Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
Records 1-30 (of 32 Records) |
Query Trace: Mao R[original query] |
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Characterization of Reference Materials for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Genetic Testing: A GeT-RM Collaborative Project.
Prior TW , Bayrak-Toydemir P , Lynnes TC , Mao R , Metcalf JD , Muralidharan K , Iwata-Otsubo A , Pham HT , Pratt VM , Qureshi S , Requesens D , Shen J , Vetrini F , Kalman L . J Mol Diagn 2020 23 (1) 103-110 Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder predominately caused by bi-allelic loss of the SMN1 gene. Increased copies of SMN2, a low functioning nearly identical paralog, is associated with a less severe phenotype. SMA was recently recommended for inclusion in newborn screening. Clinical laboratories must accurately measure SMN1 and SMN2 copy number to identify SMA patients, carriers, and to identify individuals likely to benefit from therapeutic interventions. Having publicly available and appropriately characterized reference materials with various combinations of SMN1 and SMN2 copy number variants is critical to assure accurate SMA clinical testing. To address this need, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention based Genetic Testing Reference Material Coordination Program (GeT-RM), in collaboration with members of the genetic testing community and the Coriell Institute for Medical Research, have characterized 15 SMA reference materials derived from publicly available cell lines. DNA samples were distributed to four volunteer testing laboratories for genotyping using 3 different methods. The characterized samples had 0-4 copies of SMN1 and 0-5 copies SMN2. The samples also contained clinically important allele combinations (eg. 0 copies SMN1, 3 copies SMN2), and several had markers indicative of a SMA carrier. These and other reference materials characterized by the GeT-RM will support the quality of clinical laboratory testing and are available from the Coriell Institute. |
Monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity of flavoured e-cigarette liquids
Truman P , Stanfill S , Heydari A , Silver E , Fowles J . Neurotoxicology 2019 75 123-128 BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors have been hypothesised to be important in tobacco dependence, reinforcing the brain's response to nicotine by delaying the degradation of neurotransmitters by monoamine oxidases. The development of electronic cigarettes has provided an alternative nicotine delivery system, which is widely viewed as less toxic than tobacco smoke. However, significant data gaps remain. This paper reports the results of measurements of monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity in a small sample of commercially available, flavoured e-liquids. METHODS: Twelve e-liquids were tested for monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity, using the kynuramine assay and monoamine oxidase enzymes (human, recombinant). Control samples of carrier liquids, propylene glycol and glycerol, and nicotine were also tested. RESULTS: Four e-liquids contained high levels of inhibitory activity, four more were moderately inhibitory. The remaining four e-liquids were mildly inhibitory, while the carrier liquids, and nicotine were inactive at relevant concentrations. The active compounds in the e-liquids were subsequently identified as vanillin and ethyl vanillin. Under some conditions of use, the sampled e-liquids with the highest concentrations of monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity have the potential to expose consumers to physiologically significant levels of MAO inhibitory activity. CONCLUSIONS: While only a small sample of e-liquids was tested, the findings suggest that some flavours have pharmacological actions, with potential to enhance the response to nicotine or to other drugs. The public health implications of these preliminary findings on addiction and smoking cessation warrant exploration and further research. |
Hepatitis B surface antigen seroprevalence among pre- and post-vaccine cohorts in Cambodia, 2017
Ork V , Woodring J , Shafiqul Hossain M , Wasley A , Nagashima S , Yamamoto C , Chuon C , Sugiyama A , Ohisa M , Akita T , Ko K , Mao B , Tanaka J . Vaccine 2019 37 (35) 5059-5066 BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly endemic in most low income countries including Cambodia. This nationwide serosurvey was conducted to assess the impact of hepatitis B vaccination and to determine whether Cambodia met the WHO regional 2017 target of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence less than 1% in five-year-old children. METHODS: A cross-sectional multi-stage cluster survey was conducted among children born during 2010-2012 and their mothers in Cambodia. HBsAg prevalence was estimated by rapid point-of-care testing, and demographic data, including vaccination history, was collected. Vaccine coverage in children and the prevalence of HBsAg among children and mothers was calculated taking into account the complex survey design. Factors associated with children's failure to receive timely (within 24h) vaccination were analysed by multivariate logistic analysis. FINDINGS: A total of 2,520 children 5-7years old and 2,028 mothers were recruited. In total, 78.4% of children received hepatitis B vaccination birth-dose (HepB-BD); of these, 58.7% were administered</=24h. Birth at home or "other" location were independent risk factors for children's failure to receive timely HepB-BD. Overall HBsAg seroprevalence was 4.39% (95%CI: 3.53%-5.45%) among mothers and 0.56% (95%CI: 0.32%-0.98%) among children. The prevalence among children without hepatitis B vaccination was 4.62% (95%CI: 1.31%-14.97%). Among children with a HBsAg-positive mother, prevalence was 10.11% (95%CI: 5.41%-18.11%). INTERPRETATION: Having achieved the 2017 target of less than 1% HBsAg prevalence among 5years old children, Cambodia can now focus on eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HBV. Moreover, the high HBsAg prevalence among mothers suggests that routine screening with proper linkage to care and treatment is needed. Strengthening measures to improve vaccination coverage further and eliminate mother-to-child transmission by coordinated programming with other services offering additional HBV interventions will help move towards the global goal of hepatitis B elimination by 2030. FUNDING: As per sources of funding. |
Progress in public health risk communication in China: Lessons learned from SARS to H7N9
Frost M , Li R , Moolenaar R , Mao Q , Xie R . BMC Public Health 2019 19 475 Background: Following the SARS outbreak, the World Health Organization revised the International Health Regulations to include risk communication as one of the core capacity areas. In 2006, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Global Disease Detection [GDD] program began collaborating with China to enhance China's risk communication capacity to address gaps in the SARS communication response. This article describes tangible improvements in China's public health emergency risk communication capacity between the SARS and H7N9 outbreaks; documents U.S. CDC GDD cooperative technical assistance during 2006-2017; and shares lessons learnt to benefit other countries and contribute to enhance global health security. Method: A questionnaire based on the WHO Joint External Evaluation tool [Risk Communication section] was developed. A key communications official from the China National Health Commission [NHC] completed the questionnaire retrospectively to reflect China's capacity to manage communication response before, during and after the outbreaks of SARS in 2003, influenza H1N1 in 2009, and influenza H7N9 in 2013. A literature search was also conducted in English and Chinese to further substantiate the results of the questionnaire completed by NHC. Results: China demonstrated significantly improved risk communication capacities of pre-event, during event and post event responses to H7N9 when compared to the SARS response. China NHC improved its response through preparedness, availability of dedicated staff and resources for risk communication, internal clearance mechanisms, standard operating procedures with national response parties external to NHC, rumor management, communication with international agencies and consistent messaging with healthcare and private sectors. Correspondingly, the perceived level of trust that the public had in the NHC following outbreaks rose between the SARS and H7N9 response. Conclusion: Risk communication capacities in China have increased during the ten years between the SARS outbreak of 2003 and the H7N9 outbreak of 2013. Long-term risk communication capacity building efforts in bilateral collaborations are uncommon. The U.S. CDC GDD project was one of the first such collaborations worldwide. The lessons learned from this project may benefit lower and middle-income countries as they build their national emergency risk communication capacity. |
