docid: qaezkvqu

title: INFECTION CONTROL CHALLENGES IN CHILD-CARE CENTERS

text: Current social and economic factors have resulted in increasing numbers of children attending child-care facilities outside of the home. In the United States over 13 million children less than 5 years of age and 60% of children less than 13 years of age are enrolled in some form of out-of-home child care.85, 108 Children attending out-of-home care settings are at increased risk for a variety of infections.25, 62, 79, 88 The incidence of respiratory tract infections, diarrheal disease, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis A, and bacterial meningitis is higher in children cared for outside of the home.54, 88 Increased rates of infections result in increased morbidity of children attending child-care facilities and significant economic impact because of loss of work and cost of medical care. These costs have been estimated at 1.8 billion dollars per year in the United States.(47) Parents of children attending child-care facilities miss from 1 to 4 weeks of work per year caring for ill children.(28) Increased risk for infections in child-care settings is of public health significance because of potential transmission to adult contacts and dissemination into the community.(88) Infections acquired in child-care settings that are mild or asymptomatic in children may be severe in adults.(85)


CORONAVIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES IN DIARRHOEA STOOLS


Screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome in the emergency department


Acute hæmorrhagic conjunctivitis during an epidemic outbreak of adenovirus-type-4 infection


Cumulative Contents


Index for volume 19


Veterinary clinical microbiology: Part II


Autoimmunity


Predicting the next pandemic


China and global health


Fibromyalgia syndrome: a pain modulation disorder related to altered limbic function?


A pamphlet to answer patients' questions


title: Aging-related morphological changes in the main olfactory bulb of the fischer 344 rat

text: —Aging-related changes in several structural characteristics of the main olfactory bulb (MOB) were evaluated using Fischer 344 rats 3, 18, 30 or 36 months of age. Histological examination of the nasal mucosa revealed no evidence of concurrent rhinitis in any of the animals studied. The internal granular layer of the MOB exhibited continual growth, increasing in volume by a factor of 63% over the range of ages studied. The sizes of MOB mitral cell perikarya and nuclei, expressed either as observed cross-sectional areas or as estimated mean volumes, did not change significantly as a function of age. The numbers of mitral cells exhibiting 2 nucleoli in the plane of section decreased from about 22% in the youngest animals to about 4% in the 18- and 30-month old animals and to nil in the oldest animals. These results are discussed in relation to findings of other investigators using Sprague-Dawley or Wistar rats. It is concluded that major structural age changes in the rat MOB are strain dependent.


Expert committee reviews SARS outbreak in Hong Kong


title: Virus-induced interferon production in leukocyte cultures from children with recurrent respiratory infections. A follow-up study

text: Background: Lowered yields of virus-induced interferon (IFN) by leukocyte cultures were previously suggested to be associated with recurrent respiratory infections in children (Pitkäranta et al. (1993) Clin. Diagn. Virol. 1, 101–108) Objectives: To investigate if the observed lowered IFN producing capacity was secondary to the underlying disease and, consequently, would be normalized after recovery of the child from the chain of infections. Study design: Forty-eight 3–12-year-old children suffering from recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (acute otitis media included) were followed-up for 2 years. Their clinical condition and virus-induced interferon production in cultures of peripheral blood leukocytes were examined at the beginning and end of this period. Results: In 24 children the health improved strikingly during the follow-up, in 12 children a mild improvement took place, while 12 children remained constantly ill. IFN yields in cultures stimulated with corona- and respiratory syncytical viruses improved along with the clinical situation of the children. Parallel cultures induced with adeno-, influenza A or rhinoviruses did not show a similar correlation. Conclusion: These results suggest that the relationship between interferon production by leukocyte cultures and recurrent infections is complex and may be virus-specific.


Revisions to the International Health Regulations


SARS decision rule: who's a suspect?


docid: jskzydnf

title: Panspermia—true or false?


title: Clinical considerations in the diagnosis of viral respiratory infections

text: Recent advances are allowing the transfer of sensitive and precise rapid viral antigen detection technology from sophisticated research laboratories to standardly equipped clinical diagnostic facilities. It is now possible to identify many viral respiratory pathogens directly from clinical specimens in <1 hr. Rapid antigen detection promises to be of the most value in the identification of respiratory viruses 1) for which antiviral therapy is available, 2) which can be prevented by employing isolation precautions, chemoprophylaxis, and/or immunization. 3) whose presence usually is associated with acute respiratory disease, not just asymptomatic colonization, and 4) which ordinarily are not associated with concomitant bacterial infection, and thus, whose early detection may allow withholding or withdrawing antibiotics. Based on these considerations, the relative usefulness of rapid viral antigen detection of commonly encountered respiratory pathogens will be discussed. In addition, the role of rapid viral detection in diagnosis of respiratory infections in high risk versus otherwise healthy individuals will be explored.


Canada fury at WHO ban


title: Effects of 3,3′-iminodipropionitrile on acquisition and performance of spatial tasks in rats

text: 3,3′-Iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) has been reported to disrupt learning and memory in rats (24). The present work addressed the effects of IDPN on tasks requiring the use of spatial information. Separate groups of male rats were dosed with IDPN (IP, in 1 ml/kg saline) for 3 consecutive days and tested in the following procedures: (a) step-through passive avoidance conditioning (0, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg/day); (b) Morris water maze (MWM) acquisition and retention (0, 125, 150, 175, and 200 mg/kg/day); (c) radial arm maze (RAM) acquisition (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day); (d) RAM steady-state performance (0, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day); (e) repeated acquisition in the RAM (0, and 200 mg/kg/day). The vestibular toxicity of IDPN resulted in alterations in spontaneous behavior or swimming deficits in 5 of 8 rats treated with 175 mg/kg/day and in all the animals dosed with 200 or 400 mg/kg/day. IDPN increased step-through PA latencies at 200 mg/kg/day but not at lower doses. In the MWM, no performance deficits were observed at the dose levels preserving the swimming ability of the animals. In both the acquisition and the steady-state RAM tasks, IDPN (400 mg/kg/day) induced an increase in both choice errors and perseverative errors. In the RAM repeated acquisition paradigm, IDPN (200 mg/kg/day) induced performance deficits that included a decreased rate of within-session reduction in errors. The present data show that IDPN disrupts performance of tasks requiring spatial learning and memory and indicate that these deficits can be in part caused by an acquisition deficit.


title: Deficiency in interferon production by leukocytes from children with recurrent respiratory infections

text: In vitro interferon production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 50 children suffering from recurrent upper respiratory tract infections was examined, and compared with that of 50 healthy children. Five respiratory pathogenic viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae were used as inducers. Cells from every child responded to at least three out of the six inducers by interferon production. As a group, cultures prepared from patient cells showed decreased production of IFN when stimulated with adeno, rhino, corona or RS viruses or with the mycoplasma. Similar trend between the two groups of children was seen as regards influenza A virus induced IFN production in leukocyte cultures. These results corroborate our previous findings that relative deficiency in interferon production appears to be inducer-specific, and suggest that this phenomenon may have a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent respiratory infections.


Recent news from the American public health association, the World Health Organization, and other health care agencies


title: Comparison of monoclonal biotin-avidin enzyme immunoassay and monoclonal time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay in detection of respiratory virus antigens

text: Background: Detection of respiratory viruses by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay based on monoclonal antibodies were developed in our laboratories in the late 1980s and they have been successfully used in daily diagnosis for more than seven years. Later, similar Biotin-EIAs were developed but the sensitivities were unsatisfactory. Objectives: Further optimization of monoclonal Biotin-EIAs and comparison of the optimized assays with TR-FIAs. Study design: Variations in test format, diluents, incubation times and temperatures, and different monoclonal antibodies were tested, and the final comparisons were made with TR-FIA using stored nasopharyngeal aspirates. Results: The improvements in Biotin-EIA featured four changes which increased sensitivity in the assay: (a) test diluent contained diethylenetriamino-pentaacetic acid; (b) antigen and biotinylated detector antibody were added simultaneously; (c) reaction time was extended from 1 h at 37°C to overnight at 4°C; (d) from the thirteen monoclonal antibodies used in TR-FIA, ten were optimal also in Biotin-EIA, but in the parainfluenza 1 and 2 assays other monoclonals proved more sensitive. Out of 257 originally positive specimens tested in the comparison studies, 192 (74.7%) were again positive and 54 (21.0%) were negative in both assays; nine were negative in TR-FIA but positive in Biotin-EIA, while two specimens were negative in Biotin-EIA but positive in TR-FIA. The overall agreement between the two assays was 95.7%. Conclusions: All monoclonal Biotin-EIAs can be optimized to the same sensitivity as TR-FIAs for the detection of respiratory viruses. Laboratories which have no TR-FIA expertise may use Biotin-EIA in the diagnosis of acute respiratory infections.


A proposal for the eradication of Middle East respiratory syndrome


title: Virus-induced autoimmune disease

text: The braking of tolerance or unresponsiveness to self-antigens, involving the activation of autoreactive lymphocytes, is a critical event leading to autoimmune diseases. The precise mechanisms by which this can occur are mostly unknown. Viruses have been implicated in this process, among other etiological factors, such as genetic predisposition and cytokine activity. Several ways have been proposed by which a viral infection might break tolerance to self and trigger an autoreactive cascade that ultimately leads to the destruction of a specific cell type or an entire organ. The process termed ‘molecular mimicry’ and the use of transgenic models in which viral and host genes can be manipulated to analyze their effects in causing autoimmunity have been particular focuses for research. For example, there is a transgenic murine model of virus-induced autoimmune disease, in which a known viral gene is selectively expressed as a self-antigen in β cells of the pancreas. In these mice, insulin-dependent diabetes develops after either a viral infection, the release of a cytokine such as IFN-γ, or the expression of the costimulatory molecule B7.1 in the islets of Langerhans. Recent studies using this model have contributed to the understanding of the pathogenesis of virus-induced autoimmune disease and have furthered the design and testing of novel immunotherapeutic approaches.


docid: vernzjcy

title: Mechanisms of diarrhoea


US Congress eyes CDC's lingering morale problems


WHO: 60 years on


Category C Potential Bioterrorism Agents and Emerging Pathogens


Applied epidemiology elective at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1997–2002


Practical Aspects of Implementation of a Bioterrorism Preparedness Program in a Hospital setting


Japan steps up SARS plans


ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND POST-MOLAR TROPHOBLASTIC TUMOURS


Does This Patient Have Influenza?


