bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of Dienes Mutual Inhibition Test for Epidemiological Characterization of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Isolates
Authors: Munson Erik L. , Pfaller Michael A. , Doern Gary V.
Published: October 2002

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an important cause of community-associated and nosocomial infections related to exposure to aqueous environments. Such infections often occur in the setting of a common-source outbreak, in which case epidemiological characterization of isolates may be necessary. In this preliminary study, a modification of the Dienes mutual inhibition test, ordinarily used to assess the relatedness of swarming
Proteus mirabilis
strains, was used to study 15
P. aeruginosa
isolates, with the results compared to those obtained by ribotype analysis. Complete concordance was noted between the results of the Dienes test and those of ribotyping. These observations suggest that further studies are warranted to assess the utility of the modified Dienes test as a simple, inexpensive, and reliable means for epidemiological typing of
P. aeruginosa
.
Dissemination of New Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Clones in the Community
Authors: Okuma Keiko , Iwakawa Kozue , Turnidge John D. , Grubb Warren B. , Bell Jan M. , O'Brien Frances G. , Coombs Geoffrey W. , Pearman John W. , Tenover Fred C. , Kapi Maria , Tiensasitorn Chuntima , Ito Teruyo , Hiramatsu Keiichi
Published: October 2002

Multiple methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) clones carrying type IV staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
were identified in the community-acquired MRSA strains of both the United States and Australia. They multiplied much faster than health-care-associated MRSA and were resistant to fewer non-beta-lactam antibiotics. They seem to have been derived from more diverse
S. aureus
populations than health-care-associated MRSA strains.
Direct Detection and Identification of African Trypanosomes by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization with Peptide Nucleic Acid Probes
Authors: Radwanska M. , Magez S. , Perry-O'Keefe H. , Stender H. , Coull J. , Sternberg J. M. , Büscher P. , Hyldig-Nielsen J. J.
Published: October 2002

We have developed a rapid and easy to perform fluorescence in situ hybridization test that allows specific identification of trypanosomes from the subgenus
Trypanozoon
, using peptide nucleic acid probes. Probes were designed to target subgenus-specific sequences on the multiple-copy 18S rRNA, greatly facilitating the detection of a single trypanosome.
Detection of Oxazolidinone-Resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
and
Enterococcus faecium
Strains by Real-Time PCR and PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Woodford Neil , Tysall Luke , Auckland Cressida , Stockdale Mark W. , Lawson Andrew J. , Walker Rachel A. , Livermore David M.
Published: October 2002

A real-time PCR assay identified linezolid-resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
and
Enterococcus faecium
isolates with a G2576U rRNA mutation. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of ribosomal DNA amplicons with
Nhe
I also detected this mutation. Both assays detected isolates heterozygous at this position. Recognition of isolates with what is presently the most frequent oxazolidinone resistance mutation may aid surveillance and individual case management.
Cryopreserved Cell Monolayers for Rapid Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus and Influenza Virus
Authors: Huang Yung T. , Yan Huimin , Sun Yan , Jollick, Joseph A. , Baird Heather
Published: October 2002

Cryopreserved cell monolayers are a new cell culture technology intended to ensure the availability of cells in the laboratory for virus detection. Two cryopreserved cell monolayers, ELVIS for the detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and R-Mix for the detection of influenza virus, were evaluated. The results indicated that fresh and cryopreserved cell monolayers are comparable in sensitivity for the detection of HSV and influenza virus. The cells retain the same level of sensitivity for up to 4 months at −80°C.
Real-Time PCR for Detection and Differentiation of Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Klaschik Sven , Lehmann Lutz E. , Raadts Ansgar , Book Malte , Hoeft Andreas , Stuber Frank
Published: October 2002

We developed a consensus real-time PCR protocol that enables us to detect spiked bacterial 16S DNA from specimens such as water, urine, plasma, and sputum. The technique allows an exact Gram stain classification of 17 intensive care unit-relevant bacteria by means of fluorescence hybridization probes. All tested bacteria were identified correctly, and none gave a false-positive signal with the opposite Gram probe.
Rapid Identification and Differentiation of
Candida albicans
and
Candida dubliniensis
by Capillary-Based Amplification and Fluorescent Probe Hybridization
Authors: Selvarangan Rangaraj , Limaye Ajit P. , Cookson Brad T.
Published: October 2002

We developed a rapid genotypic assay to differentiate the germ tube-positive yeasts
Candida albicans
and
Candida dubliniensis
. Fluorescently labeled nucleic acid probe binding and subsequent denaturation from the target site in the PCR amplicons produced characteristic peak melting temperatures (

T
m

) that identified each species. Peak

T
m

s of
C. albicans
(
n
= 69) and
C. dubliniensis
(
n
= 28) isolates produced in the presence of their respective probes were 61.04 ± 0.64°C and 60.52 ± 1.01°C (averages ± standard deviations). No signal was generated when the
C. albicans
or
C. dubliniensis
probes were tested against DNA from their counterparts. Both probes reacted with
Candida tropicalis
DNA, but the

T
m

was 51.85 ± 0.05°C with the
C. albicans
probe and 51.92 ± 0.10°C with the
C. dubliniensis
probe, differentiating
C. tropicalis
DNA from
C. albicans
and
C. dubliniensis.
A novel hybrid probe was designed to identify both species in a single reaction based on a 4°C difference in peak

