docid: tffxscsm

title: [A Case of 11-Year Patient Survival after the Resection of a Metastatic Pancreatic Tumor of Sigmoid Colon Cancer].

text: A 44-year-old woman underwent a sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer in March 2002. At 5 years after the primary surgery, she underwent 2 hepatectomies, 2 anastomotic resections, 1 lung resection, and 1 radiofrequency ablation. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the pancreatic tail in January 2008. We performed distal pancreatectomy. The specimen showed metastases ofthe sigmoid colon cancer. Computed tomography revealed metastases to the left iliac lymph node in September 2010. She underwent chemotherapy with IRIS for the lymph node metastases. After 16 chemotherapy sessions, the lymph node metastases disappeared. The patient is alive 11 years after the pancreatectomy. Resectable pancreatic metastasis from colorectal cancer is rare. Multimodal treatment that includes radical surgery may achieve long-term survival in some cases.


title: [Detection of feline coronavirus using RT-PCR: basis for the study of the pathogenesis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)].

text: The aim of this study was to further investigate the pathogenesis and epidemiology of feline coronavirus (FCoV)-infections and among others to determine the prognostic value of a positive result in the RT-PCR for FCoV in serum samples collected from cats with abdominal signs. Viral RNA was isolated from 100 microl of serum and subsequently amplified by a nested RT-PCR using primers binding to a highly conserved region of the 3'-end of the FCoV-genome. Sixty-three serum samples collected from 62 cats with abdominal signs were examined by RT-PCR and the clinical outcome was followed up. Four of these cats with a positive PCR-result are healthy more than 70 months after the collection of the blood sample. It can be concluded that viremia with FCoV does not necessarily lead to FIP and death. With respect to diagnosing FIP, a positive FCoV-RT-PCR is of low prognostic and diagnostic value. It can not be recommended to use this assay as sole indication to euthanize cats. Further studies will have to be carried out to demonstrate if the prognostic and diagnostic value of this PCR-assay in other samples such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells is more reliable. However, this method was found to be an important tool to further study the pathogenesis and epidemiology of FIP.


title: The JRS guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults: an update and new recommendations.

text: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) continues to be a major medical problem. Since CAP is a potentially fatal disease, early appropriate antibiotic treatment is vital. Epidemiologic studies have shown that in the combined cause-of-death category, pneumonia ranks fourth as the leading cause of death in Japan. Therefore, the Japanese Respiratory Society (JRS) provided guidelines for the management of CAP in adults in 2000. Because of evolving resistance to antimicrobials and advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CAP, it is felt that an update should be provided every three years so that important developments can be highlighted and pressing questions can be answered. Thus, the guidelines committee updated its guidelines in 2005. The basic policy and main purposes of the JRS guidelines include; 1) prevention of bacterial resistance and 2) effective and long-term use of medical resources. The JRS guidelines have recommended the exclusion of potential and broad spectrum antibiotics, fluoroquinolones and carbapenems, from the list of first-choice drugs for empirical treatment. In addition, the JRS guidelines have recommended short-term usage of antibiotics of an appropriate dose and pathogen-specific treatment using rapid diagnostic methods if possible.


SARS respiratory protection.


title: Assessment of intervention measures for the 2003 SARS epidemic in Taiwan by use of a back-projection method.

text: OBJECTIVES To reconstruct the infection curve for the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in Taiwan and to ascertain the temporal changes in the daily number of infections that occurred during the course of the outbreak. METHOD Back-projection method. RESULTS The peaks of the epidemic correspond well with the occurrence of major infection clusters in the hospitals. The overall downward trend of the infection curve after early May corresponds well to the date (May 10) when changes in the review and classification procedure were implemented by the SARS Prevention and Extrication Committee. CONCLUSION The major infection control measures taken by the Taiwanese government over the course of the SARS epidemic, particularly those regarding infection control in hospitals, played a crucial role in containing the outbreak.


title: Initial experiences from patients with COVID-19 on ventilatory support in Denmark.

text: INTRODUCTION The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pandemic reached Denmark in early 2020. This paper presents initial intensive-care unit (ICU) experiences with COVID-19 patients at Roskilde Hospital, which was the primary recipient of COVID-19 patients in need of intensive care in the Zealand Region, Denmark. METHODS An evaluation was conducted of the COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU due to respiratory failure from 11 March 2020 to 01 April 2020. The number of ICU beds was increased from eight to 22 beds during this period. RESULTS Sixteen patients (four women) were evaluated. The median age was 69.5 years (range: 56-84 years). All the patients were admitted to the ICU for hypoxemic respiratory failure and all needed mechanical ventilation by orotracheal intubation. By 16 April, six patients were still admitted to the ICU, four patients had been discharged from the ICU and seven had died. At present, the average length of ICU stay is 14 ± 9 days (mean ± standard deviation). One patient has remained on ventilatory support for 31 days. The evaluation revealed four key themes. COVID-19 patients 1) had greatly increased C-reactive protein levels, 2) needed a significant inspiratory O2fraction, 3) were highly positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) dependent on ventilatory support and 4) suffered highly fluctuating respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support for a significantly longer period of time than non-COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 patients have characteristic reproducible laboratory findings and present a major challenge due to their illness severity and required treatment length. FUNDING none. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.


A simple technique for knot tying in single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS).


Severe acute respiratory syndrome: Did quarantine help?


title: Effect of intonation on cantonese lexical tones.

text: In tonal languages, there are potential conflicts between the FO-based changes due to the coexistence of intonation and lexical tones. In the present study, the interaction of tone and intonation in Cantonese was examined using acoustic and perceptual analyses. The acoustic patterns of tones at the initial, medial, and final positions of questions and statements were measured. Results showed that intonation affects both the FO level and contour, while the duration of the six tones varied as a function of positions within intonation contexts. All six tones at the final position of questions showed rising FO contour, regardless of their canonical form. Listeners were overall more accurate in the identification of tones presented within the original carrier than of the same tones in isolation. However, a large proportion of tones 33, 21, 23, and 22 at the final position of questions were misperceived as tone 25 both within the original carrier and as isolated words. These results suggest that although the intonation context provided cues for correct tone identification, the intonation-induced changes in FO contour cannot always be perceptually compensated for, resulting in some erroneous perception of the identity of Cantonese tone.


docid: tlbzeycc

title: Involvement of viral and cellular factors in processing of polyprotein encoded by ORF1a of the coronavirus IBV.


title: Tea catechins as a potential alternative anti-infectious agent.

text: Besides well-known health benefits, green tea catechins exert antimicrobial and antiviral activities against a variety of infectious agents. Although the detailed mechanism of the antimicrobial activity of tea catechins remains to be explored, the broad-spectrum activity of catechins may involve common target(s), such as the cell membrane, in addition to specific targets for each pathogen. This extends to antiviral activities, where many pronounced activities were reported for enveloped viruses. Yet, the effectiveness of tea catechins as antimicrobials is compromised by relative chemical instability and poor bioavailability. Whether tea catechins will emerge as a viable option as alternative medicine or as a synergistic combination therapy with pre-existing antivirals or antibiotics must therefore depend on a method of delivery that ensures its stability and bioavailability. However, green tea may provide an option for mitigating the health and economic burdens associated with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, especially considering the paucity of effective control measures. Considering the zoonotic nature of newly arising infectious diseases, the dual use of green tea components in both humans and livestock may reduce animal-human transmission, which would complement the current management of infectious diseases.


docid: ymejzikv

title: Antigenic and genomic variations among cytopathic and non-cytopathic strains of bovine enteric coronavirus.


title: A 193-amino acid fragment of the SARS coronavirus S protein efficiently binds angiotensin-converting enzyme 2.

text: The coronavirus spike (S) protein mediates infection of receptor-expressing host cells and is a critical target for antiviral neutralizing antibodies. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a functional receptor for the coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV) that causes SARS. Here we demonstrate that a 193-amino acid fragment of the S protein (residues 318-510) bound ACE2 more efficiently than did the full S1 domain (residues 12-672). Smaller S protein fragments, expressing residues 327-510 or 318-490, did not detectably bind ACE2. A point mutation at aspartic acid 454 abolished association of the full S1 domain and of the 193-residue fragment with ACE2. The 193-residue fragment blocked S protein-mediated infection with an IC(50) of less than 10 nm, whereas the IC(50) of the S1 domain was approximately 50 nm. These data identify an independently folded receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV S protein.


title: Characterization of the IgA and subclass IgG responses to neutralizing epitopes after infection of pregnant sows with the transmissible gastroenteritis virus or the antigenically related porcine respiratory coronavirus.

text: In this study, we have investigated the characteristics of secreted IgA and other classes of Ig induced after vaccination of sows with transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) or the antigenically related porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV). Both viruses induced the secretion of neutralizing antibodies of different classes in the sows' milk, but these protected suckling piglets against TGEV to different degrees. Quantitative differences in the induction of IgA by both viruses were found among the different viral antigenic sites and subsites of glycoprotein S. In TGEV-vaccinated sows, antigenic subsite A was the best inducer of IgA, followed by antigenic site D. After vaccination with PRCV, lower levels of IgA were detected on colostrum and milk, antigenic site D and subsite Ab being the immunodominant sites. This quantitative difference in epitope recognition could explain the differences in newborn piglet protection found using Ig classes purified from the milk of sows immunized with both viruses. Apparently only IgA recognizing at least antigenic sites A and D confers good protection in vivo, whereas any Ig class recognizing only one antigenic site may neutralize the virus in cell culture. These results indicate that the formulation of a subunit vaccine against TGEV has to consider the inclusion of more than one antigenic site involved in virus neutralization.


