; 36:4713-4721. [PMID: 18259269 DOI: 10.1364/ao.36.004713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of a two-stage design process for the design of diffractive optical elements for array illumination is described. Results are presented for on-axis two-dimensional array illuminators for which this method is used. The final designs are theoretically within 5% of the calculated diffraction efficiency upper bound, and theoretical signal reconstruction error is below 1%. Experimental verification of the design theory is given, with experimental diffraction efficiencies within 4% of design values and signal reconstruction error below 6%.
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28
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Barrett CP, Blair P, Buller GS, Neilson DT, Robertson B, Smith EC, Taghizadeh MR, Walker AC. Components for the implementation of free-space optical crossbars. Appl Opt 1996; 35:6934-6944. [PMID: 21151291 DOI: 10.1364/ao.35.006934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We describe an optical system developed to form the basis of a 64 × 64 free-space optical matrix-matrix crossbar switch. The design and performance of each of the main optical components is discussed: lenses, diffractive optical elements, and polarizing beamsplitters, together with the optomechanical hardware design. For these components, throughput levels of -6.9 dB have been achieved, which is compatible with full system operation at 10(-12) bit error rates at ≥270 Mbits s(-1).
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Abstract
Bereaved parents' perceptions of care after the sudden, unexpected death of their child (from 1 week to 12 years), and the care that was or could be offered by statutory and voluntary agencies, was assessed in 11 health districts in seven regions of England and Wales. In these 11 districts, 185 families were identified who met the criteria of the study. Permission to contact these families was given by only 72 general practitioners. Of these, 42 families responded (58%). Sudden infant death syndrome accounted for 43% of the deaths. The results from postal questionnaires sent to both parents showed that hospital care was perceived as good on the whole, although parents would like more choices. Most parents felt that community care was inadequate, leaving many feeling isolated. In contrast, questionnaires from health visitors and general practitioners in the same health districts showed that they believed that they were the most appropriate professionals to give follow up care, but as there were few policies to guide them and little training provided, felt unable to offer support.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dent
- Department of Child Health, St Michael's Hospital, Bristol
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30
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Kanangat S, Blair P, Reddy R, Daheshia M, Godfrey V, Rouse BT, Wilkinson E, Deheshia M. Disease in the scurfy (sf) mouse is associated with overexpression of cytokine genes. Eur J Immunol 1996; 26:161-5. [PMID: 8566060 DOI: 10.1002/eji.1830260125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The murine X-linked lymphoproliferative disease scurfy is similar to the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome in humans. Disease in scurfy (sf) mice is mediated by CD4+ T cells. Based on similarities in scurfy mice and transgenic mice that overexpress specific cytokine genes, we evaluated the expression of cytokines in the lesions of sf mice by Northern blotting, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by hybridization in situ. Overall, the phenotypic characteristics of scurfy disease correlated well with increased interleukin (IL)-4 (lymphadenopathy), IL-6 (B cell proliferation, hypergammaglobulinemia), IL-7 (dermal inflammatory cell infiltration), and high levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (wasting).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kanangat
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37996, USA
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31
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Derry JM, Wiedemann P, Blair P, Wang Y, Kerns JA, Lemahieu V, Godfrey VL, Wilkinson JE, Francke U. The mouse homolog of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) gene is highly conserved and maps near the scurfy (sf) mutation on the X chromosome. Genomics 1995; 29:471-7. [PMID: 8666397 DOI: 10.1006/geno.1995.9979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The mouse WASP gene, the homolog of the gene mutated in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, has been isolated and sequenced. the predicted amino acid sequence is 86% identical to the human WASP sequence. A distinct feature of the mouse gene is an expanded polymorphic GGA trinucleotide repeat that codes for polyglycine and varies