SARS genome patent: symptom or disease?


COVID-19: too little, too late?


Table des mots-clés: Tome 138


Gesellschaft für Toxikologische Pathologie


Ebola Preparedness: On Avoiding Making a Scary Virus Scarier


docid: kxioluun

title: European equivalent of US Centers for Disease Control proposed


Coronavirus and gastroenteritis in foals


Canada and global health: accelerate leadership now


Vote buying in the UN Security Council


title: Unidentified viral particles could be associated with enteritis of various commercial bird species

text: La microscopie électronique nous a permis d'observer, chez des oiseaux domestiques présentant une entérite (pintades, canards, poulets, dindes), des images de particules virales enveloppées et spiculées dont l'aspect est identique d'une espèce aviaire à l'autre et qui n'ont pas été, jusqu'à présent, identifiées.


docid: nhgnsklb

title: Reti sociali e diffusione di epidemie


Psychoimmunology and infection


A look back at 2013


Lymphopenia in SARS


title: The pattern of proteins synthesized in the liver is profoundly modified upon infection of susceptible mice with mouse hepatitis virus 3

text: Susceptible BALB/c mice, after experimental infection with mouse hepatitis virus 3 (MHV3), revealed virus titres in the liver that increased gradually to a peak of 8 × 10(5) PFU/g of tissue after 3 days' infection, when the mice died of acute hepatitis. BALB/c mice were infected with MHV3, subsequently labelled in vivo with (35)S-methionine, and then the liver preparations from both infected and non-infected animals were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Comparisons of the patterns by computer image analysis revealed 17 gene products which increased, and 8 gene products which decreased, upon virus infection in their two-dimensional gel spot intensity. We conclude that during MHV3 infection of a susceptible strain of mice, a major modification in protein synthesis occurs. The pattern alterations were not related to the virus gene products but were mostly endogenous mouse proteins. Whether these proteins are a result of a defence attempt by the animal, or are dictated by the virus in order to prevent a protective response from happening, remains to be shown.


Les virus de l’hiver


Can we measure ‘Sensationalisim’ and ‘Spin’?


title: Cytokine network in the central nervous system and its roles in growth and differentiation of glial and neuronal cells

text: Cells resident within the central nervous system (CNS) can synthesize, secrete and respond to inflammatory cytokines not only contributing to the responses to injury or immunological challenge within the CNS, but also regulating their own growth and differentiation potential. The actions and cell communication via cytokines in the CNS are designated as the CNS cytokine network, in which microglia and astrocytes play the central roles. To further characterize the CNS cytokine network we investigated the differences in roles of these cells, and found that microglia might contribute to the early phase of cytokine production reaction and that astrocytes might contribute the late phase of the reaction. We also investigated roles of inhibitory cytokines such as TGF β, IL-4, and IL-10, and showed that each might play a distinct role in the inhibitory regulation in the CNS. We summarized our previous report about cellular distribution of cytokine receptors in the CNS cells and discussed their roles in the CNS cytokine network. Finally, we investigated that expression of IL-6 and IL-2 receptors in neuronal and oligodendrocytic differentiation, respectively. From these results, we discussed the features of the CNS cytokine network.


United Nations panel warns of slow progress against HIV/AIDS


Canadian infection-control experts push for health reform


title: ClinMicroNet — Sharing experiences and building knowledge virtually

text: ClinMicroNet is a closed Internet discussion group, where doctoral-level clinical and public health microbiologists from many countries share their knowledge and experience. This collaborative approach to resolving issues and questions in the field of clinical microbiology transcends organizational, institutional, state and national boundaries. Based upon observations of list communications during 10 weeks and a small group user survey, this study analyzed the nature of communications and member's perceptions of the network. An explicit-tacit knowledge quadrant identifies distinct ways in which knowledge is transferred and created. Empirical evidence shows that ClinMicroNet complements other resources by encouraging members to share experiences and collaborate in establishing the best practices. Driven by a core group of active members, the network is highly participative and strongly supported. In turn, members maintain professional relationships beyond the list, which reinforces the network and its members' capacity to confront new threats and challenges in clinical microbiology.


Small interfering RNAs on top


docid: vsbckqdc

title: Host–pathogen interactions in the 21st century


The role of the laboratory in the etiologic diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections


title: Analysis of overlapping T- and B-Cell antigenic sites on rubella virus E1 envelope protein influence of HLA-DR4 polymorphism on T-cell clonal recognition

text: A CTL antigenic site located between residues 273 and 291 of the E1 envelope protein of RV was identified by (51)Cr-release assays employing SPs. Two E1-specific CTL clones were examined for immune recognition of RV wild-type and attenuated vaccine strains and recombinant E1 protein. The exact sequence (273–284) recognized by both clones was delineated by using truncated and overlapping SPs covering these residues. The defined T-cell site overlapped almost completely with a virus neutralizing antibody-binding site previously identified with mouse monoclonal and human antibodies. A series of single aa-substituted SP analogues of E1(273–284) was used to define residues critical for T-cell recognition. Using EBV-Bl displaying different HLA-DR haplotypes and -DR4 subtypes as targets to determine MHC class II restriction elements, immune recognition by both T-cell clones was shown to be associated with HLA-DR4. Three HLA-DR4 subtypes (DR4Dw 13A, DR4Dw13B, and DR4KT2) sharing a common residue, glutamic acid at position 74 in their β 1 chains, were able to present SP E1(273–284) to the T-cell clones.


European health ministers split over organ trafficking


US Army looking into Iraq pneumonia cases


MELATONIN/CORTISOL RATIO IN PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS


title: Occupational Health Update: Focus on Preventing the Acquisition of Infections with Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Postexposure Prophylaxis

text: Health care personnel are commonly exposed to infectious agents via sharp injuries (eg, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus), direct patient care (eg, pertussis and meningococcus), and the contaminated environment (eg, Clostridium difficile). An effective occupational program is a key aspect of preventing acquisition of an infection by offering the following: (1) education of health care personnel regarding proper handling of sharps, early identification and isolation of potentially infectious patients, and hand hygiene; (2) assuring immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases; and, (3) immediate availability of a medical evaluation after a nonprotected exposure to an infectious disease.


title: Differentiation of Gastrointestinal Diseases in Adult Cattle

text: An understanding of diagnostic tests and procedures for gastrointestinal diseases of adult cattle assists the practitioner in differentiating the more common gastrointestinal disturbances. A systematic approach to differentiating these conditions is used, targeting abdominal distention, anterior abdominal pain, and diarrhea.


Community-acquired MRSA


Brundtland meets food and drink leaders but declines Coke cocktail


ROTAVIRUS INFECTIONS OF APES


Microbial challenge studies—a challenge worth accepting


Plant biotechnology


title: Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Alleviates Arsenic-induced Oxidative Reproductive Toxicity in Male Mice

text: OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in alleviating arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity. METHODS: Sixty male Kunming mice received the following treatments by gavage: normal saline solution (control); arsenic trioxide (ATO; 4 mg/kg); GSPE (400 mg/kg); ATO+GSPE (100 mg/kg); ATO+GSPE (200 mg/kg) and ATO+GSPE (400 mg/kg). Thereafter, the mice were sacrificed and weighed, and the testis was examined for pathological changes. Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), glutathione S-transferase (GST), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, and quinone 1 (NQO1) expression in the testis was detected by real-time PCR. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidative capability (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and reproductive indexes were analyzed. RESULTS: ATO-treated mice showed a significantly decreased sperm count and testis somatic index and activity levels of SOD, GSH, and T-AOC than control group. Compared to the ATO-treated group, ATO +GSPE group showed recovery of the measured parameters. Mice treated with ATO+high-dose GSPE showed the highest level of mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO, NQO1, and GST. CONCLUSIONS: GSPE alleviates oxidative stress damage in mouse testis by activating Nrf2 signaling, thus counteracting arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity.


LABORATORY APPROACHES TO INFECTIOUS DIARRHEA


title: Fluid Therapy for Diarrheic Calves: What, How, and How Much

text: The pathophysiologic consequences of neonatal diarrhea in calves are presented. A brief discussion of intestinal nmction, nutrient absorption, and osmolar effects follows. A rationale for appropriate fluid therapy is presented, and comparisons of some currently marketed products are made.


title: Molecular Biology of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus and its Interactions with the Host

text: The contributions of pestivirus molecular biology research to our understanding of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) biology and disease have been remarkable. Completion of nucleotide sequence information for genomes of NCP and CP-BVDV isolates was an important milestone. Subsequent work on the protein map of BVDV and polyprotein processing pathways paved the way for the interpretation of many other virologic and immunologic studies. Discovery of a correlation between genotype II and virulence (hemorrhagic syndrome) will help to clarify previously controversial data and to improve disease control. Description of multiple pathways of p80 expression in CP-BVDV offered insight into the pathogenesis of mucosal disease. Identification of gp53/E2 as the target of neutralizing antibodies and source of antigenic hypervariability helped us to understand immunity to BVDV. Collectively, the advances described contribute to the implementation of improved diagnostic and control strategies to reduce losses inflicted by the bovine pestivirus.


