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Hearing Aid Amplification Improves Postural Control for Older Adults With Hearing Loss When Other Sensory Cues Are Impoverished. Trends Hear 2024; 28:23312165241232219. [PMID: 38356376 PMCID: PMC10868491 DOI: 10.1177/23312165241232219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that sound amplification via hearing aids can improve postural control in adults with hearing impairments. Unfortunately, only a few studies used well-defined posturography measures to assess balance in adults with hearing loss with and without their hearing aids. Of these, only two examined postural control specifically in the elderly with hearing loss. The present study examined the impact of hearing aid use on postural control during various sensory perturbations in older adults with age-related hearing loss. Thirty individuals with age-related hearing impairments and using hearing aids bilaterally were tested. Participants were asked to perform a modified clinical sensory integration in balance test on a force platform with and without hearing aids. The experiment was conducted in the presence of a broadband noise ranging from 0.1 to 4 kHz presented through a loudspeaker. As expected, hearing aid use had a beneficial impact on postural control, but only when visual and somatosensory inputs were both reduced. Data also suggest that hearing aid use decreases the dependence on somatosensory input for maintaining postural control. This finding can be of particular importance in older adults considering the reduction of tactile and proprioceptive sensitivity and acuity often associated with aging. These results provide an additional argument for encouraging early hearing aid fitting for people with hearing loss.
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Earbox, an open tool for high-throughput measurement of the spatial organization of maize ears and inference of novel traits. PLANT METHODS 2022; 18:96. [PMID: 35902871 PMCID: PMC9331584 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-022-00925-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characterizing plant genetic resources and their response to the environment through accurate measurement of relevant traits is crucial to genetics and breeding. Spatial organization of the maize ear provides insights into the response of grain yield to environmental conditions. Current automated methods for phenotyping the maize ear do not capture these spatial features. RESULTS We developed EARBOX, a low-cost, open-source system for automated phenotyping of maize ears. EARBOX integrates open-source technologies for both software and hardware that facilitate its deployment and improvement for specific research questions. The imaging platform consists of a customized box in which ears are repeatedly imaged as they rotate via motorized rollers. With deep learning based on convolutional neural networks, the image analysis algorithm uses a two-step procedure: ear-specific grain masks are first created and subsequently used to extract a range of trait data per ear, including ear shape and dimensions, the number of grains and their spatial organisation, and the distribution of grain dimensions along the ear. The reliability of each trait was validated against ground-truth data from manual measurements. Moreover, EARBOX derives novel traits, inaccessible through conventional methods, especially the distribution of grain dimensions along grain cohorts, relevant for ear morphogenesis, and the distribution of abortion frequency along the ear, relevant for plant response to stress, especially soil water deficit. CONCLUSIONS The proposed system provides robust and accurate measurements of maize ear traits including spatial features. Future developments include grain type and colour categorisation. This method opens avenues for high-throughput genetic or functional studies in the context of plant adaptation to a changing environment.
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204 A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes for Outpatient vs Inpatient Shoulder Arthroplasty. Br J Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab259.973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
Outpatient shoulder arthroplasty is growing in popularity as a cost-effective and potentially equally safe alternative to inpatient arthroplasty. We investigated literature relating to outpatient shoulder arthroplasty, looking at clinical outcomes, complications, readmission, and cost compared to inpatient arthroplasty.
Method
We systematically searched Medline, Embase, PubMed using relevant search terms. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies score.
Results
We included 17 studies in our review with 11 included in the meta-analyses. A meta-analysis of hospital readmissions demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference between outpatient and inpatient cohorts (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.63-1.25, p = 0.49, I2=56%). Pooling results for all post-operative complications identified decreased complications in those undergoing outpatient surgery (OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52-0.94, p = 0.02, I2=50%). No statistically significant difference was identified with respect to medical complications (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74-1.01, p = 0.07, I2=0%) or surgical complications (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.45-1.12, p = 0.14, I2=26%). Considerable cost saving of between $3 614 – $53 202 (19.7 – 69.9%) per patient were present in the outpatient setting.
