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Alexander E, Fryhofer G, Nadolski G, Mondschein J, Stavropoulos S, Soulen M, Alexander E. Combined chemoembolization and thermal ablation for the treatment of metastases to the liver. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2016.12.1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Rumble C, Addiman S, Balasegaram S, Chima K, Ready D, Heard J, Alexander E. Role of Food Handlers in Norovirus Outbreaks in London and South East England, 2013 to 2015. J Food Prot 2017; 80:257-264. [PMID: 28221985 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Outbreaks caused by norovirus infection are common and occur throughout the year. Outbreaks can be related to food outlets either through a contaminated food source or an infected food handler. Both asymptomatic and symptomatic food handlers are potentially implicated in outbreaks, but evidence of transmission is limited. To understand potential food handler transmission in outbreak scenarios, epidemiological and microbiological data on possible and confirmed norovirus outbreaks reported in London and South East England in a 2-year period were reviewed. One hundred eighty-six outbreaks were associated with a food outlet or registered caterer in this period. These occurred throughout the year with peaks in quarter 1 of study years. A case series of 17 outbreaks investigated by the local field epidemiological service were evaluated further, representing more than 606 cases. In five outbreaks, symptomatic food handlers were tested and found positive for norovirus. In four outbreaks, symptomatic food handlers were not tested. Asymptomatic food handlers were tested in three outbreaks but positive for norovirus in one only. Environmental sampling did not identify the causative agent conclusively in any of the outbreaks included in this analysis. Food sampling identified norovirus in one outbreak. Recommendations from this study include for outbreak investigations to encourage testing of symptomatic food handlers and for food and environmental samples to be taken as soon as possible. In addition, sampling of asymptomatic food handlers should be considered when possible. However, in light of the complexity in conclusively identifying a source of infection, general measures to improve hand hygiene are recommended, with specific education among food handlers about the potential for foodborne pathogen transmission during asymptomatic infection, as well as reinforcing the importance of self-exclusion from food handling activities when symptomatic.
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Gregory NS, Kumar R, Stein EM, Alexander E, Christos P, Bockman RS, Rodman JS. POTASSIUM CITRATE DECREASES BONE RESORPTION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH OSTEOPENIA: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND CLINICAL TRIAL. Endocr Pract 2015; 21:1380-6. [PMID: 26401577 DOI: 10.4158/ep15738.or] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diets rich in animal protein, such as the typical American diet, are thought to create a high acid load. An association between acid load and bone loss has led to the idea that providing positive alkaline salt therapy could have beneficial effects on bone metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of potassium citrate (K-citrate), 40 mEq daily, over 1 year on bone resorption and formation. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 83 women with postmenopausal osteopenia. Levels of bone turnover markers, specifically urinary N-telopeptide of collagen type 1 (u-NTX), amino-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), and osteocalcin (OC) were compared. Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) were also examined. RESULTS K-citrate decreased both u-NTX (P = .005) and serum P1NP (P<.001) starting at month 1 and continuing through month 12. No significant change was seen in BSAP or OC. No significant change was seen in lumbar or hip BMD between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION In women with postmenopausal osteopenia, treatment with K-citrate for 1 year resulted in a significant decrease in markers of turnover. The effect on markers of bone formation was not consistent. K-citrate may serve as a potential treatment for bone loss that is well tolerated and without any significant known long-term consequences.
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Loeffler JS, Alexander E. Radiosurgery in the definitive management of CNS malignancies. FRONTIERS OF RADIATION THERAPY AND ONCOLOGY 2015; 27:227-44. [PMID: 8389307 DOI: 10.1159/000422095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Alexander E, McNair H, Landeg S, Hansen V, Dearnaley D. Initial Results of a Prospective Clinical Trial Examining a Novel Rectal Obturator to Localise the Prostate and Spare the Rectum during Radical Prostate Radiotherapy. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Alexander E, Holtmann-Rice D, Zucker S. When Shading Flows With Color: Grounding Shape and Material Inference. J Vis 2013. [DOI: 10.1167/13.9.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Holtmann-Rice D, Alexander E, Fleming R, Zucker S. When Color Flows With Shading: making depth disappear. J Vis 2013. [DOI: 10.1167/13.9.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Buettner F, Alexander E, McNair H, Bulbrook L, Gulliford S, Partridge M, Dearnaley D. SU-E-T-255: A Novel Rectal Obturator for Prostate Radiotherapy Improves the Spatial Distribution of Dose and Reduces the Predicted Risk for Rectal Bleeding and Subjective Sphincter Control. Med Phys 2012; 39:3762. [PMID: 28517352 DOI: 10.1118/1.4735322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effects of an endorectal device during prostate radiotherapy on the spatial distribution of dose to the ano-rectal region and quantify implications for normal-tissue-complication probabilities. METHODS Twenty-three patients with localised prostate cancer, referred for external beam radiotherapy had 2 CT scans acquired, without and with the rectal obturator (ProSpare) in-situ. For each patient two dose distributions were generated, based on both CT scans. Dose-surface maps for the rectal surface and the anal surface were generated and mean dose as well as a spatial measure (circumference of the dose distribution) were determined for all patients, with and without ProSpare. Using previously published NTCP models, the effect of ProSpare on NTCP was investigated for rectal bleeding and subjective sphincter control. RESULTS In a previous study subjective sphincter control correlated strongest with mean dose and lateral extent at 53 Gy. The use of ProSpare resulted in a highly significant reduction of the lateral extent at 53 Gy (p=0.006), mean dose (p=0.0009) and NTCP according to the LKB model (p=0.002 for grade 2 and p=0.001 for grade >=1). In a previous study we reported that rectal bleeding correlated most strongly with the lateral extent at 55 Gy and presented the constraint that it should not exceed 42% of the circumference. Using ProSpare resulted in a significant reduction of the lateral extent at 55 Gy (p=0.001) and significantly more patients met that proposed constraint (p=0.047). ProSpare resulted in a significant reduction of NTCP for grade-2 rectal bleeding (p=0.007) and a reduction for rectal bleeding grade >=1 (p=0.053). CONCLUSIONS ProSpare resulted in a significant reduction of mean dose to the anal sphincter and a significant reduction of the lateral extent at 55 Gy. This corresponded to a significant reduction in the predicted risk of reporting subjective sphincter control and grade-2 rectal bleeding.