Coronavirus confirmed as cause of SARS


Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers: Current Status of Endemic Disease and Strategies for Control


MEPs approve plans for European CDC


FUNGAL TOXINS AND ENDEMIC (BALKAN) NEPHROPATHY


NEONATAL ROTAVIRUS INFECTION


The limits of techne and episteme()


Mucosal immunisation and immunoprophylaxis as potential strategies for prevention of SARS


title: In vivo and in vitro models of demyelinating diseases XXIV. The infectious process in cyclosporin A treated Wistar Lewis rats inoculated with JHM virus()

text: In the present study we investigated age related effects of inoculum size and cellular immunity on the CNS disease caused by JHM virus (JHMV) in Wistar Lewis (WL) rats. Onset of resistance normally becomes evident by the 10th day when inoculation is made with 10(6) pfu or less. The resistance could be abrogated in 15 day old animals by increasing the dose two-fold, but with rare exceptions, in 35 day old rats an 80-fold increase in pfu fails to surmount resistance. However, treatment with the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporin A (CsA) abolished resistance, whereby rats challenged at 35 days of age were susceptible to JHMV. The histopathological evidence and disease symptoms in the CsA treated group resembled closely those observed in our previous study with athymic, nude rats. Microscopic examination of the CNS from untreated, infected rats revealed extensive inflammatory responses characterized by perivascular cuffing and mononuclear infiltrates into the neuropile. The parallel CsA treated group showed that inflammatory responses of this type in the CNS were either minimal or absent. From the present evidence, we conclude that JHMV infection, which involves both neuronal and oligodendrocytic elements, is kept in check by the cellular immune system. When cellular immunity is suppressed or absent the disease process is altered from one in which white matter demyelination predominates to another form of disease in which neuronal involvement is prominent.


ENTERIC ADENOVIRUSES AND ROTAVIRUSES IN INFANTILE GASTROENTERITIS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES


docid: fqqqodne

title: Regulation of class II major histocompatibility complex genes: Relation to multiple sclerosis


title: Necessity of a more standardized virological characterization of rodents for aging studies

text: Characterization of the microbiological status is an important facet of a quality assurance program for laboratory animals. This paper addresses basic issues with regard to standardization of the characterization of murine viral status. Methods for such characterization include clinical signs, virus isolation, and serological tests. Significant considerations are screening profiles; sample collection, processing, and s shipment; and sampling schedules. International standardization of programs and methods to control and characterize the microbiological status of laboratory animals is being developed, and will be highly significant in future efforts to produce, control, and maintain laboratory animals free of viral infections.


WHO, the Global Fund, and medical malpractice in malaria treatment


China faces up to HIV/AIDS epidemic


SARS genome patent: to manage and to share


China promises to dash hopes of tobacco industry giants


Registering clinical trials


title: ROTAVIRUS INFECTIONS OF NEONATES

text: Fæcal specimens from 628 newborn babies in the nurseries of six metropolitan hospitals were examined by electron microscopy for rotaviruses. 304 babies (49%) were found to be excreting virus. All those infected were in five nurseries; viruses were not detected in specimens from the sixth nursery. Two nurseries were studied for 9 mo and another for 11 mo and rotaviruses were found consistently in 40-50% of stools examined. There was no seasonal variation. None of the neonates under the age of one day were infected but by the age of three to four days approximately 50% were excreting virus. Most of those shedding virus were symptom-free but 84 (28%) had diarrhœa. Persisting endemic rotavirus infection is apparently common in hospital nurseries in Sydney. The virus is probably transmitted by environmental spread from neonate to neonate.


Canadian officials watch SARS-like mystery bug


title: AIDS, alcohol, endothelium, and immunity

text: Analogies are drawn between important unknowns in AIDS and alcohol research, related to underlying common pathogenetic mechanisms, immunodysregulation, cofactors, and prominent vascular manifestations. The central role of the blood and lymphatic vasculatures and specifically their endothelial lining in many facets of the immune response is reviewed. Evidence is presented that both alcohol and HIV (as well as other coinfecting viruses in AIDS) target and alter endothelial cells and the angiogenic process. These concepts are further illustrated by a serendipitous viral epidemic among rats on continuous long-term alcoholic and control nonalcoholic diets, where synergism between alcohol and virus appeared to underlie multiple vascular proliferative lesions in the liver. In AIDS and alcoholism/alcoholic liver disease (ALD), the prominent features of dysregulated angiogenesis point to the endothelium as a key player in pathogenesis of these seemingly disparate disorders and potentially in immunomodulation.


Uncertainty in SARS epidemiology


Health-care workers in influenza pandemics


SARS under control, but lab-safety questions remain


Tibetan health care takes back seat to infrastructure


Getting political: fighting for global health


Canada strengthens pandemic plan in wake of SARS


Interferons as cytokines regulating leukocyte functions in vivo


docid: pfweddqb

title: Update on emerging infections: News from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) in Asia and interim recommendations for evaluation and reporting of suspected cases—United States, 2004


China: towards “xiaokang”, but still living dangerously


Getting ready for SARS


SIGNIFICANCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND OTHER ENTERIC PATHOGENS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES


CONTENTS


title: Quantifying the roles of vomiting, diarrhea, and residents vs. staff in norovirus transmission in U.S. nursing home outbreaks

text: The role of individual case characteristics, such as symptoms or demographics, in norovirus transmissibility is poorly understood. Six nursing home norovirus outbreaks occurring in South Carolina, U.S. from 2014 to 2016 were examined. We aimed to quantify the contribution of symptoms and other case characteristics in norovirus transmission using the reproduction number (R(Ei)) as an estimate of individual case infectivity and to examine how transmission changes over the course of an outbreak. Individual estimates of R(Ei) were calculated using a maximum likelihood procedure to infer the average number of secondary cases generated by each case. The associations between case characteristics and R(Ei) were estimated using a weighted multivariate mixed linear model. Outbreaks began with one to three index case(s) with large estimated R(Ei)’s (range: 1.48 to 8.70) relative to subsequent cases. Of the 209 cases, 155 (75%) vomited, 164 (79%) had diarrhea, and 158 (76%) were nursing home residents (vs. staff). Cases who vomited infected 2.12 (95% CI: 1.68, 2.68) times the number of individuals as non-vomiters, cases with diarrhea infected 1.39 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.87) times the number of individuals as cases without diarrhea, and resident-cases infected 1.53 (95% CI: 1.15, 2.02) times the number of individuals as staff-cases. Index cases tended to be residents (vs. staff) who vomited and infected considerably more secondary cases compared to non-index cases. Results suggest that individuals, particularly residents, who vomit are more infectious and tend to drive norovirus transmission in U.S. nursing home norovirus outbreaks. While diarrhea also plays a role in norovirus transmission, it is to a lesser degree than vomiting in these settings. Results lend support for prevention and control measures that focus on cases who vomit, particularly if those cases are residents.


AUSTRALIA ANTIGEN, CORONAVIRUS, AND REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE IN VIRAL HEPATITIS


Necrotising enterocolitis—a community-acquired infectious disease?


docid: dfcovxpp

title: Packaging and unpackaging the sea urchin sperm genome

text: Two species of histones in sea urchin sperm (Sp H1 and Sp H2B) are chimeric molecules whose highly basic amino-terminal domains are dephosphorylated at the last stage of sperm cell differentiation, and rephosphorylated immediately following fertilization. The phosphorylated regions consist largely of repeating tetrapeptides with two basic residues flanking Ser-Pro residues (‘SPKK’ motifs) and are predicted to have β-turn secondary structures. Alteration of the charge and structure of the SPKK sites may play a role in the unusually dense DNA packaging of the mature sperm chromatin. The motif resembles the target site of cell-cycle-associated cdc2 kinases and is found in several other proteins whose nucleic acid affinities may be altered during the cell cycle.


title: Bovine Enteric Colibacillosis

text: In this article, the author discusses procedures used to determine enteropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli, the history of the development of prophylactic procedures, including cow vaccination and specific monoclonal antibody, and other preventative measures such as proper management, nutrition, and sanitation.


Counterfeit artesunate antimalarials in southeast Asia


title: Biological response modifiers and infectious diseases: Actual and potential therapeutic agents

text: Biological response modifiers (BRMs) are agents which can modify the immune response to cancer or invasion of the organism by infectious agents. An explosive appearance of new BRMs has resulted from the development of recombinant gene technology and the availability of monoclonal antibodies. Colony-stimulating factors first became available for the prevention of neutropenia but may also have a role in the treatment of infections. Interleukin-1 is being tested as a modular of hematopoiesis and may be useful as a helper factor for T- and B-cell function. Immunoglobulins are being used against viral and bacterial infections while interferons can prevent viral upper respiratory infections and suppress or irradicate some viral hepatitides. Other BRMs which show promise include chemical agents and traditional herbal medicines.


title: Increased susceptibility to mouse hepatitis virus type 3 (MHV3) infection induced by a hypercholesterolaemic diet with increased adsorption of MHV3 to primary hepatocyte cultures

text: The administration of a hypercholesterolaemic (HC) diet rendered genetically resistant A/J mice susceptible to mouse hepatitis 3 (MHV3) infection. The animals died cf acute hepatitis with high viral titres in the liver accompanied by many necrotic foci and high serum transaminase levels. Resistance to virus was re-established by refeeding HC mice with a normal diet for 2 weeks. This of modification by pathogenesis was accompanied by an increase in the susceptibility of hepatocyte cultures from HC mice to MHV3 and could be explained by an enhancement in virus adsorption. We hypothesize that the incorporation of cholesterol into the plasma membranes of hepatocytes of HC mice, thereby decreasing the membrane fluidity, may lead to an increase in the availability of virus receptors.


title: Acute bronchitis in the community: clinical features,infective factors, changes in pulmonary function and bronchial reactivity to histamine

text: A descriptive study of acute bronchitis in patients without pre-existing pulmonary disease was undertaken in the community during the winter months of 1986–87. Forty-two episodes were investigated in 40 individuals. The cardinal symptom was the acute onset of cough (100%), usually productive (90%). Wheezing was noted by 62% of patients, but heard on ausculation in only 31%. A potential pathogen was isolated in 29% of cases with a virus (eight cases) being identified more frequently than either Mycoplasma pneumoniae (three cases) or a bacterium (three cases). The acute illness was associated with significant reductions in forced expired volume in 1 second (P<0·02) and peak expiratory flow (P<0·001) but not forced vital capacity compared to 6 weeks later. Ten of the 27 (37%) patients who had a histamine challenge test performed at 6 weeks had a PD(20) of <7·8 μmol histamine. Thirty-nine episodes (93%) were treated with antibiotics by the general practitioner, the clinical course being unremarkable apart from one patient who developed a lingular pneumonia despite antibiotic therapy. Further studies are required to assess whether acute bronchitis causes an acute increase in bronchial hyperresponsiveness and whether either antibiotics or inhaled bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory therapy has a useful role in the management of this predominantly viral illness.


