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Global event-based surveillance of chemical incidents. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:111-117. [PMID: 34750513 PMCID: PMC8573564 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of chemicals in our society and in our daily lives continues to increase. Accompanying this is an increasing risk of human exposure to and injury from hazardous substances. Performing regular, structured surveillance of chemical incidents allows a greater awareness of the types of chemical hazards causing injury and the frequency of their occurrence, as well as providing a better understanding of exposures. OBJECTIVE The objective of performing event-based surveillance (EBS) and capturing chemical incidents is to use this information to increase the situational awareness of chemical incidents, improve the management of these incidents and to inform measures to protect public health. METHODS This paper describes a method for EBS for chemical incidents, including the sources used, storing the gathered information and subsequent analysis of potential trends in the data. RESULTS We describe trends in the type of incidents that have been detected, the chemicals involved in these incidents and the health effects caused, in different geographic regions of the world. SIGNIFICANCE The methodology presented here provides a rapid and simple means of identifying chemical incidents that can be set up rapidly and with minimal cost, the outputs of which can be used to identify emerging risks and inform preparedness planning, response and training for chemical incidents.
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PD-0155 Optimising oxygen-enhanced MRI for patients with head and neck carcinoma. Radiother Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(22)02760-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Breast Dose in Young Women Treated for Hodgkin Lymphoma Between 2007 and 2018: A Single Institutional Study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.07.953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Development of a mechanism for the rapid risk assessment of cross-border chemical health threats. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:876-886. [PMID: 34262134 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00344-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemical incidents can result in harm to public health and the environment. Although most are localised and have little impact, some affect wide areas, a range of sectors and may lead to many casualties. A public health response to assess the risks and provide advice to authorities and the public is usually required. In some cases, incidents may affect more than one country and require effective cross-border communication and coordination. OBJECTIVE We describe tools and mechanisms to improve health security from cross-border chemical health threats and to support the implementation of the Decision of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (EU) on serious cross-border threats to health (Decision 1082/2013/EU). METHODS Experts were recruited to a network and their suitability was assessed by using a skills framework. Input by relevant stakeholders such as the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, followed by EU-wide exercises, ensured that tools developed were fit for purpose. RESULTS A network of public health risk assessors and a methodology for providing rapid independent expert public health advice during a chemical emergency have been developed. SIGNIFICANCE We discuss the legacy of these mechanisms including their incorporation into the working arrangements for the EU Scientific Committee for Health, Environment and Emerging Risks and future developments in the field.
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An evaluation of MR based deep learning auto-contouring for planning head and neck radiotherapy. Radiother Oncol 2021; 158:112-117. [PMID: 33636229 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Auto contouring models help consistently define volumes and reduce clinical workload. This study aimed to evaluate the cross acquisition of a Magnetic Resonance (MR) deep learning auto contouring model for organ at risk (OAR) delineation in head and neck radiotherapy. METHODS Two auto contouring models were evaluated using deep learning contouring expert (DLCExpert) for OAR delineation: a CT model (modelCT) and an MR model (modelMRI). Models were trained to generate auto contours for the bilateral parotid glands and submandibular glands. Auto-contours for modelMRI were trained on diagnostic images and tested on 10 diagnostic, 10 MR radiotherapy planning (RTP), eight MR-Linac (MRL) scans and, by modelCT, on 10 CT planning scans. Goodness of fit scores, dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and distance to agreement (DTA) were calculated for comparison. RESULTS ModelMRI contours improved the mean DSC and DTA compared with manual contours for the bilateral parotid glands and submandibular glands on the diagnostic and RTP MRs compared with the MRL sequence. There were statistically significant differences seen for modelMRI compared to modelCT for the left parotid (mean DTA 2.3 v 2.8 mm), right parotid (mean DTA 1.9 v 2.7 mm), left submandibular gland (mean DTA 2.2 v 2.4 mm) and right submandibular gland (mean DTA 1.6 v 3.2 mm). CONCLUSION A deep learning MR auto-contouring model shows promise for OAR auto-contouring with statistically improved performance vs a CT based model. Performance is affected by the method of MR acquisition and further work is needed to improve its use with MRL images.
