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McKeon G, Stone G, Ahrens D, Carter J, Cobon D, Irvine S, Syktus J. Queensland’s multi-year Wet and Dry periods: implications for grazing enterprises and pasture resources. Rangel J 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/rj20089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Year-to-year variability in rainfall has long been recognised as a major issue in managing livestock enterprises across Australia’s grazing lands. Extension products documenting rainfall variability have been developed over the last 30 years and have been keenly sought by producers and their advisors. This paper describes multi-year rainfall variability from 1889 to 2020 and provides the basis for classifying the 131 years of rainfall into 18 discrete Wet (7), Average (2) and Dry (9) periods as presented in the ‘Queensland’s Extended Wet and Dry Periods’ poster. The classification was consistent with: analysis of fluctuations and trends in the long-term time series of reported livestock numbers; drought declarations for government assistance; and documented periods of pasture resource degradation and recovery. Rainfall during the nine Wet and Average periods was +18% above the long-term average annual rainfall (LTAAR), in contrast to the Dry periods with −17% below LTAAR. Wet periods (including Average) were on average 7 years in duration, ranging from 5 to 9 years. Dry periods were on average 8 years in duration and ranged from 5 to 13 years. Detailed analysis of the effects of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon indicated that: (a) the Wet/Dry periods were dominated by different frequencies and amounts of rainfall in La Niña/El Niño years; (b) rainfall in ENSO neutral years was generally above and below average rainfall for the Wet or Dry periods respectively; (c) the frequency of ENSO year-types was less important than the overall rainfall surplus (or deficit) in La Niña (or El Niño) years within the Wet (or Dry) periods respectively; and (d) the timing of Wet and Dry periods was correlated with indices of quasi-decadal and inter-decadal variability in components (sea surface temperatures and atmospheric pressures) of the global climate system. Climatic risk assessment systems for grazing management at multi-year timescales are yet to be developed.
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Zhang B, Fraser G, Carter J, Stone G, Irvine S, Whish G, Willcocks J, McKeon G. An online system for calculating and delivering long-term carrying capacity information for Queensland grazing properties. Part 2: modelling and outputs. Rangel J 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/rj20088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A combination of field data and models have been used to estimate long-term carrying capacity (LTCC) of domestic livestock in Queensland grazing lands. These methods have been synthesised and coupled with recent developments in science and information technology to provide a fully-automated approach of modelling LTCC through the FORAGE online system. In this study, the GRASP model was used to simulate pasture growth with parameter sets and safe pasture utilisation rates defined for 225 land types across Queensland. Distance to water points was used to assess the accessibility of pastures to livestock. Spatial analysis classified the property into unique areas based on paddock, land type and distance to water points, which estimated pasture growth, pasture utilisation and accessibility at a sub-paddock scale. Thirteen foliage projective cover (FPC) classes were used in modelling the pasture system to deal with the non-linear relationship between tree and grass interactions. As ‘proof of concept’, remotely-sensed individual-date green ground cover data were used to optimise the GRASP model parameters to improve the model performance, and a Monte Carlo analysis provided uncertainty estimates for model outcomes. The framework provides an efficient and standardised method for estimating LTCC. To test the system, LTCCs from 43 ‘benchmark’ properties were compared with simulated LTCCs, and 65% of the modelled LTCCs were within ± 25% of the benchmark LTCCs. Due to uncertainties in model inputs at the property scale and in model simulation, the modelled LTCC should be used as a starting point for further refinement of actual property LTCC.
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Irvine S, Awan M, Chharawala F, Bhagawati D, Lawrance N, Peck G, Peterson D, Banerjee S, Camp S. Factors affecting patient flow in a neurosurgery department. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2019; 102:18-24. [PMID: 31233336 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2019.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patient flow is the process by which movement of patients and clinical productivity is achieved. The objectives of this study were to implement and evaluate the NHS Improvement SAFER patient flow bundle, evaluate the impact of the Red2Green initiative, and assess the impact of frailty on patient flow. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients admitted to a neurosurgery unit from 1 September to 30 November 2017 were included. Using guidance set out by NHS, data were prospectively collected from daily ward lists and patient notes, including demographics, admission and discharge details, length of stay, anticipated discharge date, red days with reasons and frailty (Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale). NHS reference costs were used for cost analyses. RESULTS A total of 420 patients (55% elective) were included, totalling 3909 bed days. All patients received daily senior reviews before midday, and anticipated discharge dates were set at daily multidisciplinary team meetings. Ten per cent of patients were discharged before midday. There were 21% (837) red days, significantly more (76%) for emergency patients (639 vs 198 elective; P < 0.001); 63% red days were attributed to awaiting a bed in a local hospital; 25% (106) patients were classed as frail (50 elective), which was associated with a significantly longer length of stay (17.3 vs 6; P < 0.01), and more red days (615 vs 222; p<0.01). Considering excess bed charges and lost revenue (with penalties), red days cost over £1 million per year. CONCLUSIONS SAFER has identified areas for improvement in patient flow, with obvious cost implications. It has created a platform for discussion within the referral network and identified a role for a geriatric liaison service.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Irvine
- University Hospital North Durham, Durham, UK
| | - M Awan
- Neurosurgery Department, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - F Chharawala
- Neurosurgery Department, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - D Bhagawati
- Neurosurgery Department, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - N Lawrance
- Improvement Team, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - G Peck
- Major Trauma Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - D Peterson
- Neurosurgery Department, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - S Banerjee
- Stroke Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - S Camp
- Neurosurgery Department, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Irvine S, Chharawala F, Lawrance N, Peterson D, Banerjee S, Camp S. FP1-4 Factors affecting patient flow in a neurosurgery department. J Neurol Psychiatry 2019. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-abn.71] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to audit the NHS Improvement SAFER patient flow bundle, evaluate the impact of the Red2Green initiative, and assess the impact of frailty on patient flow.DesignA prospective review over a 3 month period.SubjectsAll patients admitted to a Neurosurgery Unit from 01/09/2017 to 30/11/2017 were included.MethodsData were prospectively collected from daily ward lists and patient notes, including demographics, admission/discharge details, length of stay (LOS), expected discharge date, red days with reasons, and frailty (Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale). NHS Improvement Reference Costs were used for cost analyses.Results420 patients (55% elective) were included, total 3909 bed days. All patients received a daily senior review before midday, and EDDs were set at daily MDT meetings. 10% patients were discharged before midday. There were 21% (837) red days, significantly more (76%) for emergency patients (639 vs 198 elective; p<0.001). 63% red days were attributed to awaiting a bed in a local hospital. 25% (106) patients were classed as frail (50 elective), which was associated with a significantly longer LOS (17.3 vs 6; p<0.01), and more red days (615 vs 222; p<0.01). Considering bed costs and lost revenue (with penalties), red days cost is estimated at over £1M per year.ConclusionsSAFER has identified areas for improvement in patient flow, with obvious cost implications. It has created a platform for discussion within the referral network, and identified a role for a geriatric liaison service.
