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Nahmani J, Hodson ME, Black S. Effects of metals on life cycle parameters of the earthworm Eisenia fetida exposed to field-contaminated, metal-polluted soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2007; 149:44-58. [PMID: 17316938 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2006] [Revised: 12/12/2006] [Accepted: 12/15/2006] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Two control and eight field-contaminated, metal-polluted soils were inoculated with Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826). Three, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after inoculation, earthworm survival, body weight, cocoon production and hatching rate were measured. Seventeen metals were analysed in E. fetida tissue, bulk soil and soil solution. Soil organic carbon content, texture, pH and cation exchange capacity were also measured. Cocoon production and hatching rate were more sensitive to adverse conditions than survival or weight change. Soil properties other than metal concentration impacted toxicity. The most toxic soils were organic-poor (1-10 g C kg(-1)), sandy soils (c. 74% sand), with intermediate metal concentrations (e.g. 7150-13,100 mg Pb kg(-1), 2970-53,400 mg Zn kg(-1)). Significant relationships between soil properties and the life cycle parameters were determined. The best coefficients of correlation were generally found for texture, pH, Ag, Cd, Mg, Pb, Tl, and Zn both singularly and in multivariate regressions. Studies that use metal-amended artificial soils are not useful to predict toxicity of field multi-contaminated soils.
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Tevaarwerk A, Stewart JA, Love R, Binkley NC, Black S, Eickhoff J, Mulkerin DL. Randomized trial to assess bone mineral density (BMD) effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) in postmenopausal women (PmW) with breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2007. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.19558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
19558 Introduction: Osteoporotic fracture represents a major source of morbidity in PmW. Breast cancer patients can be at additional risk because of treatment related estrogen deprivation. The favorable effects of bisphosphonates in osteoporosis and potential reduction of metastases warrant evaluation of ZA in PmW at high risk for breast cancer relapse. We assessed whether ZA 4 mg IV every 12 weeks x 4 doses was associated with an increase in BMD. Secondary objectives included defining ZA’s toxicity profile in this setting, and assessing for differences in overall cancer relapse. Methods: PmW with node positive or stage III breast cancer diagnosed less than 5 years earlier were randomized to ZA or observation. BMD was assessed by dual energy xray absorptiometry (DXA) for all subjects at 0 and 12 months. A toxicity evaluation was performed pre- and post-treatment for patients receiving ZA. Study endpoint occurred when subjects completed the DXAs, had disease progression or declined further treatment. We calculated change in BMD between 0 and 12 months at the L1–4 spine and femur neck. Results: 66 women have enrolled since 2000; 49 women have completed DXAs at 0 and 12 months (observation 23, ZA 26). Median age was 52 (range 40–81 yr), median ECOG performance status was 0 (range 0–1), and most women received concurrent tamoxifen (observation 74%, ZA 61%). Over 12 months, L1–4 spine BMD decreased in the observation arm (-0.006 ± 0.034 g/cm2) and increased in the ZA arm (p<0.001; 0.050 ± 0.042 g/cm2). No significant BMD change occurred at the femur neck. Only three grade 3 events occurred (2 arthralgia, 1 myalgia). Side effects were mild and transient, but as frequent as 87% following dose 1. The most common side effects were fatigue, myalgia and arthralgia. No clinically significant changes in creatinine or calcium occurred. Osteonecrosis of the jaw was not observed. Of the 66 women enrolled, 7 have relapsed (observation 4, ZA 3) but time since diagnosis is less than 10 years for most patients. Conclusions: ZA administered every 12 weeks for 4 doses leads to a statistically and clinically significant change in BMD at the lumbar spine. Toxicity was mild but common. There are as yet no significant differences in cancer relapse. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Hardy R, Lawlor DA, Black S, Wadsworth MEJ, Kuh D. Number of children and coronary heart disease risk factors in men and women from a British birth cohort. BJOG 2007; 114:721-30. [PMID: 17516964 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01324.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between number of children and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in women and men. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Britain. SAMPLE A total of 2977 individuals (51% women) from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development, a birth cohort study of individuals born in Britain in 1946 and followed up regularly throughout life. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), total, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) measured at age of 53 years. RESULTS Number of children showed no consistent relationship with CHD risk factors at age 53 years in either men or women, and no obvious and consistent sex differences were observed. Mean BMI (95% CI) increased with increasing numbers of children (P = 0.01) in women from 27.4 kg/m2 (26.6-28.2) in those with one child to 28.6 kg/m2 (27.6-29.6) in those with four or more children. WHR and type II diabetes in women and HbA1C in men were the only other risk factors exhibiting a linearly increasing trend with increasing number of children. These associations were largely explained by adjustment for behavioural and lifestyle variables. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that any association between number of children and CHD risk factors is a result of lifestyle and behaviours associated with family life rather than being as result of the biological impact of pregnancy in women.