from 15 to 17 triplets in different Mus musculus strains. The genomic structure of the mouse WASP gene is expressed as an approximately 2.4-kb mRNA in thymus and spleen. Chromosomal mapping in an interspecific M. Musculus/M. spretus backcross placed the Wasp locus near the centromere of the mouse X chromosome, inseparable from Gata1, Tcfe3, and scurfy (sf). This localization makes Wasp a candidate for involvement in scurfy, a T cell-mediated fatal lymphoreticular disease of mice that has previously been proposed as a mouse homolog of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Northern analysis of sf tissue samples indicated the presence of WASP mRNA in liver and skin, presumably as a consequence of lymphocytic infiltration, but non abnormalities in the amount or size of mRNA present.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Derry
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University Medical Center, California 94305, USA
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32
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Blair P, Taghizadeh MR, Parkes W, Wilkinson CD. High-efficiency binary fan-out gratings by modulation of a high-frequency carrier grating. Appl Opt 1995; 34:2406-2413. [PMID: 21052374 DOI: 10.1364/ao.34.002406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A modulation scheme that uses pulse-position modulation of a high-frequency binary grating to increase the diffraction efficiency of the elements is presented. These elements are designed and fabricated with both one- and two-dimensional signals for operation in transmission or reflection modes in the visible and the infrared regions of the spectrum. A direct electron-beam lithography fabrication process capable of realizing features of ∼280 nm with a resolution of 15 nm is described in detail. Experimental results show that diffraction efficiencies of >80% are attainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blair
- Pharmacia Biotech, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Ramanujan R, Anhalt M, Blair P, Burdick B. Stabilization of nucleic acids in whole blood: an alternative to Guthrie cards. Biotechniques 1993; 15:825-8. [PMID: 8267972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R Ramanujan
- Pharmacia P-L Biochemicals, Milwaukee, WI 53202
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Turunen J, Blair P, Miller JM, Taghizadeh MR, Noponen E. Bragg holograms with binary synthetic surface-relief profile. Opt Lett 1993; 18:1022-1024. [PMID: 19823279 DOI: 10.1364/ol.18.001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic pulse-position-modulated binary surface-relief elements with subwavelength transverse features are designed by using a combination of scalar and rigorous electromagnetic diffraction theories. Theoretically, both reflection- and transmission-type elements achieve nearly 100% diffraction efficiency at Bragg incidence. Using direct-write electron-beam lithography and reactive ion etching, we demonstrate a reflective binary Bragg-type multiple beam splitter for operation at lambda = 1.064 microm.
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Brannigan A, Williams NN, Grahn M, Williams NS, Fitzpatrick JM, O’Connell PR, Soong CV, Blair P, Halliday MI, Hood JM, Rowlands BJ, D’sa AABB, Cahill RJ, Beattie S, Hamilton H, O’Morain C, Kelly SJ, O’Malley KE, Stack WA, O’Donoghue D, Baird AW, Cronin KJ, Kerin MJ, Crowe J, MacMathuna P, Lennon J, Gorey TF, Chua A, O’Kane V, Dinan TG, Keeling PWN, Mulligan E, Cronin KL, Dervan P, Ireland A, Murphy D, O’Sullivan G, Ryan E, Kelly P, Gilvarry J, Sant S, Fan XJ, Chua A, Shahi CN, O’Connell M, Weir DG, Kelleher D, McDevitt J, O’Donoghue JM, Horgan PG, Byrne WJ, McGuire M, Given HF, Daw MA, Kavanagh P, O’Mahony P, Joy T, Gleeson F, Mullan A, Gibney M, Mannion A, Stevens FM, McCarthy CF, Killeen AA, Murchan PM, Reynolds JV, Leonard N, Marks P, Keane FBV, Tanner WA, O’Connell MA, Corridan B, Collins R, Shannon R, Cahill R, Joyce WP, Goggin M, O’Donoghue D, Hyland J, Traynor O, Qureshi A, DaCosta M, Brindley N, Burke P, Grace P, Bouchier-Hayes D, Leahy AL, Courtney G, Osbome H, O’Donovan N, O’Donoghue M, Collins JK, Morrissey D, McCarthy JE, Redmond HP, Hill ADK, Grace PA, Naama H, Austin OM, Bouchier-Hayes DM, Daly JM, Mulligan E, Fitzpatrick JM, Breslin D, Delaney CP, O’Sullivan ST, O’Sullivan GC, Kirwan WO, Weir CD, McGrath LT, Maynard S, Anderson NH, Halliday MI, D’sa AABB, Gokulan C, O’Gorman TA, Breshihan E, Lam PY, Skehill R, Grimes H, McKeever JA, Stokes MA, Mehigan D, Keaveny TV, Meehan J, Molloy A, Q’Farrelly C, Scott J, Dudeney MS, Leahy A, Grace. PA, McEntee G, Hcaton ND, Douglas V, Mondragon R, O’Grady J, Williams R, Tan KC, Xia HX, Keane CT, O’Morain CA, O’Mahony A, O’Sullivan GC, Corbett A, O’Mahony A, Ireland A, Harte P, Mulcahy H, Patchett S, Stack W, Gallagher M, Connolly K, Doyle J, Flynn JR, Maher M, Hehir D, Horgan A, Stuart R, Brady MP, Johnston PW, Johnston BT, Collins BJ, Collins JSA, Love AHG, Marshall SG, Parks TG, Spence RAJ, O’Connor HJ, Cunnane K, Duggan M, MacMalhuna P, Delaney CP, Kerin M, Gorey TF, Attwood SEA, Viani L, Jeffers M, Walsh TN, Byrne PJ, Frazer I, Hennessy TPJ, Hill GL, Dickey W, McMillan SA, Bharucha C, Porter KG, Rolfe H, Thornton J, Attwood SEA, Coleman J, Stephens RB, Hone S, Holmes K, Kelly IP, Corrigan TP, McCrory D, McCaigue M, Barclay GR, Stack WA, Quirke M, Hegarty JE, O’Donoghue DP, O’Hanlon D, Byrne J. Irish society of gastroenterology. Ir J Med Sci 1992. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02942367] [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: 12/01/2022]