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Barr DA, Coussens AK, Irvine S, Ritchie ND, Herbert K, Choo-Kang B, Raeside D, Bell DJ, Seaton RA. Paradoxical upgrading reaction in extra-pulmonary tuberculosis: association with vitamin D therapy. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2018; 21:677-683. [PMID: 28482963 PMCID: PMC5424669 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.16.0927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SETTING: Glasgow, Scotland, UK. BACKGROUND: Paradoxical reactions in tuberculosis (TB) are a notable example of our incomplete understanding of host-pathogen interactions during anti-tuberculosis treatment. OBJECTIVES: To determine risk factors for a TB paradoxical reaction, and specifically to assess for an independent association with vitamin D use. DESIGN: Consecutive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative adult patients treated for extra-pulmonary TB were identified from an Extended Surveillance of Mycobacterial Infections database. In our setting, vitamin D was variably prescribed for newly diagnosed TB patients. A previously published definition of paradoxical TB reaction was retrospectively applied to, and data on all previously described risk factors were extracted from, centralised electronic patient records. The association with vitamin D use was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 249 patients included, most had TB adenopathy; 222/249 had microbiologically and/or histologically confirmed TB. Vitamin D was prescribed for 57/249 (23%) patients; 37/249 (15%) were classified as having paradoxical reactions. Younger age, acid-fast bacilli-positive invasive samples, multiple disease sites, lower lymphocyte count and vitamin D use were found to be independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: We speculate that vitamin D-mediated signalling of pro-inflammatory innate immune cells, along with high antigenic load, may mediate paradoxical reactions in anti-tuberculosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Barr
- Wellcome Trust Liverpool Glasgow Centre for Global Health Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - A K Coussens
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Irvine
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow
| | - N D Ritchie
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow
| | | | - B Choo-Kang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow
| | | | - D J Bell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - R A Seaton
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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Jonasson D, Starkey S, Irvine S, Su S, Johal R, Sweeny P, Brasher P, Fleetham J, Ayas N, Orenstein T, Ahmed I. Screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in atrial fibrillation (AF): what's the best test? Sleep Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2017.11.014] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Jonasson D, Irvine S, Starkey S, Su S, Johal R, Sweeney P, Brasher P, Fleetham J, Ayas N, Orenstein T, Ahmed I. SCREENING FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA) IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AF): WHAT’S THE BEST TEST? Can J Cardiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2017.07.382] [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: 11/26/2022] Open
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Irvine S, Davidson C, Veresov N, Adams M, Devi A. Lenses and Lessons: Using three different research perspectives in early childhood education research. Cultural-Historical Psychology 2015. [DOI: 10.17759/chp.2015110307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In contemporary Western research, collaboration is held in high esteem. This developing practice is chal¬lenging particularly for researchers who follow varying theoretical approaches. However although a challeng¬ing endeavour, when viewing the one data set with different lenses, there are various lessons that can be shared. A key aspect of this paper is involved researchers' different analytical perspectives in one data set to learn more about each other's research insights, rather than become instant expert in other's approaches. The interview data reported in this paper originates from a larger study researching parents' experience of using early child¬hood education and care (ECEC) in Australia. Here we analyse and report on two shared interview excerpts and use three different research lenses for analysis; phenomenographic study, conversational analysis and cul¬tural-historical theory. The finding of this paper demonstrates that applying different lenses provide different interpretations, including strengths, limitations and opportunities. In this paper we argue that collaborative research practices enhance our understanding of varying research approaches and the scope, quality, transla¬tion of research and the researchers' capacity are enhanced.
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Irvine S, Mokso R, Modregger P, Wang Z, Marone F, Stampanoni M. Simple merging technique for improving resolution in qualitative single image phase contrast tomography. Opt Express 2014; 22:27257-27269. [PMID: 25401876 DOI: 10.1364/oe.22.027257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
For dynamic samples and/or for simple ease-of-use experiments, single-image phase contrast tomography is a very effective method for the 3D visualization of materials which would otherwise be indiscernible in attenuation based x-ray imaging. With binary samples (e.g. air-material) and monochromatic wavefields a transport-of-intensity (TIE)-based phase retrieval algorithm is known to retrieve accurate quantitative maps of the phase distribution. For mixed material samples and/or white beam radiation the algorithm can still produce useful qualitative tomographic reconstructions with significantly improved area contrast. The stability of the algorithm comes with a recognized associated loss of spatial resolution due to its essential behaviour as a low-pass filter. One possible answer to this is an image fusion technique that merges the slices reconstructed from raw phase contrast images and those after phase retrieval, where the improved contrast may be acquired without the associated loss of high-frequency information. We present this technique as a simple few-parameter Fourier method, which is easily tunable and highly compatible with current reconstruction steps.
