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Gaskin J, Whyte J, Zhou LG, Coyle D. Regional cost effectiveness analyses for increasing radon protection strategies in housing in Canada. J Environ Radioact 2021; 240:106752. [PMID: 34628245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106752] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The incremental cost effectiveness ratios for implementing a recent recommendation to install a more radon resistant foundation barrier were modelled for new and existing housing in 2016, for each province and territory in Canada. Cost-utility analyses were conducted, in which the health benefit of an intervention was quantified in quality-adjusted life years, to help guide policymakers considering increasing investment in radon reduction in housing to reduce the associated lung cancer burden shouldered by the health care system. Lung cancer morbidity was modelled using a lifetable analysis that incorporated lung cancer incidence and survival time for localized, regional, and distant stages of diagnoses for both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. The model accounted for surgical or advanced lung cancer treatment costs avoided, and average health care costs incurred for radon-attributable lung cancer cases prevented by the intervention. The incremental implementation of radon interventions in the housing stock was modelled over a lifetime horizon, and a discount rate of 1.5% was adopted. This radon intervention in new housing was cost effective in all but one region, ranging from $18,075/QALY (15,704; 20,178) for the Yukon to $58,454/QALY (52,045; 65,795) for British Columbia. A sequential analysis was conducted to compare intervention in existing housing for mitigation thresholds of 200 and 100 Bq/m3. This intervention in existing housing was cost effective at a mitigation threshold of 200 Bq/m3 in regions with higher radon levels, ranging from $33,247/QALY (27,699; 39,377) for the Yukon to $61,960/QALY (46,932; 113,737) for Newfoundland, and more cost effective at a threshold of 200 than 100 Bq/m3. More lung cancer deaths can be prevented by intervention in new housing than in existing housing; it was estimated that the proposed intervention in new housing would prevent a mean of 446 (416; 477) lung cancer cases annually. The cost effectiveness of increased radon resistance in foundation barriers in housing varied widely, and would support adopting this intervention in new housing across Canada and in existing housing in higher radon regions. This study provides further evidence that the most cost effective way of responding to the geographically variable radon burden is by implementing specific regional radon reduction policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Gaskin
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Canada; Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, 775 Brookfield Rd, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Jeff Whyte
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Liang Grace Zhou
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Doug Coyle
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Gaskin J, Li YE, Ganapathy G, Nong G, Whyte J, Zhou LG. RADON INFILTRATION BUILDING ENVELOPE TEST SYSTEM: EVALUATION OF BARRIER MATERIALS. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2021; 196:17-25. [PMID: 34423842 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncab119] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The performance of radon barrier materials currently available for housing foundations was evaluated using a unique radon infiltration building envelope test system that was designed to test radon prevention and mitigation systems using real world construction techniques. The reduction in radon concentration measured across the air barrier in the foundations has been used to evaluate five representative barrier materials installed in the radon infiltration building envelope test facility. The reduction in radon concentration in the mock house varied from 68% for 6 mil polyethylene to 98% for the spray polyurethane foam. The five representative barrier materials were selected after determining the radon diffusion coefficient and the corresponding radon resistance from samples of 14 barrier materials in a radon diffusion testing chamber. The Canadian experience evaluating whether radon barrier materials would satisfy building code requirements was described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Gaskin
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Yunyi Ethan Li
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Gnanamurugan Ganapathy
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Gang Nong
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Whyte
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Liang Grace Zhou
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
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Gaskin J, Whyte J, Coyle D. An assessment of uncertainty using two different modelling techniques to estimate the cost effectiveness of mitigating radon in existing housing in Canada. Sci Total Environ 2020; 724:138092. [PMID: 32408432 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138092] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The burden of lung cancer associated with residential radon in existing housing can be reduced by interventions to screen and mitigate existing housing having radon levels above a mitigation threshold. The objective of this study is to estimate the cost effectiveness of radon interventions for screening and mitigation of existing housing for the 2016 population in Canada and to assess the structural uncertainty associated with the choice of model used in the cost-utility analysis. The incremental cost utility ratios are estimated using both a Markov cohort model and a discrete event simulation model. A societal perspective, a lifetime horizon and a discount rate of 1.5% are adopted. At a radon mitigation threshold of 200 (100) Bq/m3, the discounted ICERs for current rates of screening and mitigation of existing housing are 72,569 (68,758) $/QALY using a Markov cohort model and 84,828 (76,917) $/QALY using discrete event simulation. It appears that minimal structural uncertainty is associated with the choice of model used for this cost-utility analysis, and the cost effectiveness would improve at increased rates of radon testing and mitigation. The mitigation of radon in existing housing is estimated to be a practical policy option for reducing the associated lung cancer burden in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Gaskin
- Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, 775 Brookfield Road, Ottawa, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jeff Whyte
