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1.
J Environ Radioact ; 278: 107499, 2024 Jul 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39079350

ABSTRACT

Certified reference material (CRM) for natural (40K,210Pb,210Po,226Ra,228Ra,228Th,230Th,232Th,234U,235U, and238U) and anthropogenic (137Cs,239+240Pu, and241Am) radionuclides in marine sediment from the Baltic Sea (IAEA-465) has been developed. Information values are given for 238Pu,239Pu and240Pu. Altogether 27 laboratories participated in this exercise. Radiometric (alpha-spectrometry, gamma-spectrometry and beta counting, as well as mass spectrometry (ICP-MS and AMS) techniques were applied in measurements. The CRM is intended to be used for Quality Assurance/Quality Control of radionuclide analyses, for the development and validation of analytical methods, for the development of reference methods and for training purposes.

2.
J Environ Radioact ; 278: 107485, 2024 Jun 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38945105

ABSTRACT

244Pu (T1/2 = 81 My) is the longest-lived, most minor, and the most understudied Pu isotope. The anthropogenic production of 244Pu is linked to nuclear detonations. Reported 244Pu/239Pu atom ratios in environmental samples range from below 10-6 to above 10-3. This work discusses the performance of the 1 MV Accelerator Mass Spectrometry system at the Centro Nacional de Aceleradores (CNA, Seville, Spain) to analyse 244Pu at environmental levels. The presence of 232Th traces in the Pu sample limits the sensitivity of the technique through the formation of the diatomic trication (232Th12C)3+, of mass 244 u, which must be suppressed by adjusting the stripper gas pressure. A244Pu background of 0.0075 fg (2 × 104 at) is demonstrated for samples that have undergone a chemical treatment. The reliability of the technique is proved through the analysis of three reference sediments provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA-412, IAEA-465, IAEA-385). 244Pu results are complemented with 239Pu, 240Pu, 241Pu and 236U and their relative isotopic abundances are discussed.

3.
J Pediatr Orthop ; 2024 Jun 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38938097

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Circumferential integrity of bivalved casts (cut twice longitudinally) can be restored by overwrapping with different materials. This study compared the mechanical properties of solid casts and bivalved casts overwrapped with semirigid fiberglass (SF), elastic bandages (EB), and rigid fiberglass (RF) using an overwrapped-bivalved cast-bone fracture (OBCBF) model. METHODS: This study used an MTS Bionix Servohydraulic system to test properties of OBCBF models in 4 conditions: intact Control made of RF (not bivalved or overwrapped), a Rigid overwrapped model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with RF, a Semirigid overwrapped model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with SF, and an Elastic model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with EB. Constructs were tested in 4-point bending. Force-displacement curves (FDC) were generated to calculate load-at-critical-failure (LCF, angulation > 10 degrees = 6.6 mm vertical deformation) and stiffness. RESULTS: Five controls and 30 OBCBF models with 3 overwrapped cast types were tested, with each overwrapped cast type tested with 2 orientations of the initial cast bivalve axis, yielding 7 conditions (Control, Rigid 0 degrees, Rigid 90 degrees, Semirigid 0 degrees, Semirigid 90 degrees, Elastic 0 degrees, Elastic 90 degrees). Mean LCF was: Rigid 90 degrees > Rigid 0 degrees > Control > Semirigid 0 degrees > Semirigid 90 degrees > Elastic 90 degrees > Elastic 0 degrees (P<0.0001). Mean stiffness was: Rigid 0 degrees > Rigid 90 degrees > Control > Semirigid 90 degrees > Semirigid 0 degrees > Elastic 0 degrees > Elastic 90 degrees (P<0.0001). Multiple comparisons indicated no significant difference between LCF and stiffness for Semirigid 0 degrees/90 degrees casts compared with Controls. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical properties of overwrapped bivalved casts change depending on the materials used to overwrap, with higher LCF and stiffness when overwrapping with RF > SF > EB; however, mean comparisons indicate that rigid bivalved casts overwrapped with SF did not have significantly different mean stiffness and LCF from controls and other cast models. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study compares the bending properties of a bivalved cast-construct overwrapped with different materials, providing basic science evidence for orthopaedic surgeons who have several choices of materials to overwrap bivalved casts.

