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1.
Mol Cell Proteomics ; 23(5): 100765, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38608840

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is an important bioplastic-producing industrial microorganism capable of synthesizing the polymeric carbon-rich storage material, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). PHA is sequestered in discrete PHA granules, or carbonosomes, and accumulates under conditions of stress, for example, low levels of available nitrogen. The pha locus responsible for PHA metabolism encodes both anabolic and catabolic enzymes, a transcription factor, and carbonosome-localized proteins termed phasins. The functions of phasins are incompletely understood but genetic disruption of their function causes PHA-related phenotypes. To improve our understanding of these proteins, we investigated the PHA pathways of P.putida KT2440 using three types of experiments. First, we profiled cells grown in nitrogen-limited and nitrogen-excess media using global expression proteomics, identifying sets of proteins found to coordinately increase or decrease within clustered pathways. Next, we analyzed the protein composition of isolated carbonosomes, identifying two new putative components. We carried out physical interaction screens focused on PHA-related proteins, generating a protein-protein network comprising 434 connected proteins. Finally, we confirmed that the outer membrane protein OprL (the Pal component of the Pal-Tol system) localizes to the carbonosome and shows a PHA-related phenotype and therefore is a novel phasin. The combined datasets represent a valuable overview of the protein components of the PHA system in P.putida highlighting the complex nature of regulatory interactions responsive to nutrient stress.


Subject(s)
Lipoproteins , Polyhydroxyalkanoates , Proteomics , Pseudomonas putida , Polyhydroxyalkanoates/metabolism , Pseudomonas putida/metabolism , Pseudomonas putida/genetics , Proteomics/methods , Lipoproteins/metabolism , Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Nitrogen/metabolism , Plant Lectins
2.
Eur J Neurol ; : e16405, 2024 Jul 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38973423

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Late-onset mitochondrial disorders are diagnostically challenging with significant heterogeneity in disease presentation. A case is reported of a 67-year-old gentleman who presented with a 3-month history of seizures, recurrent encephalopathy, ataxia and weight loss, preceded by recent initiation of haemodialysis for end-stage chronic kidney disease. METHODS: Extensive work-up including serological, cerebrospinal fluid, magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography was performed. Whole exome sequencing and muscle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging brain demonstrated a single non-enhancing T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense cortical/subcortical signal change in the right temporal lobe and cerebellar atrophy. Given the subacute presentation of uncertain aetiology, he was empirically treated for autoimmune/paraneoplastic encephalitis. Despite radiological resolution of the cortical abnormality 2 weeks later, there was no clinical improvement. Further collateral history unveiled a mildly ataxic gait and longstanding hearing loss suggestive of a genetic cause. Whole exome sequencing revealed a likely pathogenic, heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA variant in the MT-TV gene, m.1659T>C, present at higher levels of heteroplasmy in muscle (91%) compared to other mitotic tissues. A high fat/protein diet and multivitamins including co-enzyme Q10 were commenced. Treatment of the nutritional deficiency and avoidance of intermittent fasting due to unreliable oral intake secondary to encephalopathy probably contributed to the clinical improvement seen over the ensuing few months, with resolution of his encephalopathy and return to his baseline gait and weight. CONCLUSION: An adult case is reported with an acute neurological presentation mimicking encephalitis, caused by a heteroplasmic m.1659T>C MT-TV variant, previously reported once in a child who displayed a different clinical phenotype.

3.
J Interprof Care ; 37(5): 774-782, 2023 Sep 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36701334

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on an innovative interprofessional education (IPE) initiative conducted in three care homes across Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom (UK). Students from a variety of professions including nursing, physiotherapy, social work, podiatry, counseling, and sports rehabilitation worked collaboratively in the homes to address the residents' individual goals. We found that care homes provided students with many opportunities for interprofessional working and learning. Through better understanding the dimensions of different perspectives and approaches, students improved their education and transformed their perceptions of aged care. Having a diverse range of professionals allowed staff to gain insight into the latest evidence-based practice and address the multiple needs of the residents more holistically. Residents gained an enriched sense of meaning and purpose in their daily life by engaging in fulfilling and meaningful activities. The complexities of undertaking an IPE initiative in this setting are also considered and we conclude by proposing important avenues for future research.