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Erratum to 'Longitudinal characterisation of haematological and biochemical parameters in cancer patients prior to and during COVID-19 reveals features associated with outcome': [ESMO Open Volume 6, Issue 1, February 2021, 100005]. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100056. [PMID: 33545518 PMCID: PMC7842131 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Longitudinal characterisation of haematological and biochemical parameters in cancer patients prior to and during COVID-19 reveals features associated with outcome. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100005. [PMID: 33399072 PMCID: PMC7808077 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2020.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients are at increased risk of death from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Cancer and its treatment affect many haematological and biochemical parameters, therefore we analysed these prior to and during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and correlated them with outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS Consecutive patients with cancer testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in centres throughout the United Kingdom were identified and entered into a database following local governance approval. Clinical and longitudinal laboratory data were extracted from patient records. Data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, logistic regression, or linear regression for outcomes. Hierarchical clustering of heatmaps was performed using Ward's method. RESULTS In total, 302 patients were included in three cohorts: Manchester (n = 67), Liverpool (n = 62), and UK (n = 173). In the entire cohort (N = 302), median age was 69 (range 19-93 years), including 163 males and 139 females; of these, 216 were diagnosed with a solid tumour and 86 with a haematological cancer. Preinfection lymphopaenia, neutropaenia and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were not associated with oxygen requirement (O2) or death. Lymphocyte count (P < 0.001), platelet count (P = 0.03), LDH (P < 0.0001) and albumin (P < 0.0001) significantly changed from preinfection to during infection. High rather than low neutrophils at day 0 (P = 0.007), higher maximal neutrophils during COVID-19 (P = 0.026) and higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; P = 0.01) were associated with death. In multivariable analysis, age (P = 0.002), haematological cancer (P = 0.034), C-reactive protein (P = 0.004), NLR (P = 0.036) and albumin (P = 0.02) at day 0 were significant predictors of death. In the Manchester/Liverpool cohort 30 patients have restarted therapy following COVID-19, with no additional complications requiring readmission. CONCLUSION Preinfection biochemical/haematological parameters were not associated with worse outcome in cancer patients. Restarting treatment following COVID-19 was not associated with additional complications. Neutropaenia due to cancer/treatment is not associated with COVID-19 mortality. Cancer therapy, particularly in patients with solid tumours, need not be delayed or omitted due to concerns that treatment itself increases COVID-19 severity.
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Comparison of pre-fire and post-fire space use reveals varied responses by woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the Boreal Shield. CAN J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2020-0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
By regulating successional dynamics in Canada’s boreal forest, fires can affect the distribution of the Threatened woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)). Caribou tend to avoid areas burned within the last 40 years; however, few studies have compared pre-fire and post-fire caribou observations. In this study, we used caribou GPS locations from the Boreal Shield of Saskatchewan, Canada, to assess the short-term response of caribou to areas that burned while they were collared (hereafter recent burns). We used a “before–after, control–impact” design to compare the overlap of pre-fire and post-fire seasonal home ranges to the overlap of year-to-year seasonal home ranges. Caribou rarely encountered recent burns and when they did, they adjusted their space use in variable and complex ways that were largely indistinguishable from regular, interannual variation. Caribou tended to reduce use of recent burns in summer–autumn and winter, but not during the calving season, in some cases shifting their home range to incorporate more burned habitat. We conclude that recently burned areas (<5 years) may provide habitat value to woodland caribou, particularly during the calving season, requiring a more flexible approach to interpret fire in habitat management strategies.