Related elsevier virology titles contents alert


title: Effects of Parental Dietary Exposure to GM Rice TT51 on the Male Reproductive System of Rat Offspring

text: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the health effects of parental dietary exposure to GM rice TT51 on the male reproductive system of rat offspring. METHODS: Rice-based diets, containing 60% ordinary grocery rice, MingHui63, or TT51 by weight, were given to parental rats (15 males/30 females each group) for 70 days prior mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, eight male offspring rats were randomly selected at each group and fed with diets correspondent to their parents’ for 70 days. The effects of exposure to TT51 on male reproductive system of offspring rats were assessed through sperm parameters, testicular function enzyme activities, serum hormones (FSH, LH, and testosterone levels), testis histopathological examination, and the relative expression levels of selected genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary- testicular (HPT) axis. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in body weight, food intake, organ/body weights, serum hormone, sperm parameters, testis function enzyme ACP, LDH, and SDH activities, testis histopathological changes, and relative mRNA expression levels of GnRH-R, FSH-R, LH-R, and AR along the HPT axis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that parental dietary exposure to TT51 reveals no significant differences on the reproductive system of male offspring rats compared with MingHui63 and control.


Apocalypse from now on


INTERFERON ASSAY AS A DIAGNOSTIC TEST


Report details lessons from SARS outbreak


Pseudoknots and the control of protein synthesis


title: Detection of respiratory syncytial virus infection in nasal aspirate samples by flow cytometry

text: Hypotheses: (i) Flow cytometry has the potential for rapid detection of respiratory viral antigens. (ii) This technique can be applied to viral diagnosis in clinical samples. Objectives and study design: (i) To study the identification of six common respiratory viral pathogens by flow cytometry, in virus infected and uninfected cultured cells, as models of positive and negative clinical samples. (ii) To compare flow cytometry with the established techniques of viral isolation and immunofluorescent microscopy in the diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection in 68 naso-pharyngeal aspirates taken from children and sent to the virology laboratory for routine virological diagnosis. Results: (i) For each virus analysed, populations of infected and non-infected cells were clearly discernable, confirming potential for this method in rapid viral diagnosis in clinical samples. (ii) Two definitions were employed for a sample to be positive by flow cytometry, these were compared with the combined established techniques. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of flow cytometry were 41%, 98%, 92% and 71% for the first definition and 74%, 88%, 80% and 84% for the second definition respectively. Conclusions: As tested in this study, flow cytometry is less sensitive than established techniques as well as recently developed rapid diagnostic techniques for the diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection. Further evaluation of the potential of flow cytometry in rapid viral diagnosis is warranted.


title: The use of macrolides in respiratory tract infections

text: Macrolides have enjoyed continued use for over 40 years, being increasingly usedfor the treatment of respiratory tract infections. Newer macrolides have been introduced that show improved absorption after oral administration, better gastrointestinal tolerance, and delivery of increased amounts of drug to the infection site. Macrolides are commonly used in community-acquired pneumonia, as well as in atypical pneumonia and legionellosis. The newer macrolides, in comparative studies, have been shown to be as effective as the conventional therapies for treating acute otitis media, acute sinusitis and acute pharyngitis, with a low incidence of side-effects. However, dosing can be simplified because of their unique pharmacokinetic properties. Limitations in the use of macrolides for respiratory infections include rather marginal activity in the most severe cases of Haemophilus influenzae infections, lack of activity against Klebsiella and other coliforms, which precludes their use as single agents in the therapy of pneumonia in patients with significant underlying disease or in the elderly, and development of resistance in streptococci and staphylococci.


Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease


Immunological techniques


Necrotizing enterocolitis in an infant with group B streptococcal sepsis


Rabies: ancient yet contemporary cause of encephalitis


Prevention of cholera


title: Rapid diagnosis of respiratory virus infections in patients with acute respiratory disease

text: Viral respiratory infections represent a significant segment of the total respiratory disease spectrum; however, until recently the laboratory diagnosis of viral respiratory infections was relatively inefficient. Development of new and improved immunologic assay systems has paved the way for accurate and reliable rapid diagnostic tests that detect viral antigens in clinical specimens. We conducted a careful and elaborate study in which radioimmunoassay for antigen detection was compared with a battery of tissue culture systems for viral isolation and identification. Using a fine plastic catheter, a specimen of mucus was aspirated from the nasopharynx of patients with clinical signs and symptoms of acute viral upper respiratory tract infections. Each specimen was divided into two portions; one was used to inoculate a variety of tissue culture cell lines and the other was used for radioimmunoassay tests for influenza A and B, adenovirus, parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3, and respiratory syncytial virus. Radioimmunoassay results compared very favorably with the tissue culture data with only one exception—adenovirus. Essentially this degree of accuracy and reproducibility was obtained with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, which has replaced radioimmunoassay. Tissue cultures are still used for backup, but with a rapid antigen detection system in place, coupled with a modern computer program to facilitate the laboratory data to the clinician, considerable strides have been made, and will continue to be made, in the diagnosis and therapy of viral respiratory tract infections.


Novel viruses associated with gastroenteritis


Canadian researchers respond to CMAJ crisis


SARS exposed, pandemic influenza lurks


Mysteries and miracles: Personal recollections in clinical and diagnostic Virology


Connaître les maladies infectieuses des volailles (première partie)


Just-in-time lectures: SARS


China's rural health reforms tackle entrenched inequalities


title: Pathogens in livestock waste, their potential for movement through soil and environmental pollution

text: Livestock wastes contain many pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Following the application of these wastes to land the potential exists for environmental contamination. Plants, soil and ultimately water courses which may subsequently be used as catchments for public water supplies may all be affected. Research attention is now being focused on this possibility, especially in the case of protozoan pathogens which may be the most important as they are often resistant to current methods used in public water treatment. In this review we highlight some of the many factors that are likely to influence the degree of pollution by their effect on both the vertical and horizontal transport of microorganisms through soil. Soil pH, temperature, the presence of plants, microbial surface properties, type of waste, soil type and soil water content and flow may all affect the rate and extent of vertical transport, with the latter two generally considered to be the most important. Lateral movement is a particular problem in soils with impermeable substrata or in waterlogged conditions and in these cases the major factors affecting movement include rainfall rate, topography of the land and the rate at which microorganisms partition into the runoff.


Emerging stronger from the China crisis


title: The virulence of mouse hepatitis virus 3, as evidenced by permissivity of cultured hepatic cells toward escape mutants

text: Deux mutants d'échappement à la neutralisation du MHV3 (MHV 51.6 et MHV Cl12) montrent, en comparaison au MHV3 sauvage (wt), un ralentissement de leur multiplication chez des souris sensibles BALB/c et une atténuation du pouvoir pathogène provoquant un retard considérable de la mortalité. Le MHV3 wt se réplique à des titres élevés dans toutes les cellules hépatiques en culture. Le MHV3 51.6, de virulence intermédiaire, se multiplie dans toutes les cellules hépatiques excepté dans les cellules endothéliales. Le mutant qui tue le plus tardivement les souris (MHV Cl12) se multiplie uniquement dans les cellules de Ito, les autres étant non permissives. Ces résultats montrent une corrélation directe entre la virulence du MHV3 et son aptitude à se répliquer de manière efficace dans les cellules hépatiques in vitro.


title: Calf Pneumonia

text: Infectious calf pneumonia is a high-morbidity pneumonia of housed dairy-type calves. Viruses are important etiologic agents and infection with bovine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza type 3 virus (PI-3 virus) may result in extensive, and sometimes fatal, lung damage. Respiratory viral infections are frequently followed by mycoplasmal and secondary bacterial invasion of the lower respiratory tract, which increases the extent and severity oflung damage. Bad housing, particularly bad ventilation, will increase the severity of pneumonia outbreaks. Although the source of respiratory viral infections is not always obvious, it is likely that a proportion of calves acquire infection from their dams early in life. The possibility of cross-infections from other domestic animals and from humans must also be considered. Diagnosis of respiratory virus infections necessitates submission of suitable respiratory tract specimens that are taken at an early stage in the outbreak together with paired sera. Various therapeutic and prophylactic regimens for the control of calf pneumonia are described.


Preventive strategies to keep Saudi Arabia SARS-free()


News in Brief


Table des auteurs


Alice's living croquet theory


docid: hpzmsuve

title: Sites of antigen presentation in T-cell mediated demyelinating diseases


Cumulative Index 2004


Review criteria for assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility devices—what do they mean?


Transferring and shipping organisms and toxins: the select agent rule


Protein engineering


Hypo-osmolality in beer drinkers


title: Intravenous Fluid Therapy in Calves

text: Effective intravenous fluid therapy requires determination of the volume required and the composition of the appropriate parenteral solution. Specific abnormalities in major electrolytes, acid-base balance, and energy balance should be considered in fluid selection. Parenteral solutions should be delivered in a sterile manner, with attention to potential complications.


title: Diagnosis of Neonatal Pig Diarrhea

text: General intestinal protection mechanisms and pathogenic mechanisms of diarrhea are provided as a means to explain selection of sites for diagnostic sampling. Five common enteric pathogens of neonatal pigs are covered in depth, including colibacillosis, transmissible gastroenteritis, rotavirus, Clostridium perfringens, and coccidiosis. Tables are provided for clinical differential diagnosis, as well as diagnostic sampling. Additionally, general treatment, vaccination, and management protocols are presented.


title: Controversies in Clostridium difficile testing

text: Recent reports of two nosocomial outbreaks of Clostridium difficile-associated disease caused by toxin A-deficient strains emphasize that these strains can cause disease. Laboratories using an assay that detects only toxin A as their primary diagnostic test risk misdiagnosis of cases or outbreaks in the institutions they serve. Repeat testing can account for a significant portion of a laboratory's C. difficile testing workload. Published data are available to support laboratory rules for rejection of repeat stool specimens within 7 days of an initial specimen. There are also substantial published data to support laboratory rejection of formed stools sent to the laboratory for C. difficile testing.