Fatal fungemia due to Phaeoacremonium inflatipes in a child with severe aplastic anemia.


title: Videoconferences of Infectious Diseases: An educational tool that transcends borders. A useful tool also for the current COVID-19 pandemic.

text: Not available.


title: Pharmacological interventions for delirium in intensive care patients: a protocol for an overview of reviews.

text: BACKGROUND The prevalence of delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is high. Delirium has been associated with morbidity and mortality including more ventilator days, longer ICU stay, increased long-term mortality and cognitive impairment. Thus, the burden of delirium for patients, relatives and societies is considerable. Today, reviews of randomised clinical trials are produced in large scales sometimes making it difficult to get an overview of the available evidence. A preliminary search identified several reviews investigating the effects of pharmacological interventions for the management and prevention of delirium in ICU patients. The conclusions of the reviews showed conflicting results. Despite this unclear evidence, antipsychotics, in particular, haloperidol is often the recommended pharmacological intervention for delirium in ICU patients. The objective of this overview of reviews is to critically assess the evidence of reviews of randomised clinical trials on the effect of pharmacological management and prevention of delirium in ICU patients. METHODS/DESIGN We will search for reviews in the following databases: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, BIOSIS, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database. Two authors will independently select references for inclusion using Covidence, extract data and assess the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews using the ROBIS tool. Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus. We will present the data as a narrative synthesis and summarise the main results of the included reviews. In addition, we will present an overview of the bias risk assessment of the systematic reviews. DISCUSSION Results of this overview may establish a way forward to find and update or to design a high quality systematic review assessing the effects of the most promising pharmacological intervention for delirium in ICU patients. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO - CRD42016046628 .


title: Proteolytic processing and deubiquitinating activity of papain-like proteases of human coronavirus NL63.

text: Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63), a common human respiratory pathogen, is associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract disease in children and adults. Currently, no antiviral drugs are available to treat CoV infections; thus, potential drug targets need to be identified and characterized. Here, we identify HCoV-NL63 replicase gene products and characterize two viral papain-like proteases (PLPs), PLP1 and PLP2, which process the viral replicase polyprotein. We generated polyclonal antisera directed against two of the predicted replicase nonstructural proteins (nsp3 and nsp4) and detected replicase proteins from HCoV-NL63-infected LLC-MK2 cells by immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, and Western blot assays. We found that HCoV-NL63 replicase products can be detected at 24 h postinfection and that these proteins accumulate in perinuclear sites, consistent with membrane-associated replication complexes. To determine which viral proteases are responsible for processing these products, we generated constructs representing the amino-terminal end of the HCoV-NL63 replicase gene and established protease cis-cleavage assays. We found that PLP1 processes cleavage site 1 to release nsp1, whereas PLP2 is responsible for processing both cleavage sites 2 and 3 to release nsp2 and nsp3. We expressed and purified PLP2 and used a peptide-based assay to identify the cleavage sites recognized by this enzyme. Furthermore, by using K48-linked hexa-ubiquitin substrate and ubiquitin-vinylsulfone inhibitor specific for deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), we confirmed that, like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) CoV PLpro, HCoV-NL63 PLP2 has DUB activity. The identification of the replicase products and characterization of HCoV-NL63 PLP DUB activity will facilitate comparative studies of CoV proteases and aid in the development of novel antiviral reagents directed against human pathogens such as HCoV-NL63 and SARS-CoV.


title: Identifying respiratory findings in emergency department reports for biosurveillance using MetaMap.

text: Clinical conditions described in patients' dictated reports are necessary for automated detection of patients with respiratory illnesses such as inhalational anthrax and pneumonia. We applied MetaMap to emergency department reports to extract a set of 71 clinical conditions relevant to detection of a lower respiratory outbreak. We indexed UMLS terms in emergency department reports with MetaMap, filtered the indexed output with a specialized lexicon of UMLS terms for the domain, and mapped the clinical conditions of interest to concepts in the lexicon. We compared MetaMap's ability to accurately identify the conditions against a physician's manual annotations and evaluated incorrectly indexed features to determine what additional processing is necessary. MetaMap identified the clinical conditions with a recall of 0.72 and a precision of 0.56. Necessary processing beyond MetaMap's indexing includes finding validation, temporal discrimination, anatomic location discrimination, finding-disease discrimination, and contextual inference. Successful identification of clinical conditions in an emergency department report with MetaMap requires processing techniques specific to the clinical question of interest.


Genomic organisation of a virulent isolate of porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus.


title: Yellow head virus from Thailand and gill-associated virus from Australia are closely related but distinct prawn viruses.

text: Corresponding genomic regions of isolates of yellow head virus (YHV) from Thailand and gill-associated virus (GAV) from Australia were compared by RT-PCR and sequence analysis. PCR primers designed from sequences in the GAV ORF1b polyprotein gene amplified the corresponding 577 nucleotide region of the YHV genome. Comparison of the amplified region indicated 85.1% nucleotide and 95.8% amino acid sequence identity. YHV PCR primers designed to amplify a 135 nucleotide product previously described as a YHV diagnostic probe failed to amplify the corresponding product from GAV RNA. However, the cognate GAV sequence for this and another recently reported YHV sequence were located in an upstream region of the ORF1b gene. A comparison of these sequences indicated identities of 83.0 and 80.9% at the nucleotide level and 86.7 and 86.5% at the amino acid level, respectively. The data indicate that GAV and YHV are closely related but distinct viruses for which differential diagnostic probes can be applied.


title: Infectious bronchitis virus: S1 gene characteristics of vaccines used in China and efficacy of vaccination against heterologous strains from China.

text: The entire S1 protein genes of eight infectious bronchitis (IB) vaccine strains used in China were compared with those of the IB virus isolates present in the field in China. The nucleotide and amino acid similarities between the eight IB vaccine strains and the field strain, tl/CH/LDT3/03, which was isolated from a teal (Anas sp.), were not more than 81.1% and 79.2%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the S1 genes showed that the vaccines and field strains belonged to different clusters and showed larger evolutionary distances, and indicated that they were of different genotypes. Four out of the eight vaccines, in addition to the Massachusetts type vaccine H120, were used for protection tests against challenge by the IB virus isolate tl/CH/LDT3/03. This revealed that each of the five IB vaccines induced poor protection against the teal isolate, as assessed by respiratory protection, clinical signs and mortality, indicating the necessity of developing vaccines from local strains for IB control in China.


docid: txhhrbag

title: Memory B cells in systemic and mucosal immune response: implications for successful vaccination.

text: B-cell memory has been extensively analyzed in the systemic immune response elicited by hapten-carrier antigens, and the regulatory mechanisms underlying the process are beginning to be elucidated. Memory B cells can be generated through heterogeneous pathways within and outside germinal centers (GCs). Once developed, they appear to be maintained like stem cells for long periods by homeostatic proliferation. In response to reencountered antigens, memory B cells robustly secrete antibodies with help of the anti-apoptotic effect of Ras-mediated signals. We have recently found that following intranasal infection with an influenza virus, virus-specific memory B cells develop in the lungs and persist for a long time along with GC B cells and plasma cells; this appears to be unique feature of the mucosal memory response. Thus memory B cell responses in the systemic and mucosal sites are regulated by distinct processes and further understanding of them should provide a theoretical framework for the development of new vaccine strategies.


docid: lzstoduv

title: Induction of IL-8 release in lung cells via activator protein-1 by recombinant baculovirus displaying severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus spike proteins: identification of two functional regions.

text: The inflammatory response and the intracellular signaling pathway induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV) were studied in lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts. SARS-CoV spike (S) protein-encoding plasmid induced activations of IL-8 promoter and AP-1, but not NF-kappaB in these cells. Mutation of the AP-1, not the kappaB site, abolished the SARS-CoV S protein-induced IL-8 promoter activity. IL-8 release was effectively induced by vAtEpGS688, a baculovirus exhibiting the aa 17-688 fragment of S protein, and this induction was attenuated by the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 Ab. Recombinant baculovirus expressing different deletion and insertion fragments identified the functional region of S protein from aa 324-688 (particularly the N-terminal aa 324-488 and the C-terminal aa 609-688), which is responsible for IL-8 production. Activations of AP-1 DNA-protein binding and MAPKs after vAtEpGS688 transduction were demonstrated, and SARS-CoV S protein-induced IL-8 promoter activity was inhibited by the specific inhibitors of MAPK cascades. These results suggested that the S protein of SARS-CoV could induce release of IL-8 in the lung cells via activations of MAPKs and AP-1. The identification of the functional domain for IL-8 release will provide for the drug design on targeting specific sequence domains of S protein responsible for initiating the inflammatory response.


docid: dpnvyqzj

title: Echinacea treatment for the common cold.


docid: ptpjijzi

title: The Pathology of Pulmonary Emphysema.


Anakinra in COVID-19 therapy: what have we learned from adult-onset Still's disease?


title: Detection of human bocavirus in Japanese children with lower respiratory tract infections.

text: Human bocavirus (HBoV), a newly cloned human virus of the genus Bocavirus, was detected by PCR from nasopharyngeal swab samples (8 of 318; 5.7%) collected from children with lower respiratory tract infections. HBoV may be one of the causative agents of lower respiratory tract infections in young children.


title: Papillomavirus capsid binding and uptake by cells from different tissues and species.

text: The inability of papillomaviruses (PV) to replicate in tissue culture cells has hampered the study of the PV life cycle. We investigated virus-cell interactions by the following two methods: (i) using purified bovine PV virions or human PV type 11 (HPV type 11) virus-like particles (VLP) to test the binding to eukaryotic cells and (ii) using different VLP-reporter plasmid complexes of HPV6b, HPV11 L1 or HPV11 L1/L2, and HPV16 L1 or HPV16 L1/L2 to study uptake of particles into different cell lines. Our studies showed that PV capsids bind to a broad range of cells in culture in a dose-dependent manner. Binding of PV capsids to cells can be blocked by pretreating the cells with the protease trypsin. Penetration of PV into cells was monitored by using complexes in which the purified PV capsids were physically linked to DNA containing the gene for beta-galactosidase driven by the human cytomegalovirus promoter. Expression of beta-galactosidase occurred in < 1% of the cells, and the efficiency of PV receptor-mediated gene delivery was greatly enhanced (up to 10 to 20% positive cells) by the use of a replication-defective adenovirus which promotes endosomal lysis. The data generated by this approach further confirmed the results obtained from the binding assays, showing that PV enter a wide range of cells and that these cells have all functions required for the uptake of PV. Binding and uptake of PV particles can be blocked by PV-specific antisera, and different PV particles compete for particle uptake. Our results suggest that the PV receptor is a conserved cell surface molecule(s) used by different PV and that the tropism of infection by different PV is controlled by events downstream of the initial binding and uptake.


