198 results on '"Collins SA"'
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2. Emotional intelligence and fraud tendency: a survey of future accountants in Nigeria
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Collins Sankay Oboh
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Emotional intelligence ,Fraud tendency ,Occupational fraud ,Future accountants ,Nigeria ,Business ,HF5001-6182 - Abstract
Purpose – This study examines the association between emotional intelligence (EI) and the tendency of future accountants to rationalize and engage in occupational fraud. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a survey methodology and uses a questionnaire containing a fraud scenario and EI construct to gather data from 225 participants. It performed a Cronbach alpha to assess the measurement parameters consistency of EI and fraud tendency and employed Pearson correlation and regression analysis to test its hypothesis. Findings – The study found that future accountants in Nigeria are emotionally intelligent and have a high fraud tendency. Also, it found a significant and positive association between EI and fraud tendency, suggesting that future accountants that are emotionally intelligent have a higher tendency to rationalize and engage in occupational fraud. In addition, the study found that academic intelligence, a control variable, positively associates with fraud tendency. Practical implications – The study offers rare insights into the fraud tendency of future accountants, which would benefit the counter fraud community in Nigeria and other developing countries. Recruiters and employers will find the study beneficial in decision-making on job recruitment, placements and moral orientation for prospective accountant employees. Originality/value – The study is the first to directly associate EI with the fraud tendency of future accountants from a developing country with high fraud profile and underdeveloped counter fraud strategy. Thus, it provides a benchmark for future studies in other developing countries.
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- 2023
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3. ERS Task Force guideline for the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia
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Lucas, JS, Barbato, A, Collins, SA, Goutaki, M, Behan, L, Caudri, D, Dell, S, Eber, E, Escudier, E, Hirst, RA, Hogg, C, Jorissen, M, Latzin, P, Legendre, M, Leigh, MW, Midulla, F, Nielsen, KG, Omran, H, Papon, JF, Pohunek, P, Redfern, B, Rigau, D, Rindlisbacher, B, Santamaria, F, Shoemark, A, Snijders, D, Tonia, T, Titieni, A, Walker, WT, Werner, C, Bush, A, and Kuehni, CE
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Microscopy, Video ,Delphi Technique ,Kartagener Syndrome ,Fluorescent Antibody Technique ,Nitric Oxide ,Article ,Diagnosis, Differential ,Europe ,Review Literature as Topic ,Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ,Humans ,Cilia ,Genetic Testing ,Societies, Medical - Abstract
The diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia is often confirmed with standard, albeit complex and expensive, tests. In many cases, however, the diagnosis remains difficult despite the array of sophisticated diagnostic tests. There is no "gold standard" reference test. Hence, a Task Force supported by the European Respiratory Society has developed this guideline to provide evidence-based recommendations on diagnostic testing, especially in light of new developments in such tests, and the need for robust diagnoses of patients who might enter randomised controlled trials of treatments. The guideline is based on pre-defined questions relevant for clinical care, a systematic review of the literature, and assessment of the evidence using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. It focuses on clinical presentation, nasal nitric oxide, analysis of ciliary beat frequency and pattern by high-speed video-microscopy analysis, transmission electron microscopy, genotyping and immunofluorescence. It then used a modified Delphi survey to develop an algorithm for the use of diagnostic tests to definitively confirm and exclude the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia; and to provide advice when the diagnosis was not conclusive. Finally, this guideline proposes a set of quality criteria for future research on the validity of diagnostic methods for primary ciliary dyskinesia.
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- 2017
4. Sociodemographic variables and ethical decision-making: a survey of professional accountants in Nigeria
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Collins Sankay Oboh and Eddy Olajide Omolehinwa
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upbringing ,education ,religion ,experience ,edm ,accountants ,Business ,HF5001-6182 - Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the role of selected sociodemographic variables in the ethical decision-making (EDM) process of professional accountants in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – The study obtained data from 329 professional accountants with the aid of a structured questionnaire containing four dilemmatic ethical vignettes. The data were analysed using Kendall correlation, Kruskal–Wallis and Jonckheere–Terpstra tests. Findings – The results revealed that upbringing, especially parental discipline, and education are significant sociodemographic determinants of EDM. Religion and experience played little or no significant role in predicting accountants’ EDM in the face of ethical dilemmas. Research limitations/implications – The study used a questionnaire to measure its variables, which may bias and somewhat inflate the findings. Hence, caution should be applied regarding its conclusion. Practical implications – The evidence in this study could stimulate policy change and review to include a separate ethics course in the accounting education curriculum, which could enhance the ethics training of future accountants. This is important for countries like Nigeria, where no provision is made for a discrete ethics course in the curriculum for accounting under-graduate education. Social implications – The study draws attention to the fact that ethical conduct among professionals and in society could be enhanced through proper upbringing and formal education. Originality/value – The study adds some uniqueness in focusing on professional accountants in Nigeria, a developing country with high corruption profile and weak government institutions, and, as such, contributes to the limited research output on accounting ethics in developing countries.
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- 2022
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5. Attitude and preventive practices of pressure ulcers among orthopedic nurses in a tertiary hospital in Ghana.
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Evans Osei Appiah, Stella Appiah, Ezekiel Oti-Boadi, Beatrice Ama Boadu, Samuel Kontoh, Roland Iddrisu Adams, Cyndi Appiah, and Collins Sarpong
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
BackgroundPressure ulcers (PUs), which affect millions of people worldwide, are among the five most prevalent hospitalized cases causing adverse impairment. Nevertheless, pressure ulcers are largely preventable, and their management depends on their severity. The authors, therefore, explored the attitude and preventive practices of pressure ulcers among orthopedic nurses in a tertiary hospital in Ghana.MethodsAn exploratory descriptive qualitative approach was employed for this study to help researchers explore the attitude and practices toward PU (Pressure Ulcer). Purposive sampling approach was employed, and data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The sample size for this study was 30 which was obtained based on saturation. Participants were engaged in face-to-face interviews which were transcribed verbatim.FindingsTwo themes and eight subthemes were generated from the analysis of this study. The two themes were preventive practices and attitude towards PU. The study identified that there were no specific protocols illustrated on the wards for managing pressure ulcers. Nevertheless, the study participants were keen on preventing pressure ulcers and hence engaged in practices such as early patients' ambulation, early identification of PU signs, removing creases and crumps from patient beds, nutritional management for PU prevention, and dressing of PU wounds.ConclusionPractices of pressure ulcer management were highly valued by the orthopedics nurses. Hence, the nurses recommended the need for accepted guidelines on pressure ulcer management to be illustrated in the various orthopedic wards in the country.
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- 2023
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6. Method to Study the Importance of Automobile Industry Chain Based on the Input-Output Model
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Junlei Wang, Fan Zhang, Zhaozhao Zhang, Liangliang Wang, and Collins Sam Ayipeh
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Mathematics ,QA1-939 - Abstract
This paper proposes a study based on the importance of the automobile industry chain based on the input-output model (IOM) to verify the importance of the automobile industry chain in the national economy. The available data shows interdependence among various industrial sectors and the automobile industry chain. The same is reflected in the input-output table. The input data is taken from the input-output table (IOTB) of the automobile industry chain. A mathematical model was developed that shows the equilibrium relationship indicating the direct and indirect technical as well as economic links amongst the different sectors. The static model of the IOM was selected. The static model herein reflects the technical and economic correlations amongst the sectors during the same period. The same was applied to analyze and study the contemporaneous production process. 153 fields(variables) were selected to verify multiple economic indicators of the automobile industry chain. The conclusion demonstrates that the auto parts and accessories in the automobile industry chain are in the top 10 among the 153 fields, in terms of their consumption coefficient (CC) and contribution degree. The purpose of the research was to verify the significance of the relationship between various fields which can optimize and upgrade the industrial structure. It also provides a scientific basis for formulating strategies and policies of the relevant industry chain.
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- 2022
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7. S32 Childhood Wheeze Phenotypes Can Be Usefully Sub-Classified Using Longitudinal Lung Function and Atopic Sensitisation Data. Evidence from the Southampton Women’s Survey
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Collins, SA, primary, Pike, KC, additional, Inskip, HM, additional, Godfrey, KM, additional, Roberts, G, additional, Holloway, JW, additional, and Lucas, JS, additional
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- 2012
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8. More than just friends: in-home use and design recommendations for sensing socially assistive robots (SARs) by older adults with depression
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Randall Natasha, Bennett Casey C., Šabanović Selma, Nagata Shinichi, Eldridge Lori, Collins Sawyer, and Piatt Jennifer A.