Subject(s)
Interprofessional Relations , Students , Humans , Aged , Problem-Based Learning , United Kingdom , Learning
4.
Int J Eat Disord ; 54(1): 81-87, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32286723

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the spectrum of children with restrictive early onset eating disorders (EOEDs), defined as below 13 years of age, presenting to a tertiary institution in Asia and comparing them with older adolescents with eating disorders. METHODS: This is a retrospective case review of Asian children who were treated in an eating disorder center. Baseline characteristics and inpatient management at first presentation of children younger than 13 years of age (EOED) were compared to those in older adolescents. RESULTS: A total of 288 patients with restrictive eating disorders were analyzed with 53 (18%) patients having onset younger than age 13 at initial presentation. There were no significant differences in percentage weight loss and hospitalization rates between the two age groups. Patients with EOED presented with significantly shorter duration of symptoms, and lower rates of secondary amenorrhea. More patients with EOED required phosphate supplementation compared to those in older age group. CONCLUSION: Despite having a shorter duration of illness, Asian children with EOED had similar percentage weight loss and rates of admission due to malnutrition as those in older Asian adolescent patients. This study underlined the severity of EOEDs and the need for early recognition and medical assessment.


Subject(s)
Feeding and Eating Disorders , Adolescent , Asia/epidemiology , Child , Feeding and Eating Disorders/diagnosis , Feeding and Eating Disorders/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Retrospective Studies
5.
Int J Eat Disord ; 54(1): 107-116, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33290613

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the implementation of family-based treatment (FBT) in an eating disorder program in Asia as well as clinical outcomes of Asian adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) treated with FBT. METHOD: This retrospective consecutive cohort study of 147 Asian adolescents with AN was compared between those in FBT (n = 65) versus treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 82). Variables associated with weight restoration were analyzed between groups. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 14.2 (SD = 1.5) years and 93% were female. Mean presenting %mBMI was 74.0 (SD = 7.8) and average illness duration was 7.7 (SD = 6.1) months. The two groups' baseline characteristics were not significantly different. Weight restoration rates in the FBT group were significantly higher than the TAU group at 6-, 12-, and 24-month time points. A linear mixed model showed the mean %mBMI was significantly higher at 0, 6, 12, and 24 months in the FBT group. The median time to weight restoration for patients on FBT was shorter (FBT: 7.0 months, TAU: 19.0 months; 95% CI [14.5, 23.5] χ2 = 15.84, p < .001). Within the FBT group, those that completed ≥9 FBT sessions had significantly higher rates of weight restoration at 12 months. Across all participants, those with a lower starting %mBMI were less likely to achieve weight restoration by 12 months. CONCLUSION: FBT can be effectively implemented in a multidisciplinary eating disorder program managing Asian adolescents with AN with improved rates of weight restoration. Further research is needed to understand the predictors and moderators of remission using FBT in Asian adolescents with AN.


Subject(s)
Anorexia Nervosa , Family Therapy , Adolescent , Anorexia Nervosa/epidemiology , Anorexia Nervosa/therapy , Asia/epidemiology , Cohort Studies , Family Therapy/organization & administration , Female , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome
6.
Brain Topogr ; 31(3): 346-363, 2018 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29380079

ABSTRACT

Event-related potentials (ERPs) show promise to be objective indicators of cognitive functioning. The aim of the study was to examine if ERPs recorded during an oddball task would predict cognitive functioning and information processing speed in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients and controls at the individual level. Seventy-eight participants (35 MS patients, 43 healthy age-matched controls) completed visual and auditory 2- and 3-stimulus oddball tasks with 128-channel EEG, and a neuropsychological battery, at baseline (month 0) and at Months 13 and 26. ERPs from 0 to 700 ms and across the whole scalp were transformed into 1728 individual spatio-temporal datapoints per participant. A machine learning method that included penalized linear regression used the entire spatio-temporal ERP to predict composite scores of both cognitive functioning and processing speed at baseline (month 0), and months 13 and 26. The results showed ERPs during the visual oddball tasks could predict cognitive functioning and information processing speed at baseline and a year later in a sample of MS patients and healthy controls. In contrast, ERPs during auditory tasks were not predictive of cognitive performance. These objective neurophysiological indicators of cognitive functioning and processing speed, and machine learning methods that can interrogate high-dimensional data, show promise in outcome prediction.


