1
|
Edward KL, Kruger G, Irvine S, Philip S, Tyler D. Block learning: Evaluation of a new teaching approach for nursing and midwifery education. Nurse Educ Pract 2024; 75:103905. [PMID: 38335698 DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2024.103905] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim is to present outcome and engagement data from the initial years of the implementation of a new teaching approach in entry to practice nursing and midwifery education. BACKGROUND The Block Model (TBM) is a teaching approach that involves studying one unit of study at a time over a four-week period, as opposed to the traditional semester model. This paper presents data revealing the impact of TBM on student engagement and overall experience in entry to practice Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery programs. DESIGN The evaluation retrospectively compared key indicators pre- Block Model implementation with outcomes for nursing and midwifery students using TBM approach using standard data sets and external comparators such as the Student Experience Survey and National Employability Survey. METHODS The study presents a comparative analysis of key indicators and graduate outcomes for students. We use reportable data and two external comparators, the Student Experience Survey and the National Employability Survey, to gauge student learning and graduate employability. The evaluation was conducted in a tertiary institution in Australia with for nursing and midwifery students who completed their studies using TBM approach at the university. RESULTS The implementation of TBM in nursing and midwifery programs resulted in improvements in learner engagement, retention rates and pass rates. Improvements were also noted graduate outcomes, with an increase in full-time graduate employment. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest the Block Model is a promising new teaching approach in nursing and midwifery education, with potential benefits for learner engagement, retention and pass rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen-Leigh Edward
- Head of Programs, Nursing and Midwifery/College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne 8001, Australia
| | - Gina Kruger
- Deputy Head of Programs Nursing and Midwifery, Course Chair Bachelor of Midwifery/Bachelor of Nursing, College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne 8001, Australia.
| | - Susan Irvine
- First Year College, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne 8001, Australia
| | - Susan Philip
- Course Chair Bachelor of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery/College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne 8001, Australia
| | - Deborah Tyler
- Academic Quality and Standards, Room K525e, Footscray Park Campus, Victoria University, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Irvine S, Tangalakis K. An Exploratory Study of Undergraduate Nursing Students' Experiences of Group Work in Block Model Teaching. Nurs Educ Perspect 2024:00024776-990000000-00200. [PMID: 38227628 DOI: 10.1097/01.nep.0000000000001234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The study's aim was to examine students' perceptions of group work taught in a block model in the first unit of an undergraduate nursing program. The study used a qualitative descriptive design with open-ended questions. Data from 27 students were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data: 1) unmet expectations, 2) cognitive and metacognitive strategies (subtheme, reflection), and 3) engagement. The benefits and challenges associated with group work using the block model are highlighted, along with implications for education, practice, and further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Irvine
- About the Authors Susan Irvine, RN, PhD, MN (Research), Grad Dip Pal Care, GCHPE, is a senior lecturer, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia. Kathy Tangalakis, PhD, BSc(Hons), is a professor, Victoria University. For more information, contact Dr. Irvine at
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Harkin K, Apostolopoulos V, Tangalakis K, Irvine S, Tripodi N, Feehan J. The impact of motivational interviewing on behavioural change and health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas 2023; 170:9-21. [PMID: 36736204 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients and survivors commonly have poorer health behaviours and subsequent outcomes, often as a result of negative impacts of diagnosis and treatment. Motivational interviewing is reported to be an effective psychological tool to produce a shift in one's behaviour resulting in improved outcomes. However, there is a lack of analyses investigating this tool's impact on healthy behaviours and health outcomes in cancer populations. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of motivational interviewing on behaviours and health outcomes in cancer populations. METHODS The studies were identified from four databases using variations of the terms "cancer" and "motivational interviewing". Randomised trials, non-randomised trials and quasi-experimental studies which contained control (or usual care) comparators were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Version 5.1.0 and the Risk of Bias In Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions tools. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. Means difference and standardised mean differences and 95 % confidence intervals were used to report the pooled effects using a random effects model. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included in the review and 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 1752 cancer patients and survivors received MI as an intervention (or part thereof). Quality of life, anxiety, depression, functional tasks (6-minute walk test), body mass index and body weight (BMI/BW), physical activity (PA), self-efficacy and fatigue were outcomes measured in the selected studies. Effects were seen in functional tasks, physical activity, BMI/BW, depression and self-efficacy. All of these outcomes were from studies that were classed as very low-quality evidence except for BMI/BW and PA, which were from moderate-quality evidence. CONCLUSION Motivational interviewing had positive effects on functional tasks, PA, BMI/BW, depression and self-efficacy in people diagnosed with cancer. However, more higher-quality studies need to be conducted to further ascertain the effect of this intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Harkin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; First Year College, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St. Albans, Australia