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Doug Coyle
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Gaskin J, Coyle D, Whyte J, Birkett N, Krewksi D. A cost effectiveness analysis of interventions to reduce residential radon exposure in Canada. J Environ Manage 2019; 247:449-461. [PMID: 31254760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.06.032] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this analysis is to estimate the incremental cost effectiveness ratios for the 2012 populations in Canada, each province/territory, and 17 census metropolitan areas, for practical radon mitigation scenarios to reduce residential radon exposures. Sixteen intervention scenarios compare radon mitigation implemented at differing rates in new and existing housing relative to preventive measures installed at construction, using three different radon mitigation thresholds. A period life-table analysis was conducted using data derived from two recent Canadian radon surveys, along with Canadian mortality and quality of life data. Analyses adopted a lifetime horizon and a discount rate of 1.5%. It is practical to reduce residential radon and associated lung cancer mortality in Canada, and the most cost effective scenario at each radon mitigation threshold is the combination of the activation of the preventive measures in new housing and mitigation of existing housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Gaskin
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Room 101, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, 775 Brookfield Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1C1, Canada.
| | - Doug Coyle
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Room 101, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeff Whyte
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nicholas Birkett
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Room 101, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewksi
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Room 101, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Gaskin J, Coyle D, Whyte J, Krewski D. Utility gains from reductions in the modifiable burden of lung cancer attributable to residential radon in Canada. Can J Public Health 2018; 109:598-609. [PMID: 30264193 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-018-0119-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION The objective of this analysis is to estimate the modifiable burden of disease according to the annual number of lung cancer deaths prevented and the associated period gain in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for the 2012 populations in Canada from reductions in residential radon exposures. INTERVENTIONS Two postulated interventions for residential radon mitigation in new construction are assessed, corresponding to a 50% reduction and an 85% reduction in radon nationally, in the provinces/territories, and in 17 census metropolitan areas in Canada. METHODS Data were derived from two recent Canadian radon surveys conducted by the Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, along with Canadian mortality and quality of life data. Analyses adopted a lifetime horizon and a discount rate of 1.5%. A period life-table analysis was conducted using age- and sex-specific all-cause and lung cancer mortality rates, adjusted for smoking, and the BEIR VI exposure-age-concentration model for radon-attributable risk of lung cancer mortality. RESULTS A reduction in residential radon by 50% could prevent 681 lung cancer deaths, associated with a gain of 15,445 QALYs in the Canadian population at a discount rate of 1.5%; a reduction in radon by 85% could prevent 1263 lung cancer deaths, associated with a gain of 26,336 QALYs. On a per population basis, the Yukon was estimated to benefit most from radon mitigation. CONCLUSION The magnitude of QALY gains in Canada estimated under the two radon mitigation scenarios is appreciable but varies considerably across provinces due to variability in indoor radon concentrations and smoking rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Gaskin
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Room 101, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| | - Doug Coyle
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Room 101, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Jeff Whyte
- Construction Research Centre, National Research Council, 1200 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Dan Krewski
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Room 101, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
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Gaskin J, Coyle D, Whyte J, Krewksi D. Global Estimate of Lung Cancer Mortality Attributable to Residential Radon. Environ Health Perspect 2018; 126:057009. [PMID: 29856911 PMCID: PMC6072010 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer, ranked by the World Health Organization as the fifth leading cause of mortality in 2010. An updated database of national radon exposures for 66 countries allows the global burden of lung cancer mortality attributable to radon to be estimated. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to estimate the global population attributable burden of lung cancer mortality in 2012 from residential radon. METHODS Estimates of the population attributable risk (PAR) of lung cancer mortality from radon were determined using the attributable fraction approach, using three models for excess relative risk of lung cancer from radon. RESULTS The estimates of the median PAR of lung cancer mortality from residential radon in 2012 for the 66 countries having representative national radon surveys were consistent, as 16.5%, 14.4%, and 13.6% for the exposure-age-concentration (EAC) model (BEIR VI), the Hunter model, and the Kreuzer model, respectively. The mean PAR using the EAC model ranged from 4.2% (95% CI: 0.9, 11.7) for Japan, to 29.3% (95% CI: 22.9, 35.7) for Armenia, with a median for the 66 countries of 16.5%. Radon-attributable lung cancer deaths for all 66 countries totaled 226,057 in 2012 and represent a median of 3.0% of total cancer deaths. CONCLUSIONS Consistent findings between the three models used to estimate excess relative risks of lung cancer from radon, and between the attributable fraction methodology and the life table analysis, confirm that residential radon is responsible for a substantial proportion of lung cancer mortality worldwide. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2503.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Gaskin
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Doug Coyle
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeff Whyte
- Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewksi
