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Son K, Twardzik E, Nabozny M, Strasburg D, Alexander N. CONTRIBUTION OF OBESITY AND PERFORMANCE FACTORS TO 6 MINUTE WALK TEST IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.4480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Lee P, Guerrero-Berroa E, Schmeidler J, Schnaider-Beeri M, West R, Sano M, Alexander N, Silverman J. OLDER VETERANS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES: A1C AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.1674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Olson C, Rochau G, Slutz S, Morrow C, Olson R, Cuneo M, Hanson D, Bennett G, Sanford T, Bailey J, Stygar W, Vesey R, Mehlhorn T, Struve K, Mazarakis M, Savage M, Pointon T, Kiefer M, Rosenthal S, Cochrane K, Schneider L, Glover S, Reed K, Schroen D, Farnum C, Modesto M, Oscar D, Chhabildas L, Boyes J, Vigil V, Keith R, Turgeon M, Cipiti M, Lindgren E, Dandini V, Tran H, Smith D, McDaniel D, Quintenz J, Matzen MK, VanDevender JP, Gauster W, Shephard L, Walck M, Renk T, Tanaka T, Ulrickson M, Meier W, Latkowski J, Moir R, Schmitt R, Reyes S, Abbott R, Peterson R, Pollock G, Ottinger P, Schumer J, Peterson P, Kammer D, Kulcinski G, El-Guebaly L, Moses G, Sviatoslavsky I, Sawan M, Anderson M, Bonazza R, Oakley J, Meekunasombat P, De Groot J, Jensen N, Abdou M, Ying A, Calderoni P, Morley N, Abdel-Khalik S, Dillon C, Lascar C, Sadowski D, Curry R, McDonald K, Barkey M, Szaroletta W, Gallix R, Alexander N, Rickman W, Charman C, Shatoff H, Welch D, Rose D, Panchuk P, Louie D, Dean S, Kim A, Nedoseev S, Grabovsky E, Kingsep A, Smirnov V. Development Path for Z-Pinch IFE. FUSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.13182/fst05-a757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Sater JD, Kozioziemski BJ, Pipes J, Jones R, Sanchez JJ, Moody JD, Bernat TP, Bittner DN, Burmann J, Alexander N. A High-Pressure Filling and Layering Apparatus for Cyrogenic Hohlraums. FUSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.13182/fst04-a460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Carlson LC, Huang H, Alexander N, Bousquet J, Farrell M, Nikroo A. Automation of NIF Target Fabrication. FUSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.13182/fst15-226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Bachmann B, Hilsabeck T, Field J, Masters N, Reed C, Pardini T, Rygg JR, Alexander N, Benedetti LR, Döppner T, Forsman A, Izumi N, LePape S, Ma T, MacPhee AG, Nagel S, Patel P, Spears B, Landen OL. Resolving hot spot microstructure using x-ray penumbral imaging (invited). THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:11E201. [PMID: 27910489 DOI: 10.1063/1.4959161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We have developed and fielded x-ray penumbral imaging on the National Ignition Facility in order to enable sub-10 μm resolution imaging of stagnated plasma cores (hot spots) of spherically shock compressed spheres and shell implosion targets. By utilizing circular tungsten and tantalum apertures with diameters ranging from 20 μm to 2 mm, in combination with image plate and gated x-ray detectors as well as imaging magnifications ranging from 4 to 64, we have demonstrated high-resolution imaging of hot spot plasmas at x-ray energies above 5 keV. Here we give an overview of the experimental design criteria involved and demonstrate the most relevant influences on the reconstruction of x-ray penumbral images, as well as mitigation strategies of image degrading effects like over-exposed pixels, artifacts, and photon limited source emission. We describe experimental results showing the advantages of x-ray penumbral imaging over conventional Fraunhofer and photon limited pinhole imaging and showcase how internal hot spot microstructures can be resolved.
