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Mathew PJ, Ali YM, O'Connor R, Levinson R, Khan A, Schuster KM. Patient reported outcomes of emergency general surgery procedures. Am J Surg 2024; 232:118-125. [PMID: 38413350 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency general surgery (EGS) involves care of a patient's often previously unknown disease in the setting of an unplanned interaction with the healthcare system. This leads to challenges collecting and interpreting patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). METHODS We performed a qualitative and mixed methods study using semi-structured interviews during the index hospitalization and at 6-12 months to capture peri-operative patient experiences. We compared interview findings to clinical characteristics. RESULTS Among 30 patients, two-thirds reported feeling no choice but to pursue emergency surgery with many reporting exclusion from decision-making. Females reported these themes more commonly. Patients with minor complications less frequently reported trust in their team and discussed communication issues and delays in care (all p < 0.05). Patients with major complications more frequently reported confidence in their team and gratefulness, but also communication limitations (all p < 0.05). Patients not admitted to the ICU more frequently discussed good communication and expeditious treatment. CONCLUSIONS PROMs developed for EGS patients should consider patient outcomes and reflections that they felt excluded from decision-making. Severity of complications may also differentially impact PROMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan J Mathew
- Section of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Yasmin M Ali
- Section of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Rick O'Connor
- Section of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | | | | | - Kevin M Schuster
- Section of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Section of Trauma, Critical Care, Acute Care Surgery and Burn & Wound Care, Department of Surgery, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, 06610, USA
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2
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Estroff JM, Devlin J, Hoteit L, Hassoune A, Neal MD, Brown JB, Lu L, Kotch S, Hazelton JP, Christian AB, Yeates EO, Nahmias J, Jacobson LE, Williams J, Schuster KM, O'Connor R, Semon GR, Straughn AD, Cullinane D, Egodage T, Kincaid M, Rollins A, Amdur R, Sarani B. 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate is not inferior to andexanet alfa for the reversal or oral factor Xa inhibitors: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter study. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2024:01586154-990000000-00713. [PMID: 38685190 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004345] [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: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Andexanet Alfa (AA) is the only FDA approved reversal agent for apixaban and rivaroxaban (DOAC). There are no studies comparing its efficacy with 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC). This study aimed to compare PCC to AA for DOAC reversal, hypothesizing non-inferiority of PCC. METHODS We performed a retrospective, non-inferiority multicenter study of adult patients admitted from July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 who had taken a DOAC within 12 hours of injury, were transfused red blood cells (RBCs) or had traumatic brain injury, and received AA or PCC. Primary outcome was PRBC unit transfusion. Secondary outcome with ICU length of stay. MICE imputation was used to account for missing data and zero-inflated poisson regression was used to account for an excess of zero units of RBC transfused. 2 Units difference in RBC transfusion was selected as non-inferior. RESULTS Results: From 263 patients at 10 centers, 77 (29%) received PCC and 186 (71%) AA. Patients had similar transfusion rates across reversal treatment groups (23.7% AA vs 19.5% PCC) with median transfusion in both groups of 0 RBC. According to the Poisson component, PCC increases the amount of RBC transfusion by 1.02 times (95% CI: 0.79-1.33) compared to AA after adjusting for other covariates. The averaged amount of RBC transfusion (non-zero group) is 6.13. Multiplying this number by the estimated rate ratio, PCC is estimated to have an increase RBC transfusion by 0.123 (95% CI: 0.53-2.02) units compared to AA. CONCLUSION PCC appears non-inferior to AA for reversal of DOACs for RBC transfusion in traumatically injured patients. Additional prospective, randomized trials are necessary to compare PCC and AA for the treatment of hemorrhage in injured patients on DOACs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/Care Management, Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Estroff
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Joseph Devlin
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Lara Hoteit
- Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Adnan Hassoune
- Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Matthew D Neal
- Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Joshua B Brown
- Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Liling Lu
- Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Shannon Kotch
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
| | - Joshua P Hazelton
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
| | | | - Eric O Yeates
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA
| | - Jeffry Nahmias
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA
| | | | | | | | - Rick O'Connor
- Yale University/Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
| | - Gregory R Semon
- Department of Surgery, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH
| | | | | | - Tanya Egodage
- Cooper University, Camden, NJ Grant Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | | | | | - Richard Amdur
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Babak Sarani
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
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Peters NV, O'Connor R, Bhattacharya B, Kunstman JW. Effects of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on presentation, management, and outcomes of acute cholecystitis at an academic tertiary care center cholecystitis management during COVID-19. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22043. [PMID: 38027854 PMCID: PMC10658381 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adjustments to nearly all aspects of healthcare, including surgical care. The effects of these adjustments have not been well studied on acute surgical problems conventionally managed non-electively in large, tertiary care centers. Methods A retrospective analysis of admitted patients with acute cholecystitis at a US academic tertiary care center was performed. We compared the presentation, management, and 30-day outcomes of patients admitted during a 2-month time period during early COVID, to a pre-COVID control group of admitted cholecystitis patients over a 2-month span. Results The study cohort captured 24 patients, while the control cohort encompassed 53 patients. A non-significant trend toward non-operative management in the COVID cohort is reported. There was no delay in time-to-surgery or complication rate. No surgically managed patient developed COVID within 30 days of operation. Conclusions Operative management of acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic, with pre-operative testing and personal protective equipment guidelines, remained safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas V Peters
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Rick O'Connor
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Bishwajit Bhattacharya
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- VA Connecticut Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Bldg 1, 4th Floor, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - John W Kunstman
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- VA Connecticut Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Bldg 1, 4th Floor, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
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DeGrace S, Romero-Sanchiz P, Tibbo P, Barrett S, Arenella P, Cosman T, Atasoy P, Cousijn J, Wiers R, Keough MT, Yakovenko I, O'Connor R, Wardell J, Rudnick A, Nicholas Carleton R, Heber A, Stewart SH. Do trauma cue exposure and/or PTSD symptom severity intensify selective approach bias toward cannabis cues in regular cannabis users with trauma histories? Behav Res Ther 2023; 169:104387. [PMID: 37625353 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Trauma cue-elicited activation of automatic cannabis-related cognitive biases are theorized to contribute to comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and cannabis use disorder. This phenomenon can be studied experimentally by combining the trauma cue reactivity paradigm (CRP) with cannabis-related cognitive processing tasks. In this study, we used a computerized cannabis approach-avoidance task (AAT) to assess automatic cannabis (vs. neutral) approach bias following personalized trauma (vs. neutral) CRP exposure. We hypothesized that selective cannabis (vs. neutral) approach biases on the AAT would be larger among participants with higher PTSD symptom severity, particularly following trauma (vs. neutral) cue exposure. We used a within-subjects experimental design with a continuous between-subjects moderator (PTSD symptom severity). Participants were exposed to both a trauma and neutral CRP in random order, completing a cannabis AAT (cannabis vs. neutral stimuli) following each cue exposure. Current cannabis users with histories of psychological trauma (n = 50; 34% male; mean age = 37.8 years) described their most traumatic lifetime event, and a similarly-detailed neutral event, according to an established interview protocol that served as the CRP. As hypothesized, an AAT stimulus type x PTSD symptom severity interaction emerged (p = .042) with approach bias greater to cannabis than neutral stimuli for participants with higher (p = .006), but not lower (p = .36), PTSD symptom severity. Contrasting expectations, the stimulus type x PTSD symptoms effect was not intensified by trauma cue exposure (p = .19). Selective cannabis approach bias may be chronically activated in cannabis users with higher PTSD symptom severity and may serve as an automatic cognitive mechanism to help explain PTSD-CUD co-morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S DeGrace
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E2, Canada.