Specificity of the IgG antibody response to Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale MSP119 subunit proteins in multiplexed serologic assays
Priest JW , Plucinski MM , Huber CS , Rogier E , Mao B , Gregory CJ , Candrinho B , Colborn J , Barnwell JW . Malar J 2018 17 (1) 417 BACKGROUND: Multiplex bead assays (MBA) that measure IgG antibodies to the carboxy-terminal 19-kDa sub-unit of the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP119) are currently used to determine malaria seroprevalence in human populations living in areas with both stable and unstable transmission. However, the species specificities of the IgG antibody responses to the malaria MSP119 antigens have not been extensively characterized using MBA. METHODS: Recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7), Plasmodium malariae (China I), Plasmodium ovale (Nigeria I), and Plasmodium vivax (Belem) MSP119 proteins were covalently coupled to beads for MBA. Threshold cut-off values for the assays were estimated using sera from US citizens with no history of foreign travel and by receiver operator characteristic curve analysis using diagnostic samples. Banked sera from experimentally infected chimpanzees, sera from humans from low transmission regions of Haiti and Cambodia (N = 12), and elutions from blood spots from humans selected from a high transmission region of Mozambique (N = 20) were used to develop an antigen competition MBA for antibody cross-reactivity studies. A sub-set of samples was further characterized using antibody capture/elution MBA, IgG subclass determination, and antibody avidity measurement. RESULTS: Total IgG antibody responses in experimentally infected chimpanzees were species specific and could be completely suppressed by homologous competitor protein at a concentration of 10 mug/ml. Eleven of 12 samples from the low transmission regions and 12 of 20 samples from the high transmission area had antibody responses that were completely species specific. For 7 additional samples, the P. falciparum MSP119 responses were species specific, but various levels of incomplete heterologous competition were observed for the non-P. falciparum assays. A pan-malaria MSP119 cross-reactive antibody response was observed in elutions of blood spots from two 20-30 years old Mozambique donors. The antibody response from one of these two donors had low avidity and skewed almost entirely to the IgG3 subclass. CONCLUSIONS: Even when P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. vivax are co-endemic in a high transmission setting, most antibody responses to MSP119 antigens are species-specific and are likely indicative of previous infection history. True pan-malaria cross-reactive responses were found to occur rarely. |
"Only a life lived for others is worth living": Redox signaling by oxygenated phospholipids in cell fate decisions
Tyurina YY , Shrivastava I , Tyurin VA , Mao G , Dar HH , Watkins S , Epperly M , Bahar I , Shvedova AA , Pitt B , Wenzel SE , Mallampalli RK , Sadovsky Y , Gabrilovich D , Greenberger JS , Bayir H , Kagan VE . Antioxid Redox Signal 2018 29 (13) 1333-1358 SIGNIFICANCE: Oxygenated polyunsaturated lipids are known to play multi-functional roles as essential signals coordinating metabolism and physiology. Among them are well-studied eicosanoids and docosanoids that are generated via phospholipase A2 hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids and subsequent oxygenation of free polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) by cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases. Recent Advances: There is an emerging understanding that oxygenated PUFA-phospholipids also represent a rich signaling language with yet-to-be-deciphered details of the execution machinery-oxygenating enzymes, regulators, and receptors. Both free and esterified oxygenated PUFA signals are generated in cells, and their cross-talk and inter-conversion through the de-acylation/re-acylation reactions is not sufficiently explored. CRITICAL ISSUES: Here, we review recent data related to oxygenated phospholipids as important damage signals that trigger programmed cell death pathways to eliminate irreparably injured cells and preserve the health of multicellular environments. We discuss the mechanisms underlying the trans-membrane redistribution and generation of oxygenated cardiolipins in mitochondria by cytochrome c as pro-apoptotic signals. We also consider the role of oxygenated phosphatidylethanolamines as proximate pro-ferroptotic signals. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: We highlight the importance of sequential processes of phospholipid oxygenation and signaling in disease contexts as opportunities to use their regulatory mechanisms for the identification of new therapeutic targets. |
Factors associated with prolonged viral shedding in patients with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection
Wang Y , Guo Q , Yan Z , Zhou D , Zhang W , Zhou S , Li YP , Yuan J , Uyeki TM , Shen X , Wu W , Zhao H , Wu YF , Shang J , He Z , Yang Y , Zhao H , Hong Y , Zhang Z , Wu M , Wei T , Deng X , Deng Y , Cai LH , Lu W , Shu H , Zhang L , Luo H , Ing Zhou Y , Weng H , Song K , Yao L , Jiang M , Zhao B , Chi R , Guo B , Fu L , Yu L , Min H , Chen P , Chen S , Hong L , Mao W , Huang X , Gu L , Li H , Wang C , Cao B . J Infect Dis 2018 217 (11) 1708-1717 Background: Data are limited on the impact of neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) treatment on avian influenza A(H7N9) virus RNA shedding. Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective study, data were collected from adults hospitalized with A(H7N9) infection during 2013-2017 in China. We compared clinical features and A(H7N9) shedding among patients with different NAI doses and combination therapies and evaluated factors associated with A(H7N9) shedding, using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Among 478 patients, the median age was 56 years, 71% were male, and 37% died. The median time from illness onset to NAI treatment initiation was 8 days (interquartile range [IQR], 6-10 days), and the median duration of A(H7N9) RNA detection from onset was 15.5 days (IQR, 12-20 days). A(H7N9) RNA shedding was shorter in survivors than in patients who died (P < .001). Corticosteroid administration (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .50-.77]) and delayed NAI treatment (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, .91-.96]) were independent risk factors for prolonged A(H7N9) shedding. There was no significant difference in A(H7N9) shedding duration between NAI combination treatment and monotherapy (P = .65) or between standard-dose and double-dose oseltamivir treatment (P = .70). Conclusions: Corticosteroid therapy and delayed NAI treatment were associated with prolonged A(H7N9) RNA shedding. NAI combination therapy and double-dose oseltamivir treatment were not associated with a reduced A(H7N9) shedding duration as compared to standard-dose oseltamivir. |