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1722P Longitudinal analysis of biochemical and haematological features of cancer patients with COVID-19. Ann Oncol 2020. [PMCID: PMC7506351 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.08.1786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Evaluation of a Novel Atlas to Reduce Variability of Contouring Masticatory Muscles in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.07.858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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C - 66Patient and Parent Satisfaction with Pediatric Tele-Neuropsychological Assessment. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acy061.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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A - 52Changes in Parent-Reported EF Deficits Predict Select Parent-Reported Adaptive Functioning Deficits in Pediatric Survivors of Mild-to-Severe TBI. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acy061.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Patient Involvement in the Design of a Phase III Trial Comparing Intensity-modulated Proton Therapy and Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2018; 30:274-276. [PMID: 29459100 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2018.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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EP-1152: Prospective evaluation of relationships between radiotherapy dose to masticatory apparatus and trismus. Radiother Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(18)31462-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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EP-1180: Public involvement in design of a phase III trial comparing IMPT and IMRT for oropharyngeal cancer. Radiother Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(18)31490-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Current Views on Clinical Oncology Training from the 2015 Oncology Registrars' Forum Survey. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2016; 28:e121-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2016.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Development of a new categorization system for pesticides exposure to support harmonized reporting between EU Member States. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 91:332-40. [PMID: 27016706 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES European legislation requires reporting from Member States on acute poisoning incidents involving pesticides. However, standard rules for data collection and reporting have not yet been set out. The new categorization system presented in this paper is aimed at enabling Member States to gather comparable data and provide standard reporting on pesticide poisoning exposures. MATERIALS AND METHODS European Regulations providing separate official categorization of biocidal and plant protection pesticides, were used as a basis to build up a unified pesticide categorization and coding system. Data on selected pesticide exposures collected by Poison Control Centres in six EU countries were reviewed, categorized and reported according to the proposed system. RESULTS The resulting pesticide categorization system has two dimensions. The first part identifies the main category of use, i.e. biocide/plant protection pesticide/unknown, and the secondary category of use, e.g. Rodenticides, Insecticides and acaricides. The second part of the system is organized into two levels: level one identifies chemical grouping, e.g. Coumarins, Pyrethrins/pyrethroids, while level two identifies the active compound by using its Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number. The system was used to provide a unified categorization to compare exposures to plant protection and biocidal Rodenticides and Pyrethrins/pyrethroids Insecticides and acaricides identified by six EU member states. CONCLUSION The developed pesticide categorization system was successfully applied to data extracted from different databases and was able to make the required information comparable. The data reported filling in common templates containing a pre-ordinate list of active compounds categorized according the proposed system, highlighted different capabilities in data collection and recording, showing that some of the collaborating centres were not able to distinguish between main categories of pesticide products or provide information on active compounds. The results indicate that a special effort should be dedicated to support detailed data recording at national level. Providing common tools to systematically report to the EU Commission hazardous exposures to pesticides, as well as to other selected categories of products, could allow for data comparability between Member States and greatly improve post marketing surveillance and alerting systems in Europe.
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Early Real Life Experience of Radium 223 (Ra223) in Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC). Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Detecting, Alerting and Monitoring Emerging chemical health threats: ASHTIII. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv173.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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A new methodology to support data reporting from EU member States on pesticide poisonous exposures. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv173.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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The European Chemical Emergency Network (ECHEMNET). Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv175.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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The European Chemical Emergency Network: responding to cross border chemical incidents. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv173.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Developing a network of public health risk assessors for acute chemical incidents. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv173.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Characteristics of COPD in never-smokers and ever-smokers in the general population: results from the CanCOLD study. Thorax 2015; 70:822-9. [PMID: 26048404 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-206938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited data on the risk factors and phenotypical characteristics associated with spirometrically confirmed COPD in never-smokers in the general population. AIMS To compare the characteristics associated with COPD by gender and by severity of airway obstruction in never-smokers and in ever-smokers. METHOD We analysed the data from 5176 adults aged 40 years and older who participated in the initial cross-sectional phase of the population-based, prospective, multisite Canadian Cohort of Obstructive Lung Disease study. Never-smokers were defined as those with a lifetime exposure of <1/20 pack year. Logistic regressions were constructed to evaluate associations for 'mild' and 'moderate-severe' COPD defined by FEV1/FVC <5th centile (lower limits of normal). Analyses were performed using SAS V.9.1 (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA). RESULTS The prevalence of COPD (FEV1/FVC<lower limits of normal) in never-smokers was 6.4%, constituting 27% of all COPD subjects. The common independent predictors of COPD in never-smokers and ever-smokers were older age, self reported asthma and lower education. In never-smokers a history of hospitalisation in childhood for respiratory illness was discriminative, while exposure to passive smoke and biomass fuel for heating were discriminative for women. COPD in never-smokers and ever-smokers was characterised by increased respiratory symptoms, 'respiratory exacerbation' events and increased residual volume/total lung capacity, but only smokers had reduced DLCO/Va and emphysema on chest CT scans. CONCLUSIONS The study confirmed the substantial burden of COPD among never-smokers, defined the common and gender-specific risk factors for COPD in never-smokers and provided early insight into potential phenotypical differences in COPD between lifelong never-smokers and ever-smokers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT00920348 (ClinicalTrials.gov); study ID number: IRO-93326.