| | - P Romero-Sanchiz
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex Sussex House, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RH, United Kingdom
| | - P Tibbo
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E2, Canada
| | - S Barrett
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - P Arenella
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E2, Canada
| | - T Cosman
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E2, Canada
| | - P Atasoy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - J Cousijn
- Universiteit van Amsterdam, Department of Psychology, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129-B, 1018 WT, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - R Wiers
- Universiteit van Amsterdam, Department of Psychology, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129-B, 1018 WT, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - M T Keough
- York University, Department of Psychology, 4700 Keele St, North York, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - I Yakovenko
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E2, Canada; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - R O'Connor
- Concordia University, Department of Psychology, 7141 Sherbrooke West PY-146, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - J Wardell
- York University, Department of Psychology, 4700 Keele St, North York, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - A Rudnick
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E2, Canada
| | - R Nicholas Carleton
- University of Regina, Department of Psychology, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - A Heber
- McMaster University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - S H Stewart
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E2, Canada; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
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Ghneim M, Kufera J, Zhang A, Penaloza-Villalobos L, Swentek L, Watras J, Smith A, Hahn A, Rodriguez Mederos D, Dickhudt TJ, Laverick P, Cunningham K, Norwood S, Fernandez L, Jacobson LE, Williams JM, Lottenberg L, Azar F, Shillinglaw W, Slivinski A, Nahmias J, Donnelly M, Bala M, Egodage T, Zhu C, Udekwu PO, Norton H, Dunn JA, Baer R, McBride K, Santos AP, Shrestha K, Metzner CJ, Murphy JM, Schroeppel TJ, Stillman Z, O'Connor R, Johnson D, Berry C, Ratner M, Reynolds JK, Humphrey M, Scott M, Hickman ZL, Twelker K, Legister C, Glass NE, Siebenburgen C, Palmer B, Semon GR, Lieser M, McDonald H, Bugaev N, LeClair MJ, Stein D. Does lower extremity fracture fixation technique influence neurologic outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury? The EAST Brain vs. Bone multicenter trial. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2023; 95:516-523. [PMID: 37335182 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether lower extremity fracture fixation technique and timing (≤24 vs. >24 hours) impact neurologic outcomes in TBI patients. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted across 30 trauma centers. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years and older, head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of >2, and a diaphyseal femur or tibia fracture requiring external fixation (Ex-Fix), intramedullary nailing (IMN), or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The analysis was conducted using analysis of variamce, Kruskal-Wallis, and multivariable regression models. Neurologic outcomes were measured by discharge Ranchos Los Amigos Revised Scale (RLAS-R). RESULTS Of the 520 patients enrolled, 358 underwent Ex-Fix, IMN, or ORIF as definitive management. Head AIS was similar among cohorts. The Ex-Fix group experienced more severe lower extremity injuries (AIS score, 4-5) compared with the IMN group (16% vs. 3%, p = 0.01) but not the ORIF group (16% vs. 6%, p = 0.1). Time to operative intervention varied between the cohorts with the longest time to intervention for the IMN group (median hours: Ex-Fix, 15 [8-24] vs. ORIF, 26 [12-85] vs. IMN, 31 [12-70]; p < 0.001). The discharge RLAS-R score distribution was similar across the groups. After adjusting for confounders, neither method nor timing of lower extremity fixation influenced the discharge RLAS-R. Instead, increasing age and head AIS score were associated with a lower discharge RLAS-R score (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002-1.03 and OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.75-3.22), and a higher Glasgow Coma Scale motor score on admission (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.97) was associated with higher RLAS-R score at discharge. CONCLUSION Neurologic outcomes in TBI are impacted by severity of the head injury and not the fracture fixation technique or timing. Therefore, the strategy of definitive fixation of lower extremity fractures should be dictated by patient physiology and the anatomy of the injured extremity and not by the concern for worsening neurologic outcomes in TBI patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Ghneim
- From the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (M.G., D.S.), Program in Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine; National Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems, Program in Trauma, Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (J.K.), University of Maryland School of Medicine; University of Maryland School of Medicine (A.Z.); Department of Surgery (L.P.-V., L.S.), Loma Linda University Medical Center; Inova Fairfax Hospital (J.W.); LSUHCS (A.S.); Ochsner Medical Center (A.H.); Broward Health Medical Center (D.R.M., T.J.D.); Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center (P.L., K.C.); University of Texas Health Science Center (S.N., L.F.); Ascension St. Vincent Hospital (L.E.J., J.M.W.); St. Mary's Medical Center (L.L., F.A.), Florida Atlantic University, Schmidt College of Medicine; Mission Hospital (W.S., A.S.); University of California, Irvine (J.N., M.D.); Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine (M.B.), Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Cooper University Health Care (T.E.); Cooper University Health Care (C.Z.); WakeMed Health and Hospitals (P.O.U., H.N.); Medical Center of the Rockies (J.A.D.), University of Colorado Health North; Orthopedic Center of the Rockies (R.B.); Memorial University Medical Center (K.M.); Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (A.P.S., K.S.); Spartanburg Regional Medical Center (C.J.M., J.M.M.); Memorial Hospital Central (T.J.S., Z.S.); Yale School of Medicine (R.O., D.J.); NYU Grossman School of Medicine (C.B., M.R.,); University of Kentucky (J.K.R., M.H.); St. Mary's Medical Center (M.S.), Essentia Health; NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst (Z.L.H., K.T.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (C.L., N.E.G.); Kettering Health Main Campus (C.S., B.P.); Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (G.R.S.); Research Medical Center (M.L., H.M.); Tufts Medical Center (N.B.), Tuft University School of Medicine; and Tufts Medical Center (M.J.L.)
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Schuster KM, Schroeppel TJ, O'Connor R, Enniss TM, Cripps M, Cullinane DC, Kaafarani HM, Crandall M, Puri R, Tominaga GT. Imaging acute cholecystitis, one test is enough. Am J Surg 2023:S0002-9610(23)00086-7. [PMID: 36882336 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with right upper quadrant pain are often imaged using multiple modalities with no established gold standard. A single imaging study should provide adequate information for diagnosis. METHODS A multicenter study of patients with acute cholecystitis was queried for patients who underwent multiple imaging studies on admission. Parameters were compared across studies including wall thickness (WT), common bile duct diameter (CBDD), pericholecystic fluid and signs of inflammation. Cutoff for abnormal values were 3 mm for WT and 6 mm for CBDD. Parameters were compared using chi-square tests and Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS Of 861 patients with acute cholecystitis, 759 had ultrasounds, 353 had CT and 74 had MRIs. There was excellent agreement for wall thickness (ICC = 0.733) and bile duct diameter (ICC = 0.848) between imaging studies. Differences between wall thickness and bile duct diameters were small with nearly all <1 mm. Large differences (>2 mm) were rare (<5%) for WT and CBDD. CONCLUSIONS Imaging studies in acute cholecystitis generate equivalent results for typically measured parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Schuster
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | | - Rick O'Connor
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. Rick.o'
| | - Toby M Enniss
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School, of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Michael Cripps
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Aurora, CO, USA.
| | | | | | - Marie Crandall
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
| | - Ruchir Puri
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
| | - Gail T Tominaga
- Department of Surgery, Scripps Memorial, Hospital La Jolla, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Moore F, Allott C, O'Connor R. Impulsivity, aggression, and impulsive aggression in suicidality. Personality and Individual Differences 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Akhtar A, Brooks A, O'Connor R. EGS P01 The diurnal and seasonal relationships of pedestrian injuries secondary to motor vehicles in young people. Br J Surg 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac404.066] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There remains a significant morbidity and mortality in young pedestrians hit by motor vehicles, even in the era of pedestrian crossings and speed limits. The aim of this study was to compare incidence and injury severity of motor vehicle-related pedestrian trauma according to time of day and season in a young population, based on the supposition that injuries would be more prevalent during dusk and dawn and during autumn and winter.
Methods
Data was retrieved for patients between 10–25 years old from the national Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) database, who had been involved as pedestrians in motor vehicle accidents between 2015–2020. The incidence of injuries, their severity (using the Injury Severity Score [ISS]), hospital transfer time and mortality were analysed according to the hours of daylight, darkness and season.
Results
The study identified a seasonal pattern, showing that autumn was the predominant season and lead to 34.9% of injuries, with a further 25.4% in winter in comparison to spring and summer, with 21.4% and 18.3% of injuries respectively. However, visibility alone was not a sufficient factor as 49.5% of injuries occurred during time of darkness, while 50.5% occurred during daylight. Importantly, the greatest injury rate (number of injuries/hour) occurred between 1500–1630 correlating to school pick up times. A further significant relationship between injury severity score (ISS) and daylight was demonstrated (p-value= 0.0124) with moderate injuries (ISS 9–14) occurring most commonly during the day (72.7%) and more severe injuries (ISS>15) occurred during the night (55.8%).