Subject(s)
Brain/physiopathology , Cognition/physiology , Machine Learning , Multiple Sclerosis/psychology , Adult , Electroencephalography , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Multiple Sclerosis/physiopathology , Neuropsychological Tests , Scalp
7.
Clin Psychol Psychother ; 22(1): 22-31, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23983175

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Psychotic clients may be difficult to engage in psychological therapy, and many potential participants decline to participate in controlled trials of cognitive behavioural therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate psychotic patients' perspectives regarding therapy. DESIGN: The design was qualitative and used thematic analysis to investigate emerging themes. Methods A total of 46 inpatients with psychosis were interviewed about their views on therapy. Interview summaries were submitted to thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 41% of participants were rated as interested, 36% were rated as not interested and 23% appeared ambivalent, or their interest in therapy was unable to be assessed. Themes related to interest in therapy included the desire to build skills, to address (usually non-psychotic) symptoms and for a therapeutic relationship. Themes related to not wanting therapy included a denial of psychological problems, distrust in the healthcare system and psychologists and low perceived efficacy in therapy. CONCLUSIONS: A large minority of psychotic patients may be interested in therapy, although mostly not to address psychotic symptoms. Future research on pre-treatment approaches to disconfirm negative perceptions and increase interest in therapy is warranted. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: The reasons why some patients with psychosis are not interested in receiving psychological therapy may relate to past negative experiences with psychologists, negative perceptions of psychologists as a group and low perceived efficacy of therapy. These barriers may be addressed through interactions with psychotic patients during an admission to a hospital that disconfirms these perceptions and provides a positive alternative experience with a psychologist. Patients who are hospitalized with psychosis may be interested in receiving psychological therapy; however, the reason for this likely will not be to address psychotic symptoms. Rather, the therapist should be willing to work with the patient on a range of other presenting problems. If a patient has a lack of insight into their psychotic symptoms, this does not always negate them from perceiving other psychological problems for which they may desire support in addressing. Thus, therapists should be encouraged to approach all psychotic patients on a ward, even when there is an apparent lack of awareness of their psychotic symptoms. The themes related to patients' perspectives were generated from psychologists' summaries of interviews with patients and not directly from verbatim transcripts. Although this meant that the reasons given for participants being interested or not interested in therapy were interpreted by the psychologist, efforts were made to relate the exact reasons provided by the participants. Eighteen (29%) of the potential participants were not interviewed, usually as a result of their being discharged or transferred prior to arrangement of an interview. This meant we were unable to capture the views of these patients. Discharge prior to being seen by a psychologist is a barrier to engaging a patient in therapy and preventing them falling through the gaps of service provision.


Subject(s)
Inpatients/psychology , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/psychology , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Psychotherapy/statistics & numerical data , Psychotic Disorders/psychology , Psychotic Disorders/therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Hospitalization , Humans , Inpatients/statistics & numerical data , Interviews as Topic , Male , Young Adult
8.
Mult Scler ; 19(10): 1349-54, 2013 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23413298

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The validity of self-rated anxiety inventories in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is unclear. However, the appropriateness of self-reported depression scales has been widely examined. Given somatic symptom overlap between depression and MS, research emphasises caution when using such scales. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates symptom overlap between anxiety and MS in a group of 33 individuals with MS, using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). METHODS: Participants underwent a neurological examination and completed the BAI. RESULTS: A novel procedure using hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three distinct symptom clusters. Cluster one ('wobbliness' and 'unsteady') grouped separately from all other BAI items. These symptoms are well-recognised MS-related symptoms and we question whether their endorsement in pwMS can be considered to reflect anxiety. A modified 19-item BAI (mBAI) was created which excludes cluster one items. This removal reduced the number of MS participants considered 'anxious' by 21.21% (low threshold) and altered the level of anxiety severity for a further 27.27%. CONCLUSION: Based on these data, it is suggested that, as with depression measures, researchers and clinicians should exercise caution when using brief screening measures for anxiety in pwMS.