| | - Kathy Tangalakis
- First Year College, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan Irvine
- First Year College, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicholas Tripodi
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St. Albans, Australia; First Year College, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Jack Feehan
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St. Albans, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hatzigianni M, Stephenson T, Harrison LJ, Waniganayake M, Li P, Barblett L, Hadley F, Andrews R, Davis B, Irvine S. The role of digital technologies in supporting quality improvement in Australian early childhood education and care settings. Int J Child Care Educ Policy 2023; 17:5. [PMID: 36778763 PMCID: PMC9899662 DOI: 10.1186/s40723-023-00107-6] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This national study explored the role of digital technologies in early childhood education and care settings and whether they could contribute to quality improvement as reported by educators and assessors of quality in Australia. In this paper, data from Stage 2 of the Quality Improvement Research Project were used, which comprised 60 Quality Improvement Plans from educators linked with 60 Assessment and Rating reports from the assessors who visited early childhood centres as part of the administration of the National Quality Standards by each of Australia's State and Territory jurisdictions. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory ( Bronfenbrenner, U. (1995). Developmental ecology through space and time: A future perspective. In P. Moen, G. H. Elder, Jr., & K. Lüscher (Eds.), Examining lives in context: Perspectives on the ecology of human development (pp. 619-647). American Psychological Association. 10.1037/10176-018; Bronfenbrenner & Ceci, Bronfenbrenner and Ceci, Psychological Review 101:568-586, 1994) was adopted to facilitate a systemic and dynamic view on the use of digital technologies in these 60 ECEC settings. References (e.g. comments/ suggestions/ examples) made by the educators about the implementation of digital technologies were counted and thematically analysed. Results revealed the strong role new technologies (e.g. documentation and management platforms, tablets, apps, etc.) play in the majority of ECEC settings and especially in relation to three of the seven Quality Areas: Educational programme and practice (Quality Area 1); Collaborative partnerships with families and communities (Quality Area 6) and Governance and leadership (Quality Area 7). Future directions for research are suggested and implications for embracing a more holistic, integrated and broad view on the use of digital technologies are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hatzigianni
- University of West Attica, Alsos Egaleo Campus, 28 St Spyridonos st., 11243 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Philip Li
- Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Susan Irvine
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Harrison LJ, Waniganayake M, Brown J, Andrews R, Li H, Hadley F, Irvine S, Barblett L, Davis B, Hatzigianni M. Structures and systems influencing quality improvement in Australian early childhood education and care centres. Aust Educ Res 2023:1-23. [PMID: 36620473 PMCID: PMC9812343 DOI: 10.1007/s13384-022-00602-8] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of structural characteristics on quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) outcomes in an Australian national study. Data from the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) repository of National Quality Standard (NQS) ratings were used to identify long day care services that had improved from Working Towards NQS to Meeting or Exceeding NQS or had no change over two assessments. QRIS outcomes were examined for state/territory jurisdiction, urban-rural location, community socio-economic status, type and size of provider organisation, centre size and stability of centre owner/provider using multinomial logistic regression analyses. Controlling for jurisdiction, results showed that improvement to Meeting NQS was more likely for not-for-profit versus for-profit providers and for large multi-site provider organisations versus small, stand-alone providers. Improvement to Exceeding NQS was also associated with not-for-profit and larger provider organisations, as well as larger versus smaller centres, and centres that had stable ownership.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jude Brown
- School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca Andrews
- School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hui Li
- School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fay Hadley
- School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susan Irvine
- School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lennie Barblett
- School of Education, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Belinda Davis
- School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Hatzigianni