Clusters of human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China, March 2013 to June 2015
Liu B , Havers FP , Zhou L , Zhong H , Wang X , Mao S , Li H , Ren R , Xiang N , Shu Y , Zhou S , Liu F , Chen E , Zhang Y , Widdowson MA , Li Q , Feng Z . J Infect Dis 2017 216 S548-s554 Multiple clusters of human infections with novel avian influenza A(H7N9) virus have occurred since the virus was first identified in spring 2013. However, in many situations it is unclear whether these clusters result from person-to-person transmission or exposure to a common infectious source. We analyzed the possibility of person-to-person transmission in each cluster and developed a framework to assess the likelihood that person-to-person transmission had occurred. We described 21 clusters with 22 infected contact cases that were identified by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention from March 2013 through June 2015. Based on detailed epidemiological information and the timing of the contact case patients' exposures to infected persons and to poultry during their potential incubation period, we graded the likelihood of person-to-person transmission as probable, possible, or unlikely. We found that person-to-person transmission probably occurred 12 times and possibly occurred 4 times; it was unlikely in 6 clusters. Probable nosocomial transmission is likely to have occurred in 2 clusters. Limited person-to-person transmission is likely to have occurred on multiple occasions since the H7N9 virus was first identified. However, these transmission events represented a small fraction of all identified cases of H7N9 human infection, and sustained person-to-person transmission was not documented. |
Global and national laboratory networks support high quality surveillance for measles and rubella
Xu W , Zhang Y , Wang H , Zhu Z , Mao N , Mulders MN , Rota PA . Int Health 2017 9 (3) 184-189 Laboratory networks are an essential component of disease surveillance systems because they provide accurate and timely confirmation of infection. WHO coordinates global laboratory surveillance of vaccine preventable diseases, including measles and rubella. The more than 700 laboratories within the WHO Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN) supports surveillance for measles, rubella and congenial rubella syndrome in 191 counties. This paper describes the overall structure and function of the GMRLN and highlights the largest of the national laboratory networks, the China Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network. |
Examining acceptability of self-collection for human papillomavirus testing among women and healthcare providers with a broader lens
Senkomago V , Saraiya M . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2017 26 (6) 597-599 In the Journal Of Women’s Health, Constance Mao et al. describe baseline findings from a randomized trial comparing self-collection for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing versus routine Papanicolaou (Pap) testing among women aged 21–65 years in Seattle, Washington.1 They report on acceptability of self-collection for HPV testing among women as well as healthcare providers performing cervical cancer screening in the University of Washington medical clinics. This article highlights two key findings: First, self-collection for HPV testing was acceptable and preferred by women for cervical cancer screening in comparison with routine Pap-based testing. Second, most healthcare providers were willing to recommend self-collection for HPV testing, but reported that this was conditional on factors such as patients’ ability to collect adequate samples and test characteristics such as sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness. Health providers’ key concern about women performing HPV self-collection at home was the missed opportunity to address other health concerns during a screening visit. | Self-collection for HPV testing has been found to be widely acceptable among women worldwide. In the United States, studies have found self-collection for HPV testing to be acceptable among women from various cultural backgrounds and settings, including white women in rural Appalachian Kentucky, African American women in the Mississippi Delta, Somali immigrant women in Minnesota, Haitian immigrant women in Miami, and Hispanic women in California.2–6 In high-income countries with organized cervical cancer screening programs such as Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland, self-collection for HPV testing has been found to be highly acceptable and increased screening uptake among women who do not respond to routine screening invitations.7–9 Self-collection for HPV testing has also been found to be highly acceptable in middle-income countries with organized screening programs such as Argentina, where research studies utilized existing community health worker networks for screening implementation.10 Also research studies in low-income countries such as India and Uganda have found high acceptability of self-collection among women.11 Although acceptability of self-collection has been studied, there is a need for broader examination into determinants of women’s attitudes or perceptions toward self-collection for HPV testing such as their knowledge and understanding about HPV, and also women’s compliance with the initial self-collection for HPV testing and any necessary follow-up procedures from a positive test result. |
Sero-epidemiologic study of influenza A(H7N9) infection among exposed populations, China 2013-2014
Xiang N , Bai T , Kang K , Yuan H , Zhou S , Ren R , Li X , Wu J , Deng L , Zeng G , Wang X , Mao S , Shi J , Gao R , Chen T , Zou S , Li D , Havers F , Widdowson MA , Greene CM , Zhang Y , Ni D , Liu X , Li Q , Shu Y . Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2017 11 (2) 170-176 BACKGROUND: The first human infections of novel avian influenza A(H7N9) virus were identified in China in March 2013. Sentinel surveillance systems and contact tracing may not identify mild and asymptomatic human infections of influenza A(H7N9) virus. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies to influenza A(H7N9) virus in three populations during the early stages of the epidemic. PATIENTS/METHODS: From March 2013 to May 2014, we collected sera from the general population, poultry workers, and contacts of confirmed infections in nine Chinese provinces reporting human A(H7N9) infections and, for contacts, second sera 2-3 weeks later. We screened for A(H7N9) antibodies by advanced hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay and tested sera with HI titers ≥20 by modified microneutralization (MN) assay. MN titers ≥20 or fourfold increases in paired sera were considered seropositive. RESULTS: Among general population sera (n=1480), none were seropositive. Among poultry worker sera (n=1866), 28 had HI titers ≥20; two (0.11%, 95% CI: 0.02-0.44) were positive by MN. Among 61 healthcare and 117 non-healthcare contacts' sera, five had HI titers ≥20, and all were negative by MN. There was no seroconversion among 131 paired sera. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of widespread transmission of influenza A(H7N9) virus during March 2013 to May 2014, although A(H7N9) may have caused rare, previously unrecognized infections among poultry workers. Although the findings suggest that there were few undetected cases of influenza A(H7N9) early in the epidemic, it is important to continue monitoring transmission as virus and epidemic evolve. |
Consensus Report of the 2015 Weinman International Conference on Mesothelioma.