Subject(s)
Anxiety/complications , Multiple Sclerosis/psychology , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Adult , Cluster Analysis , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult
9.
Nurs Older People ; 2023 Mar 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36987777

ABSTRACT

Interprofessional learning can offer students from different disciplines an opportunity to learn from, with and about each other. Additionally, practice placements in care home settings can offer students a rich learning experience. In 2021, a pilot interprofessional student placement initiative in care homes took place in the Manchester area, with three care homes and 17 students from a range of health and social care disciplines. In this article, the members of the core operational group that implemented the initiative reflect on their experiences. Using the 'What? So what? Now what?' reflective framework, they describe the context of the initiative, explore the lessons learned and make recommendations for future initiatives. The authors' intention is to inspire other educators to consider offering interprofessional placements to students, recognise the value of care homes as placement settings, and acknowledge the benefits of using reflection-in-action and reflective frameworks in healthcare education and practice.

10.
Ir J Med Sci ; 192(4): 1993-2000, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36935446

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The annual conference of the Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) is a key calendar event for ophthalmology research in Ireland. AIMS: We investigated whether there were identifiable trends across various domains for the last twelve ICO meetings. Our objectives were to assess subspeciality and training centre representation, as well as the characteristics of the first author to include gender and stage of training. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of paper and poster presentations from the ICO annual conference yearbooks was conducted. The representation of subspecialties, affiliated institutions, and gender distribution were noted for both categories. For paper presentations, the author's career stage, full-text publication rates, and impact factors were also determined. RESULTS: A total of 306 paper presentations and 306 poster presentations were analysed. The subspecialty of retina had the highest representation within both sections. The overall mean publication rate was 38% (range, 6-39%), with a mean journal impact factor of 2.02. No statistically significant differences in gender noted with regard to poster, paper, or publications (p < 0.9, p < 0.1, p < 0.7, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first review of all research contributions to the ICO conference. We found that there is a need to promote research in some underrepresented subspecialities and training centres. No significant gender bias was found. There is scope to improve the publication conversion rate; this would allow for greater dissemination of the research presented at the ICO meeting.


Subject(s)
Ophthalmologists , Male , Female , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Sexism , Journal Impact Factor , Ireland
11.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry ; 83(1): 44-8, 2012 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21849338

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Red flags and atypical symptoms have been described as being useful in suggesting alternative diagnoses to multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS); however, their diagnostic utility has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to establish the predictive value of red flags and the typicality/atypicality of symptoms at presentation in relation to the final diagnosis of patients referred with suspected MS. METHODS: All patients referred with suspected MS over a 3-year period were assessed by the typicality of the clinical presentation and the occurrence of red flags in relation to the eventual diagnosis. The extent of agreement of trainee and consultant neurologists as to typicality of clinical presentations was determined. RESULTS: Of 244 patients referred, 119 (49%) had MS/CIS and 125 (51%) did not. 41 patients were referred because of an abnormal MRI. Of 203 with clinical symptoms, 96 patients had atypical symptoms of whom, 81 (84%) did not have MS and 15 (16%) had MS/CIS. Typical symptoms occurred in 107 patients; 10% did not have MS/CIS. Atypical symptoms had a sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 90% and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 8.4, whereas red flags had a sensitivity of 47%, specificity of 88% and PLR of 3.9 for the exclusion of MS/CIS. Mean percentage agreement between consultants and trainees was 73% with a range of 32-96%. CONCLUSIONS: Atypical features at presentation are more sensitive, specific and have a higher PLR than red flags to refute a diagnosis of MS/CIS.