4.
OTO Open ; 7(4): e93, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38034062

ABSTRACT

Objective: Tracheostomy tube change is a multistep skill that must be performed rapidly and precisely. Despite the critical importance of this skill, there is wide variation in teaching protocols. Methods: An innovative operant conditioning teaching methodology was employed and compared to traditional educational techniques. Medical student volunteers at a tertiary care academic institution (Albert Einstein College of Medicine) were recruited and randomly distributed into 2 groups: operant vs traditional (control). Following the educational session, each group was provided with practice time and then asked to perform 10 tracheostomy tube changes. Performance was recorded and scored by blinded raters using deidentified video recordings. Results: The operant learning group (OLG) demonstrated greater accuracy in performing a tracheostomy tube change than the traditional demonstration group. Twelve of 13 operant learners performed the skill accurately each time compared to 3 of 13 in the traditional group (P = 0.002). The median lesson time was longer for the OLG (535 seconds) than for the traditional group, (200 seconds P < 0.001). The average time per tracheostomy change was not significantly different between the 2 groups (operant learners mean 7.1 seconds, traditional learners mean 7.5 seconds, P = 0.427). Discussion: Although the operant conditioning methodology necessarily requires a greater time to teach, the results support this methodology over traditional learning modalities as it enhances accuracy in the acquired skill. Operant learning methodology is under consideration for other skills and education sessions in our program. Future steps include the application and adaptation of this education model to students and residents in other settings and fields. Implications for Practice: Operant learning is effective for teaching multistep skills such as tracheostomy tube changes with decreased error rates.

5.
Gen Hosp Psychiatry ; 81: 46-50, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36764261

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Predicting risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the acute care setting is challenging given the pace and acute care demands in the emergency department (ED) and the infeasibility of using time-consuming assessments. Currently, no accurate brief screening for long-term PTSD risk is routinely used in the ED. One instrument widely used in the ED is the 27-item Immediate Stress Reaction Checklist (ISRC). The aim of this study was to develop a short screener using a machine learning approach and to investigate whether accurate PTSD prediction in the ED can be achieved with substantially fewer items than the IRSC. METHOD: This prospective longitudinal cohort study examined the development and validation of a brief screening instrument in two independent samples, a model development sample (N = 253) and an external validation sample (N = 93). We used a feature selection algorithm to identify a minimal subset of features of the ISRC and tested this subset in a predictive model to investigate if we can accurately predict long-term PTSD outcomes. RESULTS: We were able to identify a reduced subset of 5 highly predictive features of the ISRC in the model development sample (AUC = 0.80), and we were able to validate those findings in the external validation sample (AUC = 0.84) to discriminate non-remitting vs. resilient trajectories. CONCLUSION: This study developed and validated a brief 5-item screener in the ED setting, which may help to improve the diagnostic process of PTSD in the acute care setting and help ED clinicians plan follow-up care when patients are still in contact with the healthcare system. This could reduce the burden on patients and decrease the risk of chronic PTSD.


Subject(s)
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Humans , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/diagnosis , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , Longitudinal Studies , Emergency Service, Hospital
6.
Cogn Affect Behav Neurosci ; 23(3): 666-677, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36702993

ABSTRACT

Probability distortion-the tendency to underweight larger probabilities and overweight smaller ones-is a robust empirical phenomenon and an important driver of suboptimal choices. We reveal a novel contextual effect on probability distortion that depends on the composition of the choice set. Probability distortion was larger in a magnitude-diverse choice set (in which participants encountered more unique magnitudes than probabilities) but declined, resulting in more veridical weighting, in a probability-diverse choice set (more unique probabilities than magnitudes). This effect was consistent in two, large, independent datasets (N = 481, N = 100) and held for a subset of lotteries that were identical in the two contexts. It also developed gradually as a function of exposure to the choice set, was independent of attentional biases to probability versus magnitude information, and was specific to probability weighting, leaving risk attitudes unaffected. The results highlight the importance of context when processing probabilistic information.


Subject(s)
Attentional Bias , Humans , Probability , Attitude , Choice Behavior , Decision Making , Risk-Taking
7.
ESMO Open ; 7(6): 100648, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36462463