Carbone M , Kanodia S , Chao A , Miller A , Wali A , Weissman D , Adjei A , Baumann F , Boffetta P , Buck B , de Perrot M , Dogan AU , Gavett S , Gualtieri A , Hassan R , Hesdorffer M , Hirsch FR , Larson D , Mao W , Masten S , Pass HI , Peto J , Pira E , Steele I , Tsao A , Woodard GA , Yang H , Malik S . J Thorac Oncol 2016 11 (8) 1246-62 On November 9 and 10, 2015, the International Conference on Mesothelioma in Populations Exposed to Naturally Occurring Asbestiform Fibers was held at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The meeting was cosponsored by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and the agenda was designed with significant input from staff at the U.S. National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. A multidisciplinary group of participants presented updates reflecting a range of disciplinary perspectives, including mineralogy, geology, epidemiology, toxicology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, public health, and clinical oncology. The group identified knowledge gaps that are barriers to preventing and treating malignant mesothelioma (MM) and the required next steps to address barriers. This manuscript reports the group's efforts and focus on strategies to limit risk to the population and reduce the incidence of MM. Four main topics were explored: genetic risk, environmental exposure, biomarkers, and clinical interventions. Genetics plays a critical role in MM when the disease occurs in carriers of germline BRCA1 associated protein 1 mutations. Moreover, it appears likely that, in addition to BRCA1 associated protein 1, other yet unknown genetic variants may also influence the individual risk for development of MM, especially after exposure to asbestos and related mineral fibers. MM is an almost entirely preventable malignancy as it is most often caused by exposure to commercial asbestos or mineral fibers with asbestos-like health effects, such as erionite. In the past in North America and in Europe, the most prominent source of exposure was related to occupation. Present regulations have reduced occupational exposure in these countries; however, some people continue to be exposed to previously installed asbestos in older construction and other settings. Moreover, an increasing number of people are being exposed in rural areas that contain noncommercial asbestos, erionite, and other mineral fibers in soil or rock (termed naturally occurring asbestos [NOA]) and are being developed. Public health authorities, scientists, residents, and other affected groups must work together in the areas where exposure to asbestos, including NOA, has been documented in the environment to mitigate or reduce this exposure. Although a blood biomarker validated to be effective for use in screening and identifying MM at an early stage in asbestos/NOA-exposed populations is not currently available, novel biomarkers presented at the meeting, such as high mobility group box 1 and fibulin-3, are promising. There was general agreement that current treatment for MM, which is based on surgery and standard chemotherapy, has a modest effect on the overall survival (OS), which remains dismal. Additionally, although much needed novel therapeutic approaches for MM are being developed and explored in clinical trials, there is a critical need to invest in prevention research, in which there is a great opportunity to reduce the incidence and mortality from MM. |
Integration of multiplex bead assays for parasitic diseases into a national, population-based serosurvey of women 15-39 years of age in Cambodia
Priest JW , Jenks MH , Moss DM , Mao B , Buth S , Wannemuehler K , Soeung SC , Lucchi NW , Udhayakumar V , Gregory CJ , Huy R , Muth S , Lammie PJ . PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016 10 (5) e0004699 Collection of surveillance data is essential for monitoring and evaluation of public health programs. Integrated collection of household-based health data, now routinely carried out in many countries through demographic health surveys and multiple indicator surveys, provides critical measures of progress in health delivery. In contrast, biomarker surveys typically focus on single or related measures of malaria infection, HIV status, vaccination coverage, or immunity status for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD). Here we describe an integrated biomarker survey based on use of a multiplex bead assay (MBA) to simultaneously measure antibody responses to multiple parasitic diseases of public health importance as part of a VPD serological survey in Cambodia. A nationally-representative cluster-based survey was used to collect serum samples from women of child-bearing age. Samples were tested by MBA for immunoglobulin G antibodies recognizing recombinant antigens from Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, Wuchereria bancrofti, Toxoplasma gondii, Taenia solium, and Strongyloides stercoralis. Serologic IgG antibody results were useful both for generating national prevalence estimates for the parasitic diseases of interest and for confirming the highly focal distributions of some of these infections. Integrated surveys offer an opportunity to systematically assess the status of multiple public health programs and measure progress toward Millennium Development Goals. |
Tetanus immunity among women aged 15-39 years in Cambodia: A national population-based serosurvey, 2012
Scobie HM , Mao B , Buth S , Wannemuehler KA , Sorensen C , Kannarath C , Jenks MH , Moss DM , Priest JW , Soeung SC , Deming MS , Lammie PJ , Gregory CJ . Clin Vaccine Immunol 2016 23 (7) 546-54 INTRODUCTION: To monitor progress toward maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination (MNTE) in Cambodia, we conducted a nationwide serosurvey of tetanus immunity in 2012. METHODS: Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select 2,154 women aged 15-39 years. Tetanus toxoid antibodies in sera were measured by gold-standard double antigen ELISA (DAE) and a novel multiplex bead assay (MBA). Antibody concentrations ≥0.01 IU/ml by DAE, or equivalent for MBA, were considered seroprotective. RESULTS: Estimated tetanus seroprotection was 88% (95% CI: 86%-89%); 64% (95% CI: 61%-67%) of women had antibody levels ≥1.0 IU/ml. Seroprotection was significantly lower (p <0.001) among women aged 15-19 years (63%) and 20-24 years (87%) compared with ≥25 years (96%), nulliparous compared with parous (71% vs. 97%), and living in the west compared with other regions (82% vs. 89%). The MBA showed high sensitivity (99% [95% CI: 98%-99%]) and specificity (92% [95% CI: 88%-95%]) compared with DAE. CONCLUSIONS: Findings were compatible with MNTE in Cambodia (≥80% protection). Tetanus immunity gaps should be addressed through strengthened routine immunization and targeted vaccination campaigns. Incorporating tetanus testing in national serosurveys using MBAs, which can measure immunity to multiple pathogens simultaneously, may be beneficial for monitoring MNTE. |