Public health versus political frontiers


Table des auteurs: Tome 138


FAILURE OF SALT TO MOBILISE RENAL DOPAMINE IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION


Europe contemplates US-style disease-control centre


Rapid respiratory panel testing: Impact of active antimicrobial stewardship


Index des articles publiés: Tome 138


CARDITIS ASSOCIATED WITH CORONAVIRUS INFECTION


title: Intravenous Fluid Therapy of Calves

text: Dehydration in neonatal calves with diarrhea is a common cause of death. Severely dehydrated calves that are unable to suckle need intravenous fluids for effective resuscitation. This article gives an overview of the principles of intravenous fluid therapy for dehydrated calves including the types of fluids commonly used and methods of fluid administration. Practical on-farm options for simple clinical assessment and treatment of dehydration and acidosis in calves are also discussed in this article.


The cell biology of the nerve terminal


Nouveau coronavirus (NcOV)


title: IDENTIFICATION OF A T CELL LYMPHOMA CATEGORY DERIVED FROM INTESTINAL-MUCOSA-ASSOCIATED T CELLS

text: 2 cases of precursor T cell lymphoma and 37 cases of peripheral T cell lymphoma were investigated for their reactivity with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) HML-1, which recognises human intestinal T lymphocytes but not lymph-node T cells. In all but one of the lymphomas studied, the tumour cells were unreactive with the mAb HML-1. The HML-1(+) lymphoma was the only tumour that was primarily localised in the epithelium and lamina propria of the small intestine, and was associated with ulcerative jejunitis and coeliac disease. This result suggests that the HML-1(+) lymphoma was derived from intestinal mucosa T lymphocytes and differs from precursor T cell lymphoblastic lymphomas and nodal and cutaneous peripheral T cell lymphomas.


β→LACTAMASE-PRODUCING ANAEROBES


Influenza vaccine enlisted to prevent SARS confusion


Index of articles published


Once Upon a Time in the Emergency Department: A Cautionary Tale


The First Confirmed Case of Human Avian Influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong and the Suspension of Volunteer Services: Impact on Palliative Care


Perspective from the NYC Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Health


New WHO chief promises greater commitment to HIV/AIDS


Antigen recognition


title: CALICIVIRUS GASTROENTERITIS IN NORTH WEST LONDON

text: During a thirty-month study of gastroenteritis in North West London, 592 cases were found to be associated with excretion of viruses. 39 (6·6%) of these patients, most of whom were admitted to hospital because of gastroenteritis, were shedding caliciviruses. The cases occurred throughout the year with a peak incidence in the winter. The 39 patients ranged in age from 6 weeks to 13 years, the peak incidence beig among infants aged 1-6 months. The clinical features of calcivirus infection are not distinguishable from those of rotavirus infection.


title: Expression of nitric oxide synthase type II in the spinal cord under conditions producing thermal hyperalgesia

text: There is evidence supporting spinal cord nitric oxide (NO) production in the mechanisms underlying hyperalgesia, presumed to arise from the activity of neuronal nitric oxide synthase type I (NOS I). Intrathecal administration of interleukin-1β and interferon-γ to rats results in a thermal hyperalgesia which peaks at 2 h post-injection but which is undetectable 8 h post-injection. Expression of mRNA for nitric oxide synthase type II (NOS II) was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern hybridization utilizing specific oligonucleotides in spinal cord tissue from animals 4 h and 8 h after cytokine injection, but not at longer time points. NOS II protein was detected in soluble fractions of spinal cords from animals 4 h and 8 h after cytokine injection. In situ hybridization for NOS II mRNA revealed positive cells bilaterally in the spinal cord 4 h after cytokine injection in a perivascular distribution and scattered throughout the gray and white matter. Immunohistochemistry for NOS II showed a similar distribution which could only be partially accounted for by macrophages/microglia. These results provide evidence for induction of NOS II expression under conditions producing thermal hyperalgesia and suggest a possible role in this behavior for the production of NO by a variety of cell types in the CNS.


title: Viral Infections of the Newborn

text: Viral infections of the newborn result in significant morbidity and mortality each year. The fetus and newborn are particularly wlnerable to viral infection. The range of expression may vary from no clinical disease to devastating illness and infection occurring before, during, or after birth. Nursing management is determined by the specific viral infection, the severity of the illness, and the unique conditions of the newborn and his/her family. Promising new therapies are on the horizon that may lessen the severity of viral disease. Until such time, the major thrusts of management of neonatal viral disease are prevention of infection and supportive care for the acutely ill newborn.


title: Golgi retention signals: do membranes hold the key?

text: The diverse forms and functions of cellular organelles are, presumably, a consequence of their particular molecular compositions. The generation and maintenance of this diversity is achieved by the targeting of newly synthesized proteins to specific locations and their subsequent retention there. Sequences that retain proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) have been identified at the C-termini of resident ER proteins, where they are readily accessible to potential receptors. By contrast, recent results have demonstrated that retention of proteins in the Golgi complex involves sequences located within transmembrane domains. This suggests the novel possibility that the membrane composition of the Golgi complex plays a role in retention of resident Golgi proteins.


Canadians still stung by WHO's SARS travel advisory


title: CHRONIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS WITH SPECIFIC INCREASE IN INTRATHECAL MUMPS ANTIBODIES

text: Symptoms of severe encephalomyelitis developed in a 31-year-old man in 1967. He had a high serum antibody titre to mumps virus associated with a polymorphic cell reaction and an increased protein concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). He recovered considerably within a year and was able to resume work. In 1975 his condition deteriorated again; it improved during the following few years, but a further deterioration then occurred. In March, 1981, the complement-fixing antibody titre to mumps virus was 1/32 in the serum and 1/4 in the CSF. In November, 1981, the CSF IgG index was increased and the altered serum/CSF antibody ratio persisted. The specificity of the altered antibody ratio was confirmed by the single radial haemolysis test and an immunoassay specific for mumps virus. Antibodies against the mumps virus envelope glycoprotein, M-protein, and nucleoprotein could be demonstrated by immunoprecipitation and the antibody patterns in serum and CSF were similar. Antibodies against other microorganisms were not detected in the patient's CSF, and mumps antibodies were not found in the CSF specimens of 57 control patients. This case may be an example of a new disease—chronic mumps virus infection in the central nervous system.


WHO assessment of health systems performance


Health Research and Surveillance Potential to Partner with 2-1-1


Index of key-words


title: The where, what and how of ribosomal frameshifting in retroviral protein synthesis

text: The gag and pol genes of most retroviruses occur in different reading frames and their translation as a single polypeptide is carried out by ribosomal frameshifting in the −1 direction. The alignment of the different reading frames occurs by overlapping reading in response to at least two signals within the RNA: one is a heptanucleotide stretch at the frameshift site and the other is a stem-loop structure which occurs just downstream of the first signal.


title: Rotavirus excretion by kids in a naturally infected goat herd

text: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a dairy goat herd, investigating the presence of rotavirus by means of ELISA, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and two latex agglutination tests in feces of 63 goat kids younger than 1 month, with and without diarrhea, and in feces of 19 adult goats during the first few days after parturition. All animals belonged to a herd located in the mountains of the León province (NW Spain). Rotaviruses were found in 18 out of 63 goat kid fecal samples but no significant association between shedding of rotavirus and presence of diarrhea could be established. Rotaviruses were found in kids aged 6 to 21 days, and more frequently between 6 and 10 days. No shedding of virus was detected in any of the adults. Considering ELISA as the reference test, PAGE and both latex agglutination tests were less sensitive. One of the latex tests was also highly non-specific. All PAGE-positive samples showed the typical electropherotype of group A rotavirus. Feces were also screened for other pathogens including Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens and Cryptosporidium parvum. C. parvum oocysts were detected in the feces of six out of 45 goat kids tested, all six suffering from diarrhea. This paper represents the first description of rotavirus infections in goats in Spain. The possible mechanisms of viral diffusion within the herd and its role as pathogen in goats are discussed.


Analytical biotechnology


Antibiotic development pipeline runs dry


ENDEMIC (BALKAN) NEPHROPATHY


docid: mdlthnnp

title: Isolation anterooms: Important components of airborne infection control


Moral panic and pandemics


title: Expression vectors for quatitating in vivo translational ambiguity: Their potential use to analyse frameshifting at the HIV gag-pol junction

text: Translational errors are necessary so as to allow gene expression in various organisms. In retroviruses, synthesis of pol gene products necessitates either readthrough of a stop codon or frameshifting. Here we present an experimental system that permits quantification of translational errors in vivo. It consists of a family of expression vectors carrying different mutated versions of the luc gene as reporter. Mutations include both an in-frame stop codon and 1-base-pair deletions that require readthough or frameshift, respectively, to give rise to an active product. This system is sensitive enough to detect background errors in mammalian cells. In addition, one of the vectors contains two unique cloning sites that make it possible to insert any sequence of interest. This latter vector was used to analyse the effect of a DNA fragment, proposed to be the target of high level slippage at the gag-pol junction of HIV. The effect of paromomycin and kasugamycin, two antibiotics known to influence translational ambiguity, was also tested in cultured cells. The results indicate that paromomycin diversely affects readthrough and frameshifting, while kasugamycin had no effect. This family of vectors can be used to analyse the influence of structural and external factors on translational ambiguity in both mammalian cells and bacteria.


title: The asymmetric distribution of phosphatidylcholine in rat brain synaptic plasma membranes

text: The distribution of phosphatidylcholine between inner and outer monolayers of rat brain synaptic plasma membrane was investigated by means of a phosphatidylcholine specific exchange protein. About 70% of the total membranal phosphatidylcholine was in the outer leaflet, 33% of which was exposed and readily exchanged in intact synaptosomes while the remainder was exchangeable following osmotic shock. Permeabilization of the synaptic plasma membranes by overnight incubation in buffer or by saponin (<0.08%) exposed an additional 30% of phosphatidylcholine to exchange, presumably from the inner cytoplasmic leaflet. Phosphatidylcholine is therefore asymmetrically distributed in the synaptosomal plasma membrane, as it is in other plasma membranes.


title: Synthesis of long cDNA from viral RNA template()

text: Methods to make long and reliable cDNA from viral RNA template have been optimized. The conditions of the denaturation of the viral RNA template were most critical. For synthesis of the first DNA strand, the concentration of the primer and the presence of an RNase inhibitor were important. During the synthesis of the second strand, the incubation temperature was found to have effect on the length of the transcripts. Application of our optimized conditions on coronaviral genomic RNA as template resulted in cDNA libraries with inserts in the range of 0.5–5 kb without a separate cDNA size selection. Furthermore, a convenient variant of the alcohol precipitation and the analysis of single-stranded DNA on neutral agarose gels are described.


