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Rodway C, Tham SG, Richards N, Ibrahim S, Turnbull P, Kapur N, Appleby L. Online harms? Suicide-related online experience: a UK-wide case series study of young people who die by suicide. Psychol Med 2023; 53:4434-4445. [PMID: 35587034 PMCID: PMC10388316 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722001258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined online experience by young people who die by suicide. METHODS A 3-year UK-wide consecutive case series of all young people aged 10-19 who died by suicide, based on national mortality data. We extracted information on the antecedents of suicide of 544 of these 595 deaths (91%) from official investigations, mainly inquests. RESULTS Suicide-related online experience was reported in 24% (n = 128/544) of suicide deaths in young people between 2014 and 2016, equivalent to 43 deaths per year, and was more common in girls than boys (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.23-2.85, p = 0.003) and those identifying as LGBT (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.10-5.05, p = 0.028). Searching for information about method was most common (n = 68, 13%), followed by posting suicidal ideas online (n = 57, 10%). Self-harm, bereavement (especially by suicide), social isolation, and mental and physical ill-health were more likely in those known to have suicide-related online experience compared to those who did not. 29 (5%) were bullied online, more often girls (OR 2.84, 1.34-6.04, p = 0.007). Online bullying often accompanied face-to-face bullying (n = 16/29, 67%). CONCLUSIONS Suicide-related online experience is a common, but likely underestimated, antecedent to suicide in young people. Although its causal role is unclear, it may influence suicidality in this population. Mental health professionals should be aware that suicide-related online experience - not limited to social media - is a potential risk for young patients, and may be linked to experiences offline. For public health, wider action is required on internet regulation and support for children and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Rodway
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 2nd Floor Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - S. G. Tham
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 2nd Floor Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - N. Richards
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 2nd Floor Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - S. Ibrahim
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 2nd Floor Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - P. Turnbull
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 2nd Floor Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - N. Kapur
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 2nd Floor Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - L. Appleby
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 2nd Floor Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
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Kim Y, Richards N, Fingerman K. DAILY EVENING ELECTRONIC MEDIA USE, SEDENTARY BEHAVIORS, AND SLEEP IN LATER LIFE. Innov Aging 2022. [PMCID: PMC9765616 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep complaints and disorders are two of the most common disturbances to health and well-being in later life. This study examined how evening electronic media use and daytime sedentary behaviors affect subsequent sleep hours and perceived sleep quality, and whether consistent sleep hours (i.e., sleep regularity) moderate these associations. Data were drawn from 241 older adults (Mage = 74.02) from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study who completed ecological momentary assessments and wore an accelerometer for four days on average. A series of conditional fixed-effects models indicated that older adults reported more sleep disturbances on nights following the evening computer use. Sedentary behaviors and evening television viewing were not associated with sleep quantity and quality. Older adults with more consistent hours of bedtime reported better sleep quality regardless of their evening electronic media use and daytime sedentary behaviors, thereby highlighting the importance of sleep regularity in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijung Kim
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
| | - Nicole Richards
- The University of Texas, Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
| | - Karen Fingerman
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
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Allen AJ, Gonzalez-Ciscar A, Lendrem C, Suklan J, Allen K, Bell A, Baxter F, Crulley S, Fairlie L, Hardy D, Johnston L, McKenna J, Richards N, Shovlin G, Simmister C, Waugh S, Woodsford P, Graziadio S, Power M, Simpson AJ, Kumar P, Eastham K, Brodlie M. Diagnostic and economic evaluation of a point-of-care test for respiratory syncytial virus. ERJ Open Res 2020; 6:00018-2020. [PMID: 32832529 PMCID: PMC7430145 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00018-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus is a common cause of bronchiolitis. Historically, point-of-care tests have involved antigen detection technology with limited sensitivity. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and model the economic impact of the Roche cobas® Liat® point-of-care influenza A/B and respiratory syncytial virus test. The “DEC-RSV” study was a multi-centre, prospective, observational study in children under 2 years presenting with viral respiratory symptoms. A nasopharyngeal aspirate sample was tested using the point-of-care test and standard laboratory-based procedures. The primary outcome was accuracy of respiratory syncytial virus detection. The cost implications of adopting a point-of-care test were modelled using study data. A total of 186 participants were recruited, with both tests performed on 177 samples. The point-of-care test was invalid for 16 samples (diagnostic yield 91%) leaving 161 available for primary analysis. After resolving discrepancies, the cobas® Liat® respiratory syncytial virus test had 100.00% (95% CI 96.07%–100.00%) sensitivity and 98.53% (95% CI 92.08%–99.96%) specificity. Median time to result was 0.6 h (interquartile range (IQR) 0.5–1) for point-of-care testing and 28.9 h (IQR 26.3–48.1) for standard laboratory testing. Estimated non-diagnostic cost savings for 1000 patients, based on isolation decision-making on point-of-care test result, were £57 010, which would increase to £94 847 when cohort nursing is used. In young children the cobas® Liat® point-of-care respiratory syncytial virus test has high diagnostic accuracy using nasopharyngeal aspirates (currently an off-licence sample type). Time to result is clinically important and was favourable compared to laboratory-based testing. The potential exists for cost savings when adopting the point-of-care test. This prospective evaluation of the cobas Liat point-of-care RSV test in children demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy using nasopharyngeal aspirate samples, with favourable time to result compared to usual laboratory-based testing procedureshttps://bit.ly/2yKKmUB
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Affiliation(s)
- A Joy Allen
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrea Gonzalez-Ciscar
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Clare Lendrem
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jana Suklan
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Karen Allen
- Paediatric Research Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ashley Bell
- Paediatric Research Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Frances Baxter
- Paediatric Research Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stephen Crulley
- Paediatric Research Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Louise Fairlie
- South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | - Danielle Hardy
- South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | - Louise Johnston
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Joanne McKenna
- South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | - Nicole Richards
- Pathology Dept, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, Gateshead, UK
| | - Gavin Shovlin
- Pathology Dept, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, Gateshead, UK
| | - Clare Simmister
- Paediatric Research Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sheila Waugh
- Microbiology and Virology Dept, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Philip Woodsford
- Paediatric Research Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sara Graziadio
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Michael Power
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - A John Simpson
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Prashant Kumar
- South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | | | - Malcolm Brodlie
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Alshamsi I, Hassan M, Saleh A, Al Mutawa K, Khater E, Luqman N, Richards N. SUN-207 MAGNESIUM LEVELS IN DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH END STAGE RENAL DISEASE (ESRD) IN ONE CENTER IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE). Kidney Int Rep 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2020.02.741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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ALMUTAWA K, Alshamsi I, Khater E, Hassan M, Saleh A, Richards N, Luqman N. SUN-206 MAGNESIUM AND MBD IN DIALYSIS POPULATION IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE). Kidney Int Rep 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2020.02.740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Rodrigues M, Richards N, Ning B, Lyon CJ, Hu TY. Rapid Lipid-Based Approach for Normalization of Quantum-Dot-Detected Biomarker Expression on Extracellular Vesicles in Complex Biological Samples. Nano Lett 2019; 19:7623-7631. [PMID: 31317745 PMCID: PMC8162763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b02232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are of considerable interest as tumor biomarkers because tumor-derived EVs contain a broad array of information about tumor pathophysiology. However, current EV assays cannot distinguish between EV biomarker differences resulting from altered abundance of a target EV population with stable biomarker expression, altered biomarker expression in a stable target EV population, or effects arising from changes in both parameters. We now describe a rapid nanoparticle- and dye-based fluorescent immunoassay that can distinguish among these possibilities by normalizing EV biomarker levels to EV abundance. In this approach, EVs are captured from complex samples (e.g., serum), stained with a lipophilic dye, and hybridized with antibody-conjugated quantum dot probes for specific EV surface biomarkers. EV dye signal is used to quantify EV abundance and normalize EV surface biomarker expression levels. EVs from malignant and nonmalignant pancreatic cell lines exhibited similar staining, and probe-to-dye ratios did not change with EV abundance, allowing direct analysis of normalized EV biomarker expression without a separate EV quantification step. This EV biomarker normalization approach markedly improved the ability of serum levels of two pancreatic cancer biomarkers, EV EpCAM and EV EphA2, to discriminate pancreatic cancer patients from nonmalignant control subjects. The streamlined workflow and robust results of this assay are suitable for rapid translation to clinical applications and its modular design permits it to be rapidly adapted to quantitate other EV biomarkers by the simple expedient of swapping the antibody-conjugated quantum dot probes for those that recognize a different disease-specific EV biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryl Rodrigues
- Virginia G. Piper Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University Biodesign Institute, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Nicole Richards
- Virginia G. Piper Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University Biodesign Institute, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Bo Ning
- Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Christopher J. Lyon
- Virginia G. Piper Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University Biodesign Institute, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Tony Y. Hu
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
- Corresponding Author. Phone: 504-605-8004