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Euphorie pour Europe–la lutte contre les menaces chimiques transfrontalières–le projet ECHEMNET. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2014.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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EU alerting and reporting systems for potential chemical public health threats and hazards. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 72:15-25. [PMID: 25023642 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A number of European and international IT platforms are used to notify competent authorities of new potential chemical exposures. Recently the European Parliament and the Council of European Union adopted new legislation that aims to improve the co-ordinated response to cross border health threats (Decision 1082/2013/EU). The Decision, inter alia, sets provisions on notification, ad hoc monitoring and coordination of public health measures following serious cross border threats to health from biological, chemical and environmental events as well as events that have an unknown origin. The legal instrument applies to all European Union Member States and is comparable to the International Health Regulations in its content, requirements and adoption of a multiple hazards approach. An inter-sectoral and multidisciplinary response to events with potentially dangerous cross border exposure pathways is often required. For example, European Poisons Centres may be aware of cases of toxic exposure to a product and, in parallel, trading standards may be aware of the same product due to a breach of consumer product standards. Whilst both cases would have been recorded for separate purposes in different alerting systems, they relate to the same exposure pathway; therefore a process for linking these records would allow a more robust approach to risk assessment and risk mitigation. The Decision seeks to reconcile this issue for serious threats by linking relevant platforms into one overarching higher level risk management IT platform called the Early Warning Response System (EWRS). This system will serve to link other sectors within the European Commission (EC) to public health (e.g. medicines), as well as other EU agencies and international bodies via co-notification features. Other European alert systems will be linked to EWRS to facilitate information sharing at both the assessment and management levels. This paper provides a timely overview of the main systems run by the EC and other international organisations that provide alerts following chemical incidents that have, or may have, the potential to affect public health. The advantages and further considerations of linking these different systems and sectors are also highlighted. Recommendations are made with the purpose of ensuring that modifications to these systems made to satisfy with EU legislation enable a more timely coordinated response and greater awareness of events in Europe, thereby reducing the public health impact from chemical exposures.
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215 Coronary artery luminal area in south asians and non-south asians: A coronary ct angiographic assessment. Can J Cardiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2011.07.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Aortic Annulus Diameter Determination by Multidetector Computed Tomography: Reproducibility, Applicability and Implications for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. Heart Lung Circ 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2011.05.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Likelihood of persistent GH deficiency into late adolescence: relationship to the presence of an ectopic or normally sited posterior pituitary gland. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2009; 71:215-9. [PMID: 19226266 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2009.03554.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The presence of an ectopic posterior pituitary gland (EPP) in childhood is associated with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) and multiple pituitary hormone deficiency. GHD in late adolescence has been defined as a peak GH level <5 microg/l. The aim of this study was to identify the likelihood of persistent GHD in late adolescence in patients with an EPP compared with those with a normally sited posterior pituitary (NPP). METHODS In 18 patients with an EPP and 15 patients with an NPP, clinical, biochemical and radiographic data were collected. RESULTS In the EPP vs. the NPP group, the change in peak GH levels at the end of growth was less (+0.4[95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.8 to 2.7] vs. +4.1[95%CI + 0.4 to +10.5] microg/l, P-value for ancova = 0.03, after adjustment for age and sex). Using a peak GH level of <5 microg/l as a cut-off for GHD, 66% of EPP subjects compared with 40% of NPP subjects had GHD (P = 0.3). Hundred per cent of EPP subjects had a peak GH level on retesting <10 microg/l, compared with 40% of NPP subjects (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION It is important to document GH status at the end of growth, even if there is a structural abnormality of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The presence of an EPP compared to an NPP increases the likelihood of persistent GHD by 26%. As all EPP patients had a peak GH level of <10 microg/l, the cut-off for persistent GHD in late adolescence may need to be revised.