T
m

s. Our assay is rapid (≤2 h) and allows reliable detection and differentiation of the two germ tube-positive
Candida
spp.
Rapid Assessment of Phenotypic Resistance to Protease Inhibitors in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Group O
Authors: Rodés Berta , Poveda Eva , Soriano Vincent
Published: October 2002

A bacteriophage lambda-based method was used to investigate the development of resistance to protease inhibitors (PI) in one subject infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 group O who underwent multiple treatment regimens over a period of 4 years. A reduction in the susceptibility to indinavir of 6-fold and a reduction in the susceptibility to saquinavir of 24-fold were recognized after long exposure to these drugs with respect to baseline. The emergence of PI resistance corresponded to the selection of amino acid changes L10V, G48M, F53L, I54V, and L90M at the protease. The results were concordant with those obtained by a drug susceptibility assay with primary HIV isolates.
Serological Differentiation of Infections with Dengue Virus Serotypes 1 to 4 by Using Recombinant Antigens
Authors: Ludolfs Diana , Schilling Stefan , Altenschmidt Jan , Schmitz Herbert
Published: October 2002

The B domains of dengue virus serotypes 1 to 4 were expressed in
Escherichia coli
. The purified proteins were applied to immunoblot strips to detect serotype-specific antibodies in paired serum samples from 41 patients with primary and secondary dengue infections. A close correlation between the results obtained with the immunoblot strips and by type-specific reverse transcription-PCR (T. Laue, P. Emmerich, and H. Schmitz, J. Clin. Microbiol.
37:
2543-2547, 1999) was observed.
Development of a Hexaplex PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of Virulence and Regulatory Genes in
Vibrio cholerae
and
Vibrio mimicus
Authors: Singh D. V. , Isac Sree Renjini , Colwell R. R.
Published: October 2002

We have developed a hexaplex PCR assay for rapid detection of the virulence and regulatory genes for cholera toxin enzymatic subunit A (
ctxA
), zonula occludens toxin (
zot
), accessory cholera enterotoxin (
ace
), toxin-coregulated pilus (
tcpA
), outer membrane protein (
ompU
), and central regulatory protein ToxR (
toxR
) in
Vibrio cholerae
and
Vibrio mimicus
. This hexaplex PCR proved successful in screening pathogenic-toxigenic and nonpathogenic-nontoxigenic
V. cholerae
and
V. mimicus
strains from both clinical and environmental sources.
5′ Exonuclease Assay for Detection of Serogroup Y
Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Probert William S. , Bystrom Susan L. , Khashe Shideh , Schrader Kimmi N. , Wong Jane D.
Published: October 2002

The incidence of serogroup Y meningococcal disease has increased recently in the United States. Here, we describe the development of a 5′ exonuclease assay for the detection of serogroup Y
Neisseria meningitidis
and demonstrate the usefulness of this assay for resolving serogroup identification of strains that are resistant to conventional serogrouping and for the nonculture identification of serogroup Y meningococcal disease.
Evaluation of Methods To Increase the Sensitivity and Timeliness of Detection of
Streptococcus agalactiae
in Pregnant Women
Authors: Overman Sue B. , Eley Douglas D. , Jacobs Barry E. , Ribes Julie A.
Published: October 2002

Direct culture of rectovaginal specimens on Granada agar was compared to culture on sheep blood agar plate (SBAP) and AccuProbe detection of group B streptococcus from overnight LIM broth enhancement cultures (LIM-SBAP). Both broth-enhanced methods demonstrated excellent sensitivity (97.5% for LIM-SBAP and 93.5% for AccuProbe), while Granada agar demonstrated a sensitivity of only 40.3%.
Impact of Modified Nonmeningeal
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Interpretive Criteria (NCCLS M100-S12) on the Susceptibility Patterns of Five Parenteral Cephalosporins: Report from the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (1997 to 2001)
Authors: Jones Ronald N. , Mutnick Alan H. , Varnam David J.
Published: October 2002

The revised interpretive criteria for
Streptococcus pneumoniae
recently published in the NCCLS M100-S12 informational supplement provide two sets of breakpoints for some cephalosporins: one set for meningeal infection isolates and a new set for nonmeningeal infection isolates. The net effect of these changes was to increase the reported rates of susceptibility of
S. pneumoniae
to the more active parenteral cephalosporins, such as cefepime, cefotaxime, and ceftriaxone, by 9.1 to 13.0%, bringing their in vitro rates much closer to those of amoxicillin (modified in an earlier NCCLS publication). These revised breakpoints will assist the rational prescribing of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of pneumococcal infections for specific types of infection and establish a greater correlation with clinical outcomes.
Expanded-Spectrum Cephalosporin-Resistant
Salmonella
Strains in Romania
Authors: Miriagou Vivi , Filip Roxana , Coman Gabriela , Tzouvelekis Leonidas S.
Published: October 2002

Thirteen
Salmonella enterica
serotype Typhimurium and one
Salmonella enterica
serotype Heidelberg strain resistant to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins were isolated from October 2000 to February 2001 from infants with gastroenteritis in Iasi, Romania. In all but one serotype Typhimurium isolate, resistance was due to the production of a CMY-2 cephalosporinase encoded by a nonconjugative plasmid. The remaining isolate produced an SHV-5-type β-lactamase. Typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis indicated that the CMY-2-producing serotype Typhimurium isolates were related.
Nasal Swab versus Nasopharyngeal Aspirate for Isolation of Respiratory Viruses
Authors: Heikkinen Terho , Marttila Jane , Salmi Aimo A. , Ruuskanen Olli
Published: October 2002