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Whitley NC, Davies L, Gaskin J, Waldrop T, Connelly F, Seanima T, Speir A, Stephens M, Tedrow A, Burke P, Butcher S, Sheffield M, Dawson J, Hammond K. 123 Small Ruminant Beginning Farmer Training. J Anim Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky027.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N C Whitley
- Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
| | - L Davies
- University of Georgia Extension, Athens, GA
| | - J Gaskin
- University of Georgia Extension, Athens, GA
| | - T Waldrop
- Georgia Department of Education, Tifton, GA
| | - F Connelly
- University of Georgia Extension, Athens, GA
| | | | - A Speir
- University of Georgia Extension, Athens, GA
| | - M Stephens
- University of Georgia Extension, Athens, GA
| | - A Tedrow
- University of Georgia Extension, Athens, GA
| | - P Burke
- University of Georgia Extension, Athens, GA
| | - S Butcher
- University of Georgia Extension, Athens, GA
| | | | - J Dawson
- Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
| | - K Hammond
- University of Georgia Extension, Athens, GA
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Krewski D, Barakat-Haddad C, Donnan J, Martino R, Pringsheim T, Tremlett H, van Lieshout P, Walsh SJ, Birkett NJ, Gomes J, Little J, Bowen S, Candundo H, Chao TK, Collins K, Crispo JAG, Duggan T, El Sherif R, Farhat N, Fortin Y, Gaskin J, Gupta P, Hersi M, Hu J, Irvine B, Jahanfar S, MacDonald D, McKay K, Morrissey A, Quach P, Rashid R, Shin S, Sikora L, Tkachuk S, Taher MK, Wang MD, Darshan S, Cashman NR. Determinants of neurological disease: Synthesis of systematic reviews. Neurotoxicology 2017; 61:266-289. [PMID: 28410962 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Systematic reviews were conducted to identify risk factors associated with the onset and progression of 14 neurological conditions, prioritized as a component of the National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions. These systematic reviews provided a basis for evaluating the weight of evidence of evidence for risk factors for the onset and progression of the 14 individual neurological conditions considered. A number of risk factors associated with an increased risk of onset for more than one condition, including exposure to pesticides (associated with an increased risk of AD, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brain tumours, and PD; smoking (AD, MS); and infection (MS, Tourette syndrome). Coffee and tea intake was associated with a decreased risk of onset of both dystonia and PD. Further understanding of the etiology of priority neurological conditions will be helpful in focusing future research initiatives and in the development of interventions to reduce the burden associated with neurological conditions in Canada and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Krewski
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Jennifer Donnan
- School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Health Science Centre, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Rosemary Martino
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Canada; Health Care and Outcomes Research, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Canada; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Tamara Pringsheim
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Helen Tremlett
- Faculty of Medicine (Neurology), Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pascal van Lieshout
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Canada; Health Care and Outcomes Research, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Canada; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Canada; Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Canada
| | - Stephanie J Walsh
- Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, 70 O'Leary Avenue, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Birkett
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - James Gomes
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Julian Little
- School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sonya Bowen
- Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, 70 O'Leary Avenue, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Hamilton Candundo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Canada
| | | | - Kayla Collins
- Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, 70 O'Leary Avenue, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - James A G Crispo
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Tom Duggan
- Faculty of Medicine (Neurology), Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Reem El Sherif
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nawal Farhat
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Yannick Fortin
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Janet Gaskin
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Pallavi Gupta
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mona Hersi
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Brittany Irvine
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shayesteh Jahanfar
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; School of Health Sciences, Central Michigan University, Michigan,United States
| | - Don MacDonald
- Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, 70 O'Leary Avenue, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Kyla McKay
- Faculty of Medicine (Neurology), Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrea Morrissey
- Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, 70 O'Leary Avenue, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Pauline Quach
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ruksana Rashid
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Sabina Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University,Canada
| | - Lindsey Sikora
- Health Sciences Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stacey Tkachuk
- Faculty of Medicine (Neurology), Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mohamed K Taher
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ming-Dong Wang
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; School of Life Science, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130032,China
| | - Shalu Darshan
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neil R Cashman
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia,Canada