Conclusions
Shoulder arthroplasty in the outpatient setting is as safe as shoulder arthroplasty in the inpatient setting, with a significant reduction in cost. There is no demonstrable statistically significant difference with regards to readmissions between outpatient and inpatient shoulder arthroplasty. In the appropriately selected patient, outpatient shoulder arthroplasty is safe and cost-effective; however, we still need to work towards understanding who the appropriate patients are for this post-operative care pathway.
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Cemented humeral stem versus press-fit humeral stem in total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Bone Joint J 2019; 101-B:1107-1114. [PMID: 31474140 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.101b9.bjj-2018-1369.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in revision and complication rates, functional outcomes, and radiological outcomes between cemented and press-fit humeral stems in primary anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted searching for studies that included patients who underwent primary anatomical TSA for primary osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. RESULTS There was a total of 36 studies with 927 cemented humeral stems and 1555 press-fit stems. The revision rate was 5.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9 to 7.4) at a mean of 89 months for cemented stems, and 2.4% (95% CI 1.1 to 4.7) at a mean of 40 months for press-fit stems. A priori subgroup analysis to control for follow-up periods demonstrated similar revision rates: 2.3% (95% CI 1.1 to 4.7) for cemented stems versus 1.8% (95% CI 1.4 to 2.9) for press-fit stems. Exploratory meta-regression found that longer follow-up was a moderating variable for revision (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Cement fixation had similar revision rates when compared to press-fit stems at short- to midterm follow-up. Rotator cuff pathology was a prevalent complication in both groups but is likely not related to fixation type. Overall, with comparable revision rates, possible easier revision, and decreased operative time, humeral press-fit fixation may be an optimal choice for primary anatomical TSA in patients with sufficient bone stock. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1107-1114.
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Comparative outcomes of outpatient and inpatient total shoulder arthroplasty: an analysis of the Medicare dataset. Bone Joint J 2017; 99-B:934-938. [PMID: 28663400 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.99b7.bjj-2016-0976.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the present study was to compare the 30- and 90-day re-admission rates and complication rates of outpatient and inpatient total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). PATIENTS AND METHODS The United States Medicare Standard Analytical Files database was questioned to identify patients who had undergone outpatient or inpatient TSA between 2005 and 2012. Patient characteristics were compared between the two groups using chi-squared analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to control for differences in baseline patient characteristics and to compare the two groups in terms of post-operative complications within 90 days and re-admission within 30 days and 90 days. RESULTS A total of 123 347 Medicare subscribers underwent TSA between 2005 and 2012; 3493 (2.8%) had the procedure performed as an outpatient. A significantly greater proportion of patients who underwent TSA as inpatients were women, had a history of smoking, and had a greater incidence of medical comorbidity including diabetes, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (p < 0.05 for all). Re-admission rates were significantly higher for inpatients at both 30 days (0.83% versus 0.60%, p = 0.016, odds ratio 1.8) and 90 days (2.87% versus 2.04%, p < 0.001, odds ratio 1.8). Complications, including thromboembolic events (p < 0.001) and surgical site infection (p = 0.002), were significantly higher in inpatients. CONCLUSION Patients who underwent TSA on an outpatient basis were overall younger and healthier than those who had inpatient surgery, which suggests that patient selection was taking place. After controlling for age, gender, and medical conditions, patients who underwent TSA as outpatients had lower rates of 30- and 90-day re-admission and a lower rate of complications than inpatients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:934-8.