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Irvine S, Bayes H, Evans T. WS2.8 Genotypic and transcriptomic characterization of a small colony variant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its parent strain isolated in a murine model of chronic bacterial colonization. J Cyst Fibros 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(14)60017-5] [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: 11/28/2022]
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Barr DA, Irvine S, Ritchie ND, McCutcheon J, Seaton RA. Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients treated for bacterial infection in the community with outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy. QJM 2014; 107:207-11. [PMID: 24300160 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hct239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is recommended that venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis be considered for patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), but there is no published data to quantify VTE risk in this patient group. AIM AND METHOD The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to establish VTE incidence in patients managed through an OPAT service and assess utility of a common VTE prediction score normally used for inpatients. Consecutive episodes of OPAT between May 2009 and May 2012 were included. Patients on long-term anti-coagulants, those with an established indication for extended, outpatient VTE prophylaxis (i.e. patients referred to OPAT following hip or knee arthroplasty) were excluded. The Padua VTE Prediction Score was retrospectively applied to the cohort. The primary outcome was incidence of symptomatic VTE during or up to 90 days after completion of OPAT treatment. RESULTS There were 780 included patient episodes; 105 (13.5%) patients had a Padua VTE risk score >3; no patients received pharmacological VTE prophylaxis during OPAT treatment. During or up to 90 days following OPAT, two proximal lower limb DVTs were diagnosed, giving VTE incidence of 2/780 (0.26%, 95% CI: 0.03-0.92%), and there were eight deaths of which none were suspected to be related to VTE. There was one intracranial haemorrhage associated death. CONCLUSION This retrospective cohort study found a low incidence of VTE in OPAT patients, and does not support routine application of inpatient VTE prophylaxis algorithms to patients treated for infection in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Barr
- Brownlee Centre for Infectious Diseases, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK.
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Antonini C, Lee JB, Maitra T, Irvine S, Derome D, Tiwari MK, Carmeliet J, Poulikakos D. Unraveling wetting transition through surface textures with X-rays: liquid meniscus penetration phenomena. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4055. [PMID: 24514762 PMCID: PMC3920273 DOI: 10.1038/srep04055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report we show that synchrotron X-ray radiography is a powerful method to study liquid-air interface penetration through opaque microtextured surface roughness, leading to wetting transition. We investigate this wetting phenomenon in the context of sessile drop evaporation, and establish that liquid interface sinking into the surface texture is indeed dictated by the balance of capillary and Laplace pressures, where the intrinsically three-dimensional nature of the meniscus must be accounted for. Air bubble entrapment in the texture underneath impacting water drops is also visualized and the mechanisms of post-impact drop evaporation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Antonini
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies, Mechanical and Process Engineering Department, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - J. B. Lee
- Chair of Building Physics, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-strasse 15, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - T. Maitra
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies, Mechanical and Process Engineering Department, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - S. Irvine
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - D. Derome
- Laboratory for Building Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, EMPA, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Manish K. Tiwari
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies, Mechanical and Process Engineering Department, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - J. Carmeliet
- Chair of Building Physics, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-strasse 15, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Building Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, EMPA, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - D. Poulikakos
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies, Mechanical and Process Engineering Department, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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Meng QH, Irvine S, Tagalakis AD, McAnulty RJ, McEwan JR, Hart SL. Inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia in a rabbit vein graft model following non-viral transfection with human iNOS cDNA. Gene Ther 2013; 20:979-86. [PMID: 23636244 PMCID: PMC3795475 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2013.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Vein graft failure caused by neointimal hyperplasia (IH) after coronary artery bypass grafting with saphenous veins is a major clinical problem. The lack of safe and efficient vectors for vascular gene transfer has significantly hindered progress in this field. We have developed a Receptor-Targeted Nanocomplex (RTN) vector system for this purpose and assessed its therapeutic efficacy in a rabbit vein graft model of bypass grafting. Adventitial delivery of β-Galactosidase showed widespread transfection throughout the vein wall on day 7, estimated at about 10% of cells in the adventitia and media. Vein grafts were then transfected with a plasmid encoding inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and engrafted into the carotid artery. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry analysis of samples from rabbits killed at 7 days after surgery showed that mostly endothelial cells and macrophages were transfected. Morphometric analysis of vein graft samples from the 28-day groups showed approximately a 50% reduction of neointimal thickness and 64% reduction of neointimal area in the iNOS-treated group compared with the surgery control groups. This study demonstrates efficacy of iNOS gene delivery by the RTN formulation in reducing IH in the rabbit model of vein graft disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q-H Meng
- Molecular Immunology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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Mokso R, Quaroni L, Marone F, Irvine S, Vila-Comamala J, Blanke A, Stampanoni M. X-ray mosaic nanotomography of large microorganisms. J Struct Biol 2011; 177:233-8. [PMID: 22227096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Full-field X-ray microscopy is a valuable tool for 3D observation of biological systems. In the soft X-ray domain organelles can be visualized in individual cells while hard X-ray microscopes excel in imaging of larger complex biological tissue. The field of view of these instruments is typically 10(3) times the spatial resolution. We exploit the assets of the hard X-ray sub-micrometer imaging and extend the standard approach by widening the effective field of view to match the size of the sample. We show that global tomography of biological systems exceeding several times the field of view is feasible also at the nanoscale with moderate radiation dose. We address the performance issues and limitations of the TOMCAT full-field microscope and more generally for Zernike phase contrast imaging. Two biologically relevant systems were investigated. The first being the largest known bacteria (Thiomargarita namibiensis), the second is a small myriapod species (Pauropoda sp.). Both examples illustrate the capacity of the unique, structured condenser based broad-band full-field microscope to access the 3D structural details of biological systems at the nanoscale while avoiding complicated sample preparation, or even keeping the sample environment close to the natural state.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mokso
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.