Inhibition of nickel nanoparticles-induced toxicity by epigallocatechin-3-gallate in JB6 cells may be through down-regulation of the MAPK signaling pathways
Gu Y , Wang Y , Zhou Q , Bowman L , Mao G , Zou B , Xu J , Liu Y , Liu K , Zhao J , Ding M . PLoS One 2016 11 (3) e0150954 With the rapid development in nanotechnology, nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) have emerged in the application of nanomedicine in recent years. However, the potential adverse health effects of Ni NPs are unclear. In this study, we examined the inhibition effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the toxicity induced by Ni NPs in mouse epidermal cell line (JB6 cell). MTT assay showed that Ni NPs induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner while EGCG exerted a certain inhibition on the toxicity. Additionally, EGCG could reduce the apoptotic cell number and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in JB6 cells induced by Ni NPs. Furthermore, we observed that EGCG could down-regulate Ni NPs-induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation in JB6 cells, which has been shown to play pivotal roles in tumor initiation, promotion and progression. Western blot indicated that EGCG could alleviate the toxicity of Ni NPs through regulating protein changes in MAPK signaling pathways. In summary, our results suggest that careful evaluation on the potential health effects of Ni NPs is necessary before being widely used in the field of nanomedicine. Inhibition of EGCG on Ni NPs-induced cytotoxicity in JB6 cells may be through the MAPK signaling pathways suggesting that EGCG might be useful in preventing the toxicity of Ni NPs. |
Label-free and continuous-flow ferrohydrodynamic separation of HeLa cells and blood cells in biocompatible ferrofluids
Zhao W , Zhu T , Cheng R , Liu Y , He J , Qiu H , Wang L , Nagy T , Querec TD , Unger ER , Mao L . Adv Funct Mater 2015 26 (22) 3990-3998 In this study, a label-free, low-cost, and fast ferrohydrodynamic cell separation scheme is demonstrated using HeLa cells (an epithelial cell line) and red blood cells. The separation is based on cell size difference, and conducted in a custom-made biocompatible ferrofluid that retains the viability of cells during and after the assay for downstream analysis. The scheme offers moderate-throughput (≈106 cells h-1 for a single channel device) and extremely high recovery rate (>99%) without the use of any label. It is envisioned that this separation scheme will have clinical applications in settings where rapid cell enrichment and removal of contaminating blood will improve efficiency of screening and diagnosis such as cervical cancer screening based on mixed populations in exfoliated samples. |
Reporting incidental findings in genomic scale clinical sequencing--a clinical laboratory perspective: a report of the Association for Molecular Pathology.
Hegde M , Bale S , Bayrak-Toydemir P , Gibson J , Bone Jeng LJ , Joseph L , Laser J , Lubin IM , Miller CE , Ross LF , Rothberg PG , Tanner AK , Vitazka P , Mao R . J Mol Diagn 2015 17 (2) 107-17 Advances in sequencing technologies have facilitated concurrent testing for many disorders, and the results generated may provide information about a patient's health that is unrelated to the clinical indication, commonly referred to as incidental findings. This is a paradigm shift from traditional genetic testing in which testing and reporting are tailored to a patient's specific clinical condition. Clinical laboratories and physicians are wrestling with this increased complexity in genomic testing and reporting of the incidental findings to patients. An enormous amount of discussion has taken place since the release of a set of recommendations from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. This discussion has largely focused on the content of the incidental findings, but the laboratory perspective and patient autonomy have been overlooked. This report by the Association of Molecular Pathology workgroup discusses the pros and cons of next-generation sequencing technology, potential benefits, and harms for reporting of incidental findings, including the effect on both the laboratory and the patient, and compares those with other areas of medicine. The importance of genetic counseling to preserve patient autonomy is also reviewed. The discussion and recommendations presented by the workgroup underline the need for continued research and discussion among all stakeholders to improve our understanding of the effect of different policies on patients, providers, and laboratories. |
Evolutionary analysis of rubella viruses in mainland China during 2010-2012: endemic circulation of genotype 1E and introductions of genotype 2B.
Zhu Z , Rivailler P , Abernathy E , Cui A , Zhang Y , Mao N , Xu S , Zhou S , Lei Y , Wang Y , Zheng H , He J , Chen Y , Li C , Bo F , Zhao C , Chen M , Lu P , Li F , Gu S , Gao H , Guo Y , Chen H , Feng D , Wang S , Tang X , Lei Y , Feng Y , Deng L , Gong T , Fan L , Xu W , Icenogle J . Sci Rep 2015 5 7999 Rubella remains a significant burden in mainland China. In this report, 667 viruses collected in 24 of 31 provinces of mainland China during 2010-2012 were sequenced and analyzed, significantly extending previous reports on limited numbers of viruses collected before 2010. Only viruses of genotypes 1E and 2B were found. Genotype 1E viruses were found in all 24 provinces. Genotype 1E viruses were likely introduced into mainland China around 1997 and endemic transmission of primarily one lineage became established. Viruses reported here from 2010-2012 are largely in a single cluster within this lineage. Genotype 2B viruses were rarely detected in China prior to 2010. This report documents a previously undetected 2B lineage, which likely became endemic in eastern provinces of China between 2010 and 2012. Bayesian analyses were performed to estimate the evolutionary rates and dates of appearance of the genotype 1E and 2B viral linages in China. A skyline plot of viral population diversity did not provide evidence of reduction of diversity as a result of vaccination, but should be useful as a baseline for such reductions as vaccination programs for rubella become widespread in mainland China. |
Mosquito genomics. Highly evolvable malaria vectors: the genomes of 16 Anopheles mosquitoes.