title: Initial viral load and the outcomes of SARS.

text: BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by a novel coronavirus. It may progress to respiratory failure, and a significant proportion of patients die. Preliminary data suggest that a high viral load of the SARS coronavirus is associated with adverse outcomes in the intensive care unit, but the relation of viral load to survival is unclear. METHODS We prospectively studied an inception cohort of 133 patients with virologically confirmed SARS who were admitted to 2 general acute care hospitals in Hong Kong from Mar. 24 to May 4, 2003. The patients were followed until death or for a minimum of 90 days. We used Cox proportional hazard modelling to analyze potential predictors of survival recorded at the time of presentation, including viral load from nasopharyngeal specimens (measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [PCR] of the SARS-associated coronavirus). RESULTS Thirty-two patients (24.1%) met the criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome, and 24 patients (18.0%) died. The following baseline factors were independently associated with worse survival: older age (61-80 years) (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 5.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.03-13.53), presence of an active comorbid condition (adjusted HR 3.36, 95% CI 1.44-7.82) and higher initial viral load of SARS coronavirus, according to quantitative PCR of nasopharyngeal specimens (adjusted HR 1.21 per log10 increase in number of RNA copies per millilitre, 95% CI 1.06-1.39). INTERPRETATION We found preliminary evidence that higher initial viral load is independently associated with worse prognosis in SARS. Mortality data for patients with SARS should be interpreted in light of age, comorbidity and viral load. These considerations will be important in future studies of SARS.


title: [The therapeutic effect of normobaric oxygen in experimental peritonitis and the efficiency of rectal fever, WBC, CRP and procalcitonin in monitoring response of the therapy].

text: BACKGROUND It was investigated the effect of using normobaric oxygen (NO) in addition to antibiotherapy in experimental peritonitis and the changes of rectal fever (RF), WBC, CRP and procalcitonin levels were evaluated. METHODS After the preliminary research of the normal values, rats were infected by E. coli intraperitoneally. Four groups were assigned into "no therapy", "given NO", "given antibiotic", "given antibiotic + NO" groups. RESULTS The decline of RF and WBC levels on 3rd and 5th days was recorded in antibiotic + NO group versus the other groups. It was observed that group 4 was superior to the others. The positivity of periton cultures and the inflammation in the muscle were found to be less in antibiotic + NO group. No correlation was found between pathological and microbiological recovery and blood CRP level in all groups. But a significant decrease in blood procalcitonin level was determined in group 4 compared to the other groups. On day 3, procalcitonin and CRP levels increased with increasing WBC levels. On day 5, procalcitonin levels also decreased in groups with decreased WBC levels, but no significant correlation was found between CRP and WBC levels. CONCLUSION It was concluded that using of NO in addition to antibiotherapy could increase the success rate of experimental intraabdominal sepsis therapy and blood procalcitonin and WBC levels could be more beneficial than CRP levels in monitoring of the severity of the sepsis.


title: Oestrogen-induced angiogenesis and implantation contribute to the development of parasitic myomas after laparoscopic morcellation.

text: BACKGROUND Iatrogenic parasitic myomas (PMs), caused by intra-corporeal power morcellation during laparoscopy is gradually increasing. However, the pathogenesis and medical treatment of PMs remain largely unelucidated. METHODS Laparoscopically-induced PM xenografted mouse model was conducted by xenografting human uterine myoma fragments into the abdominal cavity of SCID mice and hormonal manipulation was performed using this mouse model to demonstrate the role of oestrogen in the development of implanted PMs. Immunohistochemistry of oestrogen receptor α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), vimentin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), microvessel density (MVD) and Ki-67 index was performed and compared. RESULTS In the patient with PMs, ERα, PR, angiogenesis and proliferative property expression were upregulated in PM lesions compared to uterine myomas. In the laparoscopically-induced PM mouse model, implanted myomas had more steroid receptor expressions, angiogenesis and proliferative property compared with pre-xenografted or non-implanted myoma. Depletion of oestrogen in the ovariectomized (OVX) mice decreased laparoscopically-induced PM implantations. In comparison, the implantations of PMs were increased with additional E2 supplement. Hormonal manipulation in the PM mouse model, including AI, GnRHa and SERM groups, were compared and AI significantly decreased the implantations, steroid receptor, angiogenesis, cell density, and proliferative index of PMs compared with control group. Furthermore, GnRHa significantly decreased VEGF and MVD expressions compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight the crucial role of oestrogen in the development of laparoscopically-induced PMs and suggest that hormone manipulation may be a potential therapeutic agent. TRIAL REGISTRATION This protocol was approved by the Human and Animal Institutional Review Board of Taipei Veterans General Hospital ( VGHIRB No 2014-10-002C on Nov. 17th, 2014; IACUC 2014-119 on Aug. 22nd, 2014).


title: Protection of chickens from infectious bronchitis by in ovo and intramuscular vaccination with a DNA vaccine expressing the S1 glycoprotein.

text: We have constructed a DNA vaccine (pDKArkS1-DPI) expressing the S1 glycoprotein (Arkansas DPI) of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) to examine protective immunity after in ovo and intramuscular DNA immunization. Birds receiving in ovo DNA followed by live virus vaccination at 2 wk of age were 100% protected from clinical disease. Birds receiving only live virus vaccine or only in ovo DNA vaccination were < or = 80% protected. IBV was detected up to 10 days postchallenge in unvaccinated control groups, whereas birds receiving in ovo DNA and live virus vaccination cleared IBV from tracheal samples before day 5 postchallenge. Transcription of the S1 gene was confirmed in lung tissue after in ovo vaccination by an antisense riboprobe, and the S1 protein was detected by immunohistology in the heart and bursa. In a separate experiment, birds were injected intramuscularly with either 50, 100, or 150 microg of the DNA vaccine at 1 day of age and then again with either 100, 200, or 300 microg of the DNA vaccine, respectively, at 14 days of age. At 10 days postchallenge, no clinical signs were observed and no challenge virus was reisolated from the birds vaccinated with 150 microg and 300 microg of DNA. Between DNA-vaccinated birds and nonvaccinated control birds, no statistical differences were observed for IBV-specific serum antibodies as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or the virus neutralization test. These data indicate that DNA vaccination with the S1 gene either in ovo or intramuscularly can provide birds with some protection against clinical disease after homologous IBV challenge.


title: Laboratory test descriptions for bovine respiratory disease diagnosis and their strengths and weaknesses: gold standards for diagnosis, do they exist?

text: The diagnosis of bovine respiratory diseases (BRD) poses significant challenges to the clinician as there are numerous infectious etiologies, operating singly or most often in combination. Clinical signs alone may not be diagnostic and the diagnostic laboratory is often used to assist the clinician. Recently many molecular-based tests have been taken from the research laboratory to the veterinary diagnostic laboratory. This review describes the "traditional tests" and several "molecular tests" and discusses the benefits and limitations of the tests and their interpretation. Clinicians should consult with their diagnostic laboratory regarding the interpretation of the test results. The rate of development and use of molecular diagnostic tests have outpaced validation, standardization, and standards for interpretation relative to their use in BRD diagnostics.


title: Fatal acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia in an infant: The histopathologic variability of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

text: OBJECTIVE The histopathologic pattern of acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) has been described recently in cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults and differs from the well-recognized pattern of classic diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). The objective of this study was to determine whether similar appearances can be seen in infant ARDS. DESIGN Case report and retrospective review of infant lung biopsies 1995-2005. SETTING Paediatric and neonatal intensive care units in a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS None. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A formerly premature infant with ARDS secondary to respiratory syncytial virus pneumonitis had histopathologic features of AFOP on open lung biopsy. Nine infants from 1995 to 2005 had definite histology of DAD or AFOP and fulfilled American-European Consensus Conference criteria for the diagnosis of ARDS. Of these, classic DAD findings were present in seven, whereas two had features of AFOP and DAD. Features suggesting viral infection were identified in five infants. CONCLUSIONS The histopathologic features of AFOP may be seen in some cases of infant ARDS. The variability in the histopathology of ARDS raises questions as to the pathogenesis and clinical correlates of these different patterns.


title: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and simultaneous acute anteroseptal and inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

text: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recently recognised pandemic spreading rapidly from Wuhan, Hubei, to other provinces in China and to many countries around the world. The number of COVID-19-related deaths is steadily increasing. Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates, and primary percutaneous coronary intervention is usually recommended for the treatment. A patient with diabetes mellitus and hypertension for five years was admitted to the emergency unit with symptoms of fever, cough and dyspnoea. These symptoms were consistent with viral pneumonia and a COVID PCR test was performed, which tested positive three days later. The patient had chest pain on the eighth day of hospitalisation. On electrocardiography, simultaneous acute inferior and anterior STEMI were identified. High levels of stress and increased metabolic demand in these patients may lead to concomitant thrombosis of different coronary arteries, presenting with two different STEMIs.


docid: nkrbadlk

title: Effects of propolis flavonoids on virus infectivity and replication.

text: The effect of five propolis flavonoids on the infectivity and replication of some herpesvirus, adenovirus, coronavirus and rotavirus strains has been studied. Experiments were performed in vitro in cell cultures using the viral plaque reduction technique. The cytotoxicity of flavonoids, including chrysine, kaempferol, acacetin, galangin and quercetin, was evaluated on uninfected monolayers to determine their effect on cell growth and viability. Chrysine and kaempferol caused a concentration-dependent reduction of intracellular replication of herpes-virus strains when monolayers were infected and subsequently cultured in a drug-containing medium. However, virus infectivity was not significantly affected. Acacetin and galangin had no effect on either the infectivity or replication of any of the viruses studied. Quercetin reduced infectivity and intracellular replication, but only at the highest concentrations tested.


title: Identification of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus by simultaneous multigene DNA sequencing.

text: The recent severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak resulted in calls for an accurate diagnostic test that can be used not only for routine testing but also for generating nucleotide sequences to monitor the epidemic. Although the identity of the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) genome was confirmed by DNA sequencing, it is impractical to sequence the entire 29-kb SARS-CoV genome on a routine basis. Therefore, alternative assay methods such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PCR have been pursued for routine testing, primarily to resolve probable cases. We report here a modification of standard DNA sequencing technology for accurate identification of SARS-CoV in routine testing. Instead of requiring the sequencing of the whole SARS-CoV genome, our modification enables the simultaneous sequencing of three regions of the SARS-CoV genome, the spike protein-encoding gene (35 nucleotides), gene M (43 nucleotides), and gene N (45 nucleotides), in a single electropherogram. Comparing these nucleotide sequences to DNA databank entries (National Institutes of Health) conclusively identified them as SARS-CoV sequences.