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Hersi M, Quach P, Wang MD, Gomes J, Gaskin J, Krewski D. Systematic reviews of factors associated with the onset and progression of neurological conditions in humans: A methodological overview. Neurotoxicology 2016; 61:12-18. [PMID: 27377856 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As a component of the National Population Health Study of Neurological conditions, systematic reviews were conducted to identify risk factors associated with the onset and progression of 14 priority neurological conditions. Between 2011 and 2013, electronic databases and grey literature sources were searched to identify systematic reviews and primary studies reporting on the onset and progression of each condition. Inclusion was restricted to studies of humans reported in English or French. Additional condition-specific eligibility criteria were also applied. Titles and abstracts were screened by one reviewer with excluded records verified by a second reviewer. Full-text reports were screened independently by two reviewers. Disagreements were resolved by consensus or third party adjudication. Systematic reviews were quality appraised using the AMSTAR criteria, with only moderate and high quality reviews considered for inclusion. Primary studies were also sought to ensure that evidence from existing systematic reviews was supplemented with recent primary study findings (i.e., those published after the most recent systematic review). Evidence from primary studies was also considered if a systematic review was unavailable or of poor quality. Data were extracted using standardized forms. Where feasible, data were extracted independently by two reviewers. Otherwise, data were extracted by a single reviewer and independent data extraction by a second reviewer was conducted for a randomly selected sample of studies. An updated search was conducted in 2016 to identify systematic reviews published since the initial search in 2011-2013. A summary of the methodology used to conduct the systematic reviews is described. Illustrative results are provided for the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in relation to occupational exposure to lead and other heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Hersi
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pauline Quach
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ming-Dong Wang
- School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Life Science, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130032, China
| | - James Gomes
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada; Environmental Health Research Unit, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Janet Gaskin
- School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewski
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Abstract
Neurological conditions are among the leading causes of disability in the Canadian population and are associated with a large public health burden. An increase in life expectancy and a declining birth rate has resulted in an aging Canadian population, and the proportion of age-adjusted mortality due to non-communicable diseases has been steadily increasing. These conditions are frequently associated with chronic disability and an increasing burden of care for patients, their families and caregivers. The National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions (NPHSNC) aims to improve knowledge about neurological conditions and their impacts on individuals, their families, caregivers and health care system. The Systematic Review of Determinants of Neurological Conditions, a specific objective within the NPHSNC, is a compendium of systematic reviews on risk factors affecting onset and progression of the following 14 priority neurological conditions: Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), brain tumours (BT), cerebral palsy (CP), dystonia, epilepsy, Huntington's disease (HD), hydrocephalus, multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophies (MD), neurotrauma, Parkinson's disease (PD), spina bifida (SB), and Tourette's syndrome (TS). The burden of neurological disease is expected to increase as the population ages, and this trend is presented in greater detail for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease because the incidence of these two common neurological diseases increases significantly with age over 65 years. This article provides an overview of burden of neurological diseases in Canada to set the stage for the in-depth systematic reviews of the 14 priority neurological conditions presented in subsequent articles in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gaskin
- McLaughlin Center for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - J Gomes
- McLaughlin Center for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada; Environmental Health Research Unit, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - S Darshan
- McLaughlin Center for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - D Krewski
- McLaughlin Center for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada; Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Donnan J, Walsh S, Fortin Y, Gaskin J, Sikora L, Morrissey A, Collins K, MacDonald D. Factors associated with the onset and progression of neurotrauma: A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Neurotoxicology 2016; 61:234-241. [PMID: 27006002 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrauma, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI), is a preventable condition that imposes an important burden on the Canadian society. In this study, the current evidence on risk factors for the onset and progression of neurotrauma is systematically reviewed and synthesized. Searches of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Medline and Medline in Process (via OVID), EMBASE and PsycINFO from inception to February 2013 were conducted to identify relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in English or French. Two referees screened and assessed the quality of the studies using the AMSTAR tool. Thirty-two studies examined at least one risk factor for the onset of neurotrauma. Thirteen studies passed the quality assessment and the majority evaluated the impact of protective equipment in sports. Helmets effectively reduce TBI from bicycling, skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey and motorcycling. There was no evidence of a protective effect of helmets for SCI. No studies contributed evidence on risk factors for the onset of SCI. Of two studies examining risk factors for the progression of neurotrauma, only injury severity was found to be associated with poorer post-injury outcomes. Substantial evidence supports the use of helmets for the prevention of TBI in sports and motorcycling and face shields in ice hockey. Addressing bicycle helmet legislation across Canada may be an effective option for reducing TBI caused by bicycle accidents. Limited evidence on relevant risk factors for spinal cord injuries and neurotrauma progression was available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Donnan
- School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Health Science Centre, St. John's, NL, Canada.