To determine the usefulness of nasal swabs as a simple method for detection of respiratory viruses, we compared nasal swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates obtained at the same time from the opposite nostrils of 230 children with upper respiratory infection. The sensitivity of nasal swabs was comparable to that of nasopharyngeal aspirates for the detection of all major respiratory viruses except respiratory syncytial virus.
Assessment of the Nasopharyngeal Bacterial Flora of Rhesus Macaques:
Moraxella
,
Neisseria
,
Haemophilus
, and Other Genera
Authors: Bowers Lisa C. , Purcell Jeanette E. , Plauché Gail B. , Denoel Philippe A. , Lobet Yves , Philipp Mario T.
Published: October 2002

The nasopharyngeal bacterial flora of healthy rhesus macaques was surveyed for the presence of
Neisseria
and
Haemophilus
species, as well as
Moraxella catarrhalis
.
M. catarrhalis
was found both in healthy rhesus macaques and in possibly immunocompromised rhesus macaques. Several
Haemophilus
spp. that are part of the normal nasopharyngeal bacterial flora of humans were found in many animals; these
Haemophilus
species included
H. parahaemolyticus
,
H. segnis,
and
H. parainfluenzae
. While
Haemophilus influenzae
was not identified, it is possible that the identification of
H. influenzae
types may have been thwarted by the growth of less fastidious species. A number of animals harbored
Neisseria
spp. such as
N. sicca
. However,
Neisseria meningitidis
was not found. In summary, it appears as though the rhesus macaque may be used as a model for
M. catarrhalis
infections. Moreover, in view of the susceptibility of macaques to organisms of the
Haemophilus
and
Neisseria
genera, it is possible that these animals may also accurately model nontypeable
H. influenzae
and
N. meningitidis
infections.
Real-Time Fluorescence-Based PCR for Detection of Malaria Parasites
Authors: Lee May-Ann , Tan Chiew-Hoon , Aw Lay-Tin , Tang Choon-Siang , Singh Mulkit , Lee Sze-Hee , Chia Hwee-Pin , Yap Eric P. H.
Published: October 2002

A fluorescence-based real-time 5′ nuclease PCR capable of detecting all four human malaria parasites was developed to screen large numbers of samples during an outbreak to prevent further transmission of malaria. The effectiveness of antimalarial therapy for malaria patients can be monitored by determining the reduction of parasitemia by this method.
Quantification of Hepatitis C Virus in Human Liver and Serum Samples by Using LightCycler Reverse Transcriptase PCR
Authors: White Peter A. , Pan Yong , Freeman Anthony J. , Marinos George , Ffrench Rosemary A. , Lloyd Andrew R. , Rawlinson William D.
Published: October 2002

A highly sensitive, non-probe-based, real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR was developed for viral load measurements in both serum and liver samples from patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. With synthetic RNA, the linearity of the approach was conserved over a wide range of HCV copy numbers. There was a strong correlation between hepatic and serum viral load measurements (
r
= 0.689,
P
= 0.004,
n
= 15), indicating that the level of viremia reflected the amount of virus present in the liver.
In Vitro Susceptibilities of the
Bacteroides fragilis
Group Species: Change in Isolation Rates Significantly Affects Overall Susceptibility Data
Authors: Aldridge Kenneth E. , O'Brien Megan
Published: October 2002

A comparison of antimicrobial susceptibility data of species of the
Bacteroides fragilis
group for 1989-1990 and 1998-1999 studies showed statistically significant increases or decreases in in vitro activity. Overall significant increases in resistance were noted for ampicillin-sulbactam and clindamycin, while significant decreases in resistance were noted for ertapenem and cefoxitin. Susceptibilities to piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, meropenem, and trovafloxacin remained virtually the same for the two studies. Importantly, a change in the rates of isolation of the various species showed the
B. fragilis
species comprised 58% of the isolates in 1989 to 1990 and 45% of the isolates in 1998 to 1999. This change in rates of isolation of
B. fragilis
versus non-
B. fragilis
species had an overall effect on susceptibility data.
Practical and Sensitive Screening Strategy for Detection of Influenza Virus
Authors: Newton Duane W. , Mellen Cindy F. , Baxter Barbara D. , Atmar Robert L. , Menegus Marilyn A.
Published: October 2002

This study evaluated the performance of Directigen FluA combined with a 3-day flu screening culture for the detection of influenza virus. This abbreviated protocol was a useful and effective tool and resulted in a substantial reduction in time, effort, and money spent, while not compromising sensitivity of influenza virus detection.
High Rate of Transmission of Penicillin-Resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
between Parents and Children
Authors: Hoshino Kazuhiko , Watanabe Hiroshi , Sugita Rinya , Asoh Norichika , Ntabaguzi Simon Angelo , Watanabe Kiwao , Oishi Kazunori , Nagatake Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2002