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D'Costa J, Gooey M, Richards N, Sameer R, Lee E, Chibo D. Analysis of transmitted HIV drug resistance from 2005 to 2015 in Victoria, Australia: a comparison of the old and the new. Sex Health 2019. [PMID: 28641707 DOI: 10.1071/sh16190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Baseline genotyping is part of standard-of-care treatment. It reveals that transmitted drug resistance (TDR) continues to be important for the management of HIV infection. Attention is typically focused on determining whether resistance to the protease inhibitors (PI) and reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTI) occurs. However, the increasing use of integrase inhibitors (INIs) raises a concern that TDR to this class of antiretroviral drug may also occur. METHODS PI and RTI drug resistance genotyping was performed on blood samples collected between 2005 and 2015 from 772 treatment-naïve Victorian patients infected with HIV within the previous 12 months. Integrase genotyping was performed on 461 of the 485 patient samples collected between 2010 and 2015. RESULTS In the period 2005-10, 39 of 343 patients (11.4%) had at least one PI- or RTI-associated mutation, compared with 34 of 429 (7.9%) during the period 2011-15. Compared with 2005-10, during 2011-15 there was a significant decline in the prevalence of the non-nucleoside-associated mutation K103N and the nucleoside-associated mutations at codons M41 and T215. One patient was detected with a major INI resistance mutation, namely G118R. However, this mutation is rare and its effect on susceptibility is unclear. A small number of patients (n=12) was infected with HIV containing accessory resistance mutations in the integrase gene. CONCLUSIONS The lack of transmitted resistance to INIs is consistent with a low level of resistance to this class of drugs in the treated population. However, continued surveillance in the newly infected population is warranted as the use of INIs increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie D'Costa
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, Locked Bag 815, Carlton South, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Megan Gooey
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, Locked Bag 815, Carlton South, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Nicole Richards
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, Locked Bag 815, Carlton South, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Rizmina Sameer
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, Locked Bag 815, Carlton South, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Elaine Lee
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, Locked Bag 815, Carlton South, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Doris Chibo
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, Locked Bag 815, Carlton South, Vic. 3053, Australia
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Taylor C, Mackay L, Dawson C, Richards N. Significant polyp and early colorectal cancer - SPECC: The role of the Colorectal Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): promoting patient-centred care. Colorectal Dis 2019; 21 Suppl 1:32-36. [PMID: 30809911 DOI: 10.1111/codi.14501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) makes an important contribution to the care of individuals diagnosed with a significant polyp and early colorectal cancer (SPECC). METHODS This paper offers an expert opinion on the role of the CNS in SPECC, informed by relevant literature. RESULTS A CNS can support the patient through the diagnostic and treatment pathway acting as the patient's advocate as a core member of the multidisciplinary team. They will offer support and information to help patients understand their diagnosis, make choices about their available treatment options and help them to feel prepared for any treatment undertaken. CONCLUSION By providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values, the CNS can play an important role in promoting patient-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Taylor
- London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, UK
| | - L Mackay
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
| | - C Dawson
- Beating Bowel Cancer, Teddington, UK
| | - N Richards
- Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, UK
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Di Benedetto A, Basci A, Cesare S, Marcelli D, Ponce P, Richards N. Increased use of Catheters as Vascular Access: Is it Justified by Patients' Clinical Conditions? J Vasc Access 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/112972980700800105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last years many technical improvements have been made in hemodialysis treatment. Vascular access (VA) still remains an important problem. Although the use of indwelling vascular catheters is discouraged, in Europe there is an increasing use of them. The K/DOQI Guidelines recommend a native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as VA of choice. As reported by DOPPS, there is considerable geographic variation in the distribution of type of VA used amongst hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time patients in four European countries have to wait before undergoing their first surgery for VA (AVF or graft). Methods All incident patients admitted to HD clinics located in Turkey, Italy, the UK and Portugal of the European FME clinics network between October 1, 2002 and September 30, 2004 were considered. Data were gained from the Clinical Database EuCliD®. Results 2,152 patients (males 55.9%, mean age 62.5±15.7 years, diabetics 27%) were selected. Italy and Portugal had a higher proportion of elderly patients. At time of admission, the proportion of patients starting dialysis with AVF ranged between 23% and 60% from Turkey to Italy respectively. Patients with an indwelling catheter at admission are expected to undergo VA surgery as soon as possible. After 3 months of follow-up, about 75% of all patients had undergone surgery, however in the UK less than 50% of the patients had had a VA procedure. Overall, males have significantly higher probability of undergoing surgery, whilst elderly patients have a lower probability (27% and 14% respectively). Conclusion Significant differences exist between countries in the time interval from referral to creation of VA. Health care system related problems seem to be the major reason to explain such differences. Patients in the UK have longer waiting times than the other countries studied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - D. Marcelli
- Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg -
Germany
| | - P. Ponce
- Almada Dialysis Center, Corrois -
Portugal
| | - N. Richards
- Fresenius Medical Care, Tipton -
United Kingdom
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Levandowski BA, Richards N, Youngs-Maher P, Crockett E, Stewart T, Morley CP. What do young women need to engage in effective contraception conversations with their providers? Contraception 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2017.07.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
In response to a 2011 finding that approximately 27% of Medicare-certified hospices do not provide a single day of general inpatient care (GIP), the authors explored the extent to which hospices have contracts with hospitals for GIP. Using the 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey, we estimated that 1119 (32%) agencies had no contract with any hospitals in 2007 and half of those with no contract did not have a contract with a skilled nursing facility (SNF) either. As a result, these hospices were unable to provide GIP referrals for those in need of inpatient care for acute pain and symptom management. More importantly, not having a contract with a hospital was just one of the factors influencing GIP provision. In the multivariate logistic model, after controlling for contract status with a hospital and other hospice characteristics, agencies in the second quartile of hospice patient census (12-29 vs 73 or more, adjusted odds ratio = 14.10; 95% confidence interval 4.26-46.62) were independently related to providing only routine home care. These hospices are more likely to rely solely on scatter beds for GIP provision. Given that a significant portion of hospices do not have a contract with a hospital, policy makers need to understand barriers to contracts with a hospital/SNF for GIP and consider a hospice's contract status as one of the standards for hospice certification. In addition, further research is necessary to understand why hospices that do have a contract with a hospital do not make GIP referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyusuk Chung
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Richards
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Sloane Burke
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA
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Gott M, Ingleton C, Gardiner C, Richards N, Cobb M, Ryan T, Noble B, Bennett M, Seymour J, Ward S, Parker C. Transitions to palliative care for older people in acute hospitals: a mixed-methods study. Health Services and Delivery Research 2013. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr01110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundImproving the provision of palliative and end-of-life care is a priority for the NHS. Ensuring an appropriately managed ‘transition’ to a palliative approach for care when patients are likely to be entering the last year of life is central to current policy. Acute hospitals represent a significant site of palliative care delivery and specific guidance has been published regarding the management of palliative care transitions within this setting.Aims(1) to explore how transitions to a palliative care approach are managed and experienced in acute hospitals and to identify best practice from the perspective of clinicians and service users; (2) to examine the extent of potentially avoidable hospital admissions amongst hospital inpatients with palliative care needs.DesignA mixed-methods design was adopted in two hospitals in England, serving diverse patient populations. Methods included (1) two systematic reviews; (2) focus groups and interviews with 58 health-care professionals to explore barriers to, and facilitators of, palliative care transitions in hospital; (3) a hospital inpatient survey examining palliative care needs and aspects of management including a self-/proxy-completed questionnaire, a survey of medical and nursing staff and a case note review; (4) in-depth interviews with 15 patients with palliative care needs; (5) a retrospective case note review of all inpatients present in the hospital at the time of the survey who had died within the subsequent 12 months; and (6) focus groups with 83 key decision-makers to explore the implications of the findings for service delivery and policy.ResultsOf the 514 patients in the inpatient survey sample, just over one-third (n = 185, 36.0%) met one or more of the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) prognostic indicator criteria for palliative care needs. The most common GSF prognostic indicator was frailty, with almost one-third of patients (27%) meeting this criteria. Agreement between medical and nursing staff and the GSF with respect to identifying patients with palliative care needs was poor. In focus groups, health professionals reported difficulties in recognising that a patient had entered the last 12 months of life. In-depth interviews with patients found that many of those interviewed were unaware of their prognosis and showed little insight into what they could expect from the trajectory of their disease. The retrospective case note review found that 35 (7.2%) admissions were potentially avoidable. The potential annual cost saving across both hospitals of preventing these admissions was approximately £5.3M. However, a 2- or 3-day reduction in length of stay for these admissions would result in an annual cost saving of £21.6M or £32.4M respectively.ConclusionsPatients with palliative care needs represent a significant proportion of the hospital inpatient population. There is a significant gap between NHS policy regarding palliative and end-of-life care management in acute hospitals in England and current practice.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gott
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C Ingleton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - C Gardiner
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - N Richards
- Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - M Cobb