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Broughan J, Maye D, Carmody P, Brunton L, Ashton A, Wint W, Alexander N, Naylor R, Ward K, Goodchild A, Hinchliffe S, Eglin R, Upton P, Nicholson R, Enticott G. Farm characteristics and farmer perceptions associated with bovine tuberculosis incidents in areas of emerging endemic spread. Prev Vet Med 2016; 129:88-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Ayalasomayajula S, Han Y, Langenickel T, Malcolm K, Zhou W, Hanna I, Alexander N, Natrillo A, Goswami B, Hinder M, Sunkara G. In vitro and clinical evaluation of OATP-mediated drug interaction potential of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696). J Clin Pharm Ther 2016; 41:424-31. [PMID: 27321165 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) has been recently approved for the treatment of heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction. Several HF patients receive statins as co-medication. METHODS Because clearance of statins is meditated via OATP1B1/1B3, the inhibition potential of these transporters by LCZ696 analytes was evaluated in vitro. Furthermore, an open-label, fixed-sequence clinical study was conducted to determine the effect of LCZ696 on the exposure of simvastatin and its active metabolite simvastatin acid. In this clinical study, 26 healthy subjects received simvastatin 40 mg alone or in combination with LCZ696 or after 1 or 2 h of LCZ696 dosing. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Although no significant inhibition by LBQ657 (an active metabolite of sacubitril) and valsartan was observed, sacubitril inhibited OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 in vitro, with IC50 of 1·91 and 3·81 μm, respectively. Upon co-administration of simvastatin with LCZ696, the Cmax of simvastatin and simvastatin acid decreased by 7% and 13%, respectively. When administered 1 h after LCZ696 dosing, the corresponding Cmax of simvastatin and simvastatin acid decreased by 16% and 4%, respectively. When administered 2 h after LCZ696 dosing, the Cmax of simvastatin decreased by 33% and that of simvastatin acid increased by 16%. However, no notable changes were observed in the AUCs of simvastatin or simvastatin acid upon co-administration or time-separated administration with LCZ696. No notable impact of simvastatin co-administration was observed on the pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 analytes. LCZ696 and simvastatin were generally well tolerated when administered alone or in combination. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results of this study suggest that although sacubitril inhibited OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 in vitro, it does not translate into any clinically relevant in vivo effect.
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Pasquali S, Gronchi A, Strauss D, Bonvalot S, Jeys L, Stacchiotti S, Hayes A, Honore C, Collini P, Renne SL, Alexander N, Grimer RJ, Callegaro D, Sumathi VP, Gourevitch D, Desai A. Resectable extra-pleural and extra-meningeal solitary fibrous tumours: A multi-centre prognostic study. Eur J Surg Oncol 2016; 42:1064-70. [PMID: 26924782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2016.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extra-pleural and extra-meningeal solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) is a rare sarcoma histotype curable with surgery in the majority of patients. The behaviour of these tumours ranges from indolent/very low grade to malignant/high grade but it is still not possible to accurately predict prognosis after surgery. We have investigated a multi-centre series to stratify the risk of recurrence to patients with SFTs. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the data from 243 patients who underwent surgery (2002-2011) at four sarcoma referral centres. RESULTS Upon univariate analysis, hypercellularity, atypia, necrosis, high mitotic rate (ie >4 mitoses/10 HPF) were associated with both disease-free and overall survival. Surgical margins were a significant prognostic factor for disease-free (P = 0.007) but not for overall survival. Unexpectedly, larger tumour size was associated with a better prognosis (P = 0.038) and fewer recurrences (P = 0.024). Upon multivariable analysis, high mitotic rate (hazard ratio, HR = 2.85, P = 0.002), cellular atypia (HR = 1.62, P = 0.015) and hypercellularity (HR = 1.82, P = 0.031) were significantly associated with recurrences. A SFT recurrence score has been provided to stratify risk of recurrence. CONCLUSION This study provides a prognostic model to stratify risk of recurrence in patients with resectable SFTs. This allows clinician to decide on an optimal follow-up strategy and to select patients that may benefit from adjuvant treatments.
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Enticott G, Maye D, Carmody P, Naylor R, Ward K, Hinchliffe S, Wint W, Alexander N, Elgin R, Ashton A, Upton P, Nicholson R, Goodchild T, Brunton L, Broughan J. Farming on the edge: farmer attitudes to bovine tuberculosis in newly endemic areas. Vet Rec 2015; 177:439. [PMID: 26494770 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Defra's recent strategy to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (bTB) establishes three spatial zones: high-risk areas (HRAs) and low-risk areas, and an area referred to as 'the edge', which marks the areas where infection is spreading outwards from the HRA. Little is known about farmers in the edge area, their attitudes towards bTB and their farming practices. This paper examines farmers' practices and attitudes towards bTB in standardised epidemiologically defined areas. A survey was developed to collect data on farmer attitudes, behaviours, practices and environmental conditions as part of an interdisciplinary analysis of bTB risk factors. Survey items were developed from a literature review and focus groups with vets and farmers in different locations within the edge area. A case-control sampling framework was adopted with farms sampled from areas identified as recently endemic for bTB. 347 farmers participated in the survey including 117 with bTB, representing a 70per cent response rate. Results show that farmers believe they are unable to do anything about bTB but are keen for the government intervention to help control the spread of bTB.