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Blair P, Rowlands BJ, Webb H, Lowry K. Selective decontamination of the digestive tract. N Engl J Med 1992; 327:361-2; author reply 362-3. [PMID: 1620185] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Blair P, Rowlands BJ, Lowry K, Webb H, Armstrong P, Smilie J. Selective decontamination of the digestive tract: a stratified, randomized, prospective study in a mixed intensive care unit. Surgery 1991; 110:303-9; discussion 309-10. [PMID: 1650036] [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: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) (polymyxin, amphotericin, tobramycin, and intravenous cefotaxime) in a mixed intensive care unit, we performed a stratified, randomized, prospective study. The 331 patients were recruited over an 18-month period, with 256 patients remaining more than 48 hours. Stratification by acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) preceded randomization to control (standard antibiotic therapy) or treatment (SDD) groups. Nosocomial infection was significantly reduced in the SDD group (16.7%; 21 of 126 patients) compared with the control group (30.8%; 40 of 130 patients; p = 0.008). No difference was found in overall mortality rate or length of stay between the two groups. Those patients with admission APACHE II scores 10 to 19 demonstrated the most significant reduction in nosocomial infection (23 of 70 control vs 13 of 76 SDD; p = 0.03) and mortality (15 of 70 control vs 8 of 76 SDD; p = 0.07). Emergence of multiresistant microorganisms was not a clinical problem, but a definite change occurred in the ecology of environmental and colonizing bacteria. With the exception of cefotaxime, a reduction was noted in systemic antibiotic usage in the SDD group. We conclude that SDD is useful in selected patients in a mixed intensive care unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blair
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Abstract
In an effort to label very early erythrocyte and lymphocyte populations and to follow their fate in normally developing postmetamorphic frogs and goitrogen-treated permanent larvae, diploid (2N) and triploid (3N) ventral blood island (VBI) mesoderm was exchanged between neurula stage embryos (about 16-22 hr old). Beginning at 15 days of age, half of the 2N or 3N hosts were treated with sodium perchlorate to prevent thyroxine-induced developmental changes. At larval stages 55-59 (41-48 days) and at 1-2 months postmetamorphosis (110-120 days), the untreated control chimeras and age-matched perchlorate-treated chimeras were killed for analysis of the VBI contribution to blood, spleen, and thymus populations by flow cytometry. The data suggest that grafting of ventral blood island mesoderm is an effective way to label an early larval erythrocyte population that declines after metamorphosis. In perchlorate-blocked permanent larvae this early VBI-derived erythrocyte population persists. In contrast, grafting of VBI mesoderm was less useful as a method to label a larvally distinct lymphocyte population in the thymus and spleen. At the late larval stages that we examined, the proportion of VBI-derived cells in thymus and spleen was not different from that observed after metamorphosis. Inhibition of metamorphosis interfered with the thymocyte expansion that normally occurs after metamorphosis, but the proportion of VBI-derived cells in thymus and spleen was not affected. This suggests that lymphopoiesis occurring in late larval life and after metamorphosis uses a stable persisting population of VBI-derived stem cells as well as dorsally derived stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Rollins-Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