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Combined Spine Conference of the Canadian Spine Society New Zealand Orthopaedic Spine Society, Spine Society of Australia: Fairmont Château Lake Louise, Lake, Louise, Alberta, Tuesday, Feb. 25 to Saturday, Mar. 1, 20141.1.01 The use of suspension radiographs to predict LIV tilt.1.1.02 Surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis without fusion: an animal model.1.1.03 Are full torso surface topography postural measurements more sensitive to change than back only parameters in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and a main thoracic curve?1.2.04 Restoration of thoracic kyphosis in adolescent idiopathic kyphosis: comparative radiographic analysis of round versus rail rods.1.2.05 Scoliosis surgery in spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy: Is fusion to the pelvis always necessary? A 4–18-year follow-up study.1.2.06 Identification and validation of pain-related biomarkers surrounding spinal surgery in adolescents.1.3.07 Cervical sagittal deformity develops after PJK in adult throacolumbar deformity correction: radiographic analysis using a novel global sagittal angular parameter, the CTPA.1.3.08 Impact of obesity on complications and patient-reported outcomes in adult spinal deformity surgery.1.3.09 The T1 pelvic angle, a novel radiographic measure of sagittal deformity, accounts for both pelvic retroversion and truncal inclination and correlates strongly with HRQOL.1.4.10 Determining cervical sagittal deformity when it is concurrent with thoracolumbar deformity.1.4.11 The influence of sagittal balance and pelvic parameters on the outcome of surgically treated patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis.1.4.12 Predictors of degenerative spondylolisthesis and loading translation in surgical lumbar spinal stenosis patients.2.1.13 Mechanical allodynia following disc herniation requires intraneural macrophage infiltration and can be blocked by systemic selenium delivery or attenuation of BDNF activity.2.1.14 The effect of alanyl-glutamine on epidural fibrosis in a rat laminectomy model.2.1.15 Anterior lumbar interbody fusion using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2: a prospective study of complications.2.2.16 2-year results of a Canadian, multicentre, blinded, pilot study of a novel peptide in promoting lumbar spine fusion.2.2.17 Comparative outcomes and cost-utility following surgical treatment of focal lumbar spinal stenosis compared with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: long-term change in health-related quality of life.2.2.18 Changes in objectively measured walking performance, function, and pain following surgery for spondylolisthesis and lumbar spinal stenosis.2.3.19 A prospective multicentre observational data-monitored study of minimally invasive fusion to treat degenerative lumbar disorders: complications and outcomes at 1-year follow-up.2.3.20 Assessment and classification of subsidence in lateral interbody fusion using serial computed tomography.2.3.21 Predictors of willingness to undergo spinal and orthopaedic surgery after surgical consultation.2.4.22 Indirect foraminal decompression is independent of facet arthropathy in extreme lateral interbody fusion.2.4.23 Cervical artificial disc replacement with ProDisc-C: clinical and radiographic outcomes with long-term follow-up.2.4.24 Tantalum trabecular metal implants in anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion.3.1.25 Hemangiomas of the spine: results of surgical management and prognostic variables for local recurrence and mortality in a multicentre study.3.1.26 Chondrosarcomas of the spine: prognostic variables for local recurrence and mortality in a multicentre study.3.1.27 Risk factors for recurrence of surgically treated spine schwannomas: analysis of 169 patients from a multicentre international database.3.2.28 Survival pattern and the effect of surgery on health related quality of life and functional outcome in patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression from lung cancer — the AOSpine North America prospective multicentre study.3.2.29 A biomechanical assessment of kyphoplasty as a stand-alone treatment in a human cadaveric burst fracture model.3.2.30 What is safer in incompetent vertebrae with posterior wall defects, kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty: a study in vertebral analogs.3.3.31 Feasibility of recruiting subjects for acute spinal cord injury (SCI) clinical trials in Canada.3.3.32 Prospective analysis of adverse events in elderly patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.3.3.33 Does traction before surgery influence time to neural decompression in patients with spinal cord injury?3.4.34 Current treatment of individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury: Do we need age-specific guidelines?3.4.35 Current surgical practice for traumatic spinal cord injury in Canada.3.4.36 The importance of “time to surgery” for traumatic spinal cord injured patients: results from an ambispective Canadian cohort of 949 patients.3.5.37 Assessment of a novel coil-shaped radiofrequency probe in the porcine spine.3.5.38 The effect of norepinephrine and dopamine on cerebrospinal fluid pressure after acute spinal cord injury.3.5.39 The learning curve of pedicle screw placement: How many screws are enough?4.1.40 Preliminary report from the Ontario Inter-professional Spine Assessment and Education Clinics (ISAEC).4.1.41 A surrogate model of the spinal cord complex for simulating bony impingement.4.1.42 Clinical and surgical predictors of specific complications following surgery for the treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy: results from the multicentre, prospective AOSpine international study on 479 patients.4.2.43 Outcomes of surgical management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy: results of the prospective, multicentre, AOSpine international study in 479 patients.4.2.44 A clinical prediction rule for clinical outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy: analysis of an international AOSpine prospective multicentre data set of 757 subjects.4.2.45 The prevalence and impact of low back and leg pain among aging Canadians: a cross-sectional survey.4.3.46 Adjacent segment pathology: Progressive disease course or a product of iatrogenic fusion?4.3.47 Natural history of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis in patients with spinal stenosis.4.3.48 Changes in self-reported clinical status and health care utilization during wait time for surgical spine consultation: a prospective observational study.4.3.49 The Canadian surgical wait list for lumbar degenerative spinal stenosis has a detrimental effect on patient outcomes.4.3.50 Segmental lordosis is independent of interbody cage position in XLIF.4.3.51 Elevated patient BMI does not negatively affect self-reported outcomes of thoracolumbar surgery.1.5.52 The Spinal Stenosis Pedometer and Nutrition Lifestyle Intervention (SSPANLI): development and pilot.1.5.53 Study evaluating the variability of surgical strategy planning for patients with adult spinal deformity.1.5.54 Atlantoaxial instability in acute odontoid fractures is associated with nonunion and mortality.1.5.55 Peripheral hypersensitivity to subthreshold stimuli persists after resolution of acute experimental disc-herniation neuropathy.1.5.56 Radiation induced lumbar spinal osteonecrosis: case report and literature review.1.5.57 Comparative outcomes and cost-utility following surgical treatment of focal lumbar spinal stenosis compared with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: Part 2 — estimated lifetime incremental cost-utility ratios.1.5.58 A predictive model of progression for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on 3D spine parameters at first visit.1.5.59 Development of a clinical prediction model for surgical decision making in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease.2.5.60 Canadian spine surgery fellowship education: evaluating opportunity in developing a nationally based training curriculum.2.5.61 Pedicle subtraction osteotomy for severe proximal thoracic junctional kyphosis.2.5.62 A comparison of spine surgery referrals triaged through a multidisciplinary care pathway versus conventional referrals.2.5.63 Results and complications of posterior-based 3 column osteotomies in patients with previously fused spinal deformities.2.5.64 Orthopaedic Surgical AdVerse Event Severity (Ortho-SAVES) system: identifying opportunities for improved patient safety and resource utilization.2.5.65 Spontaneous spinal extra-axial haematomas — surgical experience in Otago and Southland 2011–2013.2.5.66 Obesity and spinal epidural lipomatosis in cauda equina syndrome.2.5.67 Factors affecting restoration of lumbar lordosis in adult degenerative scoliosis patients treated with lateral trans-psoas interbody fusion.3.6.68 Systematic review of complications in spinal surgery: a comparison of retrospective and prospective study design.3.6.69 Postsurgical rehabilitation patients have similar fear avoidance behaviour levels as those in nonoperative care.3.6.70 Outcomes of surgical treatment of adolescent spondyloptosis: a case series.3.6.71 Surgical success in primary versus revision thoracolumbar spine surgery.3.6.72 The effect of smoking on subjective patient outcomes in thoracolumbar surgery.3.6.73 Modelling patient recovery to predict outcomes following elective thoracolumbar surgery for degenerative pathologies.3.6.74 Outcomes from trans-psoas versus open approaches in the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis.3.6.75 Lumbar spinal stenosis and presurgical assessment: the impact of walking induced strain on a performance-based outcome measure. Can J Surg 2014. [DOI: 10.1503/cjs.005614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Genomics and public health research: can the state allow access to genomic databases? IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 41:13-30. [PMID: 23113174 PMCID: PMC3468988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Because many diseases are multifactorial disorders, the scientific progress in genomics and genetics should be taken into consideration in public health research. In this context, genomic databases will constitute an important source of information. Consequently, it is important to identify and characterize the State's role and authority on matters related to public health, in order to verify whether it has access to such databases while engaging in public health genomic research. We first consider the evolution of the concept of public health, as well as its core functions, using a comparative approach (e.g. WHO, PAHO, CDC and the Canadian province of Quebec). Following an analysis of relevant Quebec legislation, the precautionary principle is examined as a possible avenue to justify State access to and use of genomic databases for research purposes. Finally, we consider the Influenza pandemic plans developed by WHO, Canada, and Quebec, as examples of key tools framing public health decision-making process. We observed that State powers in public health, are not, in Quebec, well adapted to the expansion of genomics research. We propose that the scope of the concept of research in public health should be clear and include the following characteristics: a commitment to the health and well-being of the population and to their determinants; the inclusion of both applied research and basic research; and, an appropriate model of governance (authorization, follow-up, consent, etc.). We also suggest that the strategic approach version of the precautionary principle could guide collective choices in these matters.