Chemists seek image overhaul.


title: Membrane integration and intracellular transport of the coronavirus glycoprotein E1, a class III membrane glycoprotein.

text: The E1-glycoprotein (Mr = 26,014; 228 amino acids) of mouse hepatitis virus A59 is a class III membrane glycoprotein which has been used in this study as a model system in the study of membrane integration and protein transport. The protein lacks an NH2-terminal cleavable signal sequence and spans the viral membrane three times. Hydrophobic domains I and III could serve as signal sequences for cotranslational membrane integration. Domain I alone was sufficient to translocate the hydrophilic NH2 terminus of E1 across the membranes as evidenced by glycosylation of a newly introduced N-glycosylation site. The COOH-terminal part of E1 involving amino acids Leu124 to Thr228 was found to associate tightly with membranes at the post-translational level, although this part of the molecule lacks pronounced hydrophobic sequences. Membrane protection assays with proteinase K showed that a 2-kDa hydrophilic fragment was removed from the COOH terminus of E1 indicating that the protein is largely embedded into the membrane. Microinjection of in vitro transcribed capped and polyadenylated mRNA into CV-1 cells or into secretory AtT20 pituitary tumor cells showed that the E1-protein accumulated in the Golgi but was not detectable at the plasma membrane or in secretory granules. The 28 NH2-terminal hydrophilic amino acid residues play no role in membrane assembly or in intracellular targeting. Various NH2-terminal portions of E1 were fused to Ile145 of the cytoplasmic N-protein of mouse hepatitis virus. The resulting hybrid proteins were shown to assemble into membranes in vitro and were detected either in the rough endoplasmic reticulum or transient vesicles of microinjected cells.


title: SILS hepatectomy for hepatic hydatid disease: a case report.

text: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is being used with increasing frequency in the treatment of many conditions requiring surgery. Experience with SILS for hepatectomy is limited. This is one of the first reports of SILS hepatectomy in the treatment of hepatic hydatid disease. A 17-years-old female who has 89 × 59-mm cystic mass in the left lobe of the liver was admitted with abdominal pain persisting for several months. For treatment of the mass, SILS hepatectomy performed. Although complexity of the liver structure and the technical difficulties of SILS restrict its applications in hepatic surgery, the treatment of liver hydatid disease with SILS in selected patients is safe and efficient. Moreover, it allows a better cosmetic result and rapid recovery.


title: The protein X4 of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus is expressed on both virus-infected cells and lung tissue of severe acute respiratory syndrome patients and inhibits growth of Balb/c 3T3 cell line.

text: BACKGROUND The genome of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) includes sequences encoding the putative protein X4 (ORF8, ORF7a), consisting of 122 amino acids. The deduced sequence contains a probable cleaved signal peptide sequence and a C-terminal transmembrane helix, indicating that protein X4 is likely to be a type I membrane protein. This study was conducted to demonstrate whether the protein X4 was expressed and its essential function in the process of SARS-CoV infection. METHODS The prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein X4-expressing plasmids were constructed. Recombinant soluble protein X4 was purified from E. coli using ion exchange chromatography, and the preparation was injected into chicken for rising specific polyclonal antibodies. The expression of protein X4 in SARS-CoV-infected Vero E6 cells and lung tissues from patients with SARS was performed using immunofluorescence assay and immunohistochemistry technique. The preliminary function of protein X4 was evaluated by treatment with and over-expression of protein X4 in cell lines. Western blot was employed to evaluate the expression of protein X4 in SARS-CoV particles. RESULTS We expressed and purified soluble recombinant protein X4 from E.coli, and generated specific antibodies against protein X4. Western blot proved that the protein X4 was not assembled in the SARS-CoV particles. Indirect immunofluorescence assays revealed that the expression of protein X4 was detected at 8 hours after infection in SARS-CoV-infected Vero E6 cells. It was also detected in the lung tissues from patients with SARS. Treatment with and overexpression of protein X4 inhibited the growth of Balb/c 3T3 cells as determined by cell counting and MTT assays. CONCLUSION The results provide the evidence of protein X4 expression following SARS-CoV infection, and may facilitate further investigation of the immunopathological mechanism of SARS.


title: SARS wars: an examination of the quantity and construction of health information in the news media.

text: The media have the power to sway public perception of health issues by choosing what to publish and the context in which to present information. The media may influence an individual's tendency to overestimate the risk of some health issues while underestimating the risk of others, ultimately influencing health choices. Although some research has been conducted to examine the number of articles on selected health topics, little research has examined how the messages are constructed. The purpose of this article is to describe an examination of the construction of news reports on health topics using aspects of the social amplification of risk model and the elaboration likelihood model of persuasion for theoretical direction. One hundred news media reports (print, radio, television, and Internet) were analyzed in terms of message repetition, context, source, and grammar. Results showed that health topics were more often discussed in terms of risk, by credible sources using strong language. This content analysis provides an empirical starting point for future research into how such health news may influence consumer's perceptions of health topics.


title: Food systems and the changing patterns of foodborne zoonoses.

text: This paper discusses food-borne zoonotic diseases by considering contemporary influences on food safety and examining pathogens at the human/animal interface. The authors also discuss the epidemiological surveillance of food-borne illnesses and the differences in disease statistics from one country to another. Before concluding with a number of recommendations, the paper highlights the importance of a collaborative approach to the prevention and control of food-borne diseases and discusses the need to co-ordinate the efforts of international agencies working in human health, animal health and food production. A regional case study is also included, in which the authors describe the food-borne disease situation in Latin America, as reported by surveillance systems in this region.


Plaque variations in clinical isolates of bovine coronavirus.


title: Chemical disinfection of non-porous inanimate surfaces experimentally contaminated with four human pathogenic viruses.

text: The chemical disinfection of virus-contaminated non-porous inanimate surfaces was investigated using coxsackievirus B3, adenovirus type 5, parainfluenza virus type 3 and coronavirus 229E as representatives of important nosocomial viral pathogens. A 10 microliter amount of the test virus, suspended in either faeces or mucin, was placed onto each stainless steel disk (about 1 cm in diameter) and the inoculum allowed to dry for 1 h under ambient conditions. Sixteen disinfectant formulations were selected for this study based on the findings of an earlier investigation with a human rotavirus. After 1 min exposure to 20 microliters of the disinfectant, the virus from the disks was immediately eluted into tryptose phosphate broth and plaque assayed. Using an efficacy criterion of a 3 log10 or greater reduction in virus infectivity titre and irrespective of the virus suspending medium, only the following five disinfectants proved to be effective against all the four viruses tested: (1) 2% glutaraldehyde normally used as an instrument soak, (2) a strongly alkaline mixture of 0.5% sodium o-benzyl-p-chlorophenate and 0.6% sodium lauryl sulphate, generally used as a domestic disinfectant cleaner for hard surfaces, (3) a 0.04% solution of a quaternary ammonium compound containing 7% hydrochloric acid, which is the basis of many toilet bowl cleaners, (4) chloramine T at a minimum free chlorine level of 3000 p.p.m. and (5) sodium hypochlorite at a minimum free chlorine concentration of 5000 p.p.m. Of those chemicals suitable for use as topical antiseptics, 70% ethanol alone or products containing at least 70% ethanol were ineffective only against coxsackievirus B3. These results emphasize the care needed in selecting chemical disinfectants for routine use in infection control.


title: Bovine enteric coronavirus structure as studied by a freeze-drying technique.

text: A strain of bovine coronavirus (F15) was studied by electron microscopy using a freeze-drying technique. Purified coronavirus preparations show three different categories of image: (i) 'blackberry-like' virions, (ii) virions with a smooth depression at their surface, and (iii) apparently broken particles showing very clearly the areas of spike insertion in the virus membrane. Virus projections resemble 'mushrooms' with the 'stalk' inserted at the virus membrane. A model of the virion structure is proposed.


title: Locally acquired Dengue--Key West, Florida, 2009-2010.

text: Dengue is the most common vector-borne viral disease in the world, causing an estimated 50-100 million infections and 25,000 deaths each year. During 1946-1980, no cases of dengue acquired in the continental United States were reported. Since 1980, a few locally acquired U.S. cases have been confirmed along the Texas-Mexico border, temporally associated with large outbreaks in neighboring Mexican cities. On September 1, 2009, a New York physician notified the Monroe County (Florida) Health Department (MCHD) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) of a suspected dengue case in a New York state resident whose only recent travel was to Key West, Florida. CDC confirmed the diagnosis, and a press release was issued to notify the public and Key West physicians of the potential risk for locally acquired dengue infections. In the next 2 weeks, two dengue infections in Key West residents without recent travel were reported and confirmed. Subsequently, enhanced and active surveillance identified 24 more Key West cases during 2009. On April 13, 2010, another Key West dengue case was reported to FDOH, bringing the total to 28. This report describes the first three dengue cases reported in 2009, briefly summarizes the 2010 case, highlights preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation, and outlines measures used to mitigate and control the outbreak. Clinicians should include dengue in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile illnesses in patients who live in or have recently traveled to subtropical areas of the United States or to the tropics.