Subject(s)
Multiple Sclerosis/diagnosis , Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis , Brain/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Multiple Sclerosis/pathology , Multiple Sclerosis/physiopathology , Nervous System Diseases/pathology , Nervous System Diseases/physiopathology , Referral and Consultation , Sensitivity and Specificity , Spinal Cord/pathology
12.
Mult Scler ; 18(12): 1797-800, 2012 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22457344

ABSTRACT

Although vitamin D deficiency is considered an environmental factor in multiple sclerosis (MS), the immunological and clinical effects of vitamin D supplementation remain unclear. We performed a pilot study of the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D in healthy individuals (n=4), who took 5000-10,000 IU/day of vitamin D over 15 weeks. After 15 weeks of vitamin D supplementation, serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels rose significantly from baseline, with a corresponding increase in IL-10 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and a reduced frequency of Th17 cells. These data provide a strong rationale for randomised trials to assess the clinical effects of vitamin D supplementation in MS.


Subject(s)
Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects , Vitamin D/administration & dosage , Vitamins/administration & dosage , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Humans , Interleukin-10/biosynthesis , Pilot Projects , Th17 Cells/drug effects , Vitamin D/blood , Vitamins/blood
13.
Dementia (London) ; 21(8): 2442-2457, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35971884

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 and the resulting limitations on freedom of movement has been difficult for many, including individuals living with dementia and those who provide support and care. In the summer of 2021, England's national lockdown measures eased, and regulations were amended to allow indoor social gatherings. With this enabling a return to in-person meetings, this study explored the experiences of people living with dementia and current and former care partners who had previously attended groups at Salford Institute for Dementia (UK). Two phases of research were conducted. In the first phase, during the summer of 2020, telephone interviews were utilised to ask participants (n = 13) about their views of re-engagement and how the in-person groups might be best reintroduced. Phase two began in the summer of 2021, where mood questionnaires (n = 10) were administered and observations conducted to explore how participants experienced the return to in-person meetings. Thematic analysis resulted in the construction of three overarching themes: planning for and the reality of transitioning; safety versus autonomy; and tensions and complexities of life in the 'new normal'. Despite initial concerns about their reintegration into the community, participants all enjoyed resuming in-person meetings. An inclusive and consultative approach to re-engagement allowed all participants to feel valued, safe, and informed about their return to campus. However, individuals living with dementia and care partners experienced the transition to re-engagement in different ways and their perceptions shifted over time. We therefore highlight the complexities of responding to different perceptions of risk and safety, while also promoting engagement and inclusivity after a period of social isolation. In this paper, we consider implications for the re-integration of individuals with dementia and their care partners into in-person social groups and propose further avenues for research.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Dementia , Humans , Caregivers , Communicable Disease Control , Group Processes
14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33437143

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is one of the most serious treatment-related complications that is encountered in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). PML is a serious complication of MS treatment which is most commonly related to natalizumab. CASE PRESENTATION: We report clinical course of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in a 40-year-old man who was on treatment for highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with natalizumab (Nz). He was treated with steroids, cidofovir, and mirtazapine and went on to develop long-term disability. The case describes the evolution of PML from diagnosis up till 5 months with changes on sequential brain scans and clinical symptoms in our patient. CONCLUSION: Patients who are on natalizumab should be aware and consented for the risk of PML. They should be periodically re-assessed for their relative PML risk. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests switching patients from natalizumab who have a higher risk of PML to other safer treatment options.