- Directorate of Professional Services, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - T Ryan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - B Noble
- Department of Oncology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - M Bennett
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - J Seymour
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - S Ward
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - C Parker
- No affiliation (retired) – medical statistician
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Abstract
Research efforts over the past two decades have helped us better understand the biological mechanisms that lead to chronic pain. Despite this, there has been limited progress in developing novel analgesics to treat sufferers of persistent pain conditions, who may account for as many as one-fifth of the population. A re-evaluation of the strategies used to discover pain-relieving drugs is needed to meet this widespread clinical need. Here, we discuss the merits of pursuing peripherally acting pain mediators. We review the significant clinical evidence that neuronal activity from the periphery is a major contributor to painful symptom production and that peripheral mediators play a substantial role in this aberrant nociceptor activity. We discuss the clinical benefits of blocking individual known mediators and describe our own approach to identify novel mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Richards
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
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Ward S, Gott M, Gardiner C, Cobb M, Richards N, Ingleton C. Economic analysis of potentially avoidable hospital admissions in patients with palliative care needs. Progress in Palliative Care 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/1743291x12y.0000000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Malhotra R, Usyvat L, Raimann J, Thijssen S, Levin N, Kotanko P, Hilderman M, Qureshi AR, Al-Abed Y, Anderstam B, Bruchfeld A, Minco M, Argentino G, Grumetto L, Postiglione L, Memoli B, Riccio E, Striker G, Yubero-Serrano E, Uribarri J, Vlassara H, do Sameiro-Faria M, Ribeiro S, Kohlova M, Rocha-Pereira P, Fernandes J, Nascimento H, Reis F, Miranda V, Bronze-da-Rocha E, Quintanilha A, Costa E, Belo L, Santos-Silva A, Modilca M, Margineanu M, Gluhovschi G, Vernic C, Velciov S, Petrica L, Barzuca E, Gluhovschi C, Balgradean C, Kaycsa A, Stockler-Pinto M, Dornelles S, Cozzolino S, Malm O, Mafra D, Cobo G, Rodriguez I, Oliet A, Hinostroza J, Vigil A, Di Gioia M, Gallar P, Drechsler C, Wanner C, Blouin K, Pilz S, Tomaschitz A, Krane V, Marz W, Ritz E, van der Harst P, de Boer R, Carrero JJ, Cabezas-Rodriguez I, Zoccali C, Qureshi A, Ketteler M, Gorriz J, Rutkowski B, Teplan V, Kramar R, Pavlovic D, Goldsmith D, Benedik M, Fernandez-Martin J, Cannata-Andia J, Guido G, Loiacono E, Serriello I, Camilla R, Coppo R, Amore A, Schiller A, Munteanu M, Schiller O, Mihaescu A, Olariu N, Andrei C, Anton C, Ivacson Z, Roman V, Berca S, Bansal V, Marcelli D, Grassmann A, Bayh I, Scatizzi L, Marelli C, Etter M, Usvyat L, Kooman J, Sande F, Levin N, Kotanko P, Canaud B, Quiroga B, Villaverde M, Abad S, Vega A, Reque J, Yuste C, Barraca D, Perez de Jose A, Lopez-Gomez JM, Castellano Gasch S, Palomares I, Dominguez J, Ramos R, Schmidt J, Hafer C, Clajus C, Hadem J, Schmidt B, Haller H, Kielstein J, Katagiri M, Kamada Y, Kobayashi N, Moriguchi I, Ito Y, Kamekawa D, Akiyama A, Ishii H, Tanaka S, Kamiya K, Hamazaki N, Kato M, Shimizu R, Hotta K, Masuda T, Veronesi M, Mancini E, Valente F, Righetti F, Brunori G, Santoro A, Bal Z, Tutal E, Erkmen Uyar M, Guliyev O, Sayin B, Sezer S, Mikami S, Hamano T, Tanaka T, Iba O, Toki M, Mikami H, Takamitsu Y, Inoue T, Fujii M, Hirayama A, Ueda A, Watanabe R, Matsui H, Nagano Y, Nagase S, Aoyagi K, Owada S, Tutal E, Bal Z, Erkmen Uyar M, Sayin B, Tot U, Sezer S, Onec K, Erten Y, Pasaoglu O, Ebinc F, Uludag K, Okyay G, Inal S, Pasaoglu H, Deger S, Arinsoy T, Arias-Guillen M, Masso E, Perez E, Herrera P, Romano B, Perez N, Maduell F, Jung YS, Kim YN, Shin HS, Rim H, Al Ismaili Z, Hassan M, Dastoor H, Bernieh B, Ismael A, Marcelli D, Richards N, Khil M, Sheiman B, Dudar I, Gonchar Y, Khil V, Kim HL, Ryu HH, Kim SH, Bosch Benitez-Parodi E, Baamonde Laborda E, Perez Suarez G, Ramirez JI, Garcia Canton C, Guerra R, Ramirez Puga A, Toledo A, Lago Alonso MM, Checa Andres MD, Hwang WM, Yun SR, Molsted S, Andersen JL, Eidemak I, Harrison AP, Kose E, Turgutalp K, Kiykim A, Celik F, Gok Oguz E. Protein-energy wasting. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft153] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
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Curry RA, Fletcher C, Gelson E, Gatzoulis MA, Woolnough M, Richards N, Swan L, Steer PJ, Johnson MR. Pulmonary hypertension and pregnancy-a review of 12 pregnancies in nine women. BJOG 2012; 119:752-61. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2012.03295.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Richards N. The Essence of Analgesia and Analgesics. Anaesthesia 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2011.06923.x] [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: 11/30/2022]
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Marcelli D, Marelli C, Richards N. Reply. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfp764] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
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Jain P, Cockwell P, Little J, Ferring M, Nicholas J, Richards N, Higgins R, Smith S. Survival and transplantation in end-stage renal disease: a prospective study of a multiethnic population. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2009; 24:3840-6. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfp455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Bremner SA, Carey IM, DeWilde S, Richards N, Maier WC, Hilton SR, Strachan DP, Cook DG. Infections presenting for clinical care in early life and later risk of hay fever in two UK birth cohorts. Allergy 2008; 63:274-83. [PMID: 18269673 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01599.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 'hygiene hypothesis' proposes that infections in infancy protect against hay fever (HF). We investigated infections during infancy in relation to HF, including rarer ones not previously researched in this context, while examining the role of potential confounding variables. METHODS From birth cohorts derived within the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) and Doctors Independent Network (DIN) database of computerized patient records from UK general practice, we selected 3549 case-control pairs, matched for practice, age, sex and control follow-up to case diagnosis. Conditional logistic regressions were fitted for each of 30 infections; behavioural problems (BP) acted as a control condition unrelated to HF. Odds ratios (OR), adjusted for consultation frequency were pooled across the databases using fixed effect models. We also adjusted for sibship size in GPRD and a socioeconomic marker in DIN. RESULTS Upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea and vomiting and acute otitis media in infancy were each related with a moderately increased risk of HF in both databases, as were BP. These associations were lost on adjustment for consultation frequency. Only bronchiolitis was significantly associated with a reduced pooled risk of HF after adjustment for consultations (OR = 0.8). Adjustment for sibship size in GPRD and a socioeconomic marker in DIN had little impact on the OR. CONCLUSIONS Of 30 infectious illnesses investigated, none had strong or consistent associations with HF after adjustment for consultation frequency. Except for bronchiolitis, possibly a chance finding, none of the clinically apparent infections considered appear to have an important role in allergy prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Bremner
- Division of Community Health Sciences, St George's, University of London, London, UK
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DeWilde S, Carey IM, Richards N, Whincup PH, Cook DG. Trends in secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease in the UK 1994 2005: use of individual and combination treatment. Heart 2008; 94:83-8. [PMID: 17540684 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2006.111757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins, antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors may produce marked benefits in secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease (IHD), especially in combination. OBJECTIVE To examine trends in treatment and factors associated with treatment using a population-based general practice database. DESIGN Analysis of routinely collected computerised data from 201 general practices using iSOFT software contributing to the DIN-LINK database. SETTING AND PATIENTS Subjects aged >or=35 years and registered with the practices; on average, 30 000 men and 21 000 women with IHD each year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Percentage of subjects with IHD receiving individual drugs and combined treatment in any given year. RESULTS Between 1994 and 2005 use of drugs for secondary prevention increased markedly. By 2005, 80% of men and 70% of women were receiving a statin, 75% and 74% were receiving antiplatelet drugs, 55% and 48% were receiving beta-blockers and 57% and 51% were receiving an ACE inhibitor; 55% of men and 46% of women were receiving a statin, antiplatelet drug and either beta-blocker or ACE inhibitor, of whom just under half were receiving all four classes of drug. Gender differences were largely explained by more severe disease in men. In 2005, subjects less likely to receive combination therapy were older, had not had a myocardial infarction or revascularisation, and lacked comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Despite high levels of statin and antiplatelet prescribing, opportunities exist for increasing the benefits of secondary prevention, especially through the wider use of combined treatments. Future targets could usefully include combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S DeWilde
- Division of Community Health Sciences, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
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Toiviainen-Salo S, Mäyränpää MK, Durie PR, Richards N, Grynpas M, Ellis L, Ikegawa S, Cole WG, Rommens J, Marttinen E, Savilahti E, Mäkitie O. Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is associated with low-turnover osteoporosis. Bone 2007; 41:965-72. [PMID: 17920346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2007.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2007] [Revised: 07/27/2007] [Accepted: 08/21/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and bone marrow dysfunction. These result in malabsorption and hematological abnormalities. A skeletal dysplasia is also an integral feature of SDS. The present study assessed prevalence and determinants of osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients with SDS and disease-causing mutations in the SBDS gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven patients (8 males) aged from 5 to 37 years (median 16.7 years) with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of SDS were assessed for fracture history, bone mineral content (BMC), lean tissue mass (LTM) and bone mineral density (BMD) (Hologic Discovery A), osteoporotic vertebral changes, and for blood biochemistry and hematological parameters. Iliac crest bone biopsies were obtained from four patients for histology and histomorphometry. RESULTS The main findings were: (1) markedly reduced BMD Z-scores at the lumbar spine (median -2.1, range -4.4 to -0.8), proximal femur (median -1.3, range -2.2 to -0.7) and, whole body (median -1.0, range -2.8 to +0.6), and reduced Z-scores for height-adjusted BMC/LTM ratio (median -0.9, range -3.6 to +1.1); (2) vertebral compression fractures in three patients; and (3) blood biochemistry suggestive of mild vitamin D and vitamin K deficiency. Bone biopsies in four patients showed significant low-turnover osteoporosis with reduced trabecular bone volume, low numbers of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, and reduced amount of osteoid. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that in addition to the skeletal dysplasia, SDS is associated with a more generalized bone disease characterized by low bone mass, low bone turnover and by vertebral fragility fractures. Osteoporosis may result from a primary defect in bone metabolism, and could be related to the bone marrow dysfunction and neutropenia.