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15
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Warner P, Irvine S, Sharpe R, Agius R, Porter A, Farragher T. SP4-25 Population survey of semen quality in young Scottish men. Br J Soc Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.2011.142976p.19] [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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16
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Ung YC, Yu E, Malthaner R, Burkes R, Ellis P, Goss G, Solow H, Irvine S, Laffan S. The 4th Annual Ontario Thoracic Cancer Conference at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Curr Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.3747/co.v16i5.516] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The 4th annual Ontario Thoracic Cancer Conference at Niagara-on-the-Lake focused on the themes of innovations in the management of lung cancer, controversies in the management of esophageal cancer, and molecular targeted therapies in lung cancer. This conference summary highlights the presentations and provides clinicians with a referenced update on these topics.
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Ung Y, Yu E, Malthaner R, Burkes R, Ellis P, Goss G, Solow H, Irvine S, Laffan S. The 4th Annual Ontario Thoracic Cancer Conference at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Curr Oncol 2009. [PMCID: PMC2768509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The 4th annual Ontario Thoracic Cancer Conference at Niagara-on-the-Lake focused on the themes of innovations in the management of lung cancer, controversies in the management of esophageal cancer, and molecular targeted therapies in lung cancer. This conference summary highlights the presentations and provides clinicians with a referenced update on these topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y.C. Ung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
- Corresponding author: Yee C. Ung, Odette Cancer Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5., E-mail:
| | - E. Yu
- Division of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
| | - R. Malthaner
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, ON
| | - R. Burkes
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - P. Ellis
- Department of Oncology and Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Juravinski Cancer Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
| | - G. Goss
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
| | - H. Solow
- Markham Stouffville Hospital, Markham, ON
| | - S. Irvine
- Continuing Health Sciences Education, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
| | - S. Laffan
- Continuing Health Sciences Education, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
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Aigbirhio FI, Allen P, Andersson S, Anton M, Barron D, Bloom AJ, Botting NP, Brandau W, Brichard L, Brown JA, Brown RT, Cable KM, Caffrey M, Carroll MA, Chaplin DJ, Coissard V, Cuyckens F, Demmer O, Dijkgraaf I, Dyke AM, Gill DM, Hall KA, Hester AJ, Hickey M, Irvine S, Janssen C, Kerr WJ, Kessler H, Kingston LP, Landreau C, Lawrie KWM, Lloyd-Jones G, Loaring H, Lockley WJS, Marshall LJ, Mo B, Moseley JD, Murrell VL, Nilsson GN, Oekonomopulos R, Pinney KG, Pleasance S, Raddatz S, Rees AT, Reid RG, Renny JS, Robert F, Rustidge D, Schumacher U, Schwaiger DM, Sharma S, Soloviev D, Spivey AC, Sriram M, Thijssen J, Tseng CC, Verluyten W, Viton F, Vliegen M, Weldon H, Wester HJ, Wilkinson DJ, Williams JMJ, Williamson G, Willis CL, Yan R. Abstracts of the 17th International Isotope Society (UK group) Symposium Synthesis and Applications of Labelled Compounds 2008. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.1590] [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: 11/10/2022]
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Åberg G, Aigbirhio FI, Alexakis E, Al-Maharik N, Almi M, Ambacher Y, Andersson S, Athlan A, Badman G, Baldwin SA, Baumann M, Baxendale IR, Botting NP, Bragg RA, Brown JA, Burton A, Bushby N, Cable K, Campbell G, Carr R, Carroll M, Chen L, Christlieb M, Davies P, Ellames GJ, Ellis W, Elmore C, Fryatt T, Geach N, Harding JR, Hartmann S, Harwood S, Hayward JJ, Henderson PJF, Herbert RB, Heys JR, Hölzl S, Hopkin MD, Horn P, Ilyas T, Irvine S, Jackson SD, Jin J, Keats A, Kennedy AR, Kerr WJ, Kitching MO, Landreau C, Lanners S, Lawrence R, Lawrie KWM, Ley SV, Little G, Lockley WJS, Maier D, Manning C, McNeill A, Middleton DA, Montgomery S, Morrison JJ, Mrzljak L, Newman J, Newsome J, Nikbin-Roudsari N, Nilsson GN, Oldfield MF, Patching SG, Procter DJ, Randall G, Robertson AA, Rummel CS, Rustidge D, Sherhod R, Shipley N, Smith CD, Smith CJ, Smith DI, Song C, Tamborini L, Waterhouse I, Watts A, Werkheiser JL, Williams G, Willis CL, Woodward P, Yan R, Young G, Zhang Q. 16th International Isotope Society (UK group) Symposium. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.1513] [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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Irvine S, Arumuganathar S, McEwan JR, Jayasinghe SN. Coaxial Aerodynamically Assisted Bio-jets: A Versatile Paradigm for Directly Engineering Living Primary Organisms. Eng Life Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.200720219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Affiliation(s)
- S Irvine
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, 84 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK
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Foka P, Irvine S, Ramji D. W04.135 Regulation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha gene transcription by interleukin-6. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(04)90134-7] [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: 11/25/2022]
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Slama R, Eustache F, Ducot B, Jensen TK, Jørgensen N, Horte A, Irvine S, Suominen J, Andersen AG, Auger J, Vierula M, Toppari J, Andersen AN, Keiding N, Skakkebaek NE, Spira A, Jouannet P. Time to pregnancy and semen parameters: a cross-sectional study among fertile couples from four European cities. Hum Reprod 2002; 17:503-15. [PMID: 11821304 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/17.2.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In fertile populations, little is known about the association between semen parameters and time to pregnancy (TTP). METHODS Pregnant women from Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Paris and Turku who conceived without medical intervention were asked for their TTP (942 couples), and their partners provided a semen sample. The proportion of morphologically normal sperm and the multiple anomalies index (MAI, ratio of the total number of anomalies to the number of abnormal sperm) were centrally estimated. We estimated rate ratios for the occurrence of a pregnancy by a discrete survival model, adjusted for sexual activity and female factors affecting fecundity. RESULTS Increasing sperm concentration influenced TTP up to 55 x 10(6)/ml. The proportion of morphologically normal sperm influenced TTP up to 39% according to David's criteria, and this association held among the subjects with a sperm concentration >55 x 10(6)/ml. For strict criteria, the threshold value was 19% normal sperm. An increase of 0.5 in MAI was associated with an adjusted rate ratio for the occurrence of a pregnancy of 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.54-0.85). CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the importance of sperm morphology parameters and indicate that the effect of proportion of normal sperm on TTP may be independent of sperm concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Slama
- INSERM U292, Research in Public Health, 82 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre cedex, France.