Conclusions
We have identified a relationship between time of day and the frequency and severity of pedestrian trauma in young people. In addition, particular time groupings correspond to the greatest injury rate, suggesting that reduced visibility coupled with school pick up times may play a significant role . This could be addressed through a targeted public health approach to implement change. We recommend targeted public health measures to improve road safety that focus on these times and that increase the visibility of children combined with education for drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Akhtar
- Major trauma centre, Nottingham University Hospitals , Nottingham , United Kingdom
| | - A Brooks
- Major trauma centre, Nottingham University Hospitals , Nottingham , United Kingdom
| | - R O'Connor
- Major trauma centre, Nottingham University Hospitals , Nottingham , United Kingdom
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9
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Nowak Vel Nowakowski P, Makowski D, Jabłoński B, Szajerski P, Pandya SP, O'Connor R, Tieulent R, Barnsley R. Evaluation of optical transmission across the ITER hard x-ray monitor system designed for the first plasma scenarios. Rev Sci Instrum 2022; 93:103512. [PMID: 36319325 DOI: 10.1063/5.0101802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hard x-ray (HXR) spectroscopy is applied for diagnostics of runaway electrons in nuclear fusion reactors. The scintillation counter is one of the most commonly used types of detectors for HXR spectroscopy. It consists of a detector that emits light when excited by HXR radiation (scintillator) directly coupled to a PMT (Photomultiplier Tube) that converts light pulses into an electrical signal. This type of detector is commonly used in existing tokamaks, such as Joint European Torus (JET), Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), Compact Assembly (COMPASS), and Axially Symmetric Divertor Experiment (ASDEX-U). In all these cases, the scintillator is directly coupled to the PMT to provide the best possible light transmission efficiency. The Hard X-ray Monitor (HXRM) is one among the first plasma diagnostic systems at ITER that provides information about the energy distribution of runaway electrons inside a tokamak by HXR spectroscopy. This system also uses a scintillator and a PMT as a detector. Due to the heavy shielding of the blanket modules, vacuum vessel, and port-plugs, it is not possible to assemble the scintillator outside the tokamak vacuum vessel. The PMT detector cannot be installed in the close vicinity of the tokamak due to either the significant magnetic field or temperature. A possible solution is to decouple the scintillator from the PMT and place the PMT inside the port-cell. Light pulses will be transmitted to the PMT via a 12 m long optical fiber bundle. Evaluation of the optical transmission was carried out to assess the performance of the HXR monitor and verify possible problems related to the PMT pulse discrimination under low light conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nowak Vel Nowakowski
- Department of Microelectronics and Computer Science, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz 93-005, Poland
| | - D Makowski
- Department of Microelectronics and Computer Science, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz 93-005, Poland
| | - B Jabłoński
- Department of Microelectronics and Computer Science, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz 93-005, Poland
| | - P Szajerski
- Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz 93-590, Poland
| | | | - R O'Connor
- ITER Organization, Saint-Paul-lès-Durance 13115, France
| | - R Tieulent
- ITER Organization, Saint-Paul-lès-Durance 13115, France
| | - R Barnsley
- ITER Organization, Saint-Paul-lès-Durance 13115, France
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Raywood E, Filipow N, Stanojevic S, Shannon H, Douglas H, Tanriver G, Murray N, O'Connor R, Hill L, Dawson C, Davies G, Stott L, Saul G, Kuzhagaliyev T, van Schaik T, Furtuna B, Liakhovich O, Booth J, Kapoor K, Main E. 276 Effects of quantity and quality of daily airway clearance treatments on lung function in children and young people with cystic fibrosis: Results from Project Fizzyo. J Cyst Fibros 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(22)00966-3] [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: 11/07/2022]
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11
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Main E, Filipow N, Raywood E, Tanriver G, Douglas H, Davies G, Murray N, O'Connor R, Stott L, Saul G, Kuzhagaliyev T, Liakhovich O, Furtuna B, van Schaik T, Booth J, Dawson C, Hill L, Kapoor K, Stanojevic S. 271 Impact of habitual levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity on forced expiratory volume in 1 second in children and young people with cystic fibrosis: Results from Project Fizzyo. J Cyst Fibros 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(22)00961-4] [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: 11/07/2022]
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12
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Ellebrecht C, Lee C, O'Connor R, Payne A. 024 Asymmetric cell division for fate induction of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. J Invest Dermatol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.05.078] [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: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Tracy BM, Valdez CL, Crowley B, Seng S, Ratnasekera A, Collins CM, Bhattacharya B, O'Connor R, Sharp V, Gelbard RB. Academic Medical Centers Experienced Higher Rates of Post-Operative Health-Care-Associated Infections during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Post Hoc Analysis of an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma Multicenter Trial. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2022; 23:538-544. [PMID: 35917388 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2022.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We sought to examine health-care-associated infections (HAIs) among patients undergoing an appendectomy at academic medical centers (AMCs) and non-AMCs during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) peri-pandemic. We hypothesized that AMCs would have higher rates of post-operative HAIs during the first wave of the pandemic. Patients and Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of a prospective, observational, multi-center study of patients aged >18 years who underwent an appendectomy for acute appendicitis before (pre-CoV), during (CoV), and after pandemic restrictions were lifted (post-CoV). Patients were grouped according to hospital type (AMC vs. non-AMC). Our primary outcome was the incidence of post-operative HAIs. Results: There were 1,003 patients; 69.5% (n = 697) were treated at AMCs and 30.5% (n = 306) at non-AMCs. Patients at AMCs had greater rates of concomitant COVID-19 infections (5.5% vs. 0.7%; p < 0.0001) and worse operative appendicitis severity (p = 0.01). Greater rates of HAIs were seen at AMCs compared with non-AMCs (4.9% vs. 2%; p = 0.03). Surgical site infections were the most common HAI and occurred more often at AMCs (4.3% vs. 1.6%; p = 0.04). Only during CoV were there more HAIs at AMCs (5.1% vs. 0.3%; p = 0.02). Undergoing surgery at an AMC during CoV was a risk factor for HAIs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-71.03; p = 0.04). Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, appendectomies performed at AMCs were an independent risk factor for post-operative HAIs. Our findings stress the importance of adherence to standard infection prevention efforts during future healthcare crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Tracy
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Carrie L Valdez
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brandon Crowley
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sirivan Seng
- Department of Surgery, Crozer Chester Medical Center, Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Asanthi Ratnasekera
- Department of Surgery, Crozer Chester Medical Center, Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Courtney M Collins
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Rick O'Connor
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Victoria Sharp
- Department of Surgery, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital, Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
| | - Rondi B Gelbard
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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14
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Booth K, Murphy T, O'Connor R, McGuire A. P.89 Management of refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura presenting in the pregnancy. Int J Obstet Anesth 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2022.103385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Schuster KM, O'Connor R, Cripps M, Kuhlenschmidt K, Taveras L, Kaafarani HM, El Hechi M, Puri R, Schroeppel TJ, Enniss TM, Cullinane DC, Cullinane LM, Agarwal S, Kaups K, Crandall M, Tominaga G. Revision of the AAST grading scale for acute cholecystitis with comparison to physiologic measures of severity. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2022; 92:664-674. [PMID: 34936593 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000003507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grading systems for acute cholecystitis are essential to compare outcomes, improve quality, and advance research. The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grading system for acute cholecystitis was only moderately discriminant when predicting multiple outcomes and underperformed the Tokyo guidelines and Parkland grade. We hypothesized that through additional expert consensus, the predictive capacity of the AAST anatomic grading system could be improved. METHODS A modified Delphi approach was used to revise the AAST grading system. Changes were made to improve distribution of patients across grades, and additional key clinical variables were introduced. The revised version was assessed using prospectively collected data from an AAST multicenter study. Patient distribution across grades was assessed, and the revised grading system was evaluated based on predictive capacity using area under receiver operating characteristic curves for conversion from laparoscopic to an open procedure, use of a surgical "bail-out" procedure, bile leak, major complications, and discharge home. A preoperative AAST grade was defined based on preoperative, clinical, and radiologic data, and the Parkland grade was also substituted for the operative component of the AAST grade. RESULTS Using prospectively collected data on 861 patients with acute cholecystitis the revised version of the AAST grade has an improved distribution across all grades, both the overall grade and across each subscale. A higher AAST grade predicted each of the outcomes assessed (all p ≤ 0.01). The revised AAST grade outperformed the original AAST grade for predicting operative outcomes and discharge disposition. Despite this improvement, the AAST grade did not outperform the Parkland grade or the Emergency Surgery Score. CONCLUSION The revised AAST grade and the preoperative AAST grade demonstrated improved discrimination; however, a purely anatomic grade based on chart review is unlikely to predict outcomes without addition of physiologic variables. Follow-up validation will be necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic Test or Criteria, Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Schuster
- From the Department of Surgery (K.M.S., R.O.), Yale School of Medicine New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Surgery (M.C., K.K., L.T.), University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine, Dallas, Texas; Department of Surgery (H.M.K., M.E.H.), Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery (R.P., M.C.), University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida; Department of Surgery (T.J.S.), UC Health, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Department of Surgery (T.M.E.), University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Surgery (D.C.C., L.M.C.), Marshfield Clinic Marshfield, Wisconsin; Department of Surgery (S.A.J.), Duke University Medical Center Durham, North Carolina; Department of Surgery (K.K.), University of California San Francisco, Fresno, Fresno; and Department of Surgery (G.T.), Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, California
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16
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Mohamed H, McAuliffe N, O'Connor R, Ceballos Salazar A, Zohaib Aslam M, Kallidaikurichi Srinivasan K, Iohom G, Shorten G. Proficiency-based progression training: implementing a novel approach to training for epidural analgesia in labour. Int J Obstet Anesth 2021; 48:103213. [PMID: 34500191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2021.103213] [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: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidural insertion is a challenging anaesthetic procedural skill to learn and may require up to 75 attempts to achieve competency. Proficiency-based progression (PbP) training based on unambiguously defined metrics was associated with a 53% reduction in epidural failure rate. The aim of this observational study was to examine the feasibility of implementation of innovative PbP training for labour epidural insertion performed by novices in a busy tertiary hospital. METHODS All trainees who were scheduled to commence their obstetric anaesthesia training were invited to participate. Novices undertook intensive PbP training with one-to-one supervision by an anaesthetist trained in PbP. Trainees proceeded to the clinical phase only after attaining the pre-defined proficiency benchmark. All subsequent attempts at labour epidural catheter placement were evaluated. RESULTS All 12 novice trainees who were scheduled for their initial exposure to obstetric anaesthesia completed PbP training in epidural catheter insertion successfully. The average duration of the training courses was 70 (SD 11) min. Trainee characteristics were broadly similar. They performed a total of 180 labour epidural catheter placements with an overall epidural failure rate of 12.2% (22/180). The proportion of supervisor takeover was 6% (11/179). The incidence of complications was 4% (8/180) and difficulty in epidural catheter insertion due to patient factors was 16% (29/180). Patient satisfaction rates were 80% (satisfied or very satisfied), with 20% unsatisfied with their experience of epidural insertion. CONCLUSION In our experience, PbP training in epidural placement is feasible within existing departmental resources in a busy tertiary teaching hospital setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Mohamed
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK.
