Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Proteomic Profiling Of Burkholderia Cenocepacia Clonal Isolates With Different Virulence Potential Retrieved From A Cystic Fibrosis Patient During Chronic Lung Infection., Siobhan Mcclean, Máire Callaghan, Jean Tyrrell, Isabelle Sa Correia

Articles

Respiratory infections with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) bacteria in cystic fibrosis (CF) are associated with a worse prognosis and increased risk of death. In this work, we assessed the virulence potential of three B. cenocepacia clonal isolates obtained from a CF patient between the onset of infection (isolate IST439) and before death with cepacia syndrome 3.5 years later (isolate IST4113 followed by IST4134), based on their ability to invade epithelial cells and compromise epithelial monolayer integrity. The two clonal isolates retrieved during late-stage disease were significantly more virulent than IST439. Proteomic profiling by 2-D DIGE of the last isolate recovered …

Developing An International Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Reference Panel., Anthony Desoyza, Amanda J. Hall, Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, Pavel Drevinek, Wieslaw Kaca, Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa, Stoyanka Stoitsova, Tom Coenye, James Zlosnik, Jane Burns, Isabelle Sa Correia, Daniel Devos, Jean-Paul Pirnay, Timothy Kidd, David Reid, Jim Manos, Jens Klockether, Litz Wiehlmann, Burkhard Tuemmler, Siobhan Mcclean, Craig Winstanley

Articles

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major opportunistic pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and causes a wide range of infections among other susceptible populations. Its inherent resistance to many antimicrobials also makes it difficult to treat infections with this pathogen. Recent evidence has highlighted the diversity of this species, yet despite this, the majority of studies on virulence and pathogenesis focus on a small number of strains. There is a pressing need for a P. aeruginosa reference panel to harmonize and coordinate the collective efforts of the P. aeruginosa research community. We have collated a panel of 43 P. aeruginosa strains …

Four Week Lumbopelvic-Hip Complex Intervention Program And Its Effects On Tuck Jump Assessment In Active Youth, Gretchen D. Oliver, Terry Dewitt

Articles

Injury in youth physical activity has become a major concern with the rising rate of participation. Lumbopelvic-hip complex (LPHC) stability, also known as core stability, has been found to contribute to proper force dissipation and ultimately more effective mechanics. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a LPHC neuromuscular strengthening program on at-risk youth using the Tuck Jump Assessment. Forty-five youth grades 6, 7, and 8 participated in the Tuck Jump Assessment. Then those participants who scores were indicative of 'at risk' were enrolled in a four-week LPHC intervention program. Those participants whose sores did …

A Comparative Cytotoxic Evaluation Of Acrylamide And Diacetone Acrylamide To Investigate Their Suitability For Holographic Photopolymer Formulations, Dervil Cody, Alan Casey, Izabela Naydenova, Emilia Mihaylova

Articles

The comparative cytotoxic evaluation of two monomers Diacetone Acrylamide (DA) and Acrylamide (AA), used in holographic photopolymer formulations, is reported. Two normal cell lines were used: BEAS-2B and HaCaT. Cellular viability was assessed using the MTT assay for three different exposure times. A difference of two orders of magnitude is observed in the Lethal Dose (LD50) concentrations of the two monomers. Diacetone Acrylamide exhibits a significantly lower toxicity profile in comparison to Acrylamide at all exposure times. This result justifies the replacement of Acrylamide with Diacetone Acrylamide in the photopolymer formulation, with the view to reducing occupational hazard risks for …

You Missed A Spot! Disinfecting Shared Mobile Phones, Roberta Basol, Jean Beckel, Judy Gildsdorf-Gracie, Amy Hilleren-Listerud, Terri Mccaffrey, Sherri Reischl, Pamela Rickbeil, Mary Schimnich, Kirsten Skillings, Mary A. Struffert

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The use of portable mobile devices has facilitated timely communication among healthcare team members. It's now a common practice for hospital-owned mobile phones to be shared among healthcare employees from shift to shift. Despite the benefit of increased, timely communication between caregivers, sharing mobile devices can lead to the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This article looks at the efficacy of two types of cleaning products on shared mobile phones carried by RNs at a 489-bed, Magnet-designated, Midwestern regional medical center. The cleaning methods evaluated were 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and ethyl alcohol wipes.