| | - Stephanie Walsh
- Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Yannick Fortin
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Janet Gaskin
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsey Sikora
- Health Sciences Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Morrissey
- School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Health Science Centre, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Kayla Collins
- School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Health Science Centre, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Don MacDonald
- School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Health Science Centre, St. John's, NL, Canada
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Gaskin J. DD-001 Quality improvement in the paediatric total parenteral nutrition ordering process. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2016-000875.236] [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] Open
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Gaskin J, Rennie C, Coyle D. Reducing Periconceptional Methylmercury Exposure: Cost-Utility Analysis for a Proposed Screening Program for Women Planning a Pregnancy in Ontario, Canada. Environ Health Perspect 2015; 123:1337-1344. [PMID: 26024213 PMCID: PMC4671232 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1409034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of neurodevelopmental effects in children associated with prenatal methylmercury exposure, from contaminated fish and seafood in the maternal diet, has recently been strengthened by adjustment for the negative confounding resulting from co-exposure to beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of a periconceptional screening program of blood mercury concentration for women planning to become pregnant in Ontario, Canada. Fish intake recommendations would be provided for those found to have blood mercury levels above the intervention threshold. METHODS Analysis was conducted using a combined decision tree/Markov model to compare the proposed screening intervention with standard care from a societal perspective over a lifetime horizon. We used the national blood mercury distributions of women 20-49 years of age reported in the Canadian Health Measures Survey from 2009 through 2011 to determine the cognitive deficits associated with prenatal methylmercury exposure for successful planned pregnancies. Outcomes modeled included the loss in quality of life and the remedial education costs. Value of information analysis was conducted to assess the underlying uncertainty around the model results and to identify which parameters contribute most to this uncertainty. RESULTS The incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained for the proposed screening intervention was estimated to be Can$18,051, and the expected value for a willingness to pay of Can$50,000/QALY to be Can$0.61. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the proposed periconceptional blood mercury screening program for women planning a pregnancy would be highly cost-effective from a societal perspective. The results of a value of information analysis confirm the robustness of the study's conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Gaskin
- Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Caesar AJ, Lartey RT, Caesar-TonThat T, Gaskin J. First Report of Rhizoctonia spp. Causing a Root Rot of the Invasive Rangeland Weed Lepidium draba in North America. Plant Dis 2014; 98:1278. [PMID: 30699633 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-14-0300-pdn] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The exotic, invasive perennial rangeland weed Lepidium draba spreads rapidly and reduces native species diversity. The extensive root system of L. draba constitutes 76% of its biomass (4). Thus, searches have been done for biocontrol agents that target root tissue or that may interact with a weevil, Ceutorhynchus assimilis, that causes galls in the crown area of L. draba. An association of Rhizoctonia spp. with root tissue of plants galled by the weevil has been documented in Europe (3). The possible presence of soilborne pathogens similar to those found in the native range has been the subject of L. draba surveys in the United States. One such survey in 2008 detected a few plants with reddened and chlorotic foliage in a stand near Shepherd, MT. Such symptoms typically indicate the occurrence of soilborne diseases on L. draba in the native range of the weed (2). The site had shown a gradual increase in the range of detectable pathogens beginning with foliar pathogens in 1997. In 2010, at the Shepherd site, L. draba plants with similar (but more severe) symptoms to those seen in 2008 were noted in a different area of the stand. Excavation of the roots in both years revealed brown, sunken crown and root cankers. Pieces of root tissue were excised from the lesions and plated on acidified PDA and Ko and Hora medium. A non-sporulating fungus was isolated from three plants. Colonies of the isolates on PDA were typical of known Rhizoctonia spp. The 2010 isolates were determined to be multinucleate using DAPI and were paired with 14 tester (including subgroups) isolates of AG-1 to AG-4 on water agar. Anastomosis was observed between the multinucleate isolates and the AG-2-1 tester isolate. Sequence analysis of ITS of the rDNA of a multinucleate isolate (GenBank KJ545577) indicated 99% similarity with an accession of R. solani AG 2-1 (AB547381). The 2008 isolates were binucleate. A binucleate