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Forde C, Alexander E, Thaler T, Martin N, Brunstrom J. Expectations of satiation and satiety are a better predictor of self-selected portion size than liking. Appetite 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2011.05.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Alexander E, Yach D, Mensah GA. P1-126 Nutrition needs to develop effective measurement policies. Br J Soc Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.2011.142976d.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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McNair H, Kavanagh A, Alexander E, Eagle S, Ingram W, South C, Evans P, Dearnaley D. 1249 poster IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC TRACKING SYSTEM FOR PATIENTS RECEIVING RADIOTHERAPY TO THE PROSTATE. Radiother Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(11)71371-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Graupner V, Alexander E, Overkamp T, Rothfuss O, De Laurenzi V, Gillissen BF, Daniel PT, Schulze-Osthoff K, Essmann F. Differential regulation of the proapoptotic multidomain protein Bak by p53 and p73 at the promoter level. Cell Death Differ 2011; 18:1130-9. [PMID: 21233848 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2010.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
During apoptosis Bcl-2 proteins control permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane leading to the release of cytochrome c. Essential gatekeepers for cytochrome c release are the proapoptotic multidomain proteins, Bax, and Bak. The expression of Bax is upregulated upon cellular stress by the tumor suppressor p53. Despite the high functional homology of Bax and Bak, little is known about how the bak gene is regulated. To investigate its transcriptional regulation in further detail, we have analyzed a region spanning 8200 bp upstream of the bak start codon (within exon 2) for transcription factor-binding sites, and identified three p53 consensus sites (BS1-3). Reporter gene assays in combination with site-directed mutagenesis revealed that only one putative p53-binding site (BS3) is necessary and sufficient for induction of reporter gene expression by p53. Consistently, p53 induces expression of endogenous Bak. At the mRNA level, induction of Bak expression is weaker than induction of Puma and p21. Interestingly, Bak expression can also be induced by p73 that binds however to each of the three p53-binding sites within the bak promoter region. Our data suggest that expression of Bak can be induced by both, p53 and p73 utilizing different binding sites within the bak promoter.
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Park EJ, Alexander E, Taylor GA, Costa R, Kang DH. Effects of organic matter on acidic electrolysed water for reduction of foodborne pathogens on lettuce and spinach. J Appl Microbiol 2008; 105:1802-9. [PMID: 19120630 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03928.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the efficacy of acidic electrolysed water (EW) in the presence of organic matter (bovine serum) on the inoculated surfaces of lettuce and spinach. MATERIALS AND RESULTS Lettuce and spinach leaves were inoculated with a cocktail of three strains each of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes and treated with deionized water, acidic EW and acidic EW containing bovine serum (5, 10, 15 and 20 ml l(-1)) for 15 s, 30 s, 1 min, 3 min and 5 min at room temperature (22 +/- 2 degrees C). In the absence of bovine serum, acidic EW treatment reduced levels of cells below the detection limit (0.7 log) in 5 min. In the presence of bovine serum, bactericidal activity of acidic EW decreased with increasing serum concentration. CONCLUSIONS Organic matter reduces the effectiveness of acidic EW for reducing pathogens on the surfaces of lettuce and spinach. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY From a practical standpoint, organic matter reduces the efficacy of acidic EW. This study was conducted to confirm the effect of organic matter on the properties of acidic EW in the inactivation of foodborne pathogens on the surface of vegetables.