Emergent Fungal Entomopathogen Does Not Alter Density Dependence In A Viral Competitor, Andrew M. Liebhold, Ruth Plymale, Joseph S. Elkinton, Ann E. Hajek

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Population cycles in forest Lepidoptera often result from recurring density-dependent epizootics of entomopathogens. While these systems are typically dominated by a single pathogen species, insects are often infected by multiple pathogens, yet little is known how pathogens interact to affect host dynamics. The apparent invasion of northeastern North America by the fungal entomopathogen Entomophaga maimaiga some time prior to 1989 provides a unique opportunity to evaluate such interactions. Prior to the arrival of E. maimaga, the oscillatory dynamics of host gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, populations were apparently driven by epizootics of a nucleopolyhedrovirus. Subsequent to its emergence, E. …

Raman Spectroscopic Analysis Of Human Skin Tissue Sections Ex-Vivo: Evaluation Of The Effects Of Tissue Processing And Dewaxing, Syed Mehmood Ali, Franck Bonnier, Ali Tfayli, Helen Lambkin, Kathleen Flynn, Vincent Mcdonagh, Claragh Healy, Thomas Lee, Fiona Lyng, Hugh Byrne

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Raman spectroscopy coupled with K-means clustering analysis (KMCA) is employed to elucidate the biochemical structure of human skin tissue sections, and the effects of tissue processing. Both hand and thigh sections of human cadavers were analysed in their unprocessed and formalin fixed paraffin processed (FFPP) and subsequently dewaxed forms. In unprocessed sections, KMCA reveals clear differentiation of the stratum corneum, intermediate underlying epithelium and dermal layers for sections from both anatomical sites. The stratum corneum is seen to be relatively rich in lipidic content; the spectrum of the subjacent layers is strongly influenced by the presence of melanin, while that …

Isolation And Partial Characterization Of Bioactive Fucoxanthin From Himanthalia Elongata Brown Seaweed: A Tlc-Based Approach, Gaurav Rajauria, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam

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Seaweeds are important sources of carotenoids, and numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of these pigments on human health. In the present study, Himanthalia elongata brown seaweed was extracted with a mixture of low polarity solvents, and the crude extract was separated using analytical thin-layer chromatography (TLC).The separated compounds were tested for their potential antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes bacteria using TLC bioautography approach. For bio-autography, the coloured band on TLC chromatogram was visualized after spraying with DPPH and triphenyltetrazolium chloride reagents which screen antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, respectively, and only one active compound was screened …

The Development Of A Public Optometry System In Mozambique: A Cost Benefit Analysis, Stephen Thompson, James Loughman

Articles

The economic burden of uncorrected refractive error (URE) is thought to be high in Mozambique, largely as a consequence of the lack of resources and systems to tackle this largely avoidable problem. The Mozambique Eyecare Project (MEP) has established the first optometry training and human resource deployment initiative to address the burden of URE in Lusophone Africa. The nature of the MEP programme provides the opportunity to determine, using Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), whether investing in the establishment and delivery of a comprehensive system for optometry human resource development and public sector deployment is economically justifiable for Lusophone Africa.

Detecting Point-Like Sources Of Unknown Frequency Spectra, Raffaele Solimene, Giuseppe Ruvio, Angela Dell’Aversano, Antonio Cuccaro, Max Ammann, Rocco Pierri

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The problem of detecting point-like sources whose frequency spectrum is unknown is addressed. Limitations of single-frequency approaches are identified by analytical as well as numerical arguments. To overcome these limits, different multifrequency approaches which combine frequency data incoherently are compared. In particular, a novel multifrequency MUSIC-like algorithm based on interferometric concepts is proposed. Results show that the algorithm outperforms other methods under comparison.

Reductions In Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, And Respiratory Mortality Following The National Irish Smoking Ban: Interruped Time-Series Analysis, Sericea Stallings-Smith, Ariana Zeka, Patrick J. Goodman, Zubair Kabir, Luke Clancy

Articles

Background:

Previous studies have shown decreases in cardiovascular mortality following the implementation of comprehensive smoking bans. It is not known whether cerebrovascular or respiratory mortality decreases post-ban. On March 29, 2004, the Republic of Ireland became the first country in the world to implement a national workplace smoking ban. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of this policy on all-cause and cause-specific, non-trauma mortality.