Sheep deaths due to pasteurellosis continue.


title: [Instructions for clinical research of oral diseases under the first level response to public health emergencies].

text: Corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19) has swept across our country and local governments have successively initiated first level response to public health emergencies. The outbreak of COVID-19 poses a huge challenge to the implementation of various clinical researches including oral diseases. In view of the specialty of oral diseases, it is particularly necessary to protect the health and rights of the participators and related practitioners, and to standardize the implementation of clinical trials. Based on the normative standards issued by the National Health Commission of China, consensus on clinical trial management formulated by the organization of clinical research, and regulations for the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases during public health emergencies by Chinese Stomatological Association, we drafted the guideline for clinical research of oral diseases, with a view to provide reference for the clinical studies of oral diseases under the first level response to major public health emergencies.


SARS coronavirus: a new challenge for prevention and therapy.


title: Interaction between fluoroquinolones and bovine serum albumin studied by affinity capillary electrophoresis.

text: The interactions between eight fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, fleroxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, pefloxacin) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were studied by affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE). The binding constants were estimated by the change of migration times of the analytes through the change of concentration of BSA in the buffer solution. The yield binding constants were between 3.19 x 10(4) and 1.21 x 10(5) M(-1). These were related with the structures of fluoroquinolones, and agreed with the results obtained by other techniques. The obtained binding constants may help us in gaining some insights on possible drug/protein interactions and in early evaluation of the drugs' pharmacokinetic profiles during drug discovery.


title: Genetic analysis of Murine hepatitis virus nsp4 in virus replication.

text: Coronavirus replicase polyproteins are translated from the genomic positive-strand RNA and are proteolytically processed by three viral proteases to yield 16 mature nonstructural proteins (nsp1 to nsp16). nsp4 contains four predicted transmembrane-spanning regions (TM1, -2, -3, and -4), demonstrates characteristics of an integral membrane protein, and is thought to be essential for the formation and function of viral replication complexes on cellular membranes. To determine the requirement of nsp4 for murine hepatitis virus (MHV) infection in culture, engineered deletions and mutations in TMs and intervening soluble regions were analyzed for effects on virus recovery, growth, RNA synthesis, protein expression, and intracellular membrane modifications. In-frame partial or complete deletions of nsp4; deletions of TM1, -2, and -3; and alanine substitutions of multiple conserved, clustered, charged residues in nsp4 resulted in viruses that were nonrecoverable, viruses highly impaired in growth and RNA synthesis, and viruses that were nearly wild type in replication. The results indicate that nsp4 is required for MHV replication and that while putative TM1, -2, and -3 and specific charged residues may be essential for productive virus infection, putative TM4 and the carboxy-terminal amino acids K(398) through T(492) of nsp4 are dispensable. Together, the experiments identify important residues and regions for studies of nsp4 topology, function, and interactions.


docid: zmjatqqp

title: 'Dental Hierarchy of Needs' in the COVID-19 Era - or Why Treat When It Doesn't Hurt?


title: [Detection of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus using electron microscopy in the Czech Republic].

text: Coronavirus-induced porcine epidemic diarrhoea (PED) was diagnosed in two swine herds. The causal agent was demonstrated in intestinal contents by electron microscopy and identified by immunoelectron microscopy using specific immune serum to the reference strain PED-CV77. Experimental transmission to hysterectomy-derived, colostrum-deprived piglets with an intestinal contents filtrate was successful. The virus was demonstrable by electron microscopy in the intestinal contents between 12th hour and 4th day, and in small intestinal epithelial cells 18 hours after infection. Scanning electron microscopy revealed shortening and fusion of villi of small intestinal mucosa.


Identification of a new gene product encoded by mRNA D of infectious bronchitis virus.


docid: wemypqri

title: A strategy for the generation of an infectious transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus from cloned cDNA.


docid: ckjkbtap

title: Chronic liver injury in rats and humans upregulates the novel enzyme angiotensin converting enzyme 2.

text: BACKGROUND Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is a recently identified homologue of ACE that may counterregulate the actions of angiotensin (Ang) II by facilitating its breakdown to Ang 1-7. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis but the role of ACE2 in liver disease is not known. AIMS This study examined the effects of liver injury on ACE2 expression and activity in experimental hepatic fibrosis and human cirrhosis, and the effects of Ang 1-7 on vascular tone in cirrhotic rat aorta. METHODS In sham operated and bile duct ligated (BDL) rats, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to assess hepatic ACE2 mRNA, and western blotting and immunohistochemistry to quantify and localise ACE2 protein. ACE2 activity was quantified by quenched fluorescent substrate assay. Similar studies were performed in normal human liver and in hepatitis C cirrhosis. RESULTS ACE2 mRNA was detectable at low levels in rat liver and increased following BDL (363-fold; p < 0.01). ACE2 protein increased after BDL (23.5-fold; p < 0.05) as did ACE2 activity (fourfold; p < 0.05). In human cirrhotic liver, gene (>30-fold), protein expression (97-fold), and activity of ACE2 (2.4 fold) were increased compared with controls (all p < 0.01). In healthy livers, ACE2 was confined to endothelial cells, occasional bile ducts, and perivenular hepatocytes but in both BDL and human cirrhosis there was widespread parenchymal expression of ACE2 protein. Exposure of cultured human hepatocytes to hypoxia led to increased ACE2 expression. In preconstricted rat aorta, Ang 1-7 alone did not affect vascular tone but it significantly enhanced acetylcholine mediated vasodilatation in cirrhotic vessels. CONCLUSIONS ACE2 expression is significantly increased in liver injury in both humans and rat, possibly in response to increasing hepatocellular hypoxia, and may modulate RAS activity in cirrhosis.


title: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein, OXPAPC, corrects defects in maturation and cytokine secretion of peripheral blood dendritic cells from sepsis patients.

text: OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression differences in maturation and cytokine production of dendritic cells (DCs) from sepsis patients and the effect of oxidized phospholipid 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (OXPAPC) on DCs phenotypes. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 50 sepsis patients and 50 controls were cultured in the presence of GM-CSF, IL-4 and TNF-α to induce DCs maturation. DCs from sepsis patients were also treated with three different concentrations of OXPAPC. Cells were characterized with optical and electron microscopy, FACS analysis for CD1α, HLA-DR and CD86 on cell surface and ELISA analysis of IL-12p70 in the supernatant. RESULTS DCs from sepsis patients had smaller cell bodies and nucleus and had almost no surface projection. DCs had similar CD1α expression in sepsis patients (86.37 ± 17.24) and controls (88.58 ± 10.05). HLA-DR expression was dramatically reduced in sepsis patients (2.74 ± 5.15) compared to controls (198.35 ± 12.04). Similarly, CD86 expression was also drastically lower in sepsis patients (14.72 ± 4.83) than controls (154.56 ± 11.56). Furthermore, OXPAPC treatment of DCs from sepsis patients increased cell surface projection, HLA-DR and CD86 surface expression and IL-12p70 secretion in a dose-dependent manner. With 40 μg/ml of OXPAPC, DCs of sepsis patients have similar phenotypes observed in healthy controls. CONCLUSION DCs from sepsis patients are defective in maturation and cytokine secretion and these defects can be corrected by OXPAPC treatment.


title: Comparison of the antibody response to transmissible gastroenteritis virus and porcine respiratory coronavirus, using monoclonal antibodies to antigenic sites A and X of the S glycoprotein.

text: Pigs were inoculated with various strains of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) or with porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), and antigenic site-specific antibody responses were compared. A blocking-ELISA was used to study to what extent antibodies in convalescent sera interfered with the binding of monoclonal antibodies (MAB) 57.16 or 57.110 to the attenuated TGEV/Purdue virus. Monoclonal antibody 57.16 is directed against the A site on the peplomer, neutralizes virus, and recognizes TGEV and PRCV. Monoclonal antibody 57.110 is directed against the X site on the peplomer, but does not neutralize virus, and recognizes only TGEV. Antibodies directed against TGEV and PRCV could be detected in a blocking ELISA, using MAB 57.16 as a conjugate. Antibodies directed against both viruses were detectable as early as 1 week after inoculation. Antibody titers correlated well with those in a virus-neutralization test. Antibodies against TGEV could be detected in a blocking ELISA, using MAB 57.110 as a conjugate. Such antibodies were not induced by a PRCV infection. In the blocking ELISA, using MAB 57.110 as a conjugate, antibodies were detectable as early as 2 weeks after inoculation. There was a significant difference between antibody titers reached after infection with various TGEV strains, however. This difference is ascribed to a variation of the antigenic site defined by MAB 57.110 in TGEV strains. Conditions for a differential test for TGE serodiagnosis, and for serologic discrimination between TGEV- and PRCV-infected pigs, are discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


title: Trypsin-enhanced replication of neonatal calf diarrhea coronavirus in bovine embryonic lung cells.

text: Bovine embryonic lung (BEL) cells, grown in 8-chamber cell-culture slides, were inoculated with 2.5, 25, and 250 TCID50 of neonatal calf diarrhea coronavirus (NCDCV)/chamber. The NCDCV inocula were prepared in serum-free, trypsin-free regular medium (RM), and in serum-free medium containing 1 microgram (TM1), 5 microgram (TM5), and 10 microgram (TM10) of trypsin/ml; the the cells were maintained under identical media. Cytopathic effect (CPE), hemadsorption of rat RBC, formation of syncytia, appearance of immunofluorescing cells, and release of infectious virus was followed from postinoculation hours 4 to 100. Maintaining the BEL cells in medium containing trypsin up to 10 microgram/ml did not affect them adversely. The BEL cells appeared resistant to infection with NCDCV in RM by CPE, syncytia, immunofluorescing cells, or infectious virus-release parameters. In TM1, TM5, and TM10, all parameters were positive for NCDCV replication. They manifested and developed in positive correlation with increasing trypsin concentration from 1 microgram to 10 microgram/ml. Release of infectious virions preceded all other parameters of virus replication. Replication of NCDCV was demonstrated earlier by hemadsorption and immunofluorescing cells than by syncytia or CPE. The TM5 and TM10 increased the susceptibility of BEL cells to NCDCV by more than a millionfold, as measured by the titer of released virus in these media (greater than 1-(6) TCID50/ml) as compared with those in RM (infectious virus not demonstrated).


