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Chapter 5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd), David Mannino, Janet Croft, David Brown Dec 2015

Chapter 5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd), David Mannino, Janet Croft, David Brown

David C. Brown

No abstract provided.


Haematopoietic Stem Cells In Spleen Have Distinct Differentiative Potential For Antigen Presenting Cells., Jonathan Tan, Helen O'Neill Sep 2015

Haematopoietic Stem Cells In Spleen Have Distinct Differentiative Potential For Antigen Presenting Cells., Jonathan Tan, Helen O'Neill

Jonathan Tan

Dendritic cells (DC) are known to develop from macrophage dendritic progenitors (MDP) in bone marrow (BM), which give rise to conventional (c)DC and monocytes, both dominant antigen presenting cell (APC) subsets in spleen. This laboratory has however defined a distinct dendritic-like cell subset in spleen (L-DC), which can also be derived in long-term cultures of spleen. In line with the restricted in vitro development of only L-DC in these stromal cultures, we questioned whether self-renewing HSC or progenitors exist in spleen with restricted differentiative capacity for only L-DC. Neonatal spleen and BM were compared for their ability to reconstitute mice …


2010 Newsmakers: Celebrating Our Own, Paul Mayne, Jason Winders Dec 2010

2010 Newsmakers: Celebrating Our Own, Paul Mayne, Jason Winders

Vivian C. McAlister

How will we remember 2010? Probably through these faces. This year, the Western News starts a new, if not wholly original, tradition. Our Newsmakers 2010 section celebrates the best of research, academia and volunteer spirit that we have to offer on this campus. We spotlight, in brief words and striking images, the accomplishments of some of our favourites from the last year. One of the most powerful women in Canada. A student with an eye for the greater good. And a man who would do anything, including posing with a zebra, for the United Way. A football coach. A ground-breaking …


Personality Disorders Predict Relapse After Remission From An Episode Of Major Depressive Disorder: A 6-Year Prospective Study, Carlos M. Grilo, Robert L. Stout, John C. Markowitz, Charles A. Sanislow, Emily B. Ansell, Andrew E. Skodol, Donna S. Bender, Anthony Pinto, M. Tracie Shea, Shirley Yen, John G. Gunderson, Leslie C. Morey, Christropher J. Hopwood, Thomas H. Mcglashan Nov 2010

Personality Disorders Predict Relapse After Remission From An Episode Of Major Depressive Disorder: A 6-Year Prospective Study, Carlos M. Grilo, Robert L. Stout, John C. Markowitz, Charles A. Sanislow, Emily B. Ansell, Andrew E. Skodol, Donna S. Bender, Anthony Pinto, M. Tracie Shea, Shirley Yen, John G. Gunderson, Leslie C. Morey, Christropher J. Hopwood, Thomas H. Mcglashan

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

Objective: To examine prospectively the course of major depressive disorder (MDD) and to test for the moderating effects of personality disorder (PD) comorbidity on relapse after remission from an episode of MDD.

Method: Participants were 303 patients (196 women and 107 men) with current DSM-IV diagnosed MDD at baseline enrollment in the Col­laborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study. Major depressive disorder and Axis I psychiatric disorders were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, and Axis II PDs were assessed with the Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders. The course of MDD was assessed with the Longitudinal Interval Follow­up Evaluation …


A Pioneer Of Urologic Surgery From A Small Town In Ontario, Canada: A Tribute To Abraham Groves (1847-1935)., Yves Caumartin, Vivian C. Mcalister, Patrick Pw Luke Nov 2010

A Pioneer Of Urologic Surgery From A Small Town In Ontario, Canada: A Tribute To Abraham Groves (1847-1935)., Yves Caumartin, Vivian C. Mcalister, Patrick Pw Luke

Vivian C. McAlister

Background: Abraham Groves worked as a general practitioner and surgeon in the small town of Fergus, Ontario, Canada. Several priority claims have been attributed to Groves’ life in surgery, including aseptic surgery (1874), appendectomy (1883) and the use of surgical gloves (1885). He was also an early practitioner of urological surgery.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe and objectively assess his contributions as a pioneer in urological surgery.