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Befera N, Rivard A, Gatlin D, Black S, Zhang J, Foker J. 13. J Surg Res 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2006.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Nahmani J, Hodson ME, Black S. A review of studies performed to assess metal uptake by earthworms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2007; 145:402-24. [PMID: 16815606 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2005] [Revised: 04/07/2006] [Accepted: 04/13/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Earthworms perform a number of essential functions in soil; the impacts of metals on earthworms are often investigated. In this review we consider the range of earthworm species, types of soil and forms of metal for which metal uptake and accumulation have been studied, the design of these experiments and the quantitative relationships that have been derived to predict earthworm metal body burden. We conclude that there is a need for more studies on earthworm species other than Eisenia fetida in order to apply the large existing database on this earthworm to other, soil dwelling species. To aid comparisons between studies agreement is needed on standard protocols that define exposure and depuration periods and the parameters, such as soil solution composition, soil chemical and physical properties to be measured. It is recommended that more field or terrestrial model ecosystem studies using real contaminated soil rather than metal-amended artificial soils are performed.
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Cooper R, Blell M, Hardy R, Black S, Pollard TM, Wadsworth MEJ, Pearce MS, Kuh D. Validity of age at menarche self-reported in adulthood. J Epidemiol Community Health 2006; 60:993-7. [PMID: 17053289 PMCID: PMC2465480 DOI: 10.1136/jech.2005.043182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the validity of age at menarche self-reported in adulthood and examine whether socioeconomic position, education, experience of gynaecological events and psychological symptoms influence the accuracy of recall. DESIGN Prospective birth cohort study. SETTING England, Scotland and Wales. PARTICIPANTS 1050 women from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development, with two measures of age at menarche, one recorded in adolescence and the other self-reported at age 48 years. RESULTS By calculating the limits of agreement, kappa statistic and Pearson's correlation coefficients (r), we found that the validity of age at menarche self-reported in middle age compared with that recorded in adolescence was moderate (kappa = 0.35, r = 0.66, n = 1050). Validity was improved by categorising age at menarche into three groups: early, normal and late (kappa = 0.43). Agreement was influenced by educational level and having had a stillbirth or miscarriage. CONCLUSIONS The level of validity shown in this study throws some doubt on whether it is justifiable to use age at menarche self-reported in middle age. It is likely to introduce error and bias, and researchers should be aware of these limitations and use such measures with caution.
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Black S. A theory on the origin of life. ADVANCES IN ENZYMOLOGY AND RELATED AREAS OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 38:193-234. [PMID: 4598070 DOI: 10.1002/9780470122839.ch4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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McClanahan T, Koseoglu S, Smith K, Grein J, Gustafson E, Black S, Kirschmeier P, Samatar AA. Identification of overexpression of orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR49 in human colon and ovarian primary tumors. Cancer Biol Ther 2006; 5:419-26. [PMID: 16575208 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.5.4.2521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We used gene expression profiling to probe differences in transcriptional output between 15 panels of colon tumor and matched normal colon tissues. This analysis revealed that GPR49, an orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) is overexpressed in 66% (10/15) colon tumors compared with normal colon tissues. Subsequent analysis of an additional 39 sets of matched normal and tumor colon tissues by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase confirmed the upregulation of this receptor. The differential expression of GPR49 between normal and tumor tissue was significant (p > 0.001). GPR49 was upregulated in 25 of 39 (64%) colon primary tumor tissues. In addition to colon tumors, GPR49 was also found to be upregulated in 18 of 33 (53%) ovarian primary tumor tissues analyzed by RT-PCR. Moreover, the expression level of GPR49 in colon and ovarian tumors increased in more advanced tumors suggesting a role for the receptor in tumor progression. The selective overexpression of GPR49 in tumor tissues was further illustrated by specific immunohistochemical staining of colon and ovarian tumor tissues, a finding that correlates with the mRNA expression of the receptor. In addition, expression of GPR49 induced transformation in a ligand-dependent manner and Knockdown of GPR49 mRNA level induced apoptosis in colon tumor cells. These novel findings provide a foundation for further studies and suggest a potential role for GPR49 in tumorigenesis.