- Department of Early Childhood Education and Care, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Irvine S, Williams B. A Psychometric Appraisal of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) in Final Year Undergraduate Nursing Students. J Nurs Meas 2022:JNM-2021-0001. [PMID: 35725024 DOI: 10.1891/jnm-2021-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) in undergraduate nursing students. METHOD An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess the reliability and construct validity of the MSLQ, using principal axis factoring (PAF) and varimax rotation on the 81-items. RESULTS 300 Students completed the MSLQ. The MSLQ with 81-items produced an 8-factor solution, eigenvalues greater than 1.0, with only three of the original MSLQ factors retained. Cronbach alpha ranged from .69 to .89; parallel analysis results ranged from 2.22 to 1.80 across the factors. CONCLUSION The difference in the empiric fit between the data and the theoretical model suggests the need for instrument revisions, at least for this learner population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Irvine
- Senior Lecturer, First Year College, Victoria University, Australia, McKechnie St, St Albans, VIC 3021
| | - Brett Williams
- Head of Department, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Irvine S, Williams B, Smallridge A, Solomonides I, Gong YH, Andrew S. The self-regulated learner, entry characteristics and academic performance of undergraduate nursing students transitioning to University. Nurse Educ Today 2021; 105:105041. [PMID: 34247010 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2021.105041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the importance of fostering students self-regulated learning is well known, little is known about the relationship between student entry characteristics, particularly students from disadvantaged backgrounds, self-regulatory strategy use and academic performance. The study aim was to examine undergraduate nursing students' entry characteristics, motivational behaviours and learning strategies, and academic performance after transitioning into the first unit of an undergraduate nursing course. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey. SETTING A university in Australia. PARTICIPANTS First-year undergraduate nursing students. METHODS The Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire, including demographic information, was distributed to students in the fourth week of commencing University, consent was obtained for the use of student unit grades. RESULTS For the 448 eligible students, n = 282 (62.9%) completed the survey. Students were categorised by age into three groups: 18 years, 19-22 years, and 23+ years. Entry characteristics, motivation and learning strategies scores and academic performance were related to the age category with the greatest difference between 18 and 23+ student groups. 23 years+ had higher scores for 11 MSLQ scales (mean difference 0.78-0.31, p < 0.05) highest grades (F = 4.694, p = 0.010). Students 23+ years had the highest motivational behaviours and learning strategies. The international students' academic grades in this study were lower than the domestic student's grades (t = -2.212, p = 0.028). CONCLUSION This study highlights the need to address the tensions that exist between attracting quality students, the requirement to assess their quality efficiently and allowing students from disadvantaged groups the opportunity to enter nursing undergraduate degree courses. This study contributes new knowledge to the impact students' entry characteristics have on motivational behaviours, learning strategy use and academic performance. Knowing this would allow faculty to identify students at risk of failure early in the course and offer instructional support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Irvine
- Victoria University, McKechnie St, St Albans, VIC 3021, Room 4C2111, Australia.
| | - Brett Williams
- Department of Paramedicine, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia.
| | - Andrew Smallridge
- Victoria University, PO Box 14, 428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia.
| | - Ian Solomonides
- Victoria University, PO Box 14, 428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia.
| | - Yu Hua Gong
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Northern Centre for Health education and Research, La Trobe University, 185 Cooper Street, Epping, Victoria 3076, Australia.
| | - Sharon Andrew
- Institute of Health & Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14,428, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McLeod C, Jokwiro Y, Gong Y, Irvine S, Edvardsson K. Undergraduate nursing student and preceptors' experiences of clinical placement through an innovative clinical school supervision model. Nurse Educ Pract 2021; 51:102986. [PMID: 33621926 DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2021.102986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study explores final year undergraduate nursing and midwifery students and their preceptors' experiences of a newly introduced Clinical School Supervision (CSS) model, which was implemented to reduce a perceived disconnect between theory and practice. A descriptive design was used with qualitative data collected through open-ended survey questions. Respondents included 43 undergraduate nursing and midwifery students involved in the final year and 13 clinical preceptors from a large metropolitan tertiary health service in Victoria, Australia. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Students described the CSS as a favoured supervision model with students being able to take advantage of support from both the academic supervisor and nursing staff in the clinical setting, a model which also supported student's sense of belonging. Students experiences indicated the CSS model facilitated consolidation of knowledge, reflective practice and transition to graduate nursing. The preceptors described a commitment to and preparedness for the role, although they found they had little break from teaching and their rosters did not always align with their students'. Preceptors also shared experiences of unfulfilled expectations, lack of recognition and incentives for supervising students. Further studies are needed to identify effective ways to support preceptors in their roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmel McLeod
- La Trobe University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Science Health and Engineering, Northern Clinical School, Level 2, Northern Centre for Health Education and Research, 185 Cooper Street, Epping, Vic, 3076, Australia.