Methods: A systematic search of contemporary journals was made for articles by or about Groves. These articles and his 1934 autobiography were reviewed. The information was assessed not only …


Age And Sex Differences And 20-Year Trends (1986 To 2005) In Prehospital Delay In Patients Hospitalized With Acute Myocardial Infarction, Hoa Nguyen, Joel Gore, Jane Saczynski, Jorge Yarzebski, George Reed, Frederick Spencer, Robert Goldberg Nov 2010

Age And Sex Differences And 20-Year Trends (1986 To 2005) In Prehospital Delay In Patients Hospitalized With Acute Myocardial Infarction, Hoa Nguyen, Joel Gore, Jane Saczynski, Jorge Yarzebski, George Reed, Frederick Spencer, Robert Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

Background: The prompt administration of coronary reperfusion therapy for patients with an evolving acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is crucial in reducing mortality and the risk of serious clinical complications in these patients. However, long-term trends in extent of prehospital delay and factors affecting patient's care-seeking behavior remain relatively unexplored, especially in men and women of different ages. The objectives of this study were to examine the overall magnitude and 20-year trends (1986 to 2005) in duration of prehospital delay in middle-aged and elderly men and women hospitalized with AMI.

Methods and Results: The study sample consisted of 5967 residents of …


Western News: Rewriting The Record On Legs, Lesley Craig, Paul Mayne Nov 2010

Western News: Rewriting The Record On Legs, Lesley Craig, Paul Mayne

Vivian C. McAlister

No abstract provided.


Developing Constructs For Psychopathology Research: Research Domain Criteria, Charles A. Sanislow, Daniel S. Pine, Kevin J. Quinn, Michael J. Kozak, Marjorie A. Garvey, Robert K. Heinssen, Philip Sung-En Wang, Bruce N. Cuthbert Oct 2010

Developing Constructs For Psychopathology Research: Research Domain Criteria, Charles A. Sanislow, Daniel S. Pine, Kevin J. Quinn, Michael J. Kozak, Marjorie A. Garvey, Robert K. Heinssen, Philip Sung-En Wang, Bruce N. Cuthbert

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

There exists a divide between findings from integrative neuroscience and clinical research focused on mechanisms of psychopathology. Specifically, a clear correspondence does not emerge between clusters of complex clinical symptoms and dysregulated neurobiological systems, with many apparent redundancies. For instance, many mental disorders involve multiple disruptions in putative mechanistic factors (e.g., excessive fear, deficient impulse control), and different disrupted mechanisms appear to play major roles in many disorders. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework is a heuristic to facilitate the incorporation of behavioral neuroscience in the study of psychopathology. Such integration might be achieved by shifting the central research focus …


Civilian Versus Military Trauma Management, Vivian C. Mcalister Oct 2010

Civilian Versus Military Trauma Management, Vivian C. Mcalister

Vivian C. McAlister

In the 21st century, military and civilian trauma surgeons bring similar solutions to similar problems, learning one from another


What Are The Factors That Predict Outcome At Relapse After Previous Esophagectomy And Adjuvant Therapy In High-Risk Esophageal Cancer?, Edward Yu, P. Tai, R. Malthaner, L. Stitt, G. Rodrigues, R. Dar, B. Yaremko, J. Younus, M. Sanatani, M. Vincent, B. Dingle, D. Fortin, R. Inculet Oct 2010

What Are The Factors That Predict Outcome At Relapse After Previous Esophagectomy And Adjuvant Therapy In High-Risk Esophageal Cancer?, Edward Yu, P. Tai, R. Malthaner, L. Stitt, G. Rodrigues, R. Dar, B. Yaremko, J. Younus, M. Sanatani, M. Vincent, B. Dingle, D. Fortin, R. Inculet