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Rosenthal GJ, Stranahan RP, Thompson M, Blair P, Germolec DR, Comment CE, Schwab K, Luster MI. Organ-specific hematopoietic changes induced by a recombinant human interferon-alpha in mice. Fundam Appl Toxicol 1990; 14:666-75. [PMID: 2361570 DOI: 10.1016/0272-0590(90)90292-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is a naturally occurring cytokine that mediates numerous biological activities and has demonstrated therapeutic potential in a variety of malignancies. Encouraging activity against HIV-1 replication has also been observed with IFN-alpha in the treatment of AIDS, although hematotoxicity has been a frequently observed side effect. In addition, in vitro studies have suggested that IFN-alpha may function as a down-regulator of myelopoiesis. A recombinant hybrid of subtypes of human IFN-alpha, rHuIFN-alpha A/D, has antiviral activity in murine cells in vitro and in vivo. This study examines the effect of acute and subchronic exposure to rHuIFN-alpha A/D on hemopoietic and immune parameters in C57Bl/6 mice. IFN-alpha was administered ip at 0, 1000, 10,000, and 100,000 units/day for either 1 or 10 consecutive days. Many of the known effects of IFN-alpha in humans such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were observed in mice following subchronic exposure, with the latter two effects also manifested following acute exposure. Further analysis showed that this leukopenia was not selective. Both splenic and bone marrow cells were examined following 10 days of dosing with the high dose of IFN-alpha. Lymphocytes were reduced in both compartments, while granulocytes were increased in both compartments. Bone marrow cells programmed to differentiate into granulocytes (CFU-G) were suppressed, while macrophage progenitors (CFU-M) were stimulated. Erythroid cells decreased in the marrow but increased in the spleen, suggesting that the microenvironment may play a significant role in the effect of IFN-alpha. The proliferative capacity of both B and T splenic lymphocytes was significantly suppressed in a dose-related fashion following multiple exposure to IFN-alpha. Clinically, IFN-alpha is most often given in multiple doses and the present data suggest that such a regimen is toxic to both erythroid and myeloid cells, as well as being immunotoxic to splenic B and T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Rosenthal
- Systemic Toxicology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
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Rollins-Smith LA, Blair P. Expression of class II major histocompatibility complex antigens on adult T cells in Xenopus is metamorphosis-dependent. Dev Immunol 1990; 1:97-104. [PMID: 1967017 PMCID: PMC2275827 DOI: 10.1155/1990/25197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens are expressed predominantly on B lymphocytes and macrophages of tadpoles of the South African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, as is the pattern in lymphocyte populations of most mammals. However, unlike most mammals, young postmetamorphic frogs show expression of class II MHC antigens on a high proportion of thymocytes and most peripheral T and B lymphocytes. Using the J-strain of Xenopus and the anticlass II monoclonal antibody, 14A2, we have studied, by indirect immunofluorescence, whether inhibition of metamorphosis would alter the pattern of expression of class II antigens during ontogeny. In control animals, class II antigens were virtually absent from thymic lymphocytes and peripheral T cells of normal untreated larvae, but could be found in increasing numbers in both populations after metamorphosis (10-12 weeks of age). In contrast, larvae, whose metamorphosis was inhibited by treatment with sodium perchlorate, had relatively few class II+ thymic lymphocytes throughout the 6-month period of study, and the proportion of class II+ splenic lymphocytes was approximately equal to that of IgM+ B lymphocytes. Thus, perchlorate-treated animals retained the larval pattern of class II expression, suggesting that emergence of class II+ T cells is dependent on metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Rollins-Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
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Guth PS, Risey J, Briner W, Blair P, Reed HT, Bryant G, Norris C, Housley G, Miller R. Evaluation of amino-oxyacetic acid as a palliative in tinnitus. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1990; 99:74-9. [PMID: 1688487 DOI: 10.1177/000348949009900113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Amino-oxyacetic acid (AOAA) was evaluated as a palliative in tinnitus. Sixty-six patients with tinnitus presumed to be of cochlear origin were given either a placebo or 75 mg of AOAA four times a day for 1 week. Response was evaluated by both audiometric measurement of tinnitus loudness and subjective rating by patients of change or no change in tinnitus severity. Because loudness measurements and self-rating have not been shown to be independent, and since the aim of clinical treatment of tinnitus is the alleviation of subjective distress, greater weight was given to the patient's self-rating. A total of 21% of all patients reported a subjective decrease in tinnitus severity, usually within 3 to 4 days after the start of AOAA use. Patients with tinnitus caused by presbycusis or Meniere's disease were the most likely to respond to AOAA treatment with a reduction in tinnitus severity, whereas those with drug-induced tinnitus were the least likely to respond. Nausea and dysequilibrium were the most common side effects of AOAA use. Of the 21% of patients who responded to AOAA, 71% developed some type of side effect. Amino-oxyacetic acid produces a reduction in the severity of tinnitus in about 20% of patients; however, the incidence of side effects makes the drug unacceptable for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Guth