| | - Yangama Jokwiro
- La Trobe University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Science Health and Engineering, Northern Clinical School, Level 2, Northern Centre for Health Education and Research, 185 Cooper Street, Epping, Vic, 3076, Australia
| | - Yuhua Gong
- La Trobe University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Science Health and Engineering, Northern Clinical School, Level 2, Northern Centre for Health Education and Research, 185 Cooper Street, Epping, Vic, 3076, Australia; Monash University, School of Nursing and Midwifery Wellington Road, Clayton, Vic, 3800, Australia
| | - Susan Irvine
- Victoria University, First Year College, Ballarat Road, Footscray, Vic, 3011, Australia
| | - Kristina Edvardsson
- La Trobe University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Science Health and Engineering, Northern Clinical School, Level 2, Northern Centre for Health Education and Research, 185 Cooper Street, Epping, Vic, 3076, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chee K, Workman C, Irvine S, Ferson MJ. Mumps outbreak in a rugby league team despite pre-existing immunity. Med J Aust 2020; 213:225-226. [PMID: 32710801 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Chee
- Public Health Unit, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW
| | | | - Susan Irvine
- Public Health Unit, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW
| | - Mark J Ferson
- Public Health Unit, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Staton S, Pattinson C, Smith S, Pease A, Blair P, Young J, Irvine S, Thorpe K. Observed compliance with safe sleeping guidelines in licensed childcare services. Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:1193-1197. [PMID: 31300411 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-317000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To independently assess compliance with safe sleeping guidelines for infants <12 months in licensed childcare services. DESIGN Full-day, in-situ observations of childcare practices (including sleep and non-sleep periods) conducted in 2016-2017. SETTING Australian home-based and centre-based licensed childcare services. All subject to national regulation and legislation to comply with safe sleeping guidelines. PARTICIPANTS The sample was 18 licensed childcare settings (15 centre-based, 3 home-based) that had infants <12 months (n=49) attending at the time of observation. 31 educators completed self-report surveys. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Standard observations of childcare practices, including a 20-item infant Safe Sleeping Guideline checklist. Educator characteristics, including each individual's knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding safe sleeping practices. RESULTS 83% of childcare services were observed to be non-compliant on at least 1 of 20 target guidelines (median 2.5, max=7); 44% were observed placing infants prone/side and 67% used loose bedding, quilts, doonas/duvets, pillows, sheepskins or soft toys in cots. 71% of the childcare settings had a copy of current safe sleeping guidelines displayed either in or at entry to the infant sleep room. CONCLUSION Despite 25 years of public health messaging, non-compliance with safe sleeping guidelines was observed to be high in childcare services. Understanding of the reasons underlying non-compliance, particularly in contexts were legislative mandate and access to information regarding safe sleeping is high, is critical to informing ongoing public health messaging and should be the focus of future studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ANZCTR 12618001056280-pre-results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Staton
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cassandra Pattinson
- Division of Extramural Research (NINR), National Institutes of Health, Washington DC, Washington DC, USA
| | - Simon Smith
- Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anna Pease
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Blair
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, University of Bristol School of Social and Community Medicine, Bristol, UK
| | - Jeanine Young
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susan Irvine
- School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karen Thorpe
- Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
|
15
|
Irvine S, Williams B, McKenna L. Near-peer teaching in undergraduate nurse education: An integrative review. Nurse Educ Today 2018; 70:60-68. [PMID: 30145536 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND Studies in peer learning and teaching reported in the nursing literature are mainly descriptive, summarising positive aspects using survey and interviews. Application of pedagogical approaches to near-peer teaching in undergraduate nursing, using educational psychology frameworks to explain the outcomes, is relatively unknown. OBJECTIVES The objective of this integrative review was to ascertain outcomes of near-peer teaching in undergraduate nurse education and theoretical frameworks used to explain outcomes of near-peer teaching. DESIGN Included qualitative and quantitative studies. METHOD The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol and Joanna Briggs Institute processes and included studies published between the years 1990 and 2017. Quality appraisal involved two independent reviewers analysing the data, and narrative synthesis was used to report results. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-one abstracts were assessed independently by two reviewers for relevance to near-peer teaching in undergraduate nurse education, 29 articles selected for further review with 10 meeting the inclusion criteria. Benefits of near-peer teaching were reported as creating a safe supportive learning environment, learners viewing near-peer teachers as effective role models and increased confidence experienced by learner and teacher. Studies focused mainly on cognition in relation to performance with little emphasis on metacognition or affective behaviours, highlighting the need for more studies to provide definitive evidence supporting this pedagogical approach and framing its implementation around theories, particularly from educational psychology. CONCLUSION Lack of training provided to near-peer teachers highlighted that it is imperative that faculty embed near-peer teaching into the curriculum. To develop this educational intervention, studies in near-peer teaching are required to assess affective behaviours and metacognitive qualities of near-peer teachers to determine how this educational intervention can impact learning and performance of both the learner and near-peer teacher.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Irvine
- School of Nursing and Midwifery Northern Centre for Health Education and Research, Room 2.047, College of Science Health and Engineering La Trobe University, 185 Cooper St., Epping, VIC 3076, Australia.