Edward Yu

OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated factors affecting outcome at relapse after previous surgery and adjuvant chemoradiation (crt) in high-risk esophageal cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1989 to 1999, we followed high-risk resected esophageal cancer patients who had completed postoperative crt therapy. Patients who relapsed with a disease-free interval of less than 3 months were treated with palliative crt when appropriate. Patients with a disease-free interval of 3 months or more were treated with best supportive care. Post-recurrence survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier technique, and statistical comparisons were made using log-rank chi-square tests and Cox regression. RESULTS: Of the …


Doxorubicin Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticulate Delivery System To Overcome Drug Resistance In Osteosarcoma, Michiro Susa, Arun K. Iyer, Keinosuke Ryu, Francis John Hornicek, Henry J. Mankin, Mansoor M. Amiji, Zhenfeng Duan Oct 2010

Doxorubicin Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticulate Delivery System To Overcome Drug Resistance In Osteosarcoma, Michiro Susa, Arun K. Iyer, Keinosuke Ryu, Francis John Hornicek, Henry J. Mankin, Mansoor M. Amiji, Zhenfeng Duan

Mansoor M. Amiji

Background: Drug resistance is a primary hindrance for the efficiency of chemotherapy against osteosarcoma. Although chemotherapy has improved the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients dramatically after introduction of neo-adjuvant therapy in the early 1980's, the outcome has since reached plateau at approximately 70% for 5 year survival. The remaining 30% of the patients eventually develop resistance to multiple types of chemotherapy. In order to overcome both the dose-limiting side effects of conventional chemotherapeutic agents and the therapeutic failure incurred from multidrug resistant (MDR) tumor cells, we explored the possibility of loading doxorubicin onto biocompatible, lipid-modified dextran-based polymeric nanoparticles and evaluated the …


Inhibition Of Abcb1 (Mdr1) Expression By An Sirna Nanoparticulate Delivery System To Overcome Drug Resistance In Osteosarcoma, Michiro Susa, Arun K. Iyer, Keinosuke Ryu, Edwin Choi, Francis John Hornicek, Henry J. Mankin, Lara Milane, Mansoor M. Amiji, Zhenfeng Duan Oct 2010

Inhibition Of Abcb1 (Mdr1) Expression By An Sirna Nanoparticulate Delivery System To Overcome Drug Resistance In Osteosarcoma, Michiro Susa, Arun K. Iyer, Keinosuke Ryu, Edwin Choi, Francis John Hornicek, Henry J. Mankin, Lara Milane, Mansoor M. Amiji, Zhenfeng Duan

Mansoor M. Amiji

Background: The use of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in treating osteosarcoma has improved patients’ average 5 year survival rate from 20% to 70% in the past 30 years. However, for patients who progress after chemotherapy, its effectiveness diminishes due to the emergence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) after prolonged therapy. Methodology/Principal Findings: In order to overcome both the dose-limiting side effects of conventional chemotherapeutic agents and the therapeutic failure resulting from MDR, we designed and evaluated a novel drug delivery system for MDR1 siRNA delivery. Novel biocompatible, lipid-modified dextran-based polymeric nanoparticles were used as the platform for MDR1 siRNA delivery; and the efficacy …


The Maple Leaf: Saving Lives, Saving Legs, Leslie Craig Sep 2010

The Maple Leaf: Saving Lives, Saving Legs, Leslie Craig

Vivian C. McAlister

No abstract provided.


Does A Dedicated Pediatric Team Within A Busy Mixed Emergency Department Make A Difference In Waiting Times, Satisfaction, And Care Transition?, Gerben Keijzers, Julia Crilly, Benjamin Walters, Rosalind Crawford, Christa Bell Sep 2010

Does A Dedicated Pediatric Team Within A Busy Mixed Emergency Department Make A Difference In Waiting Times, Satisfaction, And Care Transition?, Gerben Keijzers, Julia Crilly, Benjamin Walters, Rosalind Crawford, Christa Bell

Gerben Keijzers

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a dedicated, free-floating, pediatric-targeted care delivery model on emergency department (ED) waiting times, parent satisfaction, and transition of care.

Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted between July 16 and August 12, 2007. It incorporated a before-and-after design with a 2-week preintervention and a 2-week intervention group. In the intervention period, the pediatric ED initiative (PEDI) team was introduced, which consisted of a free-floating doctor and nurse equipped to see pediatric patients. Consenting patients/parents were followed up by telephone 7 to 14 days after discharge regarding satisfaction and waiting times.

Results: …


Systematic Review Of The Effect Of Aerobic And Resistance Exercise Training On Systemic Brain Natriuretic Peptide (Bnp) And N-Terminal Bnp Expression In Heart Failure Patients, N. Smart, M. Steele Sep 2010

Systematic Review Of The Effect Of Aerobic And Resistance Exercise Training On Systemic Brain Natriuretic Peptide (Bnp) And N-Terminal Bnp Expression In Heart Failure Patients, N. Smart, M. Steele

Neil Smart

Background: BNP and the N-terminal portion (NT-pro-BNP) have emerged as powerful tools in the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure on acute presentation. The aim of this work was to systematically review the effect of exercise training on BNP and NT-pro-BNP levels in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Methods: A systematic search was conducted of Medline (Ovid) (1950–July 2008), Embase.com (1974–current), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL (1981–current) and Web of Science (2000–current) to identify randomized controlled trials of aerobic and/or resistance exercise training in heart failure patients that measured BNP and/or pro-BNP. Primary outcome measures were changes in …


Clinical Diagnostic Criteria For Isolating Patients Admitted To Hospital With Suspected Pandemic Influenza, John Gerrard, Gerben Keijzers, Ping Zhang, Caleb Vossen, Deborough Macbeth Sep 2010

Clinical Diagnostic Criteria For Isolating Patients Admitted To Hospital With Suspected Pandemic Influenza, John Gerrard, Gerben Keijzers, Ping Zhang, Caleb Vossen, Deborough Macbeth

Gerben Keijzers

Extract: Australian hospitals have now experienced the first wave of pandemic H1N1 influenza during a southern hemisphere winter. Patients admitted to Australian hospitals with suspected pandemic influenza during this period were identified by use of approved national clinical diagnostic criteria. However, the imprecise nature of clinical diagnosis limited the ability of hospitals to isolate infectious patients effectively before the laboratory confirmation of infection (which typically takes a minimum of 48 h).


Single Drug Sedation With Fentanyl For Postintubation Sedation In Trauma Patients, Christopher Michetti, J Maguire, A Kaushik, T Boro, R Pullarkat, A Rizo, H Seoudi, M Meehan, L Robinson Aug 2010

Single Drug Sedation With Fentanyl For Postintubation Sedation In Trauma Patients, Christopher Michetti, J Maguire, A Kaushik, T Boro, R Pullarkat, A Rizo, H Seoudi, M Meehan, L Robinson

Christopher P. Michetti, M.D., F.A.C.S.

No abstract provided.


Perfil Dos Acidentes De Trabalho No Brasil, 2004-2007 / Analysis Of Labor Accidents In Brazil, 2004 - 2007, Everton Fernando Alves Aug 2010

Perfil Dos Acidentes De Trabalho No Brasil, 2004-2007 / Analysis Of Labor Accidents In Brazil, 2004 - 2007, Everton Fernando Alves

Everton Fernando Alves

Neste estudo sintetizam-se achados epidemiológicos de morbi- mortalidade decorrentes de acidentes de trabalho napopulação brasileira. O objetivo do estudo é descrever o perfil dos acidentes de trabalho no Brasil entre 2004 e 2007. Trata-se de um estudo descritivoexploratório utilizando como fonte de dados a estatística anual de acidentes do trabalho da Previdên- cia Social. Foram notificados 465.700 mil acidentesem 2004 e 653.090 em 2007, mostrando uma tendência ascendente nos acidentes com trabalhado- res formais no Brasil. Evidenciou-se que o estado de residência com maior acidentabilidade foi Santa Catarina com uma média de 577,3 acidentes para cada 100.000 trabalhadores. O aumento …