| | - N McAuliffe
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - R O'Connor
- Department of Anaesthesia, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - A Ceballos Salazar
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - M Zohaib Aslam
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - G Iohom
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anaesthesia, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - G Shorten
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anaesthesia, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Insight II SFI Research Centre, Ireland
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17
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Akhtar A, O'Connor R, Rosen J, Brooks A. 1002 Calcium administration in Major haemorrhage Protocol. Br J Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab134.523] [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: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Calcium gluconate is an essential part of the major haemorrhage protocol (MHP). It minimizes the exacerbation of transfusion coagulopathies due to the citrate preservative. As fifty percent of trauma patients present with hypocalcaemia prior to transfusion, the risk is pertinent. Given the importance of the issue, surprisingly current guidelines remain sparse. We analysed the percentage of patients who received calcium and their hypocalcaemia incidence.
Method
A Retrospective review of red traumas during June to August 2019. The frequency of MHP and the patient’s ionised plasma calcium levels on VBG (1.15-1.26mmol/L) were identified. Our standard stated 100% of MHP should receive calcium. A massive transfusion was defined as 10 red blood cells units in 24 hours or 4 blood products within 30mins.
Results
27 red traumas were accepted to audit, MHP was activated in 85%. Out of these 75% received calcium and on average after 6.4 units of blood products. The incidence of ionised hypocalcaemia in all MHP patients was 67%.
Conclusions
We identified a standard that supplementary calcium should be supplemented in all MHPs. Hypocalcaemia was more frequency than our research stipulated. Improvement needs to be made to meet standards. We recommend incorporation of Calcium gluconate into major haemorrhage pack and transfusion guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Akhtar
- Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - R O'Connor
- Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - J Rosen
- Nottingham University Hospials, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - A Brooks
- Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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18
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Feler J, Maung AA, O'Connor R, Davis KA, Gerrard J. Sex-based differences in helmet performance in bicycle trauma. J Epidemiol Community Health 2021; 75:994-1000. [PMID: 33827896 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2020-215544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the existence of sex-based differences in the protective effects of helmets against common injuries in bicycle trauma. METHODS In a retrospective cohort study, we identified patients 18 years or older in the 2017 National Trauma Database presenting after bicycle crash. Sex-disaggregated and sex-combined multivariable logistic regression models were calculated for short-term outcomes that included age, involvement with motor vehicle collision, anticoagulant use, bleeding disorder and helmet use. The sex-combined model included an interaction term for sex and helmet use. The resulting exponentiated model parameter yields an adjusted OR ratio of the effects of helmet use for females compared with males. RESULTS In total, 18 604 patients of average age 48.1 were identified, and 18% were female. Helmet use was greater in females than males (48.0% vs 34.2%, p<0.001). Compared with helmeted males, helmeted females had greater rates of serious head injury (37.7% vs 29.9%, p<0.001) despite less injury overall. In sex-disaggregated models, helmet use reduced odds of intracranial haemorrhage and death in males (p<0.001) but not females. In sex-combined models, helmets conferred to females significantly less odds reduction for severe head injury (p=0.002), intracranial bleeding (p<0.001), skull fractures (p=0.001), cranial surgery (p=0.006) and death (p=0.017). There was no difference for cervical spine fracture. CONCLUSIONS Bicycle helmets may offer less protection to females compared with males. The cause of this sex or gender-based difference is uncertain, but there may be intrinsic incompatibility between available helmets and female anatomy and/or sex disparity in helmet testing standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Feler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Adrian A Maung
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rick O'Connor
- Yale New Haven Health System, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kimberly A Davis
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jason Gerrard
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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19
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Cho WS, Bonduelle Q, Ghasemi A, Baskaran V, O'Connor R, Shah J, Andrewartha F, Fergie N. Prognosticating patients with necrotising otitis externa based on response to treatment. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2021; 103:285-290. [PMID: 33682472 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.7133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Necrotising otitis externa (NOE) is a severe infection of the temporal bone. The traditional severity based staging system does not fully prognosticate all patients with NOE. We hypothesise that a patient response staging system would more accurately capture the disease process and guide prognosis. METHODS We carried out a retrospective notes review of patients diagnosed with NOE from January 2017 to December 2018 in a regional tertiary referral centre. Patient outcomes from our proposed patient response staging system were compared to a modified previously published severity based Gleeson staging system with patients requiring prolonged treatment classified as having a poor outcome. RESULTS A total of 34 patients were treated for NOE. The majority were male (n=24) and had diabetes (n=25). Patients with the most severe Gleeson staging did not have the worst outcome. Daily delay in resolution of otorrhoea was associated with an increased need for more than six weeks of treatment. Rapid responders are patients who had resolution of otalgia, otorrhoea and C-reactive protein normalisation within 14 days, and all were cured following standard 6 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSIONS The Gleeson staging system was valuable in assessing the extent of disease and all early Gleeson staged patients had good outcomes. However, patients with higher severity staging on the Gleeson system did not necessarily require prolonged treatment. There is a role for a joint approach in staging patients based on both modified Gleeson and treatment response, which would subsequently guide prognosis, duration of treatment and early diagnosis of potential fungal NOE.