isolate, KJ545578, had 100% similarity with an isolate of Rhizoctonia spp. AG-A (AY927356). Pathogenicity tests consisted of planting 6-week-old seedlings of L. draba, one per pot, in ten 85-cm-diameter pots of pasteurized soil mix infested with Rhizoctonia-colonized barley grain that had been dried and milled. An inoculum level of ~8 CFU/g (1) of air-dried soil was established by most probable number calculations from fourfold dilutions of infested soil. Controls were the same number of plants in pasteurized potting mix. Results were recorded after 3 months in a greenhouse at 20-25°C. The test was repeated. Typically, R. solani caused mortality of six to eight plants, from which it was re-isolated, whereas binuclate isolates caused stunting and lower dry weight of L. draba. Control plants remained asymptomatic. This is the first report of R. solani and binucleate Rhizoctonia spp. on L. draba in North America. References: (1) A. J. Caesar et al. Plant Dis. 93:1350, 2009. (2) A. J. Caesar et al. Biol. Control 52:140, 2010. (3) A. J. Caesar et al. Plant Dis. 96:145, 2011. (4) R. F. Miller et al. Agronomy J. 86:487, 1994.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Caesar
- USDA-ARS, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, 1500 North Central Avenue, Sidney, MT 59270
| | - R T Lartey
- USDA-ARS, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, 1500 North Central Avenue, Sidney, MT 59270
| | - T Caesar-TonThat
- USDA-ARS, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, 1500 North Central Avenue, Sidney, MT 59270
| | - J Gaskin
- USDA-ARS, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, 1500 North Central Avenue, Sidney, MT 59270
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Affiliation(s)
- O Judd
- Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Judd
- Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Derby Hospital Derby, UK
| | - J Gaskin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Derby Hospital Derby, UK
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Philpott C, Gaskin J, McClelland L, Goodenough P, Clark A, Robinson A, Murty G. The Leicester semi-automated olfactory threshold test--a psychophysical olfactory test for the 21st century. Rhinology 2009; 47:248-253. [PMID: 19839245 DOI: 10.4193/rhin08.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Develop a useful and cost-effective olfactometer for routine clinical use by providing a standardised threshold test for patients with olfactory disorders presenting in the ENT clinic. METHOD OF STUDY A prospective study of olfactory thresholds in 48 healthy volunteers on 2 consecutive occasions, undergoing quantitative testing with an olfactometer. Further studies of 10 subjects performing 20 tests and 100 subjects performing a single test were performed. An olfactometer was designed to deliver a semi-automated threshold test for an odour. It contains 8 logarithmic dilutions of an odour along with a control valve operated by software from a laptop computer. Common potential variables for olfactory threshold testing were considered including peak inspiratory flow rate. The odours used were phenethyl alcohol (PEA) and eucalyptol (EUC). Subjects were asked to perform 2 tests within 1 month of each other and the mean threshold score for each was calculated to derive a test-retest score. MAIN RESULTS Consistent olfactory thresholds for PEA were achieved with a mean concentration of 10-4. Test-retest reliability score (r(x)) for the olfactometer was r(x) = 0.78 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.89). PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS The Leicester Olfactometer provides a simple and cost-effective method of reliably assessing olfactory thresholds in the outpatient clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Philpott
- St Paul's Sinus Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - J Gaskin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - L McClelland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - P Goodenough
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - G Murty
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Gahleitner F, Hussain AM, Gaskin J, Moir AA, Perera N, Greening J. Unusual findings and diagnostic challenges in a child with Lemierre's disease. Case Reports 2009; 2009:bcr04.2009.1818. [DOI: 10.1136/bcr.04.2009.1818] [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] Open
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Abstract
The Mir Orbital Station provided a unique platform on which to carry out a variety of space radiation dosimetry measurements. A number of experiments were conducted using a combination of passive detectors on the interior of the Mir during 1996-97. Thermoluminescent detectors were used to measure absorbed dose. CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors were used to measure the LET spectra > or =5 keV.microm(-1). Results from TLDs and CR-39 PNTDs were combined to determine total dose and dose equivalent. Mean dose rate was found to decrease while mean dose equivalent rate and average quality factor increased with increasing shielding. Secondary particles from proton-induced target fragmentation interactions, not primary HZE particles, were found to be the largest contributor to the LET spectrum above 100 keV.microm(-1). During the 1997 measurements, mean quality factor was found to vary from 1.7 to 2.1 as a function of location within the Mir.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Benton
- Eril Research, Inc, San Rafael, CA 94915-0788, USA.