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Park EJ, Alexander E, Taylor GA, Costa R, Kang DH. Effect of electrolyzed water for reduction of foodborne pathogens on lettuce and spinach. J Food Sci 2008; 73:M268-72. [PMID: 19241556 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2008.00809.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The ability of electrolyzed water (EW) to inactivate foodborne pathogens on the surfaces of lettuce and spinach was investigated. Lettuce and spinach leaves were inoculated with a cocktail of 3 strains each of Escherichia col O157:H7, Salmnonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes and treated with acidic electrolyzed water (AC-EW), alkaline electrolyzed water (AK-EW), alkaline electrolyzed water followed by acidic electrolyzed water (sequential treatment, AK-EW + AC-EW), deionized water followed by acidic electrolyzed water (sequential treatment, DW + AC-EW), and deionized water (control, DW) for 15, 30 s, and 1, 3, and 5 min at room temperature (22 +/- 2 degrees C). For all 3 pathogens, the same pattern of microbial reduction on lettuce and spinach were apparent. The relative efficacy of reduction was AC-EW > DW + AC-EW approximately = AK-EW + AC-EW > AK-EW > control. After a 3-min treatment of AC-EW, the 3 tested pathogens were reduced below the detection limit (0.7 log). DW + AC-EW and AK-EW + AC-EW produced the same levels of reduction after 5 min when compared to the control. AK-EW did not reduce levels of pathogens even after a 5-min treatment on lettuce and spinach. Results suggest that AC-EW treatment was able to significantly reduce populations of the 3 tested pathogens from the surfaces of lettuce and spinach with increasing time of exposure.
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Park EJ, Alexander E, Taylor GA, Costa R, Kang DH. Fate of foodborne pathogens on green onions and tomatoes by electrolysed water. Lett Appl Microbiol 2008; 46:519-25. [PMID: 18416702 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2008.02351.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the efficacy of electrolysed water (EW) in killing Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes on the surfaces of spot-inoculated green onions and tomatoes. METHODS AND RESULTS Green onions and tomatoes were inoculated with a cocktail of three strains each of E. coli O157:H7, Salm. typhimurium and L. monocytogenes and treated with acidic electrolysed water (AC-EW), alkaline electrolysed water (AK-EW), alkaline electrolysed water followed by acidic electrolysed water (AK-EW + AC-EW), deionized water followed by acidic electrolysed water (DW + AC-EW) and deionized water (control, DW) for 15 s, 30 s, 1 min, 3 min and 5 min at room temperature (22 +/- 2 degrees C). The relative efficacy of reduction was AC-EW > DW + AC-EW approximately AK-EW + AC-EW > AK-EW > DW. CONCLUSIONS Acidic EW treatment was able to significantly reduce populations of the three tested pathogens from the surfaces of green onions and tomatoes with increasing exposure time. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Rinsing in acidic EW reveals an effective method to control the presence of E. coli O157:H7, Salm. typhimurium and L. monocytogenes on the surfaces of fresh green onions and tomatoes, without affecting their organoleptic characteristics. This indicates its potential application for the decontamination of fresh produce surfaces.
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Alexander E, Feller S, Fraenkel BS, Perel J. The fine structure of the extendedK absorption edge of a Ga single crystal. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02734843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Alexander E, Small W, Campbell JB. A Dependable Method for Constant Intravenous Therapy in Infants Using Polyethylene Tubing. Ann Surg 2007; 127:1212-6. [PMID: 17859161 PMCID: PMC1513690 DOI: 10.1097/00000658-194806000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Alexander E, Finlayson T, Mills NL. Pollution pandemic. Assoc Med J 2006. [DOI: 10.1136/sbmj.0606222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Hevesy GV, Alexander E, Würstlin K. Die Häufigkeit der Elemente der Vanadiumgruppe in Eruptivgesteinen. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1002/zaac.19301940126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Hevesy GV, Alexander E, Würstlin K. Über das Häufigkeitsverhältnis Niob/Tantal in Titanmineralien. Z Anorg Allg Chem 2004. [DOI: 10.1002/zaac.19291810108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Alexander E, Steinberger IT. Laboratory furnace with rotating table for producing conducting glass. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1088/0950-7671/33/8/417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Li HH, Thomas MJ, Pan W, Alexander E, Samuel M, Sorci-Thomas MG. Preparation and incorporation of probe-labeled apoA-I for fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies of rHDL. J Lipid Res 2001; 42:2084-91. [PMID: 11734582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the major constituent of HDL, plays an essential role in regulating cholesterol metabolism, acting as the physiological activator of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase, which converts cholesterol to cholesterol ester. Thiol-reactive fluorescent probes attached to cysteine-containing apoA-I mutants are currently being used to investigate the "LCAT active" conformation of lipid-bound apoA-I. Herein, we report new methodologies allowing rapid expression, fluorescent labeling, and recombinant HDL (rHDL) preparation for use in apoA-I in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies. Cysteine-containing mutant forms of human apoA-I were cloned into the pTYB12 vector containing a T7 promoter, a modified self-splicing protein element (intein), and a small affinity tag [chitin binding domain (CBD)]. The fusion proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, isolated from cell lysates, and bound to a chitin-affinity column. Release of mature human apoA-I was initiated by the addition of DTT, which induced self-cleavage at the COOH terminus of the intein - CBD fusion protein. ApoA-I was further purified by Q-sepharose and then used for fluorescent probe labeling. Discoidal rHDL were then prepared with donor and/or acceptor labeled apoA-I and characterized with respect to their size, composition and ability to activate LCAT.
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