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Cho
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - Q Bonduelle
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - A Ghasemi
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - V Baskaran
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - R O'Connor
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - J Shah
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | | | - N Fergie
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
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20
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Schuster KM, O'Connor R, Cripps M, Kuhlenschmidt K, Taveras L, Kaafarani HM, El Hechi M, Puri R, Mull J, Schroeppel TJ, Rodriquez J, Cullinane DC, Cullinane LM, Enniss TM, Sensenig R, Zilberman B, Crandall M. Multicenter validation of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grading scale for acute cholecystitis. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2021; 90:87-96. [PMID: 33332782 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000002901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) patient assessment committee has created grading systems for emergency general surgery diseases to assist with clinical decision making and risk adjustment during research. Single-institution studies have validated the cholecystitis grading system as associated with patient outcomes. Our aim was to validate the grading system in a multi-institutional fashion and compare it with the Parkland grade and Tokyo Guidelines for acute cholecystitis. METHODS Patients presenting with acute cholecystitis to 1 of 8 institutions were enrolled. Discrete data to assign the AAST grade were collected. The Parkland grade was collected prospectively from the operative surgeon from four institutions. Parkland grade, Tokyo Guidelines, AAST grade, and the AAST preoperative grade (clinical and imaging subscales) were compared using linear and logistic regression to the need for surgical "bailout" (subtotal or fenestrated cholecystectomy, or cholecystostomy), conversion to open, surgical complications (bile leak, surgical site infection, bile duct injury), all complications, and operative time. RESULTS Of 861 patients, 781 underwent cholecystectomy. Mean (SD) age was 51.1 (18.6), and 62.7% were female. There were six deaths. Median AAST grade was 2 (interquartile range [IQR], 1-2), and median Parkland grade was 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2-4). Median AAST clinical and imaging grades were 2 (IQR, 2-2) and 1 (IQR, 0-1), respectively. Higher grades were associated with longer operative times, and worse outcomes although few were significant. The Parkland grade outperformed the AAST grade based on area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. CONCLUSION The AAST cholecystitis grading schema has modest discriminatory power similar to the Tokyo Guidelines, but generally lower than the Parkland grade, and should be modified before widespread use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic study, level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Schuster
- From the Department of Surgery (K.M.S., R.O.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Surgery (M. Cripps, K.K., L.T.), University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine, Dallas, TX; Department of Surgery (H.M.K., M.E.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Surgery (R.P., M. Crandall, J.M.), College of Medicine - Jacksonville, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL; Department of Surgery (T.J.S., J.R.), UC Health, Colorado Springs, CO; Department of Surgery (D.C.C., L.M.C.), Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, WI; Department of Surgery (T.M.E.), School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; and Department of Surgery (R.S., B.Z.), Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ
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21
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Goodson AMC, Parmar S, Ganesh S, Zakai D, Shafi A, Wicks C, O'Connor R, Yeung E, Khalid F, Tahim A, Gowrishankar S, Hills A, Williams EM. Printed titanium implants in UK craniomaxillofacial surgery. Part I: access to digital planning and perceived scope for use in common procedures. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2020; 59:312-319. [PMID: 33280946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2020.08.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This first part of a two-part study examines perceived applications for and barriers to using printed titanium in light of current caseloads, funding pathways, and use of digital planning. It aims to demonstrate the scope for printed titanium in modern practice and to guide industry about the needs of UK surgeons. A cross-sectional study over 14 weeks was performed electronically with support from the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) and a national trainee-led recruitment team. Ethics approval was obtained at the lead centre. A total of 132 participants joined the study (70% consultants, 25% specialty registrars, and 5% other), approximating a 29% response rate from consultant/registrar BAOMS members throughout mainland UK. Eighty-eight per cent used CAD-CAM design, with highly variable funding/access, design/manufacturing workflows (in-house/outsourced). Eighty-eight per cent were involved with trauma, 61% with orthognathic, and 52% with oncology-reconstruction surgery. Favourite applications for printed titanium were orbital floor repair (89%) and free-flap jaw reconstruction (87%). Most participants also cited maxillary/zygomatic osteotomies and cranioplasty (range 61%-73%). Although a popular application (78%), the evidence base in temporomandibular joint surgery is limited. Those performing orthognathic surgery perceived more indications than those who did not (p=0.013). Key barriers included cost, turnaround time and logistics, and the need to be trained in traditional techniques. Printed titanium was useful for both common and niche procedures, but was specifically limited in emergency trauma. Most surgeons had experience in CAD-CAM surgery but technical understanding appeared unclear. Limiting factors included variable funding and production pathways, perceived costs, and logistics, but in-house design can minimise them. In part II, we quantify perceived benefits and limitations and whether surgeons' understanding and knowledge are sufficient to rationalise them.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M C Goodson
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Cemetery Road, Glyntaff, Pontypridd, CF37 4BD, United Kingdom.
| | - S Parmar
- University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom.
| | - S Ganesh
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Cemetery Road, Glyntaff, Pontypridd, CF37 4BD, United Kingdom.
| | - D Zakai
- Health Education England (West Midlands), 213 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9RG, United Kingdom.
| | - A Shafi
- NHS Education for Scotland, Westport 102, West Port, Edinburgh, EH3 9DN, United Kingdom.
| | - C Wicks
- Health Education England (South West), Park House, Newbrick Rd, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU, United Kingdom.
| | - R O'Connor
- Health Education England (East Midlands), Westbridge Place, 1 Westbridge Close, Leicester, LE3 5DR, United Kingdom.
| | - E Yeung
- Health Education England (South London), 4, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5DN, United Kingdom.
| | - F Khalid
- Health Education England (North West), 3 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BN, United Kingdom.
| | - A Tahim
- Health Education England (North Central and East London, North West London), 4, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5DN, United Kingdom.
| | - S Gowrishankar
- Health Education England (Thames Valley), Chancellor Court, John Smith Drive, Oxford Business Park, Oxford, OX4 2GX, United Kingdom.
| | - A Hills
- Health Education England (Kent, Surrey & Sussex), 7 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 2DD, United Kingdom.
| | - E M Williams
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Cemetery Road, Glyntaff, Pontypridd, CF37 4BD, United Kingdom.
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22
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Goodson AMC, Parmar S, Ganesh S, Zakai D, Shafi A, Wicks C, O'Connor R, Yeung E, Khalid F, Tahim A, Gowrishankar S, Hills A, Williams EM. Printed titanium implants in UK craniomaxillofacial surgery. Part II: perceived performance (outcomes, logistics, and costs). Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2020; 59:320-328. [PMID: 33280945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2020.08.088] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This second part explores perceptions and understanding of clinical performance, turnaround, and costs for printed titanium implants or plates in common procedures, evaluating both 'in-house' and 'outsourced' CAD-CAM pathways. A cross-sectional study, supported by the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) and a national trainee-led recruitment team, was conducted over 14 weeks. A total of 132 participants took part (demographic data is reported in Part I). For fibular-flap mandibular reconstruction, most participants (69% - 91%) perceived printed titanium as superior to intraoperatively or preoperatively hand-bent plates for surgical duration, accuracy, dental restorability, and aesthetics. There was less agreement about complications and plate-failure risks. Most perceived printed plates to be superior to traditional wafer-based maxillary osteotomy for surgical duration (61%) and maxillary positioning (60%). For orbital floor repair, most perceived improvements in surgical duration (83%, especially higher-volume operators p=0.009), precision (84%), and ease of placement (69%). Rarely (less than 5%) was any outcome rated inferior to traditional techniques for any procedure. Perceived turnaround times and costs were variable, but the greatest consensus was for two-segment fibular-flap reconstructions and orbital floor repair. Industry estimates were generally consistent between two company representatives, but manufacturing-only costs differed when using in-house (departmental) designers. Costs and turnaround times are questionable barriers since few understand 'real-world' figures. Designing in-house can dramatically alter costs. Improved accuracy and surgical duration are common themes but biomechanical benefits are less-well understood. This study paints a picture of the potentially routine applications and benefits of printed titanium, capacity for uptake, understanding amongst surgeons, and areas for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M C Goodson
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Cemetery Road, Glyntaff, Pontypridd, CF37 4BD, United Kingdom.
| | - S Parmar
- University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom.
| | - S Ganesh
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Cemetery Road, Glyntaff, Pontypridd, CF37 4BD, United Kingdom.
| | - D Zakai
- Health Education England (West Midlands), 213 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9RG, United Kingdom.
| | - A Shafi
- NHS Education for Scotland, Westport 102, West Port, Edinburgh, EH3 9DN, United Kingdom.
| | - C Wicks
- Health Education England (South West), Park House, Newbrick Rd, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU, United Kingdom.
| | - R O'Connor
- Health Education England (East Midlands), Westbridge Place, 1 Westbridge Close, Leicester, LE3 5DR, United Kingdom.
| | - E Yeung
- Health Education England (South London), 4, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5DN, United Kingdom.
| | - F Khalid
- Health Education England (North West), 3 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BN, United Kingdom.
| | - A Tahim
- Health Education England (North Central and East London, North West London), 4, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5DN, United Kingdom.
| | - S Gowrishankar
- Health Education England (Thames Valley), Chancellor Court, John Smith Drive, Oxford Business Park, Oxford, OX4 2GX, United Kingdom.
| | - A Hills
- Health Education England (Kent, Surrey & Sussex), 7 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 2DD, United Kingdom.
| | - E M Williams
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Cemetery Road, Glyntaff, Pontypridd, CF37 4BD, United Kingdom.