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Jensen TK, Slama R, Ducot B, Suominen J, Cawood EH, Andersen AG, Eustache F, Irvine S, Auger S, Jouannet P, Vierula M, Jørgensen N, Toppari J, Skakkebaek NE, Keiding N, Spira A. Regional differences in waiting time to pregnancy among fertile couples from four European cities. Hum Reprod 2001; 16:2697-704. [PMID: 11726598 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/16.12.2697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A previous European study found a longer time to pregnancy (TTP) among fertile women from Paris compared with women from other Western European countries. A co-ordinated, cross-sectional study of pregnant couples from Denmark (Copenhagen), France (Paris), Scotland (Edinburgh) and Finland (Turku) was therefore undertaken to assess differences in waiting TTP among couples from these cities. METHODS Pregnant women were invited to participate when they showed up for their first antenatal visit in one of the four centres. Inclusion criteria included that their partner was 20-45 years of age and born in the country in which he was currently living and that the pregnancy was achieved without fertility treatment. Both partners filled in a questionnaire and the man underwent a physical examination and delivered a semen sample (Turku: n = 237, Copenhagen: n = 302, Edinburgh: n = 212, Paris: n = 191). RESULTS French couples had a decreased probability of conception compared with couples from the other three countries, although only after adjustment for confounders. No significant differences between couples from the three other countries were found. CONCLUSION The observed geographical differences in TTP remain unexplained and were not due to differences in semen quality, but may be caused by varying exposures to environmental factors or psychological distress. In addition, selection bias due to the low participation rates cannot be ruled out. Future studies examining the causes for geographical differences in TTP are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Jensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, section GR-5064, Rigshospitalet, The Juliane Marie Centre, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Liu JL, Irvine S, Reid IA, Patel KP, Zucker IH. Chronic exercise reduces sympathetic nerve activity in rabbits with pacing-induced heart failure: A role for angiotensin II. Circulation 2000; 102:1854-62. [PMID: 11023943 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.102.15.1854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic exercise (EX) improves the quality of life and increases the survival of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Because sympathetic nerve activity is elevated in the CHF state, it is possible that EX is beneficial in this disease due to a decrease in sympathetic outflow. METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated arterial baroreflex function and resting renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in EX normal and CHF rabbits before and after angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor blockade. Four groups of rabbits were studied: a normal non-EX group, a normal EX group, a CHF non-EX group, and a CHF EX group. EX lowered resting RSNA in rabbits with CHF but not in normal rabbits. In addition, EX increased arterial baroreflex sensitivity in the CHF group (heart rate slope: CHF 1. 7+/-0.3 bpm/mm Hg, EX CHF 4.9+/-0.3 bpm/mm Hg; P:<0.01; RSNA slope: CHF 2.2+/-0.2%max/mm Hg, EX CHF 5.7+/-0.4%max/mm Hg; P:<0.01. AT(1) receptor blockade enhanced baroreflex sensitivity in the non-EX CHF rabbits but had no effect in EX CHF rabbits. Concomitant with this effect, EX lowered the elevated plasma angiotensin II concentration in the CHF group. A significant positive correlation was observed between sympathetic nerve activity and plasma angiotensin II. CONCLUSIONS These data strongly suggest that EX reduces the sympathoexcitatory state in the setting of CHF. Enhanced arterial baroreflex sensitivity may contribute to this reduction. In addition, EX lowers plasma angiotensin II concentration in CHF. These data further suggest that the lowering of angiotensin II may contribute to the decrease in sympathetic nerve activity after EX in the CHF state.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
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Irvine S, Joyce L, Barnes M. Trust wants help in formulating system to recognise performance of salaried GPs. BMJ 1999; 319:574. [PMID: 10463908 PMCID: PMC1116446 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.319.7209.574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the delay in starting disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and any changes in medical practice between 1980 and 1997. METHODS 198 consecutive RA patients attending the rheumatology clinics at a teaching hospital, for routine review, had their case sheet reviewed. The dates of symptom onset, general practitioner (GP) referral, first clinic appointment and first use of DMARD were recorded. Data were collected on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, and the presence/absence of erosions at the first clinic assessment. Patients were split into four groups according to the date of their first clinic assessment-before 1986, 1987-9, 1990-3, and 1994-7. RESULTS There was a sharp drop in the delay between symptom onset and GP referral (before 1986, 21 months; 1987-89, 23 months; 1990-3, 7 months; 1994-7, 4 months, p<0.03), and in the delay between first assessment at the rheumatology clinic and the start of DMARD treatment (before 1986, 32 months; 1987-89, 21 months; 1990-1993, 8 months; 1994-7, 1 month, p<0.001). The number of patients given DMARD treatment within six months of symptom onset increased from 5% (before 1994) to 44% (1994-7). Seventy three per cent of patients waiting more than a year from symptom onset to first clinic appointment already had erosive change, compared with 34% of patients seen within a year. CONCLUSIONS Patients are being referred earlier in their disease, and DMARDs are prescribed sooner in the disease course. There has been a substantial increase in the proportion of patients treated with a DMARD within six months of symptom onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Irvine
- Department of Rheumatology, Gartnavel General Hospital, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN
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Aitken RJ, Harkiss D, Knox W, Paterson M, Irvine S. On the cellular mechanisms by which the bicarbonate ion mediates the extragenomic action of progesterone on human spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 1998; 58:186-96. [PMID: 9472940 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod58.1.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone exerts an extragenomic action on human spermatozoa, inducing a rapid calcium transient in the acrosomal domain of these cells and enhancing their potential for fertilization. This response is known to exhibit an absolute dependence on the presence of extracellular bicarbonate, although the mechanisms underlying this interaction are not understood. In this study, bicarbonate was found to exert a dose-dependent impact on the ability of progesterone to promote sperm-oocyte fusion in the absence of any collateral effect on sperm motility. The loss of sperm function in bicarbonate-free medium was associated with a failure to produce reactive oxygen species, an impaired capacity to exhibit redox-associated changes in tyrosine phosphorylation, and an apparent incapacity to generate normal calcium transients on exposure to progesterone. These defects were not related to a cAMP deficiency but were associated with a significant fall in intracellular pH. If cytosolic pH was chemically buffered into the normal range, then the spermatozoa regained every element of their response to progesterone. These results emphasize the importance of an alkaline intracellular milieu for the extragenomic action of progesterone on human spermatozoa and stress the fundamental difference between intracellular and extracellular sources of bicarbonate in maintaining the proton balance within such cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Aitken
- MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Edinburgh, Scotland.
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Aitken RJ, Fisher HM, Fulton N, Gomez E, Knox W, Lewis B, Irvine S. Reactive oxygen species generation by human spermatozoa is induced by exogenous NADPH and inhibited by the flavoprotein inhibitors diphenylene iodonium and quinacrine. Mol Reprod Dev 1997; 47:468-82. [PMID: 9211432 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199708)47:4<468::aid-mrd14>3.0.co;2-s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Human spermatozoa possess a specialized capacity to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that is thought to be of significance in the redox regulation of sperm capacitation (De Lamirande and Gagnon, 1993; Aitken et al., 1995). However, the mechanisms by which ROS are generated by these cells are not understood. In this study we have examined the possible significance of NADPH as a substrate for ROS production by human spermatozoa. Addition of NADPH to viable populations of motile spermatozoa induced a sudden dose-dependent increase in the rate of superoxide generation via mechanisms that could not be disrupted by inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (antimycin A, rotenone, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone [CCCP], and sodium azide), diaphorase (dicoumarol) xanthine oxidase (allopurinol), or lactic acid dehydrogenase (sodium oxamate). However, NADPH-induced ROS generation could be stimulated by permeabilization and was negatively correlated with sperm function. Both NADH and NADPH were active electron donors in this system, while NAD+ and NADP+ exhibited little activity. Stereo-specificity was evident in the response in that only the beta-isomer of NADPH supported superoxide production. The involvement of a flavoprotein in the electron transfer process was indicated by the high sensitivity of the oxidase to inhibition by diphenylene iodonium and quinacrine. These results indicate that NAD(P)H can serve as an electron donor for superoxide generation by human spermatozoa and present a simple strategy for the production of motile populations of free radical generating cells with which to study the significance of these molecules in the control of normal and pathological sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Aitken
- MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Fraser L, Barratt CL, Canale D, Cooper T, DeJonge C, Irvine S, Mortimer D, Oehninger S, Tesarik J. Consensus workshop on advanced diagnostic andrology techniques. ESHRE Andrology Special Interest Group. Hum Reprod 1997; 12:873. [PMID: 9159464 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a019580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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Finnerty JR, Master VA, Irvine S, Kourakis MJ, Warriner S, Martindale MQ. Homeobox genes in the Ctenophora: identification of paired-type and Hox homologues in the atentaculate ctenophore, Beroë ovata. Mol Mar Biol Biotechnol 1996; 5:249-58. [PMID: 8983194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox-containing genes are a phylogenetically widespread family of transcription factors that can regulate cell fates during embryogenesis. Two distinct homeobox gene sequences are described for the atentaculate ctenophore Beroë, the first homeoboxes to be identified in this phylum. Beroë homeobox fragments were cloned in a survey of genomic DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Parsimony, neighbor-joining, and maximum likelihood methods were used to infer the orthology of the ctenophore sequences to specific homeoboxes from higher metazoans including Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans, and humans. Cteno-paired appears most closely related to paired-typed homeoboxes. This is the first evidence of a paired-type homeobox in one of the so-called diploblastic animals. Cteno-Hoxl appears most closely related to members of the Hox class, particularly Antennapedia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Finnerty
- Department of Organismal Biology, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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Irvine S, Cawood E, Aitken J. Authors' reply. West J Med 1996. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.313.7048.44d] [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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Irvine S, Francis I, Bishop A, Baxter J. The Entropion Patch: A Method of Temporarily Correcting Involutional Entropion with Adhesive Tape. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 1996. [DOI: 10.1097/00002341-199603000-00025] [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: 11/25/2022]