15.
Singapore Med J ; 62(1): 39-47, 2021 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33619579

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the LITE (Lifestyle Intervention for TEenagers) group programme, a family-based behavioural lifestyle intervention for overweight and obese adolescents. METHODS: We conducted a two-arm randomised controlled trial that recruited overweight and obese adolescents who attended a tertiary care weight management clinic. Participants were randomised to the LITE programme or usual care. The primary outcome assessed was body mass index (BMI) z-score. Secondary outcomes of anthropometric measurements, metabolic profile, parenting and adolescents' perception of family support were measured at baseline, three months and six months. Feasibility and acceptability of the LITE programme were also evaluated. RESULTS: 61 adolescents were enrolled, with 31 in the LITE programme and 30 in usual care. At three months, participants in the programme had a greater reduction in weight (-0.18 ± 2.40 kg vs. 1.48 ± 1.97 kg; p = 0.107), waist circumference (-1.0 ± 3.1 cm vs. 2.4 ± 2.7 cm; p = 0.016), waist-height ratio (-0.01 ± 0.02 vs. 0.01 ± 0.02; p = 0.040) and systolic blood pressure (-3.8 ± 13.7 vs. 5.7 ± 13.1; p = 0.119) compared to the usual care group. There was no significant difference in BMI z-score. At six months, there were significant improvements in adolescents' perception of family support for eating habits in the LITE group compared to the usual care group. The LITE programme had a good attendance rate of 67.7% and was well received. CONCLUSION: The LITE programme showed feasibility and short-term clinical effectiveness in improving some clinical outcomes and improved adolescents' perception of family support.


Subject(s)
Pediatric Obesity , Adolescent , Behavior Therapy , Body Mass Index , Humans , Life Style , Pediatric Obesity/therapy , Pilot Projects
16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32372857

ABSTRACT

The novel coronavirus which emerged in Wuhan province of China has taken world by surprise. Since been diagnosed in December 2019, it has been termed a "Pandemic" and there is a growing concern in physicians across the globe. As new evidence is emerging, there are various preventative strategies which are being deployed. Multiple sclerosis patients who are on disease modifying therapies (DMTs) might be at a higher risk of acquiring or a poorer outcome due to their immune status. This review looks at the available evidence in managing this global crisis.

17.
J AOAC Int ; 102(2): 570-579, 2019 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30053917

ABSTRACT

Background: Solus One Listeria is designed to accurately detect Listeria species (Listeria grayi, L. innocua, L. ivanovii, L. marthii, L. monocytogenes, L. seeligeri, and L. welshimeri) from stainless steel and plastic environmental surface matrixes using an antibody-based technology test system paired with proprietary SOLO+ media and combined with manual or automated sample preparation method. Objective: Solus One Listeria was evaluated for inclusivity and exclusivity and a matrix comparison study for two environmental surfaces. Methods: Solus One Listeria was compared with the following reference method for the method comparison study: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual Chapter 10 from stainless steel and plastic environmental surfaces. Both the manual and automated preparation methods were performed for stainless steel and plastic environmental surfaces. Results: For the inclusivity and exclusivity evaluation, Solus One Listeria correctly identified all 50 target organism isolates and correctly excluded all 30 nontarget strains that were analyzed. In the method comparison study, both Solus One Listeria manual and automated preparation methods demonstrated no significant differences based on probability of detection statistical analysis between presumptive and confirmed results or between candidate and reference method results for two environmental surfaces after 22-30 h of enrichment time. Probability of detection analysis of Solus One Listeria method robustness, product consistency (lot-to-lot), and stability studies using the automated preparation method demonstrated no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The data from the study support the product claims of Solus One Listeria for the accurate detection of Listeria species, using both the manual and automated methods (using the Dynex DS2 instrument), on both environmental surfaces analyzed.


Subject(s)
Bacteriological Techniques , Listeria/isolation & purification , Plastics/chemistry , Stainless Steel/chemistry , Species Specificity , Surface Properties , United States , United States Food and Drug Administration
18.
J AOAC Int ; 102(4): 1145-1161, 2019 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30728092