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Ghassemi S, O'Connor R, Nunez-Cruz S, Leferovich J, Patel J, Milone M. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells on demand: developing potent CAR T cells in less than 24 hr for adoptive immunotherapy. Cytotherapy 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2020.03.025] [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: 10/24/2022]
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Ghassemi S, Martinez-Becerra F, Master A, Richman S, Heo D, Leferovich J, Tu Y, Garcia-Canaveras J, Ayari A, Lu Y, Wang A, Rabinowitz J, Milone M, O'Connor R. Novel media formulations to enhance Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell potency and anti-tumor cell function for adoptive immunotherapy. Cytotherapy 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2020.03.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Vinton D, Weng H, Hardigree S, O'Connor R, Chiota-McCollum N. 233 The Impact of a Large Vessel Screening Tool to Reduce Delays in Evaluation and Intervention in Emergency Department Stroke Patients. Ann Emerg Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.08.401] [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: 10/25/2022]
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26
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Raywood E, Douglas H, Kapoor K, Murray N, O'Connor R, Shannon H, Davies G, Main E. ePS3.07 The complexity of defining adherence to airway clearance treatments in clinical trials. J Cyst Fibros 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(19)30265-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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O'Connor R, Slater K, Ball L, Jones A, Mitchell L, Rollo ME, Williams LT. The tension between efficiency and effectiveness: a study of dietetic practice in primary care. J Hum Nutr Diet 2019; 32:259-266. [PMID: 30604495 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary healthcare dietitians have a vital role to play in the prevention and management of chronic disease. Working in primary care requires efficient and effective management of practice to ensure client and practitioner needs are met. The present study aimed to explore the way in which primary care dietitians in Australia view the constructs of efficiency and effectiveness within the context of their practice. METHODS The study used an exploratory qualitative design within a pragmatist framework. Individual semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with Australian primary care dietitians. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS Twenty dietitians (17 females) working as private practitioners in primary care from three Australian states participated in the present study. Three themes emerged from the data. The first theme revealed that seeking efficiency and especially effectiveness were important to primary care dietitians and that there was a tension between the two. The second theme identified that efficiency and effectiveness are influenced by personal and structural factors. The final theme explored how dietitians are actively seeking ways to be more efficient and effective, including supportive networks, as well as the utilisation of technology. CONCLUSIONS Achieving a balance between efficiency and effectiveness in primary care dietetics is challenging to practitioners, who may require further training and support to enhance productivity, time management and resource utilisation. Structured issues exist for the workface. Further studies are required to quantify these findings and to explore whether it is possible to optimise efficiency and effectiveness and achieve sustainability of the dietetic workforce in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- R O'Connor
- Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - K Slater
- Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - L Ball
- Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - A Jones
- Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - L Mitchell
- Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - M E Rollo
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - L T Williams
- Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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O'Connor R, O'Regan A, O'Doherty J. Management of Bone Fragility in Primary Care in Ireland. Ir Med J 2018; 111:674. [PMID: 29869855] [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: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the prevention of bone fragility fractures in a representative sample of four Irish general practices. The clinical records of 243 patients potentially at risk of bone fragility were studied. One hundred and fourteen (47%) had a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Osteoporosis was established in 42 (17%) and osteopaenia in 28 (11%). One hundred and fifty-two (63%) were currently being prescribed bisphosphonates. Thirty-four (22%) of those on bisphosphonates did not have a baseline DEXA scan performed prior to commencing treatment and further analysis did not show a clear rationale for initiation of the treatment in this group of patients. Forty-six (30%) patients on bisphosphonates had been prescribed them for over 5 years without any apparent review to see if they were still indicated. There was no record of any of the practices having carried out a fracture risk score assessment prior to commencing bone fragility treatment. The implications are that bone fragility management warrants urgent review.
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Affiliation(s)
- R O'Connor
- Department of General Practice, Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick
| | - A O'Regan
- Department of General Practice, Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick
| | - J O'Doherty
- Department of General Practice, Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick
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O'Connor R, Morley D, Relihan E, Broderick A, Merry C, Bergin C. Interventions to Improve the Treatment of Malaria in an Acute Teaching Hospital in Ireland. Ir Med J 2017; 110:659. [PMID: 29465849] [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: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is the most serious parasitic infection. At our institution over a two year period there were treatment errors in 18% (n=3) of cases. The aim of this multidisciplinary study was to ensure appropriate and timely treatment of malaria by implementation of a cluster of interventions: reconfiguration of existing guidelines, provision of prescribing information; delivery of education sessions to front-line staff and enabling rapid access to medication. Staff feedback was assessed through a questionnaire. Perceived benefits gained included awareness of guidelines (91%, n= 39), how to diagnose (81%, n =35), how to treat (86%, n=37), that treatment must be prompt (77%, n=33) and where to find treatment out of hours (84%, n=36). 'Others' perceived benefits (5% n= 2) noted referred to treatment in pregnancy. Going forward, a programme of on-going staff education, repeated audits of guideline compliance and promotion of reporting of medication errors should help ensure that these benefits are sustained.
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Affiliation(s)
- R O'Connor
- Pharmacy Dept, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - D Morley
- Department of GU Medicine and Infectious Diseases St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - E Relihan
- Pharmacy Dept, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - A Broderick
- Department of GU Medicine and Infectious Diseases St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - C Merry
- Department of GU Medicine and Infectious Diseases St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - C Bergin
- National Department of GU Medicine and Infectious Diseases St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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Kirthi S, Hellen R, O'Connor R, Connolly M, Tobin AM, McNamara D. Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Crohn's Disease: A Case Series. Ir Med J 2017; 110:618. [PMID: 29169000] [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: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is characterized by chronic recurrent abscesses, nodules and draining sinus tracts with scar formation. Cutaneous Crohn's Disease (CD) may also present similarly. We wished to identify and describe an Irish cohort with combined HS and CD, with a view to a better recognition of clinical manifestations and understanding of the pathophysiology underlying these two overlapping conditions. Cases were identified using the HIPE Code at Tallaght Hospital from 1990-2014 and retrospective review was performed. Seven patients with both HS and CD were identified, 5(71%) female. The median age of diagnosis with both conditions was 37 years. In all cases, CD had preceded the diagnosis of HS. All patients smoked. Six had an increased BMI and 43% had additional autoimmune conditions. All patients required treatment with a TNF-alpha inhibitor for HS with 5 of 6 subjects having reduced frequency of flare ups and clinically less active HS on follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kirthi
- Department of Dermatology, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin
- Trinity Academic Gastroenterology Group (TAGG), Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
| | - R Hellen
- Department of Dermatology, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin
| | - R O'Connor
- Department of Dermatology, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin
| | - M Connolly
- Department of Dermatology, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin
| | - A M Tobin
- Department of Dermatology, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin
- Trinity Academic Gastroenterology Group (TAGG), Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
| | - D McNamara
- Department of Dermatology, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin
- Trinity Academic Gastroenterology Group (TAGG), Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
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31
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Sehl J, O'Doherty J, O'Connor R, O'Sullivan B, O'Regan A. Adherence to COPD management guidelines in general practice? A review of the literature. Ir J Med Sci 2017; 187:403-407. [PMID: 28735500 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-017-1651-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive illness that is mostly managed in the general practice setting. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines are the international gold standard, and it is important to understand how these are being applied in general practice. AIMS This review aimed to assess the current level of adherence to international best practice guidelines among general practitioners in relation to COPD. METHODS PubMed and EMBASE searches (from 2012 to 2016) were performed and used the search terms guidelines, COPD, general practitioners, and primary care. Papers were excluded if they were not primary sources, were published before 2012, or did not pertain to a general practice setting. RESULTS After applying set inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies were retrieved. These papers were grouped under three categories: diagnosis, pharmacological, and non-pharmacological management, based on the GOLD guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Current studies show significant variability in adherence to the GOLD guidelines. Barriers identified include lack of clarity, unfamiliarity with recommendations, and lack of familiarity with the guidelines. If general practice is expected to manage COPD and other chronic diseases, health service investment is needed to provide appropriate focused guidelines, to support their dissemination and resources to implement them in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sehl
- University of Limerick Graduate Entry Medical School, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - J O'Doherty
- University of Limerick Graduate Entry Medical School, Limerick, Ireland
| | - R O'Connor
- University of Limerick Graduate Entry Medical School, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - A O'Regan
- University of Limerick Graduate Entry Medical School, Limerick, Ireland
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Affiliation(s)
- R O'Connor
- Department of Dermatology, Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital (AMNCH), Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A Flynn
- Department of Dermatology, Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital (AMNCH), Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Crowther
- Department of Pathology, Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital (AMNCH), Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A-M Tobin
- Department of Dermatology, Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital (AMNCH), Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Connolly
- Department of Dermatology, Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital (AMNCH), Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
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Phelan JP, Reen FJ, Dunphy N, O'Connor R, O'Gara F. Bile acids destabilise HIF-1α and promote anti-tumour phenotypes in cancer cell models. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:476. [PMID: 27416726 PMCID: PMC4946243 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2528-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of the microbiome has become synonymous with human health and disease. Bile acids, as essential components of the microbiome, have gained sustained credibility as potential modulators of cancer progression in several disease models. At physiological concentrations, bile acids appear to influence cancer phenotypes, although conflicting data surrounds their precise physiological mechanism of action. Previously, we demonstrated bile acids destabilised the HIF-1α subunit of the Hypoxic-Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1) transcription factor. HIF-1 overexpression is an early biomarker of tumour metastasis and is associated with tumour resistance to conventional therapies, and poor prognosis in a range of different cancers. Methods Here we investigated the effects of bile acids on the cancer growth and migratory potential of cell lines where HIF-1α is known to be active under hypoxic conditions. HIF-1α status was investigated in A-549 lung, DU-145 prostate and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines exposed to bile acids (CDCA and DCA). Cell adhesion, invasion, migration was assessed in DU-145 cells while clonogenic growth was assessed in all cell lines. Results Intracellular HIF-1α was destabilised in the presence of bile acids in all cell lines tested. Bile acids were not cytotoxic but exhibited greatly reduced clonogenic potential in two out of three cell lines. In the migratory prostate cancer cell line DU-145, bile acids impaired cell adhesion, migration and invasion. CDCA and DCA destabilised HIF-1α in all cells and significantly suppressed key cancer progression associated phenotypes; clonogenic growth, invasion and migration in DU-145 cells. Conclusions These findings suggest previously unobserved roles for bile acids as physiologically relevant molecules targeting hypoxic tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Phelan
- BIOMERIT Research Centre, School of Microbiology, University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - F J Reen
- BIOMERIT Research Centre, School of Microbiology, University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - N Dunphy
- BIOMERIT Research Centre, School of Microbiology, University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - R O'Connor
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - F O'Gara
- BIOMERIT Research Centre, School of Microbiology, University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland. .,School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.