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An effect of non-oncology medications on cancer outcome has been proposed. In this study, we aimed to systematically examine the impact of commonly prescribed non-oncology drugs on clinical risk and on the genomic risk [based on the Oncotype DX recurrence score (RS)] in early breast cancer (BC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We collected data on clinical risk (stage and grade), genomic risk (Oncotype DX RS), and on non-oncology medications administered to 1423 patients with estrogen receptor-positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative BC during the month of their surgery. The influence of various medications on clinical and genomic risks was evaluated by statistical analysis. RESULTS: Out of the multiple drugs we examined, levothyroxine was significantly associated with a high Oncotype DX RS (mean 24.78; P < 0.0001) and metformin with a low Oncotype DX RS (mean 14.87; P < 0.01) compared with patients not receiving other non-oncology drugs (mean 18.7). By contrast, there were no differences in the clinical risk between patients receiving metformin, levothyroxine, or no other non-oncology drugs. Notably, there was no association between the consumption of levothyroxine and metformin and proliferation marker (Ki67) levels, but both drugs were significantly associated with progesterone-related features, suggesting that they influence genomic risk through estrogen-dependent signaling. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate a significant impact of metformin and levothyroxine on clinical decisions in luminal BC, with potential impact on the clinical course of these patients.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Metformin , Humans , Female , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/metabolism , Thyroxine , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/genetics , Genomics
8.
Rev Sci Instrum ; 93(8): 083510, 2022 Aug 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36050101

ABSTRACT

We present a systematic method to absolutely calibrate detector efficiency vs photon energy using a laser produced plasma broadband x-ray source, a gold standard calibrated detector, and transmission gratings (TGs) as dispersive elements. Calibration uses one calibrated TG and a calibrated gold standard detector on one channel and a second calibrated TG and a detector to be calibrated on the other channel. Both channels simultaneously view the laser-produced plasma x-ray source from the same angle with respect to the laser beam and the planar target normal. Image plate detectors are calibrated for the first time at photon energies below 700 eV. Single shot simultaneous calibration of several detectors is possible, making this method an efficient and practical way to periodically calibrate detectors, using in-house capabilities of laser laboratories.

9.
J Hand Surg Am ; 2022 Jul 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35843761

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We developed 2 complementary low-fidelity models to be used to create the tool skills needed to perform small joint arthroscopy. The purpose of the study was to establish the face and construct validity of the 2 models. METHODS: The "foundation model" was constructed from lemon and radish sections, and the "advanced model" was constructed from a chicken knee. Using both models, novice, intermediate, and experienced participants were asked to perform specific tasks and were timed and scored on their performance. The experienced surgeons were given a 16-item survey to rate how closely each model emulated reality to determine face validity. RESULTS: For the foundation model, the mean total time for the completion of tasks was 1,138 seconds for novices, 1,059 seconds for intermediates, and 631 seconds for experienced, with significant differences between the groups for time to complete 2 of the tasks. With a maximum possible score of 50 points for the correct performance of all tasks, the mean total performance score was 23 for novices, 31.8 for intermediates, and 42.2 for experienced operators. For the advanced model, the mean total time for completion was 266 seconds for novices, 147 seconds for intermediates, and 72 seconds for experienced participants. With a maximum possible score of 31 points for the correct performance of all tasks, the mean total performance score was 1.9 for novices, 15.0 for intermediates, and 24.3 for experienced participants. The average scores for the face validity surveys using a 5-point Likert scale were 4.2 and 4.5 of 5 possible points for the foundation and advanced models, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced operators completed the tasks more quickly and had higher performance scores than the operators in other groups. This correlation between experience and performance suggests that both models have construct validity. The face validity scores were on the upper end of the scale, suggesting that both models emulate reality for experienced operators. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These novel models provide low-cost, available and valid simulations conducive to high-repetition training.

10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35685433

ABSTRACT

Online learning platforms are a staple of orthopaedic resident education. These platforms typically address a user's knowledge base, aiming to improve OITE and AAOS Board Examination scores. Orthopaedic residents often use these platforms as their primary educational resource. However, an orthopaedic surgeon is more than an orthopaedic knowledge base; acquisition of clinical acumen is integral as well. We sought to investigate the following: From a learner's and educator's perspective, do Orthobullets (OB) and Clinical Classroom (CC) contribute to both knowledge base and clinical acumen? Methods: Thirty residents and 16 attending surgeons at a single institution were assigned to review topics and complete questions on either the OB and CC platform. Participants then filled out surveys regarding the platform they were assigned, switched platforms, and completed a final survey. Independent-samples Student t tests and χ2 tests were used to analyze differences in continuous and categorical data. Results: Residents and attendings reported a preference for OB for fact acquisition, relevance to the OITE, and explanation of answers. Senior residents (PGY5) and attending surgeons reported that CC had a greater impact on their clinical acumen. Junior residents (PGY1, PGY2, and PGY3) reported the opposite. Participants responded that both platforms expand a learner's knowledge base and clinical acumen. Conclusions: Learners and educators felt both platforms addressed knowledge base and clinical acumen. Junior residents reported a preference for OB to CC to advance their knowledge base and clinical acumen, but senior residents and attendings felt the opposite was true. Based on survey responses, these platforms were found to be additive, complementary, and that their value to the learner changes during the course of residency education. Level of Evidence: III.

