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Elizabeth A. Ainsbury

Bio: Elizabeth A. Ainsbury is an academic researcher from Public Health England. The author has contributed to research in topics: Biodosimetry & Dosimetry. The author has an hindex of 25, co-authored 108 publications receiving 2227 citations. Previous affiliations of Elizabeth A. Ainsbury include Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust & Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire.


Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The combined results of recent mechanistic and human studies regarding induction of cataracts by ionizing radiation indicate that the threshold forCataract development is certainly less than was previously estimated, or that radiation cataractogenesis may in fact be more accurately described by a linear, no-threshold model.
Abstract: The lens of the eye is recognized as one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the human body, and it is known that cataracts can be induced by acute doses of less than 2 Gy of low-LET ionizing radiation and less than 5 Gy of protracted radiation. Although much work has been carried out in this area, the exact mechanisms of radiation cataractogenesis are still not fully understood. In particular, the question of the threshold dose for cataract development is not resolved. Cataracts have been classified as a deterministic effect of radiation exposure with a threshold of approximately 2 Gy. Here we review the combined results of recent mechanistic and human studies regarding induction of cataracts by ionizing radiation. These studies indicate that the threshold for cataract development is certainly less than was previously estimated, of the order of 0.5 Gy, or that radiation cataractogenesis may in fact be more accurately described by a linear, no-threshold model.

307 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, established and emerging dosimetry methods are reviewed, which can be used immediately and retrospectively following external ionising radiation exposure, and individual characteristics of these techniques, their limitations and potential for further development are discussed, and their usefulness in specific exposure scenarios is discussed.
Abstract: The current focus on networking and mutual assistance in the management of radiation accidents or incidents has demonstrated the importance of a joined-up approach in physical and biological dosimetry. To this end, the European Radiation Dosimetry Working Group 10 on 'Retrospective Dosimetry' has been set up by individuals from a wide range of disciplines across Europe. Here, established and emerging dosimetry methods are reviewed, which can be used immediately and retrospectively following external ionising radiation exposure. Endpoints and assays include dicentrics, translocations, premature chromosome condensation, micronuclei, somatic mutations, gene expression, electron paramagnetic resonance, thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, neutron activation, haematology, protein biomarkers and analytical dose reconstruction. Individual characteristics of these techniques, their limitations and potential for further development are reviewed, and their usefulness in specific exposure scenarios is discussed. Whilst no single technique fulfils the criteria of an ideal dosemeter, an integrated approach using multiple techniques tailored to the exposure scenario can cover most requirements.

233 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: “Dose Estimate” is a collection of mathematical and statistical methods based on the cytogenetic methods that are used for biodosimetry at the Health Protection Agency and elsewhere in the radiation cytogenetics community.
Abstract: Cytogenetic analysis of chromosome damage in blood lymphocytes is widely used for radiation biodosimetry. Mathematical and statistical analysis is extremely important for accurate assessment of the data and results, and there are a number of classical statistical methods which are routinely employed. However, the large number of different mathematical techniques, the dependence of the models on certain statistical principles, and the complexity of some of the methods can lead to errors in data analysis and thus misinterpretation of results. Cytogenetic dose estimation software has been developed to address these problems by simplifying mathematical and statistical analysis of the cytogenetic data. "Dose Estimate" is a collection of mathematical and statistical methods based on the cytogenetic methods that are used for biodosimetry at the Health Protection Agency and elsewhere in the radiation cytogenetics community. Details of the biological and mathematical tools incorporated into the software are presented. Preliminary testing has been carried out, and the results demonstrate the accuracy and usefulness of the software in its current form. Proposals for improving the software through implementation of recently published Bayesian analysis techniques for cytogenetics are also outlined. An evaluation copy of the software is available on request from the authors.

121 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A fuller understanding of how exposure to relatively low doses of IR promotes induction and/or progression of IR-induced cataracts will have important implications for prevention and treatment of this disease, as well as for the field of radiation protection.
Abstract: The lens of the eye has long been considered as a radiosensitive tissue, but recent research has suggested that the radiosensitivity is even greater than previously thought. The 2012 recommendation of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) to substantially reduce the annual occupational equivalent dose limit for the ocular lens has now been adopted in the European Union and is under consideration around the rest of the world. However, ICRP clearly states that the recommendations are chiefly based on epidemiological evidence because there are a very small number of studies that provide explicit biological, mechanistic evidence at doses <2Gy. This paper aims to present a review of recently published information on the biological and mechanistic aspects of cataracts induced by exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). The data were compiled by assessing the pertinent literature in several distinct areas which contribute to the understanding of IR induced cataracts, information regarding lens biology and general processes of cataractogenesis. Results from cellular and tissue level studies and animal models, and relevant human studies, were examined. The main focus was the biological effects of low linear energy transfer IR, but dosimetry issues and a number of other confounding factors were also considered. The results of this review clearly highlight a number of gaps in current knowledge. Overall, while there have been a number of recent advances in understanding, it remains unknown exactly how IR exposure contributes to opacification. A fuller understanding of how exposure to relatively low doses of IR promotes induction and/or progression of IR-induced cataracts will have important implications for prevention and treatment of this disease, as well as for the field of radiation protection.