Aminopeptidase N inhibitors and SARS


title: Advances in the diagnosis of respiratory virus infections

text: Background: Advances have been made in selecting sensitive cell lines for isolation, in early detection of respiratory virus growth in cells by rapid culture assays, in production of monoclonal antibodies to improve many tests such as immunofluorescence detection of virus antigens in nasopharyngeal aspirates, in highly sensitive antigen detections by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays (TR-FIAs) and biotin-enzyme immunoassays (BIOTH-E), and, finally, in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of respiratory virus DNA or RNA in clinical specimens. All of these advances have contributed to new or improved possibilities for the diagnosis of respiratory virus infections. Objectives and study design: This review summarizes our experiences during the last 15 years in the development of diagnostic tests for respiratory virus infections, and in use of these tests in daily diagnostic work and in epidemiological studies. Results: Immunofluorescence tests based on monoclonal antibodies, all-monoclonal TR-FIAs, and biotin-enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) have about the same sensitivities and specificities. They compare well with the sensitivity of virus culture. PCR followed by liquid-phase hybridization is a sensitive method for detecting adenovirus DNA and enterovirus and rhinovirus RNA in clinical specimens. IgG EIA on paired acute and convalescent phase sera is the most sensitive serological test for respiratory virus infections and is a valuable reference method when evaluating the sensitivity of new diagnostic tests. The IgG avidity test can distinguish primary infections from re-infections at least in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. IgM antibody assays, on the other hand, had low sensitivities in our studies. Conclusions: The choice of diagnostic methods for respiratory virus infections depends on the type and location of the laboratory, the number of specimens tested, and the previous experience of the laboratory. Virus culture, whenever possible, should be the basic diagnostic method; the results, including identification of the virus, should be available no more than 24 h later than the results of rapid diagnostic tests. In small laboratories, especially in hospitals where specimen transportation is well organized, immunofluorescence may be the best choice for antigen detection with the provision that an experienced microscopist and a good UV microscope are available. If the laboratory receives a large number of specimens and has previous experience with EIAs, then biotin-EIAs or TR-FIAs may be the most practical techniques. Their advantages include the stability of the antigens in clinical samples since intact, exfoliated epithelial cells are not required, treatment of specimens is practical, testing of large numbers of specimens is possible, and reading the printed test result is less subjective than reading fluorescence microscopy. The larger role of PCR in the diagnosis of respiratory virus infections depends on future developments such as practical methods to extract DNA or RNA and to purify the extracts from nonspecific inhibitors, plus further improvements to minimize cross-contamination. Group-specific detection of enteroviruses and rhinoviruses is an example of the potential for PCR technology. In experienced laboratories. EIA IgG antibody tests should be available. Recombinant antigens may be a useful part of such assays.


docid: ybglqloq

title: Hong Kong bears brunt of latest outbreak


China finally throws full weight behind efforts to contain SARS


docid: mbiodnzf

title: SARS genome chip available to scientists


Integrins as virus receptors


VIRUSES IN A MALIGNANT LYMPHOMA


title: Immunohistochemical and behaviour pharmacological analysis of rats inoculated intranasally with vesicular stomatitis virus

text: A temperature-sensitive mutant of vesicular stomatitis virus was inoculated intranasally into infant Sprague Dawley rats aged 9 to 17 days. Rats receiving the virus at 9 days of age had an extensive spread of infection throughout the brain and the animals died after a few days. Rats inoculated at day 11 postnatally survived and the infection was limited to the olfactory pathways, hypothalamus, diagonal bands and the anterior raphe nuclei. Stereological measurements showed that the volume of infected neurons constituted 67 ± 10% of the total neuronal volume in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Double-labelling experiments revealed that both 5-hydroxytryptamine- and substance P-immunoreactive neurons contained the virus antigen. The motor stimulant effect of amphetamine was studied at 3 months post infection. The increase in amphetamine-induced frequency and duration of rearing was significantly attenuated in infected rats and the amphetamine-induced locomotion was slightly reduced.


Virology and infection control


Recently described innate broad spectrum virus inhibitors()


China makes preparations for possible new SARS outbreak


Abstracts of Papers Presented at the Session of the Virology Section of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, Marburg, February 23-25, 1989


International Health Regulations: the challenges ahead


Pharmaceutical biotechnology


title: Sequential variation in genomic RNA patterns of human rotaviruses isolated from infantile gastroenteritis

text: The incidence and RNA electrophoretypes of rotaviral isolates obtained from infants and young children with acute gastroenteritis were studied from October, 1985 through April, 1986. Analysis of the viral RNA was carried out by Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining. Fourteen electrophoretypes were identified. A single dominant electrophoretype was found during the first months of the rotavirus seasonal outbreak. In contrast, a large variety of RNA patterns were observed during the latter portion of the study period. Subgrouping of rotavirus isolates by a double-sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using monoclonal-detecting antibodies showed that all strains belonged to subgroup II. Mixed rotavirus electrophoretypes appeared in 4 cases (8.16 %).


CORONAVIRUS PARTICLES IN FÆCES FROM PATIENTS WITH GASTROENTERITIS


Index des articles publiés


Evidence for antigen presentation by the class Ib molecule, Qa-1


Coronavirus y atención primaria


title: RAISED URINARY FIBRIN-DEGRADATION PRODUCTS, COMPLEMENT, AND IgG DURING AN INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS

text: Urine from eight normal controls in whom an influenza-like illness developed contained high concentrations of fibrin-degradation products (F.D.P.), IgG, and C(3). The study was carried out when influenza A was prevalent in the community. However, a wide range of serological investigations revealed no evidence for influenza A or other viruses. The infection may have been caused by other viruses which produce upper-respiratory-tract infections and which are not readily diagnosed by serology. Urinary fibrin-degradation products are a well-known marker of glomerulonephritic activity and viral antigens may have induced an immune-complex glomerulonephritis in the 8 controls in whom an influenza-like disease developed. A larger normal population should be investigated during a virus epidemic.


Infection, asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness


title: Differential effects of orally versus parenterally administered qinghaosu derivative artemether in dogs

text: Artemether (AM) is an antimalarial drug derived from artemisinin (Qinghaosu), an extract of the herb Artemisia annua L., sweet wormwood. Its antiparasitic effect is that of a schizontocide and is explained by rapid uptake by parasitized erythrocytes and interaction with a component of hemoglobin degradation resulting in formation of free radicals. It has been shown to exhibit a high clinical cure rate. Previous animal safety studies with Qinghaosu derivatives revealed dose-dependent neurotoxicity with movement disturbances and neuropathic changes in the hindbrain of intramuscularly treated dogs, rats and monkeys. Such effects have not been seen in man. The objective of our present studies was to compare the effects of high levels of AM administered to dogs p.o. versus i.m. In a pilot study 20 mg/kg/day of AM was given i.m. to groups of 3 male Beagle dogs for 5 and 30 days, respectively. Clinical signs of neurotoxicity were noted in some individual dogs from test day 23 on. One dog had to be sacrificed pre-term. Hematologic findings indicated a hypochromic, microcytic anemia. Microscopic examination demonstrated neuropathic changes only at 30 days, but not at 5 days. The animals had neuronal and secondary axonal damage, most prominent in the cerebellar roof, pontine and vestibular nuclei, and in the raphe/paralemniscal region. The affected neurons showed loss of Nissl substance, cytoplasmic eosinophilia, shrinkage of the nucleus and in advanced stages scavenging by microglia. In a subsequent experiment, AM was administered to groups of 4 male and 4 female dogs, respectively, at 8 daily doses of 0, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg i.m., or 0, 50, 150 and 600 mg/kg p.o. Neurologic signs were seen at high i.m. doses only. In most animals they were inconspicuous and consisted of reduced activity with convulsions seen in single dogs shortly before death. Neuronal damage occurred in all animals at 40 and 80 mg/kg following i.m. treatment. At 20 mg/kg minimal effects occurred in 5/8 dogs only, indicating that this level was close to tolerated exposure. No comparable lesions were observed after oral administration. Both i.m. and p.o. exposure at high dose levels was associated with a prolongation of mean QT interval of ECG, suggesting slowing of repolarization of the myocardium. Individual data indicated that in 1 of 4 females at 80 mg/kg i.m. this prolongation was above the 25 % level considered as threshold for concern. After intramuscular administration pharmacokinetics indicated peak plasma levels of AM at 2 to 4 hours post-dose, slow elimination and a tendency to accumulate after repeated administration. Only low levels of the major metabolite, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), were found. AM levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were < 10 % of plasma levels. After oral administration AM concentrations were considerably lower than after i.m. administration. The concentration of DHA was high on day 1 but almost nil on day 7 indicating its fast inactivation in dogs. Two hours after the 8(th) oral administration neither AM nor DHA was detected in CSF which may explain the absence of neurotoxicity in dogs after oral administration of AM.


title: Growth of canine distemper virus in cultured astrocytes: relationship to in vivo persistence and disease

text: Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes an encephalomyelitis in dogs which varies with the viral strain. The CDV Cornell A75-17 strain produces a delayed, subacute to chronic, demyelinating CNS disease. In contrast, the Snyder Hill (CDV-SH) strain-associated neurological disease is more acute in onset, is usually non-demyelinating and primarily produces lesions in the gray matter. In these studies we describe the effects of these two virulent and one avirulent CDV strain, Rockborn (CDV-RO), on astrocytes in dissociated canine brain cell cultures. In multiple replicate experiments, astrocytes were infected most rapidly by CDV-RO [100% of astrocytes were infected by 14 days post-inoculation (pi.)]. This strain caused severe cytopathic effect (CPE) and cytolysis. CDV-SH similarly produced a rapid infection of the astrocytes. In contrast, CDV A75-17 infected less than 25% of the astrocyte population during the first 28 days p.i. (± 7 days); after 28 days p.i., a rapid rise in astrocyte infection occurred. Both virulent viruses caused astrocytic syncytial formation but did not cause cytolysis of the astrocyte population as was observed with the attenuated virus. Titers of infectious virus, released into the supernatant fluid, reflected the degree of astrocyte infection. Virus released by the cultures late in CDV A75-17 infection showed enhanced ability to infect newly derived astrocytes; in contrast, brain cell passaged CDV-SH did not show increased growth in these cells. These results show that (1) there is a difference in growth rate, CPE and capacity for adaptation of three different CDV strains in astrocytes in vitro, and (2) some aspects of the disease (such as persistence in white matter) produced by the virulent strains in vivo may be related to the course of astrocyte infection observed in vitro.