Methods:

A time-series epidemiologic assessment was conducted, utilizing Poisson regression to examine weekly age and gender-standardized rates for 215,878 non-trauma deaths in the Irish population, ages $35 years. The study period was …

Cell Death Pathways In Directly Irradiated Cells And Cells Exposed To Medium From Irradiated Cells, K.K. Jella, Amaya Garcia, Brendan Mcclean, Hugh Byrne, Fiona Lyng

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Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare levels of apoptosis, necrosis, mitotic cell death and senescence after treatment with both direct radiation and irradiated cell conditioned medium. Materials and methods: Human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) were irradiated (0.005, 0.05 and 0.5 Gy) using a cobalt 60 teletherapy unit. For bystander experiments, the medium was harvested from donor HaCaT cells one hour after irradiation and transferred to recipient HaCaT cells. Clonogenic assay, apoptosis, necrosis, mitotic cell death, senescence and cell cycle analysis were measured in both directly irradiated cells and bystander cells Results: A reduction in cell survival was …

Visual Performance In Patients With Neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration Undergoing Treatment With Intravitreal Ranibizumab, Sarah Sabour-Pickett, James Loughman, John M. Nolan, Jim Stack, Pesudovs Pesudovs, Katherine A. Meagher, Stephen Beatty

Articles

Purpose. To assess visual function and its response to serial intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nv-AMD).

Methods. Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients with nv-AMD, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) logMAR 0.7 or better, undergoing intravitreal injections of ranibizumab, were enrolled into this prospective study. Visual function was assessed using a range of psychophysical tests, while mean foveal thickness (MFT) was determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results. Groupmean (±sd)MFT reduced significantly frombaseline (233±59)) to exit (205±40)) (p = 0.001). CDVA exhibited no change between baseline and exit visits (p = 0.48 …

Comparison Of Manual Versus Automated Data Collection Method For An Evidence-Based Nursing Practice Study, Matthew D. Byrne, T R. Jordan, Tamara Welle

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OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to investigate and improve the use of automated data collection procedures for nursing research and quality assurance.

METHODS:

A descriptive, correlational study analyzed 44 orthopedic surgical patients who were part of an evidence-based practice (EBP) project examining post-operative oxygen therapy at a Midwestern hospital. The automation work attempted to replicate a manually-collected data set from the EBP project.

RESULTS:

Automation was successful in replicating data collection for study data elements that were available in the clinical data repository. The automation procedures identified 32 "false negative" patients who met the inclusion criteria described in …

Generation Of Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species And Genotixity Effect To Exposure Of Nanosized Polyamidoamine (Pamam) Dendrimers In Plhc-1 Cells In Vitro, Pratap Naha, Hugh Byrne

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Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers elicit systematically variable cyto- and eco-toxic responses, promising the basis for structure activity relationships governing nanotoxicological responses. Increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), genotoxicity and apoptosis due to in-vitro exposure of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to dendrimer generations G-4, G-5 and G-6 is demonstrated. A generation dependent increase in ROS and genotoxicity was observed, consistent with our previous studies. The responses correlate well with the number of surface amino groups per generation. Although ROS production initially increases approximately linearly, it saturates at higher doses. Notably, normalised to molar dose of surface amino groups, the dose-dependent ROS …

Vibrational Spectroscopy In Sensing Radiobiological Effects: Analyses Of Targeted And Non-Targeted Effects In Human Keratinocytes, Aidan Meade, Orla L. Howe, Valerie Unterreiner, Ganesh Sockalingum, Hugh Byrne, Fiona Lyng

Articles

Modern models of radiobiological effects include mechanisms of damage initiation, sensing and repair, for those cells that directly absorb ionizing radiation as well as those that experience molecular signals from directly irradiated cells. In the former case, the effects are termed targeted effects while, in the latter, non-targeted effects. It has emerged that phenomena occur at low doses below 1Gy in directly irradiated cells which are associated with cell-cycle dependent mechanisms of DNA damage sensing and repair. Likewise in non-targeted bystander irradiated cells the effect saturates at 0.5Gy. Both effects at these doses challenge the limits of detection of vibrational …

Impact Of Computer Experience On The Viability And Repeatablity Of The Moorfields Motion Displacement Test In A Developing And Underserved African Setting, James Loughman, Carmen Gonzalez Alvarez, Gay Mary Verdon-Roe, Roger Anderson, Ramos Antonio Manuel, Kovin Naidoo

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Background: The current study was designed to explore the effect of computer experience on the viability and testretest repeatability of the Moorfields Motion Displacement Test (MMDT), a novel computer-driven glaucoma screening device, in an African community setting. Methods: 164 healthy subjects were recruited from a semi-rural Mozambican environment, and stratified according to computer experience (computer naïve: n=85, computer familiar: n=79). A suprathreshold screening test algorithm was employed, and the global probability of true damage (GPTD), testing time (TT) and false positive (FP) response rate were recorded. The visual field test was conducted twice on the same eye, and results compared …

Pulmonary Dwcnt Exposure Causes Sustained Local And Low-Level Systemic Inflammatory Changes In Mice, Furong Tian, Junja C. Habel-Ungewitter, Yin Renfu, Tobias Stoger