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Beddow H, Black S, Read D. Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) from a former phosphoric acid processing plant. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2006; 86:289-312. [PMID: 16303218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2005.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2004] [Revised: 01/20/2005] [Accepted: 09/26/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years there has been an increasing awareness of the radiological impact of non-nuclear industries that extract and/or process ores and minerals containing naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). These industrial activities may result in significant radioactive contamination of (by-) products, wastes and plant installations. In this study, scale samples were collected from a decommissioned phosphoric acid processing plant. To determine the nature and concentration of NORM retained in pipe-work and associated process plant, four main areas of the site were investigated: (1) the 'Green Acid Plant', where crude acid was concentrated; (2) the green acid storage tanks; (3) the Purified White Acid (PWA) plant, where inorganic impurities were removed; and (4) the solid waste, disposed of on-site as landfill. The scale samples predominantly comprise the following: fluorides (e.g. ralstonite); calcium sulphate (e.g. gypsum); and an assemblage of mixed fluorides and phosphates (e.g. iron fluoride hydrate, calcium phosphate), respectively. The radioactive inventory is dominated by 238U and its decay chain products, and significant fractionation along the series occurs. Compared to the feedstock ore, elevated concentrations (< or =8.8 Bq/g) of 238U were found to be retained in installations where the process stream was rich in fluorides and phosphates. In addition, enriched levels (< or =11 Bq/g) of 226Ra were found in association with precipitates of calcium sulphate. Water extraction tests indicate that many of the scales and waste contain significantly soluble materials and readily release radioactivity into solution.
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Mirza A, Basso A, Black S, Malkowski M, Kwee L, Pachter JA, Lachowicz JE, Wang Y, Liu S. RNA interference targeting of A1 receptor-overexpressing breast carcinoma cells leads to diminished rates of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Cancer Biol Ther 2005; 4:1355-60. [PMID: 16294023 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.4.12.2196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine if A1 adenosine receptors mediate breast tumorigenesis, we evaluated A1 receptor expression in human tumor cell lines and human primary breast tumor tissues using both quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. A1 receptor mRNA expression is upregulated in all breast tumor cell lines examined (n=7) compared to normal mammary epithelial cells/cell lines (n=3) as determined by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Western blot analysis indicates that protein expression of A1 adenosine receptor is higher in 15 (62.5%) of 24 human primary breast tumor tissues than in matched normal breast tissue. To explore its cellular function, the A1 adenosine receptor was depleted by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in MDA-MB-468 human breast tumor cells. Depletion of A1 receptors in MDA-MB-468 breast tumor cells attenuated both cell growth and cell proliferation as measured by cell number counts and [(14)C]-thymidine incorporation, respectively. Cell cycle analysis indicated that depletion of A1 receptors by siRNA impairs G(1) checkpoint, leading to marked accumulation of cells in G(2)/M phase, in agreement with the inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Further supporting this finding, synchronization studies of Hela cells in various cell cycle phases suggest that A1 receptor expression is suppressed in G(2)/M cells and depletion of A1 receptor expression by siRNA produced differential expression of several key cell cycle regulators, i.e., accumulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 with concomitant reduction of CDK4 and cyclin E proteins. In addition to the impact on cell cycle progression, depletion of A1 receptors by siRNA results in substantial cell death and apoptosis as determined by FACS analysis and annexin V staining method. Together these findings suggest that the A1 adenosine receptor may contribute to tumor cell growth and survival in breast tumor cells.