title: Interaction of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus with dendritic cells.

text: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) of humans is caused by a novel coronavirus of zoonotic origin termed SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The virus induces severe injury of lung tissue, as well as lymphopenia and destruction of the architecture of lymphatic tissue by as-yet-unknown mechanisms. In this study, the interaction of SARS-CoV with dendritic cells (DCs), the key regulators of immune responses, was analysed. Monocyte-derived DCs were infected with SARS-CoV and analysed for viability, surface-marker expression and alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) induction. SARS-CoV infection was monitored by quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence analysis and recovery experiments. SARS-CoV infected both immature and mature DCs, although replication efficiency was low. Immature DCs were activated by SARS-CoV infection and by UV-inactivated SARS-CoV. Infected DCs were still viable on day 6 post-infection, but major histocompatibility complex class I upregulation was missing, indicating that DC function was impaired. Additionally, SARS-CoV infection induced a delayed activation of IFN-alpha expression. Therefore, it is concluded that SARS-CoV has the ability to circumvent both the innate and the adaptive immune systems.


title: SARS plague: duty of care or medical heroism?

text: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a new infectious disease that emerged in mid- November 2002 in Guangdong, southern China. The global pandemic began in late February 2003 in Hong Kong. By the time SARS was declared contained on 5 July 2003 by the World Health Organization (WHO), it had afflicted 8096 patients in 29 countries. No other disease had had such a phenomenal impact on healthcare workers (HCWs), who formed about 21% of SARS patients. In Vietnam, Canada and Singapore, HCWs accounted for 57%, 43% and 41% of SAR patients, respectively. At the beginning of the outbreak, there was practically no information on this disease, which did not even have a name until 16 March 2003, except that it was infectious and could result in potentially fatal respiratory failure. Indeed, HCWs had lost their lives to SARS. Understandably, some HCWs refused to look after SARS patients or even resigned. Initially, much negative publicity was given to such HCWs. It was a very trying time for HCWs as many were also ostracised by the society which they served. They were perceived to be a potential source of infection in the community because of their contact with SARS patients, whom they risked their lives looking after. Subsequently, as we learnt more about the disease and educated the public about the plight of the frontline HCWs, the public gave the frontline HCWs tremendous support and even honoured them as heroes. Being in the medical profession, caring for patients is one of our expected responsibilities. On the other hand, as public citizens, HCWs have the right to resign when they feel that their responsibility to their families should take priority over that to their patients. As a result of this scourge, each HCW learnt to decide if caring for patients is their chosen profession and vocation. Many chose to live up the Hippocratic oath.


title: Automated control of endotracheal tube cuff pressure during simulated flight.

text: BACKGROUND Successful mechanical ventilation requires that the airway be controlled by an endotracheal tube (ETT) with an inflatable cuff to seal the airway. Aeromedical evacuation represents a unique challenge in which to manage ETT cuffs. We evaluated three methods of automatic ETT cuff pressure adjustment during changes in altitude in an altitude chamber. METHODS Size 7.5 and 8.0 mm ETTs that are currently included in the Critical Care Air Transport Team allowance standard were used for the evaluation. Three automatic cuff pressure controllers-Intellicuff, Hamilton Medical; Pyton, ARM Medical; and Cuff Sentry, Outcome Solutions-were used to manage cuff pressures. The fourth group had cuff pressure set at sea level without further adjustment. Each ETT was inserted into a tracheal model and taken to 8,000 feet and then to 16,000 feet at 2,500 ft/min. Baseline cuff pressure at sea level was approximately 25 cm H2O. RESULTS Mean cuff pressure at both altitudes with both size ETTs was as follows: Control arm, 141 ± 64 cm H2O; Pyton, 25 ± 0.8 cm H2O; Cuff Sentry, 22 ± 0.3 cm H2O; and Intellicuff, 29 ± 6.6 cm H2O. The mean time that cuff pressure was >30 cm H2O using Intellicuff at both altitudes was 2.8 ± 0.8 minutes. Pressure differences from baseline in the control arm and with Intellicuff were statistically significant. Cuff pressure with the Cuff Sentry tended to be lower than indicated on the device. CONCLUSIONS Mean cuff pressures were within the recommended range with all three devices. Intellicuff had difficulty regulating the cuff pressure initially with increases in altitude but was able to reduce the pressure to a safe level during the stabilization period at each altitude. The Pyton and Cuff Sentry allowed the least variation in pressure throughout the evaluation, although the Cuff Sentry set pressure was less than the actual pressure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level V.


Correspondence.


title: Predictive factor for first wheezing episode.

text: The aim of study was to evaluate various risk in patients who were hospitalized with moderate to severe virus-induced wheezing. Infants hospitalized with virus-induced wheezing were enrolled in the study. Respiratory viruses were detected in nasopharyngeal swab and total IgE levels and skin prick tests were performed in all patients. The mean age of the patients was 11.2±9 months. The most common detected viral agents were Respiratory Syncytial Virus, (33.6%), Influenza virus (16.3.%). Children with positive family history of atopy had their first virus-induced wheezing at an earlier age (9.0 ±7.8 months) than the others (14.2±10.8 months), (p=0.007). Atopy and viral etiology did not significantly influence clinical severity of the disease. Although children with positive parental history of atopy experience first virus-induced wheezing at an earlier age, personal atopy was not found as a risk factor for predicting the severity of the first virus-induced wheezy episode.


title: Inorganic chemistry in nuclear imaging and radiotherapy: current and future directions.

text: Radiometals play an important role in diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. This field of radiochemistry is multidisciplinary, involving radiometal production, separation of the radiometal from its target, chelate design for complexing the radiometal in a biologically stable environment, specific targeting of the radiometal to its in vivo site, and nuclear imaging and/or radiotherapy applications of the resultant radiopharmaceutical. The critical importance of inorganic chemistry in the design and application of radiometal-containing imaging and therapy agents is described from a historical perspective to future directions.


title: Analysis of rubella virus capsid protein-mediated enhancement of replicon replication and mutant rescue.

text: The rubella virus capsid protein (C) has been shown to complement a lethal deletion (termed deltaNotI) in P150 replicase protein. To investigate this phenomenon, we generated two lines of Vero cells that stably expressed either C (C-Vero cells) or C lacking the eight N-terminal residues (Cdelta8-Vero cells), a construct previously shown to be unable to complement DeltaNotI. In C-Vero cells but not Vero or Cdelta8-Vero cells, replication of a wild-type (wt) replicon expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene (RUBrep/GFP) was enhanced, and replication of a replicon with deltaNotI (RUBrep/GFP-deltaNotI) was rescued. Surprisingly, replicons with deleterious mutations in the 5' and 3' cis-acting elements were also rescued in C-Vero cells. Interestingly, the Cdelta8 construct localized to the nucleus while the C construct localized in the cytoplasm, explaining the lack of enhancement and rescue in Cdelta8-Vero cells since rubella virus replication occurs in the cytoplasm. Enhancement and rescue in C-Vero cells were at a basic step in the replication cycle, resulting in a substantial increase in the accumulation of replicon-specific RNAs. There was no difference in translation of the nonstructural proteins in C-Vero and Vero cells transfected with the wt and mutant replicons, demonstrating that enhancement and rescue were not due to an increase in the efficiency of translation of the transfected replicon transcripts. In replicon-transfected C-Vero cells, C and the P150 replicase protein associated by coimmunoprecipitation, suggesting that C might play a role in RNA replication, which could explain the enhancement and rescue phenomena. A unifying model that accounts for enhancement of wt replicon replication and rescue of diverse mutations by the rubella virus C protein is proposed.


title: Infectious diseases prioritisation for event-based surveillance at the European Union level for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

text: In 2012, London hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games (the Games), with events occurring throughout the United Kingdom (UK) between 27 July and 9 September 2012. Public health surveillance was performed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Collaboration between the HPA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) was established for the detection and assessment of significant infectious disease events (SIDEs) occurring outside the UK during the time of the Games. Additionally, ECDC undertook an internal prioritisation exercise to facilitate ECDC’s decisions on which SIDEs should have preferentially enhanced monitoring through epidemic intelligence activities for detection and reporting in daily surveillance in the European Union (EU). A team of ECDC experts evaluated potential public health risks to the Games, selecting and prioritising SIDEs for event-based surveillance with regard to their potential for importation to the Games, occurrence during the Games or export to the EU/European Economic Area from the Games. The team opted for a multilevel approach including comprehensive disease selection, development and use of a qualitative matrix scoring system and a Delphi method for disease prioritisation. The experts selected 71 infectious diseases to enter the prioritisation exercise of which 27 were considered as priority for epidemic intelligence activities by ECDC for the EU for the Games.


title: Control of TGEV mRNA transcription.

text: Coronavirus proteins are translated from a nested set of subgenomic mRNAs which have common 3' termini with unique 5' extensions. Evidence suggests that coronavirus mRNAs are generated by a mechanism of leader primed transcription. Leader RNA binds to consensus sequences upstream of each gene on full length negative strand viral RNA and transcription proceeds to the 5' end of the negative strand to produce the nested set of mRNAs. Even though this gives rise to polycistronic mRNA species only the 5' extension of each mRNA is translated to give the viral proteins. The leader RNA for TGEV is about 90 nucleotides long and contains the sequence which recognises the leader binding sites on the negative strand RNA. Evidence suggests that the length of the leader binding sequence may be involved in transcriptional control of individual mRNAs. In order to investigate this a virus specific mRNA isolation method was developed to measure the relative amounts of mRNAs synthesised during an infection of LLC-PK1 cells with TGEV (strain FS772/70). Thus the relative quantity of each mRNA can be determined and correlated with the variation in size of the leader binding site.