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Seballos L, Richards N, Stevens DJ, Patel M, Kapitzky L, Lokey S, Millhauser G, Zhang JZ. Competitive binding effects on surface-enhanced Raman scattering of peptide molecules. Chem Phys Lett 2007; 447:335-339. [PMID: 20648229 PMCID: PMC2905820 DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2007.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been conducted on tryptophan (W), proline (P) and tyrosine (Y) containing peptides that include W-P-Y, Y-P-W, W-P-P-P-Y, Y-P-P-P-W, W-P-P-P-P-P-Y, and Y-P-P-P-P-P-W to gain insight into molecular binding behavior on a metal substrate to eventually apply in protein SERS detection. The peptides are shown to bind through the molecule's carboxylic end, but the strong affinity of the tryptophan residue to the substrate surface, in conjunction with its large polarizability, dominates each molecule's SERS signal with the strong presence of its ring modes in all samples. These results are important for understanding SERS of protein molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Seballos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Nicole Richards
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Daniel J. Stevens
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Mira Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Laura Kapitzky
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Scott Lokey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Glenn Millhauser
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Jin Z. Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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Bremner SA, Carey IM, DeWilde S, Richards N, Maier WC, Hilton SR, Strachan DP, Cook DG. Vaccinations, infections and antibacterials in the first grass pollen season of life and risk of later hayfever. Clin Exp Allergy 2007; 37:512-7. [PMID: 17430347 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02697.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been hypothesized that early-life exposure to vaccinations, infections or antibacterials influence allergic disease development. Concurrent exposure to grass pollens may alter any effect. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that exposure to antibacterials, vaccinations (DTP or MMR) or specific infections during the first grass pollen seasons of life influences the risk of hayfever more than at any other time of the year. METHODS Nested case-control studies were based on birth cohorts within two large databases of computerized patient records from UK general practices: the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) and Doctors' Independent Network (DIN). Seven thousand ninety-eight hayfever cases, diagnosed after age 2, were matched to controls for practice, age, sex and follow-up of control to case ascertainment date. Conditional logistic regression was used to compare exposure by age 1 (age 2 for MMR) inside vs. outside the grass pollen season (May, June, July). Odds ratios (ORs) were pooled across databases. RESULTS There were no associations in either database between MMR during vs. outside the grass pollen season and later hayfever. Of 23 infections studied, none were statistically significant; although analyses for the less common conditions were limited by low statistical power. The pooled OR for hayfever comparing exposure to antibacterials only in the grass pollen season with only outside it was 1.20 (95% CI 0.98-1.47) and for DTP was 0.84 (95% CI 0.72-0.98). CONCLUSION Although an interaction between early exposure to microbial agents and concurrent grass pollen exposure on hayfever risk seemed plausible, there was little evidence to support it across a range of analyses. However, the effect of DTP though weak deserves further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Bremner
- Division of Community Health Sciences, St George's, University of London, London, UK
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Di Benedetto A, Basci A, Cesare S, Marcelli D, Ponce P, Richards N. Increased use of catheters as vascular access: is it justified by patients' clinical conditions? J Vasc Access 2007; 8:21-7. [PMID: 17393367] [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: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last years many technical improvements have been made in hemodialysis treatment. Vascular access (VA) still remains an important problem. Although the use of indwelling vascular catheters is discouraged, in Europe there is an increasing use of them. The K/DOQI Guidelines recommend a native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as VA of choice. As reported by DOPPS, there is considerable geographic variation in the distribution of type of VA used amongst hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time patients in four European countries have to wait before undergoing their first surgery for VA (AVF or graft). METHODS All incident patients admitted to HD clinics located in Turkey, Italy, the UK and Portugal of the European FME clinics network between October 1, 2002 and September 30, 2004 were considered. Data were gained from the Clinical Database EuCliD. RESULTS 2,152 patients (males 55.9%, mean age 62.5+/-15.7 years, diabetics 27%) were selected. Italy and Portugal had a higher proportion of elderly patients. At time of admission, the proportion of patients starting dialysis with AVF ranged between 23% and 60% from Turkey to Italy respectively. Patients with an indwelling catheter at admission are expected to undergo VA surgery as soon as possible. After 3 months of follow-up, about 75% of all patients had undergone surgery, however in the UK less than 50% of the patients had had a VA procedure. Overall, males have significantly higher probability of undergoing surgery, whilst elderly patients have a lower probability (27% and 14% respectively). CONCLUSION Significant differences exist between countries in the time interval from referral to creation of VA. Health care system related problems seem to be the major reason to explain such differences. Patients in the UK have longer waiting times than the other countries studied.
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Ameri C, Contreras P, Villasante N, Ríos Pita H, Richards N, Mazza O. [Solid renal mass up to 4 cm. Analysis of the diagnostic procedures, TNM staging and surgical treatment]. Actas Urol Esp 2006; 30:772-83. [PMID: 17078574 DOI: 10.1016/s0210-4806(06)73534-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We perform a retrospective review of renal tumors operated with a maximum size of 4 cm to determine if the diagnostic methodology was adequate, the TMN staging prognostic accuracy (UICC 2002) and the goal surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD Between 1984 to 2005, 78 renal units form 74 patients (4 bilateral synchronous) operated at the Service of Urology of the Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires. Age distribution, sex, presentation form (incidental and symptomatic), diagnostic methodology, laboratory variables, surgical treatment (partial or radical surgery), histopathology, Fuhrman grade, tumor size, bilaterality, multicentricity, TNM staging, evolution and survival (Kaplan Meier) were analyzed. RESULTS 78 renal units from a total of 192, 40.62% were analyzed. The median age was 58.72 years. 69% were male and 31% female. The presentation form was 91.90 % incidental and symptomatic 8.10% (Hematuria in 5 and lung metastasis in 1). The diagnosis was performing with ultrasound and CT scan 63 cases, in 4 was also used resonance magnetic imaging (RMI) and in 7 ultrasound and RMI. Arteriography was used in 11 cases, 3 showed tumor and 8 were normal. Biopsy was performing in 5 cases, all positive for clear cells carcinoma. Globular sedimentation was the only one laboratory abnormality in 12 cases. Surgical treatment was radical surgery in 35 renal units (44.87%) and conservative surgery in 43 units (55.13%). Pathology clear cells carcinoma (CCC) 79.48%, papillary carcinoma 1.28%, angiomyolipoma (AML) 8.97%, oncocytoma 7.69% and adenoma 2.56%. The Fuhrman grade was 1 in 76.19%; 2 in 20.63% and 3 in 3.18%. Bilateral tumor were found in 4 cases 2 CCC, 1 CCC and AML and 1 CCC and adenoma. Tumor median size was 2.93 cm. Staging was T1a 96.82%, T3a 1.59% and T3aM+ 1.59%. Follow-up could be made in 54 of 61 cases. At median follow-up of 52.25 months, 50 cases were disease free, 3 died by progression at 18, 33 and 82 months and all of them were symptomatic tumors, 1 died by a non related cause. Survival rate was 94%. CONCLUSIONS 1)Ultrasound and CT scan obtained a highest diagnostic accuracy for solid renal mass. Biopsy in selective cases could contribute to achieve a correct treatment strategy. 2) Conservative surgery was the goal treatment in selected tumors up to 4 cm. and we believe that TNM staging should contemplate the presentation form to improve the prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ameri
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Abstract
A survey of 72 thoroughbred trainers in several regions of NSW was conducted to better define current grain feeding practices, and the risks involved with grain feeding in the Australian thoroughbred racing industry. Results from the survey indicate that horses in the industry are currently being fed an average of 7.3 +/- 0.23 kg of grain concentrate per day, with oats, commercial pre-mixed diets and corn most commonly used. The feeding of extruded, micronised and steam flaked grains was uncommon. The results of grain and faecal sample analyses conducted during the survey indicate that incomplete starch digestion in the equine small intestine and subsequent hindgut starch fermentation and low hindgut pH are common. These observations quantify the adverse impact of current grain feeding practices on faecal measures of gut health and demonstrate that when selecting grains for use in the thoroughbred racehorse, greater emphasis should be placed on the starch digestibility characteristics of grains.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Richards
- Equilize Horse Nutrition Pty Ltd, Nicholson VIC 3882
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Jirka T, Cesare S, Di Benedetto A, Perera Chang M, Ponce P, Richards N, Tetta C, Vaslaky L. Mortality risk for patients receiving hemodiafiltration versus hemodialysis. Kidney Int 2006; 70:1524; author reply 1524-5. [PMID: 17024168 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ki.5001759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Ameri C, Contreras P, Villasante N, Ríos Pita H, Richards N, Mazza O. Masa ocupante renal sólida de hasta 4 cm: análisis de la metodología diagnóstica, estadificación TNM y tratamiento quirúrgico. Actas Urol Esp 2006. [DOI: 10.4321/s0210-48062006000800005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
When, if ever, should we allow an extremely premature baby to die? The paper explains how that would be answered if we are guided by three reasonable assumptions. (1) The value a person's life has is primarily the value it has for that person, rather than a value it has in itself. (2) All competent persons have a right to decide for themselves whether their lives are to be prolonged. (3) Parents have a right to treat their children as they choose, so long as they neither abuse them nor neglect them.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Richards
- Department of Philosophy, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