| | - Brett Williams
- Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice, Monash University, Level 2, Building H, Peninsula Campus, McMahons Road, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia.
| | - Lisa McKenna
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, George Singer Building room 317, College of Science Health and Engineering, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
McKenna L, Irvine S, Williams B. ‘I didn't expect teaching to be such a huge part of nursing’: A follow-up qualitative exploration of new graduates' teaching activities. Nurse Educ Pract 2018; 32:9-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
17
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
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]
|
19
|
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
|
20
|
Irvine S, Williams B, McKenna L. How are we assessing near-peer teaching in undergraduate health professional education? A systematic review. Nurse Educ Today 2017; 50:42-50. [PMID: 28012361 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Near Peer teaching (NPT) is reported as an effective pedagogical approach to student learning and performance. Studies in medicine, nursing and health sciences have relied mainly on self-reports to describe its benefits, focusing on psychomotor and cognitive aspects of learning. Despite increasing research reports on peer teaching internationally, little is known about the various domains of learning used in assessment of performance and objective learning outcomes of NPT. OBJECTIVE To determine the domains of learning and assessment outcomes used in NPT in undergraduate health professional education. METHODS Quantitative systematic review was conducted in accord with the PRISMA protocol and the Joanna Briggs Institute processes. A wide literature search was conducted for the period 1990-November 2015 of fourteen databases. Grey literature was undertaken from all key research articles. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were eligible for consideration, including measured learning outcomes of near-peer teaching in undergraduate education in nursing, medicine and health sciences. Set limitations included publications after 1990 (2015 inclusive), English language and objective learning outcomes. A quality appraisal process involving two independent reviewers was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Of 212 selected articles, 26 were included in the review. Terminology was confusing and found to be a barrier to the review process. Although some studies demonstrated effective learning outcomes resulting from near-peer teaching, others were inconclusive. Studies focused on cognitive and psychomotor abilities of learners with none assessing metacognition, affective behaviours or learning outcomes from quality of understanding. CONCLUSION The studies reviewed focused on cognitive and psychomotor abilities of learners. Even though evidence clearly indicates that metacognition and affective behaviours have direct influence on learning and performance, indicating more research around this topic is warranted. Methodological quality of the studies and lack of theoretical frameworks underpinned by educational psychology may have contributed to inconsistencies in learning outcomes reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Irvine
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, 10 Chancellors Walk, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Brett Williams
- Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice, Monash University, Level 2, Building H, Peninsula Campus, McMahons Road, Frankston VIC 3199, Australia.
| | - Lisa McKenna
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, 10 Chancellors Walk, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Olaussen A, Reddy P, Irvine S, Williams B. Peer-assisted learning: time for nomenclature clarification. Med Educ Online 2016; 21:30974. [PMID: 27415590 PMCID: PMC4944593 DOI: 10.3402/meo.v21.30974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is used throughout all levels of healthcare education. Lack of formalised agreement on different PAL programmes may confuse the literature. Given the increasing interest in PAL as an education philosophy, the terms need clarification. The aim of this review is to 1) describe different PAL programmes, 2) clarify the terminology surrounding PAL, and 3) propose a simple pragmatic way of defining PAL programmes based on their design. METHODS A review of current PAL programmes within the healthcare setting was conducted. Each programme was scrutinised based on two aspects: the relationship between student and teacher, and the student to teacher ratio. The studies were then shown to fit exclusively into the novel proposed classification. RESULTS The 34 programmes found, demonstrate a wide variety in terms used. We established six terms, which exclusively applied to the programmes. The relationship between student and teacher was categorised as peer-to-peer or near-peer. The student to teacher ratio suited three groupings, named intuitively 'Mentoring' (1:1 or 1:2), 'Tutoring' (1:3-10), and 'Didactic' (1:>10). From this, six novel terms - all under the heading of PAL - are suggested: 'Peer Mentoring', 'Peer Tutoring', 'Peer Didactic', 'Near-Peer Mentoring', 'Near-Peer Tutoring', and 'Near-Peer Didactic'. CONCLUSIONS We suggest herein a simple pragmatic terminology to overcome ambiguous terminology. Academically, clear terms will allow effective and efficient research, ensuring furthering of the educational philosophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Olaussen
- Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Emergency & Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia;
| | - Priya Reddy
- Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan Irvine
- Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brett Williams
- Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
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.