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Langdon CJ, Hodson ME, Arnold RE, Black S. Survival, Pb-uptake and behaviour of three species of earthworm in Pb treated soils determined using an OECD-style toxicity test and a soil avoidance test. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2005; 138:368-75. [PMID: 15951078 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2004] [Accepted: 03/17/2005] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Mature (clitellate) Eisenia andrei Bouché (ultra epigeic), Lumbricus rubellus Hoffmeister (epigeic), and Aporrectodea caliginosa (Savigny) (endogeic) earthworms were placed in soils treated with Pb(NO(3))(2) to have concentrations in the range 1,000 to 10,000 mg Pb kg(-1). After 28 days LC50(-95%confidence limit)(+95%confidence limit) values were E. andrei 5824(-361)(+898) mg Pb kg(-1), L. rubellus 2867(-193)(+145) mg Pb kg(-1) and A. caliginosa2747(-304)(+239) mg Pb kg(-1) and EC50s for weight change were E. andrei2841(-68)(+150) mg Pb kg(-1), L. rubellus1303(-201)(+240) mg Pb kg(-1) and A. caliginosa1208(-206)(+212) mg Pb kg(-1). At any given soil Pb concentration, Pb tissue concentrations after 28 days were the same for all three earthworm species. In a soil avoidance test there was no difference between the behaviour of the different species. The lower sensitivity to Pb exhibited by E. andrei is most likely due to physiological adaptations associated with the modes of life of the earthworms, and could have serious implications for the use of this earthworm as the species of choice in standard toxicological testing.
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Feinstein A, Roy P, Lobaugh N, Feinstein K, O'Connor P, Black S. Structural brain abnormalities in multiple sclerosis patients with major depression. Neurology 2005; 62:586-90. [PMID: 14981175 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000110316.12086.0c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between major depression and structural brain abnormalities in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS Two groups of patients with clinically definite MS were studied: 21 with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.)-defined major depression and 19 without. The groups did not differ on demographic, disease, or cognitive measures. All subjects underwent brain MRI. Tissue segmentation and regional brain masking were applied to the MRI data. RESULTS Compared with the euthymic subjects, those with major depression had a greater T2-weighted lesion volume (p = 0.003) and more extensive T1-weighted lesion volume in the left medial inferior prefrontal cortex (p = 0.01) and less gray matter volume (p = 0.01) and more CSF volume in the left anterior temporal region (p = 0.005). A logistic regression analysis identified two independent predictors of depression: left medial inferior prefrontal cortex T2 lesion volume and left anterior temporal CSF volume. These variables accounted for 42% of the depression variance score. CONCLUSION Whereas both lesion burden and atrophy are important in the pathogenesis of depression in MS, psychosocial influences should also be considered.
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Berlo K, Blundy J, Turner S, Cashman K, Hawkesworth C, Black S. Geochemical precursors to volcanic activity at Mount St. Helens, USA. Science 2004; 306:1167-9. [PMID: 15486253 DOI: 10.1126/science.1103869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The importance of the interplay between degassing and crystallization before and after the eruption of Mount St. Helens (Washington, USA) in 1980 is well established. Here, we show that degassing occurred over a period of decades to days before eruptions and that the manner of degassing, as deduced from geochemical signatures within the magma, was characteristic of the eruptive style. Trace element (lithium) and short-lived radioactive isotope (lead-210 and radium-226) data show that ascending magma stalled within the conduit, leading to the accumulation of volatiles and the formation of lead-210 excesses, which signals the presence of degassing magma at depth.