Neafsey DE , Waterhouse RM , Abai MR , Aganezov SS , Alekseyev MA , Allen JE , Amon J , Arca B , Arensburger P , Artemov G , Assour LA , Basseri H , Berlin A , Birren BW , Blandin SA , Brockman AI , Burkot TR , Burt A , Chan CS , Chauve C , Chiu JC , Christensen M , Costantini C , Davidson VL , Deligianni E , Dottorini T , Dritsou V , Gabriel SB , Guelbeogo WM , Hall AB , Han MV , Hlaing T , Hughes DS , Jenkins AM , Jiang X , Jungreis I , Kakani EG , Kamali M , Kemppainen P , Kennedy RC , Kirmitzoglou IK , Koekemoer LL , Laban N , Langridge N , Lawniczak MK , Lirakis M , Lobo NF , Lowy E , MacCallum RM , Mao C , Maslen G , Mbogo C , McCarthy J , Michel K , Mitchell SN , Moore W , Murphy KA , Naumenko AN , Nolan T , Novoa EM , O'Loughlin S , Oringanje C , Oshaghi MA , Pakpour N , Papathanos PA , Peery AN , Povelones M , Prakash A , Price DP , Rajaraman A , Reimer LJ , Rinker DC , Rokas A , Russell TL , Sagnon N , Sharakhova MV , Shea T , Simao FA , Simard F , Slotman MA , Somboon P , Stegniy V , Struchiner CJ , Thomas GW , Tojo M , Topalis P , Tubio JM , Unger MF , Vontas J , Walton C , Wilding CS , Willis JH , Wu YC , Yan G , Zdobnov EM , Zhou X , Catteruccia F , Christophides GK , Collins FH , Cornman RS , Crisanti A , Donnelly MJ , Emrich SJ , Fontaine MC , Gelbart W , Hahn MW , Hansen IA , Howell PI , Kafatos FC , Kellis M , Lawson D , Louis C , Luckhart S , Muskavitch MA , Ribeiro JM , Riehle MA , Sharakhov IV , Tu Z , Zwiebel LJ , Besansky NJ . Science 2015 347 (6217) 1258522 Variation in vectorial capacity for human malaria among Anopheles mosquito species is determined by many factors, including behavior, immunity, and life history. To investigate the genomic basis of vectorial capacity and explore new avenues for vector control, we sequenced the genomes of 16 anopheline mosquito species from diverse locations spanning ~100 million years of evolution. Comparative analyses show faster rates of gene gain and loss, elevated gene shuffling on the X chromosome, and more intron losses, relative to Drosophila. Some determinants of vectorial capacity, such as chemosensory genes, do not show elevated turnover but instead diversify through protein-sequence changes. This dynamism of anopheline genes and genomes may contribute to their flexible capacity to take advantage of new ecological niches, including adapting to humans as primary hosts. |
Case-control study of risk factors for human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in Shanghai, China, 2013
Li J , Chen J , Yang G , Zheng YX , Mao SH , Zhu WP , Yu XL , Gao Y , Pan QC , Yuan ZA . Epidemiol Infect 2014 143 (9) 1-7 The first human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus was reported in Shanghai, China in March 2013. An additional 32 cases of human H7N9 infection were identified in the following months from March to April 2013 in Shanghai. Here we conducted a case-control study of the patients with H7N9 infection (n = 25) using controls matched by age, sex, and residence to determine risk factors for H7N9 infection. Our findings suggest that chronic disease and frequency of visiting a live poultry market (>10 times, or 1-9 times during the 2 weeks before illness onset) were likely to be significantly associated with H7N9 infection, with the odds ratios being 4.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32-12.56], 10.61 (95% CI 1.85-60.74), and 3.76 (95% CI 1.31-10.79), respectively. Effective strategies for live poultry market control should be reinforced and ongoing education of the public is warranted to promote behavioural changes that can help to eliminate direct or indirect contact with influenza A(H7N9) virus. |
Immunity to polio, measles and rubella in women of child-bearing age and estimated congenital rubella syndrome incidence, Cambodia, 2012
Mao B , Chheng K , Wannemuehler K , Vynnycky E , Buth S , Soeung SC , Reef S , Weldon W , Quick L , Gregory CJ . Epidemiol Infect 2014 143 (9) 1-10 Significant gaps in immunity to polio, measles, and rubella may exist in adults in Cambodia and threaten vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) elimination and control goals, despite high childhood vaccination coverage. We conducted a nationwide serological survey during November-December 2012 of 2154 women aged 15-39 years to assess immunity to polio, measles, and rubella and to estimate congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) incidence. Measles and rubella antibodies were detected by IgG ELISA and polio antibodies by microneutralization testing. Age-structured catalytic models were fitted to rubella serological data to predict CRS cases. Overall, 29.8% of women lacked immunity to at least one poliovirus (PV); seroprevalence to PV1, PV2 and PV3 was 85.9%, 93.4% and 83.3%, respectively. Rubella and measles antibody seroprevalence was 73.3% and 95.9%, respectively. In the 15-19 years age group, 48.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 42.4-54.1] were susceptible to either PV1 or PV3, and 40.3% (95% CI 33.0-47.5) to rubella virus. Based on rubella antibody seroprevalence, we estimate that >600 infants are born with CRS in Cambodia annually. Significant numbers of Cambodian women are still susceptible to polio and rubella, especially those aged 15-19 years, emphasizing the need to include adults in VPD surveillance and a potential role for vaccination strategies targeted at adults. |
Evolutionary genetics of genotype H1 measles viruses in China from 1993 to 2012.