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Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) represent promising vectors to facilitate cellular drug delivery and to overcome biological barriers, but some types may also elicit persistent pulmonary inflammation based on their fibre characteristics. Here, we show the pulmonary response to aqueous suspensions of block copolymer dispersed, double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNT, length 1–10 lm) in mice by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis, and BAL and blood cytokine and lung antioxidant profiling. The intratracheally instilled dose of 50 lg DWCNT caused significant pulmonary inflammation that was not resolved during a 7- day observation period. Light microscopy investigation of the uptake of DWCNT agglomerates revealed no particle …

Raman Spectroscopy In Nanomedicine: Current Status And Future Perspectives, Hugh Byrne, Mark Keating

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Raman spectroscopy is a branch of vibration spectroscopy which is capable of probing the chemical composition of materials. Recent advances in Raman microscopy have added significantly to the range of applications which now extend from medical diagnostics to exploring interfaces between biological organisms and nanomaterials. In this review, Raman is introduced in a general context, highlighting some of the areas in which the technique has found success in the past, as well as some of the potential benefits it offers over other analytical modalities. The subset of Raman techniques which specifically probe the nanoscale, namely Surface Enhanced and Tip Enhanced …

A Short Chain Nad(H)-Dependent Alcohol Dehydrogenase (Hpscadh) From Helicobacter Pylori: A Role In Growth Under Neutral And Acidic Conditions., A. Kumari, Henry Windle, Denise Cornally, Barry Ryan, Gary Henehan

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Toxic aldehydes produced by alcohol dehydrogenases have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-related damage to the gastric mucosa. Despite this, the enzymes that might be responsible for producing such aldehydes have not been fully described. It was, therefore, of considerable interest to characterize the alcohol oxidizing enzymes in this pathogen. Previous work in this laboratory characterized two such H. pylori enzymes that had broad specificity for a range of aromatic alcohol substrates. An enzyme with broad specificity for aliphatic alcohols is likely to be required in order that H. pylori can metabolize the wide range of substrates encountered …

Overview Of Approaches To Preventing And Avoiding Proteolysis During Expression And Purification Of Proteins, Barry Ryan, Gary Henehan

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Proteases are enzymes that cleave proteins. They occur widely in nature and serve a fundamental role in cellular homeostasis; however, their presence can result in unwanted protein degradation during recombinant protein expression and purification. This unit introduces proteases, specifically outlining the types commonly encountered during production of recombinant proteins. The strategies used to avoid and to prevent proteolysis are also highlighted with extensive consideration of the molecular, technical, and logistical methodologies involved

Effect Of Alveolar Bone Support On Zygomatic Implants – An Fea Study, Michael Ring, Michael Freedman, Leo F.A Stassen

Articles

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of maxillary alveolar bone on the stress distribution of zygomatic implants. A three-dimensional finite element model was created of half of a skull. Two zygomatic implants were modelled, placed in the skull supported by the zygomatic bone and the maxillary alveolar bone and connected by a fixed bridge. This model was duplicated, and the area of the maxillary alveolar bone supporting the implants was removed. Occlusal and lateral forces were applied to both models and the maximum von Mises stresses were recorded. Higher maximum stresses were noted in the model …

Mothers Who Formula Feed: Their Practices, Support Needs And Factors Influencing Their Infant Feeding Decision., Roslyn Tarrant

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The majority of mothers in Ireland provide formula milk to their infants during the initial weeks postpartum; however, data are lacking on their formula feeding practices and support needs. This prospective Dublin-based observational study, which included 450 eligible mother-term infant pairs recruited and followed up to 6 months postpartum, aimed to advance our understanding of maternal formula feeding practices, their reasons for deciding to formula feed, sources of feeding information and perceived support needs; insights into infant formula milk consumption patterns in relation to current feeding guidelines are also provided. In summary, the vast majority of infants at 6 weeks …

Socio-Economic Differences In Food Group And Nutrient Intakes Among Young Women In Ireland, Daniel Mccartney, Katherine Younger, John Kearney

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The present study aimed to investigate socio-economic disparities in food and nutrient intakes among young Irish women. A total of 221 disadvantaged and seventy-four non-disadvantaged women aged 18–35 years were recruited. Diet was assessed using a diet history protocol. Of the total population, 153 disadvantaged and sixty-three non-disadvantaged women were classified as plausible dietary reporters. Food group intakes, nutrient intakes and dietary vitamin and mineral concentrations per MJ of energy consumed were compared between the disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged populations, as was compliance with dietary fibre, macronutrient and micronutrient intake guidelines. The disadvantaged women had lower intakes than the non-disadvantaged women …