Transmission of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
between children and their parents was evaluated in 29 pairs from 25 families. The serotypes of 35 pneumococcal isolates from 18 (62.1%) of 29 child-parent pairs were identical. Of the 35 isolates, 23 showed intermediate resistance and 10 were fully resistant to penicillin G. PCR indicated that all 35 strains had at least one alteration in penicillin-binding protein genes
pbp1a
,
pbp2x
, and
pbp2b
and 33 strains had macrolide resistance genes
mef
(A) and/or
erm
(B). As a result, the PCR patterns of 16 of 18 pairs were identical. Molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that 12 pairs were indistinguishable, 3 pairs were closely related, 2 pairs were possibly related, and only one pair was different. Our data indicate the presence of a high rate of transmission of penicillin-resistant
S. pneumoniae
between children and their parents.
PCR-Based Detection of
Bacillus anthracis
in Formalin-Fixed Tissue from a Patient Receiving Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Levine Steven M. , Perez-Perez Guillermo , Olivares Asalia , Yee Herman , Hanna Bruce A. , Blaser Martin J.
Published: October 2002

We demonstrate that
Bacillus anthracis
may be detected from a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimen, even after the patient has received antibiotic treatment. Although traditional PCR methods may not be sufficiently sensitive for anthrax detection in such patients, cycle numbers can be increased or PCR can be repeated by using an aliquot from a previous PCR as the template.
Outbreak of Nosocomial Hepatitis C Virus Infection Resolved by Genetic Analysis of HCV RNA
Authors: Bruguera Miguel , Saiz Juan-Carlos , Franco Sandra , Giménez-Barcons Mireia , Sánchez-Tapias José María , Fabregas Silvia , Vega Roser , Camps Neus , Domínguez Angela , Salleras Lluis
Published: October 2002

In July 2000, symptomatic acute hepatitis C was diagnosed in five patients who had attended the emergency room of a municipal hospital on the same day, about 6 weeks before. Investigation of the remaining 65 patients visited at the emergency room on that day disclosed that 8 patients had a positive anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) test and 4 of them had biochemical evidence of acute anicteric hepatitis. HCV RNA was detected in 12 of the 13 anti-HCV-positive patients. Phylogenetic analysis of the nonstructural 5A (NS5A) and E2 regions showed that 10 patients, including all 9 with acute hepatitis, were infected with a closely related HCV strain, while the remaining 2 patients harbored unrelated strains. Flushing of intravenous catheters with heparin retrieved from a multidose heparin solution in saline was carried out for all the patients involved in the hepatitis outbreak but in only 1 of 23 (4%) matched controls recruited among HCV-noninfected patients attending the emergency room on the same day, and this was the only significant difference concerning risk factors for HCV infection between patients and controls. Thus, accidental contamination of a multidose heparin solution with blood from an unrecognized HCV carrier was identified as the source of this nosocomial outbreak of hepatitis C.
Immune Responses of Sheep to Quadrivalent Double Emulsion Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines: Rate of Development of Immunity and Variations among Other Ruminants
Authors: Patil Prasanna K. , Bayry Jagadeesh , Ramakrishna Chitimalla , Hugar Basavesh , Misra Laxmi D. , Prabhudas Krishnamsetty , Natarajan C.
Published: October 2002

Despite representing the majority of the world's foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-susceptible livestock, sheep and goats have generally been neglected with regard to their epidemiological role in the spread of FMD. In the present investigations, FMD virus quadrivalent double emulsion (Montanide ISA 206) vaccines were tested in sheep. The oil adjuvant elicited a better immune response at any time than did aluminum hydroxide gel vaccine, and the response developed quicker. The animals maintained their neutralizing antibody titers at >3 log
10
for the duration of the trial (90 days). Sheep were found to be late responders to serotypes A, C, and Asia-1; a clear upward shift in titer was observed at 60 days postvaccination. However, development of the immune response to serotype O in sheep was superior to that in cattle and goats.
Characteristics of Rare or Recently Described
Corynebacterium
Species Recovered from Human Clinical Material in Canada
Authors: Bernard K. A. , Munro C. , Wiebe D. , Ongsansoy E.
Published: October 2002

Nineteen new
Corynebacterium
species or taxa described since 1995 have been associated with human disease. We report the characteristics of 72 strains identified as or most closely resembling 14 of these newer, medically relevant
Corynebacterium
species or taxa, as well as describe in brief an isolate of
Corynebacterium bovis
, a rare pathogen for humans. The bacteria studied in this report were nearly all derived from human clinical specimens and were identified by a polyphasic approach. Most were characterized by nearly full 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Some isolates were recovered from previously unreported sources and exhibited unusual phenotypes or represented the first isolates found outside Europe. Products of fermentation, with emphasis on the presence or absence of propionic acid, were also studied in order to provide an additional characteristic with which to differentiate among phenotypically similar species.
Detection of Cell Wall Galactomannoprotein Afmp1p in Culture Supernatants of
Aspergillus fumigatus
and in Sera of Aspergillosis Patients
Authors: Woo Patrick C. Y. , Chan Che-Man , Leung Andy S. P. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Che Xiao-Yan , Wong Samson S. Y. , Cao Liang , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: October 2002