97 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Semi-automated dicentric scoring is a useful tool in a large scale radiation accident as it enables high throughput screening of samples for fast triage of potentially exposed individuals.
Abstract: Mass casualty scenarios of radiation exposure require high throughput biological dosimetry techniques for population triage in order to rapidly identify individuals who require clinical treatment. The manual dicentric assay is a highly suitable technique, but it is also very time consuming and requires well trained scorers. In the framework of the MULTIBIODOSE EU FP7 project, semi-automated dicentric scoring has been established in six European biodosimetry laboratories. Whole blood was irradiated with a Co-60 gamma source resulting in 8 different doses between 0 and 4.5Gy and then shipped to the six participating laboratories. To investigate two different scoring strategies, cell cultures were set up with short term (2-3h) or long term (24h) colcemid treatment. Three classifiers for automatic dicentric detection were applied, two of which were developed specifically for these two different culture techniques. The automation procedure included metaphase finding, capture of cells at high resolution and detection of dicentric candidates. The automatically detected dicentric candidates were then evaluated by a trained human scorer, which led to the term 'semi-automated' being applied to the analysis. The six participating laboratories established at least one semi-automated calibration curve each, using the appropriate classifier for their colcemid treatment time. There was no significant difference between the calibration curves established, regardless of the classifier used. The ratio of false positive to true positive dicentric candidates was dose dependent. The total staff effort required for analysing 150 metaphases using the semi-automated approach was 2 min as opposed to 60 min for manual scoring of 50 metaphases. Semi-automated dicentric scoring is a useful tool in a large scale radiation accident as it enables high throughput screening of samples for fast triage of potentially exposed individuals. Furthermore, the results from the participating laboratories were comparable which supports networking between laboratories for this assay.

79 citations


Cited by
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01 Jan 2016
TL;DR: The using multivariate statistics is universally compatible with any devices to read, allowing you to get the most less latency time to download any of the authors' books like this one.
Abstract: Thank you for downloading using multivariate statistics. As you may know, people have look hundreds times for their favorite novels like this using multivariate statistics, but end up in infectious downloads. Rather than reading a good book with a cup of tea in the afternoon, instead they juggled with some harmful bugs inside their laptop. using multivariate statistics is available in our digital library an online access to it is set as public so you can download it instantly. Our books collection saves in multiple locations, allowing you to get the most less latency time to download any of our books like this one. Merely said, the using multivariate statistics is universally compatible with any devices to read.

14,604 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings suggest that, although not the presenting feature, mild cognitive decline may be evident in the early stages of CJD associated with human cadaveric growth hormone treatment, and progression to dementia is best predicted by performance on neuropsychological tests.

1,194 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Estimates of ‘practical’ threshold doses for tissue injury defined at the level of 1% incidence are provided and it appears that the rate of dose delivery does not modify the low incidence for reactions manifesting very late after low total doses, particularly for cataracts and circulatory disease.
Abstract: This report provides a review of early and late effects of radiation in normal tissues and organs with respect to radiation protection. It was instigated following a recommendation in Publication 103 (ICRP, 2007), and it provides updated estimates of 'practical' threshold doses for tissue injury defined at the level of 1% incidence. Estimates are given for morbidity and mortality endpoints in all organ systems following acute, fractionated, or chronic exposure. The organ systems comprise the haematopoietic, immune, reproductive, circulatory, respiratory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and nervous systems; the digestive and urinary tracts; the skin; and the eye. Particular attention is paid to circulatory disease and cataracts because of recent evidence of higher incidences of injury than expected after lower doses; hence, threshold doses appear to be lower than previously considered. This is largely because of the increasing incidences with increasing times after exposure. In the context of protection, it is the threshold doses for very long follow-up times that are the most relevant for workers and the public; for example, the atomic bomb survivors with 40-50years of follow-up. Radiotherapy data generally apply for shorter follow-up times because of competing causes of death in cancer patients, and hence the risks of radiation-induced circulatory disease at those earlier times are lower. A variety of biological response modifiers have been used to help reduce late reactions in many tissues. These include antioxidants, radical scavengers, inhibitors of apoptosis, anti-inflammatory drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, growth factors, and cytokines. In many cases, these give dose modification factors of 1.1-1.2, and in a few cases 1.5-2, indicating the potential for increasing threshold doses in known exposure cases. In contrast, there are agents that enhance radiation responses, notably other cytotoxic agents such as antimetabolites, alkylating agents, anti-angiogenic drugs, and antibiotics, as well as genetic and comorbidity factors. Most tissues show a sparing effect of dose fractionation, so that total doses for a given endpoint are higher if the dose is fractionated rather than when given as a single dose. However, for reactions manifesting very late after low total doses, particularly for cataracts and circulatory disease, it appears that the rate of dose delivery does not modify the low incidence. This implies that the injury in these cases and at these low dose levels is caused by single-hit irreparable-type events. For these two tissues, a threshold dose of 0.5Gy is proposed herein for practical purposes, irrespective of the rate of dose delivery, and future studies may elucidate this judgement further.