Psychometric Characteristics And Clinical Correlates Of Neo-Pi-R Fearless Dominance And Impulsive Antisociality In The Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study, Edward A. Witt, Christopher J. Hopwood, Leslie C. Morey, John C. Markowitz, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Carlos M. Grilo, Charles A. Sanislow, M. Tracie Shea, Andrew E. Skodol, John G. Gunderson, M. Brent Donnellan Aug 2010

Psychometric Characteristics And Clinical Correlates Of Neo-Pi-R Fearless Dominance And Impulsive Antisociality In The Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study, Edward A. Witt, Christopher J. Hopwood, Leslie C. Morey, John C. Markowitz, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Carlos M. Grilo, Charles A. Sanislow, M. Tracie Shea, Andrew E. Skodol, John G. Gunderson, M. Brent Donnellan

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

This study evaluates the validity of derived measures of the psychopathic personality traits of Fearless Dominance and Impulsive Antisociality from the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992) using data from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study (baseline N = 733). These 3 issues were examined: (a) the stability of the measures over a 10-year interval, (b) their criterion-related validity, and (c) their incremental validity relative to an alternative NEO-PI-R profile-rating approach for assessing psychopathy. NEO-PI-R Fearless Dominance and Impulsive Antisociality scales were relatively stable across 10 years and demonstrated differential associations with measures of personality pathology and psychopathology …


Substance Abuse Treatment For Persons With Co-Occurring Disorders, Stanley Sacks, Richard K. Ries, Douglas M. Ziedonis Aug 2010

Substance Abuse Treatment For Persons With Co-Occurring Disorders, Stanley Sacks, Richard K. Ries, Douglas M. Ziedonis

Douglas M. Ziedonis

Summary: This TIP, Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With Co-Occurring Disorders, revises TIP 9, Assessment and Treatment of Patients With Coexisting Mental Illness and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. The revised TIP provides information about new developments in the rapidly growing field of co-occurring substance use and mental disorders and captures the state-of-the-art in the treatment of people with co-occurring disorders. The TIP focuses on what the substance abuse treatment clinician needs to know and provides that information in an accessible manner. The TIP synthesizes knowledge and grounds it in the practical realities of clinical cases and real situations so …


Using Multiple Sources Of Data To Assess The Prevalence Of Diabetes At The Subcounty Level, Duval County, Florida, 2007, William C. Livingood, Luminita Razaila, Elena Reuter, Rebecca Filipowicz, Ryan C. Butterfield, Katryne Lukens-Bull, Linda Edwards, Carlos Palacio, David L. Wood Aug 2010

Using Multiple Sources Of Data To Assess The Prevalence Of Diabetes At The Subcounty Level, Duval County, Florida, 2007, William C. Livingood, Luminita Razaila, Elena Reuter, Rebecca Filipowicz, Ryan C. Butterfield, Katryne Lukens-Bull, Linda Edwards, Carlos Palacio, David L. Wood

David L. Wood

Introduction
Diabetes  rates  continue  to  grow  in  the  United  States. Effectively addressing the epidemic requires better under-standing of the distribution of disease and the geographic clustering  of  factors  that  influence  it.  Variations  in  the prevalence  of  diabetes  at  the  local  level  are  largely  unre-ported,  making  understanding  the  disparities  associated with the disease more difficult. Diabetes death rates during the past 15 years in Duval County, Florida, have been dis-proportionately high compared with the rest of the state.
Methods
We analyzed multiple sources of secondary data related to  diabetes  illness  and  death  in  Duval  County,  includ-ing  data  on  hospital  discharge,  emergency  …


Controle De Infecção Em Clínicas De Cirurgia Plástica / Infection's Control In Plastic Surgery Clinics, Everton Fernando Alves Jul 2010

Controle De Infecção Em Clínicas De Cirurgia Plástica / Infection's Control In Plastic Surgery Clinics, Everton Fernando Alves