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Abstract
We have identified four neurons (VC4, VC5, HSNL, HSNR) in Caenorhabditis elegans adult hermaphrodites that express both the vesicular acetylcholine transporter and the vesicular monoamine transporter. All four of these cells are motor neurons that innervate the egg-laying muscles of the vulva. In addition, they all express choline acetyltransferase, the synthetic enzyme for acetylcholine. The distributions of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter and the vesicular monoamine transporter are not identical within the individual cells. In mutants deficient for either of these transporters, there is no apparent compensatory change in the expression of the remaining transporter. This is the first report of neurons that express two different vesicular neurotransmitter transporters in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Duerr
- Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Duerr JS, Frisby DL, Gaskin J, Duke A, Asermely K, Huddleston D, Eiden LE, Rand JB. The cat-1 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a vesicular monoamine transporter required for specific monoamine-dependent behaviors. J Neurosci 1999; 19:72-84. [PMID: 9870940 PMCID: PMC6782383] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We have identified the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of the mammalian vesicular monoamine transporters (VMATs); it is 47% identical to human VMAT1 and 49% identical to human VMAT2. C. elegans VMAT is associated with synaptic vesicles in approximately 25 neurons, including all of the cells reported to contain dopamine and serotonin, plus a few others. When C. elegans VMAT is expressed in mammalian cells, it has serotonin and dopamine transport activity; norepinephrine, tyramine, octopamine, and histamine also have high affinity for the transporter. The pharmacological profile of C. elegans VMAT is closer to mammalian VMAT2 than VMAT1. The C. elegans VMAT gene is cat-1; cat-1 knock-outs are totally deficient for VMAT immunostaining and for dopamine-mediated sensory behaviors, yet they are viable and grow relatively well. The cat-1 mutant phenotypes can be rescued by C. elegans VMAT constructs and also (at least partially) by human VMAT1 or VMAT2 transgenes. It therefore appears that the function of amine neurotransmitters can be completely dependent on their loading into synaptic vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Duerr
- Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA
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Neuwirth L, Kuperus J, Calderwood-Mays M, Gaskin J. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INDIUM-111 LEUKOCYTES AND NEPHROSONOGRAPHY FOR DETECTION OF EXPERIMENTAL PYELONEPHRITIS IN DOGS. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 1995. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.1995.tb00256.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Abstract
Clients at two different treatment facilities were asked at assessment how influential each of 10 possible reasons were in their decision to change their alcohol or drug use. Clients at both facilities most often endorsed "weighing the pros and cons of drinking or drug use" and a "warning from spouse." Client's reasons for seeking treatment were also examined in relation to treatment compliance. Three reasons--"weighing the pros and cons," "hitting rock bottom," and experiencing a "major lifestyle change"--were predictive of treatment compliance. Clients who rated any of these reasons as influential were more likely to enter and complete treatment. Although more research is needed, knowledge of clients' reasons for seeking treatment might be useful in treatment matching.
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Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) single-dose administration of acyclovir were determined in Quaker parakeets. After i.v. injection at a dose of 20 mg/kg of acyclovir, elimination half-life was estimated at 0.65 h, volume of distribution at steady state was 627.65 ml/kg, and clearance was 11.22 ml/kg/min. The estimated pharmacokinetic values after i.m. injection at a dose of 40 mg/kg of acyclovir were an elimination half-life of 0.71 h and a bioavailability of 90.1%. The peak plasma acyclovir concentration occurred at 15 min when the drug was administered i.m. Plasma concentrations of acyclovir were undetectable 4-6 h after i.v. administration and 6-8 h after i.m. administration. Oral (capsules) and intravenous (sodium salt) formulations of acyclovir were given by gavage at 80 mg/kg. Peak concentrations with the sodium salt formulation were lower and developed more slowly than with the capsules. In studies designed to detect excessive drug accumulation or adverse side effects, acyclovir was administered i.m. at 40 mg/kg every 8 h for 7 days. Plasma concentrations were determined 15 min after (peak) and just prior to drug administration (trough). In another study acyclovir was gavaged at a dose of 80 mg/kg every 8 h for 4 days. Acyclovir plasma concentrations were determined just prior to and 2 h after drug administration. In both experiments, the birds maintained normal appetite and weight and did not exhibit excessive drug accumulation. Acyclovir plasma concentrations ranging from 2.07 +/- 1.09 micrograms/ml to 3.93 +/- 1.13 micrograms/ml were maintained for 4 days when acyclovir was administered in the feed and water (sole source of food and water).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Norton
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610