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Mikosz CA, Silva J, Black S, Gibbs G, Cardenas I. Comparison of two major emergency department-based free-text chief-complaint coding systems. MMWR Suppl 2004; 53:101-5. [PMID: 15714637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergency departments (EDs) using free-text chief-complaint data for syndromic surveillance face a unique challenge because a complaint might be described and coded in multiple ways. OBJECTIVE Two major ED-based free-text chief-complaint coding systems were compared for agreement between free-text interpretation and syndrome coding. METHODS Chief-complaint data from 21,736 patients at an urban ED were processed through both the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) syndrome coding system as modified by the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Real-Time Outbreak Detection System Complaint Coder (CoCo, version 2.1, University of Pittsburgh). To account for differences in each system's specified syndromes, relevant syndromes from the DOHMH system were collapsed into the corresponding CoCo categories so that a descriptive comparison could be made. DOHMH classifications were combined to match existing CoCo categories as follows: 1) vomit+diarrhea = Gastrointestinal; 2) cold+respiratory+asthma = Respiratory; 3) fevflu = Constitutional; 4) rash = Rash; 5) sepsis+other = Other, 6) unknown = Unknown. RESULTS Overall agreement between DOHMH and CoCo syndrome coding was optimal (0.614 kappa). However, agreement between individual syndromes varied substantially. Rash and Respiratory had the highest agreement (0.711 and 0.594 kappa, respectively). Other and Constitutional had an intermediate level of agreement (0.453 and 0.419 kappa, respectively), but less than optimal agreement was identified for Gastrointestinal and Unknown (0.270 and 0.002 kappa, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Although this analysis revealed optimal overall agreement between the two systems evaluated, substantial differences in classification schemes existed, highlighting the need for a consensus regarding chief-complaint classification.
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Black S, Shinefield H, Cohen R, Floret D, Gaudelus J, Olivier C, Reinert P. [Clinical effectiveness of seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar) against invasive pneumococcal diseases: prospects for children in France]. Arch Pediatr 2004; 11:843-53. [PMID: 15234383 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2004.03.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2003] [Accepted: 03/25/2004] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A seven-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide-CRM197 carrier protein conjugate vaccine (PNC7V; Prevenar, Wyeth, Paris) targets the serotypes (belonging to serogroups 14, 6, 19, 18, 23, 9, and 4) most often responsible for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) among children. A randomized, controlled, double-masked study among 37,868 children in northern California (Northern California Kaiser Permanente, USA) provided a per protocol vaccine efficacy value of 97.7% against invasive pediatric IPD due to the vaccine serotypes. The PNC7V vaccine was registered by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) in October 2000; a favorable "Community Marketing Decision" under the Centralized Procedure was granted in February 2001. PNC7V was recommended for most infants by the Conseil Supérieur d'Hygiène Publique de France in March 2002, on the advice of the Comité Technique des Vaccinations, as S. pneumoniae in children less than 2 years of age is the primary cause of bacterial meningitis and of mortality associated with community-acquired bacterial infections. The theoretical coverage of the vaccine towards pneumococcal invasive disease in France is about 80%, which represents one of the best serotype coverage estimates in Europe, and vaccines serotypes account for 90% of penicillin-nonsusceptible strains. Distinctive characteristics in France in terms of epidemiology, life style, and therapeutic attitudes justify a precise follow up of the consequences of the vaccination on a national level during the coming years. Hence, surveillance programs have been established: (i) to ascertain the future impact of large-scale PNC7V vaccination on invasive pneumococcal disease incidence, (ii) to follow the evolution of carriage and ecology of the pneumococcus, and (iii) to establish an active "vaccinovigilance".
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Stephenson JM, Strange V, Forrest S, Oakley A, Copas A, Allen E, Babiker A, Black S, Ali M, Monteiro H, Johnson AM. Pupil-led sex education in England (RIPPLE study): cluster-randomised intervention trial. Lancet 2004; 364:338-46. [PMID: 15276393 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(04)16722-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improvement of sex education in schools is a key part of the UK government's strategy to reduce teenage pregnancy in England. We examined the effectiveness of one form of peer-led sex education in a school-based randomised trial of over 8000 pupils. METHODS 29 schools were randomised to either peer-led sex education (intervention) or to continue their usual teacher-led sex education (control). In intervention schools, peer educators aged 16-17 years delivered three sessions of sex education to 13-14 year-old pupils from the same schools. Primary outcome was unprotected (without condom) first heterosexual intercourse by age 16 years. Analysis was by intention to treat. FINDINGS By age 16 years, significantly fewer girls reported intercourse in the peer-led arm than in the control arm, but proportions were similar for boys. The proportions of pupils reporting unprotected first sex did not differ for girls (8.4% intervention vs 8.3% control) or for boys (6.2% vs 4.7%). Stratified estimates of the difference between arms were -0.4% (95% CI -3.7% to 2.8%, p=0.79) for girls and -1.4% (-4.4% to 1.6%, p=0.36) for boys. At follow-up (mean age 16.0 years [SD 0.32]), girls in the intervention arm reported fewer unintended pregnancies, although the difference was borderline (2.3% vs 3.3%, p=0.07). Girls and boys were more satisfied with peer-led than teacher-led sex education, but 57% of girls and 32% of boys wanted sex education in single-sex groups. INTERPRETATION Peer-led sex education was effective in some ways, but broader strategies are needed to improve young people's sexual health. The role of single-sex sessions should be investigated further.