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
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Germolec DR, Yang RS, Ackermann MF, Rosenthal GJ, Boorman GA, Blair P, Luster MI. Toxicology studies of a chemical mixture of 25 groundwater contaminants. II. Immunosuppression in B6C3F1 mice. Fundam Appl Toxicol 1989; 13:377-87. [PMID: 2515087 DOI: 10.1016/0272-0590(89)90275-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Concern over the potential adverse health effects of chemically contaminated groundwater has existed for many years. In general, these studies have focused on retrospective epidemiological studies for cancer risk. In the present studies, immune function was monitored in female B6C3F1 mice exposed to a chemical mixture in drinking water for either 14 or 90 days. The mixture consisted of 25 common groundwater contaminants frequently found near toxic waste dumps, as determined by EPA surveys. None of the animals developed overt signs of toxicity such as body or liver weight changes. Mice exposed to the highest dose of this mixture for 14 or 90 days showed immune function changes which could be related to rapidly proliferating cells, including suppression of hematopoietic stem cells and of antigen-induced antibody-forming cells. Some of these responses, e.g., granulocyte-macrophage colony formation, were also suppressed at lower concentrations of the chemical mixture. There were no effects on T cell function or T and B cell numbers in any of the treatment groups. Altered resistance to challenge with an infectious agent also occurred in mice given the highest concentration, which correlated with the immune function changes. Paired-water studies indicated that the immune effects were related to chemical exposure and not to decreased water intake. These results suggest that long-term exposure to contaminated groundwater may represent a risk to the immune system in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Germolec
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology Program, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
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Cashdollar LW, Blair P, Van Dyne S. Identification of the sigma 1S protein in reovirus serotype 2-infected cells with antibody prepared against a bacterial fusion protein. Virology 1989; 168:183-6. [PMID: 2642627 DOI: 10.1016/0042-6822(89)90420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A bacterial expression vector, pATH 3, was used to produce high levels of a fusion protein composed of a portion of the trpE protein of Escherichia coli and the putative sigma 1S coding region from the S1 gene of reovirus serotype 2. The fusion protein was purified and injected into rabbits to prepare antisera. This antibody was able to detect sigma 1S being synthesized in L929 cells infected with reovirus serotype 2 by means of immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting techniques. The peak of sigma 1S accumulation in type 2-infected cells was shown to occur approximately 20 hr after infection. This report represents the first description of sigma 1S production in reovirus serotype 2-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- L W Cashdollar
- Department of Microbiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226
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Mentz HA, Graham HD, Blair P. Lymphangioma of the neck in infants and children. J La State Med Soc 1988; 140:13-5. [PMID: 3351492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Blair P, Grahame R, Wood PH. The Practitioner rheumatology survey: an analysis. Practitioner 1987; 231:969-72. [PMID: 3502492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Blair P. Why the waste? Nurs Focus 1984; 5:4. [PMID: 6566040] [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: 04/05/2023]
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Blair P. Where they crawl in and skip out. Health Soc Serv J 1983; 93:932-3. [PMID: 10263758] [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: 04/13/2023]
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Blair P. Integrating a stores service for two masters... Health Soc Serv J 1979; 89:732-3. [PMID: 10243010] [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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