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socially assistive robotics ,home and social robot design ,embedded sensors ,depression management and therapy in older adults ,human-robot interaction ,Technology - Abstract
As healthcare turns its focus to preventative community-based interventions, there is increasing interest in using in-home technology to support this goal. This study evaluates the design and use of socially assistive robots (SARs) and sensors as in-home therapeutic support for older adults with depression. The seal-like SAR Paro, along with onboard and wearable sensors, was placed in the homes of 10 older adults diagnosed with clinical depression for one month. Design workshops were conducted before and after the in-home implementation with participating older adults and clinical care staff members. Workshops showed older adults and clinicians sawseveral potential uses for robots and sensors to support in-home depression care. Long-term in-home use of the robot allowed researchers and participants to situate desired robot features in specific practices and experiences of daily life, and some user requests for functionality changed due to extended use. Sensor data showed that participants’ attitudes toward and intention to use the robot were strongly correlated with particular Circadian patterns (afternoon and evening) of robot use. Sensor data also showed that those without pets interacted with Paro significantly more than those with pets, and survey data showed they had more positive attitudes toward the SAR. Companionship, while a desired capability, emerged as insufficient to engage many older adults in long-term use of SARs in their home.
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- 2019
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9. Serendipitous identification of Pratylenchus curvicauda from the grainbelt of Western Australia
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Begum Farhana, Fosu-Nyarko John, Sharma Shashi, Macleod Bill, Collins Sarah, and Jones Michael G. K.
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internal transcribed spacer (its) ,molecular phylogeny ,morphology ,nematode classification ,pratylenchus spp ,pratylenchus curvicauda ,root lesion nematodes ,scanning electron microscopy (sem) ,taxonomy ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
A Pratylenchus species identified during a survey of Pratylenchus quasitereoides incidence at four locations of the grainbelt of Western Australia is described. Morphological and morphometric features indicated the previously undescribed morphotypes in nematode mixtures encountered were conspecific to P. curvicauda, and were clearly distinguishable from nine common Pratylenchus spp. Typical features of P. curvicauda were its body length (415–540 µm), which was curved to a c-shaped with a maximum body diameter of 20 µm, and the nature of its tail; 34 µm long, 2.8 µm wide at the anus and a typical ventrally arcuate with a round terminus. Sequenced for the first time, the sequences of the partial 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-partial 28S (80 clones, 14 individual nematodes) and the 28S-D3 (17 clones) regions of the rDNA of P. curvicauda had overall mean distances of 0.013 and 0.085, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses with sequences of both segments of the rDNA clearly showed the P. curvicauda isolates as monophyletic, distinct from ca 40 Pratylenchus species. Notably, it was distinct from Pratylenchus species present in Australia including P. quasitereoides and a Western Australia isolate of P. thornei. Further research into the biology of P. curvicauda is needed to facilitate development of strategies for its management, if it is an important pest.
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- 2019
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10. Welfare and mate choice in zebra finches: effect of handling regime and presence of cover
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Collins, SA, primary, Archer, JA, additional, and Barnard, CJ, additional
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- 2008
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11. Accountants perception of the factors influencing auditors' ethical behaviour in Nigeria
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Adeleke Clement Adekoya, Collins Sankay Oboh, and Obafemi Rufus Oyewumi
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Ethical behaviours ,Corruption ,Auditors ,Chartered accountants ,Finance ,Public finance ,Science (General) ,Q1-390 ,Social sciences (General) ,H1-99 - Abstract
This paper examines the perception of accountants (chartered and non-chartered) of the personal factors influencing auditors' ethical behaviours in Nigeria. Data were obtained from 152 accountants (80 chartered and 72 non-chartered) in Lagos State Nigeria through the use of a well-structured questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Mann–Whitney test) to check for differences in the perceptions of chartered and non-chartered accountants of the personal factors influencing auditors' ethical behaviours. The results showed that, except for auditors' age, there is a consensus in the perceptions of both chartered and non-chartered accountants of the personal factors influencing auditors' ethical behaviours. While there were significant divergent views on whether age influences auditors' ethical behaviours, fear of sanction, religion, upbringing, conscience, gender, and personal values were found to be influencers of auditors' ethical behaviours. The study offers value to professional accounting bodies in that it provides empirical explanations to guide the pursuit of sustainable and resilient ethical values among accounting professionals.
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- 2020
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12. 'We’ll check vital signs only till we finish the school': experiences of student nurses regarding intra-semester clinical placement in Ghana
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Charles Ampong Adjei, Collins Sarpong, Priscilla Adumoah Attafuah, Ninon P. Amertil, and Yaw Abayie Akosah
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Experience ,Baccalaureate ,Student nurses ,Intra-semester ,Clinical practicum ,Nursing ,RT1-120 - Abstract
Abstract Background Clinical practicum is an integral part of nursing education because it provides students with opportunities to perform nursing care and practice specific nursing tasks. In Ghana, little is known about the experiences of baccalaureate student nurses with regard to intra-semester clinical practicum. This study therefore, explored perceptions, challenges, and how the intra-semester clinical practicum affects the learning process of student nurses in a private university in Ghana. Methods Exploratory descriptive phenomenological design was used. Nine in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted for baccalaureate student nurses in their second, third and fourth years of study. Only those who have attended intra-semester clinical practicum for at least two semesters in the course of their study were recruited. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. The sample size was based on data saturation, however, a total of 33 participants were recruited. Data was analysed using content analysis technique. Results The findings show that baccalaureate student nurses perceive the intra-semester clinical practicum as beneficial. It affords the opportunity to translate theoretical knowledge into practice concurrently. However, students recounted their stressful experiences during the clinical period which negatively affected their academic work. Additionally, staff nurses assigned the students to do menial jobs instead of appropriate nursing tasks. Conclusions A review of the “block” method in which students will go to clinicals for a stipulated number of consecutive days in a month and then resume lectures, is worth considering.
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- 2018
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13. Connecting health and humans. Interdisciplinary communication in the ICU.
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Collins SA, Currie LM, Saranto K, Brennan PF, Park H, Tallberg M, and Ensio A
- Published
- 2009
14. η and η′ masses and decay constants
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Bali Gunnar, Collins Sara, and Simeth Jakob
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Physics ,QC1-999 - Abstract
We present preliminary results for the masses and decay constants of the η and η′ mesons using CLS Nf = 2 + 1 ensembles. One of the major challenges in these calculations are the large statistical fluctuations due to disconnected quark loops. We tackle these by employing a combination of noise reduction techniques which are tuned to minimize the statistical error at a fixed cost. On the analysis side we carefully assess excited states contributions by using a direct fit approach.
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- 2018
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15. Charmonium resonances on the lattice
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Bali Gunnar, Collins Sara, Mohler Daniel, Padmanath M., Piemonte Stefano, Prelovsek Sasa, and Weishäupl Simon
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Physics ,QC1-999 - Abstract
The nature of resonances and excited states near decay thresholds is encoded in scattering amplitudes, which can be extracted from single-particle and multiparticle correlators in finite volumes. Lattice calculations have only recently reached the precision required for a reliable study of such correlators. The distillation method represents a significant improvement insofar as it simplifies quark contractions and allows one to easily extend the operator basis used to construct interpolators. We present preliminary results on charmonium bound states and resonances on the Nf = 2+1 CLS ensembles. The long term goal of our investigation is to understand the properties of the X resonances that do not fit into conventional models of quark-antiquark mesons. We tune various parameters of the distillation method and the charm quark mass. As a first result, we present the masses of the ground and excited states in the 0++ and 1−− channels
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- 2018
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16. Baryonic and mesonic 3-point functions with open spin indices
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Bali Gunnar S., Collins Sara, Gläßle Benjamin, Heybrock Simon, Korcyl Piotr, Löffler Marius, Rödl Rudolf, and Schäfer Andreas
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Physics ,QC1-999 - Abstract
We have implemented a new way of computing three-point correlation functions. It is based on a factorization of the entire correlation function into two parts which are evaluated with open spin-(and to some extent flavor-) indices. This allows us to estimate the two contributions simultaneously for many different initial and final states and momenta, with little computational overhead. We explain this factorization as well as its efficient implementation in a new library which has been written to provide the necessary functionality on modern parallel architectures and on CPUs, including Intel’s Xeon Phi series.