title: Long-Acting Patient-Controlled Opioids Are Not Associated With More Postoperative Hypoxemia Than Short-Acting Patient-Controlled Opioids After Noncardiac Surgery: A Cohort Analysis.

text: BACKGROUND Opioids can contribute to postoperative desaturation. Short-acting opioids, titrated to need, may cause less desaturation than longer-acting opioids. We thus tested the primary hypothesis that long-acting patient-controlled intravenous opioids are associated with more hypoxemia (defined as an integrated area under a postoperative oxyhemoglobin saturation of 95%) than short-acting opioids. METHODS This analysis was a substudy of VISION, a prospective cohort study focused on perioperative cardiovascular events (NCT00512109). After excluding for predefined criteria, 191 patients were included in our final analysis, with 75 (39%) patients being given fentanyl (short-acting opioid group) and 116 (61%) patients being given morphine and/or hydromorphone (long-acting opioid group). The difference in the median areas under a postoperative oxyhemoglobin saturation of 95% between short-acting and long-acting opioids was compared using multivariable median quantile regression. RESULTS The short-acting opioid median area under a postoperative oxyhemoglobin saturation of 95% per hour was 1.08 (q1, q3: 0.62, 2.26) %-h, whereas the long-acting opioid median was 1.28 (0.50, 2.23) %-h. No significant association was detected between long-acting and short-acting opioids and median area under a postoperative oxyhemoglobin saturation of 95% per hour (P = .66) with estimated change in the medians of -0.14 (95% CI, -0.75, 0.47) %-h for the patients given long-acting versus short-acting IV patient-controlled analgesia opioids. CONCLUSIONS Long-acting patient-controlled opioids were not associated with the increased hypoxemia during the first 2 postoperative days.


title: Comparing ligand interactions with multiple receptors via serial docking.

text: Standard uses of ligand-receptor docking typically focus on the association of candidate ligands with a single targeted receptor, but actual applications increasingly require comparisons across multiple receptors. This study demonstrates that comparative docking to multiple receptors can help to select homology models for virtual compound screening and to discover ligands that bind to one set of receptors but not to another, potentially similar, set. A serial docking algorithm is furthermore described that reduces the computational costs of such calculations by testing compounds against a series of receptor structures and discarding a compound as soon as it fails to satisfy specified bind/no bind criteria for each receptor. The algorithm also realizes substantial efficiencies by taking advantage of the fact that a ligand typically binds in similar conformations to similar receptors. Thus, once detailed docking has been used to fit a ligand into the first of a series of similar receptors, much less extensive calculations can be used for the remaining structures.


Fluconomics: preserving our hospital infrastructure during and after a pandemic.


MERS-CoV, surgical mask and N95 respirators.


docid: vzmfmyys

title: Coronavirus infection and demyelination. Sequence conservation of the S-gene during persistent infection of Lewis-rats.

text: Coronaviruses display a large phenotypic variability, which may be an important factor for diversification and selection. Previous studies have demonstrated that the S-protein is an essential determinant of virulence and pathogenicity. Therefore we studied the S-gene as an indicator molecule for selection processes employing two different MHV-JHM variants. First, Lewis-rats were infected with MHV-JHM-Pi, a variant that causes demyelinating disease after several weeks p.i. It was not possible to isolate infectious MHV-JHM-Pi from such rats, although viral proteins were expressed. The S-gene was rescued directly from brain tissue employing RT-PCR technology. The amplicons were sequenced in bulk or at the level of single clones. We detected no evidence for an increase of S-gene mutants during the length of time. Only few mutations were found at the clonal level. The changes were distributed throughout the analysed S-gene fragments without a predilection in their location. The frequency of mutation remained low within a range of 0.03 to 0.5 mutations per thousand nucleotides. As a second approach, we sequenced the S-genes of viruses isolated from brain tissue infected with MHV-JHM-ts43. Infection of adult Lewis rats with that mutant resulted several weeks to months p.i. in demyelinating encephalomyelitis. The S-gene of this virus contains an insertion of 423 bp in the S1 region, which is identical to a polymorphic region described for MHV-4. In contrast to JHM-Pi, infectious MHV-JHM-ts43 was readily to isolate from brain tissue. The S-gene sequences of virus isolated 45-106 days p.i. from diseased rats were identical with that of the input virus. These results show, that during a persistent infection of Lewis-rats the S-gene was highly conserved.


title: Sterile Parts of Operating Gown during Lower Limb Joint Replacement Surgery.

text: Background The prevention of surgical site infection is one of the most concerning issues in operating rooms. Surgical gowns are worn as one of the intraoperative strategies for infection prevention. The present study investigated whether the gowns remained sterile during the surgical procedure. Furthermore, this study examined which parts of the surgical gown were more prone to contamination. Methods The sterility of the gowns was investigated during eight total joint arthroplasties all of which were performed by four surgeons. The samples were taken from the arms and frontal part of the sterile gowns pre- and postoperatively. In the anterior surface of the gown, the sampling was initiated at a strip with 50 cm height from the ground followed by the strips with 15 cm distances from caudal to cephalad. Furthermore, the frontal part of the gown was divided into three parts in relation to the operating room table. Finally, the contamination rate was evaluated in each part. A semiquantitative method was used for the analysis of bacterial culture. Results Before the operation, there were four samples tested positive for bacterial culture (1.06%). All of these samples were taken from the most proximal strip near the neckline. After the surgery, the rate of contamination in the strips on the frontal part of the gown was reported as 3.1% to 53%. Based on the operating table, the contamination rate was 35.9%, 8.9%, and 47.3% in the distal, middle, and proximal parts of the gown, respectively. The contamination rate at the elbow crease was 23%, and at 5 and 10 cm above the creases were 24% and 36%, respectively. Conclusion The high rate of gown contamination during the operation is concerning. However, part of the gown that was in contact with the operating room table remained clean most of the time. More safe strategies should be used for infection prevention in operating rooms.


title: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

text: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) emerged in the Arabian Peninsula in 2012, and subsequently spread to other countries in Europe and Asia, and to the United States. As of August 2015, the disease has infected 1,400 patients, of whom 500 have died, yielding a 36% mortality rate. The exact mode of transmission is unknown and there are no proven treatments. While the overall case rate for MERS has been low, its presence in countries that house US troops, unknown mode of transmission, and high mortality rate make it a significant health concern among US military personnel.


title: Critical assessment of important regions in the subunit association and catalytic action of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus main protease.

text: The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV) main protease represents an attractive target for the development of novel anti-SARS agents. The tertiary structure of the protease consists of two distinct folds. One is the N-terminal chymotrypsin-like fold that consists of two structural domains and constitutes the catalytic machinery; the other is the C-terminal helical domain, which has an unclear function and is not found in other RNA virus main proteases. To understand the functional roles of the two structural parts of the SARS-CoV main protease, we generated the full-length of this enzyme as well as several terminally truncated forms, different from each other only by the number of amino acid residues at the C- or N-terminal regions. The quaternary structure and K(d) value of the protease were analyzed by analytical ultracentrifugation. The results showed that the N-terminal 1-3 amino acid-truncated protease maintains 76% of enzyme activity and that the major form is a dimer, as in the wild type. However, the amino acids 1-4-truncated protease showed the major form to be a monomer and had little enzyme activity. As a result, the fourth amino acid seemed to have a powerful effect on the quaternary structure and activity of this protease. The last C-terminal helically truncated protease also exhibited a greater tendency to form monomer and showed little activity. We concluded that both the C- and the N-terminal regions influence the dimerization and enzyme activity of the SARS-CoV main protease.


docid: ixqpfuwz

title: Delineation and modelling of a nucleolar retention signal in the coronavirus nucleocapsid protein.

text: Unlike nuclear localization signals, there is no obvious consensus sequence for the targeting of proteins to the nucleolus. The nucleolus is a dynamic subnuclear structure which is crucial to the normal operation of the eukaryotic cell. Studying nucleolar trafficking signals is problematic as many nucleolar retention signals (NoRSs) are part of classical nuclear localization signals (NLSs). In addition, there is no known consensus signal with which to inform a study. The avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), coronavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein, localizes to the cytoplasm and the nucleolus. Mutagenesis was used to delineate a novel eight amino acid motif that was necessary and sufficient for nucleolar retention of N protein and colocalize with nucleolin and fibrillarin. Additionally, a classical nuclear export signal (NES) functioned to direct N protein to the cytoplasm. Comparison of the coronavirus NoRSs with known cellular and other viral NoRSs revealed that these motifs have conserved arginine residues. Molecular modelling, using the solution structure of severe acute respiratory (SARS) coronavirus N-protein, revealed that this motif is available for interaction with cellular factors which may mediate nucleolar localization. We hypothesise that the N-protein uses these signals to traffic to and from the nucleolus and the cytoplasm.


title: The public health approach to traumatic brain injury: an overview of CDC's research and programs.

text: Every year, 50,000 people die with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). At least 5.3 million Americans live with long-term disabilities related to TBI. Through its TBI-associated research and programs, CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) seeks to reduce the adverse consequences of TBIs by ensuring that data, data systems, and public awareness about TBI are in place. The public health model provides a useful framework for identifying important efforts needed to reduce the impact of this potentially disabling injury.


title: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin-(1-7): an evolving story in cardiovascular regulation.

text: This lecture summarizes the chronology and rationale that led to the discovery of angiotensin-(1-7) as a hormone that, in its own right, opposes the vasoconstrictor and proliferative actions of angiotensin II. The work discussed here additionally analyzes the newest findings on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the angiotensin-converting enzyme homologue that efficiently hydrolyzes angiotensin II into angiotensin-(1-7). Both components of this system may significantly influence our future perspective of the role of the renin-angiotensin system, not just in terms of its role in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function but, moreover, as regulators of a vast array of disease processes in which inflammation and immune mechanisms play a role.


title: [Discussion about treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome based on syndrome differentiation].