Xu S , Zhang Y , Rivailler P , Wang H , Ji Y , Zhen Z , Mao N , Li C , Bellini WJ , Xu W , Rota P . J Gen Virol 2014 95 1892-1899 Virologic surveillance is a critical component of measles surveillance because one of the criteria for verification of elimination of endemic measles is genetic analysis of wild-type viruses to demonstrate lack of an indigenous genotype. Measles has not yet been eliminated in China, and genotype H1 has been detected continuously since virologic surveillance was initiated in 1993. Virologic surveillance has been very strong in China and this provided a unique opportunity to conduct a detailed study of the evolution of a single, endemic genotype over a time span of nearly 20 years. Phylogenetic analysis performed on the 450 nucleotides coding for the COOH terminal 150 amino acids of the nucleoprotein (N-450), the fusion (F) gene and the hemagglutinin (H) gene confirmed the continued circulation of genotype H1 viruses for 19 years. No evidence was found for selective pressure on the H protein. The substitution rates ranged from 0.75 x 10-3 substitutions/site/year for H to 1.65 x10-3 substitutions/site/year for N-450. An estimate of the time of the most recent common ancestor for genotype H1 was approximately 1985 (95% Highest Probability Density = 1979-1989). Finally, the overall diversity of the measles sequences from China decreased from 2005 to 2012 which is coincident with a substantial decrease in measles cases. Overall, the results suggest that detailed evolutionary analyses will help to document the eventual elimination of measles in China, and the molecular approaches used in this study can be applied in other countries that are approaching measles elimination. |
Metallic nickel nanoparticles may exhibit higher carcinogenic potential than fine particles in JB6 cells
Magaye R , Zhou Q , Bowman L , Zou B , Mao G , Xu J , Castranova V , Zhao J , Ding M . PLoS One 2014 9 (4) e92418 While numerous studies have described the pathogenic and carcinogenic effects of nickel compounds, little has been done on the biological effects of metallic nickel. Moreover, the carcinogenetic potential of metallic nickel nanoparticles is unknown. Activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) have been shown to play pivotal roles in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene is considered to be one of the steps leading to the neoplastic state. The present study examines effects of metallic nickel fine and nanoparticles on tumor promoter or suppressor gene expressions as well as on cell transformation in JB6 cells. Our results demonstrate that metallic nickel nanoparticles caused higher activation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB, and a greater decrease of p53 transcription activity than fine particles. Western blot indicates that metallic nickel nanoparticles induced a higher level of protein expressions for R-Ras, c-myc, C-Jun, p65, and p50 in a time-dependent manner. In addition, both metallic nickel nano- and fine particles increased anchorage-independent colony formation in JB6 P+ cells in the soft agar assay. These results imply that metallic nickel fine and nanoparticles are both carcinogenetic in vitro in JB6 cells. Moreover, metallic nickel nanoparticles may exhibit higher carcinogenic potential, which suggests that precautionary measures should be taken in the use of nickel nanoparticles or its compounds in nanomedicine. |
Do zero-cost workers' compensation medical claims really have zero costs? The impact of workplace injury on group health insurance utilization and costs
Asfaw A , Rosa R , Mao R . J Occup Environ Med 2013 55 (12) 1394-400 OBJECTIVE: Previous research suggests that non-workers' compensation (WC) insurance systems, such as group health insurance (GHI), Medicare, or Medicaid, at least partially cover work-related injury and illness costs. This study further examined GHI utilization and costs. METHODS: Using two-part model, we compared those outcomes immediately after injuries for which accepted WC medical claims made zero or positive medical payments. RESULTS: Controlling for pre-injury GHI utilization and costs and other covariates, our results indicated that post-injury GHI utilization and costs increased regardless of whether a WC medical claim was zero or positive. The increases were highest for zero-cost WC medical claims. CONCLUSION: Our national estimates showed that zero-cost WC medical claims alone could cost the GHI $212 million per year. |
Recent patterns in population-based HIV prevalence in Swaziland
Bicego GT , Nkambule R , Peterson I , Reed J , Donnell D , Ginindza H , Duong YT , Patel H , Bock N , Philip N , Mao C , Justman J . PLoS One 2013 8 (10) e77101 BACKGROUND: The 2011 Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey (SHIMS) was conducted as part of a national study to evaluate the scale up of key HIV prevention programs. METHODS: From a randomly selected sample of all Swazi households, all women and men aged 18-49 were considered eligible, and all consenting adults were enrolled and received HIV testing and counseling. In this analysis, population-based measures of HIV prevalence were produced and compared against similarly measured HIV prevalence estimates from the 2006-7 Swaziland Demographic and Health. Also, measures of HIV service utilization in both HIV infected and uninfected populations were documented and discussed. RESULTS: HIV prevalence among adults aged 18-49 has remained unchanged between 2006-2011 at 31-32%, with substantial differences in current prevalence between women (39%) and men (24%). In both men and women, between since 2006-7 and 2011, prevalence has fallen in the young age groups and risen in the older age groups. Over a third (38%) of the HIV-infected population was unaware of their infection status, and this differed markedly between men (50%) and women (31%). Of those aware of their HIV-positive status, a higher percentage of men (63%) than women (49%) reported ART use. CONCLUSIONS: While overall HIV prevalence remains roughly constant, age-specific changes strongly suggest both improved survival of the HIV-infected and a reduction in new HIV infections. Awareness of HIV status and entry into ART services has improved in recent years but remains too low. This study identifies opportunities to improve both HIV preventive and care services in Swaziland. |
Evaluation of the effectiveness of semen storage and sperm purification methods for spermatozoa transcript profiling
Mao S , Goodrich RJ , Hauser R , Schrader SM , Chen Z , Krawetz SA . Syst Biol Reprod Med 2013 59 (5) 287-95 Different semen storage and sperm purification methods may affect the integrity of isolated spermatozoal RNA. RNA-Seq was applied to determine whether semen storage methods (pelleted vs. liquefied) and somatic cell lysis buffer (SCLB) vs. PureSperm (PS) purification methods affect the quantity and quality of sperm RNA. The results indicate that the method of semen storage does not markedly impact RNA profiling whereas the choice of purification can yield significant differences. RNA-Seq showed that the majority of mitochondrial and mid-piece associated transcripts were lost after SCLB purification, which indicated that the mid-piece of spermatozoa may have been compromised. In addition, the number of stable transcript pairs from SCLB-samples was less than that from the PS samples. This study supports the view that PS purification better maintains the integrity of spermatozoal RNAs. |
