University of Southampton

About: University of Southampton is a education organization based out in Southampton, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Laser. The organization has 37184 authors who have published 99400 publications receiving 3462915 citations. The organization is also known as: Southampton University & Soton Uni.

European Respiratory Society guidelines for the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia.

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.

Genome-wide association study in BRCA1 mutation carriers identifies novel loci associated with breast and ovarian cancer risk

Abstract: BRCA1-associated breast and ovarian cancer risks can be modified by common genetic variants. To identify further cancer risk-modifying loci, we performed a multi-stage GWAS of 11,705 BRCA1 carriers (of whom 5,920 were diagnosed with breast and 1,839 were diagnosed with ovarian cancer), with a further replication in an additional sample of 2,646 BRCA1 carriers. We identified a novel breast cancer risk modifier locus at 1q32 for BRCA1 carriers (rs2290854, P = 2.7 x 10(-8), HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.09-1.20). In addition, we identified two novel ovarian cancer risk modifier loci: 17q21.31 (rs17631303, P = 1.4 x 10(-8), HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.17-1.38) and 4q32.3 (rs4691139, P = 3.4 x 10(-8), HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.17-1.38). The 4q32.3 locus was not associated with ovarian cancer risk in the general population or BRCA2 carriers, suggesting a BRCA1-specific association. The 17q21.31 locus was also associated with ovarian cancer risk in 8,211 BRCA2 carriers (P = 2 x 10(-4)). These loci may lead to an improved understanding of the etiology of breast and ovarian tumors in BRCA1 carriers. Based on the joint distribution of the known BRCA1 breast cancer risk-modifying loci, we estimated that the breast cancer lifetime risks for the 5% of BRCA1 carriers at lowest risk are 28%-50% compared to 81%-100% for the 5% at highest risk. Similarly, based on the known ovarian cancer risk-modifying loci, the 5% of BRCA1 carriers at lowest risk have an estimated lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer of 28% or lower, whereas the 5% at highest risk will have a risk of 63% or higher. Such differences in risk may have important implications for risk prediction and clinical management for BRCA1 carriers.

Anion receptor chemistry: highlights from 2011 and 2012

Abstract: This review covers advances in anion complexation in the years 2011 and 2012. The review covers both organic and inorganic systems and also highlights the applications to which anion receptors can be applied such as self-assembly and molecular architecture, sensing, catalysis and anion transport.

Electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from water and oxygen

Abstract: H2O2 is important in large-scale industrial processes and smaller on-site activities. The present industrial route to H2O2 involves hydrogenation of an anthraquinone and O2 oxidation of the resulting dihydroanthraquinone — a costly method and one that is impractical for routine on-site use. Electrosynthesis of H2O2 is cost-effective and applicable on both large and small scales. This Review describes methods to design and assess electrode materials for H2O2 electrosynthesis. H2O2 can be prepared by oxidizing H2O at efficient anodic catalysts such as those based on BiVO4. Alternatively, H2O2 forms by partially reducing O2 at cathodes featuring either noble metal alloys or doped carbon. In addition to the catalyst materials used, one must also consider the form and geometry of the electrodes and the type of reactor in order to strike a balance between properties such as mass transport and electroactive area, both of which substantially affect both the selectivity and rate of reaction. Research into catalyst materials and reactor designs is arguably quite mature, such that the future of H2O2 electrosynthesis will instead depend on the design of complete and efficient electrosynthesis systems, in which the complementary properties of the catalysts and the reactor lead to optimal selectivity and overall yield. Electrosynthesis is a practical and green route to hydrogen peroxide, and could reduce our dependence on less environmentally friendly oxidants. This Review describes catalyst and reactor designs for highly selective hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis.

The impact of systemic infection on the progression of neurodegenerative disease

Abstract: In multiple sclerosis — the archetypal inflammatory response in the central nervous system — T cells and macrophages invade the brain and damage the myelin and neurons. In other chronic neurodegenerative diseases, there is an atypical inflammatory response that is characterized by large numbers of activated microglia. These macrophages are primed by components of the neuropathology but might be further activated by systemic infection, which in turn has pronounced effects on inflammation in the brain and perhaps on neurological function. There is emerging evidence to support the idea that nonspecific systemic infection or inflammation in people with existing inflammation in the brain contributes to the rate of disease progression through further activation of these already primed macrophages.