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DeWilde S, Carey IM, Emmas C, Richards N, Cook DG. Trends in the prevalence of diagnosed atrial fibrillation, its treatment with anticoagulation and predictors of such treatment in UK primary care. Heart 2005; 92:1064-70. [PMID: 16387813 PMCID: PMC1861124 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2005.069492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine trends in the prevalence of diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF), its treatment with oral anticoagulants between 1994 and 2003, and predictors of anticoagulant treatment in 2003. METHODS Analysis of electronic data from 131 general practices (about one million registered patients annually) contributing to the DIN-LINK database. RESULTS From 1994 to 2003 the prevalence of "active" AF rose from 0.78% to 1.31% in men and from 0.79% to 1.15% in women. The proportion of patients with AF taking anticoagulants rose from 25% to 53% in men and from 21% to 40% in women. Most others received antiplatelets. The likelihood of receiving anticoagulants was greater for men and with increasing stroke risk. It decreased sharply with age after 75 years. Socioeconomic status, urbanisation and region had no influence. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelet drugs and ulcer healing drugs were associated with reduced likelihood of receiving anticoagulants, as were peptic ulcers, chronic gut disorders, anaemias, psychoses and poor compliance. Anticoagulant treatment was associated with several cardiovascular co-morbidities and drugs, possibly due to secondary care treatment. Nevertheless, only 56.5% of patients at very high risk of stroke were taking anticoagulants in 2003, whereas 38.2% of patients at low risk of stroke received anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms previously observed trends of increasing AF prevalence and warfarin treatment. Many patients who may benefit from anticoagulation still do not receive it, whereas others at lower risk of stroke do. The lower likelihood of women receiving anticoagulants is of particular concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- S DeWilde
- Division of Community Health Sciences, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Suggestions that immunisation influences allergic disease risk, either positively (pertussis) or negatively (BCG) are of concern for vaccination policy. AIMS To determine whether DTP, MMR, and BCG vaccination in infancy influenced hay fever risk. METHODS Case-control study of 7098 hay fever cases and controls, within two primary care databases. One control per case was matched for practice, age, and sex. Odds ratios (OR) were derived using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS Compared to those completing in month 5 (base group) (39.3%), DTP unvaccinated children (4.3%) had a similar risk of hay fever (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.23). However, those completing after 12 months (4.2%) had a reduced risk (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.76) compared to the base group. Compared to those vaccinated in month 14 (base group) (29.5%), MMR unvaccinated children (2.3%) had an OR of 0.79 (95% CI 0.58 to 1.08). Completion of MMR after two years was associated with reduced hay fever risk (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.80) compared to the base group. The effects of late immunisation with DTP and MMR were independent. Those vaccinated with BCG by age 2 (2.4%) had an odds ratio of 1.28 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.70). Adjustment for consulting behaviour, social factors, or sibship size did not alter these associations. CONCLUSIONS Immunisation against DTP or MMR does not increase the risk of hay fever. The lower confidence limit for BCG vaccination contradicts the hypothesised protective effect. The reduced risk of hay fever among children immunised late may be explained by a third factor causing both postponement and reduced risk such as intercurrent febrile illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Bremner
- Department of Community Health Sciences, St George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
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McCutcheon T, Knepp T, Richards N, Sparks M. Comparison of Quality of Life of Persons Who Have Experienced Amputations and Persons Who Have Had Bowel Resections. Gastroenterol Nurs 2005; 28:221-6. [PMID: 15976565 DOI: 10.1097/00001610-200505000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparing the quality of life of persons who have experienced amputations and persons who have had bowel resections illustrates the impact of chronic disease upon all aspects of a patient's life. Because the purpose of nursing research is to bring about knowledge to better direct patient care, understanding the impact of chronic illness contributes to an improvement in the quality of life of these patients. By appreciating the patient's perspective concerning the illness, the nurse can better educate the patient in all aspects of the disease process. Based on Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring, this study acknowledged the need for evidence-based nursing practice to care for the well-being of the patient in a holistic manner. Our hypothesis was adult patients after Crohn disease-related bowel resection experience a better quality of life than do adult patients with peripheral vascular disease related amputation. This descriptive comparative study had a sample of patients with Crohn disease and resection (n = 28) and patients with peripheral vascular amputation (n = 16). The instrument used to measure quality of life was the RAND-36 Item Health Survey 1.0. Results revealed significant differences between the patients with bowel resection and those with peripheral vascular amputation with regard to physical functioning, general health, and role limitations related to physical health. No significant differences existed between the two groups in terms of energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, role limitations related to emotional problems, and pain. Results from the data may indicate that the incorporation of more education regarding social, emotional, physiological, and psychological aspects of postoperative life may be of importance to evidence based nursing practice. This addition may also lead to better adjustment to postoperative life for patients and improve overall quality of life.
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De Wilde S, Carey IM, Bremner SA, Richards N, Hilton SR, Strachan DP, Cook DG. A comparison of the recording of 30 common childhood conditions in the Doctor's Independent Network and General Practice Research Databases. Health Stat Q 2004:21-31. [PMID: 15704391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
In this article we compare the recording of 30 common childhood conditions in two general practice databases of anonymised computerised medical records based on fundamentally different systems--the Doctor's Independent Network (DIN) database (Torex system) and the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) (In Practice Systems). Analysing the records of all children born 1990-1993 and followed for 5 years we found comparable results for most conditions, but differences between the hierarchical structures of the diagnostic coding systems (Read in DIN, OXMIS in GPRD) led to some differences between the databases. Practice variation was marked, but comparable between databases. Variation was greatest in conditions that are poorly defined clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- S De Wilde
- Department of Community Health Sciences, St George's Hospital Medical School, London
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Bremner SA, Carey IM, DeWilde S, Richards N, Maier WC, Hilton SR, Strachan DP, Cook DG. Early-life exposure to antibacterials and the subsequent development of hayfever in childhood in the UK: case-control studies using the General Practice Research Database and the Doctors' Independent Network. Clin Exp Allergy 2003; 33:1518-25. [PMID: 14616863 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2003.01794.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theoretically, antibacterial agents in early life might influence allergic sensitization in two ways: (i) as an indicator of infectious illness, they might be expected to protect against allergy; (ii) alternatively they might increase the risk through effects on the commensal bowel flora. Epidemiological evidence linking the prescription of antibacterial agents in early life to the subsequent development of hayfever is conflicting. OBJECTIVE To establish definitively whether an association exists between early-life antibacterial exposure and childhood hayfever diagnosis. METHODS Nested case-control studies were based on birth cohorts of children identified within two large UK general practice databases of electronic patient records. One hundred and sixteen thousand and four hundred and ninety-three children from 605 general practices were identified as being continuously registered from birth to at least age 5 years. Seven thousand and ninety-eight cases were diagnosed with hayfever after the age of 2 years. One control per case was matched for practice, birth month, sex and still being registered on case diagnosis date. Odds ratios were derived from conditional logistic regressions within each database followed by pooling using a fixed-effect model. RESULTS The pooled odds ratio for hayfever was 1.11, 95% CI (1.03-1.20) if exposed to antibacterials in the first year of life, 1.35 (1.25-1.46) in year 2 and 1.47 (1.37-1.59) in year 3. Adjusting for consultation frequency reduced these odds ratios to 0.92, 1.05 and 1.10, respectively. There was no evidence that broader spectrum antibacterials, exposure in any specific month of year 1 or in the grass pollen season influenced the risk of hayfever. CONCLUSION These data exclude any important effect of antibacterial exposure in infancy on subsequent hayfever risk. Associations reported in earlier studies have likely been exaggerated through publication bias and by lack of control for the tendency of some families to consult frequently for a range of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Bremner
- Department of Community Health Sciences, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study trends in the use of lipid lowering drugs in the UK, and to assess which patient factors influence prescribing. METHODS Routinely collected computerised medical data were analysed from 142 general practices across England and Wales that provide data for the Doctors' Independent Network database. Subjects included were people aged 35 years or more with treated ischaemic heart disease, averaging annually over 30,000. The temporal trend from 1994 to 2001 in prescription of lipid lowering drugs and daily statin dose and the odds ratios (ORs) for receiving a statin prescription in 1998 were examined. RESULTS Lipid lowering drug prescribing increased greatly over time, entirely because of statins, so that in 2001 56.3% of men and 41.1% of women with ischaemic heart disease received lipid lowering drugs. However, 33% of these patients were on a < 20 mg simvastatin daily equivalent. In 1998 the OR for receiving a statin fell from 1 at age 55-64 to 0.64 at 65-74 and 0.16 at 75-84 years. The age effect was similar in those without major comorbidity. Revascularised patients were much more likely to receive a statin than those with angina (OR 3.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.57 to 4.31). Men were more likely to receive a statin than women (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.54 to 1.71) but this difference disappeared after adjustment for age and severity of disease (OR 1.06). Geographical region had little effect but there was a very weak socioeconomic gradient. CONCLUSIONS Although prescribing has increased, many patients who may benefit from lipid lowering drugs either do not receive it or are undertreated, possibly because of lack of awareness of the relative potency of the different statins. Patients with angina and the elderly are less likely to receive treatment that may prevent a coronary event.