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Norton TM, Gaskin J, Kollias GV, Homer B, Clark CH, Wilson R. Efficacy of acyclovir against herpesvirus infection in Quaker parakeets. Am J Vet Res 1991; 52:2007-9. [PMID: 1665024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the efficacy of acyclovir against experimentally induced herpesvirus infection (Pacheco's parrot disease) in Quaker parakeets. Thirty-two of 40 birds were challenge-exposed with 0.1 ml of a suspension of herpesvirus (10(4) median cell culture infective doses [CCID50]) given IM. Treatment with acyclovir was started 24 hours later and was continued for 7 days. The birds were allotted to 5 groups of 8 birds each. There was a considerable difference in mortality between groups 1-5. Of 8 bird in each group, 6 died in group 1 (control), 1 died in group 2 (gavage), 3 died in group 3 (low dose, IM), 4 died in group 4 (high dose, IM), and none died in group 5 (contact controls). There was a significant (P = 0.023) difference in mortality between groups 1 and 2, thus the oral form of acyclovir administered by gavage was the most efficacious therapeutic regimen. Clinical signs and death occurred after discontinuation of acyclovir in groups 2 and 3, whereas the mean time of death for the control group was 6 days after challenge exposure. Herpesvirus was recovered by inoculation of chick embryo cell culture with pooled tissue suspensions from all birds that died. Histologic evidence of herpesvirus infection was found in most birds that died, with the control group having the most severe lesions. Surviving Quaker parakeets were transferred to cages with seronegative Quaker parakeets with no known exposure to herpesvirus. There have been no deaths attributable to herpesvirus infection in a period exceeding 2 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Norton
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0126
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Abstract
We examined the effects of ovine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection on lung mechanics, lung histology, and airway reactivity in lambs. Nine lambs were inoculated with ovine RSV and seven control lambs with normal saline or viral media. Serum neutralization titers were obtained prior to and 3 weeks post-inoculation (PI). Open lung biopsies were performed 1 and 3 weeks PI. Lung mechanics including dynamic compliance (Cdyn), resistance of the lung (RL), and functional residual capacity (FRC) were measured 2 and 6 weeks PI using a plethysmograph. Airway reactivity to aerosolized carbachol, citric acid, and histamine was determined 2 and 6 weeks PI. Most RSV and control lambs were asymptomatic after inoculation. Control lambs had significantly greater average daily weight gain by the third week after inoculation. Seven RSV lambs tested had a fourfold or greater rise in serum neutralization titers, while two control lambs had a fourfold increase. At 2 weeks PI, RSV lambs had significantly lower FRC and higher RL. At 6 weeks RL remained significantly elevated in the RSV lambs. Airway reactivity was not increased in the RSV group. This animal model is useful for studying the effects of RSV infection on lung growth and lung function over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville
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Jacobson ER, Clubb S, Simpson C, Walsh M, Lothrop CD, Gaskin J, Bauer J, Hines S, Kollias GV, Poulos P. Feather and beak dystrophy and necrosis in cockatoos: clinicopathologic evaluations. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1986; 189:999-1005. [PMID: 3506003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Several species of imported and captive-bred southeast Asian cockatoos with feather and beak disease (FBD) were evaluated. In recently emerging stained feathers from affected birds, intracytoplasmic magenta to basophilic inclusions of various sizes were found in macrophages and basophil-like cells within the pulp and feather epidermis. Occasionally, amphophilic intranuclear inclusions were seen within degenerated feather epidermal cells. On the basis of electron microscopic findings, intracytoplasmic inclusions were not membrane bound and consisted of crystalline arrays of viral particles (17 to 22 nm in diameter). On the basis of size and conformation, viral particles most closely resembled those of parvovirus or picornavirus. Consistent hematologic or serum enzyme differences were not found among affected or healthy cockatoos. Compared with findings in healthy cockatoos, cockatoos with FBD had significantly lower serum protein concentrations, and results of serum protein electrophoresis indicated that birds with FBD had significantly lower concentrations of prealbumin and gamma-globulin fractions. Mean pre- and post-ACTH plasma corticosterone concentrations of cockatoos with FBD were not significantly different from those of healthy cockatoos. In 8 of 9 affected cockatoos evaluated, serum T4 concentrations before and after thyrotropin stimulation were considered normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Jacobson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610
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Gaskin J. Nurses in trouble. Can Nurse 1986; 82:31-4. [PMID: 3633767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Jacobson E, Gaskin J, Iverson WO, Harvey J, Nelson G. Spirochetemia in a rhinoceros iguana. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1980; 177:918-21. [PMID: 7451342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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