Opportunities and challenges associated with clinical diagnostic genome sequencing: a report of the association for molecular pathology
Schrijver I , Aziz N , Farkas DH , Furtado M , Gonzalez AF , Greiner TC , Grody WW , Hambuch T , Kalman L , Kant JA , Klein RD , Leonard DG , Lubin IM , Mao R , Nagan N , Pratt VM , Sobel ME , Voelkerding KV , Gibson JS . J Mol Diagn 2012 14 (6) 525-40 This report of the Whole Genome Analysis group of the Association for Molecular Pathology illuminates the opportunities and challenges associated with clinical diagnostic genome sequencing. With the reality of clinical application of next-generation sequencing, technical aspects of molecular testing can be accomplished at greater speed and with higher volume, while much information is obtained. Although this testing is a next logical step for molecular pathology laboratories, the potential impact on the diagnostic process and clinical correlations is extraordinary and clinical interpretation will be challenging. We review the rapidly evolving technologies; provide application examples; discuss aspects of clinical utility, ethics, and consent; and address the analytic, postanalytic, and professional implications. |
A dose-escalation safety and immunogenicity study of a new live attenuated human rotavirus vaccine (Rotavin-M1) in Vietnamese children
Anh DD , Van Trang N , Thiem VD , Anh NTH , Mao ND , Wang Y , Jiang B , Hien ND , Luan LT . Vaccine 2012 30 A114-A121 We tested a candidate live, oral, rotavirus vaccine (Rotavin-M1) derived from an attenuated G1P [8] strain (KH0118-2003) isolated from a child in Vietnam. The vaccine was tested first for safety in 29 healthy adults. When deemed safe, it was further tested for safety and immunogenicity in 160 infants (4 groups) aged 6-12 weeks in a dose and schedule ranging study. The vaccine was administered in low titer (10(6.0) FFU/dose) on a 2-dose schedule given 2 months apart (Group 2L) and on a 3-dose schedule given 1 month apart (Group 3L) and in high titer (10(6.3) FFU/dose) in 2 doses 2 months apart (Group 2H) and in 3 doses 1 month apart (Group 3H). For comparison, 40 children (group Rotarix) were given 2 doses of the lyophilized Rotarix vaccine (10(6.5) CCID(50)/dose) 1 month apart. All infants were followed for 30 days after each dose for clinical adverse events including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, irritability and intussusception. Immunogenicity was assessed by IgA seroconversion and viral shedding was monitored for 7 days after administration of each dose. Two doses of Rotavin-M1 (10(6.3) FFU/dose) were well tolerated in adults. Among infants (average 8 weeks of age at enrollment), administration of Rotavin-M1 was safe and did not lead to an increased rate of fever, diarrhea, vomiting or irritability compared to Rotarix, indicating that the candidate vaccine virus had been fully attenuated by serial passages. No elevation of levels of serum transaminase, blood urea, or blood cell counts were observed. The highest rotavirus IgA seroconversion rate (73%, 95%CI (58-88%)) was achieved in group 2H (2 doses - 10(6.3) FFU/dose, 2 months apart). The 2 dose schedules performed slightly better than the 3 dose schedules and the higher titer doses performed slightly better than the lower titer doses. These rates of seroconversion were similar to that of the Rotarix group (58%, 95%CI (42-73%)). However more infants who received Rotarix (65%) shed virus in their stool after the first dose than those who received Rotavin-M1 (44-48%) (p<0.05) and the percent shedding decreased after subsequent doses of either vaccine. Rotavin-M1 vaccine is safe and immunogenic in Vietnamese infants. A trial in progress will assess the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of Rotavin-M1 (2 doses at 10(6.3) FFU/dose) in a larger number of infants. The trial registration numbers are NCT01375907 and NCT01377571. (2011 Elsevier Ltd.) |
Time-dependent slowly-reversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase A by N-substituted 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridines
Wichitnithad W , O'Callaghan JP , Miller DB , Train BC , Callery PS . Bioorg Med Chem 2011 19 (24) 7482-92 A novel class of N-substituted tetrahydropyridine derivatives was found to have multiple kinetic mechanisms of monoamine oxidase A inhibition. Eleven structurally similar tetrahydropyridine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of MAO-A and MAO-B. The most potent MAO-A inhibitor in the series, 2,4-dichlorophenoxypropyl analog 12, displayed time-dependent mixed noncompetitive inhibition. The inhibition was reversed by dialysis, indicating reversible enzyme inhibition. Evidence that the slow-binding inhibition of MAO-A with 12 involves a covalent bond was gained from stabilizing a covalent reversible intermediate product by reduction with sodium borohydride. The reduced enzyme complex was not reversible by dialysis. The results are consistent with slowly reversible, mechanism-based inhibition. Two tetrahydropyridine analogs that selectively inhibited MAO-A were characterized by kinetic mechanisms differing from the kinetic mechanism of 12. As reversible inhibitors of MAO-A, tetrahydropyridine analogs are at low risk of having an adverse effect of tyramine-induced hypertension. |
Comparison of digital direct readout radiography with conventional film-screen radiography for the recognition of pneumoconiosis in dust-exposed Chinese workers
Mao L , Laney AS , Wang ML , Sun X , Zhou S , Shi J , Shi H . J Occup Health 2011 53 (5) 320-6 OBJECTIVES: Pneumoconiosis in China remains a disease with substantial public health significance. Diagnostic standards for the pneumoconioses are based on traditional film-screen radiography (FSR). However, FSR is increasingly being replaced with digital radiographic imaging, which has become the predominant technology available in Chinese clinical practice. To evaluate the applicability of digital direct readout radiography (DR) images in the recognition of pneumoconioses, we compared the profusion of small opacities and large opacities between FSR and DR radiographs. METHODS: We enrolled 161 pneumoconioses patients and 31 dust-exposed workers during the course of the study, with FSR and DR images obtained from all participants. Each chest film was interpreted by five readers using the Chinese Diagnostic Criteria classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis, as were DR images displayed on medical-grade computer monitors. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed when the data were analyzed by small opacity profusion subcategory except for 1/1. The overall intermodality agreement of small opacities was good, with a weighted kappa (kappa) of 0.77. CONCLUSIONS: DR images with soft copy display are equivalent with respect to image quality and the recognition and classification of small parenchymal lung opacities. Additionally, we observed likeness between modalities with respect to the classification of large opacities. Overall, our study findings demonstrate that in a population of Chinese workers with pneumoconiosis, direct readout digital systems are equivalent to traditional film-screen radiography in the recognition and classification of small pneumoconiotic opacities. |
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