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Irvine S, Cawood E, Richardson D, MacDonald E, Aitken J. Evidence of deteriorating semen quality in the United Kingdom: birth cohort study in 577 men in Scotland over 11 years. BMJ 1996; 312:467-71. [PMID: 8597676 PMCID: PMC2349950 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.312.7029.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the quality of semen has changed in a group of over 500 Scottish men born between 1951 and 1973. DESIGN Retrospective review of data on semen quality collected in a single laboratory over 11 years and according to World Health Organisation guidelines. SETTING Programme of gamete biology research funded by Medical Research Council. SUBJECTS 577 volunteer semen donors. Of these, 171 were born before 1959, 120 were born in 1960-4, 171 in 1965-9, and 115 in 1970-4. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Conventional criteria of semen quality including semen volume (ml), sperm concentration (10(6)/ml), overall motility (% motile), total number of sperm in the ejaculate (10(6)), and total number of motile sperm in the ejaculate (10(6)). RESULTS When the four birth cohort groups were compared a later year of birth was associated with a lower sperm concentration, a lower total number of sperm in the ejaculate, and a lower number of motile sperm in the ejaculate. The median sperm concentration fell from 98x10(6)/ml among donors born before 1959 to 78x10(6)/ml among donors born after 1970 (P=0.002). The total number of sperm in the ejaculate fell from 301x10(6) to 214x10(6) (P=0.0005), and the total number of motile sperm in the ejaculate fell from 169.7x10(6) to 129.0x10(6) (P=0.0065). CONCLUSION This study provides direct evidence that semen quality is deteriorating, with a later year of birth being significantly associated with a reduced number of sperm in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Irvine
- Medical Research Council Reproductive Biology Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh
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Irvine S, Francis IC, Kappagoda MB, Haylen MJ, Alexander S, Schumacher RS, Boytell KA. Prospective study of 210 consecutive cases of endocapsular phacoemulsification using the AMO SI-30NB 3-piece foldable lens. Aust N Z J Ophthalmol 1995; 23:287-91. [PMID: 11980074 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.1995.tb00178.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the acceptability of clinical outcome achieved with use of the SI-30NB lens, as well as the incidence of any lens related complications. METHODS This prospective study evaluated 210 consecutive eyes undergoing endocapsular phacoemulsification cataract surgery (EPECS), with implantation of the AMO SI-30NB foldable three-piece lens, commencing with the first patient in our practice receiving this implant. There was 99% follow-up for at least three months, with a mean of nine months, and a range of three to 14 months. Incisions were a maximum of 3.2 mm in size, and this allowed minimisation of astigmatism, and maximisation of early visual rehabilitation. RESULTS The final visual acuity results were excellent, with 95% of cases achieving corrected vision of 6/12 or better. All cases without pre-existing ocular pathology achieved corrected vision of 6/6, apart from a single case which achieved 6/9, but the patient died before follow-up. The lens-related complication rate was less than 1% (two patients). No decentration of any other implant occurred, and no patient complained of edge glare. There were no cases of iris chafing or pigment dispersion. Only three patients (1.4%) required Yag posterior capsulotomy in the first 14 months of the study. Central bag-bag fixation was achieved in 206 of the 210 cases in the study (98%). CONCLUSION The results achieved using the SI-30NB lens with a small incision phaco procedure were excellent. Lens-related complications occurred in only two cases and very few cases have had problems with posterior capsular opacification.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Irvine
- Concord Hospital and Dalcross Hospitals, Sydney, Australia
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Gonzales JM, Loeb AL, Reichard PS, Irvine S. Ketamine inhibits glutamate-, N-methyl-D-aspartate-, and quisqualate-stimulated cGMP production in cultured cerebral neurons. Anesthesiology 1995; 82:205-13. [PMID: 7832303 DOI: 10.1097/00000542-199501000-00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamatergic signaling has been linked to the recently discovered neurotransmitter/neuromodulator nitric oxide (NO), and several classes of anesthetics block some step in glutamatergic signaling. This study was designed to determine whether or not ketamine would prevent NO-dependent cGMP production stimulated by glutamate (GLU) and the GLU analogs NMDA, quisqualate (QUIS), and kainate (KAIN). METHODS Primary cultures of cortical neurons and glia (prepared from 16-day gestational rat fetuses) were used after 12-16 days in culture. Reactions were carried out in magnesium-free buffer containing 100 microM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and cGMP content of cultures was used as a bioassay of NO production. RESULTS Cyclic GMP production stimulated by sodium nitroprusside (100 microM) occurred predominately in neurons and not in glia. Neurons were spontaneously active in these cultures; basal cGMP production was decreased by 50% in the presence of 1 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX). Glutamate (100 microM), NMDA (100 microM), QUIS (300 microM), and KAIN (100 microM) each increased cGMP content of neuronal cultures. L-NMMA (100 microM), a NO synthase inhibitor, prevented the stimulation of cGMP production by GLU or its analogs. Pretreatment with MK-801 (1 microM) or ketamine (10-100 microM) inhibited GLU-, NMDA-, and QUIS-stimulated cGMP production. Quisqualate-stimulated responses were the most sensitive to inhibition by ketamine and NMDA-stimulated responses were the least sensitive to inhibition. MK-801 and ketamine did not significantly inhibit KAIN-stimulated cGMP production. CNQX (10 microns) blocked KAIN-stimulated cGMP production only. CONCLUSIONS The authors' data demonstrate that ketamine inhibited NO synthesis stimulated by NMDA- and non-NMDA-receptor specific analogs. Our findings indicate that blockade of QUIS- as well as NMDA-subtypes of GLU- receptor may be important in the development of ketamine-induced anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Gonzales
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Irvine S, Forsyth B, Ramsay I. Sex education in schools. Lancet 1994; 344:1508-9. [PMID: 7968145] [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: 01/28/2023]
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Irvine S, Francis IC, Kappagoda MB, Haylen MJ, Alexander S, Schumacher RS, Boytell K. The second two hundred cases of endocapsular phacoemulsification: the learning curve levels off. Aust N Z J Ophthalmol 1994; 22:281. [PMID: 7727109 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.1994.tb00799.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Irvine S, Francis IC, Bishop AE, Baxter J. The entropion patch: a method of temporarily correcting involutional entropion with adhesive tape. Ophthalmic Surg 1994; 25:604-6. [PMID: 7831003] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A simply designed entropion patch provided effective temporary preoperative relief of the symptoms of lid malposition in lower lid involutional entropion in six patients. The patch is easily fashioned and used after appropriate instruction, with its design taking into account lid mechanics and the pathophysiology of involutional entropion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Irvine