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Affiliation(s)
- S DeWilde
- Department of General Practice & Primary Care, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
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Boocock GRB, Morrison JA, Popovic M, Richards N, Ellis L, Durie PR, Rommens JM. Mutations in SBDS are associated with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. Nat Genet 2003; 33:97-101. [PMID: 12496757 DOI: 10.1038/ng1062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 506] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2002] [Accepted: 11/14/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS; OMIM 260400) is an autosomal recessive disorder with clinical features that include pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, hematological dysfunction and skeletal abnormalities. Here, we report identification of disease-associated mutations in an uncharacterized gene, SBDS, in the interval of 1.9 cM at 7q11 previously shown to be associated with the disease. We report that SBDS has a 1.6-kb transcript and encodes a predicted protein of 250 amino acids. A pseudogene copy (SBDSP) with 97% nucleotide sequence identity resides in a locally duplicated genomic segment of 305 kb. We found recurring mutations resulting from gene conversion in 89% of unrelated individuals with SDS (141 of 158), with 60% (95 of 158) carrying two converted alleles. Converted segments consistently included at least one of two pseudogene-like sequence changes that result in protein truncation. SDBS is a member of a highly conserved protein family of unknown function with putative orthologs in diverse species including archaea and eukaryotes. Archaeal orthologs are located within highly conserved operons that include homologs of RNA-processing genes, suggesting that SDS may be caused by a deficiency in an aspect of RNA metabolism that is essential for development of the exocrine pancreas, hematopoiesis and chrondrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme R B Boocock
- Program in Genetics and Genomic Biology, Room 11-109A, Elm Wing Annex, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
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Jenkinson C, Coulter A, Bruster S, Richards N. The coronary heart disease in-patient experience questionnaire (I-PEQ (CHD)): results from the survey of National Health Service patients. Qual Life Res 2002; 11:721-7. [PMID: 12482156 DOI: 10.1023/a:1020818500819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Analysis of data from the National Survey of Coronary Heart Disease patients to develop a core measure of patient experiences of health care. A secondary purpose was to determine whether a single summary index figure could be generated from the instrument. DESIGN The data reported here comes from the survey of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients, which was the second in the programme of National Surveys of National Health Service (NHS) patients. It took place during 1999. After an in-patient episode for CHD, questionnaires were mailed out to patients with a covering letter and a pre-paid stamped addressed envelope. Those patients who did not reply within two weeks of the initial mailing were sent a reminder letter and, if this elicited no reply within two weeks, they were sent another copy of the questionnaire. SAMPLE Of the 116,872 patients who were sent questionnaires, 3399 proved to be ineligible or out-of scope to the survey. Responses were gained from 84,310 (74.3% of eligible respondents). RESULTS Reliability analysis supported the existence of seven dimensions which seem to be tapping distinct underlying phenomena: hospital environment, information and communication, patient involvement, coordination of care, discharge and transition, and pain. Higher order factor analysis indicated these dimensions constituted one factor and, consequently, can be summed to create an index figure. The construct validity of the measure was assessed, and it distinguished between groups as was hypothesised. CONCLUSIONS The dimensions of the questionnaire have high internal reliability. Both the dimensions of the instrument and the index score were found to have high construct validity. The instrument provides a core set of issues that should be covered when assessing the quality of care for hospital patients with coronary heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jenkinson
- Picker Institute Europe, King's Mead House, Oxpens Road, Oxford OX1 1RX.
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Jenkinson C, Coulter A, Bruster S, Richards N, Chandola T. Patients' experiences and satisfaction with health care: results of a questionnaire study of specific aspects of care. Qual Saf Health Care 2002; 11:335-9. [PMID: 12468693 PMCID: PMC1757991 DOI: 10.1136/qhc.11.4.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 359] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine what aspects of healthcare provision are most likely to influence satisfaction with care and willingness to recommend hospital services to others and, secondly, to explore the extent to which satisfaction is a meaningful indicator of patient experience of healthcare services. DESIGN Postal survey of a sample of patients who underwent a period of inpatient care. Patients were asked to evaluate their overall experience of this episode of care and to complete the Picker Inpatient Survey questionnaire on specific aspects of their care. SAMPLE Patients aged 18 and over presenting at five hospitals within one NHS trust in Scotland. METHOD 3592 questionnaires were mailed to patients' homes within 1 month of discharge from hospital during a 12 month period. Two reminders were sent to non-responders; 2249 (65%) questionnaires were returned. RESULTS Almost 90% of respondents indicated that they were satisfied with their period of inpatient care. Age and overall self-assessed health were only weakly associated with satisfaction. A multiple linear regression indicated that the major determinants of patient satisfaction were physical comfort, emotional support, and respect for patient preferences. However, many patients who reported their satisfaction with the care they received also indicated problems with their inpatient care as measured on the Picker Inpatient Survey; 55% of respondents who rated their inpatient episode as "excellent" indicated problems on 10% of the issues measured on the Picker questionnaire. DISCUSSION The evidence suggests that patient satisfaction scores present a limited and optimistic picture. Detailed questions about specific aspects of patients' experiences are likely to be more useful for monitoring the performance of various hospital departments and wards and could point to ways in which delivery of health care could be improved.
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Tauro S, Clark FJ, Duncan N, Lipkin G, Richards N, Mahendra P. Recovery of renal function after autologous stem cell transplantation in myeloma patients with end-stage renal failure. Bone Marrow Transplant 2002; 30:471-3. [PMID: 12368962 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1703713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2002] [Accepted: 06/30/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The disease-free survival of patients with myeloma and severe renal failure after high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell rescue is similar to those with normal renal function at the time of the autograft. However, recovery of renal function after intensive treatment is uncommon and patients with end-stage renal failure continue to be dialysis-dependent. We report two patients with myeloma who required regular haemodialysis from diagnosis, but became dialysis-independent after a high-dose melphalan autograft. Thus, in some patients, renal function may be partially salvageable despite the requirement for dialysis at the time of autografting.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tauro
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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Gumucio DL, Diaz A, Schaner P, Richards N, Babcock C, Schaller M, Cesena T. Fire and ICE: the role of pyrin domain-containing proteins in inflammation and apoptosis. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2002; 20:S45-53. [PMID: 12371636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The genetic bases for several human autoinflammatory syndromes have recently been identified, and the mutated proteins responsible for these diseases are rapidly being characterized. Here, we examine two of these newly identified proteins, pyrin (also called marenostrin, product of the familial Mediterranean fever locus, MEFV) and cryopyrin (product of the CAIS1 locus, and mutated in familial cold urticaria, Muckle Wells syndrome and chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular syndrome). Both pyrin and cryopyrin contain an N-terminal domain that encodes a death domain-related structure, now known as the pyrin domain, or PyD. We trace the molecular interactions mediated by these PyDs, examine the evolution of the family of molecules containing this domain, and discuss the function of PyD-containing proteins and their homologues. Synthesis of the available data indicates that both pyrin and cryopyrin interact via their PyDs with a common adaptor protein, ASC. ASC itself participates in at least three important cellular processes: apoptosis, recruitment and activation of pro-caspase-1 (with associated processing and secretion of IL-1beta), and activation of NF-kappaB (a transcription factor involved in both initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response). Through PyD:PyD interactions, pyrin and cryopyrin, as well as several related, but still uncharacterized PyD containing proteins, appear to modulate the activity of all three of these processes, each of which plays a crucial role in the inflammatory pathways that characterize the innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Gumucio
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0616, USA.
