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Biomedical subjects

Sean Kelly

Publications and source records attributed to Sean Kelly.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Efficient chemoenzymatic synthesis of pelitrexol via enzymic differentiation of a remote stereocenter.

[structure: see text] An efficient chemoenzymatic process is described for the synthesis of pelitrexol, a novel GARFT inhibitor. The remoteness of this molecule's stereocenter in the tetrahydropterin moiety from the terminal carbonyl group provided a significant challenge in synthesis. The introduction of an oxalamic ester adjacent to the stereocenter dramatically enhanced an enzyme's enantioselectivity for hydrolysis at the terminal ester, producing the desired S-acid with high optical purity and yield. The recycling of the "wrong" enantiomer is achieved via a dehydrogenation/hydrogenation strategy.

Catalysis↗
PubMed2006

West Nile virus in raptors from Virginia during 2003: clinical, diagnostic, and epidemiologic findings.

Sixty-one birds of prey admitted to The Wildlife Center of Virginia (WCV; Waynesboro, Virginia, USA) from June to November 2003 were tested for West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Choanal and/or cloacal swabs were obtained and submitted to Virginia's Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (Richmond, Virginia, USA) for analysis with real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Forty birds of prey were positive for WNV by RT-PCR. Five avian families and nine species of raptors were represented, with great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) and red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) most frequently affected. Presenting clinical signs were consistent with previous reports of WNV infection in raptors; however, these differed between species. Of WNV positive birds, nonspecific signs of illness were the most common clinical findings, particularly in red-tailed hawks; signs included dehydration (n = 20), emaciation (n = 18), and depression (n = 15). Neurologic abnormalities were frequently identified, especially in great horned owls, and included head tremors (n = 17), ataxia (n = 13), head incoordination (n = 7), torticollis (n = 3), nystagmus (n = 3), and head tilt (n = 3). Great horned owls exhibited anemia and leukocytosis with heterophilia, eosinophilia, and monocytosis consistent with chronic inflammation. Red-tailed hawks were anemic with a heterophilic leukocytosis and regenerative left shift. The majority of WNV cases occurred during August and September; there was a marked increase in the number of raptors admitted to WCV during these months followed by a marked decrease during October, November, and December. This pattern differed from mean monthly admissions during the previous 10 years and suggests a negative impact on local raptor populations. The effects of WNV on avian populations are largely unknown; however, because of their ecological importance, further investigation of the effects of WNV on raptor populations is warranted.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Towards a reference model for representing nursing information needs.

Information needs studies in clinical settings often face the problem of integrating and analyzing data collected using different study tools. Generally, a coding taxonomy or a model is developed to capture and code the study data. Significant efforts are required to develop a model that not only captures the study data but is also closer to the clinical domain to draw meaningful real world inferences. Further, a study-specific model limits comparative evaluation of studies across different institutions. In this paper, we propose a reference model for representing nursing information needs. We use an iterative and collaborative approach in representing the concepts in the model. The model consists of 33 information (need) concepts, 29 information sources and 7 categories of nursing tasks which were used to code 228 identified information need instances.

Hospitals, Urban↗
PubMed2005

A web-based system for managing and co-ordinating multiple multisite studies.

Efficient and secure collection and management of information is essential in any modern biomedical study. Data management and coordination of multisite studies is a complex process. It involves development of systems for data collection, data cleaning with quality assurance checks, and specimen tracking, as well as development of procedures for conducting the study, training clinical sites, and communicating with sites to answer study questions and resolve and track data inquiries and resolutions. We developed a secure web-based system that is designed to automate evaluation of eligibility criteria and data collection, track specimens, serve as a resource for study-specific information, facilitate communication across sites in multisite studies, track data queries and resolutions, and allow administrative management of studies. The system combines a common framework across studies that defines the internal structure for all the web pages, with a study-specific one that defines the content of each page via a relational database. This combination creates a flexible and efficient environment enabling several multisite studies to be simultaneously or consecutively implemented and managed in a timely manner. We describe the development process, the system and its evaluation, current status, lessons learned, and future development plans.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2003

Assessing clinical competence in physical medicine & rehabilitation residency programs.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of resident clinical competence is a complex task. A multimodal approach is necessary to capture all of the dimensions of competence. Recent guidelines from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education delineate six general competencies that physicians should posses. Application of these guidelines presents challenges to residency program directors in defining educational experiences and evaluation methods. DESIGN: We surveyed 81 physical medicine and rehabilitation program directors regarding assessment tools used in their programs. Seventy-five percent responded. The most frequently used assessment tools included: In-training self-assessment examinations, faculty evaluations, direct observation, and conference participation. Program directors assigned the highest values to direct observation, faculty evaluations, self-assessment examinations, and oral examinations. RESULTS: Of the general competencies, more than 90% of program directors believed they did an adequate job rating dimensions of patient care, medical knowledge, professionalism, and communication skills. Approximately one-third, however, thought they did a less than fair job rating practice-based learning and improvement and systems-based practice. The majority of programs reported that they were able to identify a resident with difficulties during the first year of training, 44% within the first 6 months. Program directors reported that their residents spend a significant amount of their time with nurses and therapists during their inpatient rotations; however, this was not reflected in their evaluation practices, in which only one-fourth of programs reported the use of nurses and therapists in evaluating residents. CONCLUSIONS: Survey results indicate that physical medicine and rehabilitation program directors apply a variety of assessment tools in evaluating resident clinical competence. Although perceptions about the relative value of these tools vary, most programs report a high value to direct observation of residents by faculty. Of the six general competencies, program directors struggle the most with their evaluation of practice-based learning and improvement and systems-based practice.

Clinical Competence↗