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Brunton LA, Nicholson R, Ashton A, Alexander N, Wint W, Enticott G, Ward K, Broughan JM, Goodchild AV. A novel approach to mapping and calculating the rate of spread of endemic bovine tuberculosis in England and Wales. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2015; 13:41-50. [PMID: 26046636 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A mathematical method for estimating the endemic status of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle in England and Wales has been developed. 6.25km(2) hexagonal cells were used as the base resolution. Maps were produced for overlapping two-year periods spanning 2001/03 to 2009/11. Distance from a farm to the ten nearest 'Officially Tuberculosis Free status - Withdrawn' incidents within the same time period was measured. Endemic areas were defined as those hexagons containing farms where the 3rd nearest incident occurred within 7km. Temporal spread of endemic bTB was estimated by creating a contour map displaying the spread of endemic bTB over the two-year periods, and using boundary displacement to calculate the rate of spread across each hexagon. A rate was obtained for ∼2300 cells and varied between 0.04km and 15.9km per year (median=3.3km per year). This work will enable further analysis of the factors associated with this expansion.
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Parks PB, Alexander N, Moeller C, Callis R. Microwave-Induced Flash Vaporization of Volatile Media: A Preliminary Thrust Generation Study for the Waveguide Pellet Acceleration Concept. FUSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.13182/fst14-834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Desai MI, Ogasawara K, Ebert RW, McComas DJ, Allegrini F, Weidner SE, Alexander N, Livi SA. An integrated time-of-flight versus residual energy subsystem for a compact dual ion composition experiment for space plasmas. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2015; 86:054501. [PMID: 26026539 DOI: 10.1063/1.4921706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a novel concept for a Compact Dual Ion Composition Experiment (CoDICE) that simultaneously provides high quality plasma and energetic ion composition measurements over 6 decades in ion energy in a wide variety of space plasma environments. CoDICE measures the two critical ion populations in space plasmas: (1) mass and ionic charge state composition and 3D velocity and angular distributions of ∼10 eV/q-40 keV/q plasma ions—CoDICE-Lo and (2) mass composition, energy spectra, and angular distributions of ∼30 keV-10 MeV energetic ions—CoDICE-Hi. CoDICE uses a common, integrated Time-of-Flight (TOF) versus residual energy (E) subsystem for measuring the two distinct ion populations. This paper describes the CoDICE design concept, and presents results of the laboratory tests of the TOF portion of the TOF vs. E subsystem, focusing specifically on (1) investigation of spill-over and contamination rates on the start and stop microchannel plate (MCP) anodes vs. secondary electron steering and focusing voltages, scanned around their corresponding model-optimized values, (2) TOF measurements and resolution and angular resolution, and (3) cross-contamination of the start and stop MCPs' singles rates from CoDICE-Lo and -Hi, and (4) energy resolution of avalanche photodiodes near the lower end of the CoDICE-Lo energy range. We also discuss physical effects that could impact the performance of the TOF vs. E subsystem in a flight instrument. Finally, we discuss advantages of the CoDICE design concept by comparing with capabilities and resources of existing flight instruments.
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Alexander N, Wankerl M, Hennig J, Miller R, Zänkert S, Steudte-Schmiedgen S, Stalder T, Kirschbaum C. DNA methylation profiles within the serotonin transporter gene moderate the association of 5-HTTLPR and cortisol stress reactivity. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e443. [PMID: 25226552 PMCID: PMC4203016 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been implicated in moderating vulnerability to stress-related psychopathology upon exposure to environmental adversity. A recent meta-analysis suggests a potential biological pathway conveying genotype-dependent stress sensitivity by demonstrating a small, but significant association of 5-HTTLPR and cortisol stress reactivity. An arguably more potent approach to detect larger effects when investigating the 5-HTTLPR stress sensitivity hypothesis is to account for both genetic and epigenetic variation in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4). Here, we applied this approach in an experimental setting. Two hundred healthy adults were exposed to a laboratory stressor (Trier Social Stress Test) and cortisol response patterns were assessed as a function of 5-HTTLPR and DNA methylation profiles in SLC6A4. Specifically, we analyzed 83 CpG sites within a 799-bp promoter-associated CpG island of SLC6A4 using a highly sensitive bisulfite pyrosequencing method. Our results suggest that SLC6A4 methylation levels significantly moderate the association of 5-HTTLPR and cortisol stress reactivity. For individuals displaying low levels of SLC6A4 methylation, the S allele relates to increased cortisol stress reactivity in a dose-dependent fashion accounting for 7-9% of the variance in the endocrine stress response. By contrast, no such effect occurred under conditions of high SLC6A4 methylation, indicating that epigenetic changes may compensate for genotype-dependent differences in stress sensitivity. Studying epigenetic markers may advance gene-environment interaction research on 5-HTTLPR as they possibly capture the net effects of environmental influences relevant for stress-related phenotypes under serotonergic control.