11.
Chemosphere ; 286(Pt 1): 131514, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34311394

ABSTRACT

A baseline study on anthropogenic radioactivity in the Namibian marine ecosystem, which is part of the northern Benguela upwelling system, known as one of the most productive ocean areas in the world, has been performed. A scientific cruise carried out in 2014 covering inshore and offshore areas, exhibiting different oceanographic features, has provided a basis for better understanding the distributions, ratios and inventories of six anthropogenic radionuclides (90Sr, 137Cs, 238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu and 241Am) in seawater. Although 3H was also measured, due to extremely low levels, its behaviour was not studied. The main source of 90Sr, 137Cs, 239Pu, 240Pu and 241Am in the samples analysed was proven to be global fallout, a finding further confirmed by 240Pu/239Pu and 90Sr/137Cs ratios. Furthermore, the 238Pu SNAP-9A satellite accident signal was confirmed once again through the determination of the 238Pu/239+240Pu activity ratio. Inshore and offshore samples showed different patterns due to the unique oceanographic features of this upwelling system. The levels of anthropogenic radionuclides, comprehensively assessed for the first time in this region, are comparable with the few existing data and filled a critical gap for the Southern Atlantic Ocean.


Subject(s)
Plutonium , Radiation Monitoring , Water Pollutants, Radioactive , Cesium Radioisotopes/analysis , Ecosystem , Namibia , Plutonium/analysis , Seawater , Strontium Radioisotopes , Water Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis
12.
Am J Sports Med ; 50(5): 1416-1429, 2022 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34213367

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have reported the incidence and outcomes of injuries in the men's and women's National Basketball Association (NBA and WNBA, respectively). PURPOSE: To synthesize published data regarding the incidence and outcomes of all injuries in the NBA and WNBA in a comprehensive review. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we searched 3 electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase) for studies of all levels of evidence since 1990 pertaining to injuries sustained by active players in the NBA and WNBA. Studies were excluded if the cohort of interest included ≤3 active players. RESULTS: The initial search of the 3 databases yielded 1253 unique studies, of which 49 met final inclusion criteria for this review. Only 4 studies included athletes in the WNBA. Based on the mean annual incidence, the 5 most common orthopaedic sports injuries sustained in the NBA were concussions (9.5-14.9 per year), fractures of the hand (3.5-5.5 per year), lower extremity stress fractures (4.8 per year), meniscal tears (2.3-3.3 per year), and anterior cruciate ligament tears (1.5-2.6 per year). Cartilage defects treated using microfracture, Achilles tendon ruptures, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries were 3 injuries that led to significant reductions in performance measurements after injury. CONCLUSION: With advances in sports technology and statistical analysis, there is rapidly growing interest in injuries among professional basketball athletes. High-quality prospective studies are needed to understand the prevalence and effect of injuries on player performance and career length. This information can inform preventative and treatment measures taken by health care providers to protect players and guide safe return to play at a high level.


Subject(s)
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries , Athletic Injuries , Basketball , Brain Concussion , Knee Injuries , Athletic Injuries/epidemiology , Basketball/injuries , Female , Humans , Male
13.
Ann Jt ; 7: 17, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38529142

ABSTRACT

Objective: This narrative review aims to detail the indications, technique, and published outcomes of the bridge in slot technique for lateral meniscus allograft transplantation (LMAT) and to serve as a concise reference for orthopaedists looking to incorporate this method into their practice. Background: The menisci are crucial to normal knee function but are commonly injured; partial and subtotal meniscectomy are frequently performed to address meniscal pathology. Following these procedures, a substantial number of patients go on to develop degenerative joint changes accompanied by pain and disability. LMAT is an attractive option for young, active, lateral meniscal-deficient patients who seek pain relief and improved function but who are not yet prepared to undergo arthroplasty. In the properly indicated patient, the bridge in slot technique is a reliable and effective method for LMAT. Methods: Using a narrative style, this review outlines the indications and preoperative assessment for LMAT, the detailed technical steps for the bridge in slot technique, postoperative considerations, and trends in the surgical outcomes literature. The presented technique is consistent with the senior author's clinical experience and with published literature and the discussed outcomes are elicited from a focused review of recent peer-reviewed sources. Conclusions: The bridge in slot technique is a reliable and effective method for LMAT and is supported by the literature. This technique may confidently be used in patients with severe lateral meniscal pathology who are not yet candidates for arthroplasty.