Mannoproteins are important and abundant structural components of fungal cell walls. The
AFMP1
gene encodes a cell wall galactomannoprotein of
Aspergillus fumigatus
. In the present study, we show that Afmp1p is secreted into the cell culture supernatant at a level that can be detected by Western blotting. A sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed with antibodies against Afmp1p was capable of detecting this protein from the cell culture supernatant of
A. fumigatus
. The anti-Afmp1p antibody is specific since it fails to react with any protein from lysates of
Aspergillus flavus
,
Aspergillus niger
,
Aspergillus terreus
,
Penicillium marneffei
,
Candida albicans
,
Cryptococcus neoformans
,
Blastomyces dermatitidis
, and
Histoplasma capsulatum
by Western blotting. In addition, this Afmp1p antigen-based ELISA is also specific for
A. fumigatus
since the cell culture supernatants of the other eight fungi gave negative results. Finally, a clinical evaluation of sera from invasive aspergillosis patients indicates that 8 of 15 (53%) patients are Afmp1p antigen test positive. Furthermore, an Afmp1p antibody test was performed with these serum specimens. The combined antibody and antigen tests for invasive aspergillosis carry a sensitivity of 86.7% (13 of 15). The specificities of the tests are high since none of the 138 control sera, including 100 from normal blood donors, 20 from patients with penicilliosis marneffei, 6 from patients with candidemia, 8 from patients with typhoid fever, and 4 from patients with melioidosis, was positive by either test. In conclusion, the combined Afmp1p antibody and antigen tests are highly sensitive and specific for
A. fumigatus
invasive aspergillosis.
Simple Microdilution Test for Detection of Metallo-β-Lactamase Production in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Migliavacca Roberta , Docquier Jean-Denis , Mugnaioli Claudia , Amicosante Gianfranco , Daturi Rossana , Lee Kyungwon , Rossolini Gian Maria , Pagani Laura
Published: October 2002

A microdilution test measuring imipenem MICs in the presence or absence of a mixture of EDTA plus 1,10-phenanthroline was developed and tested on 190
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates, including 18 VIM- and 4 IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producers. The chelator mixture reduced by fourfold or more the imipenem MICs for MBL producers, while a lower effect or no effect was usually observed with MBL nonproducers.
Late Prosthetic Hip Joint Infection withActinomyces israeliiin an Intravenous Drug User: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zaman Rana , Abbas Mujahed , Burd Eileen
Published: October 2002

Late infections withActinomyces israeliihave been described for prosthetic hip joints but not in association with intravenous drug use. We present a case of a 43-year-old intravenous drug user who developedA. israeliiinfection in connection with a hip prosthesis 11 years after implantation, and we review four previously reported cases ofActinomycesprosthetic joint infections.
Differential Regulation of the Inhibitor of Apoptosis ch-IAP1 by v-
rel
and the Proto-Oncogene c-
rel
Authors: Kralova Jarmila , Liss Andrew S. , Bargmann William , Pendleton Cullen , Varadarajan Janani , Ulug Emin , Bose, Henry R.
Published: November 2002

The v-
rel
oncogene encoded by reticuloendotheliosis virus is the acutely transforming member of the Rel/NF-κB family of transcription factors. v-Rel is a truncated and mutated form of c-Rel and transforms cells by inducing the aberrant expression of genes regulated by Rel/NF-κB proteins. The expression of ch-IAP1, a member of the inhibitor-of-apoptosis family, is highly elevated in cells expressing v-Rel and contributes to the immortalization of cells transformed by this oncoprotein. In this study we demonstrate that the elevated expression of ch-IAP1 in v-Rel-expressing cells is due to an increased rate of transcription. The ch-IAP1 promoter was isolated, and four Rel/NF-κB binding sites were identified upstream of the transcription start site. Two κB sites proximal to the transcription start site were required for v-Rel to activate the ch-IAP1 promoter. While c-Rel also utilized these sites, a third more-distal κB site was required for its full activation of the ch-IAP1 promoter. Differences in the transactivation domains of v-Rel and c-Rel are responsible for their different abilities to utilize these sites and account for their differential activation of the ch-IAP1 promoter. Although c-Rel was a more potent activator of the ch-IAP1 promoter than v-Rel in transient reporter assays, cells stably overexpressing c-Rel failed to maintain high levels of ch-IAP1 expression. The reduction of ch-IAP1 expression in these cells correlated with the efficient regulation of c-Rel by IκBα. The ability of v-Rel to escape IκBα regulation allows for the gradual and sustained elevation of ch-IAP1 expression directly contributing to the transforming properties of v-Rel.
Covariation in the Capsid Protein of Hibiscus Chlorotic Ringspot Virus Induced by Serial Passaging in a Host That Restricts Movement Leads to Avirulence in Its Systemic Host
Authors: Liang Xiao-Zhen , Lee Bernett T. K. , Wong Sek-Man
Published: November 2002

Hibiscus chlorotic ringspot virus (HCRSV) from naturally infected
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
L. loses virulence in its experimental systemic host
Hibiscus cannabinus
L. (kenaf) after serial passages in a local lesion host
Chenopodium quinoa
. Here we report the genetic changes responsible for the loss of virulence at the molecular level. A remarkable covariation of eight site-specific amino acids was found in the HCRSV capsid protein (CP) after serial passages in
C. quinoa
: Val
49
→Ile, Ile
95
→Val, Lys
270
→Arg, Gly
272
→Asp, Tyr
274
→His, Ala
311
→Asp, Asp
334
→Ala, and Ala
335
→Thr. Covariation of at least three of the eight amino acids, Val
49
, Ile
95
, and Lys
270
, caused the virus to become avirulent in kenaf. Interestingly, the nature of the covariation was consistent and reproducible at each serial passage. These data indicate that the nonsynonymous substitutions of amino acids in the HCRSV CP after serial passages in
C. quinoa
are not likely to be random events but may be due to host-associated positive selection or accelerated genetic drift. The observed interdependence among the three amino acids leading to avirulence in kenaf may have implications for structural or functional relationships in this virus-host interaction.
T-Cell Receptor:CD3 Down-Regulation Is a Selected In Vivo Function of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Nef but Is Not Sufficient for Effective Viral Replication in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Münch Jan , Janardhan Ajit , Stolte Nicole , Stahl-Hennig Christiane , ten Haaft Peter , Heeney Jonathan L. , Swigut Tomek , Kirchhoff Frank , Skowronski Jacek
Published: November 2002