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Ainslie B, Alexander N, Johnston N, Bradley J, Pomeroy AC, Jackson PL, Otter KA. Predicting spatial patterns of eagle migration using a mesoscale atmospheric model: a case study associated with a mountain-ridge wind development. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2014; 58:17-30. [PMID: 23325041 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-012-0620-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/16/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
High resolution numerical atmospheric modeling around a mountain ridge in Northeastern British Columbia (BC), Canada was performed in order to examine the influence of meteorology and topography on Golden Eagle migration pathways at the meso-scale (tens of km). During three eagle fall migration periods (2007-2009), local meteorological conditions on the day of peak bird counts were modeled using the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) mesoscale model. Hourly local surface wind speed, wind direction, temperature, pressure and relative humidity were also monitored during these migration periods. Eagle migration flight paths were observed from the ground and converted to three-dimensional tracks using ArcGIS. The observed eagle migration flight paths were compared with the modeled vertical velocity wind fields. Flight tracks across the study area were also simulated using the modeled vertical velocity field in a migration model based on a fluid-flow analogy. It was found that both the large-scale weather conditions and the horizontal wind fields across the study area were broadly similar on each of the modeled migration days. Nonetheless, the location and density of flight tracks across the domain varied between days, with the 2007 event producing more tracks to the southwest of the observation location than the other 2 days. The modeled wind fields suggest that it is not possible for the eagles to traverse the study area without leaving updraft regions, but birds do converge on the locations of updrafts as they move through the area. Statistical associations between observed eagles positions and the vertical velocity field suggest that to the northwest (and to a lesser extent the southwest) of the main study ridge (Johnson col), eagles can always find updrafts but that they must pass through downdraft regions in the NE and SE as they make their way across the study area. Finally, the simulated flight tracks based on the fluid-flow model and the vertical velocity fields are in general agreement with the observed flight track patterns. Our results suggest that use of high resolution meteorological fields to locate the occurrence of updrafts in proposed ridge-line wind installations could aid in predicting, and mitigating for, convergence points in raptor migrations.
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Cruz AR, Pillay A, Ramirez LG, Chi H, Valencia C, Alexander N, Radolf J, Salazar JC. P3.273 Molecular Typing and Detection of Macrolide Resistance Mutations in T. Pallidum Strains from Cali, Colombia. Br J Vener Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051184.0729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Fleming-Dutra K, Mbaeyi C, Link-Gelles R, Alexander N, Guh A, Forbes E, Beall B, Winchell JM, Carvalho MDG, Pimenta F, Kodani M, Vanner C, Stevens H, Brady D, Caulcrick-Grimes M, Bandy U, Moore MR. Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 15A in psychiatric unit, Rhode Island, USA, 2010-2011. Emerg Infect Dis 2013; 18:1889-93. [PMID: 23092658 PMCID: PMC3559171 DOI: 10.3201/eid1811.120454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During a pneumococcal disease outbreak in a pediatric psychiatric unit in a hospital in Rhode Island, USA, 6 (30%) of 20 patients and staff were colonized with Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 15A, which is not included in pneumococcal vaccines. The outbreak subsided after implementation of antimicrobial drug prophylaxis and enhanced infection control measures.
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Chan PA, Kazi S, Rana A, Blazar I, Dejong CC, Mayer KH, Huard TK, Carleton K, Gillani F, Alexander N, Parillo Z, Flanigan TP, Kantor R. Short communication: new HIV infections at Southern New England academic institutions: implications for prevention. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2013; 29:25-9. [PMID: 22724920 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2012.0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
New HIV infections among younger men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States are escalating. Data on HIV infections in college students are limited. In 2010, three MSM college students presented to our clinic with primary HIV infection (PHI) in a single month. To determine the number of college students among new HIV diagnoses, we reviewed clinical characteristics and molecular epidemiology of HIV-diagnosed individuals from January to December 2010 at the largest HIV clinic in Southern New England. PHI was defined as acute HIV infection or seroconversion within the last 6 months. Of 66 individuals diagnosed with HIV in 2010, 62% were MSM and 17% were academic students (12% college or university, 5% other). Seventy-three percent of students were MSM. Compared to nonstudents, students were more likely to be younger (24 versus 39 years), born in the United States (91% versus 56%), have another sexually transmitted disease (45% versus 11%), and present with PHI (73% versus 16%, all p-values<0.05). Thirty percent of individuals formed eight transmission clusters including four students. MSM were more likely to be part of clusters. Department of Health contact tracing of cluster participants allowed further identification of epidemiological linkages. Given these high rates of PHI in recently diagnosed students, institutions of higher education should be aware of acute HIV presentation and the need for rapid diagnosis. Prevention strategies should focus on younger MSM, specifically college-age students who may be at increased risk of HIV infection.