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of an ectopic posterior pituitary gland (EPP) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with hypopituitarism with one or more hormone deficiencies. We aimed to identify risk factors for having multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) compared to isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) in patients with an EPP. METHODS In 67 patients (45 male) with an EPP on MRI, the site (hypothalamic vs. stalk) and surface area (SA) [ x (maximum diameter/2) x (maximum height/2), mm(2)] of the EPP were recorded and compared in patients with IGHD and MPHD in relation to clinical characteristics. RESULTS In MPHD (n = 32) compared to IGHD (n = 35) patients: age of presentation was younger (1.4 [0.1-10.7]vs. 4.0 [0.1-11.3] years, P = 0.005), major incidents during pregnancy were increased (47%vs. 20%, P = 0.02) as were admissions to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (60%vs. 26%, P = 0.04), whilst EPP SA was lower (12.3 [2.4-34.6]vs. 25.7 [6.9-48.2] mm(2), P < 0.001). In patients with a hypothalamic (n = 56) compared to a stalk sited EPP (n = 11): prevalence of MPHD was greater (55%vs. 9%,P = 0.05) and EPP surface area was smaller (17.3 [2.4-48.2]vs. 25.3 [11.8-38.5] mm(2), P < 0.001). In regression analysis, after adjusting for age, presence of MPHD was associated with: major incidents during pregnancy (RR 6.8 [95%CI 1.2-37.7]), hypothalamic EPP site (RR 10.9 [1.0-123.9]) and small EPP SA (RR 2.5 [1.0-5.0] for tertiles of SA). CONCLUSION In patients with an EPP, adverse antenatal events, size (small) and position (hypothalamic) of the posterior pituitary gland on MRI were associated with MPHD. These findings suggest that adverse factors during pregnancy may be important for the development of an EPP.
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Abstract
The article discusses traumatic, insufficiency and pathological sacral fractures. Special attention is paid to the biomechanics and subsequent classification of traumatic sacral fractures.
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Abstract
Despite the growing body of knowledge on the theory of organization, the application of such theory to the organization of intensive care units is in its infancy. Our knowledge about the influence of ICU organization on patient outcomes is limited. Development of instruments to measure ICU organization, and their implementation in studies of new therapies and technologies, will assist in demonstrating the effect of various models of ICU organization on the provision of clinical care.
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[(PPh3)Ag(CB11H6Y6)] (Y = H, Br): highly active, selective and recyclable Lewis acids for a hetero-Diels-Alder reaction. Chem Commun (Camb) 2001:2286-7. [PMID: 12240153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The complex [(PPh3)Ag(CB11H6Br6)] 1 is an effective and selective catalyst (0.1 mol% loading) for a hetero-Diels-Alder reaction, which shows a marked dependence on the presence of trace amounts of water, while addition of Ag[Y] [Y = CB11H12, CB11H6Br6, O3SCF3] to a phosphine functionalized support gives an efficient and recyclable Lewis acid catalyst for this transformation.
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Structural determination of oligosaccharides from recombinant iduronidase released with peptide N-glycanase F using fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis. Electrophoresis 1998; 19:2612-20. [PMID: 9848668 DOI: 10.1002/elps.1150191508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The lysosomal storage disorder mucopolysaccharidoses I (MPS I) is caused by a deficiency in the production of alpha-L-iduronidase. Recently, a recombinant alpha-L-iduronidase has been produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. It is thought that for alpha-L-iduronidase to be correctly targeted to the lysosomal vesicle a particular oligosaccharide make-up must be present, and characterization of the carbohydrates is critical. Oligosaccharides from alpha-L-iduronidase were analyzed using fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). The FACE system uses polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to separate, quantify, and determine the sequence of oligosaccharides released from glycoproteins. Asparagine-linked oligosaccharides were released from alpha-L-iduronidase using the enzyme peptide N-glycanase F (PNGase F). Released oligosaccharides were labeled with a fluorophore at the reducing termini by reductive amination. A total of nine bands were sequenced from the released pool of oligosaccharides. The pool of fluorescently labeled oligosaccharides was then electrophoresed in preparative gels and each band individually excised and extracted. Isolated bands were treated with a series of exoenzymes to determine the sequence of monosaccharides that make up a particular oligosaccharide. A total of eighteen different oligosaccharides were identified from the original pool of oligosaccharides. A majority of the oligosaccharides, over 73%, were found to be of the sialylated complex type. Four of the oligosaccharides were phosphorylated, making up approximately 11% of the carbohydrate pool, and the remaining 15% were of the oligomannose type.