- Dalcross Private Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Acharya U, Irvine S, Hamilton M, Templeton A. Prospective study of short and ultrashort regimens of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in an in vitro fertilization program. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1993. [DOI: 10.1016/0020-7292(93)90663-h] [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: 10/26/2022]
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Francis IC, Irvine S, O'Brien DP, Haylen MJ, Schumacher RS, Alexander S. Prospective evaluation of one surgeon's first 100 cases of endocapsular phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Aust N Z J Ophthalmol 1993; 21:147-52. [PMID: 8260151] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In this series of one surgeon's first 100 cases of endocapsular phacoemulsification cataract surgery (EPECS), believed to be the first truly prospective study of its kind, 86% of patients achieved corrected vision of 6/6 to 6/4; 96% achieved vision of 6/12 or better; and excluding those with pre-existing pathology, 99% achieved 6/12. Posterior capsular rupture occurred in 11 cases, with vitrectomy being required in eight cases. Detailed analysis of the 100 cases is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- I C Francis
- Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Acharya U, Irvine S, Hamilton M, Templeton A. Prospective study of short and ultrashort regimens of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in an in vitro fertilization program. Fertil Steril 1992; 58:1169-73. [PMID: 1459268 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)55564-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the usefulness of the ultrashort regimen of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in ovulation induction in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. DESIGN A prospective randomized trial comparing short and ultrashort regimens of GnRH-a. SETTING Aberdeen Assisted Reproduction Unit. PATIENTS Forty-eight patients having IVF for the first time were randomized between the two protocols. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Response to ovarian stimulation and occurrence of spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) surges. RESULTS In ovulation induction, fertilization, and pregnancy rates the ultrashort regimen produces results that were no different to the short regimen but it did not always prevent an LH surge. CONCLUSION The ultrashort regimen can be a useful alternative for ovarian stimulation of patients undergoing IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Acharya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Scotland
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Irvine S, Cunningham-Burley S. Mothers' concepts of normality, behavioural change and illness in their children. Br J Gen Pract 1991; 41:371-4. [PMID: 1793646 PMCID: PMC1371718] [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] Open
Abstract
Several sociological models have been put forward to explain illness behaviour. However, little research has examined general practitioners' understanding of mothers' perceptions of their children's health and illness. The aim of this study was to attempt to understand the cultural context of children's illness. Mothers' concerns about their children's health and illnesses were examined by describing the mothers' own perceptions of alterations in their children's behaviour. The mothers' perceptions of normality appeared to underpin their negotiation of illness. The concept of normality was found to change over time, to be uniquely based on individual experience, to be related to health, and to a process of normalization. The mothers' perceived importance of children's behavioural changes are discussed: they may be precursors or results of illness, causes for concern in their own right, or a management problem for the household. Identifying and acknowledging the unique way in which mothers perceive health and illness in their children may lead to enhanced understanding and satisfaction for both the general practitioner and mother in the consultation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Irvine
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Lothian Health Board, Edinburgh
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Irvine S. The commercialization of biotechnology: important aspects of technology licensing. Aust J Biotechnol 1991; 5:105-8. [PMID: 1367321] [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: 03/25/2023]
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Irvine S. The patenting of transgenic animals--will it matter at the end of the day? Aust J Biotechnol 1991; 5:15-9. [PMID: 1367105] [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: 03/25/2023]
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Fasol R, Irvine S, Zilla P. Vascular injuries caused by anti-personnel mines. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 1989; 30:467-72. [PMID: 2745534] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
During a 3 month period 94 patients, injured by anti-personnel mines on the Thailand-Cambodian border, underwent emergency surgical treatment in the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) hospital in Khao-I-Dang, Thailand. As a result of difficult evacuation facilities at the border, the mean time between injury caused by an anti-personnel mine and admission to the hospital was 8.3 hours (range: 2.5 to 14 hours). However, in 14 patients a penetrating vessel injury was sustained, and these underwent surgical treatment. Peripheral vascular repair was performed in 10 patients. The vessels involved in these reconstructions were: popliteal artery: 4, femoral artery: 2, anterior tibial artery: 3, femoral vein: 1. Vascular repair of the iliac artery and vein was performed in 1 patient. Limb amputation had to be performed in 3 patients, due to the long duration of tourniquet application in these cases. In the field conditions at Khao-I-Dang hospital many surgical facilities normally present in Western hospitals were unavailable. However, our series shows that satisfactory results could be obtained, despite adverse working conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Fasol
- Department of Surgery 2, University of Vienna, Austria
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Irvine S. Patent battles continue in biotechnology in the United States. Aust J Biotechnol 1988; 2:113-4. [PMID: 2485324] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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