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Popovic M, Goobie S, Morrison J, Ellis L, Ehtesham N, Richards N, Boocock G, Durie PR, Rommens JM. Fine mapping of the locus for Shwachman-Diamond syndrome at 7q11, identification of shared disease haplotypes, and exclusion of TPST1 as a candidate gene. Eur J Hum Genet 2002; 10:250-8. [PMID: 12032733 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5200798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2001] [Revised: 01/31/2002] [Accepted: 02/19/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, haematological and skeletal abnormalities. We have previously defined the SDS locus as a 2.7 cM interval spanning the centromere of chromosome 7. To facilitate additional analysis of this complex and poorly characterised region, a framework of ordered genetic markers at 7p11-q11, including six newly identified, has been constructed using somatic cell, radiation hybrid and STS-content mapping. We have identified shared disease haplotypes, that recur in unrelated families of common ethnic origin, and extend across the SDS locus. Detection of ancestral and intrafamilial recombination events in patients refined the SDS locus to a 1.9 cM interval at 7q11, which contains the tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase 1 (TPST1) gene. Patients with SDS were screened for mutations in TPST1 by sequencing of exons and intron-exon junctions. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms, but no disease-causing mutations, were identified. In addition, Southern blot analysis yielded no evidence of large-scale mutations, and RT-PCR analysis failed to detect alterations in expression. These results exclude TPST1 as the causative gene for SDS. The established map of the refined SDS locus will assist in the identification and characterisation of other candidate genes for SDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Popovic
- Program in Genetics and Genomic Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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Richards N, Schaner P, Diaz A, Stuckey J, Shelden E, Wadhwa A, Gumucio DL. Interaction between pyrin and the apoptotic speck protein (ASC) modulates ASC-induced apoptosis. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:39320-9. [PMID: 11498534 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m104730200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with familial Mediterranean fever suffer sporadic inflammatory attacks characterized by fever and intense pain (in joints, abdomen, or chest). Pyrin, the product of the MEFV locus, is a cytosolic protein whose function is unknown. Using pyrin as a "bait" to probe a yeast two-hybrid library made from neutrophil cDNA, we isolated apoptotic speck protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) (ASC), a proapoptotic protein that induces the formation of large cytosolic "specks" in transfected cells. We found that when HeLa cells are transfected with ASC, specks are formed. After co-transfection of cells with ASC plus wild type pyrin, an increase in speck-positive cells is found, and speck-positive cells show increased survival. Immunofluorescence studies show that pyrin co-localizes with ASC in specks. Speck localization requires exon 1 of pyrin, but exon 1 alone of pyrin does not result in an increase in the number of specks. Exon 1 of pyrin and exon 1 of ASC show 42% sequence similarity and resemble death domain-related structures in modeling studies. These findings link pyrin to apoptosis pathways and suggest that the modulation of cell survival may be a component of the pathophysiology of familial Mediterranean fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Richards
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-0616, USA
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Shickle D, Carlisle J, Fryers P, Wallace S, Suckling R, Cork M, Bowns I, Beyleveld D, McDonagh A, Sandvik L, Mowinckel P, Abdelnoor M, Erikssen G, Erikssen J, White R, Altmann DR, Nanchahal K, Oliver S, Donovan JL, Peters TJ, Frankel S, Hamdy FC, Neal DE, Whincup PH, Gilg J, Papacosta O, Miller GJ, Alberti KGMM, Cook D, Lawlor DA, Ebrahim S, Smith GD, Lampe F, Morris R, Whincup P, Walker M, Ebrahim S, Shaper A, Brunner E, Shipley M, Hemingway H, Juneja M, Page M, Stansfeld S, Kumari M, Walker B, Andrew R, Seckl J, Papadopoulos A, Checkley S, Marmot M, Wood D, Sheehan J, Reilly M, Twomey H, Collins M, Daly A, Loningsigh S, Dolan E, Smith GD, Ben-Shlomo Y, Perry I, Moher M, Yudkkin P, Wright L, Turner R, Fuller A, Schofield T, Mant D, Feder G, Lilford RJ, Dobbie F, Warren R, Braunholtz D, Boaden R, Nolte E, Scholz R, Shkolnikov V, McKee M, Neilson S, Gilthorpe MS, Wilson RC, Jenkinson C, Coulter A, Bruster S, Richards N, Chandola T, Cromwell DA, Griffiths DA, Campbell MJ, Mollison J, McIntosh E, Grimshaw J, Thomas R, Rovers MM, Straatman H, Zielhuis GA, Hemminki E, Hove SL, Veerus P, Hakama M, Tuimala R, Rahu M, Ukoumunne OC, Gulliford MC, Shepstone L, Spencer N, Araya R, Rojas G, Fritsch RE, Acuna J, Lewis G, Ajdacic-Gross V, Bopp M, Eich D, Rossler W, Gutzwiller F, Corcoran P, Brennan A, Reilly M, Perry IJ, Middleton N, Whitley E, Frankel S, Dorling D, Gunnell D, Stanistreet D, Paine K, Scherf C, Morison L, Walraven G, O'Cathain A, Sampson F, Nicholl J, Munro J, Chapple A, Ziebland S, McPherson A, Herxheimer A, Shepperd S, Miller R, Brindle L, Donovan JL, Peters TJ, Quine S, O'Reilly M, Cahill M, Perry IJ, Maconochie N, Doyle P, Prior S, Ego A, Subtil D, Cosson M, Legoueff F, Houfflin-Debarge V, Querleu D, Rasmussen F, Smith GD, Sterne JAC, Tynelius P, Leon DA, Doyle P, Roman E, Maconochie N, Smith P, Beral V, Macfarlane A, Shoham-Vardi I, Winer N, Weitzman D, Levcovich A, Lahelma E, Kivela K, Roos E, Tuominen T, Dahl E, Diderichsen F, Elstad J, Lissau I, Lundberg O, Rahkonen O, Rasmussen NK, Yngwe MA, Gilmore AB, McKee M, Rose R, Salmond C, Crampton P, Tobias M, Li L, Manor O, Power C, Bruster S, Coulter A, Jenkinson C, Osler M, Prescott E, Gronbak M, Andersen AN, Due P, Engholm G, Drury N, Bruce J, Poobalan AS, Smith WCS, Jeffrey RR, Chambers WA, Mueller JE, Doring A, Stieber J, Thorand B, Lowel H, Chen R, Tunstall-Pedoe H, Redpath A, Macintyre K, Stewart S, Chalmers JWT, Boyd AJ, Finlayson A, Pell JP, McMurray JJV, Capewell S, Chalmers JWT, Macintyre K, Stewart S, Boyd AJ, Finlayson A, Pell JP, Redpath, McMurray JJV, Capewell S, Critchley J, Capewell S, Stefoski-Mikeljevic J, Johnston C, Cartman M, Sainsbury R, Forman D, Haward R, Morris E, Haward R, Forman D, Cartman M, Johnston C, Moebus S, Lehmann N, Goodacre S, Calvert N, Montgomery AA, Fahey T, Ben-Shlomo Y, Harding J, Anderson W, Florin D, Gillam S, Ely M, Nath U, Ben-Shlomo Y, Thomson RG, Morris HR, Wood NW, Lees AJ, Burn DJ, West RR, Fielder HM, Palmer SR, Dunstan F, Fone D, Higgs G, Senior M, Moss N, Campbell R, Pound P, Pope C, Britten N, Pill R, Morgan M, Donovan J, Rottingen JA, Garnett GP, Jagger C, Robine JM, Clarke M, Tobiasz-Adamczyk B, Szafraniec K, Lall R, Campbell MJ, Walter SJ, McGrother C, Donaldson M, Dallosso H, Dineen BP, Bourne RR, Ali SM, Huq DMN, Johnson GJ, Stang A, Jockel KH, Karvonen S, Vikat A, Rimpela M, Borras JM, Schiaffino A, Fernandez E, Borrell C, Garcia M, Salto E, Jefferis B, Power C, Graham H, Manor O, Yudkin P, Hey K, Roberts S, Welch S, Johnstone E, Murphy M, Griffiths S, Jones L, Walton R, Rasul F, Stansfeld SA, Hart CL, Gillis C, Smith GD, Marks D, Lambert H, Thorogood M, Neil H, Humphries S, Wonderling D, Surman G, Newdick H, Johnson A, Pharoah P, Glinianaia SV, Wright C, Rankin J, Basso O, Christensen K, Olsen J, Love A, Cheung WY, Williams J, Jackson S, Maddocks A, Hutchings H, Gissler M, Pakkanen M, Olausson PO, Owen CG, Whincup PH, Odoki K, Gilg JA, Cook DG, Aveyard P, Markham WA, Sherratt E, Bullock A, Macarthur C, Cheng KK, Daniels H, Murphy S, Egger M, Grimsley M, Green G, Read C, Redgrave P, Suokas A, McCulloch A, Zagozdzon P, Zaborski L, Cardano M, Costa G, Demaria M, Gnavi R, Spadea T, Vannoni F, Batty D, Leon DA, Rahi J, Morton S, Leon D, Stavola BDE, Gunnell D, Fouskakis D, Rasmussen F, Tynelius P, Harrison G, Spadea T, Faggiano F, Armaroli P, Maina L, Costa G, Ellison GTH, Travis R, Phillips M, Dedman D, Upton M, McCarthy A, Elwood P, Davies D, Shlomo YB, Smith GD, Berrington A, Cramer DW, Kuper H, Harlow BL, Titus-Ernstoff L, McLeod A, Stockton D, Brown H, Leyland AH, Liratsopulos G, West CR, Williams EMI, Abrams K, Sharp L, Little J, Brockton N, Cotton SC, Haites NE, Cassidy J, Kamali A, Kinsman J, Kintu P, Quigley M, Carpenter L, Kengeya-Kayondo J, Whitworth. JAG, Porter K, Noah N, Rawson H, Crampin A, Smith WCS, Group CMSOBOTMS, Jahn A, Kudzala A, Kitundu H, Lyamuya E, Razum O, Thomas SL, Wheeler JG, Hall AJ, Moore L, Dennehy A, Shemilt I, Belderson P, Brandon M, Harvey I, Moffatt P, Mugford M, Norris N, O'Brien M, Reading R, Robinson J, Schofield G, Shepstone L, Thoburn J, Cliffe S, Leiva A, Tookey P, Hamers F, Nicoll A, Critchley J, Capewell S, Ness AR, Hughes J, Elwood PC, Whitley E, Smith GD, Burr ML, Chase D, Roderick P, Cooper K, Davies R, Raftery J, Martikainen P, Kauppinen TM, Valkonen T, Somerville M, Barton A, Foy C, Basham M, Thomson H, Petticrew M, Morrison D, Chandola T, Biddulph J, McCarthy M, Gallivan S, Utley M, Kinra S, Black ME, Murphy M, Hey K, Jones L, Brzezinski ZJ, Mazur J, Mierzejewska E, Evans JG, Clarke R, Sherliker P, Birks J, Wrieden WL, Connaghan JP, Tunstall-Pedoe H, Silva IDS, Mangtani P, McCormack V, Bhakta D, Sevak L, McMichael AJ, Sauvaget C, Nagano J, Ogilvie D, Raffle AE, Alden B, Brett M, Babb PJ, Quinn M, Banks E, Beral V, Bull D, Reeves G, Leung GM, Lam TH, Thach