We investigated the function of severely truncated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Nef proteins (tNef) in vitro and in vivo. These variants emerged in rhesus monkeys infected with SIVmac239 containing a 152-bp deletion in the
nef
-unique region and have been suggested to enhance SIV virulence (E. T. Sawai, M. S. Hamza, M. Ye, K. E. Shaw, and P. A. Luciw, J. Virol. 74:2038-2045, 2000). We found that the tNef proteins were unable to down-regulate the cell surface expression of major histocompatibility complex class I proteins, CD4, and CD28 and neither stimulated SIV replication nor enhanced virion infectivity. The tNef proteins did efficiently down-regulate T-cell receptor (TCR):CD3 cell surface expression. Nevertheless, the SIVmac239
tnef
variants were strongly attenuated in six infected juvenile rhesus macaques. Thus, while the ability of SIV Nef to down-modulate TCR:CD3 cell surface expression apparently confers a selective advantage in vivo, it is insufficient for efficient viral replication in infected macaques. Additional mutations elsewhere in SIVmac239
tnef
genomes are required for a virulent phenotype.
Exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica and silicosis mortality in a pooled analysis of six cohorts
Authors: 't Mannetje A , Steenland K , Attfield M , Boffetta P , Checkoway H , DeKlerk N , Koskela R-S
Published: October 2002

Aims:To study the relation between exposure to crystalline silica and silicosis mortality. Although mortality is an important endpoint for regulators, there have been no exposure-response studies for silicosis mortality, because of the relative rareness of silicosis as an underlying cause of death, and the limited availability of quantitative exposure estimates.

Methods:Data from six occupational cohorts were pooled with good retrospective exposure data in which 170 deaths from silicosis were reported. Standard life table analyses, nested case-control analyses, and risk assessment were performed.

Results:The rate of silicosis mortality in the combined data was 28/100 000 py, increasing in nearly monotonic fashion from 4.7/100 000 for exposure of 0–0.99 mg/m3-years to 233/100 000 for exposure of >28.1 mg/m3-years. The estimated risk of death up to age 65 from silicosis after 45 years of exposure at 0.1 mg/m3silica (the current standard in many countries) was 13 per 1000, while the estimated risk at an exposure of 0.05 mg/m3was 6 per 1000. Both of these risks are above the risk of 1 per 1000 typically deemed acceptable by the US OSHA.

Conclusion:The findings from this pooled analysis add further support to the need to control silica exposure and to lower the occupational standards. Our estimates of lifetime silicosis mortality risk are probably underestimates as, in addition to exposure misclassification, our study might have suffered from outcome misclassification in that silicosis deaths might have been coded to other related causes, such as tuberculosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Ineffective disability management by doctors is an obstacle for return-to-work: a cohort study on low back pain patients sicklisted for 3–4 months
Authors: Anema J R , van der Giezen A M , Buijs P C , van Mechelen W
Published: October 2002

Aims:To determine obstacles for return-to-work in disability management of low back pain patients sicklisted for 3–4 months.

Methods:A cohort of 467 low back pain patients sicklisted for 3–4 months was recruited. A questionnaire was sent to their occupational physicians (OPs) concerning the medical management, obstacles to return-to-work, and the communication with treating physicians.

Results:The OPs of 300 of 467 patients participated in this study. In many cases OPs regarded the clinical waiting period (43%), duration of treatment (41%), and view (25%) of the treating physicians as obstacles for return-to-work. Psychosocial obstacles for return-to-work such as mental blocks, a lack of job motivation, personal problems, and conflicts at work were all mentioned much less frequently by OPs. In only 19% of the patients was there communication between OP and treating physician. Communication almost always entailed an exchange of information, and less frequently an attempt to harmonise the management policy. Surprisingly communication was also limited, when OPs felt that the waiting period (32%), duration of treatment (30%), and view (28%) of treating physicians inhibited return-to-work. Communication was significantly associated with the following obstacles for return-to-work: passivity with regard to return-to-work and clinical waiting period; adjusted odds ratios were 3.35 and 2.23, respectively.

Conclusions:Medical management of treating physicians is often an obstacle for return to work regarding low back pain patients sicklisted for 3–4 months, in the opinion of OPs. Nevertheless communication between OPs and the treating physicians in disability management of these patients is limited. More attention to prevention of absenteeism and bilateral communication is needed in medical courses.
Lead induced increase of blood pressure in female lead workers
Authors: Nomiyama K , Nomiyama H , Liu S-J , Tao Y-X , Nomiyama T , Omae K
Published: October 2002

Aims:Although lead exposure has, in the absence of mathematical modelling, been believed to elevate blood pressure in females, it is necessary to clarify the relation between lead and blood pressure by eliminating confounding factors in the analysis.