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- 2018
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17. Leptonic decay constants for D-mesons from 3-flavour CLS ensembles
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Collins Sara, Eckert Kevin, Heitger Jochen, Hofmann Stefan, and Söldner Wolfgang
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Physics ,QC1-999 - Abstract
e report on the status of an ongoing effort by the RQCD and ALPHA Collaborations, aimed at determining leptonic decay constants of charmed mesons. Our analysis is based on large-volume ensembles generated within the CLS effort, employing Nf = 2 + 1 non-perturbatively O(a) improved Wilson quarks, tree-level Symanzik-improved gauge action and open boundary conditions. The ensembles cover lattice spac-ings from a ≈ 0.09 fm to a ≈ 0.05 fm, with pion masses varied from 420 to 200 MeV. To extrapolate to the physical masses, we follow both the (2ml + ms) = const. and the ms = const. lines in parameter space.
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- 2018
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18. Computerized detection of breast lesions in digitized mammograms and results with a clinically-implemented intelligent workstation
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Doi, K., Vyborny, Cj, Urbas, Am, Collins, Sa, Papaioannou, J., Comstock, Ce, Wolverton, DE, Schmidt, Ra, Zhang, M., Bick, U., Kupinski, M., Robert Nishikawa, and Giger, Ml
19. HIV-DNA in the genital tract of women on long-term effective therapy is associated to residual viremia and previous AIDS-defining illnesses.
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Thierry Prazuck, Antoine Chaillon, Véronique Avettand-Fènoël, Anne-Laure Caplan, Collins Sayang, Aurélie Guigon, Mohamadou Niang, Francis Barin, Christine Rouzioux, and Laurent Hocqueloux
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of long-term combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) on HIV-RNA and HIV-DNA levels in cervicovaginal secretions of HIV-1-infected women with sustained undetectable plasma RNA viral load (PVL); to explore factors predictive of residual viral shedding; and to evaluate the risk of heterosexual transmission. METHODS: Women with undetectable PVL (6 months were included in this cross-sectional study. HIV-RNA and HIV-DNA were measured in blood and cervicovaginal lavage fluid (CVL). Women were systematically tested for genital infections. The risk of transmission to male partners during unprotected intercourse was estimated. RESULTS: Eighty-one women composed the study population: all had HIV-RNA
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- 2013
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20. The use of ASET (Anti Staph Epidermidis Titre) in the diagnosis of ventriculo-atrial shunt infection
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McMullan John, Collins Sally, Reaper Jacqueline, and Bayston Roger
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Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,RC346-429 - Published
- 2010
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21. Anti-oxidant inhibition of hyaluronan fragment-induced inflammatory gene expression
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Powell Jonathan D, Chan-Li Yee, Collins Samuel L, Black Katharine E, Scheibner Kara A, Eberlein Michael, and Horton Maureen R
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Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,RM1-950 - Abstract
Abstract Background The balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endogenous anti-oxidants is important in maintaining healthy tissues. Excessive ROS states occur in diseases such as ARDS and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Redox imbalance breaks down the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan (HA) into fragments that activate innate immune responses and perpetuate tissue injury. HA fragments, via a TLR and NF-κB pathway, induce inflammatory gene expression in macrophages and epithelial cells. NAC and DMSO are potent anti-oxidants which may help balance excess ROS states. Methods We evaluated the effect of H2O2, NAC and DMSO on HA fragment induced inflammatory gene expression in alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells. Results NAC and DMSO inhibit HA fragment-induced expression of TNF-α and KC protein in alveolar and peritoneal macrophages. NAC and DMSO also show a dose dependent inhibition of IP-10 protein expression, but not IL-8 protein, in alveolar epithelial cells. In addition, H2O2 synergizes with HA fragments to induce inflammatory genes, which are inhibited by NAC. Mechanistically, NAC and DMSO inhibit HA induced gene expression by inhibiting NF-κB activation, but NAC had no influence on HA-fragment-AP-1 mediated gene expression. Conclusion ROS play a central role in a pathophysiologic "vicious cycle" of inflammation: tissue injury generates ROS, which fragment the extracellular matrix HA, which in turn synergize with ROS to activate the innate immune system and further promote ROS, HA fragment generation, inflammation, tissue injury and ultimately fibrosis. The anti-oxidants NAC and DMSO, by inhibiting the HA induced inflammatory gene expression, may help re-balance excessive ROS induced inflammation.
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- 2008
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22. Q&A.
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Pagano J, Christensen K, and Collins SA
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- 2009
23. Effect of surgical approach on physical activity and pain control after sacral colpopexy.
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Collins SA, Tulikangas PK, and O'Sullivan DM
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OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare recovery of activity and pain control after robotic (ROB) vs abdominal (ABD) sacral colpopexy. STUDY DESIGN: Women undergoing ROB and ABD sacral colpopexy wore accelerometers for 7 days preoperatively and the first 10 days postoperatively. They completed postoperative pain diaries and Short Form-36 questionnaires before and after surgery. RESULTS: At 5 days postoperatively, none of the 14 subjects in the ABD group and 4 of 28 (14.3%) in the ROB group achieved 50% total baseline activity counts (P = .283). At 10 days, 5 of 14 (35.7%) in the ABD group and 8 of 26 (30.8%) in the ROB group (P = .972) achieved 50%. Postoperative pain was similar in both groups. Short Form-36 vitality scores were lower (P = .017) after surgery in the ABD group, but not in the ROB group. CONCLUSION: Women undergoing ROB vs ABD sacral colpopexy do not recover physical activity faster, and pain control is not improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
24. Distinct fecal microbiome between wild and habitat-housed captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus): Impacts of captivity and dietary shifts.
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Lu J, Petri R, McCart D, Baxendell-Young A, and Collins SA
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- Animals, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Ecosystem, Animals, Wild microbiology, Male, Female, Seasons, Bacteria classification, Bacteria genetics, Bacteria isolation & purification, Animals, Zoo microbiology, Ursidae microbiology, Ursidae physiology, Feces microbiology, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Diet veterinary
- Abstract
Understanding the gut microbiome of polar bears can shed light on the effects of climate change-induced prolonged ice-free seasons on their health and nutritional status as a sentinel species. The fecal microbiome of habitat-housed captive polar bears who had consumed a high protein diet long-term was compared with that of the wild population. Individual differences, season, year and dietary inclusion of a brown seaweed (Fucus spiralis; part of the natural diet of wild polar bears), as a representation for nutritional change, were investigated for their effects on the fecal microbiome of captive polar bears. Microbial variations among fecal samples from wild and captive polar bears were investigated using 16s rRNA gene based metataxonomic profiling. The captive bears exhibited more diverse fecal microbiota than wild bears (p<0.05). The difference was due to significantly increased Firmicutes, Campilobacterota and Fusobacteriota, decreased Actinobacteriota (p<0.05), and absent Bdellovibrionota and Verrucomicrobiota in the captive bears. Compared with other factors, individual variation was the main driver of differences in fecal microbial composition in the captive bears. Seaweed consumption did not alter microbial diversity or composition, but this did not rule out dietary influences on the hosts. This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, comparing the fecal microbiota of captive and wild polar bears and it reveals distinct differences between the two groups, which could result from many factors, including available food sources and the ratio of dietary macronutrients. Our findings provide preliminary insights into climate-change induced dietary shifts in polar bears related to climate-associated habitat change., Competing Interests: Funding in support of this research has been provided by Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture (Start-up research funds), as well as in-kind support from the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (Northern Research Fund) and the provision of research samples by the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials., (Copyright: © 2024 Lu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)
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- 2024
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25. Neuroimaging Markers of Brain Reserve and Associations with Delirium in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage.