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A weight of evidence approach for the assessment of the ototoxic potential of industrial chemicals. Toxicol Ind Health 2011; 28:796-819. [PMID: 22064681 DOI: 10.1177/0748233711425067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There is accumulating epidemiological evidence that exposure to some solvents, metals, asphyxiants and other substances in humans is associated with an increased risk of acquiring hearing loss. Furthermore, simultaneous and successive exposure to certain chemicals along with noise can increase the susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss. There are no regulations that require hearing monitoring of workers who are employed at locations in which occupational exposure to potentially ototoxic chemicals occurs in the absence of noise exposure. This project was undertaken to develop a toxicological database allowing the identification of possible ototoxic substances present in the work environment alone or in combination with noise exposure. Critical toxicological data were compiled for chemical substances included in the Quebec occupational health regulation. The data were evaluated only for noise exposure levels that can be encountered in the workplace and for realistic exposure concentrations up to the short-term exposure limit or ceiling value (CV) or 5 times the 8-h time-weighted average occupational exposure limit (TWA OEL) for human data and up to 100 times the 8-h TWA OEL or CV for animal studies. In total, 224 studies (in 150 articles of which 44 evaluated the combined exposure to noise and a chemical) covering 29 substances were evaluated using a weight of evidence approach. For the majority of cases where potential ototoxicity was previously proposed, there is a paucity of toxicological data in the primary literature. Human and animal studies indicate that lead, styrene, toluene and trichloroethylene are ototoxic and ethyl benzene, n-hexane and p-xylene are possibly ototoxic at concentrations that are relevant to the occupational setting. Carbon monoxide appears to exacerbate noise-induced hearing dysfunction. Toluene interacts with noise to induce more severe hearing losses than the noise alone.
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Framing Genomics, Public Health Research and Policy: Points to Consider. Public Health Genomics 2010; 13:224-34. [DOI: 10.1159/000279624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Multiple work-related accidents: tracing the role of hearing status and noise exposure. Occup Environ Med 2009; 66:319-24. [DOI: 10.1136/oem.2007.037713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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The DOSIMAP, a high spatial resolution tissue equivalent 2D dosimeter for LINAC QA and IMRT verification. Med Phys 2009; 36:317-28. [PMID: 19291971 DOI: 10.1118/1.3013703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The continual need for more accurate and effective techniques in radiation therapy makes it necessary to devise new control means combining high spatial resolution as well as high dose accuracy. Intensity modulated radio therapy (IMRT) allows highly conformed fields with high spatial gradient and therefore requires a precise monitoring of all the multileaf positions. In response to this need, the authors have developed a new 2D tissue equivalent dosimeter with high spatial resolution. A plastic scintillator sheet is sandwiched between two polystyrene blocks and the emitted light is captured by a high resolution camera. A newly developed procedure described herein allows efficient discrimination of the scintillation from the parasitic Cerenkov radiation. This processing is applied on the cumulated image from a sequence of images taken during an irradiation field at a rate of 10 images/s. It provides a high resolution mapping of the cumulated dose in quasireal time. The dosimeter is tissue equivalent (ICRU-44) and works both for electrons and photons without complex parameter adjustment since phantom and detector materials are identical. Instrument calibration is simple and independent of the irradiation conditions (energy, fluence, quality, ...). In this article, the authors present the principle of the dosimeter and its calibration procedure. They compare the results obtained for photons and electron beams with ionization chamber measurements in polystyrene. Technical specifications such as accuracy and repeatability are precisely evaluated and discussed. Finally, they present different IMRT field measurements and compare DOSIMAP measurements to TPS simulations and dosimetric film profiles. The results confirm the excellent spatial resolution of the instrument and its capacity to inspect the leaf positions for each segment of a given field.