Reforming China's health care: for the people, by the people?


title: Comparison of detection methods for adenovirus from enteric clinical specimens

text: Fecal samples submitted for virus examination over July 1990 to June 1991 from children <3 years of age were examined by electron microscopy (EM), virus culture (VC), and enzyme immunoassay [EIA, group-reactive and adenovirus (Ad) 40/41 specific; Cambridge BioScience] to compare the detection rate of adenovirus from pediatric fecal specimens. Ad isolates of serotypes 1–7 grown in HEp-2 or primary rhesus monkey kidney cells were identified by neutralization. Graham 293 cell cultures were used only when specimens were found to be positive for Ad by EM, type-specific Ad40/41 EIA, and for isolates not identified by neutralization. Ads grown in 293 cells were identified by DNA restriction endonuclease analysis. Of the 1187 specimens examined, 105 (9%) were found to be positive for Ad. VC detected 93, while 12 additional positives were detected by EM or EIA. The relative sensitivity of VC, EIA, and EM for the 105 specimens was 89% (93), 45% (47), and 35% (37), respectively. Among the 105 positive specimens, enteric Ad, nonenteric Ad, and untypeable Ad were 28% (29), 65% (68), and 7% (8), respectively. Of 37 EM positives, 62% (23) were enteric Ad; 27% (10) were nonenteric including serotypes 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, and 31, with 4, 1, 1, 2, 1, and 1 isolates of each type positive, respectively; and 11% (4) were detectable only by EM. Five isolates were identified as variant of Ad 2(3), Ad 3(1) and Ad 31(1). Over a 1-year period, a single Ad41 variant strain was the most frequently detected enteric Ad in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. For maximum detection rates of Ad viruses in pediatric fecal specimens, a combination of EM, VC, and EIA is required, but group-reactive EIA, or EM followed by Ad40/41-specific EIA of initial positives, are the most direct and efficient methods for enteric Ad detection.


Avian influenza: the threat looms


title: RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL AND OTHER VIRUSES ASSOCIATED WITH RESPIRATORY DISEASE IN INFANTS

text: Diagnosis by virus isolation and serology was attempted in 377 cases of respiratory-tract infection in infants under one year of age admitted to hospital during two winters. A diagnosis of infection with respiratory syncytial (R.S.) virus was made in 40%, rhinovirus in 6·1%, adenovirus in 3·7%, parainfluenza in 2·1%, enterovirus in 1·9%, and influenza in 1·3%. R.S.-virus infections were more severe than others and occurred mostly in the first five months of life, with a peak at two months. Rhinovirus infections occurred at all ages, and often involved the lower respiratory tract. Of the 12 deaths, only 1 (due to R.S. virus) was not associated with a contributory cause. Maternal antibody to R.S. virus did not notably affect the incidence or severity of R.S.-virus infections.


Table des mots-clés


HIV could blunt progress in China, Clinton warns


title: Lewis rats of the inbred strain LEW/Han: Life expectancy, spectrum and incidence of spontaneous neoplasms

text: Although Lewis rats are frequently used in biomedical research, little is known about their life-data and spontaneous pathology. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to determine the life expectancy, spectrum and incidence of spontaneous neoplasms of the inbred rat strain LEW/Han. A total of 629 LEW/Han rats (305 females and 324 males) from a specified pathogen-free breeding colony were kept from weaning up to their natural death under defined environmental conditions. A complete histological examination was performed on all organs and macroscopically altered tissues of all animals which died during the first three years of the study. These were 296 female (98%) and 213 male (66%) rats. The mean lifespan of the females (27.7±5.1 months) was significantly shorter than that of the males (32.5±6.6 months). In both sexes, the lifespan was mainly determined by the occurrence of neoplasms. Of the large spectrum of 52 histologically different tumour types, the highest incidences were observed for adenomas of the pituitary gland and adenomas/adenocarcinomas of the adrenal cortex in both sexes, mammary gland tumours and endometrial carcinomas in females, and C-cell adenomas/adenocarcinomas of the thyroid gland and tumours of the haemopoietic system in males. Of these, the high incidences of tumours of the haemopoietic system in males (27.7%) and of endometrial carcinomas in females (45.2%) should be considered as characteristic features of the strain.


The Annales de l'Institut Pasteur, one hundred years later…


ROTAVIRUSES OF MAN AND ANIMALS


Hong Kong health chief falls ill with suspected SARS virus


Dangerous pathogens in the laboratory: from smallpox to today's SARS setbacks and tomorrow's polio-free world


Multiple sclerosis as a viral disease


Emergency Medical Services and 9-1-1 pandemic influenza preparedness: a national assessment


SARS back in Canada


Les infections virales de la sphère ORL


title: Epitope spreading

text: Epitope (determinant) spreading is the development of immune responses to endogenous epitopes secondary to the release of self antigens during a chronic autoimmune or inflammatory response. The past year has seen considerable advances in our understanding of the contribution of epitope spreading to the chronic pathogenesis of experimental T-cell-mediated and antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. Most significantly, conclusive functional evidence for a major role for epitope spreading in the chronic pathogenesis of murine relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a CD4(+) T-cell-mediated model of multiple sclerosis, was forthcoming.


Healthy People Curriculum Task Force: A commentary by the Surgeon General


Public health implications of world trade negotiations


title: 4 Haematological disorders associated with feline retrovirus infections

text: Feline oncornavirus and lentivirus infections have provided useful models to characterize the virus and host cell factors involved in a variety of marrow suppressive disorders and haematological malignancies. Exciting recent progress has been made in the characterization of the viral genotypic features involved in FeLV-associated diseases. Molecular studies have clearly defined the causal role of variant FeLV env gene determinants in two disorders: the T-lymphocyte cytopathicity and the clinical acute immuno-suppression induced by the FeLV-FAIDS variant and the pure red cell aplasia induced by FeLV-C/Sarma. Variant or enFeLV env sequences also appear to play a role in FeLV-associated lymphomas. Additional studies are required to determine the host cell processes that are perturbed by these variant env gene products. In the case of the FeLV-FAIDS variant, the aberrant env gene products appear to impair superinfection interference, resulting in accumulation of unintegrated viral DNA and cell death. In other cases it is likely that the viral env proteins interact with host products that are important in cell viability and/or proliferation. Understanding of these mechanisms will therefore provide insights to factors involved in normal The haematological consequences of FIV are quite similar to those associated with HIV. As with HIV, FIV does not appear to directly infect myeloid or erythroid precursors, and the mechanisms of marrow suppression likely involve virus, viral antigen, and/or infected accessory cells in the marrow microenvironment. Studies using in vitro experimental models are required to define the effects of each of these microenvironmental elements on haematopoietic progenitors. As little is known about the molecular mechanisms of FIV pathogenesis, additional studies of disease-inducing FIV strains are needed to identify the genotypic features that correlate with virulent phenotypic features. Finally, experimental FIV infection in cats provides the opportunity to correlate in vivo virological and haematological changes with in vitro observations in a large animal model that closely mimics HIV infection in man.


title: CEA adhesion molecules: multifunctional proteins with signal-regulatory properties

text: The carcinoembryonic antigen family comprises a large number of complex molecules, several of which possess cell adhesion activities. The primordial adhesion molecules of this family are the cell—cell adhesion molecules (C-CAMs), which have been found to be multifunctional, signal-regulatory proteins. C-CAMs inhibit tumor growth, interact with calmodulin, protein tyrosine kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatases, and are subject to specific dimerization reactions. These new insights indicate that C-CAMs are important regulators of cellular functions.


docid: fjlbescr

title: Research Collaboration with 2-1-1 to Eliminate Health Disparities: An Introduction


Human rotavirus infection


title: Mouse hepatitis virus A59 increases steady-state levels of MHC mRNAs in primary glial cell cultures and in the murine central nervous system()

text: Infection of mixed glial cell cultures with mouse hepatitis virus (MHV)-A59 results in an approximately six-fold increase in the level of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I mRNA. In situ hybridization of glial cell cultures infected with MHV-A59 again showed enhanced MHC mRNA expression, both in infected and uninfected cells. These results extend our earlier finding that MHC surface antigens are enhanced on astrocytes and oligodendrocytes after MHV-A59 infection and suggest that this enhancement is a result of an increase in the steady-state level of MHC mRNA. We further demonstrate that increases in MHC mRNA occur in the murine central nervous system (CNS) following infection in vivo. Northern blot analysis of RNA from the brains of infected animals showed transient expression of both MHC class I and class II mRNA over the first 14 days of infection. Expression coincided with viral replication and clearance. In situ hybridization of brain sections from infected animals showed that class I and class II expression was widespread throughout all portions of the brain and in uninfected as well as infected cells. Viral RNA, in contrast, was observed in small foci of cells and mostly within the limbic system. Thus enhancement of MHC mRNA was not restricted either to areas of infection or inflammation. The spatial relationship between viral and MHC expression supports our hypothesis that a soluble mediator is involved in the mechanism of the increase in MHC levels. The fact that MHC induction occurs in vivo as well as in vitro suggests MHC may be important in the mechanism of MHV-induced disease.