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Rex NB, Chuck CC, Dandapani HG, Zhou HY, Yi TY, Collins SA, Bai HX, Eloyan A, Jones RN, Boxerman JL, Girard TD, Boukrina O, and Reznik ME
- Abstract
Background: Delirium occurs frequently in patients with stroke, but the role of preexisting neural substrates in delirium pathogenesis remains unclear. We sought to explore associations between acute and chronic neural substrates of delirium in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)., Methods: Using data from a single-center ICH registry, we identified consecutive patients with acute nontraumatic ICH and available magnetic resonance imaging scans. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria were used to classify each patient as delirious or nondelirious during their hospitalization. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were processed and analyzed using semiautomated software, with volumetric measurement of acute ICH volume as well as white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) and gray and white matter volumes from the contralateral hemisphere. We tested associations between WMHV and incident delirium using multivariable regression models, and then determined the predictive accuracy of these neuroimaging models via area under the curve (AUC) analysis., Results: Of 139 patients in our cohort (mean [standard deviation] age 67.3 [17.3] years, 53% male), 58 (42%) patients experienced delirium. In our primary analyses, WMHV was significantly associated with delirium after adjusting for ICH features (odds ratio 1.56 per 10 cm
3 , 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.13), and this association was strengthened after further adjustment for segmented brain volume in patients with high-resolution scans (odds ratio 1.89 per 10 cm3 , 95% confidence interval 1.24-2.86). Neuroimaging-based models predicted delirium with high accuracy (AUC 0.81), especially in patients with Glasgow Coma Scale score > 13 (AUC 0.85) and smaller ICH (AUC 0.91)., Conclusions: Chronic white matter disease is independently associated with delirium in patients with acute ICH, and neuroimaging biomarkers may have utility in predicting delirium occurrence., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None. Ethical approval/informed consent This study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board at Rhode Island Hospital & Lifespan Hospital System., (© 2024. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and Neurocritical Care Society.)- Published
- 2024
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26. Seizure freedom using a regional approach to responsive neurostimulation for multifocal drug-resistant epilepsy: illustrative case.
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Kimata AR, Collins SA, Asaad WF, and Ayub N
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Background: Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) has emerged as an effective neuromodulatory intervention for patients with medically refractory epilepsy who are not candidates for resective or ablative surgery. However, in patients with multifocal seizures arising from a widely distributed network, optimizing lead placement can be challenging., Observations: Here, the authors present the case of a patient with drug-resistant multifocal, nonlateralizing seizures and multiple developmental brain lesions who underwent phase II monitoring with stereoelectroencephalography electrodes targeting the lesion and surrounding cortex as well as the centromedian thalamus. Neurophysiological signals observed during recorded events implicated a seizure network within the left perisylvian polymicrogyria, involving the left parietal operculum, insula, and centromedian thalamic regions rather than a single focus., Lessons: Using a regional RNS approach to modulate this network, the patient improved from 5 seizures a day to freedom from disabling seizures shortly after lead implantation despite low stimulation parameters. This has implications for understanding the timescale of adaptive mechanisms that occur in response to stimulation and supports the use of RNS as a surgical treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24369.
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- 2024
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27. Fibrin-Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Reveals Ongoing Lung Injury in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
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Munchel JK, Misra AK, Collins SA, DiGregorio R, Palmisciano A, Heidari P, Noto RB, Montesi SB, Caravan P, and Shea BS
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- Humans, Male, Aged, Female, Lung Injury diagnostic imaging, Middle Aged, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis diagnostic imaging, Positron-Emission Tomography methods, Fibrin
- Published
- 2024
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28. IRF8-driven reprogramming of the immune microenvironment enhances anti-tumor adaptive immunity and reduces immunosuppression in murine glioblastoma.
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Montoya M, Collins SA, Chuntova P, Patel TS, Nejo T, Yamamichi A, Kasahara N, and Okada H
- Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) has a highly immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), largely mediated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Here, we utilized a retroviral replicating vector (RRV) to deliver Interferon Regulatory Factor 8 (IRF8), a master regulator of type 1 conventional dendritic cell (cDC1) development, in a syngeneic murine GBM model. We hypothesized that RRV-mediated delivery of IRF8 could "reprogram" intratumoral MDSCs into antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and thereby restore T-cell responses., Methods: Effects of RRV-IRF8 on survival and tumor growth kinetics were examined in the SB28 murine GBM model. Immunophenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry and gene expression assays. We assayed functional immunosuppression and antigen presentation by ex vivo T-cell-myeloid co-culture., Results: Intratumoral injection of RRV-IRF8 in mice bearing intracerebral SB28 glioma significantly suppressed the tumor growth and prolonged survival. RRV-IRF8 treated tumors exhibited significant enrichment of cDC1s and CD8+ T-cells. Additionally, myeloid cells derived from RRV-IRF8 tumors showed decreased expression of the immunosuppressive markers Arg1 and IDO1 and demonstrated reduced suppression of naïve T-cell proliferation in ex vivo co-culture, compared to controls. Furthermore, DCs from RRV-IRF8 tumors showed increased antigen presentation compared to those from control tumors. In vivo treatment with azidothymidine (AZT), a viral replication inhibitor, showed that IRF8 transduction in both tumor and non-tumor cells is necessary for survival benefit, associated with a reprogrammed, cDC1- and CD8 T-cell-enriched TIME., Conclusions: Our results indicate that reprogramming of glioma-infiltrating myeloid cells by in vivo expression of IRF8 may reduce immunosuppression and enhance antigen presentation, achieving improved tumor control., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)
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- 2024
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29. Surgical Decision-Making: Who Should Be Offered Sacrocolpopexy?
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Collins SA, Mueller MG, Lewicky-Gaupp C, and Kenton K
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- Humans, Female, Decision Making, Shared, Patient Selection, Clinical Decision-Making, Decision Making, Vagina surgery, Pelvic Organ Prolapse surgery, Gynecologic Surgical Procedures methods
- Abstract
Introduction and Hypothesis: Women undergoing surgery for apical pelvic organ prolapse have several medically sound options for specific surgical approaches., Methods: We review the principles of shared decision-making as they pertain to surgery for prolapse. We review the literature supporting the superior sacrocolpopexy as a durable treatment for prolapse and the factors that may differentiate it from other repairs in risk and benefit., Results: We emphasize the importance of collaboration between patients and surgeons in surgical decision-making., Conclusion: All medically appropriate patients who desire reconstructive surgery for prolapse should be offered sacrocolpopexy., (© 2024. The International Urogynecological Association.)
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- 2024
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30. Student, Staff and Faculty Experience with a Medical School Racial and Sociopolitical Trauma Protocol: A Mixed Methods Study.
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Perez-Urbano I, Jowhar ZM, Williams JC, Collins SA, Davis D, Boscardin CK, Cowell T, Benton E, and Hauer KE
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Problem : Medical students experience racial and sociopolitical trauma that disrupts their learning and wellbeing. Intervention : University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine students advocated for a systems approach to responding to traumatic events. Students partnered with educators to introduce an innovative protocol that affords short-term flexibility in curricular expectations (e.g., defer attendance, assignments, assessments) to empower students to rest, gather, or pursue community advocacy work. This study explored students' protocol utilization and student, staff, and faculty experience with its implementation. Context : UCSF is a public medical school with a diverse student body. Students raised the need to acknowledge the effects of trauma on their learning and wellbeing. Consequently, students and educators created the UCSF Racial and Sociopolitical Trauma protocol ('protocol') to allow students time-limited flexibility around academic obligations following events anticipated to inflict trauma on a school community level. The protocol affords students space to process events and engage with affected communities while ensuring all students achieve school competencies and graduation requirements. Impact : We conducted a two-phase mixed methods study: (1) retrospective analysis of quantitative data on students' protocol use and (2) focus groups with students, staff, and faculty. We used descriptive statistics to summarize students' protocol use to adjust attendance, assignment submission, and assessments and thematic analysis of focus group data. Across eight protocol activations June 2020 - November 2021, 357 of 664 (54%) students used it for 501 curricular activities: 56% ( n = 198) for attendance, 71% ( n = 252) for assignments, and 14% ( n = 51) for assessments. When deciding to utilize the protocol, student focus group participants considered sources of restoration; impact on their curricular/patient responsibilities; and their identities. The protocol symbolized an institutional value system that made students feel affirmed and staff and faculty proud. Staff and faculty initially faced implementation challenges with questions around how to apply the protocol to curricular components and how it would affect their roles; however, these questions became clearer with each protocol activation. Questions remain regarding how the protocol can be best adapted for the clerkship setting. Lessons Learned : High protocol usage and focus group data confirmed that students found value in the protocol, and staff and faculty felt invested in the protocol mission. This student-initiated intervention supports a cultural shift beyond diversity toward trauma-informed medical education. Partnership among learners and educators can contribute to transforming learning and healthcare environments by enacting systems and structures that enable all learners to thrive.
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- 2024
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31. Impacts of fire and prospects for recovery in a tropical peat forest ecosystem.