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Abstract
The clinical diagnosis or sapheno-femoral incompetence is frequently inaccurate. Using a simple Doppler technique described below 94% of 155 limbs in 107 patients were correctly diagnosed. In the same group of patients the cough impulse test gave an accurate positive result in only 79%, while in the first 100 limbs of the series tourniquet and tap tests were even less reliable. Since the Doppler technique is readily applicable to large numbers of patients it is concluded that it will be of use in distinguishing those in whom surgery is required from others in whom compression sclerotherapy will be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E. Dinn
- Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - R. O'Connor
- Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - D. Greene
- Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Schmidt A, Christiansen N, Alice L, O'Connor R, Lambert C, Cowlard J, Blakeley K, Keane C, Sharpe S, McLean M, Kalsi H, Brown S, Nwokoro C, Pao C. ePS02.6 Improving efficiency in an outpatient setting – Experience from a paediatric CF centre in East London. J Cyst Fibros 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(16)30202-8] [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: 11/29/2022]
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36
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Rutledge S, Chalissery A, O'Connor R, Mahon S, Connolly S, Farrell M, Crowley P, MacSweeney F, Tubridy N. Anti-NMDA-receptor antibody-mediated cortical blindness: a case report. QJM 2016; 109:127-8. [PMID: 26319702 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcv151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Rutledge
- From the Department of Neurology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland,
| | - A Chalissery
- From the Department of Neurology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - R O'Connor
- From the Department of Neurology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - S Mahon
- Department of Pathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - S Connolly
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - M Farrell
- Department of Neuropathology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - P Crowley
- Department of Neurology, St Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny, Ireland
| | - F MacSweeney
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - N Tubridy
- From the Department of Neurology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Ramahenina H, O'Connor R, Chamberlain M. Problems encountered by parents of infants with clubfoot treated by the Ponseti method in Madagascar: A study to inform better practice. J Rehabil Med 2016; 48:481. [DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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O'Connor R, Parkosewich J, Curran J, Cartiera K, Knobf MT. Getting Used to Being a Patient: The Postoperative Experience of Living Liver Transplant Donors. Prog Transplant 2015; 25:153-9. [DOI: 10.7182/pit2015298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Context— Living donor liver transplant is a viable option for eligible persons in need of a liver transplant, but little is known about the hospitalization experience of patients undergoing hepatectomy for transplant donation. Objective— To explore the hospital experience of patients recovering from donor hepatectomy. Design— A qualitative interpretive descriptive design was used to understand the hospital experience of patients recovering from donor hepatectomy. Semistructured interviews, conducted before discharge, were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Coding was performed independently, then jointly by investigators to reach consensus on emerging themes. Setting— Major university hospital in the Northeastern United States. Sample— Adults (>18 years of age) whose primary language was English or Spanish and who could provide written informed consent. Results— The sample consisted of 15 participants who had a mean age of 34.6 years; half were women. Most were white and college educated. The relationship of the donors to recipients varied from immediate family to altruistic donors. “Getting used to being a patient” was the major theme that captured the patients' postoperative experience. Four subthemes explained the experience: regaining consciousness, all those tubes, expecting horrible pain, and feeling special and cared for. These were described in the context of an “amazing and impressive” transplant team. Conclusion— As healthy donors are getting used to being patients, these results provide clinicians with a deeper understanding of the transplant experience from the donor's perspective so that care can be tailored to meet their unique needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick O'Connor
- Yale-New Haven Hospital (RO, JP, JC), Yale-New Haven Transplant Center (KC), Yale School of Nursing (TK), New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Janet Parkosewich
- Yale-New Haven Hospital (RO, JP, JC), Yale-New Haven Transplant Center (KC), Yale School of Nursing (TK), New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jeffrey Curran
- Yale-New Haven Hospital (RO, JP, JC), Yale-New Haven Transplant Center (KC), Yale School of Nursing (TK), New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Katarzyna Cartiera
- Yale-New Haven Hospital (RO, JP, JC), Yale-New Haven Transplant Center (KC), Yale School of Nursing (TK), New Haven, Connecticut
| | - M. Tish Knobf
- Yale-New Haven Hospital (RO, JP, JC), Yale-New Haven Transplant Center (KC), Yale School of Nursing (TK), New Haven, Connecticut
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Roberts C, Guillard G, Bowes M, O'Connor R, Maguire N, Morgan A, Parker G, Hodgson R, Vital E, Bird P, Vincent G, Emery P, Conaghan P. SAT0601 A Novel, Fully 3-Dimensional Dynamic Contrast MRI Method in the Hand Reveals Details of Synovial Inflammation and Provides a Sensitive Measure of Change. Ann Rheum Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-eular.6400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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40
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Segers LS, Nuding SC, Ott MM, Dean JB, Bolser DC, O'Connor R, Morris KF, Lindsey BG. Peripheral chemoreceptors tune inspiratory drive via tonic expiratory neuron hubs in the medullary ventral respiratory column network. J Neurophysiol 2014; 113:352-68. [PMID: 25343784 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00542.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Models of brain stem ventral respiratory column (VRC) circuits typically emphasize populations of neurons, each active during a particular phase of the respiratory cycle. We have proposed that "tonic" pericolumnar expiratory (t-E) neurons tune breathing during baroreceptor-evoked reductions and central chemoreceptor-evoked enhancements of inspiratory (I) drive. The aims of this study were to further characterize the coordinated activity of t-E neurons and test the hypothesis that peripheral chemoreceptors also modulate drive via inhibition of t-E neurons and disinhibition of their inspiratory neuron targets. Spike trains of 828 VRC neurons were acquired by multielectrode arrays along with phrenic nerve signals from 22 decerebrate, vagotomized, neuromuscularly blocked, artificially ventilated adult cats. Forty-eight of 191 t-E neurons fired synchronously with another t-E neuron as indicated by cross-correlogram central peaks; 32 of the 39 synchronous pairs were elements of groups with mutual pairwise correlations. Gravitational clustering identified fluctuations in t-E neuron synchrony. A network model supported the prediction that inhibitory populations with spike synchrony reduce target neuron firing probabilities, resulting in offset or central correlogram troughs. In five animals, stimulation of carotid chemoreceptors evoked changes in the firing rates of 179 of 240 neurons. Thirty-two neuron pairs had correlogram troughs consistent with convergent and divergent t-E inhibition of I cells and disinhibitory enhancement of drive. Four of 10 t-E neurons that responded to sequential stimulation of peripheral and central chemoreceptors triggered 25 cross-correlograms with offset features. The results support the hypothesis that multiple afferent systems dynamically tune inspiratory drive in part via coordinated t-E neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Segers
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; and
| | - S C Nuding
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; and
| | - M M Ott
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; and
| | - J B Dean
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; and
| | - D C Bolser
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - R O'Connor
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; and
| | - K F Morris
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; and
| | - B G Lindsey
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; and
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Fawsi M, Di Luca A, Henry M, Meleady P, O'Connor R, O'Donovan N, Crown J. Proteomic Profiling of Chemotherapy Treated Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Ann Oncol 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdu358.41] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
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Lane G, Dunne C, English A, Finucane P, O'Connor R, Griffin M, O'Sullivan B, Hanrahan C, McGrath D, O'Donovan N, Cullen W. General practice career intentions among graduate-entry students: a cross-sectional study at Ireland's newest medical school. Ir Med J 2014; 107:55-57. [PMID: 24654489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Increased care provision and clinical activity in General Practice in Ireland will have important manpower implications. Recent developments in medical education policy including the introduction of graduate-entry medical degree programmes may help address this issue. The aim of this study was to determine GP career intentions among students on an Irish graduate-entry medical degree programme and to identify factors that influence these. An electronic cross-sectional study of students at University of Limerick Graduate-Entry Medical School (UL-GEMS) was undertaken. We received 139 replies (78% response rate). 41 (29%) reported GP was their current preferred career choice, while 29 (19%) reported it was their preferred career choice on entry to medical school. This first study to present data on GP career intentions among graduate-entry students in Ireland highlights the specialty as a popular preferred career choice among students, both on entry to, and during medical school. The study also identifies factors which are likely to be important in determining career intentions. Further research to examine this issue at other graduate-entry medical schools in Ireland and to determine whether our findings are pursued over time amongst graduates is a priority.