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Ionic mechanisms underlying electrical slow waves in canine airway smooth muscle. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY 1998; 275:L516-23. [PMID: 9728046 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.1998.275.3.l516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In canine bronchial smooth muscle (BSM), spasmogens evoke oscillations in membrane potential ("slow waves"). The depolarizing phase of the slow waves is mediated by voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels; we examined the roles played by Cl- and K+ currents and Na+-K+-ATPase activity in mediating the repolarizing phase. Slow waves were evoked using tetraethylammonium (25 mM) in the presence or absence of niflumic acid (100 microM; Cl- channel blocker) or ouabain (10 microM; block Na+-K+-ATPase) or after elevating external K+ concentration ([K+]) to 36 mM (to block K+ currents); curve fitting was performed to quantitate the rates of rise/fall and frequency under these conditions. Slow waves were markedly slowed, and eventually abolished, by niflumic acid but were unaffected by ouabain or high [K+]. Electrically evoked slow waves were also blocked in similar fashion by niflumic acid. We conclude that the repolarization phase is mediated by Ca2+-dependent Cl- currents. This information, together with our earlier finding that the depolarizing phase is due to voltage-dependent Ca2+ current, suggests that slow waves in canine BSM involve alternating opening and closing of Ca2+ and Cl- channels.
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Pharmacokinetics of cefepime and comparison with those of ceftiofur in horses. Am J Vet Res 1998; 59:458-63. [PMID: 9563631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine pharmacokinetics of i.v., i.m., and oral administration of cefepime in horses and to compare pharmacokinetics of i.m. administration of cefepime with those of ceftiofur sodium. ANIMALS 6 clinically normal adult horses. PROCEDURE Horses received 3 doses of cefepime (11 mg/kg of body weight, PO; 2.2 mg/kg, i.v.; and 2.2 mg/kg, i.m.) and 1 dose of ceftiofur (2.2 mg/kg, i.m.). Two horses also received L-arginine, p.o. and i.v., at doses identical to those contained in the cefepime dihydrochloride-L-arginine preparations previously administered. Blood samples were collected for 24 hours after administration of cefepime or ceftiofur and were assayed for cefepime and ceftiofur concentrations. RESULTS Pharmacokinetic analysis of disposition data indicated that i.v. administration data were best described by a 2-compartment open model, whereas i.m. administration data were best described by a 1-compartment absorption model. Median elimination half-life and volume of distribution after i.v. administration of cefepime were 125.7 minutes and 225 ml/kg, respectively. After i.m. administration of cefepime, mean maximal plasma concentration of (8.13 microg/ml) was reached at a mean time of 80 minutes. Absorption of cefepime after i.m. administration was complete, with a median bioavailability of 1.11. Intramuscular administration of ceftiofur resulted in similar mean maximal plasma concentration (7.98 microg/ml) and mean time to this concentration (82 minutes). Cefepime was not detected in samples collected after oral administration. Adverse effects consisting principally of gastrointestinal disturbances were observed after oral and i.m. administration of cefepime and after 1 i.m. administration of ceftiofur. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cefepime, administered i.v. or i.m. at a dosage of 2.2 mg/kg, every 8 hours is likely to provide effective antibacterial therapy for cefepime-sensitive organisms in horses. Further studies are needed to evaluate adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
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Elucidation of N-linked oligosaccharide structures of recombinant human factor VIII using fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 1996; 24:207-16. [PMID: 8969451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of the carbohydrate moiety is a critical measure of manufacturing process consistency of recombinant human Factor VIII (rFVIII) in Chinese-hamster ovary (CHO) cells. FVIII, a large (300 kDa) glycoprotein, is employed therapeutically for the correction of haemophilia A. While N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides are found in this protein, the current study focuses on the N-linked oligosaccharides. The N-linked oligosaccharides from rFVIII were released using either peptide N-glycosidase F or endoglycosidase H, derivatized with the fluorophore 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulphonate, and analysed by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). The electrophoretically resolved oligosaccharide bands were isolated and individual bands subjected to digestion with defined pools of exoglycosidases and re-electrophoresed on FACE sequencing gels. The resulting gel patterns were interpreted, based on band mobility shifts, to obtain the sequence structure of the oligosaccharides. A total of eight acidic and 12 neutral structures were identified, and the majority of the oligosaccharides (approximately 92%) were found to be sialylated. All of the major oligosaccharide structures found in CHO-cell-derived rFVIII have also been reported to be present in plasma-derived FVIII. Among the most abundant are disialylated, biantennary, core-fucosylated (approximately 40%), followed by trisialylated, triantennary, core-fucosylated and monosialo, biantennary, core-fucosylated structures (each approximately 18%). The Gal alpha 1-3Gal structures reported to be present in baby-hamster-kidney-cell-derived rFVIII were not found in the CHO-cell-derived protein. The glycosylation patterns were consistent in six random lots of rFVIII [coefficient of variation (%) 3-14] based on percentage lane luminance data of bands that represent approximately 98% of all asparagine-linked oligosaccharides.