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Harrison ME, Deere NJ, Imron MA, Nasir D, Adul, Asti HA, Aragay Soler J, Boyd NC, Cheyne SM, Collins SA, D'Arcy LJ, Erb WM, Green H, Healy W, Hendri, Holly B, Houlihan PR, Husson SJ, Iwan, Jeffers KA, Kulu IP, Kusin K, Marchant NC, Morrogh-Bernard HC, Page SE, Purwanto A, Ripoll Capilla B, de Rivera Ortega OR, Santiano, Spencer KL, Sugardjito J, Supriatna J, Thornton SA, Frank van Veen FJ, Yulintine, and Struebig MJ
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- Animals, Ecosystem, Soil, Forests, Trees, Biodiversity, Butterflies, Fires
- Abstract
Uncontrolled fires place considerable burdens on forest ecosystems, compromising our ability to meet conservation and restoration goals. A poor understanding of the impacts of fire on ecosystems and their biodiversity exacerbates this challenge, particularly in tropical regions where few studies have applied consistent analytical techniques to examine a broad range of ecological impacts over multiyear time frames. We compiled 16 y of data on ecosystem properties (17 variables) and biodiversity (21 variables) from a tropical peatland in Indonesia to assess fire impacts and infer the potential for recovery. Burned forest experienced altered structural and microclimatic conditions, resulting in a proliferation of nonforest vegetation and erosion of forest ecosystem properties and biodiversity. Compared to unburned forest, habitat structure, tree density, and canopy cover deteriorated by 58 to 98%, while declines in species diversity and abundance were most pronounced for trees, damselflies, and butterflies, particularly for forest specialist species. Tracking ecosystem property and biodiversity datasets over time revealed most to be sensitive to recurrent high-intensity fires within the wider landscape. These megafires immediately compromised water quality and tree reproductive phenology, crashing commercially valuable fish populations within 3 mo and driving a gradual decline in threatened vertebrates over 9 mo. Burned forest remained structurally compromised long after a burn event, but vegetation showed some signs of recovery over a 12-y period. Our findings demonstrate that, if left uncontrolled, fire may be a pervasive threat to the ecological functioning of tropical forests, underscoring the importance of fire prevention and long-term restoration efforts, as exemplified in Indonesia., Competing Interests: Competing interests statement:The authors declare no competing interest.
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- 2024
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32. Springing forward: Migrating songbirds catch up with the start of spring in North America.
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Nemes CE, Marra PP, Zenzal TJ Jr, Collins SA, Dossman BC, Gerson AR, Gómez C, González AM, Gutierrez Ramirez M, Hamer SA, Marty J, Vasseur PL, and Cohen EB
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- Humans, Animals, Animal Migration, Plant Breeding, North America, Seasons, Songbirds
- Abstract
In temperate regions, the annual pattern of spring onset can be envisioned as a 'green wave' of emerging vegetation that moves across continents from low to high latitudes, signifying increasing food availability for consumers. Many herbivorous migrants 'surf' such resource waves, timing their movements to exploit peak vegetation resources in early spring. Although less well studied at the individual level, secondary consumers such as insectivorous songbirds can track vegetation phenology during migration as well. We hypothesized that four species of ground-foraging songbirds in eastern North America-two warblers and two thrushes-time their spring migrations to coincide with later phases of vegetation phenology, corresponding to increased arthropod prey, and predicted they would match their migration rate to the green wave but trail behind it rather than surfing its leading edge. We further hypothesized that the rate at which spring onset progresses across the continent influences bird migration rates, such that individuals adjust migration timing within North America to phenological conditions they experience en route. To test our hypotheses, we used a continent-wide automated radio telemetry network to track individual songbirds on spring migration between the U.S. Gulf Coast region and northern locations closer to their breeding grounds. We measured vegetation phenology using two metrics of spring onset, the spring index first leaf date and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), then calculated the rate and timing of spring onset relative to bird detections. All individuals arrived in the southeastern United States well after local spring onset. Counter to our expectations, we found that songbirds exhibited a 'catching up' pattern: Individuals migrated faster than the green wave of spring onset, effectively closing in on the start of spring as they approached breeding areas. While surfing of resource waves is a well-documented migration strategy for herbivorous waterfowl and ungulates, individual songbirds in our study migrated faster than the green wave and increasingly caught up to its leading edge en route. Consequently, songbirds experience a range of vegetation phenophases while migrating through North America, suggesting flexibility in their capacity to exploit variable resources in spring., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Animal Ecology © 2023 British Ecological Society. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.)
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- 2024
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33. Relationships Between Urinary and Nonurinary Symptoms in Treatment-Seeking Women in LURN.
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Smith AR, Mansfield SA, Bradley CS, Kenton KS, Helmuth ME, Cameron AP, Kirkali Z, Bretschneider CE, Andreev V, Sarma A, Lane G, Collins SA, Cella D, Lai HH, Harte SE, and Griffith JW
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- Adult, Humans, Female, Middle Aged, Cross-Sectional Studies, Urinary Incontinence, Stress, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Urinary Tract, Colorectal Neoplasms
- Abstract
Importance: Physical health and psychological health represent modifiable factors in the causal pathway of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)., Objectives: Understand the relationship between physical and psychological factors and LUTS over time., Study Design: Adult women enrolled in the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network observational cohort study completed the LUTS Tool and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, including urinary (Urinary Distress Inventory), prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory), and colorectal anal (Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory) subscales at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months. Physical functioning, depression, and sleep disturbance were measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questionnaires; relationships were assessed using multivariable linear mixed models., Results: Of 545 women enrolled, 472 had follow-up. Median age was 57 years; 61% and 78% reported stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder, respectively; and 81% reported obstructive symptoms. The PROMIS depression scores were positively associated with all urinary outcomes (range, 2.5- to 4.8-unit increase per 10-unit increase in depression score; P < 0.01 for all). Higher sleep disturbance scores were associated with higher urgency, obstruction, LUTS Total Severity, Urinary Distress Inventory, and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (1.9- to 3.4-point increase per 10-unit increase, all P < 0.02). Better physical functioning was associated with less severe urinary symptoms except stress urinary incontinence (2.3- to 5.2-point decrease per 10-unit increase, all P < 0.01). All symptoms decreased over time; however, no association was detected between baseline PROMIS scores and trajectories of LUTS over time., Conclusions: Nonurologic factors demonstrated small to medium cross-sectional associations with urinary symptom domains, but no significant association was detected with changes in LUTS. Further work is needed to determine whether interventions targeting nonurologic factors reduce LUTS in women., Competing Interests: The authors have declared they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 American Urogynecologic Society. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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34. Successful Use of Acellular Small Intestinal Submucosa Graft in Vaginal Reconstruction.
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Papastefan ST, Collins SA, Mueller MG, Geynisman-Tan J, Reynolds M, Cheng EY, Yerkes EB, and Grabowski JE
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- Adult, Humans, Animals, Swine, Female, Child, Adolescent, Young Adult, Vagina surgery, Vagina abnormalities, Retrospective Studies, Constriction, Pathologic surgery, Patient Satisfaction, Mullerian Ducts surgery, Mullerian Ducts abnormalities, Treatment Outcome, Plastic Surgery Procedures, 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development surgery, Congenital Abnormalities surgery
- Abstract
Purpose: Various techniques for neovaginal construction have been employed in the pediatric and adult populations, including the use of intestinal segments, buccal mucosal grafts, and skin grafts. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) extracellular matrix grafts have been described as a viable alternative, though prior experience is limited. Our purpose was to assess operative characteristics and patient outcomes with neovaginal construction using SIS grafts., Methods: Thirteen patients underwent vaginoplasty with acellular porcine SIS grafts at our institution between 2018 and 2022. Operative and clinical data, postoperative mold management, vaginal dilating length, and complications were reviewed., Results: Age at time of repair ranged from 13 to 30 years (median 19 years). Patient diagnosis included cloacal anomalies (n = 4), Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (n = 4), isolated vaginal atresia with or without a transverse vaginal septum (n = 4), and vaginal rhabdomyosarcoma requiring partial vaginectomy (n = 1). Following dissection of the neovaginal space, a silicon mold wrapped with SIS graft was placed with retention sutures and removed on postoperative day 7. Median (IQR) operative time was 171 (118-192) minutes, estimated blood loss was 10 (5-20) mL, and length of stay was 2 (1-3) days. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 47 months (median 9 months). Two patients developed postoperative vaginal stenosis that resolved with dilation under anesthesia. Mean vaginal length on latest follow-up was 8.97 cm. All thirteen patients had successful engraftment and progressed to performing self-dilations or initiating intercourse to maintain patency. There were no cases of graft reaction or graft extrusion., Conclusions: We conclude that acellular small intestinal submucosa grafts are effective and safe alternatives for mold coverage in neovaginal construction. Our experience demonstrates minimal perioperative morbidity, early mold removal, and progression to successful dilation with maintenance of a functional vaginal length. Future study on sexual outcomes, patient satisfaction, and comparison against alternative techniques has been initiated., Level of Evidence: IV., Type of Study: Retrospective Study., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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35. Excluding Male Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Why We Do It and Why It's Wrong.