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O'Connor R, Mannix M, Cullen W, Mullen J, Healy M, Saunders J, Griffin M, O'Sullivan G. Care of type 2 diabetes in unresourced general practice: current practice in the Mid-West. Ir Med J 2014; 107:43-45. [PMID: 24654481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that 4.5% of the Irish population have type 2 diabetes. The HSE intends to move the care of uncomplicated type 2 diabetes to General Practice (GP). The study reviewed current General Practice diabetes care in the Irish Mid-West. The files of randomly selected patients from 12 GP teaching practices attached to the University of Limerick were audited. 842 patients were identified (62% male, 38% female). The mean age was 66 years. 75% were GMS patients. A practice protocol was used in 71% of patients. Average Cholesterol (4.3 mmol/l), creatinine (85.3 mmol/l), HbA1c (56.7 mmol/mol) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (134 mmHg) measurements were well documented and controlled. However the rates of and mean intervals for foot review (60.2%), BMI measurement (52.3%), retinopathy screening (62.0%) and influenza vaccination (63.0%) were unacceptably low. Current management of type 2 diabetes in unresourced general practices is suboptimal although some biochemical parameters are well controlled.
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Fogarty FM, O'Keeffe J, Zhadanov A, Papkovsky D, Ayllon V, O'Connor R. HRG-1 enhances cancer cell invasive potential and couples glucose metabolism to cytosolic/extracellular pH gradient regulation by the vacuolar-H+ ATPase. Oncogene 2013; 33:4653-63. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Maurovich-Horvat P, Karolyi M, Kolossvary M, O'Connor R, Szeplaki G, Bartykowszki A, Geller L, Merkely B. Low-dose "step-and-shoot" CT in patients with atrial fibrillation: Is simultaneous assessment of the left atrium and coronary arteries feasible? Eur Heart J 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht310.p5344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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O'Connor R, McGurk M. The plunging ranula: diagnostic difficulties and a less invasive approach to treatment. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2013; 42:1469-74. [PMID: 23726274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2013.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Plunging ranulas arise when a simple ranula extends beyond the floor of the mouth into the neck. Diagnosis is difficult even with modern imaging techniques as they mimic other neck lesions, and traditional treatment involves enucleation of the cyst from the neck. Despite this invasive surgery they tend to recur. We describe a less invasive approach to treatment and review the diagnostic pitfalls. From 2002 to 2011, eight patients presented with a plunging ranula. They were split into two groups: those for whom an incorrect diagnosis was made and those where a less invasive treatment approach was employed. Three patients were misdiagnosed with cervical lymphangioma and had inappropriately invasive surgery. Five patients with established plunging ranulas were treated using an intraoral approach alone, eliminating the need for a cervical incision. Misdiagnosis of a plunging ranula leads to extensive and unnecessary surgery. We propose an algorithm to simplify investigation that employs a low threshold for fine-needle aspiration cytology. The cases presented indicate that these lesions can be managed by a less invasive procedure than currently practised.
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Affiliation(s)
- R O'Connor
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK
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Abstract
Abstract
Management of moisture penetration and hydrolytic degradation of polylactide (PLA) is extremely important during manufacturing, shipping, storage, and end-use of PLA products. Crystallinity in PLA was measured with Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Moisture sorption isotherms in PLA films were measured with Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) and Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) experiments with samples of varying crystallinity. A surprising result is that crystalline and amorphous PLA films exhibit nearly identical sorption isotherms, within the accuracy of the experiments. The effect of hydrophobicity of PLA end groups on degradation was evaluated by synthesizing PLA with hydrophobic and hydrophilic end groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. A. Cairncross
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - S. Ramaswamy
- Bio-Based Products, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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O'Connor R, Mannix M, Mullen J, Powys L, Mannion M, Nolan HA, Kearney E, Cullen W, Griffin M, Saunders J. Structured care of diabetes in general practice: a qualitative study of the barriers and facilitators. Ir Med J 2013; 106:77-80. [PMID: 23951976] [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: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study explored general practitioner's and practice nurse's perceptions of barriers and facilitators to the proposed transfer of diabetes care to general practice. Qualitative data were collected through five focus groups. Participants included GPs (n = 55) and practice nurses (n = 11) representing urban (44%), rural (29%) and mixed (27%) practices, in the Irish Mid-West region. Barriers and facilitators were mentioned 631 times (100%). Barriers were mentioned 461 times (73%), facilitators 170 times (27%). The most frequently identified barriers were lack of financial incentive (119/631; 19%), lack of access to secondary resources (93/631; 15%), lack of staff and increased workload (59/631; 9%) and time constraints (52/631; 8%). Identified facilitators were access to secondary care (49/631;7.8%), the holistic nature of general practice and continuity of care (48/631;7.6%). Although many are enthusiastic, there remains significant reluctance among GPs and practice nurses to take responsibility for diabetes care without addressing these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R O'Connor
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Limerick.
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Power C, O'Connor R, Dunne S, Finucane P, Cullen W, Dunne C. An evidence-based assessment of primary care needs in an economically deprived urban community. Ir J Med Sci 2013; 182:457-61. [PMID: 23361634 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-013-0913-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As healthcare and longevity improve and fertility rates decline, we see a demographic shift towards a predominantly elderly population. Because ageing brings its own physiological changes and complications, the need arises for practical and feasible approaches in providing the healthcare required by this population. With government strategy promoting enhanced community-based healthcare, the development of primary care infrastructure should reflect population needs. AIMS To describe the profile of older patients attending a general practice in an underprivileged urban setting, specifically initial medical presentation, referrals for secondary care, and the medicines prescribed to them. To thereby enhance our understanding of the primary care requirements of elderly people in this setting. METHODS The anonymised records of an older patient cohort (n=427, age>55 years) that presented to a General Practice over a 12-month period were retrospectively analysed to determine the nature of the clinical encounters, subsequent referral patterns and drugs prescribed. RESULTS There were 3,448 discrete clinical encounters (mean=8.0 per patient), predominantly for respiratory conditions, leading to 401 issued scripts and to 216 patients being referred for secondary care. Women were referred more often than men. There was a notable need for specialised dietary advice and drug prescribing was often complex. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence of primary care needs in an economically deprived area of an Irish city highlighting the complexity of associated prescribing and secondary care referrals in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Power
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation and Immunity (4i), Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Kerr E, Holohan C, McLaughlin KM, Majkut J, Dolan S, Redmond K, Riley J, McLaughlin K, Stasik I, Crudden M, Van Schaeybroeck S, Fenning C, O'Connor R, Kiely P, Sgobba M, Haigh D, Johnston PG, Longley DB. Identification of an acetylation-dependant Ku70/FLIP complex that regulates FLIP expression and HDAC inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Cell Death Differ 2012; 19:1317-27. [PMID: 22322857 PMCID: PMC3392639 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2012.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
FLIP is a potential anti-cancer therapeutic target that inhibits apoptosis by blocking caspase 8 activation by death receptors. We report a novel interaction between FLIP and the DNA repair protein Ku70 that regulates FLIP protein stability by inhibiting its polyubiquitination. Furthermore, we found that the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor Vorinostat (SAHA) enhances the acetylation of Ku70, thereby disrupting the FLIP/Ku70 complex and triggering FLIP polyubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome. Using in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer models, we further demonstrated that SAHA-induced apoptosis is dependant on FLIP downregulation and caspase 8 activation. In addition, an HDAC6-specific inhibitor Tubacin recapitulated the effects of SAHA, suggesting that HDAC6 is a key regulator of Ku70 acetylation and FLIP protein stability. Thus, HDAC inhibitors with anti-HDAC6 activity act as efficient post-transcriptional suppressors of FLIP expression and may, therefore, effectively act as 'FLIP inhibitors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kerr
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - C Holohan
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - K M McLaughlin
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - J Majkut
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - S Dolan
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - K Redmond
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - J Riley
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - K McLaughlin
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - I Stasik
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - M Crudden
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - S Van Schaeybroeck
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - C Fenning
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - R O'Connor
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - P Kiely
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - M Sgobba
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - D Haigh
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - P G Johnston
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - D B Longley
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
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