docid: jiohiiud

title: Pulmonary cystic keratinizing squamous cell lesions of rats after inhalation/instillation of different particles

text: Cystic keratinizing squamous cell lesions from three inhalation studies (Study A, B, C) and one intratracheal instillation study (Study D) in rats were reclassified and a certain number of lesions examined immunohistochemically for PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) as a marker of cellular proliferation. The following classification was used: squamous cell metaplasia with marked keratinization, keratinizing cyst, cystic keratinizing epithelioma, cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma and non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. In study A (inhalation of coal oven exhaust and subcutaneous injection of a high dose of DB (ah)A) 49.3 % of rats developed cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas. Inhalation of coal oven exhaust gas together with intratracheal instillation of crocidolite or subcutaneous injection of a low dose DB(ah)A (dibenz(ah)anthracene) resulted in cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas in 23 % to 24 % of the rats. High incidences of cystic squamous cell carcinomas in the range of 31.9 % to 76.4 % were observed in rats of Study B1 after a 10-months exposure to tar/pitch condensation aerosol (different B(a)P (benzo(a)pyrene) concentrations) with added carbon black in some groups. After a 20-months exposure period to the same inhalation atmospheres (Study B2) the incidence of squamous cell carcinomas was increased up to 95.8 %. Exposure of rats to various concentrations of unfiltered diesel exhaust (Study C) resulted in incidences of cystic keratinizing epitheliomas ranging from 2.5 % (2.5 mg/m(3)) to 10.7 % (7.5 mg/m(3)). Epitheliomas were also observed in 16.2 % of carbon black and 16.0 % of titanium dioxide exposed rats. Only a few cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas occurred. In the intratrachel instillation study (Study D) increased incidences of cystic keratinizing epitheliomas occurred in rats exposed to native diesel exhaust particles (16.7 %), high dose of extracted diesel exhaust particles (14.6 %), extracted printex 90-carbon black particles (18.8 %), and extracted printex 90-carbon black particles + B(a)P (18.8 %). High indicences of cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas were noted in rats that received 15 mg B(a)P (14.6 %) or 30 mg B(a)P (72.7 %) intratracheally. Immunohistochemical labeling of nuclei with PCNA demonstrated proliferative activity in one or two (and focally more than two) peripheral cell layers of cystic keratinizing epitheliomas and in more than three peripheral cell layers of cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas and keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas. The wall of keratinizing cysts showed no or a weak reaction.


Nosocomial infection in China: Management status and solutions


Appropriate human papillomavirus vaccination strategies – Authors' reply


title: Mapping neuroinvasiveness of the herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis-inducing strain 2762 by the use of monoclonal antibodies

text: Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against herpes simplex virus (HSV)-coded glycoproteins gB, gC, gD and gE were employed in an in vitro model of neuroinvasiveness using sensory neurons from rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells. The neurons were cultured in a two-chamber system allowing infection via the neuritic extensions exclusively. The effects of 30 MAbs on viral replication of the encephalitis-derived HSV-1 strain 2762 and its less neuroinvasive variant 2762p11 were assayed in this model. One MAb reactive with gD gave a nine-fold reduction of the virus yields of both strains. One MAb directed against gB gave an enhanced virus yield of strain 2762, but not of the 2762p11 variant. Another gB-reactive MAb decreased the virus yield of strain 2762p11, but not of 2762 after neuritic infection. The findings indicate that an alteration of gB has occurred during the passage of the strain 2762. Mutants of the same strain were derived by infecting hybridomas producing MAb reactive with gB, gC, gD and gE, respectively. The gB hybridoma mutant showed a significantly lower neuroinvasiveness in the DRG model, and was non-virulent after snout infection of mice. We suggest that the structure of gB of the strain 2762 is of importance for the neuroinvasiveness of this strain.


title: SJL/J resistance to mouse hepatitis virus-JHM-induced neurologic disease can be partially overcome by viral variants of S and host immunosuppression()

text: The basis of the resistance of SJL/J mice to various strains of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) has been the subject of some debate, especially as it relates to the number and nature of the determinants involved. Our previous work demonstrated that resistance by primary SJL/J glial cultures may involve events subsequent to viral gene expression, possibly due to a defect in cell-to-cell spread of the infection. Since S, the virion's major spike glycoprotein, is known to facilitate the spread of infection due to its syncytiogenic properties, we decided to investigate the role of this viral structural protein in resistance by primary SJL/J glial cells. Variants possessing deletions within the S coding region were able to grow in SJL/J glial cells 10–100 times easier and fuse five-times more efficiently than wt virus. Induction of neurologic disease in SJL/J mice following intracranial inoculation with either wt JHMV or the S deletion variant, AT11f cord, was age-dependent, occurring only in animals inoculated under 4 weeks of age. Resistance in older animals to wt and variant viruses could be abrogated by immunosuppression with cyclosporin A. However, both disease incidence and viral brain titers were higher in animals receiving the JHM variant AT11f cord virus, suggesting that SJL/J resistance to neurologic disease may manifest itself through interactions between inefficient cell-to-cell spread of the infection and protective aspects of the immune response.


Hospital Surge Capacity: If You Can’t Always Get What You Want, Can You Get What You Need?


title: Apoptosis in brain-specific autoimmune disease

text: Recent neuropathological studies of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis have focused attention on the high number of cells in the lesions that show typical morphological features of apoptosis. Surprisingly, it has turned out that the vast majority of apoptotic cells are T lymphocytes and that they actually represent the antigen-specific T-cell population responsible for the induction of the disease. Taken together, these data suggest that clearance of autoimmune inflammation in the nervous system is accomplished by the destruction of the antigen-specific T-cell population within the lesions. This may explain the low level of central nervous system specific T-cell memory formation, as well as previously unexplained phenomena of ‘epitope spreading’, in autoimmune inflammation of the nervous system


title: The astrocyte is a target cell in mice persistently infected with mouse hepatitis virus, strain JHM()

text: Mouse hepatitis virus, strain JHM (MHV-JHM), causes a late onset, clinically apparent, demyelinating encephalomyelitis in 40% of suckling C57BL/6 mice born to immunized dams. Suckling mice born to unimmunized dams rapidly succumb to an acute encephalomyelitis. MHV-JHM can be isolated from the brains and spinal cords of maternal antibody-protected mice when the late onset disease becomes clinically apparent, showing that the virus must be present in these mice when they are still asymptomatic. To determine which cells of the central nervous system (CNS) were potential reservoirs for the virus during the asymptomatic period, tissue sections were assayed simultaneously by immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence staining for the presence of viral antigen and for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker for astrocytes.(2) The results indicate that 20% (range 0–52%) of the MHV-JHM infected cells in asymptomatic mice were astrocytes. In mice symptomatic with late onset hindlimb paralysis, a higher percentage of infected cells were astrocytes. These results indicate that astrocytes are a target cell in both symptomatic and asymptomatic mice persistently infected with MHV-JHM, and suggest that the astrocyte is a potential cellular reservoir for MHV-JHM in asymptomatic mice.


Sorting signals


docid: ttjseefj

title: Membranes


Cruise Ship Medicine—2004


MS as autoimmune disease: Myelin antigens


Public-health preparedness requires more than surveillance


You Shall Not Stand By


Flu jab shortage in Japan puts elderly at risk


title: Neuron-specific expression of a hamster prion protein minigene in transgenic mice induces susceptibility to hamster scrapie agent

text: To study the effect of cell type-restricted hamster PrP expression on susceptibility to the hamster scrapie agent, we generated transgenic mice using a 1 kb hamster cDNA clone containing the 0.76 kb HPrP open reading frame under control of the neuron-specific enolase promoter. In these mice, expression of HPrP was detected only in brain tissue, with highest levels found in neurons of the cerebellu, hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebral cortex. These transgenic mice were susceptible to infection by the 263K strain of hamster scrapie with an average incubation period of 93 days, compared to 72 days in normal hamsters. In contrast, nontransgenic mice were not susceptible to this agent. These results indicate that neuron-specific expression of the 1 kb HPrP minigene including the HPrP open-reading frame is sufficient to mediate susceptibility to hamster scraple, and that HPrP expression in nonneuronal brain cells is not necessary to overcome the TSE species barrier.


title: Rapidly decreased HBV RNA predicts responses of pegylated interferons in HBeAg-positive patients: a longitudinal cohort study

text: BACKGROUND: As an important anti-HBV drug, pegylated interferon α (PegIFNα) offers promising clinical efficacy, but biomarkers that accurately forecast treatment responses are yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated whether HBV RNA could act as an early monitor of pegylated interferon responses. METHODS: We analyzed a phase 3, multicenter, randomized cohort of 727 HBeAg-positive non-cirrhotic patients receiving a 48-week treatment of PegIFNα-2a or PegIFNα-2b and a 24-week treatment-free follow-up. Serum levels of HBV RNA, HBV DNA, HBeAg, and HBsAg were measured at weeks 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72. RESULTS: HBeAg seroconversion and HBsAg loss at week 72 were observed in 217 (29.8%) and 21 (2.9%) patients, respectively. During the 48-week treatment, HBV RNA decreased more rapidly than HBV DNA and HBsAg, but HBV RNA and HBeAg shared similar dynamics with positive correlations. Multivariate regression analyses consistently revealed the significance of HBV RNA at weeks 0, 12, 24, and 48 to monitor HBeAg seroconversion but not HBsAg loss. Although baseline HBV RNA only showed a modest AUC performance, HBV RNA with a significant increase of AUC at week 12 outperformed other HBV biomarkers to forecast HBeAg seroconversion (p value < 0.05). HBV RNA ≤ 1000 copies/mL was an optimized cutoff at week 12 that offered better prediction than other HBV biomarkers. This optimized cutoff plus patient age, HBV genotype B, and HBeAg offered a strong estimation of HBeAg seroconversion (accuracy 95.2%, true negative rate 99.8%). CONCLUSION: HBV RNA at week 12 is an effective monitor of HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg-positive patients treated with pegylated interferons. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s12072-020-10015-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.


Erfordern besondere Zeiten besondere Maßnahmen?


PORCINE CORONAVIRUS ANTIBODIES IN ENDEMIC (BALKAN) NEPHROPATHY


The emotional toll of global infectious diseases


The Eleventh Hour


Disease X and other unknowns


Timely estimates of influenza A H7N9 infection severity


Providing incentives to share data early in health emergencies: the role of journal editors


Five metaphors about global-health policy


Asian countries urged to address HIV/AIDS in MSM


Super-spreading events of MERS-CoV infection