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Trueman ER, Black S, Read D. Characterisation of depleted uranium (DU) from an unfired CHARM-3 penetrator. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2004; 327:337-340. [PMID: 15172592 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(03)00401-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2002] [Revised: 05/29/2003] [Accepted: 06/02/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
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Bonell CP, Strange VJ, Stephenson JM, Oakley AR, Copas AJ, Forrest SP, Johnson AM, Black S. Effect of social exclusion on the risk of teenage pregnancy: development of hypotheses using baseline data from a randomised trial of sex education. J Epidemiol Community Health 2004; 57:871-6. [PMID: 14600112 PMCID: PMC1732333 DOI: 10.1136/jech.57.11.871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE The UK government argues that "social exclusion" increases risk of teenage pregnancy and that educational factors may be dimensions of such exclusion. The evidence cited by the government is limited to reporting that socioeconomic disadvantage and educational attainment influence risk. Evidence regarding young people's attitude to school is not cited, and there is a lack of research concerning the UK. This paper develops hypotheses on the relation between socioeconomic and educational dimensions of social exclusion, and risk of teenage pregnancy, by examining whether dislike of school and socioeconomic disadvantage are associated with cognitive/behavioural risk measures among 13/14 year olds in English schools. DESIGN Analysis of data from the baseline survey of a study of sex education. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 13/14 year old school students from south east England. MAIN RESULTS The results indicate that socioeconomic disadvantage and dislike of school are associated with various risk factors, each with a different pattern. Those disliking school, despite having comparable knowledge to those liking school, were more likely to have sexual intercourse, expect sexual intercourse by age 16, and expect to be parents by the age of 20. For most associations, the crude odds ratios (ORs) and the ORs adjusted for the other exposure were similar, suggesting that inter-confounding between exposures was limited. CONCLUSIONS It is hypothesised that in determining risk of teenage pregnancy, the two exposures are independent. Those disliking school might be at greater risk of teenage pregnancy because they are more likely to see teenage pregnancy as inevitable or positive.
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Spector L, Groves F, DeStefano F, Liff J, Klein M, Mullooly J, Black S, Shinefield H, Ward J, Marcy M. Medically recorded allergies and the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Eur J Cancer 2004; 40:579-84. [PMID: 14962726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2003.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2003] [Revised: 05/14/2003] [Accepted: 08/09/2003] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Data on five allergic conditions were abstracted from the medical records of 180 cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and 718 matched controls. Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were estimated for composite variables and for individual allergies using conditional logistic regression modelling. Allergies were divided into late and early diagnoses (those made within the year before the matched case's ALL diagnosis and those made earlier, respectively). Among the early diagnoses, atopy or hives was significantly associated with ALL (OR=2.20; 95% CI: 1.16-4.16). Significant associations were found for late diagnoses of atopy or hives (OR=3.78; 95% CI: 1.00-14.29) and of asthma (OR=3.10; 95% CI: 1.39-6.95). None of the other allergic conditions were associated with ALL. These results are contrary to those of prior studies of childhood ALL and allergy.