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Ethyl benzene should be considered ototoxic at occupationally relevant exposure concentrations. Toxicol Ind Health 2009; 24:241-6. [PMID: 19022877 DOI: 10.1177/0748233708094097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Organic solvents can produce ototoxic effects in both man and experimental animals. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to ethyl benzene on the auditory system and consider its relevance for the occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the permissible exposure limits. In Quebec, the Time-Weighed Average Exposure Value for 8A h (TWAEV) is 100A ppm (434A mg/m(3)) and the Short-Term Exposure Value for 15A min (STEV) is 125A ppm (543A mg/m(3)). In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at STEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. In workers, there is no evidence of either ethyl benzene-induced hearing losses or ototoxic interaction after combined exposure to ethyl benzene and noise. In rats, ethyl benzene affects the auditory function mainly in the cochlear mid-frequency range and ototoxic interaction was observed after combined exposure to noise and ethyl benzene. Further studies with sufficient data on the ethyl benzene exposure of workers are necessary to make a definitive conclusion. Given the current evidence from animal studies, we recommend considering ethyl benzene as an ototoxic agent.
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Ototoxicity of trichloroethylene in concentrations relevant for the working environment. Hum Exp Toxicol 2009; 27:195-200. [PMID: 18650250 DOI: 10.1177/0960327108090267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Organic solvents can cause hearing loss themselves or promote noise-induced hearing loss. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to trichloroethylene on the auditory system and consider its relevance for the occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the Quebec permissible exposure limits: 50 ppm 8-h time-weighed average exposure value (TWAEV) and 200 ppm short-term exposure value (STEV). In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at the STEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. There is no convincing evidence of trichloroethylene-induced hearing losses in workers. In rats, trichloroethylene affects the auditory function mainly in the cochlear mid- to high-frequency range with a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 2000 ppm. No studies on ototoxic interaction after combined exposure to noise and trichloroethylene were identified in humans. In rats, supra-additive interaction was reported. Further studies with sufficient data on the trichloroethylene exposure of workers are necessary to make a definitive conclusion. In the interim, we recommend considering trichloroethylene as an ototoxic agent.
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Abstract
The ability of chemicals to produce hearing loss themselves or to promote noise-induced hearing loss has been reported for some organic solvents. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to n-hexane on the auditory system and consider its relevance for occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the permissible inhalation exposure limits. In Quebec, the time-weighted average exposure value (TWAEV) for 8 h is 50 ppm. In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at five times the TWAEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. There is no convincing evidence of n-hexane-induced hearing loss in workers. In rats, n-hexane seems to affect auditory function; however, the site of these alterations cannot be determined from the present data. Further studies with sufficient data on the exposure of workers to n-hexane are necessary to make a definitive conclusion. In the interim, we recommend considering n-hexane as a possibly ototoxic agent.