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Collins SA
- Subjects
- Female, Male, Humans, Women's Health, Gynecology education, Internship and Residency, Obstetrics education
- Abstract
This article explores the current landscape of clinical education in obstetrics and gynecology for medical students, residents, and fellows who identify as male. Academic, clinical instruction should be inclusive for the betterment of the training experience for all, but most importantly, for the betterment of women's health., (© 2023. The International Urogynecological Association.)
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- 2024
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36. Sex-specific modulation of the medial prefrontal cortex by glutamatergic median raphe neurons.
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Collins SA, Stinson HE, Himes A, Nestor-Kalinoski A, and Ninan I
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- Female, Mice, Animals, Male, Pyramidal Cells metabolism, GABAergic Neurons metabolism, Prefrontal Cortex metabolism, Vesicular Glutamate Transport Proteins metabolism, Raphe Nuclei metabolism
- Abstract
A substantial proportion of raphe neurons are glutamatergic. However, little is known about how these glutamatergic neurons modulate the forebrain. We investigated how glutamatergic median raphe nucleus (MRN) input modulates the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a critical component of fear circuitry. We show that vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3)-expressing MRN neurons activate VGLUT3- and somatostatin-expressing neurons in the mPFC. Consistent with this modulation of mPFC GABAergic neurons, activation of MRN (VGLUT3) neurons enhances GABAergic transmission in mPFC pyramidal neurons and attenuates fear memory in female but not male mice. Serotonin plays a key role in MRN (VGLUT3) neuron-mediated GABAergic plasticity in the mPFC. In agreement with these female-specific effects, we observed sex differences in glutamatergic transmission onto MRN (VGLUT3) neurons and in mPFC (VGLUT3) neuron-mediated dual release of glutamate and GABA. Our results demonstrate a cell type-specific modulation of the mPFC by MRN (VGLUT3) neurons and reveal a sex-specific role of this neuromodulation in mPFC synaptic plasticity.
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- 2023
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37. Nest material preferences in wild hazel dormice Muscardinus avellanarius : testing predictions from optimal foraging theory.
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Collins SA, Lane SM, Ishibashi M, and Hamston T
- Abstract
Obtaining nesting material presents an optimal foraging problem, collection of materials incurs a cost in terms of risk of predation and energy spent and individuals must balance these costs with the benefits of using that material in the nest. The hazel dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius is an endangered British mammal in which both sexes build nests. However, whether material used in their construction follows the predictions of optimal foraging theory is unknown. Here, we analyze the use of nesting materials in forty two breeding nests from six locations in Southwest England. Nests were characterized in terms of which plants were used, the relative amount of each plant, and how far away the nearest source was. We found that dormice exhibit a preference for plants closer to the nest, but that the distance they are prepared to travel depends on the plant species. Dormice traveled further to collect honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum , oak Quercus robur , and beech Fagus sylvatica than any other plants. Distance did not affect the relative amount used, although the proportion of honeysuckle in nests was highest, and more effort was expended collecting honeysuckle, beech, bramble Rubus fruticosus and oak compared to other plants. Our results suggest that not all aspects of optimal foraging theory apply to nest material collection. However, optimal foraging theory is a useful model to examine nest material collection, providing testable predictions. As found previously honeysuckle is important as a nesting material and its presence should be taken account when assessing suitability of sites for dormice., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Society for Behavioral Ecology.)
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- 2023
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38. A hierarchical anatomical framework and workflow for organizing stereotactic encephalography in epilepsy.
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Zheng B, Hsieh B, Rex N, Lauro PM, Collins SA, Blum AS, Roth JL, Ayub N, and Asaad WF
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- Humans, Workflow, Electroencephalography methods, Seizures diagnostic imaging, Seizures surgery, Stereotaxic Techniques, Electrodes, Implanted, Epilepsy diagnostic imaging, Epilepsy surgery, Drug Resistant Epilepsy surgery
- Abstract
Stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG) is an increasingly utilized method for invasive monitoring in patients with medically intractable epilepsy. Yet, the lack of standardization for labeling electrodes hinders communication among clinicians. A rational clustering of contacts based on anatomy rather than arbitrary physical leads may help clinical neurophysiologists interpret seizure networks. We identified SEEG electrodes on post-implant CTs and registered them to preoperative MRIs segmented according to an anatomical atlas. Individual contacts were automatically assigned to anatomical areas independent of lead. These contacts were then organized using a hierarchical anatomical schema for display and interpretation. Bipolar-referenced signal cross-correlations were used to compare the similarity of grouped signals within a conventional montage versus this anatomical montage. As a result, we developed a hierarchical organization for SEEG contacts using well-accepted, free software that is based solely on their post-implant anatomical location. When applied to three example SEEG cases for epilepsy, clusters of contacts that were anatomically related collapsed into standardized groups. Qualitatively, seizure events organized using this framework were better visually clustered compared to conventional schemes. Quantitatively, signals grouped by anatomical region were more similar to each other than electrode-based groups as measured by Pearson correlation. Further, we uploaded visualizations of SEEG reconstructions into the electronic medical record, rendering them durably useful given the interpretable electrode labels. In conclusion, we demonstrate a standardized, anatomically grounded approach to the organization of SEEG neuroimaging and electrophysiology data that may enable improved communication among and across surgical epilepsy teams and promote a clearer view of individual seizure networks., (© 2022 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)
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- 2022
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39. Acoustic regularities in infant-directed speech and song across cultures.
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Hilton CB, Moser CJ, Bertolo M, Lee-Rubin H, Amir D, Bainbridge CM, Simson J, Knox D, Glowacki L, Alemu E, Galbarczyk A, Jasienska G, Ross CT, Neff MB, Martin A, Cirelli LK, Trehub SE, Song J, Kim M, Schachner A, Vardy TA, Atkinson QD, Salenius A, Andelin J, Antfolk J, Madhivanan P, Siddaiah A, Placek CD, Salali GD, Keestra S, Singh M, Collins SA, Patton JQ, Scaff C, Stieglitz J, Cutipa SC, Moya C, Sagar RR, Anyawire M, Mabulla A, Wood BM, Krasnow MM, and Mehr SA
- Subjects
- Humans, Adult, Infant, Speech, Language, Acoustics, Voice, Music
- Abstract
When interacting with infants, humans often alter their speech and song in ways thought to support communication. Theories of human child-rearing, informed by data on vocal signalling across species, predict that such alterations should appear globally. Here, we show acoustic differences between infant-directed and adult-directed vocalizations across cultures. We collected 1,615 recordings of infant- and adult-directed speech and song produced by 410 people in 21 urban, rural and small-scale societies. Infant-directedness was reliably classified from acoustic features only, with acoustic profiles of infant-directedness differing across language and music but in consistent fashions. We then studied listener sensitivity to these acoustic features. We played the recordings to 51,065 people from 187 countries, recruited via an English-language website, who guessed whether each vocalization was infant-directed. Their intuitions were more accurate than chance, predictable in part by common sets of acoustic features and robust to the effects of linguistic relatedness between vocalizer and listener. These findings inform hypotheses of the psychological functions and evolution of human communication., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)
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- 2022
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40. Ultrasound-Measured Urethral Length Does Not Change following Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
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Serino MA, Collins SA, Kenton K, and Geynisman-Tan J
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- Aged, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Prospective Studies, Ultrasonography, Urodynamics, Vagina diagnostic imaging, Vagina surgery, Pelvic Organ Prolapse diagnostic imaging, Pelvic Organ Prolapse surgery
- Abstract
Objectives: To compare urethral length (UL), as measured by three-dimenstional transvaginal ultrasound, before and after minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (SCP)., Methods: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of women undergoing SCP for prolapse beyond the hymen with or without a concomitant anti-incontinence procedure. Participants underwent ultrasound at baseline and 14 weeks postoperatively. UL was measured in a reconstructed sagittal plane from the bladder neck to the urethral meatus. All of the participants underwent multichannel urodynamics preoperatively. Data were analyzed in SPSS using independent or paired t tests as indicated for continuous variables and the McNemar test for paired dichotomous variables. Correlations including nonparametric data are reported as Spearman rho., Results: A total of 28 participants, with a mean ± standard deviation age of 56 ± 10 years and median (interquartile range) preoperative prolapse stage of 3 (3-3), were analyzed. There was no change in UL between the baseline and 14-week visits (29.8 ± 11.0 mm vs 29.3 ± 10.0 mm, P = 0.83). There was no difference in baseline UL (29.4 ± 11.8 mm vs 30.9 ± 8.9 mm, P = 0.74) in those with and without preoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI), nor was there a difference in baseline functional UL on multichannel urodynamics between these groups. In total, 21 participants (75%) had preoperative SUI and 19 (90%) underwent a concomitant anti-incontinence procedure. UL at 14 weeks was similar in those with and without SUI symptoms (26.5 ± 10.9 mm vs 31.1 ± 11.3 mm, P = 0.32) when controlling for those who underwent anti-incontinence procedures., Conclusion: UL does not change following suspension of the anterior vaginal wall with SCP.
