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A Hampson

Publications and source records attributed to A Hampson.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Neuraminidase sequence analysis and susceptibilities of influenza virus clinical isolates to zanamivir and oseltamivir.

The influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors zanamivir and oseltamivir were introduced into clinical practice in various parts of the world between 1999 and 2002. In order to monitor the potential development of resistance, the Neuraminidase Inhibitor Susceptibility Network was established to coordinate testing of clinical isolates collected through the World Health Organization influenza surveillance network from different regions of the world (M. Zambon and F. G. Hayden, Antivir. Res. 49:147-156, 2001). The present study establishes the baseline susceptibilities prior to and shortly after the introduction of the NA inhibitors. Over 1000 clinical influenza isolates recovered from 1996 to 1999 were tested. Susceptibilities were determined by enzyme inhibition assays with chemiluminescent or fluorescent substrates with known NA inhibitor-resistant viruses as controls. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)s) depended upon the assay method, the drug tested, and the influenza virus subtype. By both assays, the mean zanamivir IC(50)s were 0.76, 1.82, and 2.28 nM for the subtype H1N1 (N1), H3N2 (N2), and B NAs, respectively, and the oseltamivir IC(50)s were 1.2, 0.5, and 8.8 nM for the N1, N2, and B NAs, respectively. The drug susceptibilities of known zanamivir- and oseltamivir-resistant viruses with the NA mutations E119V, R292K, H274Y, and R152K fell well outside the 95% confidence limits of the IC(50)s for all natural isolates. Sequence analysis of the NAs of viruses for which the IC(50)s were above the 95% confidence limits and several control isolates for which the IC(50)s were in the normal range revealed variations in some previously conserved residues, including D151, A203, T225, and E375 (N2 numbering). Known resistance mutations are both influenza virus subtype and drug specific, but there was no evidence of naturally occurring resistance to either drug in any of the isolates.

Acetamides↗
PubMed2001

Annual report of the National Influenza Surveillance Scheme, 2000.

Surveillance of influenza in Australia in 2000 was based on data from national and state-based sentinel general practice consultations for influenza-like illness, laboratory isolations of influenza virus and absenteeism rates from a national employer. The peak in influenza cases was in mid-September. Influenza A was the dominant strain, with the highest proportion being influenza A (H3N2), but with a significant proportion of isolates of influenza A (H1N1) (16%) for the first time since 1995. The influenza A (H3N2) isolates were predominantly related to A/Moscow/10/99 and vaccine strain A/Panama/2007/99. Influenza A (H1N1) was predominantly A/New Caledonia/20/99. The proportion of Influenza B viruses isolated also increased in keeping with a three-yearly cycle of influenza B epidemics in Australia. influenza B isolates showed a progressive drift away from the B/Beijing/184/93 strain with the majority closely related to the B/Sichuan/379/99 strain. In 2000, influenza vaccination levels reached 74 per cent in persons aged over 65 years.

Australia↗
PubMed2000

Annual report of the National Influenza Surveillance Scheme, 1999.

An effective national surveillance system is an essential component of a program for the control of influenza. The National Influenza Surveillance Scheme includes data from sentinel general practice consultations for influenza-like illness, laboratory reports of influenza and absenteeism rates from a national employer. The 1999 season peaked between May and September with maximal activity between July and August. Influenza A was the dominant type in all States and Territories with influenza A H3N2 viruses predominating and influenza A H1N1 occurring sporadically. There was no evidence of significant drift among the H3N2 isolates (A/Sydney-like strains) whereas the H1N1 isolates showed significant antigenic changes from the vaccine strain A/Beijing/262/95 and were closely related to a new variant A/New Caledonia/20/99. A small peak in influenza B activity occurred towards the end of the influenza season and isolates remained closely related to the vaccine reference strain B/Beijing/184/93.

Antigens, Viral↗
PubMed1999

Annual report of the National Influenza Surveillance Scheme, 1998.

The National Influenza Surveillance Scheme includes data from sentinel general practice consultations for influenza-like illness, laboratory reports of influenza and absenteeism rates from a national employer. The 1998 season was dominated by an increase in influenza A in all States and Territories and low influenza B activity. All influenza A isolates were characterised as influenza A (H3N2). Peak activity in 1998 was recorded in July and August. Data are coordinated, analysed and disseminated at a national level and published in Communicable Diseases Intelligence during the influenza season.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1998

National influenza surveillance 1997.

In 1997 information from several sources was combined to detect trends in influenza activity in Australia. Data was included from laboratories, general practitioners and a national employer. Laboratory surveillance documented two consecutive outbreaks, influenza B in July followed by influenza A (H3N2) in August. Some of the influenza A (H3N2) viruses isolated, represented by the A/Sydney/5/97 strain, showed significant antigenic drift from the A/Wuhan/359/95 vaccine strain. Influenza activity was also reflected in the consultation rates recorded by sentinel general practitioner reporting schemes. The peak consultation rate recorded by the Australian Sentinel Practice Research Network was higher and later than in recent years, occurring in early August. Tropical Influenza Surveillance in the Northern Territory demonstrated an early outbreak in March followed by a second rise later in the year. There was no rise in absenteeism rates recorded by a national employer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The information needs of well, longer-term survivors of breast cancer.

Nine focus groups for well, longer-term survivors of breast cancer were held in Ontario, Canada. Prevalent themes identified through analysis of focus group transcripts fell into two broad categories, one reflecting the context within which women seek information and the other reflecting the content of information desired and sought. Themes related to context included: the ongoing impact on women of their initial disease experience and continued uncertainty about possible recurrence; womens' lack of information and understanding about processes involved in developing medical knowledge; prevailing mistrust about the impact of cost curtailment policies; and, concerns related to how professional communication can aid or hinder the goal of obtaining information. Themes related to content issues included: follow-up protocols, tamoxifen, detecting signs of possible recurrence, prevention for daughters, neglected side effects of treatment, insurance, lifestyle, and unconventional therapies.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Information needs of women with metastatic breast cancer.

Eight focus groups involving women with metastatic breast cancer were held across Ontario over approximately 6 months in 1996-97. Prevalent themes identified during the sessions are reported under 2 broad dimensions: the women's expressed desire for information in specific content areas, and issues related to whether information can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on how it is provided. The women reported high needs for information, especially that which would relate to their situation. Perceived adequacy of information is closely linked to health professional engagement and care. Although the provision of information is important, the needs of these women for maintenance of hope and provision of interpersonal support and comfort are also critical.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Children on hunger strike: child abuse or legitimate protest?

The issue of children on hunger strike (voluntary total fasting) has not been reported before. The World Medical Association Declaration of Tokyo 1975 and the Declaration of Malta 1991 (revised 1992) provide clinicians with guidelines for the management of adult patients on hunger strike but do not mention children. We report the management of 14 Vietnamese children, aged 1 to 12 years, who took part in a hunger strike at a refugee detention centre in Hong Kong.

Child↗