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Bell AF, Walton K, Chevis JS, Davies K, Manson C, Wypych A, Yoxall A, Kirkby J, Alexander N. Accessing packaged food and beverages in hospital. Exploring experiences of patients and staff. Appetite 2012; 60:231-238. [PMID: 23092758 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2012.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Revised: 10/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Food and beverage packaging has been identified as a contributing factor to malnutrition among elderly patients in hospitals. The focus of this research was to describe the types of food and beverage packaging used in NSW hospitals, determine the 'problematic' packaging from the users' perspective, investigate the effect of hand strength on the ability to open the packaging and to survey users' (patients and staff) views on the 'accessibility' of the packaging. The study was conducted in the Illawarra region of NSW, Australia. Participants (140 mostly elderly inpatients and 64 staff members) were recruited from four local public hospitals. Data were collected using interviews, questionnaires, observations and grip strength testing. Several food and beverage packages were found difficult to open by at least 40% of patients. These included milk and juices (52%), cereal (49%), condiments (46%), tetra packs (40%) and water bottles (40%). The difficulties were attributed to 'fiddly' packaging, hand strength and vision; however, only tetra packs demonstrated a relationship between time taken to open and hand strength, suggesting other aspects of hand function may be more important than strength when opening food and beverage packages.
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Ocampo CB, Ferro MC, Cadena H, Gongora R, Pérez M, Valderrama-Ardila CH, Quinnell RJ, Alexander N. Environmental factors associated with American cutaneous leishmaniasis in a new Andean focus in Colombia. Trop Med Int Health 2012; 17:1309-17. [PMID: 22882595 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.03065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the environmental and ecological factors associated with Leishmania transmission and vector abundance in Chaparral, Tolima-Colombia. METHODS First, we compared the ecological characteristics, abundance of phlebotomies and potential reservoir hosts in the peridomestic environment (100 m radius) of randomly selected houses, between two townships with high and low cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence. Second, we examined peridomestic correlates of phlebotomine abundance in all 43 houses in the higher risk township. RESULTS The high transmission township had higher coverage of forest (23%vs. 8.4%) and shade coffee (30.7%vs. 11%), and less coffee monoculture (16.8%vs. 26.2%) and pasture (6.3%vs. 12.3%), compared to the low transmission township. Lutzomyia were more abundant in the high transmission township 2.5 vs. 0.2/trap/night. Lutzomyia longiflocosa was the most common species in both townships: 1021/1450 (70%) and 39/80 (49%). Numbers of potential wild mammal reservoirs were small, although four species were found to be infected with Leishmania (Viannia) spp. In the high transmission township, the overall peridomiciliary capture rate of L. longiflocosa was 1.5/trap/night, and the abundance was higher in houses located nearer to forest (ρ = -0.30, P = 0.05). CONCLUSION The findings are consistent with a domestic transmission cycle with the phlebotomies dependent on dense vegetation near the house.
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Kuepper Y, Wielpuetz C, Alexander N, Mueller E, Grant P, Hennig J. 5-HTTLPR S-allele: a genetic plasticity factor regarding the effects of life events on personality? GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2012; 11:643-50. [PMID: 22420614 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2012.00783.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Alverson B, Alexander N, Donahue FA. Advocating for change in medical legislation. Hosp Pediatr 2012; 2:99-104. [PMID: 24510956 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2011-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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Dumont DM, Brockmann B, Dickman S, Alexander N, Rich JD. Public health and the epidemic of incarceration. Annu Rev Public Health 2012; 33:325-39. [PMID: 22224880 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031811-124614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
An unprecedented number of Americans have been incarcerated in the past generation. In addition, arrests are concentrated in low-income, predominantly nonwhite communities where people are more likely to be medically underserved. As a result, rates of physical and mental illnesses are far higher among prison and jail inmates than among the general public. We review the health profiles of the incarcerated; health care in correctional facilities; and incarceration's repercussions for public health in the communities to which inmates return upon release. The review concludes with recommendations that public health and medical practitioners capitalize on the public health opportunities provided by correctional settings to reach medically underserved communities, while simultaneously advocating for fundamental system change to reduce unnecessary incarceration.
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