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- 2022
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41. Sex Differences in Commercial Patient Reviews of Women and Men Urogynecologic Surgeons.
- Author
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Mueller MG, Chen C, Geynisman-Tan J, Bretschneider CE, Collins SA, Lewicky-Gaupp C, Brown O, and Kenton K
- Subjects
- Clinical Competence, Female, Humans, Male, Patient Satisfaction, Sexism, Sex Characteristics, Surgeons
- Abstract
Objective: The objective of our study was to describe differences in commercial patient reviews of women and men urogynecologic surgeons., Materials and Methods: Reviews of surgeons on Healthgrades.com in 4 metropolitan areas were included. Based on the qualitative assessment using qualitative content analysis of major and minor elements, we defined 4 theme categories: global experience, social interaction, technical skills, and ancillary aspects, each embedded with discrete elements. Differences in proportions of mentioned themes as well as quantitative ratings were evaluated by sex with the appropriate statistical tests., Results: Three hundred sixty-four patient reviews (51% for women surgeons and 49% for men surgeons) were identified for 141 gynecologic surgeons self-identifying as "urogynecologists." The majority of the cohort (77%) held subspecialty certification in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Reviews of women demonstrated a lower mean quantitative "likelihood to recommend" score compared with men (4.0 vs 4.3, P = 0.002) on the 5-point scale. Women received more mention in comfort (52% vs 40%, P = 0.023) and professionalism (19% vs 9%, P = 0.007) themes and less mention with respect to surgical outcomes (28% vs 53%, P < 0.001) and technical skills (5% vs 15%, P = 0.011) compared with men., Conclusions: Commercial online patient reviews for urogynecologic surgeons reveal sex bias with women receiving lower scores overall and more comments related to social interaction and fewer comments related to surgical outcomes and technical skill compared with men., Competing Interests: The authors have declared they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 American Urogynecologic Society. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2022
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42. Artificial intelligence for prediction of COVID-19 progression using CT imaging and clinical data.
- Author
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Wang R, Jiao Z, Yang L, Choi JW, Xiong Z, Halsey K, Tran TML, Pan I, Collins SA, Feng X, Wu J, Chang K, Shi LB, Yang S, Yu QZ, Liu J, Fu FX, Jiang XL, Wang DC, Zhu LP, Yi XP, Healey TT, Zeng QH, Liu T, Hu PF, Huang RY, Li YH, Sebro RA, Zhang PJL, Wang J, Atalay MK, Liao WH, Fan Y, and Bai HX
- Subjects
- Artificial Intelligence, Humans, Retrospective Studies, SARS-CoV-2, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, COVID-19
- Abstract
Objectives: Early recognition of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity can guide patient management. However, it is challenging to predict when COVID-19 patients will progress to critical illness. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence system to predict future deterioration to critical illness in COVID-19 patients., Methods: An artificial intelligence (AI) system in a time-to-event analysis framework was developed to integrate chest CT and clinical data for risk prediction of future deterioration to critical illness in patients with COVID-19., Results: A multi-institutional international cohort of 1,051 patients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 and chest CT was included in this study. Of them, 282 patients developed critical illness, which was defined as requiring ICU admission and/or mechanical ventilation and/or reaching death during their hospital stay. The AI system achieved a C-index of 0.80 for predicting individual COVID-19 patients' to critical illness. The AI system successfully stratified the patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with distinct progression risks (p < 0.0001)., Conclusions: Using CT imaging and clinical data, the AI system successfully predicted time to critical illness for individual patients and identified patients with high risk. AI has the potential to accurately triage patients and facilitate personalized treatment., Key Point: • AI system can predict time to critical illness for patients with COVID-19 by using CT imaging and clinical data., (© 2021. European Society of Radiology.)
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- 2022
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43. Clinical development of retroviral replicating vector Toca 511 for gene therapy of cancer.
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Collins SA, Shah AH, Ostertag D, Kasahara N, and Jolly DJ
- Subjects
- Cell Line, Tumor, Genetic Therapy, Genetic Vectors, Recombinant Proteins, Cytosine Deaminase genetics, Neoplasms genetics, Neoplasms therapy
- Abstract
Introduction: The use of tumor-selectively replicating viruses is a rapidly expanding field that is showing considerable promise for cancer treatment. Retroviral replicating vectors (RRV) are unique among the various replication-competent viruses currently being investigated for potential clinical utility, because they permanently integrate into the cancer cell genome and are capable of long-term persistence within tumors. RRV can mediate efficient tumor-specific delivery of prodrug activator genes, and subsequent prodrug treatment leads to synchronized cell killing of infected cancer cells, as well as activation of antitumor immune responses., Areas Covered: Here we review preclinical studies supporting bench-to-bedside translation of Toca 511, an optimized RRV for prodrug activator gene therapy, the results from Phase I through III clinical trials to date, and potential future directions for this therapy as well as other clinical candidate RRV., Expert Opinion: Toca 511 has shown highly promising results in early-stage clinical trials. This vector progressed to a registrational Phase III trial, but the results announced in late 2019 appeared negative overall. However, the median prodrug dosing schedule was not optimal, and promising possible efficacy was observed in some prespecified subgroups. Further clinical investigation, as well as development of RRV with other transgene payloads, is merited.
- Published
- 2021
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44. International Urogynecological Consultation: clinical definition of pelvic organ prolapse.
- Author
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Collins SA, O'Shea M, Dykes N, Ramm O, Edenfield A, Shek KL, van Delft K, Beestrum M, and Kenton K
- Subjects
- Female, Humans, Referral and Consultation, Vagina, Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Abstract
Introduction and Hypothesis: This segment of Chapter 1 of the International Urogynecology Consultation (IUC) on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) reviews the literature on the clinical definition of POP with the intent of creating standard terminology., Methods: An international group containing nine urogynecologists and one university-based medical librarian performed a search of the literature using pre-specified search terms in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Publications were eliminated if not relevant to the clinical definition of POP, and those articles remaining were evaluated for quality using the Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE). The resulting list of articles was used to inform a comprehensive review and creation of the clinical definition of POP., Results: The original search yielded 31,931 references, of which 167 were used by the writing group. Ultimately, 78 are referenced in the manuscript., Conclusions: The clinical definition of POP for this review of the literature is: "anatomical prolapse with descent of at least one of the vaginal walls to or beyond the vaginal hymen with maximal Valsalva effort WITH the presence either of bothersome characteristic symptoms, most commonly the sensation of vaginal bulge, or of functional or medical compromise due to prolapse without symptom bother.", (© 2021. The International Urogynecological Association.)
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- 2021
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45. Multiple constraints on urban bird communication: both abiotic and biotic noise shape songs in cities.
- Author
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To AWY, Dingle C, and Collins SA
- Abstract
Ambient noise can cause birds to adjust their songs to avoid masking. Most studies investigate responses to a single noise source (e.g., low-frequency traffic noise, or high-frequency insect noise). Here, we investigated the effects of both anthropogenic and insect noise on vocalizations of four common bird species in Hong Kong. Common Tailorbirds ( Orthotomus sutorius ) and Eurasian Tree Sparrows ( Passer montanus ) both sang at a higher frequency in urban areas compared to peri-urban areas. Red-whiskered Bulbuls ( Pycnonotus jocosus ) in urban areas shifted the only first note of their song upwards. Swinhoe's White-eye ( Zosterops simplex ) vocalization changes were correlated with noise level, but did not differ between the peri-urban and urban populations. Insect noise caused the Eurasian Tree Sparrow to reduce both maximum, peak frequency, and overall bandwidth of vocalizations. Insect noise also led to a reduction in maximum frequency in Red-whiskered bulbuls. The presence of both urban noise and insect noise affected the sound of the Common Tailorbirds and Eurasian Tree Sparrows; in urban areas, they no longer increased their minimum song frequency when insect sounds were also present. These results highlight the complexity of the soundscape in urban areas. The presence of both high- and low-frequency ambient noise may make it difficult for urban birds to avoid signal masking while still maintaining their fitness in noisy cities., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Society for Behavioral Ecology.)