1,084 citations

01 Jan 2012
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a statement on the early and late effects of ionising radiation in normal tumor and kidney responses to irradiation, as well as some modifications of normal tumor response.
Abstract: GUEST EDITORIAL PART I: ICRP STATEMENT ON TISSUE REACTIONS PART II: EARLY AND LATE EFFECTS OF RADIATION IN NORMAL TISSUES AND ORGANS - THRESHOLD DOSES FOR TISSUE REACTIONS IN A RADIATION PROTECTION CONTEXT ABSTRACT PREFACE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY GLOSSARY 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Purpose of report 1.2. Definition and nature of tissue reactions to ionising radiation 1.3. General principles of radiation effects in cells and tissues 1.4. References 2. RESPONSE OF TISSUES AND ORGANS TO RADIATION 2.1. Haematopoietic and immune systems 2.2. Digestive system 2.3. Reproductive system 2.4. Skin 2.5. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems 2.6. Eye 2.7. Respiratory system 2.8. Urinary tract 2.9. Musculoskeletal system 2.10. Endocrine system 2.11. Nervous system 2.12. References 3. MODIFIERS OF NORMAL TISSUE RESPONSE 3.1. Terminology 3.2. Mechanisms of action 3.3. Influence of modifiers on radiation response in tissue 3.4. References 4. THRESHOLD DOSES IN RELATION TO RADIOSENSITIVITY OF ORGANS AND TISSUES 4.1. Introduction 4.2. Haematopoietic and immune systems 4.3. Digestive system 4.4. Reproductive system 4.5. Skin 4.6. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems 4.7. Eye 4.8. Respiratory system 4.9. Urinary tract 4.10. Musculoskeletal system 4.11. Endocrine system 4.12. Nervous system 4.13. Conclusions 4.14. References ANNEX A. SUMMARY OF STUDIES OF EXPOSURE AND OPACITIES OR CATARACTS

800 citations

Journal Article
TL;DR: Alho and Spencer as discussed by the authors published a book on statistical and mathematical demography, focusing on mature population models, the particular focus of the new author (see, e.g., Caswell 2000).
Abstract: Here are two books on a topic new to Technometrics: statistical and mathematical demography. The first author of Applied Mathematical Demography wrote the first two editions of this book alone. The second edition was published in 1985. Professor Keyfritz noted in the Preface (p. vii) that at age 90 he had no interest in doing another edition; however, the publisher encouraged him to find a coauthor. The result is an additional focus for the book in the world of biology that makes it much more relevant for the sciences. The book is now part of the publisher’s series on Statistics for Biology and Health. Much of it, of course, focuses on the many aspects of human populations. The new material focuses on mature population models, the particular focus of the new author (see, e.g., Caswell 2000). As one might expect from a book that was originally written in the 1970s, it does not include a lot of information on statistical computing. The new book by Alho and Spencer is focused on putting a better emphasis on statistics in the discipline of demography (Preface, p. vii). It is part of the publisher’s Series in Statistics. The authors are both statisticians, so the focus is on statistics as used for demographic problems. The authors are targeting human applications, so their perspective on science does not extend any further than epidemiology. The book actually strikes a good balance between statistical tools and demographic applications. The authors use the first two chapters to teach statisticians about the concepts of demography. The next four chapters are very similar to the statistics content found in introductory books on survival analysis, such as the recent book by Kleinbaum and Klein (2005), reported by Ziegel (2006). The next three chapters are focused on various aspects of forecasting demographic rates. The book concludes with chapters focusing on three areas of applications: errors in census numbers, financial applications, and small-area estimates.

710 citations