14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34291182

ABSTRACT

With cost, size, and availability in mind, we developed a low-fidelity microsurgery anastomosis model for mastery of the tool skills needed to execute microsurgical procedures. The model combined the use of a cannulated Konnyaku Shirataki (KS) noodle with a low-cost, industrial inspection, trinocular stereo (IITS) microscope. The purpose of this study was to establish face and construct validity of this novel "combined" microsurgery training tool. METHODS: Fifteen participants, divided into 3 groups based on microsurgery experience, attempted microsurgical anastomoses of a cannulated KS noodle using the IITS microscope. Participants were asked to (1) manipulate the noodle ends adjacent to each other, (2) place a single 7-0 nylon suture through the opposed ends, and (3) complete the anastomosis. To determine construct validity, the performance of the microsurgical repair (maximum score 53 points) and time-to-anastomosis was assessed. To determine face validity, microsurgeons were given a 25-item, 5-point scale survey rating their experience with the model. RESULTS: Participants included 5 microsurgeons, 5 experienced trainees, and 5 novices. The microsurgeons judged the IITS microscope to be a close analog to an operating microscope (4.6/5 points), the combined model to have high educational value (4.7/5 points), and somewhat technical similarity with microsurgery in the operating room (OR) (3.7/5 points). The median technical score was 50 among microsurgeons, 40 among experienced trainees, and 27 among novices. Increased training level was associated with greater technical score among all 3 groups (p=0.002). The median time-to-anastomosis was 5.88 minutes for microsurgeons, 8.37 minutes for experienced trainees, and 17.10 minutes for novices. Increased training level was associated with shorter time-to-anastomosis (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The use of the KS noodle with a benchtop stereo microscope is a novel approach to microsurgical training. It is inexpensive, available, conducive to high-repetition training, and suited to many learning environments. Microsurgeons found that this combined model was representative of microsurgery in the OR, and we concluded face validity. Furthermore, an association was demonstrated between training level and performance on the model, suggesting construct validity.

15.
J Small Anim Pract ; 62(10): 861-865, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34155652

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether rectal temperature was associated with patient mortality in client-owned guinea pigs upon presentation to a veterinary hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical record database at a veterinary teaching hospital was searched for records of guinea pigs from January 2016 through June 2019. Guinea pigs were included in the study if a rectal temperature was measured at presentation and there was data on survival status 7 days post-presentation. If survivor status was not documented in the medical record, follow-up information was obtained from the client via telephone or email. The data was ultimately collected from 201 client-owned guinea pigs who presented for 388 independent examinations. Univariable, multivariable and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Guinea pigs with hypothermia (<37.9°C) at presentation had a relative risk of mortality within 7 days of presentation almost 3 times greater than guinea pigs without hypothermia (relative risk: 2.88; 95% confidence interval: 1.86 to 4.48). For each 0.55°C decrease in rectal temperature, the odds of death increased 1.6 times (odds ratio: 1.64; 95% confidence interval: 1.42 to 2.89). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the finding. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Rectal temperature was a predictor of death for guinea pigs presenting for care at a veterinary hospital. Obtaining a rectal temperature recording should be considered for patient guinea pigs.


Subject(s)
Hospitals, Animal , Hypothermia , Animals , Guinea Pigs , Hospitals, Teaching , Hypothermia/veterinary , Prognosis , Temperature
16.
Rev Sci Instrum ; 92(3): 033527, 2021 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33819984

ABSTRACT

High-temperature, high-density experiments require a simultaneous understanding of temporal and spectral regions. The spectral x-ray streak camera (SXSC) is a new high-temporal-resolution spectral x-ray diagnostic system that allows researchers to differentiate between soft and hard x-ray regions. The diagnostic offers three spectral channels with a wide spectral range, one direct channel that includes a filter and two indirect channels that include both mirrors and filters. The opto-mechanical design positions the filtered radiation at three different locations along the streak photo-cathode (PC) slit to provide time-dependent spectral channels with pico-second temporal resolution. A moderate spatial resolution (150-700 µm) is achieved using slits perpendicular to the PC slit, while the slit width is optimized according to the central channel wavelength (for each channel). The diagnostic system covers a spectral range of 30-500 eV for the mirror channels and >1300 eV for the direct channel. The temporal and spatial axes of the streak camera are calibrated with respect to a sequence of x-ray pulses. The SXSC diagnostic system is tested and analyzed using Marshak-wave emission from an SiO2 foam that was heated by a laser-beam irradiated halfraum. The SXSC results are compared to measurements from an x-ray diode array with similar spectral channels.