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Fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis in the separation, analysis, and sequencing of carbohydrates. J Chromatogr A 1996; 720:295-321. [PMID: 8601197 DOI: 10.1016/0021-9673(95)00749-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Carbohydrate analysis has traditionally been viewed as a specialty science, performed only in a few well-established laboratories using conventional carbohydrate analysis technology (e.g. NMR, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis) combined with the specialized technical training that has been essential for accurate interpretation of the data. This tradition of specialized laboratories is changing, due primarily to an increase in the number of scientists performing routine carbohydrate analysis. As a result, many scientists who are not trained in traditional carbohydrate analytical techniques now need to be able to perform accurate carbohydrate analysis in their own laboratories. This has created a need for technically simple and inexpensive methods of carbohydrate analysis. In this review, we present application vignettes of a technically simple, yet analytically powerful method called fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). FACE can be used for performing routine oligosaccharide profiling, monosaccharide analysis, and sequencing of a variety of carbohydrates.
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The current and future status of critical care testing and patient monitoring. Am J Clin Pathol 1995; 104:S2-17. [PMID: 7484945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo and in vivo biosensor-based systems for patient monitoring now augment in vitro point-of-care testing, a paradigm currently in the explosive phase. As new technologies arise, so do opportunities for laboratory professionals. First, the laboratory consultant or clinical pathologist can contribute substantially to our understanding of temporal optimization and the role of diagnostic testing in optimizing diagnostic-therapeutic processes. Clarification of these facilitates wise selection of alternative testing modalities, test clusters, and instrument formats. Second, the laboratory professional is a natural member of a performance team that can help optimize outcomes and assure the quality of point-of-care testing. Explicit site-specific performance criteria for accuracy, precision, response time, and test clusters are essential and can only be established and accomplished jointly with clinicians. Third, clinical integration requires practice guidelines and care paths. These can help determine how, when, and where point-of-care testing should be implemented. Finally, global outcomes optimization calls for the input of those professionals who are most familiar with the economics of diagnostic testing, the challenges of point-of-care testing, and the best clinical benefits of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo biosensor-based systems in critical care and other settings.
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Inhibition of recrystallization in ice by chimeric proteins containing antifreeze domains. J Biol Chem 1991; 266:7339-44. [PMID: 2019569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Using synthetic DNA, we assembled a gene encoding a protein identical in sequence to one of the antifreeze proteins produced by the fish Pseudopleuronectes americanus (winter flounder). To address the relationship between structure and function, we also assembled genes encoding proteins varying in sequence and length. The synthetic genes were cloned into a bacterial expression vector to generate translational fusions to the 3' end of a truncated staphylococcal protein A gene; the chimeric proteins encoded by these fusions, varying only in their antifreeze domains, were isolated from Escherichia coli. The antifreeze domains conferred the ability to inhibit ice recrystallization, which is characteristic of naturally occurring antifreeze proteins, on the chimeric proteins. The chimeric proteins varied in their effectiveness of inhibiting ice recrystallization according to the number of 11-amino acid repeats present in the antifreeze moiety. A protein with only two repeats lacked activity, while the inhibitory activity increased progressively for proteins containing three, four, and five repeats. Some activity was lost upon removal of either the salt bridge or the carboxyl-terminal arginine, but surprisingly, not when both features were absent together.
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