ABSTRACT

Background: Solus One Salmonella is designed to accurately detect Salmonella species (Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica, salamae, arizonae, diarizonae, houtenae, indica, and Salmonella bongori) from select food matrixes and stainless-steel and plastic environmental surfaces. Solus One Salmonella uses an antibody-based technology test system that is paired with media and our proprietary media supplement, the Solus One Salmonella supplement combined with a manual or automated sample preparation method. Objective: Solus One Salmonella was evaluated for inclusivity and exclusivity, and a matrix comparison study was done for six food matrixes (raw beef trim, pasteurized liquid egg, raw salmon, cheddar cheese, Romaine lettuce, nonfat dry milk) and two environmental surfaces (stainless steel and polystyrene). Methods: Solus One Salmonella was compared with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual Chapter 5: Salmonella (July 2018) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Manual, 4.09 (January 2017) in the matrix study. Both the manual and automated sample preparation methods were performed for cheddar cheese and stainless-steel environmental surfaces. Results: For the inclusivity and exclusivity evaluation, Solus One Salmonella correctly detected all 108 target organism isolates and correctly excluded all 35 nontarget strains that were analyzed. Conclusions: In the method comparison study, both Solus One Salmonella manual and automated sample preparation methods demonstrated no significant differences based on probability of detection (POD) statistical analysis between presumptive and confirmed results or between candidate and reference method results for the six food matrixes after 20-22 h and two environmental surfaces after 16-20 h of enrichment time. POD analysis of Solus One Salmonella method robustness, product consistency, and stability studies using the automated sample preparation method demonstrated no statistically significant differences.


Subject(s)
Bacteriological Techniques/methods , Food Contamination/analysis , Polystyrenes , Salmonella/isolation & purification , Stainless Steel , Animals , Cattle , Equipment Contamination , Food Microbiology/methods
19.
Int J Stroke ; 13(3): 257-267, 2018 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29134927

ABSTRACT

Background Cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation is an increasingly recognized condition, characterized by an inflammatory response to the vascular deposits of ß-amyloid within the brain that are the hallmark of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Two main patterns of this inflammatory response have been identified to date: one involving a perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrate (cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation); the other a transmural vasculitic process (A-beta related angiitis). Unlike cerebral amyloid angiopathy itself, which predisposes to intracerebral hemorrhage and has no known treatment, cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation typically presents in diverse ways and diagnosis may be challenging and delayed. Aims We sought to summarize the clinical features, imaging appearances and available data on outcome and treatment responses, using information derived from a systematic review of pathologically proven cases of cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation. Summary of review We identified 213 distinct pathologically proven cases of cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation/A-beta related angiitis, from 104 publications. The clinical presentation, imaging features, pathology, treatment, and outcomes of cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation are described. Conclusions Cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation is an important and increasingly recognized clinical condition, which affects the older patient population and presents most commonly with cognitive decline, seizures, and headaches. Future research is required to develop and validate diagnostic criteria and determine optimum treatment strategies.


Subject(s)
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy , Inflammation , Neuroimaging/methods , Treatment Outcome , Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy/complications , Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy/diagnostic imaging , Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy/therapy , Humans , Inflammation/complications , Inflammation/diagnostic imaging , Inflammation/therapy
20.
BMC Res Notes ; 11(1): 516, 2018 Jul 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30055654

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of healthcare providers and the cost of the current institutional e-resources in an adult oncology setting. To assess the awareness, accessibility, and utilization of the available intranet e-resources, a survey questionnaire was distributed to all oncology healthcare practitioners (physicians, nurses, and pharmacists) in an adult oncology center. The e-resources were divided into two main categories: pre-paid and institution-specific. The cost of the pre-paid e-resources was obtained from the relevant department. The cost of the institution-specific e-resources was calculated based on the human cost spent developing these e-resources; the cost of the information technology (IT) and the organizational overhead were also taken into consideration. RESULTS: Institution-specific e-resources constituted the majority (62%) versus (38%) for pre-paid. The overall awareness, access, and frequent utilization of institution-specific e-resources, as compared to pre-paid e-resources, were low (< 50%). The cost of the institution-specific e-resources was $1,137,196, which was more than ten times higher than the pre-paid e-resources. This study identifies the general lack of awareness and utilization of institutional e-resources. The low utilization coupled with the high cost of the institution-specific e-resources makes pre-paid e-resources an attractive alternative for any institution.


Subject(s)
Cancer Care Facilities/statistics & numerical data , Electronic Health Records/statistics & numerical data , Health Resources/economics , Medical Oncology/economics , Adult , Cancer Care Facilities/economics , Delivery of Health Care , Humans , Pharmacists , Physicians
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