Methods:Blood lead was measured in 193 female workers, including 123 lead exposed workers. Possible confounding factors were controlled by multiple regression analyses.

Results and Conclusion:Blood lead above 40 μg/dl was found to be the most potent factor for elevating systolic/diastolic blood pressure. Aging, urine protein, and plasma triglyceride also contributed to systolic/diastolic/pulse pressure increase, but hypertensive heredity did not. Data suggested that lead induced changes in lipoprotein metabolism may play an important role in the lead induced blood pressure increase in female workers.
Different responses of Ross River virus to climate variability between coastline and inland cities in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Tong S , Hu W
Published: October 2002

Aims:To examine the potential impact of climate variability on the transmission of Ross River virus (RRv) infection, and to assess the difference in the potential predictors of RRv incidence in coastline and inland regions, Queensland, Australia.

Methods:Information on the RRv cases notified between 1985 to 1996 was obtained from the Queensland Department of Health. Climate and population data were supplied by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the Australia Bureau of Statistics, respectively. The function of cross correlations was used to compute a series of correlations between climate variables (rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity, and high tide) and the monthly incidence of RRv disease over a range of time lags. Time series Poisson regression models were performed to adjust for the autocorrelations of the monthly incidences of RRv disease and the confounding effects of seasonality, the case notification time, and population sizes.

Results:The cross correlation function shows rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and relative humidity at a lag of 1–2 months and high tide in the current month were significantly associated with the monthly incidence of RRv in the coastline region. Relative humidity and rainfall at a lag of two months was also significantly associated with the monthly incidence of RRv in the inland region. The results of Poisson regressive models show that the incidence of RRv disease was significantly associated with rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity, and high tide in the coastline region, and with rainfall and relative humidity in the inland region. There was a significant interaction between climate variables and locality in RRv transmission.

Conclusions:Climate variability may have played a significant role in the transmission of RRv. There appeared to be different responses of RRv to climate variability between coastline and inland cities in Queensland, Australia. Maximum temperature appeared to exhibit a greater impact on the RRv transmission in coastline than in inland cities. Minimum temperature and relative humidity at 3 pm inland seemed to affect the RRv transmission more than at the coastline. However, the relation between climate variables and RRv needs to be viewed within a wider context of other social and environmental factors, and further research is needed.
Myocardial infarction risk and occupational categories in Kaunas 25–64 year old men
Authors: Malinauskiene V , Grazuleviciene R , Nieuwenhuijsen M J , Azaraviciene A
Published: October 2002

Aims:To investigate the risk of a first time myocardial infarction (MI) among different occupational categories in 25–64 year old men in Kaunas, Lithuania, a country in a transition market economy.

Methods:Case-control study among men aged 25–64 who were residents in Kaunas between 1997 and 2000. First time, non-fatal MI cases (n = 448) were identified from the MI hospital register (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, code I21). Controls (n = 1777) were selected and matched on age, gender, and city district of residence. Information was obtained on occupation, smoking, hypertension, psychosocial, and behavioural factors. The International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) was used to code for occupational categories. The relation between MI and occupational categories was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, adjusting for a number of selected risk factors.

Results:Legislators, senior officials, and managers (1st ISCO category) had a twofold increased risk for MI compared to craft and related trades workers (7th ISCO category) after adjustment for age, district, smoking, hypertension, obesity, stress, education, and employment duration. An increased risk for professionals (2nd ISCO category) and plant and machine operators and assemblers (8th ISCO category) was also observed. Employment duration in the last occupation for 20 years and more almost doubled the risk of MI in the whole population.We also found an increased risk for other traditional IHD risk factors such as smoking and arterial hypertension.

Conclusions:Differences in first time MI risk among occupational categories were found. Legislators, senior officials, and managers (1st ISCO category), professionals (2nd ISCO category), and plant and machine operators and assemblers (8th ISCO category) were at an increased risk. Differences in psychosocial factors in transition market economy countries may contribute to observed results.
Mortality and cancer morbidity of production workers in the UK flexible polyurethane foam industry: updated findings, 1958–98
Authors: Sorahan T , Nichols L
Published: October 2002

Aims:To describe cause specific mortality and site specific cancer morbidity among workers employed in factories that produce polyurethane foams, and to determine if any part of the experience may be caused by occupation, in particular to investigate any association between respiratory disease (malignant and non-malignant) and exposure to diisocyanates.

Methods:The mortality (1958–98) and cancer morbidity (1971–94) experienced by a cohort of 8288 male and female employees from 11 factories in England and Wales engaged in the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foams were investigated. All employees were employed for at least six months with some period of employment in the period 1958–79. Two analytical approaches were used, indirect standardisation and Poisson regression.

Results:Compared with the general population of England and Wales, mortality from lung cancer in female employees was significantly increased (observed (Obs) 35, expected (Exp) 19.4, standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 181). A similar excess was not found for male employees (Obs 134, Exp 125.0, SMR 107). There were no significantly increased cause specific SMRs among the subcohort (n = 1782) with some period of isocyanate exposed employment. No significant positive trends were found between risks of lung cancer or risks of non-malignant diseases of the respiratory system and durations of “lower” or “higher” exposures to diisocyanates.