Everton Fernando Alves

A infecção é a mais frequente e grave complicação que acomete pacientes que procuram serviços estéticos e/ou funcionais em clínicas de cirurgia plástica. Uma infecção hospitalar eleva os custos do processo, tanto para o paciente quanto para a empresa. Diante disso, torna-se importante a instalação de uma comissão de controle de infecção hospitalar, tendo como responsável um enfermeiro. A importância deste profissional se dá por meio da organização da Central de Material Estarilizado (CME), bem como do estabelecimento de outras medidas efetivas para a prevenção e controle de infecções nas clínicas apresentadas ao longo desse artigo.


Ultrasound In Anesthesia: Applying Scientific Principles To Clinical Practice, Christian R. Falyar Jul 2010

Ultrasound In Anesthesia: Applying Scientific Principles To Clinical Practice, Christian R. Falyar

Christian R Falyar

The use of ultrasound as an adjunct to invasive anesthesia procedures is becoming commonplace. The US Agency for Health Care Quality and the United Kingdom National Institute for Clinical Excellence have identified the role of ultrasound in improving patient safety. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of ultrasound, yet there have also been articles inferring it may not offer additional benefits to traditional landmark techniques. The major disadvantage often cited is that success is user-dependent, and using ultrasound is a unique skill that requires training and experience to become proficient. Modern ultrasound systems incorporate 2 sound technologies to provide users …


Antibiotics For Acute Otitis Media In Children (Review), Sharon Sanders, Paul P. Glasziou, Chris Del Mar, Maroeska Rovers Jul 2010

Antibiotics For Acute Otitis Media In Children (Review), Sharon Sanders, Paul P. Glasziou, Chris Del Mar, Maroeska Rovers

Paul Glasziou

Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common diseases in early infancy and childhood. Antibiotic use for AOM varies from 56% in the Netherlands to 95% in the USA and Australia. Objectives: To assess the effects of antibiotics for children with AOM. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2008, issue 2) which contains the Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) Group's Specialized Register; MEDLINE (1966 to June week 4 2008); OLDMEDLINE (1958 to 1965); EMBASE (January 1990 to July 2008); and Current Contents (1966 to July 2008). Selection criteria: Randomised …


Antibiotics For Acute Otitis Media In Children (Review), Sharon Sanders, Paul P. Glasziou, Chris Del Mar, Maroeska Rovers Jul 2010

Antibiotics For Acute Otitis Media In Children (Review), Sharon Sanders, Paul P. Glasziou, Chris Del Mar, Maroeska Rovers

Christopher Del Mar

Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common diseases in early infancy and childhood. Antibiotic use for AOM varies from 56% in the Netherlands to 95% in the USA and Australia. Objectives: To assess the effects of antibiotics for children with AOM. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2008, issue 2) which contains the Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) Group's Specialized Register; MEDLINE (1966 to June week 4 2008); OLDMEDLINE (1958 to 1965); EMBASE (January 1990 to July 2008); and Current Contents (1966 to July 2008). Selection criteria: Randomised …


Measuring Fall Risk And Predicting Who Will Fall: Clinimetric Properties Of Four Fall Risk Assessment Tools For Residential Aged Care, Anna Barker, Jennifer Nitz, Nancy Low Choy, Terry Haines Jul 2010

Measuring Fall Risk And Predicting Who Will Fall: Clinimetric Properties Of Four Fall Risk Assessment Tools For Residential Aged Care, Anna Barker, Jennifer Nitz, Nancy Low Choy, Terry Haines

Nancy Low Choy

Background: The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to describe the clinimetric evaluation of four fall risk assessment tools (FRATs) recommended in best practice guidelines for use in residential aged care (RAC). Methods: Eighty-seven residents, mean age 81.59 years ( SD ± 10.69), participated. The Falls Assessment Risk and Management Tool (FARAM), Peninsula Health Fall Risk Assessment Tool (PHFRAT), Queensland Fall Risk Assessment Tool (QFRAT), and Melbourne Fall Risk Assessment Tool (MFRAT) were completed at baseline, and 2 and 4 months, and falls occurring in the 6 months after the baseline assessment were recorded. Interrater agreement (kappa), predictive accuracy …