Obesity Is An Independent Predictor Of Breastfeeding Initiation When Socioeconomic Status Is Controlled For, Annemarie Bennett, Daniel Mccartney, John Kearney

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Breastfeeding initiation rates vary across Europe, with rates as low as 56%(1) in Ireland and rates in excess of 90%(2) in the Nordic countries. A host of factors, including demographic, social, psychological and physical factors, influence the initiation, intensity and duration of breastfeeding. The extent to which modifiable factors influence breastfeeding initiation should be ascertained in order to prioritise support services for breastfeeding. Obesity is a known modifiable factor which inhibits breastfeeding initiation. This study aimed to determine the extent to which obesity inhibits breastfeeding initiation while controlling for socioeconomic status and other confounding factors. The Infant Cohort dataset from …

Dietary Quality In A Sample Of Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Ireland; A Cross-Sectional Case Control Study, A Murray, A Mc Morrow, E O Connor, C Kiely, Oscar Mac Ananey, D O'Shea, M Egana, F Lithander

Articles

BACKGROUND:

A number of dietary quality indices (DQIs) have been developed to assess the quality of dietary intake. Analysis of the intake of individual nutrients does not reflect the complexity of dietary behaviours and their association with health and disease. The aim of this study was to determine the dietary quality of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using a variety of validated DQIs.

METHODS:

In this cross-sectional analysis of 111 Caucasian adults, 65 cases with T2DM were recruited from the Diabetes Day Care Services of St. Columcille's and St. Vincent's Hospitals, Dublin, Ireland. Forty-six controls did not have …

Lipid Targets In Clinical Practice: Successes, Failures And Lessons To Be Learned, M Dunne, Oscar Mac Ananey, V Maher

Articles

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Optimal risk factor control is integral to managing patients with proven coronary heart disease (CHD+) and for those at risk of coronary heart disease (CHD-). The primary aim of the study was to assess the success rate of reaching lipid risk factor targets in a multiple risk factor clinic.

METHODS:

A retrospective audit was conducted in 488 patients (CHD+, n = 112; CHD-, n = 376) who attended the Cardiovascular Risk Factor Clinic at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin in 2009 and 2010.

RESULTS:

Risk factor targets achieved in CHD+ and CHD- patients were LDLc (54/62 %), HDLc (67/67 %), …

Suitability And Repeatability Of A Photostress Recovery Test Device, The Macular Degeneration Detector (Mdd-2), For Diabetes And Diabetic Retinopathy Assessment, James Loughman, Matthew Ratzlaff, Brittany Foerg, Paul Connell

Articles

Background: Diabetic retinopathy can result in impaired photostress recovery time despite normal visual acuity and fundoscopic appearance. The Macular Degeneration Detector (MDD-2) is a novel flash photostress recovery time device. In this study, we examine the repeatability of the MDD-2 in normal and diabetic subjects. Methods: One hundred and ninety one (90 women, 101 men) subjects were recruited and divided into 1 of the 3 study groups (normal controls, n = 40; diabetes no retinopathy, n = 98; nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, n = 53). Photostress recovery time was measured three times in the study eye using the MDD-2, each measurement …

Synthesis And Biochemical Activities Of Antiproliferative Amino Acid And Phosphate Derivatives Of Microtubule-Disrupting Beta-Lactam Combretastatins, Niamh M. O'Boyle, Lisa M. Greene, Niall O. Keely, Shu Wang, Tadhg S. Cotter, Daniela M. Zisterer, Mary J. Meegan

Articles

The synthesis and biochemical activities of novel water-soluble β-lactam analogues of combretastatin A-4 are described. The first series of compounds investigated, β-lactam phosphate esters 7a, 8a and 9a, exhibited potent antiproliferative activity and caused microtubule disruption in human breast carcinoma-derived MCF-7 cells. They did not inhibit tubulin polymerisation in vitro, indicating that biotransformation was necessary for their antiproliferative and tubulin binding effects in MCF-7 cells. The second series of compounds, β-lactam amino acid amides (including 10k and 11l) displayed potent antiproliferative activity in MCF-7 cells, disrupted microtubules in MCF-7 cells and also inhibited the polymerisation of …

Novel Cis-Restricted Β-Lactam Combretastatin A-4 Analogues Display Anti-Vascular And Anti-Metastatic Properties In Vitro, Seema M. Nathwani, Lisa M. Greene, Linda Hughes, Miriam Carr, Niamh O'Boyle, Susan Mcdonnell, Mary J. Meegan, Daniela M. Zisterer

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No abstract provided.