Conclusions:The study has been unable to link isocyanate exposed employment either with risks of lung cancer or with risks of non-malignant diseases of the respiratory system. The increased SMR for female lung cancer is most likely caused by factors unrelated to the industry under study.
Are women more sensitive than men to 2-propanol andm-xylene vapours?
Authors: Ernstgård L , Gullstrand E , Löf A , Johanson G
Published: October 2002

Aims:To evaluate possible differences between men and women in acute health effects after controlled short term chamber exposure to vapours of two common organic solvents.

Methods:Fifty six healthy volunteers (28 per sex) were exposed to 150 ppm 2-propanol, 50 ppmm-xylene, and clean air for two hours at rest. The subjects rated symptoms on a visual analogue scale before, during, and after the exposure. Blinking frequency was measured continuously during exposure. Pulmonary function, nasal swelling, inflammatory markers (lysozyme, eosinophilic cationic potein, myeloperoxidase, albumin) in nasal lavage and colour vision (Lanthony D-15 desaturated panel) were measured before and at 0 and 3 hours after the exposure.

Results:There were no significant sex differences in response to solvent exposure with respect to blinking frequency, lung diffusing capacity, nasal area and volume, inflammatory markers in nasal lavage, and colour vision. Increased symptoms were rated by both sexes for nearly all 10 questions during exposure to 2-propanol orm-xylene, most increases being significant at one time point at least. The rating of “discomfort in the throat or airways” increased more in women during exposure to 2-propanol orm-xylene. During exposure to 2-propanol the rating of “fatigue” was more increased in men after one hour, but more increased in women after two hours of exposure. With regard to pulmonary function, women had small but significant decreases in FVC, FEV1/FVC, and FEF75three hours after exposure tom-xylene, but only the decrease in FVC was significantly different from that in men.

Conclusion:Our results suggest that women are slightly more sensitive than men to the acute irritative effects of 2-propanol andm-xylene vapours.
Hazard potential ranking of hazardous waste landfill sites and risk of congenital anomalies
Authors: Vrijheid M , Dolk H , Armstrong B , Boschi G , Busby A , Jorgensen T , Pointer P
Published: October 2002

Background:A 33% increase in the risk of congenital anomalies has been found among residents near hazardous waste landfill sites in a European collaborative study (EUROHAZCON).

Aims:To develop and evaluate an expert panel scoring method of the hazard potential of EUROHAZCON landfill sites, and to investigate whether sites classified as posing a greater potential hazard are those with a greater risk of congenital anomaly among nearby residents relative to more distant residents.

Methods:A total of 1270 cases of congenital anomaly and 2308 non-malformed control births were selected in 14 study areas around 20 landfill sites. An expert panel of four landfill specialists scored each site in three categories—overall, water, and air hazard—based on readily available, documented data on site characteristics. Tertiles of the average ranking scores defined low, medium, and high hazard sites. Calculation of odds ratios was based on distance of residence from the sites, comparing a 0–3 km “proximate” with a 3–7 km “distant” zone.

Results:Agreement between experts measured by intraclass correlation coefficients was 0.50, 0.44, and 0.20 for overall, water, and air hazard before a consensus meeting and 0.60, 0.56, and 0.53 respectively after this meeting. There was no evidence for a trend of increasing odds ratios with increasing overall hazard or air hazard. For non-chromosomal anomalies, odds ratios by water hazard category showed an increasing trend of borderline statistical significance (p = 0.06) from 0.79 in the low hazard category, 1.43 in the medium, to 1.60 in the high water hazard category.

Conclusions:There is little evidence for a relation between risk of congenital anomaly in proximate relative to distant zones and hazard potential of landfill sites as classified by the expert panel, but without external validation of the hazard potential scoring method interpretation is difficult. Potential misclassification of sites may have reduced our ability to detect any true dose–response effect.
When reciprocity fails: effort–reward imbalance in relation to coronary heart disease and health functioning within the Whitehall II study
Authors: Kuper H , Singh-Manoux A , Siegrist J , Marmot M
Published: October 2002

Background:A deleterious psychosocial work environment, as defined by high efforts expended in relation to few rewards reaped, is hypothesised to increase the risk of future poor health outcomes.

Aims:To test this hypothesis within a cohort of London based civil servants.

Methods:Effort–reward imbalance (ERI) was measured among 6895 male and 3413 female civil servants aged 35–55 during the first phase of the Whitehall II study (1985–88). Participants were followed until the end of phase 5 (1997–2000), with a mean length of follow up of 11 years. Baseline ERI was used to predict incident validated coronary heart disease (CHD) events during follow up and poor mental and physical functioning at phase 5.

Results:A high ratio of efforts in relation to rewards was related to an increased incidence of all CHD (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.36, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.65) and fatal CHD/non-fatal myocardial infarction (HR = 1.28, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.84) during follow up, as well as poor physical (odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.74) and mental (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.89 to 2.65) functioning at phase 5, net of employment grade. A one item measure of high intrinsic effort also significantly increased the risk of these health outcomes, net of grade. ERI may be particularly deleterious with respect to CHD risk among those with low social support at work or in the lowest employment grades.

Discussion:Within the Whitehall II study, a ratio of high efforts to rewards predicted higher risk of CHD and poor physical and mental health functioning during follow up. Although the increased risk associated with ERI was relatively small, as ERI is common it could be of considerable public health importance.