17.
JCI Insight ; 5(19)2020 10 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32897882

ABSTRACT

Identification of MHC class I-bound peptides by immunopurification of MHC complexes and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry is crucial for understanding T cell immunology and immunotherapy. Investigation of the steps for the MHC ligand isolation process revealed biases in widely used isolation techniques toward peptides of lower hydrophobicity. As MHC ligand hydrophobicity correlates positively with immunogenicity, identification of more hydrophobic MHC ligands could potentially lead to more effective isolation of immunogenic peptides as targets for immunotherapies. We solved this problem by use of higher concentrations of acetonitrile for the separation of MHC ligands and their respective complexes. This increased overall MHC ligand identifications by 2-fold, increased detection of cancer germline antigen-derived peptides by 50%, and resulted in profound variations in isolation efficacy between different MHC alleles correlating with the hydrophobicity of their anchor residues. Overall, these insights enabled a more complete view of the immunopeptidome and overcame a systematic underrepresentation of these critical MHC ligands of high hydrophobicity.


Subject(s)
Acetonitriles/chemistry , Antigen Presentation/immunology , Chromatography, Affinity/methods , Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology , Peptide Fragments/isolation & purification , Acetonitriles/metabolism , Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/immunology , Humans , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology , Ligands , Peptide Fragments/immunology , Peptide Fragments/metabolism , Tumor Cells, Cultured
19.
Complement Ther Med ; 50: 102345, 2020 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32444039

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess consumption of dietary and herbal supplements (DHS) among patients in internal medicine departments and determine whether such use is documented in their medical files. METHODS: 267 patients from three internal medicine departments of an academic medical center in Haifa, Israel were assessed prospectively with questionnaires about their DHS use in the month preceding hospitalization. DHS were categorized into vitamins & minerals, herbal supplements and others. Further data was then collected from patients' medical records on socio-demographic and medical characteristics, as well as documentation of DHS use. RESULTS: 123 patients (50.6 %) used DHS on a daily basis. Most of them (53.7 %) were using more than one DHS. DHS use was more prevalent in older (OR = 1.02 [1.001-1.036], p = 0.034) and educated (OR = 0.482 [0.252-0.923], p = 0.028) patients. Vitamins & minerals were used mainly to enhance vitality and address laboratory abnormalities, whereas herbal supplements were used mainly for gastrointestinal problems (p < 0.001). DHS use was reported to the physicians by 42 % of the patients, mostly at the patients' initiative [92 (82.1 %), p < 0.001)]. Vitamins and minerals were the most reported category of DHS (94 (57.3 %), p < 0.001). The use of DHS was reported to physicians for 112 DHS (41.8 %) but only 32 DHS (11.9 %) were documented in their medical files. The documentation of vitamins and minerals was significantly higher compared to herbal supplements documentation (29 (17.7 %) & 3 (2.9 %) respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DHS are commonly used by patients hospitalized in the internal medicine departments. Many patients do not report such use to the physicians, and more strikingly, physicians do not document DHS use in patient medical files. This communication gap may have serious medico-legal ramifications due to DHS side effects and DHS interactions with other DHS and with conventional drugs.


Subject(s)
Dietary Supplements/statistics & numerical data , Hospitalization , Internal Medicine , Academic Medical Centers , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Communication , Female , Humans , Male , Medical Records , Middle Aged , Physician-Patient Relations , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires
20.
J Am Acad Orthop Surg ; 28(19): e865-e871, 2020 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32453010

ABSTRACT

Our orthopaedic surgery department at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine is located within the Bronx, a borough of New York City, and serves a densely populated urban community. Since the beginning of the novel coronavirus outbreak in New York City, the medical center was forced to rapidly adapt to the projected influx of critically ill patients. The aim of this report is to outline how our large academic orthopaedic surgery department adopted changes and alternative practices in response to the most daunting challenge to public health in our region in over a century. We hope that this report provides insight for others facing similar challenges.


Subject(s)
Academic Medical Centers/organization & administration , Coronavirus Infections/therapy , Hospital Departments/organization & administration , Hospitals, High-Volume , Patient Care Management/methods , Pneumonia, Viral/therapy , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Humans , New York City/epidemiology , Orthopedics , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2
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