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Neumaier-Wagner PM, Miehe U, Black S, Huppertz B, Beck KF, Pfeilschifter J, Goyal P, Rath W. Vermehrte Expression des Actin-assoziierten LIM-Domäne Proteins CLP-36 im Zytotrophoblast von Patientinnen mit schwerer Präeklampsie. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2004. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-818247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Black S, Kadyrov M, Kaufmann P, Ugele B, Emans N, Huppertz B. Syncytial fusion of human trophoblast depends on caspase 8. Cell Death Differ 2004; 11:90-8. [PMID: 12970672 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of human placental villous trophoblast includes syncytial fusion of cytotrophoblast forming syncytiotrophoblast. Early stages of the apoptosis cascade were described to be involved in this differentiation process. We investigated the role of the initiator caspase 8 in syncytial fusion in vitro, cultivating placental villous explants with or without caspase 8 antisense oligonucleotides or peptide inhibitors for up to 120 h. Trophoblast fusion and differentiation were assessed by confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Culture with caspase 8 antisense oligonucleotides or peptide inhibitors reduced the fusion of cytotrophoblast with the syncytiotrophoblast, and resulted in multilayered cytotrophoblast. Caspase 8 expression was suppressed by antisense oligonucleotides and caspase 8 activities were reduced by peptide inhibitors. The organic anion-transporter hOAT-4 normally expressed in the cytotrophoblast and transferred into the syncytiotrophoblast by syncytial fusion was retained in the cytotrophoblast due to lack of fusion. We conclude that expression and activity of caspase 8 is a prerequisite for differentiation and syncytial fusion of cytotrophoblast cells.
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Mullooly J, Drew L, DeStefano F, Maher J, Bohlke K, Immanuel V, Black S, Lewis E, Ray P, Vadheim C, Lugg M, Chen R. Quality assessments of HMO diagnosis databases used to monitor childhood vaccine safety. Methods Inf Med 2004; 43:163-70. [PMID: 15136866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the quality of automated diagnoses extracted from medical care databases by the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) study. METHODS Two methods are used to assess quality of VSD diagnosis data. The first method compares common automated and abstracted diagnostic categories ("outcomes") in 1-2% simple random samples of study populations. The second method estimates positive predictive values of automated diagnosis codes used to identify potential cases of rare conditions (e.g., acute ataxia) for inclusion in nested case-control medical record abstraction studies. RESULTS There was good agreement (64-68%) between automated and abstracted outcomes in the 1-2% simple random samples at 3 of the 4 VSD sites and poor agreement (44%) at 1 site. Overall at 3 sites, 56% of children with automated cerebella ataxia codes (ICD-9 = 334) and 22% with "lack of coordination" codes (ICD-9 = 781.3) met objective clinical criteria for acute ataxia. CONCLUSIONS The misclassification error rates for automated screening outcomes substantially reduce the power of screening analyses and limit usefulness of screening analyses to moderate to strong vaccine-outcome associations. Medical record verification of outcomes is needed for definitive assessments.
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Neumaier-Wagner P, Miehe U, Black S, Huppertz B, Beck KF, Pfeilschifter J, Goyal P, Rath W. Rolle des Actin-modifizierenden LIM-Domäne-Proteins CLP36 in Schwangerschaften mit schwerer Präeklampsie±HELLP-Syndrom – neue Einblicke in die Pathophysiologie. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2003. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-815200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Stephenson JM, Oakley A, Johnson AM, Forrest S, Strange V, Charleston S, Black S, Copas A, Petruckevitch A, Babiker A. A school-based randomized controlled trial of peer-led sex education in England. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 24:643-57. [PMID: 14500060 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-2456(03)00070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This article discusses the design of an ongoing cluster-randomized trial comparing two forms of school-based sex education in terms of educational process and sexual health outcomes. Twenty-nine schools in southern England have been randomized to either peer-led sex education or to continue with their traditional teacher-led sex education. The primary objective is to determine which form of sex education is more effective in promoting young people's sexual health. The trial includes an unusually detailed evaluation of the process of sex education as well as the outcomes. The sex education programs were delivered in school to pupils ages 13-14 years who are being followed until ages 19-20. Major trial outcomes are unprotected sexual intercourse and regretted intercourse by age 16 and cumulative incidence of abortion by ages 19-20. We discuss the rationale behind various aspects of the design, including ethical issues and practical challenges of conducting a randomized trial in schools, data linkage for key outcomes to reduce bias, and integrating process and outcome measures to improve the interpretation of findings.
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