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- 2021
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46. Association of the CPT1A p.P479L Metabolic Gene Variant With Childhood Respiratory and Other Infectious Illness in Nunavut.
- Author
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Collins SA, Edmunds S, Akearok GH, Thompson JR, Erickson AC, Hildes-Ripstein E, Miners A, Somerville M, Goldfarb DM, Rockman-Greenberg C, and Arbour L
- Abstract
Objective: Infectious illness, including lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and infant mortality in Inuit children in Nunavut Canada. The carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) p.P479L variant is common in arctic Indigenous populations of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. CPT1A is a fatty acid oxidation enzyme expressed in the liver, immunocytes and other tissues, and is needed to use fats for energy during fasting. Previous association of the variant with early childhood infectious illness and infant death has been challenged because of sample size and limited adjustment for confounders. We evaluated whether the p.P479L variant is associated with infectious illness in Inuit children of Nunavut, Canada. Methods: We conducted a retrospective clinical chart review of 2,225 Inuit children (0-5 years) for infectious illness (including otitis media, gastroenteritis, and hospital admission for LRTI), prenatal, perinatal, and socioeconomic indicators, subsequently linking to CPT1A genotype. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for birth characteristics, breastfeeding, maternal smoking, food insecurity, and socioeconomic indicators. Results: Overall, 27% of children were hospitalized for LRTI, 86% had otitis media and 50% had gastroenteritis. The p.P479L allele frequency was 0.82. In multivariable analysis, p.P479L homozygosity was associated with LRTI admission (aOR:2.88 95%CI:1.46-5.64), otitis media (aOR:1.83, 95%CI:1.05-3.21), and gastroenteritis (aOR:1.74, 95%CI:1.09-2.77), compared to non-carriers. Conclusion: Children homozygous for the p.P479L variant were more likely to experience infectious illness than non-carriers, including hospitalization for respiratory tract infections. Given the role of CPT1A in immunocytes, our findings indicate that more study is needed to determine if there is a role of the variant in immune response. Continued Inuit involvement is essential when considering next steps., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Collins, Edmunds, Akearok, Thompson, Erickson, Hildes-Ripstein, Miners, Somerville, Goldfarb, Rockman-Greenberg and Arbour.)
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- 2021
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47. Rates of Sling Procedures and Revisions-A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database Study.
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Bretschneider CE, Geynisman-Tan J, Mueller MG, Collins SA, Lewicky-Gaupp C, and Kenton K
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Cohort Studies, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Pain, Postoperative, Postoperative Complications, Suburethral Slings adverse effects, Treatment Outcome, Urinary Incontinence, Stress epidemiology, Urologic Surgical Procedures methods, Quality Improvement, Reoperation statistics & numerical data, Suburethral Slings statistics & numerical data, Urethra surgery, Urinary Incontinence, Stress surgery, Urologic Surgical Procedures statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to describe trends in sling procedures and revisions, including fascial slings and midurethral slings (MUS) using a large, national database with respect to the 2011 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mesh-related safety communication., Methods: This was a cross-sectional cohort study using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database from 2010 to 2018, evaluating the prevalence of sling revision and fascial slings and their trends over time. Patients who underwent MUS, fascial slings, and sling revisions were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes. Sling revisions and fascial slings were evaluated as a proportion of the total number of MUS performed per year. Three distinct periods were evaluated in relation to the 2011 FDA communication: 2010 to 2012, 2012 to 2015, and 2015 to 2018. Observed trends were assessed with Pearson correlation coefficients with a P value less than 0.05 considered significant., Results: During the study period, 32,657 slings were captured: 32,389 MUS and 268 fascial slings. The rate of sling revisions was low (0.4% in 2010 to 1.2% in 2015). Between 2012 and 2015, the rate of sling revision increased significantly (R = 1, P = 0.002); following 2015, the rate of sling revisions decreased significantly over time (R = -0.96, P = 0.04). The rate of fascial slings between 2012 and 2015 increased significantly (R = 0.95, P = 0.047); however, the rate plateaued starting in 2015 (R = -0.49, -P = 0.51)., Conclusions: Our data suggest that MUS remain the preferred procedure for treatment of stress urinary incontinence despite the recent FDA communications with MUS representing 99% of sling procedures during the study period., Competing Interests: K.K. is an expert witness for Current Butler Snow and Ethicon. M.M. is also an expert witness for Ethicon. The other authors have declared they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 American Urogynecologic Society. All rights reserved.)
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- 2021
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48. Foreword: An Evidenced Based Approach to Urinary Incontinence in Women: What's New?
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Kenton K and Collins SA
- Subjects
- Female, Humans, Urinary Incontinence therapy
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- 2021
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49. Surgical Management of Stress Incontinence.
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Collins SA
- Subjects
- Female, Humans, Urologic Surgical Procedures, Suburethral Slings, Urinary Incontinence, Stress surgery
- Abstract
The aim was to describe contemporary surgical procedures for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. The 4 most commonly performed surgical procedures for the treatment of SUI were reviewed using standardized terminology. We addressed the history and evolution of the procedures as well as the mechanisms of action by which they work. Efficacy and safety data were also presented. Midurethral Sling, Pubovaginal Sling, Retropubic Colposuspension, and Urethral Bulking are safe and effective procedures. Midurethral Sling, Pubovaginal Sling, Retropubic Colposuspension, and Urethral Bulking are contemporary procedures for the treatment of SUI in women., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2021
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50. Does a Hysterectomy Hurt? Comparing Narcotic Requirements and Pain Scores in Patients Undergoing Apical Prolapse Repair With or Without Hysterectomy.
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Gillingham A, Kenton K, Geynisman-Tan J, Brown O, Collins SA, Lewicky-Gaupp C, and Mueller MG
- Subjects
- Aged, Female, Gynecologic Surgical Procedures methods, Humans, Middle Aged, Retrospective Studies, Hysterectomy adverse effects, Narcotics therapeutic use, Pain Measurement, Pain, Postoperative drug therapy, Pain, Postoperative etiology, Pelvic Organ Prolapse surgery
- Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to compare narcotic requirements with early postoperative pain scores in women undergoing apical prolapse surgery with or without hysterectomy., Methods: All cases of apical prolapse repair at our institution in 2016 were identified. The following was abstracted from the health record: demographics, comorbidities, procedure details, baseline and postoperative care unit (PACU) pain scores, and operating room (OR) and PACU narcotic doses. Doses were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for analysis. Correlations are reported using Pearson ρ., Results: One hundred fifty-six cases were identified. Seventy-eight percent of participants were white and the mean ± SD age was 59 ± 11 years. One hundred seventeen patients (75%) underwent laparoscopic/robotic sacrocolpopexy, 35 (22%) native tissue vaginal repairs, and 4 (3%) open sacrocolpopexy. One hundred twenty-two patients (78%) underwent concomitant hysterectomy: 93 (76%) were laparoscopic, 25 (20%) vaginal, and 4 (4%) abdominal.The groups were similar, with the exception of younger age and longer OR time in the hysterectomy group. Hysterectomy by any route was not associated with increased OR MMEs (29 vs 22, P = 0.22), PACU MMEs (13 vs 13, P = 0.54), 4-hour PACU pain scores (2.5 vs 2.0, P = 0.22), or 6-hour PACU pain scores (2.6 vs 2.3, P = 0.54). After controlling for age and OR time, there remained no differences in these variables. Likewise, when analyzing laparoscopic or vaginal groups separately on multivariate regression, there were no differences in MMEs or postoperative pain scores in patients with and without concomitant hysterectomy., Conclusions: Concomitant hysterectomy at the time of prolapse repair does not increase pain medication requirements or patient-reported postoperative pain scores., Competing Interests: K.K. is on advisory board for Boston Scientific. S.C. is an expert witness for Gynecare and a consultant for MCG. The other authors have declared they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 American Urogynecologic Society. All rights reserved.)
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- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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