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DOSIMAP: a high-resolution 2-D tissue equivalent dosemeter for linac QA and IMRT verification. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2008; 131:100-109. [PMID: 18757897 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncn228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
New generation of radiation therapy accelerators requires highly accurate dose measurements with high spatial resolution patterns. IMRT is especially demanding since the positioning accuracy of all the multi-leafs should be verified for each applied field and at any incidence. A new 2-D tissue equivalent dosemeter is presented with high spatial resolution that can fulfil these tasks. A plastic scintillator sheet is sandwiched between two polystyrene cubes, and the emitted light is observed by a high-resolution camera. A patented procedure allows efficient discrimination of the scintillation proportional to the dose from the parasitic Cerenkov radiation. This extraction made on the cumulated images taken during an irradiation field at a rate of 10 images s(-1) provides high-resolution mapping of the dose rate and cumulated dose in quasi real time. The dosemeter is tissue equivalent (ICRU-44) and works both for electrons and photons without complex parameter adjustment, since phantom and detector materials are identical. The calibration is simple and independent of the irradiation conditions (energy, fluence, quality and so on). The principle of the dosemeter and its calibration procedure are discussed in this paper. The results and, in particular, the dose depth profiles are compared with standard ionisation chamber measurements in polystyrene for both photons and electrons. Finally, the detector specifications are summarised and one example of complex IMRT field is discussed.
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The DosiMap, a new 2D scintillating dosimeter for IMRT quality assurance: characterization of two Cerenkov discrimination methods. Med Phys 2008; 35:1651-62. [PMID: 18561640 DOI: 10.1118/1.2897966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
New radiation therapy techniques such as IMRT present significant efficiency due to their highly conformal dose distributions. A consequence of the complexity of their dose distributions (high gradients, small irradiation fields, low dose distribution, ...) is the requirement for better precision quality assurance than in classical radiotherapy in order to compare the conformation of the delivered dose with the planned dose distribution and to guarantee the quality of the treatment. Currently this control is mostly performed by matrices of ionization chambers, diode detectors, dosimetric films, portal imaging, or dosimetric gels. Another approach is scintillation dosimetry, which has been developed in the last 15 years mainly through scintillating fiber devices. Despite having many advantages over other methods it is still at an experimental level for routine dosimetry because the Cerenkov radiation produced under irradiation represents an important stem effect. A new 2D water equivalent scintillating dosimeter, the DosiMap, and two different Cerenkov discrimination methods were developed with the collaboration of the Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire of Caen, the Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, and the ELDIM Co., in the frame of the MAESTRO European project. The DosiMap consists of a plastic scintillating sheet placed inside a transparent polystyrene phantom. The light distribution produced under irradiation is recorded by a CCD camera. Our first Cerenkov discrimination technique is subtractive. It uses a chessboard pattern placed in front of the scintillator, which provides a background signal containing only Cerenkov light. Our second discrimination technique is colorimetric. It performs a spectral analysis of the light signal, which allows the unfolding of the Cerenkov radiation and the scintillation. Tests were carried out with our DosiMap prototype and the performances of the two discrimination methods were assessed. The comparison of the dose measurements performed with the DosiMap and with dosimetric films for three different irradiation configurations showed discrepancies smaller than 3.5% for a 2 mm spatial resolution. Two innovative discrimination solutions were demonstrated to separate the scintillation from the Cerenkov radiation. It was also shown that the DosiMap, which is water equivalent, fast, and user friendly, is a very promising tool for radiotherapy quality assurance.