Vasoactive Neuropeptides In Clinical Ophthalmology: An Association With Autoimmune Retinopathy?, Donald R. Staines, Ekua W. Brenu, Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik Jul 2010

Vasoactive Neuropeptides In Clinical Ophthalmology: An Association With Autoimmune Retinopathy?, Donald R. Staines, Ekua W. Brenu, Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik

Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik

The mammalian eye is protected against pathogens and inflammation in a relatively immune-privileged environment. Stringent mechanisms are activated that regulate external injury, infection, and autoimmunity. The eye contains a variety of cells expressing vasoactive neuropeptides (VNs), and their receptors, located in the sclera, cornea, iris, ciliary body, ciliary process, and the retina. VNs are important activators of adenylate cyclase, deriving cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) from adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Impairment of VN function would arguably impede cAMP production and impede utilization of ATP. Thus VN autoimmunity may be an etiological factor in retinopathy involving perturbations of purinergic signaling. A sound blood …


Body Mass Index, Treatment Practices, And Mortality In Patients With Acute Heart Failure, Timothy Fitzgibbons, Olga Hardy, Darleen Lessard, Joel Gore, Jorge Yarzebski, Robert Goldberg Jul 2010

Body Mass Index, Treatment Practices, And Mortality In Patients With Acute Heart Failure, Timothy Fitzgibbons, Olga Hardy, Darleen Lessard, Joel Gore, Jorge Yarzebski, Robert Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF). Among patients presenting with acute HF, however, differences in clinical characteristics, treatment regimens, and short-term prognosis of varying weights are largely unknown, particularly from a broader population-based perspective. METHODS: A total of 3722 patients admitted with acute HF to 11 greater Worcester (Massachusetts, USA) hospitals during 1995 and 2000 were categorized as being lean (n = 216), normal weight (n = 1465), overweight (n = 1007), or obese (n = 1034) at the time of hospitalization. RESULTS: Obese patients with decompensated HF were significantly younger (mean age = …


Sex Differences In Symptom Presentation Associated With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Population-Based Perspective, Robert Goldberg, Caitlin O'Donnell, Jorge Yarzebski, Carol Bigelow, Judith Savageau, Joel Gore Jul 2010

Sex Differences In Symptom Presentation Associated With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Population-Based Perspective, Robert Goldberg, Caitlin O'Donnell, Jorge Yarzebski, Carol Bigelow, Judith Savageau, Joel Gore

Jorge L. Yarzebski

OBJECTIVES: To describe sex differences in symptom presentation after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) while controlling for differences in age and other potentially confounding factors. BACKGROUND: Although several studies have examined sex differences in diagnosis, management, and survival after AMI, limited data exist about possible sex differences in symptom presentation in the setting of AMI. METHODS: Community-based study of patients hospitalized with confirmed AMI in all 16 metropolitan Worcester, Mass., hospitals (1990 census population = 437,000). Men (n = 810) and women (n = 550) hospitalized with validated AMI in 1986 and 1988 comprised the study sample. RESULTS: After simultaneously controlling …


Effect Of Elevated Leukocyte Count On In-Hospital Mortality Following Acute Myocardial Infarction, Mark Furman, Richard Becker, Jorge Yarzebski, Judith Savageau, Joel Gore, Robert Goldberg Jul 2010

Effect Of Elevated Leukocyte Count On In-Hospital Mortality Following Acute Myocardial Infarction, Mark Furman, Richard Becker, Jorge Yarzebski, Judith Savageau, Joel Gore, Robert Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

The peripheral white blood cell count on presentation with acute myocardial infarction directly correlates with short-term in-hospital mortality. This association is independent of other prognostic factors, including extent and size of the acute myocardial infarction.