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a shift from the initial learning of skills on patients in the clinical setting to initial learning in a simulated environment, using part-task models, with the risk of a task focus to the learning. We contend that quality learning in both the simulated and the clinical environment is crucial to enhance the transferability of skills to the clinical setting. CONTEXT We describe teaching strategies, with the sequencing of events and increasing complexity, for the simulated training of basic procedural skills. These teaching strategies can be readily implemented into basic skills training to 'bridge' the gap between the simulated environment and the clinical setting. IMPLICATIONS We suggest that our approach takes basic skills training beyond a task-focused approach to exemplify clinical scenarios encountered in real life. We argue that there is a need to broaden the focus of medical student training in basic procedural skills, and that the use of a preceptor model of supervision in the clinical setting better enables the transferability of the skills. Although our strategies are based on learning theory, well-designed research is required to test the efficacy in improving medical student learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Irvine
- Medical Student Programs, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University and Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
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.
Collapse
|
25
|
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]
|
26
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D A Barr
- Brownlee Centre for Infectious Diseases, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q-H Meng
- Molecular Immunology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Mokso
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
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]
|
31
|
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.
Collapse
|
32
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
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]
|
34
|
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]
|
35
|
|
36
|
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
|
37
|
Affiliation(s)
- S Irvine
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, 84 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
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]
|
39
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Slama
- INSERM U292, Research in Public Health, 82 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre cedex, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T K Jensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, section GR-5064, Rigshospitalet, The Juliane Marie Centre, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Chard J, Irvine S, Roberts AMI, Nevison IM, McGavin WJ, Jones AT. Incidence and Distribution of Raspberry bushy dwarf virus in Commercial Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) Crops in Scotland. Plant Dis 2001; 85:985-988. [PMID: 30823114 DOI: 10.1094/pdis.2001.85.9.985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A survey was done in 1998 to determine whether Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) was established in raspberry fruiting plantations in Scotland. Raspberry-producing holdings were selected according to geographical area and size. Samples (201), each comprising 60 shoots per stock, were obtained from 77 holdings and tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA-positive shoots from each infected stock were grafted onto cultivar Glen Clova, which is resistant to the Scottish-type isolate of RBDV (RBDV-S), to establish whether the virus is a resistance-breaking (RB) isolate. RBDV was detected in 22% of the stocks sampled, with 2 to 80% incidence of infection. No RBDV was in any of the 40 plantations containing cultivars resistant to RBDV-S or in Glen Clova plants, which were grafted successfully with samples from 15 infected plantations, indicating that no RB isolates were detected. The percentage of infected plantations increased with time from the planting date. In order to investigate possible sources of infection, ELISA for RBDV was made in 1999 on samples of stocks of raspberry cultivars entered for the lowest certified grade (Standard Grade) in Scotland and, in 1994 to 1997, on certified stocks planted with material originating from outside Scotland. No RBDV was detected in any of the samples. RBDV was found only rarely in samples of wild raspberry in Angus and Perthshire.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Chard
- Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, 82 Craigs Road, Edinburgh EH12 8NJ, Scotland
| | - Susan Irvine
- Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, 82 Craigs Road, Edinburgh EH12 8NJ, Scotland
| | - Adrian M I Roberts
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, James Clerk Maxwell Building, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JZ, Scotland
| | - Ian M Nevison
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, James Clerk Maxwell Building, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JZ, Scotland
| | - Wendy J McGavin
- Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, Scotland
| | - A Teifion Jones
- Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, Scotland
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
|
43
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J L Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
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]
|
45
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Irvine
- Department of Rheumatology, Gartnavel General Hospital, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Aitken
- MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Edinburgh, Scotland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Aitken
- MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
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
|
49
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Finnerty
- Department of Organismal Biology, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
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]
|