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Abstract
Radiation therapy accelerators require highly accurate dose deposition and the output must be monitored frequently and regularly. Ionization chambers are the primary tool for this control, but their size, their high voltage needed, and the correction needed for electrons make them unsuitable for use during patient treatment. We have developed a small (1-mm-diam and 1-mm-long active part), flexible, and water-equivalent dosimeter. It is suitable for photon and electron beams without corrections, and performs on line dose measurements. This detector is based on only one scintillating fiber and a CCD camera. A new signal processing is used to remove the effect of Cerenkov radiation background, which only requires a preliminary calibration. Central-axis depth-dose distribution comparisons have been achieved with standard ionization chambers, over a range from 8 to 25 MV photons and from 6 to 21 MeV electrons in order to validate this calibration. Results show a very good agreement, with less than 1% difference between the two detectors.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a genetic multisystem disorder characterized by calcified dystrophic elastic fibres in skin, retina and arteries. Much of the earlier literature on pregnancy in PXE contained reports of severe complications, leading some healthcare providers to advise women with PXE against becoming pregnant and some women with PXE to avoid pregnancy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the obstetrical outcomes and the incidence of pregnancy complications in women with PXE and to determine if pregnancy is associated with an adverse effect on the course of the disease. METHODS Women with PXE (n = 407) answered detailed questionnaires regarding reproductive history and pregnancy as well as the course of their disease. The frequency of reported pregnancy outcomes and complications was determined. Severity indices for the major clinical manifestations of PXE were developed and correlated with gravidity of affected women aged 40 years or over. RESULTS Among the 306 respondents with PXE who had ever been pregnant, there were 795 pregnancies. Of these, 83% ended in live births and 1% in stillbirth. The median birth weight was within the normal range and the incidence of low birth weight for gestation was low. Hypertension occurred in 10% of pregnancies, gastric bleeding and retinal complications in < 1%, and 12% of pregnancies were associated with worsening of skin manifestations. There was no effect of gravidity and clinical severity on cutaneous (P = 0.07), ocular (P = 0.59) or cardiac (P = 0.42) manifestations of PXE in women aged 40+ years, nor did ever having been pregnant adversely affect these clinical severity indices. Of the 101 women who had never been pregnant, 17% made the decision because they were advised against becoming pregnant by a healthcare professional and 11% did not become pregnant because they feared an adverse outcome either in their pregnancy or disease. CONCLUSIONS PXE is not associated with markedly increased fetal loss or adverse reproductive outcomes. The incidence of gastric bleeding, although probably higher than in the unaffected population, is much lower than previously reported, and retinal complications are uncommon. Although a few pregnancies were associated with worsening of skin manifestations, there was no correlation of either gravidity or ever having been pregnant with ultimate severity of skin, ocular or cardiovascular manifestations. There is no basis for advising women with PXE to avoid becoming pregnant, and most pregnancies in PXE are uncomplicated.
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[Xenotransplantation: tour de force or dirty trick?]. TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA = MEMOIRES DE LA SOCIETE ROYALE DU CANADA 2000; 11:103-19. [PMID: 17078148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
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Patterns of general health care and STD services use among high-risk youth in Denver participating in community-based urine chlamydia screening. Sex Transm Dis 1998; 25:457-63. [PMID: 9800256 DOI: 10.1097/00007435-199810000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, youth are at highest risk for STDs, and innovative programs have been called for to increase their access to essential STD-related services. To guide the development of such programs, locally relevant information is needed on current use of general health care and STD services in this population. GOAL To study access to and use of general health care and STD services in a purposive sample of high-risk youth in inner-city Denver. STUDY DESIGN An interview-based survey conducted as part of a community program for urine chlamydia screening targeting black and Hispanic youth 13 years to 25 years. RESULTS Of 221 sexually experienced youth in the survey, 72% had accessed general health services in the past year and 39% reported an STD evaluation at any time in the past. Community and school clinics were reported by 50% as a source for general health care and by 62% as a source for STD services. STD clinics were reported by only 14% as a source for STD services. Routine checkups were the most important reasons to seek general health care, yet of those who went for a routine checkup, only 34% reported an STD evaluation. Although few barriers appeared to exist in accessing general health care, anticipated anxiety about procedures and results formed the major barrier to accessing STD services. CONCLUSIONS Use of general health services was common in this population of high-risk adolescents; however, the provision of STD services as part of general health care visits appeared to be low. On the basis of these findings, a comprehensive STD prevention strategy may be envisioned, which would include provider interventions to increase the provision of STD prevention services in general health care settings; community interventions to enhance access to general health care and STD services; and community-based screening programs for those not able or willing to seek clinic-based services.
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[Legal aspects of xenotransplantation]. SCHWEIZERISCHE MEDIZINISCHE WOCHENSCHRIFT 1998; 128:982-6. [PMID: 9674064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Determination of protein in extracts containing interfering substances and in radioactive samples following scintillation counting. Anal Biochem 1975; 64:18-29. [PMID: 1137084 DOI: 10.1016/0003-2697(75)90399-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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