text: Severe acute respiratory syndrome is an infectious disease caused by a new type of coronavirus. It belongs to the seasonal febrile diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. The prevention and treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) can be under the guidance of the doctrines for treating febrile diseases of traditional Chinese medicine, treatment based on syndrome differentiation, such as syndrome differentiation of triple energizer, syndrome differentiation according to defensive phase, qi phase, nutrient phase and blood phase. During April and May of 2003, 8 cases of SARS were diagnosed in Shanghai, and 6 patients accepted complementary therapy of traditional Chinese medicine, without death case. The only one patient who didn't take glucocorticoid therapy was complementarily treated with traditional Chinese herbs through the whole treating procedure. Upon the successful treatment of the eight cases of SARS in Shanghai, it is demonstrated that the triple-energizer syndrome differentiation and defensive-qi-nutrient-blood syndrome differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine are of high value in treating SARS patients.


docid: fzvyzsye

title: Diarrhea in medical care workers with severe acute respiratory syndrome.

text: BACKGROUND AND GOAL Several known coronavirus species cause a variety of diseases, including respiratory or enteric diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interesting enteric symptoms of the medical care workers who were evidently infected with SARS by means of respiratory transmission. STUDY Between May 1 and June 16, 2003, we enrolled 16 medical care workers who fulfilled the definition of probable SARS. Samples used for the detection of coronavirus RNA by RT-PCR were collected from throat and rectal swabs during acute phase. Serum anti-SARS IgG was checked by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays at the convalescent phase. RESULTS The incidence of watery diarrhea was 18.8% (3 of 16). The RT-PCR of coronavirus was positive in three (18.8%) of 16 throat swabs and in none (0%) of seven rectal swabs. Serum anti-coronavirus IgG was positive in 13 of the 15 patients (86.7%). The mortality rate was 6.25% (1 of 16). The diarrhea rate in our hospital was significantly lower in comparison with the 73% (55 of 75) of the Amoy Gardens outbreak in Hong Kong (P = 0.000073), and similar to the 19.6% (27 of 138) of the hospital-acquired outbreak in the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong (P = 0.798). In contrast to the high positive rate of feces RT-PCR (97%) in Amoy Gardens, our positive rate in rectal swab RT-PCT (0%) was significantly lower (P = 0.00000002). CONCLUSIONS Hospital-acquired SARS cases infected mainly by respiratory route less commonly presented with diarrhea. Lower intestinal viral load, when the virus spread by respiratory route, may be contributive to lower diarrhea rate and lower positive rate in rectal swab RT-PCR.


title: [Surveillance on severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus in animals at a live animal market of Guangzhou in 2004].

text: OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) like virus in animals at a live animal market of Guanzhou in 2004 before and after culling of wild animal action taken by the local authority, in order to predict the re-emerging of SARS from animal originals in this region. METHODS Animals at live animal market were sampled for rectal and throat swabs in triplicate. A single step realtime reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostic kit was performed for screening SARS-CoV like virus, the manual nested RT- PCR and DNA sequencing were performed for confirmation. Only specimens which tested positive for both of the N and P genes by nested RT-PCR were scored as positive. RESULTS In 31 animals sampled in January 5 2004 before culling of wild animals at Guangdong Province, including 20 cats (Felis catus), 5 red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and 6 Lesser rice field rats (Rattus losea), 8 (25.8%) animals were tested positive for SARS-CoV like virus by RT-PCR methods, of which 4 cats, 3 red fox and one Lesser rice field rats were included. However, two weeks after culling of animals and disinfection of the market were implemented, in 119 animals sampled in January 20 2004, including 6 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), 13 cats, 46 red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), 13 spotbill duck (Anas platyrhynchos), 10 greylag goose (Anser anser), 31 Chinese francolin (Franclinus pintadeanus), only rectal swab from one greylag goose was tested positive for SARS-CoV like virus. Furthermore, in 102 animals that including 14 greylag gooses, 3 cats, 5 rabbits, 9 spotbill duck (Anaspoecilorhyncha), 2 Chinese francolin (Franclinus pintadeanus), 8 common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), 6 pigeons, 9 Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi), 19 wild boar (Sus scrofa), 16 Lesser rice field rats, 5 dogs, 1 mink (Mustela vison), 3 goats, 2 green peafowl (Pavo muticus) sampled in April, May, June, July, August and November, only rectal swab from one pig was tested positive. However, of 12 and 10 palm civets sampled in November and December including five of which had been at the live animals market for 2 days, none of them was tested positive. CONCLUSION This findings revealed that animals being sampled in April, May, June, July, August and November of 2004, only one rectal swab from a pig was tested positive as SARS-CoV like virus, much lower than the results from the previous year, suggesting that the possibility of re-emerging of human infection from animal origins is low for the winter of 2004-2005.


title: Coronavirus associated with an enteric syndrome on a quail farm.

text: An enteric syndrome was observed in quail (Coturnix coturnix) semi-intensively reared for restocking in Apulia (southern Italy). The birds showed depression, severe diarrhoea, dehydration and reduced growth. Mortality occurred particularly in young birds. At necropsy the prominent lesion was enteritis. A coronavirus was detected by electron microscopy and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in the faeces and in the intestinal content of the dead quails. The virus could not be cultivated in chicken embryos. By sequence analyses of a fragment (409 nucleotides) of region 1b of the polymerase gene, the quail coronavirus displayed <or=93% nucleotide identity to avian coronaviruses (group 3 coronaviruses)--whereas by analysis of the S1 portion of the spike protein-encoding gene, the quail coronavirus displayed 16% to 18% amino acid identity with infectious bronchitis virus, and 79% to 81% identity with turkey coronavirus. Altogether, the findings suggest the existence of a novel coronavirus genetically related to turkey coronavirus.


title: Defining the cellular target(s) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus blocking monoclonal antibody 7G10.

text: We produced a monoclonal antibody (MAb) (7G10) that has blocking activity against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In this study, we identified the components of the 7G10 MAb-bound complex as cytoskeletal filaments: vimentin, cytokeratin 8, cytokeratin 18, actin, and hair type II basic keratin. Vimentin bound to PRRSV nucleocapsid protein and anti-vimentin antibodies showed PRRSV-blocking activity. Vimentin was expressed on the surface of MARC-145, a PRRSV-susceptible cell line. Simian vimentin rendered BHK-21 and CRFK, nonsusceptible cell lines, susceptible to PRRSV infection. These results suggest that vimentin is part of the PRRSV receptor complex and that it plays an important role in PRRSV binding with the other cytoskeletal filaments that mediate transportation of the virus in the cytosol.


Images in pathology. Pulmonary pathology of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).


title: Change in receptor-binding specificity of recent human influenza A viruses (H3N2): a single amino acid change in hemagglutinin altered its recognition of sialyloligosaccharides.

text: Human H3N2 influenza A viruses were known to preferentially bind to sialic acid (SA) in alpha2,6Gal linkage on red blood cells (RBC). However, H3N2 viruses isolated in MDCK cells after 1992 did not agglutinate chicken RBC (CRBC). Experiments with point-mutated hemagglutinin (HA) of A/Aichi/51/92, one of these viruses, revealed that an amino acid change from Glu to Asp at position 190 (E190D) was responsible for the loss of ability to bind to CRBC. A/Aichi/51/92 did not agglutinate CRBC treated with alpha2, 3-sialidase, suggesting that SAalpha2,3Gal on CRBC might not inhibit the binding of the virus to SAalpha2,6Gal on CRBC. However, the virus agglutinated derivatized CRBC resialylated with SAalpha2, 6Galbeta1,4GlcNAc. These findings suggested that the E190D change might have rendered the HA able to distinguish sialyloligosaccharides on the derivatized CRBC containing the SAalpha2,6Galbeta1,4GlcNAc sequence from those on the native CRBC.


title: Characterization of new recombinant noroviruses.

text: Noroviruses are important etiologic agents of acute gastroenteritis and show great genetic diversity. To characterize more fully previously detected strains that could not be assigned unequivocally to one particular genotype based on the RNA polymerase, we have sequenced a region in the capsid gene and, in some cases, in the junction between open reading frame 1 (ORF 1) and ORF 2. The results allowed us to identify several recombinant noroviruses: GGIIb viruses were detected for the first time in France in August 2000 and then spread through France and to Europe during the following winter. Here we present the characterization of three other probable GII recombinants which showed different phylogenetic positions depending on their ORF 1 and ORF 2 sequences. Analysis of the region located between ORF 1 and ORF 2 by a nucleotide identity window search showed a sudden shift in similarities. Moreover, recombination breakpoints were identified upstream and downstream of the beginning of ORF 2 by using a statistical test, thus confirming the involvement of this region in recombination. Unlike GGIIb, the three recombinants described here do not seem to have diffused widely in the community: one was found in a waterborne outbreak, and the other two were found in sporadic cases. Recombination is important for the evolution of RNA viruses and has already been described for noroviruses. Our results suggest that recombination is not a rare phenomenon among noroviruses, but not all these presumed recombinants that formed during RNA replication are able to spread widely.


title: Persistence and transmission of natural type I feline coronavirus infection.

text: To examine the mode of natural transmission and persistence of feline coronavirus (FCoV), FCoV strains shed by domestic cats were investigated over periods of up to 7 years. An RT-PCR that amplified part of the 3' end of the viral spike (S) gene was devised to distinguish FCoV types I and II. All but 1 of 28 strains of FCoV from 43 cats were type I. Nucleotide identities of the amplified 320 bp product from 49 type I FCoVs ranged from 79 to 100 %. The consensus partial S sequence of isolates recovered from persistently infected cats at time intervals spanning years was generally conserved. While most cats were infected with a single strain, a few may have been infected by more than one strain. Cats that were transiently infected and ceased shedding could be re-infected with either the same, or a different, strain. In most cases, whether a cat became persistently or transiently infected was independent of the virus strain. However, one strain was unusual in that it infected the majority of cats in the household simultaneously and was still being shed 18 months later. Factors that influence whether FCoV establishes lifelong infection in some cats and not others are determined mainly by the host response to infection.