TQ, Hedley AJ, Roderick P, Davies R, Crabbe D, Patel P, Raftery J, Bhandari P, Pearce R, Thomas MC, Walker M, Lennon LT, Thomson AG, Lampe FC, Shaper AG, Whincup PH, Fallon UB, Ben-Shlomo Y, Laurence KM, Lancashire RJ, Pharoah POD, Nevin NC, Smith GD, Fear NT, Roman E, Ansell P, Bull D, Nilsen TIL, Vatten LJ, Lane JA, Harvey RF, Murray LJ, Harvey IM, Donovan JL, Egger M, Wright CM, Parker L, Lamont D, Craft AW, Hallqvist J, Lundberg M, Diderichsen F, Boniface DR, McNeilly E, Bromen K, Pohlabeln H, Ahrens W, Jahn I, Jockel KH, Darby S, Doll R, Whitley E, Key T, Silcocks P, Linos D, Markaki I, Ntalles K, Riza E, Linos A, Memon A, Darif M, AL-Saleh K, Suresh A, de Vries CS, Bromley SE, Williams TJ, Farmer RDT, Ruiz M, Nieto A, Boshuizen HC, Nagelkerke NJD, Schellekens JFP, Peeters MF, Den Boer JW, Van Vliet JA, Neppelenbroek SE, Spaendonck MAECV, Mazloomzadeh S, Woodman CBJ, Collins S, Winter H, Bailey A, Young LS, Rosenbauer J, Herzig P, Giani G, Olowokure B, Spencer NJ, Hawker JI, Blair I, Smith R, Olowokure B, White J, Rush M, Hawker JI, Ramsay M, Watkins J, Mayor S, Matthews I, Crilly M, Bundred P, Prosser H, Walley T, Walker ZAK, Oakley L, Townsend JL, Donovan C, Smith H, Bell J, Hurst Z, Marshall S, Wild S, Whyman C, Barter M, Wishart K, Macleod C, Marinko K, Malmstrom M, Johansson SE, Sundquist J, Crampton P, Salmond C, Tobias M, Lumley J, Small R, Brown S, Watson L, Gunn J, Hawe P, Shiell A, Langer M, Steiner G, Tiefenthaler M, Adamek S, Ronsmans C, Khlat M, Waterstone M, Bewley S, Wolfe C, Hooper R, Moore L, Campbell R, Whelan A, Winter H, Macarthur C, Bick D, Lancashire R, Knowles H, Henderson C, Belfield C, Gee H, Biggerstaff D, Lilford R, Olsen J, the EuroMap Group, Spencer EA, Davey GK, Appleby PN, Key TJ., Breeze E, Leon D, Clarke R, Fletcher A, Boniface DR, McNeilly E, Lam TH, Ho SY, Hedley AJ, Mak KH, Canoy D, Khaw KT, Thorogood M, Appleby PN, Mann JI, Key TJ, Bobak M, Pikhart H, Martikainen P, Rose R, Marmot M, Rooney CIF, Cook L, Uren Z, Watson MC, Bond CM, Grimshaw JM, Mollison J, Ludbrook A, Poobalan AS, Bruce J, King PM, Krukowksi ZH, Smith WCS, Chambers WA, Seagroatt V, Goldacre M, Purcell B, Majeed A, Mayor S, Watkins J, Matthews I, Morris RW, Whincup PH, Emberson J, Lampe FC, Walker M, Wannamethee G, Shaper AG, Ebrahim S, May M, McCarron P, Frankel S, Smith GD, Yarnell J, Ebrahim S, May M, McCarron P, Shlomo YB, Stansfeld S, Gallacher J, Smith GD, Taylor FC, Rees K, Ebrahim S, Angelini GD, Ascione R, Muller-Nordhorn J, Binting S, Kulig M, Voller H, Willich SN, Group FTPS, Whincup PH, Emberson J, Papacosta O, Walker M, Lennon L, Thomson A, Sturdy PM, Anderson HR, Butland BK, Bland JM, Victor CR, Wilman C, Gupta R, Anderson HR, Mindell J, Joffe M, Nikiforov B, Pattenden S, Armstrong B, Hedley AJ, Wong CM, Thach TQ, Chau P, Lam TH, Anderson HR, Whitley E, Darby S, Deo H, Doll R, Raleigh VS, Logie J, Macrae K, Lawrenson R, Villegas R, Nielson S, O'Halloran DJ, Perry IJ, Gallacher JEJ, Elwood PC, Yarnell JWG, Shlomo YB, Pickering J, Evans JMM, Morris AD, Sedgwick JEC, Pearce AJ, Gulliford MC, Walker M, Thomson A, Whincup P, Lyons RA, Jones S, Richmond P, McCarthy J, Fone D, Lester N, Johansen A, Saunders J, Palmer SR, Barnes I, Banks E, Beral V, Jones GT, Watson KD, Taylor S, Papageorgiou AC, Silman AJ, Symmons DPM, Macfarlane GJ, Pope D, Hunt I, Birrell F, Silman A, Macfarlane G, Thorpe L, Thomas K, Fitter M, Brazier J, Macpherson H, Campbell M, Nicholl J, Morgan A, Roman M, Allison T, Symmons D, Urwin M, Brammah T, Roxby M, Williams G, Primatesta P, Falaschetti E, Poulter NR, Knibb R, Armstrong SJ, Chilvers CED, Logan RFA, Woods KL, Bhavnani V, Clarke A, Dowie J, Kennedy A, Pell I, Goldacre MJ, Kurina L, Seagroatt V, Yeates D, Watson E, Clements A, Yudkin P, Rose P, Bukach C, Mackay J, Lucassen A, Austoker J, Guillemin M, Brown W, Tell GS, Nurk E, Vollset SE, Nygard O, Refsum H, Ueland PM, Villegas R, Nielson S, Creagh D, Hinchion R, Perry IJ, Allen NE, Key TJ, Vatten LJ, Odegard RA, Nilsen ST, Austgulen R, Harding AH, Khaw KT, Wareham NJ, Riza E, Silva IDS, De Stavola B, Bradlow HL, Sepkovic DW, Linos D, Linos A. Society for Social Medicine and the International Epidemiological Association European Group. Abstracts of oral presentations. Br J Soc Med 2001. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.55.suppl_1.a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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DeWilde S, Carey IM, Richards N, Hilton SR, Cook DG. Do children who become autistic consult more often after MMR vaccination? Br J Gen Pract 2001; 51:226-7. [PMID: 11255906 PMCID: PMC1313956] [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: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A close temporal association has been reported between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination and dramatic behavioural decline in children subsequently diagnosed as autistic. We hypothesised that such a decline would be reflected in increased consultations with the child's general practitioner. The Doctor's Independent Network database was used to examine whether children subsequently diagnosed as autistic consulted more frequently than controls after MMR vaccination. No difference in consulting behaviour was seen in the six months post MMR. Any dramatic effect of MMR on behaviour seems unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- S DeWilde
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17 0RE
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Schaner P, Richards N, Wadhwa A, Aksentijevich I, Kastner D, Tucker P, Gumucio D. Episodic evolution of pyrin in primates: human mutations recapitulate ancestral amino acid states. Nat Genet 2001; 27:318-21. [PMID: 11242116 DOI: 10.1038/85893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF; MIM 249100) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent attacks of fever with synovial, pleural or peritoneal inflammation. The disease is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the pyrin protein. Human population studies have revealed extremely high allele frequencies for several different pyrin mutations, leading to the conclusion that the mutant alleles confer a selective advantage. Here we examine the ret finger protein (rfp) domain (which contains most of the disease-causing mutations) of pyrin during primate evolution. Amino acids that cause human disease are often present as wild type in other species. This is true at positions 653 (a novel mutation), 680, 681, 726, 744 and 761. For several of these human mutations, the mutant represents the reappearance of an ancestral amino acid state. Examination of lineage-specific dN/dS ratios revealed a pattern consistent with the signature of episodic positive selection. Our data, together with previous human population studies, indicate that selective pressures may have caused functional evolution of pyrin in humans and other primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Schaner
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that multiple sterilizations of endodontic stainless-steel and nickel-titanium files will lead to a continuous decrease in the resistance of files to separation by torsion. One hundred stainless-steel and 100 nickel-titanium #30 K-type files were divided into 20 groups of 10 and sterilized in increments of 10 cycles, using a full cycle and a fast cycle autoclave. These files were tested by twisting each of them in a clockwise direction until fracture (torque g-cm). Samples of the fractured files were embedded in an epoxy resin and polished for Knoop hardness tests. In addition, the samples were chemically etched to reveal changes in microstructure. The findings of this study indicate that neither the number of sterilization cycles nor the type of autoclave sterilization used affects the torsional properties, hardness, and microstructure of stainless-steel and nickel-titanium files.
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Abstract
There is a need to establish the proportion of adult asthmatics at each step of the recommended asthma management guidelines, the cost of their prescribed treatment, and a revised cost of treatment assuming patients who were suboptimally controlled were moved up a step. Actual prescription and cost figures and a theoretical projection of an ideal scenario was calculated from a sample of general practices in Great Britain from the Doctors Independent Network. They comprised 102 nationally distributed practices and 17,206 adult patients with a diagnosis of, and prescription related to, asthma recorded between October 1993 and March 1994. Ninety-one per cent of patients received treatment within a recognized step of the guidelines. Of these, 80% were at steps 1 and 2. Employing excess inhaled beta-agonist use as a proxy for control of asthma, between 55% and 69% of patients at Steps 1-3 should receive treatment at a higher step. This could lead to an increased expenditure of up to Pound Sterling 4.66 per adult patient per month. This would imply a rise in the annual UK cost of antiasthma prescriptions for adults from Pound Sterling 388m to a possible Pound Sterling 533m. The United Kingdom Government audit commission has suggested that current expenditure on asthma treatment appears to be insufficient. Using an entirely different approach this study has confirmed that a significant increase in asthma prescribing costs is likely to be needed if optimal control of asthma is to be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Neville
- University of Dundee, Tayside Centre for General Practice, UK
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